9 PM UPSC Current Affairs Articles 20th June, 2024

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Mains Oriented Articles

GS PAPER - 2

Revision of Competitive Examination

Source-This post on Revision of Competitive Examination has been created based on the article “Revise competitive exams for a better educated country” published in “Livemint” on 20 June 2024.

UPSC Syllabus-GS Paper-2- Issues Relating to Development and Management of Social Sector/Services relating to Health, Education, Human Resources.

Context-The article criticizes the current system of competitive entrance examinations for higher education as an “elimination exercise” rather than a genuine selection process. It proposes an alternative examination system.

What are the issues with the current entrance examination system?

1) These exams cannot assess important life capacities like creativity, deep conceptual understanding, and social capacities. This undermines the value of these abilities.

2) The high-stakes nature of these exams causes mental, social, and economic problems for aspiring students and their families.

3) The concept of “merit” being truly represented by these exams, as they evaluate a limited range of abilities and can produce varying rankings, may be questioned.

What is the proposed alternative selection method?

1) This alternative selection method is based on qualifying criteria assessed through improved board examinations or similar assessments.

2) Students who meet the basic qualifying criteria (e.g., 70% in four subjects) would be eligible for admission to higher education institutions.

3) If the number of eligible students exceeds available seats, randomized selection would be employed.

Read more- Exam Paper Leaks- Concerns and Way Forward

What are the advantages of the proposed method?

1) This approach would lessen the pressure on students and families since they only have to meet the minimum requirements. This will minimize competitive stress and related pressures.

2) By evaluating a broader range of abilities, the issue of limited educational goals emphasized by current exams can be minimized. This will promote a more diverse society and enhance collective competence.

3) Colleges would be evaluated based on the overall quality of education they provide, focusing on students’ broader capacities rather than selecting based solely on narrow, exam-focused skills.

The proposed method doesn’t immediately solve the problem of limited seats in top higher education institutions. However, it suggests that students who don’t get admitted would understand it’s due to chance, not their worth. The real solution is to enhance capacity in high-quality institutions to accommodate all students.

Question for practice

What are the drawbacks of the existing entrance examination system? What alternative method of selection is being proposed? What are the benefits of adopting this alternative approach?

Significance of AI for Education Sector

Source-This post on Significance of AI for Education Sector has been created based on the article “Educators should leverage AI for an educational transformation” published in “LiveMint” on 20 June 2024.

UPSC Syllabus-GS Paper-2- Issues Relating to Development and Management of Social Sector/Services relating to Health, Education, Human Resources.

Context-The article discusses the potential of AI to bridge the gap in access to quality education and personalized tutoring. It cites the “2 Sigma Problem” which highlights the effectiveness of one-on-one tutoring, but also the practical challenges of scalability.

The current higher education places too much importance on job placement and salary packages as the main objectives of higher education. This focus could restrict motivation for learning.

What role does AI play in enhancing the quality and access to education?

1) Recent advancements in AI like OpenAI’s ChatGPT offer scalable, personalized, and cost-effective alternatives to traditional teaching methods

2) AI models can offer personalized tutoring, adjusting to each student’s learning speed and preferences. It can also replicate the advantages of one-on-one teaching.

3) Integration of voice and vision capabilities in AI is making interactions more natural. It allows students to communicate with AI tutors like human instructors.

4) In India, many students don’t have access to quality teachers. AI can help bridge this gap by offering consistent and high-quality educational support.

5) AI can democratize education, ensuring all students, regardless of where they live or their socio-economic background, can access the resources they need to succeed.

What are the issues with it?

1) There is no consensus on the impact of AI on education. Some view it as a threat to human capabilities, whereas others see it as enhancing them.

2) Advanced technology by itself is not enough; learner engagement and motivation driven by meaningful purposes such as addressing social issues and promoting public welfare are essential for effective learning.

3) It cautions against an overemphasis on job placement and salary packages as the primary goal of higher education, which may limit motivation for learning.

What should be the way forward?

1) Integration of AI in Education-Policymakers, educators, and philanthropists should prioritize AI adoption in education and invest in AI infrastructure, teacher training, and curriculum development.

2) Empowering Educators as Facilitators: – Educators should transition to facilitator roles, utilizing AI for personalized support and emphasizing higher-order thinking skills and creativity. This integration can improve learning outcomes, preparing students for future careers by nurturing critical thinking and innovation.

