Current Affairs Compilations for UPSC IAS Prelims 2022

Mains Oriented Articles

GS Paper 1

• People count – On the Issues of Census
• A FRESH CANVAS FOR MEWAR ART

GS Paper 2

• India and the great power contest in West Asia
• Trudeau has shown irresponsibility in accusing India. He must answer
• In these times, what meaning could a new Parliament have?
• The suicide cluster in Kota is a public health emergency
• Prachanda, the US, and China
• South of the Godavari

GS Paper 3

Prelims Oriented Articles (Factly)

Mains Oriented Articles

GS Paper 1

People count – On the Issues of Census

News – On September 20, Home Minister Amit Shah informed the Lok Sabha that the Census would be conducted after the 2024 general election.

Why is the centre delaying the Census until 2024?

There is demand for caste enumeration in the census, which is a cause of controversy among political parties.

In recent years, changes in the Citizenship Act and disputes between some states and the Center regarding the National Population Register have further complicated the matter.

Why is the upcoming census significant?

The proposed 33% reservation for women in Parliament and State Assemblies depends on upcoming Census and delimitation.

This Census will also mark the transition to a digital format. It will allow citizens to participate in “self-enumeration.” During self-enumeration, it will be mandatory to collect Aadhaar or mobile numbers.

Advancements in technology are rapidly improving the quality and methodology of population-level data collection.

The Registration of Births and Deaths (Amendment) Act, 2023 will facilitate the creation of a centralised population register. It will integrate data from electoral registers, Aadhaar, ration cards, passports, and driver’s licenses.

A FRESH CANVAS FOR MEWAR ART

News: The article explains the Mewar school of miniature painting.

What is Mewari miniature painting?

The Mewar school of miniature painting, renowned for vibrant colors and intricate narratives within a single frame, flourished from the 17th to the 18th century.

It originated from south-central Rajasthan, parts of Madhya Pradesh, and Gujarat.

Rajasthan also hosts other miniature painting schools, such as Marwar-Jodhpur, Kishangarh, Deogarh, and sub-Himalayan kingdoms like Chamba and Kangra. Each of these Indian miniature art schools had its distinct style.

What are some of the famous miniature paintings of Mewar?

The earliest dated manuscript associated with the Mewar school of Rajput painting is the Chawand Ragamala series (1605), painted by the artist Nasiruddin.

Another Mewari painting “A Royal Hunting Party” (1705-15) reflects Mughal imperial painting influence in its composition and scene depiction. It features distinct elements of Mewari painting from that era, such as proportions of figures, vibrant colors, and stylized, less naturalistic perspective.

These paintings provide historical insights, including details like sword storage, turban styles, and the occasions celebrated during the depicted times.

Mewari miniature painting styles evolved to changing patron demands and artistic trends. For example, Sahibdin’s work was highly creative and included a wide range of subjects, such as the Ragamala and Rasikpriya series, as well as epics like the Ramayana.

However, in the 18th century, political changes led regional kingdoms sought alliances, which led to the creation of court scenes that depicted the king and the people around him.

Who were the famous artists of Mewari school of painting?

Allah Baksh: Allah Baksh, a notable Mewari painter during Maharana Jai Singh’s reign (1653-98), is renowned for creating comprehensive depictions of the entire Mahabharata and including every shloka of the Gita.

He distinguished between the Mahabharata and Gita paintings: the Mahabharata scenes are horizontal, portraying the narrative’s progression, while the Gita depictions are vertical and convey a sense of upward thrust.

In the Mahabharata series, line drawings are found beneath most paintings, while the Gita depictions meticulously consider the chariot’s placement and its connection to everyday elements.

His Gita paintings show that the epic is not just about war but also about what is lost in war, including gardens, fountains, trees, and birds.

Sahibdin: In the later half of the seventeenth century, during the reigns of Raj Singh and Jai Singh, portraiture gained prominence in Mewar. Sahibdin, renowned for portraiture, created notable works like the Rasikpriya series (1630), Gita Govinda (1628), and Ramayana (1649-53).

These portraits were characterized by a limited color palette, minimal backgrounds, and the use of stippled greys for highlighting and shading.

What was the unique feature of Mewari paintings artists?

