9 PM UPSC Current Affairs Articles 22nd January, 2025

Mains Oriented Articles

GS PAPER - 2

U.S.-India Civil Nuclear Deal

Source: This post on U.S.-India Civil Nuclear Deal has been created based on article “Time to seize the promise of the U.S.-India nuclear deal” published in The Hindu on 22^nd January 2025.

UPSC Syllabus topic: GS Paper 3- International relations

Context: The article explores the history, potential, and challenges of the U.S.-India civil nuclear deal, which was finalized in 2008 after a lengthy negotiation process.

When was the U.S.-India civil nuclear deal finalized, and why was it significant?

1. The U.S.-India civil nuclear deal was finalized in late 2008 after years of negotiations beginning in 2005.
2. It marked a watershed moment in defense and strategic cooperation between the two democracies, building trust to collaborate on advanced and potentially destructive technologies.
3. The Coalition for Partnership with India, consisting of businesses, Indian-Americans, and academics, advocated for the deal, overcoming opposition that feared it would promote nuclear proliferation.

What were the anticipated benefits of the deal?

1. The deal was expected to enhance India’s civil nuclear sector with new plants using U.S. technology, creating jobs in both countries.
2. It aimed to generate more electricity for Indian industries, reduce reliance on fossil fuels, and contribute to climate goals by producing clean energy.
3. Despite high expectations, the energy and commercial promises have not materialized. For example, plans for six nuclear plants announced by President Obama in 2016 remain unrealized.

What is the U.S. Entity List, and how does it relate to the deal?

1. The U.S. Entity List identifies entities with which U.S. companies are restricted from conducting business.
2. After the deal, most Indian entities were removed from the list, except a few involved in sensitive nuclear research.
3. National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan announced that the U.S. is finalizing measures to remove longstanding regulatory barriers, potentially enabling greater collaboration between U.S. and Indian nuclear entities.

What is the Civil Liability for Nuclear Damage Act, and why is it problematic?

1. It was enacted in 2010. The Act deviates from international norms by placing major liability obligations on suppliers rather than operators.
2. This has deterred major U.S. suppliers like GE and Westinghouse from participating in India’s nuclear projects.

How has India tried to address supplier liability concerns?

1. The Indian government introduced a 20-year insurance scheme through public sector companies to cover supplier liability.
2. Russian companies accepted this arrangement due to government ownership and geopolitical interests, but U.S. firms have remained reluctant.

How has technology evolution impacted the deal’s implementation?

1. Rapid advancements in nuclear technology require U.S. companies to offer cutting-edge solutions.
2. These must also be cost-competitive to avoid burdening Indian consumers with high electricity prices.
3. Indian officials are cautious of cost overruns that have plagued recent U.S. nuclear projects, leading to increased electricity costs without substantial improvements.

What needs to be done to overcome the remaining challenges?

1. Resolving liability concerns, regulatory hurdles, and cost barriers will require joint efforts from U.S. companies, the Biden administration, and Indian authorities.
2. Collaboration on technology and competitive pricing is crucial.
3. Addressing these challenges could unlock tremendous benefits, including enhanced energy security, economic growth, and deeper U.S.-India strategic ties.
4. However, time is running out to realize the full promise of the deal.

US withdrawal from the WHO and its potential impacts

Source: The post US withdrawal from the WHO and its potential impacts has been created, based on the article “Under Trump, US withdraws from WHO: Impact, what this means for India” published in “Indian Express” on 22nd January 2025

UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS Paper2-International Relations-Effect of policies and politics of developed and developing countries on India’s interests

Context: The article discusses US President Donald Trump’s decision to withdraw from the WHO, citing funding issues, lack of reforms, and political influence. It highlights the financial, operational, and global health impacts, urging nations like India to step up leadership.

For detailed information on Trump’s Re-election and India US Relations read this article here

Why Did the US Withdraw from the WHO?

1. The US withdrew due to WHO’s handling of the COVID-19 pandemic, lack of reforms, political influence by member states.
2. The US also objected to its high financial contributions compared to other countries, like China. 3. Trump had previously threatened withdrawal and officially notified the UN in 2020.
3. While the WHO’s constitution does not have a withdrawal provision, the US Congress set a condition in 1948 allowing withdrawal with a one-year notice and settlement of financial obligations.