3) Embracing AI as a Complementary Educational Tool -Educators should see AI models not as threats, but as tools that complement their teaching methods. By incorporating AI into classrooms, teachers can concentrate on the intricate and profound elements of education that demand human insight and awareness.

Read more- Major concerns of AI use in India

Question for practice

How does AI contribute to improving the quality and accessibility of education? What steps should be taken to progress in this direction?

GS PAPER - 3

7 Years of GST

Source-This post on 7 Years of GST has been created based on the article “7 years of GST: Balancing tech & transformation” published in “Business Standard” on 20 June 2024.

UPSC SyllabusGS Paper-3– Indian Economy and issues relating to Planning, Mobilization of Resources, Growth, Development and Employment.

Context– The article discusses the performance of GST since its inception. GST has proven to be a game-changer for India’s digital economy. It has moved the country closer to the vision of “one nation, one tax.” This tech-driven tax system, supported by automation adopted by both government and businesses, has shown significant benefits.

What have been the achievements of GST in the last 7 years?

1) Digital Infrastructure-The effectiveness of GST relied on a strong compliance framework, made possible by the GST Network (GSTN), which simplified the processes of registration, tax payments, and filing returns for taxpayers.

2) Enhanced Compliance– GSTN has made compliance easier for businesses and tax authorities, equipping them with data analytics to detect and prevent tax evasion. Automation of tasks such as e-waybills, e-invoicing, and monthly returns has transformed tax compliance, setting an example for other countries to adopt similar practices.

3) Benefits for MSMEs

A) MSMEs have greatly benefited from the simplified GST system. Measures like quarterly returns and relaxed GSTR-9C requirements have encouraged MSMEs to register under GST, leading to an increase in the taxpayer base.

B) GST has facilitated improved access to credit for MSMEs, which has accelerated their growth.

4) Unified Market and Competitiveness-

A) GST has introduced a unified system, established a common market, and eliminated tax cascading. This has enhanced the competitiveness of Indian businesses in both domestic and global markets.

B) GST has removed entry taxes and checkpoints at state borders. This has ensured smooth movement of goods, faster transit times, and reduced logistics costs for businesses.

What are the challenges in its implementation?

1) There are concerns related to some sectors that deal with an inverted duty structure.

2) Petroleum products have not been kept under the GST regime.

3) The GST law is still evolving, leading to disputes on various issues due to unfamiliarity and divergent positions

What should be the way forward?

1) Establishing a National Advance Ruling Authority-A National Advance Ruling Authority could ensure uniform interpretation of the law across the country, reducing uncertainty for businesses and minimizing disputes.

2) Dispute Resolution– A functional Goods and Services Tax Appellate Tribunal (GSTAT) could reduce the burden on High Courts. This can lead to faster and more efficient dispute resolution for businesses.

Read more- Five Years of GST: Achievements, Challenges and Way Ahead

3) Clarifying GST Complexities -Reintroducing FAQs tailored to specific sectors could offer clear guidance on the intricate details and complexities of GST.

4) Integration of Petroleum Products into GST -Including petroleum products in the GST system could ensure smooth input tax credit (ITC) flow across the supply chain. This will benefit both businesses and the overall economy.

5) Rate Rationalization and Simplification- Rate rationalization, simplification of the multi-tier rate system, and an amnesty scheme for regularizing initial period transactions could further improve the GST system.

Question for practice

What progress has GST made in the past 7 years? What are the hurdles in its execution? What steps should be taken moving forward?

India’s Rank on the Global Gender Gap Index 2024

Source: The post India’s rank on the Global Gender Gap Index 2024 has been created, based on the article “Cost of inequality: What India’s 129 rank in Global Gender Gap Index means” published in “Indian express” on 20th June 2024

UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS Paper3- economy-growth, development, and inclusive growth

Context: The article discusses India’s ranking on the Global Gender Gap Index, highlighting improvements and persistent gender gaps in health, education, economic participation, and political empowerment. It stresses the need to mainstream gender equality into economic policies for better outcomes.

For detailed information on Global Gender Gap Index 2024 read Article 1, Article 2

What Does the Global Gender Gap Index Measure?

  1. The Global Gender Gap Index was introduced in 2006.
  2. It measures gender gaps in four areas: economic participation, educational attainment, health and survival, and political empowerment.
  3. The index ranges from 0 to 1, with 1 indicating complete parity.

What is India’s Rank on the Global Gender Gap Index 2024?