Mewari miniature painters rarely signed their works, similar to European artists who didn’t sign until the Renaissance. In Mewar painting, only a few names, like Nasiruddin, Manohar, Allah Bakhsh, and Mansur, have surfaced.

What lies ahead?

The distinctive style of Mewari painting has garnered global recognition, with people around the world appreciating these works, some of which are even being auctioned.

GS Paper 2

India and the great power contest in West Asia

News – At the G­20 summit in New Delhi, United States President Joe Biden and others unveiled a United States backed infrastructure project to connect India, West Asia and Europe with shipping lanes, rail networks, pipelines and data cables.

What are the main components of Mr. Biden’s strategy for West Asia?

1) Reducing friction between Middle East countries: It is the continuation of the Trump policy. Trump wanted to bring together America’s two key allies in the region, the Gulf Arab states and Israel. The purpose is to address shared geopolitical challenges, particularly related to the rise of Iran.

The Abraham Accords initiated transformation in Israel’s relationships with countries like the United Arab Emirates. This policy will fully succeed with a diplomatic agreement between Israel and Saudi Arabia.

The Biden administration believes that a Saudi-Israeli agreement can improve Arab-Israeli relations. Also, it will strengthen the US position in the region without additional military commitments.

2) Strengthening US Presence in Middle East: Mr. Biden wants to reassure America’s friends and allies that the US remains actively engaged in West Asia.

In 2012, leaders from India, Israel, the United States, and the UAE held a virtual summit. It has since evolved into the I2U2 Mini lateral.

The I2U2 platform seeks to facilitate economic integration between West Asia and South Asia. It offers economic and technological solutions to the challenges faced by countries in the Global South.

What are the reasons behind the changes in US strategy for West Asia?

The United States has shifted its focus away from West Asia by deprioritized its security commitments in the region. It is increasing its focus on Eastern Europe and East Asia. However, the following factors have brough the US back in the region:

China is heavily reliant on imports for over 70% of its oil needs. It is increasing its engagement with West Asia.

China has become the largest trading partner for America’s Gulf Arab allies and a significant investor in the region. China wants to play a more substantial role as a peacemaker. Iran-Saudi reconciliation agreement shows it.

Therefore, the US cannot simply exit West Asia. Otherwise, China will fill the vacuum.

What are the challenges in reengagement of US in the West Asia?

1) Rising trend of Independent foreign policies: The U.S.’s deprioritization of the region has weakened its influence on its allies. This has created a security vacuum, prompting regional powers to pursue more independent foreign policies. For example, Saudi-UAE détente with Iran, ending the Saudi-led blockade of Qatar, and Arab reconciliation with Syria’s Bashar al-Assad.

Furthermore, Saudi Arabia and the UAE are making policies that are not entirely dependent on U.S. objectives. Their decision to join the BRICS grouping is illustrative of this trend. They are no longer willing to remain as client states, as they were during the Cold War and the unipolar world.

2) Reducing significance of Iran factor: The rivalry between Iran and Israel remains the central geopolitical tension in West Asia. Gulf Arabs don’t want to be entangled in the Iran-Israel rivalry. It would destabilise the region.

How is India’s importance growing in the US policy for West Asia?

For India, the competition between the U.S. and China in West Asia presents new opportunities for engagement. It wants to involve India as a stable partner in shaping new rules for economic engagement and integration. India appears willing to embrace this role. Which is proved by the following events:

1) India’s participation in Abraham Accords.

2) Announcement of India-Middle East-Europe Corridor at G20.

3) India’s participation in I2U2 minilateral.

What should be the policy of India towards west Asia?

India should grab this opportunity, but should not view it through the lens of another Cold War.

India’s policy towards the region should be based on the concept of multi-faceted engagement rather than appeasing or containing any major power. By that, it would avoid the repeat of its Afghanistan policy.

India is already a part of the International North-South Transport Corridor. The potential “Middle East Corridor ” would provide other economic opportunities.

India should aim to play a significant geopolitical role in West Asia and its extended neighbourhood without disrupting its traditional balance.

Trudeau has shown irresponsibility in accusing India. He must answer

News – Recently, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau stated in Canada’s parliament that he had knowledge regarding connections between individuals associated with the Indian government and the death of Hardeep Singh Nijjar.

What are the concerns of India regarding its relationship with Canada?