What Does the Executive Order Say?

1. Funds and Resources: All US funding and resources to WHO will be paused.
2. Personnel Withdrawal: US government staff and contractors working with WHO will be recalled.
3. New Partnerships: The US will identify other global and domestic partners to handle WHO’s activities.
4. Pandemic Treaty Exit: The US will stop negotiating the WHO pandemic treaty aimed at global pandemic response.

What is the Financial Impact?

1. The US contributes 22.5% of WHO’s assessed contributions (USD 138 million of USD 578 million).
2. The US also provides 13% of voluntary contributions (USD 356.3 million).
3. China, with three times the US population, contributes far less: USD 87.6 million (assessed) and USD 3.9 million (voluntary).
4. WHO faces a major funding gap, as its assessed contributions cover less than 20% of its budget.

How Will the Withdrawal Affect India?

1. Health Programs: WHO supports India’s immunization efforts, neglected disease programs, and tuberculosis and HIV control. Funding cuts may reduce WHO’s effectiveness.
2. Expertise Loss: WHO guidelines, developed by global experts (including US experts), will face challenges.
3. CDC Collaboration: Ending US-WHO collaboration will affect global disease surveillance and response.

What Role Can India and the Global South Play?

1. Filling the Vacuum: India and other global south countries can lead, with China also expected to step up.
2. India’s Contribution: India’s health initiatives and leadership, under PM Modi, can inspire other nations.
3. Global Partnerships: Philanthropies like the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation may fill some gaps, alongside Europe and other countries.

Question for practice:

Examine the reasons behind the US withdrawal from the WHO and its potential impacts.

Trump’s Second Term Reshapes America and World

 

Source: The post Trump’s Second Term Reshapes America and World has been created, based on the article “C Raja Mohan writes: Not just a change of regime, Trump is reshaping post-War America” published in “Indian Express” on 22nd January 2025

UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS Paper2- International Relations-Bilateral, regional and global groupings and agreements involving India and/or affecting India’s interests.

Context: The article discusses Donald Trump’s second term as U.S. president and his efforts to reshape post-War America. It highlights his rejection of liberal values, focus on sovereignty, trade reforms, and a distinct approach to foreign policy. These actions challenge the entrenched liberal hegemony in both domestic and global affairs.

For detailed information on Trump’s America First Policy and Global Impact read this article here

What is the focus of Trump’s second term?

Trump’s second term aims to reshape America’s domestic and international policies. He calls this a “revolution of common sense.” Liberals see it as a counter-revolution, while conservatives call it a counter-counter-revolution against the “deep state” disrupting his first-term agenda.

What are the domestic policy changes?

1. Free Speech and Traditional Values: Trump plans to reverse gender-identity politics, diversity regulations, and liberal educational norms. He promises to restore traditional values and free speech rights.
2. Immigration Reforms: He emphasizes U.S. territorial sovereignty by tightening borders and deporting illegal immigrants, countering liberal policies on open borders.

What are the economic priorities?

1. Rebalancing Trade: Trump rejects the global trade framework under the WTO. He aims to introduce “fair trade” and “reciprocity” instead of free trade.
2. Tariff Strategies: Trump initiated a tariff policy review and signaled potential action against countries to achieve economic goals.

How is foreign policy evolving?

1. Focus on Peace: Trump aims to prioritize U.S. interests over foreign conflicts. He advocates better relations with Russia and China and a reduction in global interventions.
2. Mixed Cabinet Views: His cabinet includes members with varying stances on global issues like Taiwan, Ukraine, and Gaza, signaling possible internal debates on foreign policy decisions.

What symbolic actions did Trump take?

1. Protester Pardons: Trump pardoned 1,500 January 6 protestors, contrasting Biden’s pardons for family members.
2. Capitol Swearing-In: His swearing-in at the Capitol symbolized defiance against establishment narratives about the January 6 protests.

What challenges does Trump face?

Trump’s movement faces internal contradictions and external opposition. Balancing these will be crucial for building a lasting coalition and redefining America’s post-War liberal policies. His success or failure will have global consequences.