  1. In 2024, India is ranked 129th out of 146 countries on the Global Gender Gap Index. This position places India 18th from the bottom. In 2021, India was 17th from the bottom out of 156 countries.
  2. India’s “Health and Survival Score” is 0.951, meaning 95.1% of the gender gap is closed.
  3. In educational attainment, 96.4% of the gap is closed. Despite these scores, India ranks 112th in education and 142nd in health among 146 countries.
  4. India scores 39.8% in economic participation, ranking 142nd among 146 countries.
  5. India has closed 25.1% of the gender gap in political participation, ranking 65th globally. This rank has worsened from 51 in 2021.
  6. South Asia ranks 7th out of eight regions globally. India ranks 5th within South Asia, with Bangladesh leading the region at 99th globally.

What Are the Economic Costs of Gender Inequality?

  1. Gender-based discrimination could cost the global economy up to $12 trillion, according to the OECD.
  2. Reducing gender discrimination can increase GDP growth.

3.Gender equality should be part of economic policy making, not an afterthought. Equality in the economic sphere requires society to treat women as independent and capable adults. Women should be free to make choices and included as equals in decision-making at all levels.

Question for practice:

Discuss India’s performance on the Global Gender Gap Index 2024, highlighting key areas of improvement and persistent challenges.

The changing role of the Global South in the global economy

Source: The post the changing role of the Global South in the global economy has been created, based on the article “Developing countries can spur global growth but they need support” published in “Indian express” on 20th June 2024

UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS Paper3- Economy -growth, and development

Context: This article discusses the changing role of the Global South in the global economy. It highlights the need for better financial support, digital infrastructure, and climate financing to boost growth. It also suggests reforms in the global financial system to address these challenges.

For detailed information on India and Global South read this article here

What is the Current Economic Outlook?

  1. The current global economic growth forecast by the World Bank and IMF is steady at around 3 percent.
  2. This growth rate is the lowest in decades.
  3. The forecasts indicate that nearly three-fourths of global growth in the next two to three decades will originate from middle- and low-income countries, particularly from Asia.

How Have Recent Global Events Affected Growth?

  1. Globalization and Social Safety Nets: As globalization deepened, social safety nets did not keep pace, impacting social cohesion and support for multilateral systems.
  2. Pandemic Impact: COVID-19 disrupted markets, trade, and supply chains, stalling global growth. This was a major setback from the usual expansion beneficial to global growth.
  3. Geopolitical Tensions: The war in Ukraine and rising strategic competitions have led to policy-driven fragmentation, worsening global cooperation and economic stability.

What Challenges Does the Global South Face?

  1. High Capital Costs and Short Tenures: The Global South struggles because it attracts capital at prohibitive rates and for short durations, making sustainable financing a key barrier to growth.
  2. Inadequate Financial Systems: The current international financial architecture is described as ill-suited to support the growth potential of the Global South, emphasizing the need for change.
  3. Vulnerability to Global Headwinds: The Global South is most affected by various global challenges such as climate change, cost of living crises, and unmet Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), which impact its economic stability more severely than more developed regions.
  4. Technological Disparities: Countries lacking digital public infrastructure (DPI) struggled during the pandemic, while those with effective DPI could provide emergency services, highlighting the need for digital transformation to support growth and resilience.

What should be done?

To support global growth, three key actions are needed.

First, improve climate financing by leveraging public and multilateral resources and focusing on capital markets. For example, only 1% of publicly listed companies are responsible for 40% of greenhouse gas emissions.

Second, enhance liquidity provisions for Global South. Strengthening the IMF can help provide significant liquidity beyond current levels, addressing the lack of US dollar swap lines for countries like India and Indonesia.

Third, develop a global digital public infrastructure. Effective DPIs can support emergency responses, health, education, and commerce, as shown during the pandemic.

These measures will address current challenges and promote sustainable growth in the Global South and beyond.

Question for practice:

Discuss the challenges faced by the Global South in supporting the global economy.

Present Refugee Situation in India

Source: The post present refugee situation in India has been created, based on the article “Blueprints beyond borders, for solace and shelter” published in “The Hindu” on 20th June 2024

UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS Paper3- Internal security

Context: The article discusses the global refugee crisis and India’s historical role in granting asylum. It criticizes India’s lack of a formal refugee law, advocates for new legislation, and highlights the need for better treatment and legal protections for refugees in India.

For detailed information on Refugee Problem in India read Article 1, Article 2

What is the current global refugee situation?

  1. The UN Refugee Convention or its 1967 Protocol outlines the rights of refugees. (India is not a signatory to it)
  2. Over 43.4 million refugees worldwide.

