9 PM UPSC Current Affairs Articles 13^th September, 2024

Mains Oriented Articles

GS PAPER - 2

Drowning is a major issue in India

Source: The post drowning is a major issue in India has been created, based on the article “Why does drowning not figure as a health crisis in India?” published in “The Hindu” on 13th August 2024

UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS Paper 2- Governance-Issues relating to development and management of Social Sector/Services relating to Health

Context: The article discusses how drowning is a major issue in India, causing over 38,000 deaths annually. Despite this, drowning is not treated as a public health crisis. Experts urge greater attention, prevention efforts, and community-led initiatives to reduce drowning deaths.

What is the Scale of the Drowning Problem in India?

1. In India, at least 38,000 people die from drowning each year, which experts believe is an underestimation.
2. According to the National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB), in 2022, more than 70% of drowning deaths in India were due to accidental falls into water bodies.
3. Around 3,000 of these deaths were children under 14 years old, mostly boys.
4. However, many deaths, including those caused by flooding, are not accurately recorded as drowning incidents.
5. Globally, drowning has caused over 2.5 million deaths in the last decade, primarily in low and middle-income countries.

What are the government’s efforts to prevent drowning?

1. In December 2023, the Union Ministry of Health introduced the Strategic Framework for Drowning Prevention.
2. A National Strategy for the Prevention of Unintentional Injury was also launched, but experts believe that India still has much progress to make.

What Should be Done?

1. Increase Public Awareness: Experts emphasize that changing public perception of drowning, like how smoking went from being seen as glamorous to harmful, is key.Drowning needs to be recognized as a serious public health issue to receive more attention and resources.
2. Provide Safe Spaces: Following Bangladesh’s example, create safe play areas, install barricades, and put up signage around water bodies.
3. Promote Swimming Lessons: Swimming education, like in West Bengal’s Sundarbans, can save children from drowning in controlled environments.
4. Accurate Data Collection: Improve data reporting on drowning deaths, including flooding incidents.

Question for practice:

Discuss the scale of the drowning problem in India and the measures that can be taken to prevent it.

Supreme Court of India Moves to Curb Extra-Legal Demolitions

Source: The post Supreme Court of India Moves to Curb Extra-Legal Demolitions has been created, based on the article “Putting the brakes on ‘bulldozer justice’” published in “The Hindu” on 13th August 2024

UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS Paper 2- Important aspects of governance, transparency and accountability.

Context: The article discusses the Supreme Court of India’s decision to create nationwide guidelines for demolitions carried out without due process. It highlights issues like targeted demolitions, lack of legal recourse, and the need for a structured, fair approach to ensure proper procedures and rehabilitation for affected individuals.

For detailed information on Bulldozer injustice read Article 1, Article 2

What is the issue with extra-legal demolitions in India?

1. The Supreme Court of India is working on guidelines to address the problem of buildings being demolished without following legal procedures.
2. These demolitions often target vulnerable groups and result in the loss of homes without offering any alternative solutions or compensation. Examples include widespread demolitions in Delhi’s Jahangirpuri and following communal riots in Nuh, Haryana, and Khargone, Madhya Pradesh.

Why are these demolitions a concern?

1. These demolitions are concerning because they bypass the legal processes outlined by the Supreme Court and High Courts in past judgments.
2. They are typically justified under municipal laws but ignore the due process required by law, thus violating fundamental rights and constitutional values.

What solutions are being considered?

The solutions being considered by the Supreme Court to address illegal demolitions include:

1. Pre-Demolition Guidelines: Authorities must justify the need for demolition, providing detailed notices and allowing affected persons time to respond. This process aims to protect human rights and ensure public good.
2. Controlled Demolition Process: Demolitions should minimize physical force, avoid heavy machinery like bulldozers, and be supervised by non-involved government officials.
3. Post-Demolition Measures: There should be provisions for adequate rehabilitation and compensation. A swift grievance redress mechanism is proposed to allow affected persons to challenge demolition decisions and seek remedies.
4. Fixing Accountability: Officials responsible for illegal demolitions should be held personally accountable to prevent misuse of power, overriding “good faith” clauses in municipal laws that shield them from action.