Question for practice:

Examine how Donald Trump’s second term aims to reshape America’s domestic and international policies.

GS PAPER - 3

Environmental Change: How Is Chennai Reflecting Global Challenges?

Source: This post on Environmental Change: How Is Chennai Reflecting Global Challenges? has been created based on article “The world has been changing for a while” published in The Hindu on 22^nd January 2025.

UPSC Syllabus topic: GS Paper 3- Environment

Context: This article explores the ongoing global transformations across various dimensions such as the environment, politics, technology, and international relations. It provides a historical perspective on the dynamic nature of change and reflects on its implications for the future.

What major environmental challenges has Chennai faced in recent years?

1. Chennai has experienced drastic environmental changes. In 2019, the city declared “Day Zero” due to severe water shortages.
2. However, in the following years, unseasonal storms and torrential rains caused devastating floods, displacing residents due to excessive water.
3. Chennai demonstrates the need to prepare for both extremes—droughts and floods—highlighting the necessity of adaptive water management systems in a world undergoing significant climatic shifts.

How does the current climate compare to historical conditions?

1. Humans today face unprecedented environmental conditions, with record-high global temperatures and carbon dioxide levels.
2. Half of all fossil fuels have been burned since Sachin Tendulkar’s Test debut, illustrating the rapid pace of industrial and environmental change.

What role does technology play in shaping the modern world?

1. New technologies are revolutionizing communication and connectivity.
2. While they enable better sharing of ideas, they also polarize political discourse, incite tensions, and exacerbate societal divisions.
3. The 2024 elections saw record-high voter turnout globally, with political parties struggling to retain power or maintain majorities.
4. This reflects widespread demand for solutions to modern challenges and opportunities.

What challenges does India face in the evolving global landscape?

India’s strategy of balancing multiple alliances, such as being part of both BRICS and the Quad, will face pressure. Trump’s leadership style might complicate India’s efforts to maintain diverse partnerships and strategic autonomy.

How does the current geopolitical environment affect India’s position?

1. The global scenario is marked by a weakened Iran, a destabilized Russia due to the Ukraine invasion, and significant shifts in China’s global stance.
2. India will need to navigate these dynamics carefully under Trump’s transactional diplomacy.
3. Historians argue that significant shifts, like environmental and political changes, have been underway for some time.
4. Change is often gradual and unnoticed, making it critical to recognize and adapt to these transformations proactively.

Kerala’s Rising Maternal Mortality Ratio

Source: This post on Kerala’s Rising Maternal Mortality Ratio has been created based on article “The price of success – Kerala’s rising maternal mortality ratio is not yet a cause for concern” published in The Hindu on 22^nd January 2025.

UPSC Syllabus topic: GS Paper 3- Issues Relating to Development and Management of Social Sector/Services relating to Health, Education, Human Resources.

Context: The article discusses the implications of demographic transitions, with a focus on Kerala’s rising maternal mortality ratio (MMR) and its relation to broader demographic trends.

Why is Kerala experiencing a rise in maternal mortality despite its achievements?

1. Kerala, known for its exemplary progress in demographic transition, has seen a rise in its maternal mortality ratio (MMR).
2. This increase is attributed to the declining fertility rate, which reduces the number of live births.
3. Consequently, even a small number of maternal deaths appears significant when measured per 1,00,000 live births, distorting the MMR.

What milestones has Kerala achieved in demographic transition?

1. Kerala was the first Indian state to reach the replacement-level fertility rate (TFR of 2.1) in 1987-88, ensuring that the population size remains stable across generations.
2. This achievement set the stage for other southern states, which achieved this milestone by the mid-2000s.

What is demographic transition, and what are its phases?

Demographic transition describes the historical shift from high birth and death rates to low birth and death rates, driven by advancements in education, economic development, and technology. It occurs in four phases:

1. Stable population (high birth and death rates).
2. Rapid population growth (declining death rates while birth rates remain high).
3. Population leveling out (declining birth rates).
4. Population decline (low birth and death rates).

How does Kerala’s demographic transition compare globally?

1. Kerala’s demographic pattern mirrors that of developed nations like South Korea, where fertility rates have dropped significantly.
2. Despite efforts such as incentivizing childbirth, these nations struggle to revive population growth, indicating the irreversible nature of advanced demographic transitions.