How has India historically treated refugees?

  1. Ancient History: India has a long tradition of granting asylum dating back millennia. For example, Jews found refuge in India centuries before Christ after fleeing persecution and the destruction of their temple in Jerusalem by the Babylonians and later the Romans.
  2. Medieval to Modern History: Zoroastrians, fleeing Islamic persecution in Persia, also sought and found safety in India.
  3. Partition of India: During the 1947 partition, India experienced one of the largest refugee crises in history, with 13 to 15 million people crossing borders, highlighting the scale of displacement and the humanitarian response needed.
  4. 20th Century Onward: India supported East Bengalis in their struggle for nationhood, which led to the creation of Bangladesh in 1971. Additionally, India has provided refuge to Tibetans, Sri Lankan Tamils, Nepalis, Afghans, and Rohingyas.

What efforts have been made to improve refugee rights in India?

  1. Legislative Efforts: A Private Member’s Bill was introduced in the Lok Sabha in February 2022, proposing the establishment of a comprehensive Refugee and Asylum law. This bill aims to recognize asylum seekers officially and grant them specific rights, addressing India’s lack of a formal asylum framework. However, as of now, India has no domestic asylum law.
  2. Judicial Contributions: The Supreme Court of India has reinforced the constitutional rights of refugees, irrespective of nationality. A landmark ruling in 1996 in the case of National Human Rights Commission vs State Of Arunachal Pradesh & Anr. ensured that the Chakma refugees, who had entered Arunachal Pradesh in 1995, could not be forcibly evicted until their asylum applications were properly processed. This judgment underlined the importance of legal procedures in the treatment of refugees.

What challenges do refugees face in India?

  1. Lack of Legal Framework: India lacks a comprehensive asylum law, leaving refugees without clear protections. Existing laws like the Foreigners Act (1946), the Registration of Foreigners Act (1939), the Passports Act (1967), the Extradition Act (1962), the Citizenship Act (1955, including the controversial 2019 amendment), and the Foreigners Order (1948) treat all foreign individuals as “aliens.”
  2. Judicial Inconsistencies: Refugees are subject to varying judicial decisions. While the Supreme Court in 1996 upheld that everyone in India, including refugees, has rights under Articles 14, 20, and 21 of the Constitution, decisions vary. This is evident in the differing approaches in the Rohingya cases.
  3. Discrimination: Rohingyas are classified as “illegal migrants” and face religious and racial discrimination. For example, in 2017, the Ministry of Home Affairs issued a circular that led to their detention.
  4. Deportation and Detention: Refugees, like the over 700 detained Rohingyas as of August 2023, often face deportation and live in poor conditions in detention centers.

What should be done?

1.India needs a comprehensive law to ensure refugee rights, building on the proposed Asylum Bill of 2022.

2.Adhere to the principle of non-refoulement, avoiding actions like the deportation of over 700 Rohingyas detained in poor conditions.

3.Follow the Supreme Court’s 1996 ruling that grants constitutional rights to all residents, including refugees.

4.India should set an example in refugee management, reflecting its historical commitment to humanitarian values.

Question for practice:

Examine India’s historical treatment of refugees and its current legal framework, highlighting any challenges and proposed solutions.

Prelims Oriented Articles (Factly)

Krishi Sakhi Convergence Program (KSCP)

Source– This post on Krishi Sakhi Convergence Program (KSCP) has been created based on the article “Krishi Sakhi”  published in “PIB” on 18 June 2024.

Why in the news?

The Prime Minister of India recently Krishi Sakhigranted certificates to over 30,000 women from Self Help Groups (SHGs), recognizing them as ‘Krishi Sakhis’ under the Krishi Sakhi Convergence Programme (KSCP).

About Krishi Sakhi Convergence Program (KSCP)