Question for practice:

Discuss the concerns raised by the Supreme Court of India regarding extra-legal demolitions and the solutions being considered to address them.

GS PAPER - 3

Free AI-powered primary-care physician for every Indian

Source: The post free AI-powered primary-care physician for every Indian has been created, based on the article “Health care using AI is bold, but much caution first” published in “The Hindu” on 13th August 2024

UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS Paper 3 – Science and Technology- developments and their applications and effects in everyday life.

Context: The article discusses the ambitious plan of providing a “free AI-powered primary-care physician for every Indian, available 24/7” in the next five years. It questions the feasibility, sustainability, and readiness of India to implement such a large-scale initiative. It also highlights the challenges like data privacy, infrastructure costs, and the limitations of AI in replicating human empathy and understanding in healthcare.

For detailed information on Generative AI (Artificial Intelligence) read this article here

What Are the Potential Challenges with AI in Primary Health Care?

1. Impersonal Care: AI lacks empathy and personal understanding, making patients passive recipients of care. Health care requires human-centric approaches, which AI cannot provide.
2. Lack of Human Intelligence: AI is good at automating tasks but cannot match human intelligence in areas like reasoning, memory, and ethical decision-making. This is crucial in diagnosing complex health conditions.
3. Data Collection Challenges: AI models need vast personal data to improve accuracy, which conflicts with privacy concerns. For example, using Naegele’s rule, with only 4% accuracy, shows how limited data leads to poor predictions.
4. High Costs: Establishing data infrastructure and maintaining AI models demands significant investments. Additionally, continuous updates are necessary due to changes in health trends.
5. Lack of Transparency: AI’s “black box” nature, where decision-making processes are unclear, leads to mistrust. This is critical when a diagnosis or treatment plan must be understood.

What Are the Benefits of AI in Primary Health Care?

1. Efficiency in Specific Tasks: AI excels in managing hospital resources, predicting hospital kitchen supplies, and optimizing drug procurement.
2. Medical Imaging and Screening: AI’s diffusion models can help screen medical images and histopathology slides efficiently, assisting in early diagnosis.
3. Enhancing Medical Education: Large Language Models (LLMs) and Large Multimodal Models (LMMs) simulate clinical scenarios and offer personalised learning, supporting medical training.
4. Improved Access to Knowledge: AI can provide quick access to vast medical information, helping healthcare professionals stay updated.
5. Predictive Analytics: AI can predict specific patterns, for instance, in hospital resource needs, leading to better management.
6. Error Reduction: AI can potentially reduce human errors in repetitive tasks, improving overall healthcare service delivery.

Why Is AI Governance Important?

Effective governance is necessary to ensure AI is developed and used ethically, respecting patient rights and privacy. The lack of specific AI legislation in India, similar to the European Union’s Artificial Intelligence Act, poses a risk to implementing AI responsibly in health care settings.

Question for practice:

Examine the potential challenges and benefits of implementing AI in primary health care in India.

Whether India should introduce a Universal Basic Income (UBI)

Source: The post whether India should introduce a Universal Basic Income (UBI) has been created, based on the article “Is it time for India to introduce a Universal Basic Income?” published in “The Hindu” on 13th August 2024

UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS Paper 3 – Indian Economy and issues relating to Planning, Mobilization of Resources, Growth, Development and Employment.

Context: The article discusses whether India should introduce a Universal Basic Income (UBI) due to jobless growth and rising inequality. Experts N.R. Bhanumurthy and Arun Kumar debate the feasibility and need for UBI in India, considering current social safety nets, employment policies, and economic challenges.

What is the current situation of unemployment in India?

1. Unemployment in India is a serious issue, especially among youth.
2. As per the ILO, 83% of India’s unemployed population consists of young people.
3. Jobless growth is rising, where output increases but employment does not.
4. Automation and AI are reducing jobs, especially in industries like banking and retail.
5. E-commerce growth is replacing traditional retail jobs.