Delhi is concerned about Canada’s tolerance for militant separatist groups associated with terrorist activities in India for many years. They enjoy impunity due to their strong organisation and strategic voting.

Trudeau is talking about human rights and the rule of law in the Nijjar case. India is a democratic country with a constitution that upholds human rights. These principles should not be misused for political gain and shield criminal and terrorist organisations.

What is the way forward for India?

India needs to take steps to ensure that Canada’s diplomatic efforts do not harm India’s strong relationships with the Anglosphere and Western countries.

Delhi should present its arguments and ensure that its broader concerns are effectively communicated, especially to English-speaking nations.

For more information on India and Canada relationship read- India Canada Relations – Explained

In these times, what meaning could a new Parliament have?

News – The article explains the socio-political changes introduced by the current government. It also explains the global trends towards degradation of institutions of modern democracy.

Does the inauguration of a new Parliament building signify a fresh start?

What is the significance of a parliament building?

A Parliament has a huge symbolic significance, instead of just being a concrete structure. It is the conceptual space where state power intersects with the concept of community. Coercion and consent are both parts of it.

However, at this symbolic level, there has been a global trend of introducing substantial changes in the methods of popular governance.

What is the global trend across many democratic nations?

Rise of authoritarian populism – Many democratic nations, including India, are shifting toward authoritarian populism. Power has concentrated in a single supreme leader who enjoys popularity among a dominant segment of the population.

Degradation of institutions- Populist regimes lead to the degradation of the institutions of modern democracies. These institutions are used for promoting the supreme leader’s agendas.

Institutions crucial for the deliberative aspects of democracy, such as the media, universities, the judiciary, and the bureaucracy, are particularly targeted. The institution of Parliament is also impacted in this process. It often experiences marginalisation.

How have institutions changed in current times as compared to institutions established after independence?

After independence– The country inherited and established a set of institutions that were not aligned with the longer history of Indian society and its traditional power structures.

The elite in power during that era established institutions such as Parliament and the Constitution based on certain values.

Current times-The current elite in power wants to create new institutions that align with their own values.

The suicide cluster in Kota is a public health emergency

News: The article discusses the high number of student suicides in Kota, India. It likens this situation to a disease outbreak or a “suicide cluster.” The article emphasizes the necessity of adopting a public health approach to address and prevent these suicides. This approach focuses on specific responses such as monitoring, support, and prevention.

What are suicides and the cluster of suicides?

What do you mean by Suicide?

Suicides are acts where individuals intentionally cause their own death.

In Kota, India, there’s a notable rise in suicides, particularly among students preparing for examinations, totaling 26 in 2023.

What is suicide Cluster?

A cluster of suicides occurs when suicides, attempts, or self-harm events happen closer in time and space than usually expected, forming a pattern.

The situation in Kota is identified as a suicide cluster, specifically a point cluster, occurring within a specific time and location, mainly related to the stress of examination preparation in residential coaching centers.

This phenomenon can lead to contagion, where one person’s suicide can trigger suicidal ideation or attempts in others who are already vulnerable.

Such clusters call for a public health approach, including surveillance, information sharing, media regulation, bereavement support, and prevention strategies.

What initiatives has the Indian government taken to tackle suicides?

National Suicide Prevention Strategy (NSPS): India introduced the NSPS, aiming to decrease suicides by 10% by 2030.

Suicide Surveillance Systems: A key target of NSPS is to establish effective suicide surveillance systems within the next three years.

Mental Health Outpatient Clinics: Another goal under the NSPS is to set up mental health outpatient clinics providing suicide prevention services. This will be achieved under the District Mental Health Programme and is slated for completion within five years.

Helplines in Various States: States such as Telangana, Kerala, Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, and Tamil Nadu have launched helplines for suicide prevention, particularly during the announcement of school leaving and entrance examination results.

What should be done?

Implement a Response Plan: Develop and enforce a Suicide Cluster Response Plan involving surveillance, consistent information sharing between agencies, and support for those bereaved by suicide.

Media Responsibility: Encourage media to report responsibly on suicides to prevent contagion.

Focus on Prevention strategies to reduce the risk of further suicides need to be implemented.

Regular Monitoring and Review: Assess the effectiveness of the response and adapt strategies based on what has been learned.

Adopt Successful Models: Consider adopting approaches like the Tomorrow Project in Nottingham, UK, which has successfully halted suicide contagion through community information, meetings, and clinical support.