Aspects Description
About The Krishi Sakhi Convergence Programme (KSCP) aims to empower rural women in India by training and certifying them as Krishi Sakhis, who serve as para-extension workers.
Initiative by Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare & Ministry of Rural Development
Objective i) Transform rural India by empowering women through agricultural training.
ii) Aligns with the broader ‘Lakhpati Didi’ program, which aims to create three crore Lakhpati Didis (women earning at least Rs 1 lakh per annum) by enhancing their agricultural skills and providing employment opportunities
Selection of Krishi Sakhis Krishi Sakhis are trusted community resource persons and experienced farmers.
Training modules i) Krishi Sakhis have already been trained on various extension service for 56 days on the following modules:
1. Agro Ecological Practices from land preparation to harvest
2. Organising Farmer Field schools
3. Seed banks + Establishment and Management
4. Soil health, soil and moisture conservation practices
5. Integrated Farming Systems
6. Basics of Livestock Management
7. Preparation and use of Bio inputs and establishment of Bio inputs shops
8. Basic communication skills
ii) Currently, Krishi Sakhis are undergoing refresher training with a special focus on Natural Farming and Soil Health Card through DAY-NRLM agencies in coordination with MANAGE.
States covered under Krishi Sakhi Training Program Krishi Sakhi Training Program has been rolled out in 12 states in Phase – 1: Gujarat, Tamil Nadu, Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Karnataka, Maharashtra, Rajasthan, Odisha, Jharkhand, Andhra Pradesh, and Meghalaya

Krishi Sakhis under MOVCDNER Scheme

1. Role and Responsibilities:

i) Local Resource Persons (LRP): 30 Krishi Sakhis are working as Local Resource Persons.

ii) Farm Visits: They visit each farm once a month to check on farm activities and understand the challenges faced by farmers.

iii) Weekly Meetings: They conduct weekly meetings with Farmer Interest Groups (FIG) to train farmers and discuss their issues.

iv) Farmer Interaction: Krishi Sakhis interact with farmers to understand their problems, help with Farmer Producer Organisation (FPO) functioning, and assist with marketing activities.

v) Record Keeping: They maintain a farmer diary to keep track of all activities and challenges.

2. For their efforts, Krishi Sakhis receive a resource fee of INR 4,500 per month.

UPSC Syllabus: Schemes and Programme

Gene therapy for sickle cell disease (SCD)

Source– This post on Gene therapy for sickle cell disease (SCD) has been created based on the article “India getting close to developing gene therapy for sickle cell disease, say officials” published in “The Hindu” on 20 June 2024.

Why in the news?

India is advancing towards developing a gene therapy for sickle cell disease (SCD).

About CRISPR-Cas9 system

i) India is developing gene therapy using CRISPR-Cas9. It is a gene-editing tool to treat SCD.

ii) The CRISPR-Cas9 system works like molecular scissors. It uses an enzyme to cut DNA at a specific spot, allowing a guide RNA to insert a new genetic code at that location.

iii) This method is considered fast and highly versatile compared to other gene-editing techniques.

iv) Developing a gene therapy using CRISPR has been part of India’s mission to eradicate sickle cell disease by 2047.

About National Sickle Cell Anaemia Elimination Mission

i) The National Sickle Cell Anaemia Elimination Mission is an initiative to address the health challenges posed by sickle cell disease, particularly among tribal populations.

ii) The mission aims to improve care for all Sickle Cell Disease patients and lower the prevalence of the disease through coordinated screening and awareness strategies.

About Sickle cell disease

i) Sickle cell disease is a group of inherited red blood cell disorders affecting haemoglobin.

ii) Normal Cells are of Disc-shaped and flexible, allowing easy movement through blood vessels. In Sickle Cell Disease, Red blood cells become crescent or “sickle” shaped, causing them to be rigid and block blood flow.

iii) Blocked blood flow can lead to serious issues such as Stroke, Eye problems, Infections, Pain crises.

UPSC Syllabus: Science and technology

India’s Bio-Bitumen Initiative

Source– This post on India’s Bio-Bitumen Initiative has been created based on the article “On the way: Production of Bitumen using biomass”  published in “Economic Times” on 20 June 2024.

Why in the news?

India is planning to initiate large-scale production of bio-bitumen derived from biomass or agricultural waste.

About India’s Bio-Bitumen Initiative

i) India is actively exploring large-scale production of bio-bitumen from biomass or agricultural waste.

ii) This innovative approach aims to reduce the country’s dependence on imported bitumen which is commonly used for road asphalting, while also addressing the persistent issue of stubble burning.

iii) India currently imports about half of its annual bitumen requirement. The goal is to replace these imports with bio-bitumen over the next decade.

About Bio-Bitumen

i) Bio-bitumen is a sustainable alternative to traditional fossil-fuel-based bitumen. It is petroleum-free and manufactured from organic materials such as bio-char, bio-oil, and similar substances. It is also known as bio-asphalt.

ii) Bio-bitumen can be used to supplement bitumen or to reduce the amount of bitumen in binder mixtures.