What challenges arise from demographic transitions?

Demographic transitions lead to long-term consequences, such as:

• A declining working-age population and an increasing elderly population, resulting in higher dependency ratios.
• Strain on public resources, particularly healthcare and social support systems.
• Economic challenges due to a shrinking labor force.

What are the broader implications for Kerala and similar regions?

Kerala, like other regions experiencing advanced demographic transitions, must prepare for the economic and societal effects of an aging population. Key measures include:

• Strengthening public finances to manage rising healthcare costs.
• Expanding social support systems for the elderly.
• Promoting equal household participation to balance work and caregiving responsibilities.

How should governments respond to these transitions?

Governments must focus on:

• Improving healthcare financing to address the needs of an aging population.
• Creating policies that support gender equality in caregiving and encourage workforce participation.
• Proactively addressing the long-term effects of population decline to ensure sustainable development.

The Draft Data Protection Rules, 2025

Source: This post on The Draft Data Protection Rules, 2025 has been created based on article “What do draft data protection rules state?” published in The Hindu on 22^nd January 2025.

UPSC Syllabus topic: GS Paper 3- Technology

Context: This article discusses the draft rules released by the Indian government on January 3, 2025, to implement the Digital Personal Data Protection (DPDP) Act, 2023.

What are the Draft Data Protection Rules, 2025?

1. The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology released draft rules for implementing the Digital Personal Data Protection (DPDP) Act, 2023, on January 3, 2025.
2. These rules aim to establish a framework for data privacy and localisation but have been criticized as inadequate for a comprehensive data protection regime.
3. Feedback on the draft rules is being collected through a fiduciary process, which precludes public disclosure and counter-comments.

What is the Data Localisation Mandate?

1. Definition: Data localisation restricts the flow of data within a country’s borders.
2. Scope: The draft rules expand the Act’s provisions, proposing a government-appointed committee to identify data categories that cannot be exported from India.
3. Impact: This applies to significant data fiduciaries (SDFs), which process large volumes of sensitive personal data. Major tech companies like Meta, Google, Apple, Microsoft, and Amazon are expected to fall under this category.

Why is Data Localisation Introduced?

1. Purpose: To address challenges faced by law enforcement in accessing cross-border data for investigations.
2. Precedent: A similar mandate by the Reserve Bank of India in 2018 required localisation of payment data.
3. Sectoral Collaboration: The proposed central committee will work with ministries and regulators to prevent ad hoc localisation mandates and ensure smooth industry operations.

What Challenges Do Companies Face?

1. Operational Issues: Companies, including start-ups, may struggle to segment data for localisation, increasing costs and restricting operations.
2. Timeline: The government plans to provide a two-year compliance period.

How Does Rule 22 Enhance Section 36 of the DPDP Act?

1. Broad Powers: Section 36, along with Rule 22, allows the government to demand any information from data fiduciaries or intermediaries in the interest of sovereignty, integrity, or national security.
2. Lack of Transparency: Companies cannot disclose government requests if such disclosure could harm state interests.

What Are the Concerns Over Executive Overreach?

1. Potential Misuse: Experts warn that discretionary powers could lead to surveillance and suppression of dissent.
2. End-to-End Encryption: Social media intermediaries, like WhatsApp, could be forced to compromise encryption under Rule 22. WhatsApp previously challenged similar provisions under the IT Rules, 2021.

Are There Any Checks and Balances?

1. Criticism: The provisions lack adequate safeguards, contrasting the 2012 A.P. Shah Committee recommendations, which advocated notifying individuals subject to data interception.
2. Expert View: Legal experts highlight the risk of misuse by politically influenced agencies and call for safeguards similar to those under the Information Technology Act, 2000.

CRR below 4% might be risky for India’s banking system

Source: The post CRR below 4% might be risky for India’s banking system has been created, based on the article “Managing liquidity: No case for CRR cuts” published in “Business Standard” on 22nd January 2025

UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS Paper3- Economy-Banking

Context: The article explains the current liquidity deficit in India’s banking system, the role of the CRR in managing liquidity, and why further reduction in CRR is risky. It suggests alternative methods to address liquidity without reducing CRR below 4%.