What is Universal Basic Income (UBI)?

It is a guaranteed regular cash transfer by the Government to all citizens irrespective of their income or financial condition. As a universal safety net, UBI will be applied to all individuals, irrespective of income and age. The Economic Survey (2016-17) had noted that the UBI has 3 components namely; universality, unconditionality, and agency. Universal: UBI will cover all citizens, Unconditional: UBI has no criteria to select the beneficiaries, Agency: Providing support in the form of cash transfers to respect, not dictate, recipients’ choices.

For detailed information on Universal Basic Income read this article here

Why is UBI being considered in India?

1. Experts believe the lack of demand in the market is stunting growth. As unemployment rises, people have less income, leading to reduced demand for goods and services. This creates a cycle where growth slows further.
   2. UBI could provide a solution by putting money in people’s hands, which would increase demand and support economic growth.

What are the challenges in implementing UBI?

1. One major challenge is whether UBI would provide dignity to people without jobs.
2. Critics argue that paying people without work could lead to social division and political consequences.
3. Instead, they believe generating employment is essential for societal well-being and personal dignity.

What are the government’s current efforts?

1. The government has increased capital investments, focusing on sectors like railways, highways, and power. These sectors, however, are capital-intensive and do not generate many jobs.
2. Labour-intensive sectors, like education, health, and rural development, have faced budget cuts in real terms.
3. The Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana, a rural housing scheme, has created employment opportunities with a multiplier effect on sectors like steel, cement, and electrical components.
4. Despite investments, critics argue that more focus is needed on employment-generating sectors to address rising unemployment effectively.

What Should be Done?

1. Focus on Social Safety Nets: Strengthen and universalize social safety nets across all states before implementing UBI. Current schemes like cash transfers for farmers and women are examples of semi-UBI in India.
2. Invest in Labour-Intensive Sectors: Redirect funds from capital-intensive projects to sectors like education, health, and rural development, which generate more employment.
3. Upgrade Workforce Skills: Address the mismatch between skills demanded by industries like AI and automation and the skills supplied. This will prepare workers for the new job market.
4. Raise Direct Tax Revenue: Increase the direct tax-to-GDP ratio, currently at 6.25%, to fund UBI.

Question for practice:

Evaluate whether implementing Universal Basic Income (UBI) in India would effectively address the challenges of unemployment and rising inequality, considering the current government efforts and economic conditions.

Dissolution of Standing Committee on Statistics (SCoS)

Source: The post dissolution of Standing Committee on Statistics (SCoS) has been created, based on the article “What does dissolution of SCoS entail?” published in “The Hindu” on 13th August 2024

UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS Paper 3- Indian Economy and issues relating to planning

Context: The article discusses the government’s dissolution of the 14-member Standing Committee on Statistics (SCoS) due to overlapping responsibilities with another committee. It highlights the urgency of conducting the delayed census and the limitations of using administrative data for policymaking.

For detailed information on Standing Committee on Statistics (SCoS) read this article here

Why was the Standing Committee on Statistics (SCoS) dissolved?

1. Overlapping roles: The Standing Committee on Statistics (SCoS) was dissolved due to its overlapping role with the Steering Committee for National Sample Surveys.
2. Explanation from Geeta Singh Rathore: Geeta Singh Rathore, Director-General of the National Sample Survey Office (NSSO), explained the duplication of responsibilities as the reason for dismantling SCoS.
3. Similar Functions by Steering Committee: The Steering Committee, led by Rajeeva Laxman Karandikar, already handled similar tasks, such as reviewing survey methodologies and tabulating data.
4. Pronab Sen’s statement: Dr. Pronab Sen former head of SCoS, stated members were not given a clear explanation for the dissolution.
5. Concerns over the census: Members had also raised concerns over the delay in conducting the national census, a key data source for policymakers.

What were the key responsibilities of the SCoS?

1. The SCoS advised the government on survey methodologies such as sampling designs and survey instruments.
2. It played a role in finalizing tabulation plans for surveys and addressing issues related to survey results and methodology.
3. It also guided pilot surveys, identified data gaps, and provided technical support to agencies at central and state levels for conducting surveys.