How is Bio-Bitumen Made?

i) Bio-bitumen is an asphalt mixture made from lignins which are natural biopolymers found in the plant cell wall. Lignins provide structural support and aid in plant growth.

ii) The production process involves heating the waste mixture to around 500°C without oxygen in a process known as pyrolysis. This method is similar to the production of charcoal and biochar and is also used in biofuel manufacturing.

Benefits of Bio-Bitumen

i) Economic Impact: Bio-bitumen production from biomass could lead to substantial savings in foreign exchange by reducing the need for imports. It would also make India self-reliant in bio-bitumen production.

ii) Environmental Impact: This initiative provides an effective solution to the problem of stubble burning, promoting the sustainable use of agricultural waste and biomass.

UPSC Syllabus: Environment

Pro-tem Speaker

Source– This post on Pro-tem Speaker has been created based on the article Who is the pro-tem Speaker of Lok Sabha and how is an MP chosen for the role?  published in “The Indian Express” on 19 June 2024.

Why in the news?

The 18th Lok Sabha will hold its first session from June 24 to July 3, with the election of the new Speaker scheduled for June 26. Congress leader Kodikunnil Suresh, the seniormost member, is expected to be appointed as the pro-tem Speaker to swear in the new MPs.

About Pro-tem Speaker

1. Pro-tem Speaker is a temporary Speaker appointed to perform certain duties until a new Speaker is elected. The term “Pro-tem” means “for the time being” or “temporarily.”

2.  The Constitution does not explicitly mention the post of Pro-tem Speaker. The official ‘Handbook on the Working of Ministry of Parliamentary Affairs’ outlines the ‘Appointment and Swearing in of Speaker pro tem.’

Selection of the Pro-tem Speaker

1. When the Speaker post is vacant before a new Lok Sabha, the duties are assigned to a Member of the House appointed by the President as the Pro-tem Speaker.

2. Normally, the senior-most members of the Lok Sabha (based on years of membership) are chosen. Although there can be exceptions.

3. After the new government is formed, the Legislative Section prepares a list of the senior-most Lok Sabha members. The list is submitted to the Minister of Parliamentary Affairs or the Prime Minister for identifying the Pro-tem Speaker and three other members for administering oaths.

4. The Minister of Parliamentary Affairs obtains the consent of the selected members. A note is then submitted to the President for approval of the appointments and the date and time of the swearing-in ceremony.

5.  Once approved by the President, the Ministry informs the Pro-tem Speaker and the other three members about their appointments.

Duties of Pro tem speaker

1. Administering Oaths to New MPs: The primary duty is to administer the oath or affirmation to newly elected Members of Parliament (MPs). Under Article 99 of the Constitution, every Member must make and subscribe to an oath before the President or a person appointed by him.

2. Oath Administration by Other Members: Three other elected members are also appointed by the President for MPs to take oath before them. These members are generally senior-most members of the Lok Sabha.

3. Swearing-in Ceremony: The President administers the oath to the Pro-tem Speaker at the Rashtrapati Bhawan. He/she then administers the oath to the other three members in the Lok Sabha.

4. Session Timing:  The swearing-in of the Pro-tem Speaker usually takes place at 9:30 am on the same day the Lok Sabha session starts. The Lok Sabha’s timing typically begins at 11 am, subject to the President’s convenience.

UPSC Syllabus: Polity and nation

Juneteenth and its significance

Source– This post on Juneteenth and its significance has been created based on the article ” What is Juneteenth and what is its significance?” published in “The Indian Express” on 19 June 2024.

Why in the news?

Recently, Juneteenth has been observed on June 19, in the United States of America.

About Juneteenth

Juneteenth is a short name for “June Nineteenth”. It is a holiday commemorating the end of slavery in the United States.

2. Historical Significance:

i)  Juneteenth marks the day on June 19, 1865, when Union General Gordon Granger arrived in Galveston, Texas and announced the end of the Civil War and the emancipation of enslaved African Americans.

ii) Although President Abraham Lincoln’s Emancipation Proclamation had legally freed slaves in Confederate states on January 1, 1863, enforcement had been slow in some regions, particularly in Texas.

3. Juneteenth is celebrated with various activities such as parades, cultural events, educational workshops, and family gatherings.

4. It is a time to honor African American freedom, heritage, and achievements while reflecting on the ongoing struggle for equality.

5. Juneteenth has gained recognition as a significant cultural and historical event in the United States. In 2021, it was declared a federal holiday, further solidifying its importance in American history.

UPSC Syllabus: World History

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