Why is there a liquidity deficit in the banking system?

1. The banking system entered a liquidity deficit in December 2024, with the shortfall reaching ₹2.36 trillion by January 20, 2025.
2. Government cash balances with the RBI increased, reducing liquidity.
3. In December 2024, the RBI reduced the cash reserve ratio (CRR) in two tranches of 25 basis points each, bringing it to 4% of net demand and time liabilities (NDTL). This move released ₹1.16 trillion into the banking system. However, bankers have since suggested further CRR reductions, which require caution.
4. Net surplus durable liquidity fell from ₹4.20 trillion (July 26, 2024) to ₹64,350 crore (December 27, 2024).
5. Forex reserves dropped by $14 billion between December 27, 2024, and January 10, 2025, likely causing a durable liquidity deficit.

What is the role of the CRR in liquidity management?

The CRR serves two main purposes:

1. Stabilizing short-term interest rates:

• CRR balances help banks settle payment obligations and reduce overnight liquidity pressure.
• It mitigates volatility in the inter-bank call money rate.

2. Addressing sudden liquidity shocks:

• CRR is a tool to address liquidity needs quickly, especially during financial upheavals, as seen during the 2008 financial crisis and the Covid-19 pandemic.

Why should the CRR not be reduced further?

1. CRR is already at a critical level (4%): Historically, the CRR has not fallen below this level except during crises, such as the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, when it was briefly reduced to 3%.
2. Temporary liquidity issues: The current deficit of ₹2.36 trillion is partly due to short-term factors like increased government cash balances and RBI’s forex interventions.
3. Alternative tools exist: The RBI can use the Liquidity Adjustment Facility (LAF) to address short-term liquidity needs instead of reducing the CRR. Additionally, durable liquidity can be injected through Open Market Operations (OMOs), though cautiously, as large OMOs may distort bond yields and increase interest rate volatility.
4. Market stability risks: Reducing CRR further could destabilize short-term interest rates and reduce banks’ flexibility in managing reserves.

Question for practice :

Evaluate why reducing the CRR below 4% might be risky for India’s banking system, considering the current liquidity deficit and alternative tools available.

India’s ethanol program progress and challenges

Source: The post India’s ethanol program progress and challenges has been created, based on the article “Blending dilemma: Conflicting priorities on flex-fuel need clear policy” published in “Business Standard” on 22nd January 2025

UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS Paper3-Infrastructures- Energy

Context: The article discusses India’s ethanol-blending program aimed at reducing fossil fuel dependence, emissions, and crude oil imports. It highlights achievements, challenges like food security, water stress, and limited adoption of flex-fuel vehicles, and suggests alternative feedstocks and solutions.

For detailed information on Ethanol Blending Programme (E20 Blending) read this article here

What is India’s ethanol-blending program?

India’s ethanol-blending program aims to reduce fossil fuel dependence, cut carbon emissions, and enhance energy security.

By blending ethanol with petrol, the country saved ₹1.1 trillion in foreign exchange and reduced 50 million tonnes of CO₂ emissions over a decade.

What progress has India made in ethanol blending?

1. Increased Blending Ratio: Achieved 14.6% ethanol blending and aims for 20% by 2025.
2. Enhanced Production Capacity: Ethanol-production capacity more than doubled in four years, reaching 16,230 million litres.
3. Investments in Infrastructure: Invested ₹40,000 crore since 2014 to set up ethanol distilleries.
4. Policy Support: Government notified a lower price for rice supplied to ethanol producers to boost production.

What are the key challenges in achieving higher ethanol blending?

1. Food security vs. fuel security: Ethanol in India is mainly derived from sugarcane, which is water-intensive. Increasing sugarcane use for ethanol raises sugar prices and depletes groundwater, especially in Maharashtra, Karnataka, and Uttar Pradesh. Rising maize demand has made India a net importer of maize.
2. High ethanol prices: Food crop-based ethanol production, supported by price subsidies for farmers, leads to high ethanol prices. Policymakers need to address this issue for sustainable growth.
3. Reluctance in the automobile sector: Flex-fuel vehicles (FFVs), which use ethanol and petrol, have seen slow adoption. Reasons include poor infrastructure for ethanol distribution, low consumer awareness, and higher costs of FFVs. Without FFVs, ethanol targets may fall short.