What is the role of the new Steering Committee?

1. The new Steering Committee has 17 members and one non-member secretary.
2. Its main role is to advise the government on survey methodology, including sampling designs and survey instruments.
3. It will review the results, methodologies, and sampling frameworks of all National Sample Surveys.
4. The Committee also finalizes the tabulation plans for surveys, ensuring accurate data.

Why is there pressure to conduct a new census?

1. Lack of Updated Data: The last census was conducted in 2011, and the delay in the 2021 census due to COVID-19 has left policymakers relying on outdated data.
2. Impact on Schemes: Absence of fresh census data affects schemes like the National Food Security Act, leaving millions without necessary benefits.
3. Employment Data Concerns: Opposition and policymakers have questioned the accuracy of employment and unemployment data.
4. Comprehensive Data Needs: Census data provides state and sub-district level information on education and employment, which surveys like PLFS cannot cover.

What are the flaws in administrative data?

1. Administrative data, such as those from EPFO and ESIC, often reflect government intentions and have threshold-based limitations, especially in labor statistics.
2. This data can be manipulated, lacks analytical depth, and doesn’t offer a full picture. In contrast, census data has universal coverage and provides more accurate and extensive information.

Question for practice:

Examine the reasons behind the dissolution of the Standing Committee on Statistics (SCoS) and its impact on the government’s approach to data collection.

Prelims Oriented Articles (Factly)

Third Edition of INDUS-X Summit

Source: This post on the Third Edition of INDUS-X Summit has been created based on the article “Third edition of INDUS-X Summit concludes in California”, published in PIB on 13^th Sep 2024.

Why in news?

Recently, the Third Edition of the INDUS-X Summit was held on 9-10 September 2024 in California. Third Edition of INDUS-X Summit

Key Highlights of the Third Edition of INDUS-X Summit

Aspects	Description
About	1. It was held on 9-10 September 2024 in California. 2. Organised by: U.S.-India Strategic Partnership Forum (USISPF) and Stanford University.
Aim	To advance the joint defence innovation ecosystem between India and the USA.
Participation	Participants included representatives from defence industries, investment firms, startups, academia, think tanks, accelerators, and policymakers from both nations.
Points of discussion	1.  Future technology trends in defence. 2.  Capacity building for startups and MSMEs. 3. Funding opportunities for defence innovations. 4. Strengthening defence supply chains between India and the USA.
What happened at the summit	1. A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed between India’s Innovations for Defence Excellence (iDEX) and the U.S. Department of Defense’s Defence Innovation Unit (DIU). The MoU aims to enhance cooperation in defence innovation. It focuses on deepening collaboration among industry, research, and investment stakeholders. 2. Announcement of A new challenge under the INDUS-X framework to foster new defence technologies was announced. 3. INDUS-X Impact Report  was released documenting the initiative’s progress since June 2023. 4. The official INDUS-X webpage was launched on the iDEX and DIU websites.
Benefits	1. It allowed startups and MSMEs to showcase cutting-edge defence technologies. 2. It created opportunities for joint innovation in areas critical to defence.

About INDUS-X

Specifications	Details
Full Form	India – U.S. Defense Acceleration Ecosystem (INDUS-X)
Launched in	June 2023
Aim	To expand strategic technology partnership and defense industrial cooperation between governments, businesses and academic institutions of India and US.
Led by	India’s Innovations for Defense Excellence (iDEX) and the Office of the Secretary of Defense (OSD)
Activities	INDUS-X will organize several initiatives such as joint prize challenges for start-ups, roundtable events, mentor-protege initiatives between major primes and startups, formation of a Senior Advisory Group among others.
Significance	This initiative builds on a commitment by the U.S. and Indian National Security Advisors in January 2023. They committed to launch an “Innovation Bridge” to connect U.S. and Indian defence start-ups as part of the U.S.-India initiative on Critical and Emerging Technology(iCET)

UPSC Syllabus: International relations 

AL NAJAH V exercise

Source: This post on AL NAJAH V exercise has been created based on the article “INDIAN ARMY CONTINGENT DEPARTS FOR INDIA- OMAN JOINT MILITARY EXERCISE AL NAJAH V” published in PIB on 13^th Sep 2024.