Prachanda, the US, and China

News: The article discusses Nepal’s Prime Minister Prachanda’s efforts to balance relations between China, the US, and India. This comes amid concerns about human rights violations, corruption, and international peace processes. It highlights Nepal’s strategic geopolitical position and the external pressures and interests in its internal affairs.

What is Nepal’s Prime Minister addressing at the United Nations General Assembly?

Nepal’s Prime Minister Prachanda spoke at the United Nations General Assembly about the progress in Nepal’s peace process.

He stated that completing the tasks of transitional justice is a top priority on his political agenda.

Prachanda declared there would be no amnesty for serious human rights violations that occurred during the civil war in Nepal from 1996 to 2006.

He sought goodwill and support from the international community to conclude the peace process.

How is Nepal balancing relations with India, China, and the U.S.?

Balancing Relations with India:

Prachanda made a diplomatic visit to India, highlighting efforts to maintain equilibrium in relations.

Nepal is managing tensions with India, addressing concerns related to the open border and ongoing bilateral disputes.

India’s approach to Nepal is being closely watched, reflecting concerns about India’s diminishing influence.

Balancing Relations with China:

Prachanda is set to visit China, symbolizing efforts to keep balanced ties amidst the MCC endorsement.

He is expected to discuss waiving the $215 million loan, indicating concerns over dependency.

Nepal’s endorsement of the MCC compact indicates a shift in development partnership narratives with China.

Balancing Relations with the U.S.:

Nepal has strengthened relations with the U.S. through the endorsement of the $500 million MCC compact grant.

This endorsement symbolizes a balancing act between U.S. and Chinese interests in Nepal.

The geostrategic importance of Nepal has attracted U.S. interest, and the country is navigating these relations cautiously.

What is the perception from India?

From India, there’s a perspective that the union of major communist parties in Nepal could enable greater Chinese influence in the region.

Indian leaders are contemplating aligning with U.S. strategies to counterbalance China’s growing influence in Nepal.

There’s a realization of diminishing Indian influence in Nepal, and New Delhi is keenly observing Prachanda’s diplomatic maneuvers with China.

India is concerned about how cordially Prachanda is received in China and how boldly he represents Nepal’s viewpoint during meetings with Chinese leaders.

The deteriorating and changing aspects of India-Nepal relations, such as the open border and Gorkha recruitment issues, are also part of India’s considerations.

South of the Godavari

News: The five southern states of India (Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, and Telangana) have outperformed other regions in various factors. However, these states still face concerns in their representation.

What are some of the achievements of the southern states?

Economic Growth: Southern states in India have experienced substantial economic growth and increased their share of national economic activity from just over a fifth in 1981 to 30% today.

There is a significant disparity in per capita income between southern states and economically poorer northern states.

For instance, Karnataka’s per capita income is over five times higher than Bihar, Telangana’s is four times that of Uttar Pradesh, Kerala’s is double that of Assam, and Tamil Nadu’s is twice that of West Bengal.

The economic disparity between southern India and other regions is growing due to faster economic growth, lower population growth, and higher tax revenues in the south.

The southern states contribute a significant portion of the central GST revenue but receive less than a sixth of the total central transfers to states.

Better Socio-economic Indicators: The southern states exhibit superior socio-economic indicators, including higher life expectancy, better literacy rates, and lower fertility rates compared to their northern counterparts.

In certain southern states, fertility has even dropped below the replacement rate, potentially leading to a population decline in the south, while the north continues to grow.

Better Private Sector Investments: Private-sector investments in emerging industries such as solar panels, electric vehicles, mobile phones, and electronic components are predominantly centered in the southern and western regions.

This results in migration from economically challenged eastern areas to the more affluent west and south in search of a job.

What are the concerns present with the Southern states?

First, the upcoming census and subsequent delimitation of parliamentary seats will impact the southern states of India. Currently, they have almost a quarter of parliamentary seats but only a fifth of the population.

After delimitation, they may get fewer new Lok Sabha seats due to their successful population control efforts.

This has raised concerns about the potential shift in politics, possibly favoring a more Hindi-centric language policy, with a Lok Sabha dominated by northern states.

Second, southern states are also concerned about sending more tax money to the northern and eastern states without receiving sufficient returns.