What solutions can improve ethanol blending?

1. There is a need to shift to alternative feedstocks, such as agricultural waste, non-edible oils, and second-generation biofuels.
2. These options are less resource-intensive and do not harm food security or water availability.
3. Improving FFV adoption is also critical to meeting blending.

Question for practice:

Discuss the progress, challenges, and potential solutions related to India’s ethanol-blending program.

Prelims Oriented Articles (Factly)

Indus Water Treaty

News: Neutral Expert, appointed by the World Bank under the Indus Water Treaty 1960, has upheld India’s stand after questions were raised in relation to the Kishanganga and Ratle hydroelectric projects. 

About Indus Water Treaty

 

• It was signed in 1960 after nine years of negotiations between India and Pakistan with the help of the World Bank, which is also a signatory.  
• The treaty allocates the Western rivers (Indus, Chenab, Jhelum) to Pakistan and Eastern rivers (Beas, Ravi, Sutlej) to India.  
  • However, India can utilise the waters of western rivers for certain non-consumptive, agricultural, domestic and power generation purpose. 
• India controls about 20% of the total water of the Indus system, while Pakistan gets about 80%.  
• The treaty provides for 3 step dispute resolution mechanisms:
  • Permanent Commission- The disputes can be resolved at the Permanent Commission or can be taken up at the inter-governmental level.  
  • Neutral Expert- If the disputes are unresolved, the countries can approach the World bank appointed Neutral Expert. 
  • Court of Arbitration- If either party is not satisfied with the Neutral Expert’s decision, the matter is referred to a Court of Arbitration. 
• There has been disagreement between India and Pakistan over the design features of: 
  • Kishanganga Hydroelectric Project (constructed on Kishanganga river, a tributary of Jhelum River) 
  • Ratle Hydroelectric Project (constructed on Chenab River). 

Exercise La Perouse

News: India’s indigenous guided missile destroyer INS Mumbai is participating in the 5th edition of exercise La Perouse. 

About Exercise La Perouse

 

• The naval exercise is being organised in the straits between the Indian Ocean and the Pacific Ocean: Malacca, Sunda and Lombok. 
  • These straits constitute important sea lanes of communication, emphasising their economic and strategic significance. 
• The exercise aims to strengthen military safety and develop common maritime situational awareness by enhancing cooperation in the field of maritime surveillance, maritime interdiction operations, air operations. 
• Navies from India, France, Indonesia, Australia, US, UK, Malaysia, Singapore, and Canada are participating in the exercise. 
• The exercise will feature complex multi-domain exercises like surface warfare, anti-air warfare, air defence, cross deck landings and tactical manoeuvres and VBSS (Visit, Board, Search and Seizure) operations. 

Jean-François de Galaup, Comte de La Pérouse  He was a French Navy Officer and one of the greatest French Navigator of the 18th century.  In 1785, he was entrusted by King Louis XVI to lead a global expedition to complete James Cook’s discoveries in the Pacific and study the possibilities of trade with the countries visited.  During this global expedition, he commanded two frigates: the Boussole and the Astrolabe.  The expedition tragically ended in 1788 when the ship wrecked on the reefs of Vanikoro in the Soloman Islands.

Entity Locker

News: The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) has launched Entity Locker, a digital public infrastructure for streamlined business document management. 

About Entity Locker

 

• Entity Locker is a secure, cloud-based solution that simplifies the storage, sharing, and verification of documents for a wide range of entities like large business organisations, MSMEs, start-ups, societies etc. 
• The National eGovernance Division (NeGD) has developed Entity Locker. 
  • NeGD functions under the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY). 
• The platform is a critical component of India’s Digital Public Infrastructure, envisioning enhanced digital governance and ease of doing business. 
• Features: 
  • Real-time access and documents verification through integration with government databases 
  • Provides for consent-based mechanisms for secure sharing of sensitive information 
  • Offers 10 GB of encrypted cloud storage for secure document management 
  • Provision of legally valid digital signatures for authenticating documents 
  • Provides seamless integration with systems such as the Ministry of Corporate Affairs, the Goods and Services Tax Network (GSTN), and the Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT). 
  • Enhanced accountability through Aadhaar-authenticated role-based access management. 
• The platform seeks to benefit business entities by reducing document processing time, removing operational bottlenecks, simplifying compliance requirements, and increasing operational efficiency. 