Why in news?

Recently, the Indian Army contingent departed for the 5^th edition of India-Oman Joint Military Exercise AL NAJAH V. 

About AL NAJAH V exercise

Aspects	Description
About	1. AL NAJAH V is a biennial exercise, alternating between India and Oman since 2015. The previous edition was held at Mahajan in Rajasthan. 2. The Indian Army contingent departed for the 5th edition of the India-Oman Joint Military Exercise, AL NAJAH V. 3. The exercise will take place from 13th to 26th September 2024 at the Rabkoot Training Area in Salalah, Oman. 4. The exercise will be conducted in a desert environment, focusing on real-world challenges.
Participants	1. The Indian Army’s contingent consists of 60 personnel from the Mechanised Infantry Regiment, alongside members from other arms and services. 2. The Royal Army of Oman will also field 60 personnel from their Frontier Force.
Aim	The primary aim is to enhance the joint military capabilities of both nations to conduct counter-terrorism operations under Chapter VII of the United Nations Charter.
Tactical Drills	1. Tactical drills during the exercise will include joint planning, cordon and search operations, fighting in built-up areas, establishing mobile vehicle check posts, counter-drone strategies, and room intervention techniques. 2. Combined field training exercises that simulate counter-terrorism missions are planned to enhance operational readiness.
Benefits	1. AL NAJAH V will facilitate the exchange of best practices in tactics, techniques, and procedures for joint operations. 2. It will strengthen interoperability, camaraderie, and goodwill between the Indian and Omani armies. 3.  The joint exercise will further bolster defence cooperation and improve bilateral relations between the two countries.

UPSC Syllabus: Defence exercise 

Commission for Scientific and Technical Terminology (CSTT)

Source: This post on Commission for Scientific and Technical Terminology (CSTT) has been created based on the article “What role does CSTT play in standardising technical terms?”, published in The Hindu on 13^th Sep 2024.

Why in news?

The government, in line with the National Education Policy 2020, is enhancing technical education in Indian languages, including engineering and medicine. The CSTT has launched a new website providing technical terms in all 22 official Indian languages to support this initiative.

About the Commission for Scientific and Technical Terminology (CSTT)

1. About: The Commission for Scientific and Technical Terminology (CSTT) is an autonomous organization under the Ministry of Education, Government of India. It was established in 1961.

2. Objectives of CSTT: The primary objective of CSTT is to standardize and evolve scientific and technical terminology in Indian languages to ensure clarity and uniformity in usage across academic and professional spheres.

3. Aim: CSTT aims to encourage the use of Hindi and other Indian languages as mediums of instruction in higher education, particularly in technical and scientific disciplines, where English has traditionally been dominant.

Activities of CSTT:

1.  CSTT develops and publishes numerous glossaries and bilingual dictionaries, regularly updating them to reflect new advancements in science and technology.

2.  The organization conducts workshops, training programs, and seminars to promote standardized terminology among educators, students, researchers, and professionals.

3. It also works with state governments and institutions to develop scientific and technical terminology in regional languages, enhancing linguistic diversity.

4. It has introduced digital platforms and tools for easy access to scientific and technical terminology in multiple languages, benefiting students and professionals.

5. It also releases quarterly journals such as ‘Vigyan Garima Sindhu’ and ‘Gyan Garima Sindhu’.

6. CSTT is responsible for publishing glossaries, dictionaries, and other reference materials in Indian languages, covering a wide range of subjects such as science, technology, law, medicine, and engineering.

7. CSTT works closely with universities, research institutes, and professional bodies to introduce scientific and technical terms in Indian languages into curricula, textbooks, and research papers.

8. CSTT contributes to the implementation of the Official Language Policy of India, which emphasizes the use of Hindi in official and educational settings. It also provides technical assistance to other national bodies engaged in similar linguistic development work.