What can be the way ahead?

Southern states are governed by distinct political parties compared to the north India. Along with other concerns, differences in ruling parties could lead to a growing political divide, an increase in regional, economic, linguistic, and socio-political disparities.

Hence, to prevent this, the government should consider offering concessions like greater regional autonomy or maintaining the status quo in the Rajya Sabha.

Southern states should also acknowledge the importance of the northern market for their economic interests.

GS Paper 3

Hybridisation can spread gainful genes between species

News: The article discusses a researcher’s interest in species evolution, with a focus on hybridization, where species mix genes. They studied various organisms, particularly butterflies, and found that advantageous genes can transfer between species. This aids in mimicry, where non-poisonous species imitate poisonous ones for protection. Additionally, the article touches on the renowned case of the peppered moth, showcasing natural selection, and mentions observed shifts in butterfly habitats due to climate change.

How do species evolve?

Diverse view: There was a disagreement among different groups of biologists on how species evolved. Some said they had to evolve in geographic isolation, while others felt species could evolve in gene flow contact or in close proximity.

Hybridization: Species evolve by mixing genes through hybridization. Around 10% of animal species and 25% of plant species experience this mixing of genes between different species. In butterflies, this process can lead to the transfer of genes that affect color patterns.

Mimicry and Advantageous Gene Transfer: Butterflies use mimicry, copying the appearances of other species, to enhance survival. Some advantageous genes can transfer between species when they offer survival benefits through enhanced mimicry.

Natural Selection and Environmental Adaptation: The peppered moth adapted its color to its environment for survival, with black moths thriving in industrialized, sooty areas, exemplifying natural selection.

Climate-Driven Adaptation: Temperate-zone butterflies are moving northwards, adapting to new climates due to climate changes, illustrating species’ ability to adjust to changing environmental conditions.

Creators Vs Algos-Generative AI poses a serious copyright violation risk

News: The article discusses a lawsuit against OpenAI by the Authors Guild. They accuse OpenAI of copyright violation by using and replicating creators’ content without permission. This raises concerns about regulating generative AI globally.

What is the difference between earlier AI and Generative AI?

Earlier AI: It mainly focused on pattern recognition. It did not create new content.

Generative AI: Operates in two steps; 1) it gathers extensive data (often without permission) and then 2) synthesizes this data to create new content.

Can mimic the style of original creations, for example, writing in a style similar to a particular author or artist.

Developers like OpenAI are facing lawsuits from creative professionals, including authors and artists, for alleged copyright infringements.

Examples include ChatGPT, which can generate content resembling the work of specific creators, potentially affecting their market value.

Implications:

Generative AI has raised new concerns and challenges regarding copyright laws and regulations.

What should be done?

Formulate Unified Regulations: A convergence of international regulations on generative AI is essential to avoid a patchwork of interpretations by judiciaries in different countries.

Develop and Implement AI Regulations: The EU is working on regulations requiring generative AI to publish summaries of copyright material used.

Take a Lead in Regulatory Efforts: India, due to its role as a large creator of multilingual content, needs to lead in harmonizing independent regulatory efforts.

Following articles have been covered in the 7 PM Editorial-

A Clear message to industry on dispute resolution – The Hindu

A clear message to industry on dispute resolution

[6:33 PM] Prashant Shekhar

7 PM Link- Mediation Act 2023- Explained, Pointwise

Prelims Oriented Articles (Factly)

Department of Fisheries is promoting Artificial Reef (AR) under PMMSY for rejuvenating coastal fisheries

Source: The post is based on the article “Department of Fisheries is promoting Artificial Reef (AR) under PMMSY for rejuvenating coastal fisheries”  published in PIB on 23rd September 2023

What is the News?

The Department of Fisheries has approved 732 artificial reef units for 10 coastal states. 

This initiative falls under the “Integrated Modern Coastal Fishing Villages” program which is part of Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY).

The projects are being implemented with the technical support of Fishery Survey of India(FSI) and ICAR-Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute(CMFRI).

What is an Artificial Reef?

An artificial reef is a sheltered human-built structure, placed on the seabed as a substitute for natural habitats.

They represent innovative engineering interventions designed to restore and enhance natural habitats, boost productivity, and efficiently manage aquatic resources.

What are the advantages of Artificial Reef?