Ratnagiri Buddhist Site

News: The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) has uncovered remarkable Buddhist remains during fresh excavations at the historic Ratnagiri site in Jajpur district.

About Ratnagiri Buddhist Site

• Location– It is located 100 km northeast of Bhubaneswar, Odisha.
• It is part of the famous Diamond Triangle of Odisha along with Udaygiri and Lalitgiri, Ratnagiri – translated as the ‘Hills of Jewels’.
• The site stands on a hill between Birupa and Brahmani rivers and is Odisha’s most famous — and the most excavated – Buddhist site.
• It was a center for Mahayana and Tantrayana (also known as Vajrayana) Buddhism.
• Time frame– Experts date Ratnagiri to a period spanning the 5th to 13th centuries, with its peak construction activity occurring between the 7th and 10th centuries.
• Ratnagiri was an important center of Buddhism in ancient times.
  • Some studies suggest that the famous Chinese Buddhist monk and traveler, Hiuen Tsang, who visited Odisha in 638-639 AD, may have visited Ratnagiri.

Buddhism in Odisha and its connections with Southeast Asian nations

• Mauryan Emperor Ashoka is believed to have invaded Kalinga in 261 BC but, deeply moved by the bloodshed in the war, he eventually embraced Buddhism. Later, he helped spread Buddhism not only within his own empire but also to Sri Lanka, as well as Central and Southeast Asia.
• In Odisha, Buddhism is stated to have particularly flourished under the Bhaumakara dynasty, which ruled parts of the state in between the 8th and 10th Century.
• Odisha has had strong maritime and trade connections with Southeast Asia for a long time. Historians note that goods like pepper, cinnamon, cardamom, silk, camphor, gold, and jewelry were commonly traded between the ancient kingdom of Kalinga and Southeast Asia.
• The state also annually holds Baliyatra, literally ‘voyage to Bali’ – a seven-day festival to commemorate the 2,000-year-old maritime and cultural links between Kalinga and Bali and other South and Southeast Asian regions such as Java, Sumatra, Borneo, Burma (Myanmar) and Ceylon (Sri Lanka).

National Board for Wildlife (NBWL)

News: The National Board for Wildlife (NBWL) has rejected the Uttarakhand government’s proposal to conduct soapstone mining near the Kedarnath Wildlife Sanctuary.

About National Board for Wildlife

• It is a Statutory body constituted by the Central Government under Section 5 A of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972 (WLPA).
• It is worth noting that the Wildlife Act of 1972 did not originally include the NBWL. The NBWL was established later through an amendment in 2002.
• It replaced the Indian Board for Wildlife, which was formed in 1952.
• The NBWL is tasked with advising the government on wildlife conservation matters and granting approvals for projects within protected areas (PAs).
• According to the Wildlife Protection Act (WLPA), activities such as constructing tourist lodges, altering PA boundaries, diverting or destroying wildlife habitats, and de-notifying Tiger Reserves cannot proceed without the NBWL’s approval or recommendations.

Structure of NBWL

• Chairperson: The Prime Minister.
• Vice-Chairperson: The Minister in charge of the Ministry of Environment, Forest, and Climate Change.
• Member-Secretary: The Additional Director General of Forests (Wildlife) & Director, Wildlife Preservation.
• Members:
  • 3 Members of Parliament (2 from Lok Sabha and 1 from Rajya Sabha).
  • 5 Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs).
  • 10 eminent conservationists, ecologists, and environmentalists nominated by the central government.
  • Secretaries of various government departments.
  • The Chief of Army Staff.

Standing Committee of NBWL

• The Standing Committee is an independent body under the NBWL.
• It is chaired by the Minister of Environment, Forest, and Climate Change.
• It consists of not more than ten members nominated by the Minister from amongst the members of the NBWL.
• While the NBWL serves as a policy-making body that advises and contributes to the Central Government’s wildlife protection policies, the Standing Committee primarily focuses on project clearances.