Fish Aggregation and Habitat: Artificial reefs, similar to their natural counterparts, serve as gathering points for fish, providing them with a habitat to thrive. These structures also mitigate wave damage along the coasts, facilitate marine ecosystem regeneration and act as carbon sinks. 

Marine Life Support: These reefs provide a solid substrate for various marine life forms, including corals, algae, and plankton, to attach and grow. They create favorable conditions for sea ranching and serve as crucial spawning and nursery grounds for fish.

Recreational and Ecotourism Opportunities: Artificial reefs enhance recreational fisheries and create suitable areas for activities like snorkeling and diving. This not only contributes to local tourism but also reduces conflicts over fishing grounds.

Environmental Conservation: These structures help restrict bottom trawling in nearshore areas, aiding marine ecosystem regeneration. Small-scale fishermen also benefit from higher catch rates.

Support for Non-Mechanized Boats: A single artificial reef unit of 300m3 is expected to support 25-30 non-mechanized boats, further boosting the livelihoods of traditional fishermen.

Haryana to bring down fire counts substantially as per the Haryana State Action Plan submitted to CAQM

Source: The post is based on the article “Haryana to bring down fire counts substantially as per the Haryana State Action Plan submitted to CAQM”  published in PIB on 23rd September 2023

What is the News?

Commission for Air Quality Management, (CAQM) has directed the State Government concerned to ensure effective, intensified and strict enforcement of the District Plans and State Action Plan with special focus on hotspot districts to eliminate stubble burning in the States.

What is the Commission for Air Quality Management(CAQM)?

CAQM has been set up under the Commission for Air Quality Management in National Capital Region and Adjoining Areas Act,2021.

The Commission has been setup for better coordination, research, identification, and resolution of problems related to air quality in the National Capital Region (NCR) and adjoining areas.  

Adjoining areas have been defined as areas in Haryana, Punjab, Rajasthan, and Uttar Pradesh, adjoining the National Capital Territory of Delhi and NCR, where any source of pollution may cause adverse impact on air quality in the NCR.  

The act also dissolved the Environment Pollution Prevention and Control Authority established in the NCR in 1998. 

Composition: The Commission will consist of: (i) a Chairperson, (ii) an officer of the rank of a Joint Secretary as the member-secretary and Chief Coordinating Officer, (iii) a serving or former Joint Secretary from the central government, (iii) three independent technical members with expertise in air pollution, and (iv) three members from non-government organizations.  

– The Chairperson and members of the Commission will have a tenure of three years or till the age of seventy years, whichever is earlier.  

Functions of the Commission:  Functions of the Commission include: (i) coordinating actions by concerned state governments (Delhi, Haryana, Punjab, Rajasthan, and Uttar Pradesh), (ii) planning and executing plans to prevent and control air pollution in NCR, (iii) providing a framework for identifying air pollutants, (iv) conducting research and development through networking with technical institutions, (v) training and creating a special workforce to deal with issues related to air pollution, and (vi) preparing action plans such as increasing plantation and addressing stubble burning.

Powers of the Commission:  Powers of the Commission include: (i) restricting activities influencing air quality, (ii) investigating and conducting research related to environmental pollution impacting air quality, (iii) preparing codes and guidelines to prevent and control air pollution, and (iv) issuing directions on matters including inspections, or regulation which will be binding on the concerned person or authority.  

– The Commission will be the sole authority with jurisdiction over matters defined in the Act such as air quality management).In case of conflicts, directions of the Commission will prevail over the orders of the respective state governments, the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), state PCBs, and state-level statutory bodies.

Penalties: Contravention of provisions of the Act or orders and directions of the Commission will be punishable with imprisonment of up to five years, or fine of up to one crore rupees, or both.  The act excludes farmers from the scope of these penalties. 

– However, the Commission may collect environmental compensation from farmers causing pollution by stubble burning.  This compensation will be prescribed by the central government.  

– Appeals against the Commission’s orders will lie with the National Green Tribunal. 

Indian naval ship Sahyadri participates in the maiden India-Indonesia-Australia Trilateral Maritime Exercise

Source: The post is based on the article “Indian naval ship Sahyadri participates in the maiden India-Indonesia-Australia Trilateral Maritime Exercise”  published in PIB on 23rd September 2023

What is the News?

Indian Navy’s indigenously built warship INS Sahyadri has participated in the maiden trilateral Maritime Partnership Exercise with the ships and aircraft from the Royal Australian Navy (RAN) and Indonesian Navy.

What is the purpose of this Trilateral exercise?

The trilateral exercise aimed to bolster the partnership between India, Australia, and Indonesia, fostering a collective effort to enhance stability, peace, and security in the Indo-Pacific region. 

It also offered an invaluable opportunity for the participating navies to share their knowledge and expertise.

What is INS Sahyadri?

INS Sahyadri is the third ship of the indigenously designed and built Project-17 class multi-role stealth frigates.

It was built at Mazagon Dock Ltd, Mumbai.

What are the other exercises between India and Indonesia?

Exercise Samudra Shakti: It is a bilateral maritime exercise between India and Indonesia.It aims to strengthen the bilateral relationship, enhance mutual understanding and interoperability in maritime operations between the two navies.

Exercise Garuda Shakti: It is an annual military exercise between the Indian and Indonesian Army. It is conducted on a reciprocal basis and its first edition was conducted in the year 2012 in India.

IND-INDO CORPAT: It is a bi-annual coordinated naval patrol exercise conducted along the International Maritime Boundary Line (IMBL) by the Indian and Indonesian Navy.

What are the other exercises between India and Australia?

Exercise AUSTRA HIND: It is a bilateral training exercise between the Indian Army and the Australian Army.

Exercise Pitch Black: It is a biennial multilateral air combat exercise hosted by the Royal Australian Air Force(RAAF) since 1981.The Indian Air Force had taken part in the exercise for the first time in 2018.

AUSINDEX: It is a biennial bilateral maritime exercise between the Indian Navy and Royal Australian Navy(RAN). The first edition of the exercise took place in 2015.

Sports Minister will skip Asiad inaugural as China bars entry of Arunachal players

Source: The post is based on the article “Sports Minister will skip Asiad inaugural as China bars entry of Arunachal players”  published in The Hindu on 23rd September 2023

What is the News?

The Union Sports Minister has canceled his visit to the Asian Games, due to China’s denial of entry to Indian Wushu players from Arunachal Pradesh.

What has happened between India and China?

The Asian Games is being held in China.The Asian Games protocol provided accreditation cards that served as visas for entry into China, rather than requiring visas on their passports.

But three players from Arunachal Pradesh with valid e-accreditations were denied entry into China.

India protested strongly against China’s deliberate discrimination and selective obstruction of its sportspersons from Arunachal Pradesh.

On the other hand, Chinese authorities claimed they issued visas, but Indian athletes didn’t accept them.China also reaffirmed its position of not recognizing Arunachal Pradesh as part of India.

What other similar incidents have happened between India and China?

Recently, three members of the Wushu team belonging to Arunachal Pradesh were given “stapled visas” or paper visas on their passports to attend the World University Games in China.India had then also said that any attempt to distinguish them from other Indians was “unacceptable”, and put their visit on hold.

In 2022, India had announced a diplomatic boycott of the Winter Olympics in Beijing, after the Chinese government decided to field a People’s Liberation Army soldier, who had been decorated for his role in the 2020 Galwan clashes with Indian soldiers, as a torch-bearer during the Olympic flame run.

Panel calls for revising rules of construction around protected ASI monuments

Source: The post is based on the article “Panel calls for revising rules of construction around protected ASI monuments”  published in The Hindu on 23rd September 2023

What is the News?

The Department Related Parliamentary Standing Committee on Transport Tourism and Culture has called for revising rules of construction around protected Archaeological Survey of India(ASI) monuments.

What are the rules of construction around protected ASI monuments?

​​The prohibited and restricted area provision was introduced in 2010 through an amendment to the Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains (AMASR) Act, 1958. 

It prohibits and regulates all activities like mining and construction around 100 metres and 300 metres. 

What are the observations made by the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Transport Tourism and Culture on this?

The committee has observed that the provision of 100-metre prohibited area and 300-metre regulated area around all monuments protected by the ASI has pitted the local community against these heritage structures in many places as they find it difficult to carry out necessary repair work of their residential spaces.

The committee has asked the government to revise the rules to make them realistic.It has also recommended rationalizing the application of such rules based on the historical significance of the monuments.

The committee has also recommended that the list of all 3,691 ASI-protected monuments be rationalized and categorized based on their national significance, unique architectural value and specific heritage content.

India’s First Lighthouse Festival begins in Goa from Tomorrow

Source: The post is based on the article “India’s First Lighthouse Festival begins in Goa from Tomorrow”  published in PIB on 23rd September 2023

What is the News?

The Union Minister of Ports, Shipping & Waterways is going to inaugurate India’s First Lighthouse Festival from the Fort Aguada Lighthouse in Panjim, Goa.

What is a Lighthouse?

A Lighthouse is a tower, building, or other type of physical structure designed to emit light from a system of lamps and lenses and to serve as a beacon for navigational aid, for maritime pilots at sea or on inland waterways.

What is India’s first ever Lighthouse Festival?

To be held at: Fort Aguada in Goa

Purpose: It would be a three day event in carnival style with local artists, dance troupes, food and culinary stalls, music concerts and similar activities to attract common people to Lighthouses. 

What is the Lighthouse Heritage Tourism campaign?

The Ministry of Ports, Shipping & Waterways is planning to develop lighthouses into tourist hubs across the country under the ‘Lighthouse Heritage Tourism’ campaign.

The campaign will be undertaken under the Public–Private Partnership(PPP) model.

As part of the campaign, old lighthouses will be given a new life and 75 lighthouses across the country will be developed into tourist hubs and developed on the lines of those in Europe and America.

Madhya Pradesh CM unveils Adi Shankaracharya statue at Omkareshwar: Its story, significance

Source: The post is based on the article “Madhya Pradesh CM unveils Adi Shankaracharya statue at Omkareshwar: Its story, significance”  published in Indian Express on 23rd September 2023

What is the News?

Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister has unveiled the 108-foot-tall ‘Statue of Oneness’ of Adi Shankaracharya at Omkareshwar, Madhya Pradesh.

The statue depicts Shankaracharya as a 12-year-old child when he is said to have visited Omkareshwar.

Note: The Government of Madhya Pradesh has invested a lot to develop the Omkareshwar town located on the Mandhata island which will form an important tourism circuit, along with Ujjain, Maheshwar and Mandu religious towns.

Who was Adi Shankaracharya?

Adi Shankara is believed to have lived between 788 and 820 AD.He was born in Kerela’s Kaladi, situated on the bank of the Periyar River. 

He became a sanyasin at an early age and went to Omkareshwar.He then studied under his guru Govinda Bhagavatpada.

Philosophy and works of Adi Shankaracharya:

Non-Dualism (Advaita Vedanta): Shankaracharya’s central philosophy revolved around the concept of “Brahman,” the ultimate reality or cosmic consciousness, being the only true and unchanging reality.He argued that the individual self (Atman) is ultimately identical with Brahman and that the perceived duality of the world is an illusion (maya). This non-dualistic perspective is a cornerstone of Advaita Vedanta.

Writings: Shankaracharya is known for his extensive writings and commentaries on various Hindu scriptures, particularly the Vedas, Upanishads, and the Bhagavad Gita. 

– His commentaries helped to clarify and systematize the teachings of Advaita Vedanta. Some of his most famous works include the “Brahma Sutra Bhashya,” the “Vivekachudamani,” and the “Atma Bodha”.

Travel: He is said to have visited all the important spiritual centres of the time — from Kanchi (Kancheepuram in Tamil Nadu) to Kamrup (Assam), and Kashmir and the Kedar and Badri dhams, as well as Sringeri, Ujjain, Kashi, Puri, and Joshimath.

Why is Mandhata island considered an important religious destination?

The Mandhata island on the Narmada River is an important religious destination because it houses two of the 12 Jyotirlingas, which are considered sacred manifestations of Lord Shiva.

One of these Jyotirlingas is called Omkareshwara and the other is Amareshwara.The island is also close to the Mahakaleshwara Jyotirlinga in Ujjain.

The island is adorned with Shaivite, Vaishnavite, and Jain temples dating back to the 14th and 18th centuries.

The name ‘Omkareshwar’ is derived from the shape of the island, which resembles the sacred syllable ‘Om’, and its name means ‘the Lord of Omkara’.

The following today’s current affairs articles have been covered in 7 PM Explained section of the day:

7 PM Editorial of the day: Mediation Act 2023-Explained Pointwise