About the ‘Shabd’ Glossary Platform

1. The “Shabd” platform is a digital repository for CSTT’s glossaries.The “Shabd” portal was launched in March 2024.

2. It provides searchable access to technical terms across Indian languages.

3. Features: Users can search for terms by language, subject, dictionary type, and language pairs. The platform also allows for feedback on existing terms and supports the inclusion of digital glossaries from other institutions.

4.  Scope: The platform hosts around 322 glossaries, encompassing approximately 2,184,050 headwords. It covers a broad range of subjects, including Humanities, Social Sciences, Medical Sciences, Engineering, Agricultural Sciences, and more than 60 specific disciplines.

5. Process of Collating Terms: CSTT’s terminology is developed by Expert Advisory Committees comprising subject and language experts and linguists. These committees work to find equivalent terms in various languages and subject areas.

The terminology is utilized by Granth Academies, textbook boards, and institutions like NTA, NCERT, and AICTE for educational purposes.

UPSC Syllabus: Governance

Rangeen Machhli mobile app

Delhi Declaration on Civil Aviation

Source: This post on Delhi Declaration on Civil Aviation has been created based on the article “PM announces passing of Delhi Declaration on Civil Aviation” published in PIB on 13^th Sep 2024.

Why in news?

The 2nd Asia Pacific Ministerial Conference on Civil Aviation concluded with the unanimous adoption of the Delhi Declaration. The declaration emphasizes regional cooperation and sustainable growth in the civil aviation sector.

About the Delhi Declaration on Civil Aviation

1. Adopted on: It was adopted at the 2nd Asia Pacific Ministerial Conference on Civil Aviation held at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi, from 11th to 12th September 2024.

2. Focus: It focuses on key commitments aimed at enhancing regional cooperation, addressing challenges, and promoting sustainable growth in the civil aviation sector.

3. Aim: The declaration aims to strengthen collaboration between Asia-Pacific countries and international organizations like the ICAO to tackle aviation challenges in the region.

Main commitments and highlights include:

1. Focus on Inclusivity: A key emphasis is on making the aviation sector more inclusive, especially for women. India, with 15% of its pilots being women, exceeds the global average of 5%. The declaration encourages further gender inclusivity.

2. Technological and Infrastructural Advancements: The declaration highlights India’s progress in civil aviation infrastructure, with a goal to establish 350-400 airports by 2047.

3. Safety and Security: The declaration reaffirms the commitment to maintaining high standards of aviation safety and security, as stressed by the ICAO President.

4. Green Aviation and Environmental Concerns: Addressing green aviation and environmental sustainability were major points of discussion, with a collaborative approach to achieving long-term goals.

5. International Buddhist Circuit: The Prime Minister discussed the possibility of creating an International Buddhist Circuit, connecting holy places associated with Lord Buddha across Asia, which could boost regional tourism and the aviation sector.

Read more: International Civil Aviation Organisation(ICAO)

UPSC Syllabus: Indian Economy

Great Stupa of Sanchi

Source: This post on Great Stupa of Sanchi has been created based on the article “The story of the Great Stupa of Sanchi from Ashokan times to now”, published in Indian Express on 13^th Sep 2024.

Why in news?

Recently, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar visited the replica of the East Gate of Sanchi’s Great Stupa, located in front of the Humboldt Forum Museum in Berlin.

About Great Stupa of Sanchi

Aspects	Description
About	1. The Great Stupa of Sanchi was constructed in the 3rd century BCE under the reign of Emperor Ashoka. 2. Location: It is located at Sanchi, near Vidisha, Madhya Pradesh. 3. It is one of the oldest stone structures in India and was built to house relics of the Buddha. 4. The stupa was later expanded and embellished during the Shunga dynasty in the 2nd century BCE, showcasing its long-standing religious and historical significance.
Discovery and Early Excavations	1. The site was “discovered” by British officer Henry Taylor in 1818. 2. The first formal survey and excavation were carried out by Alexander Cunningham, the founder of the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI), in 1851. 3. The major restoration work was undertaken in the early 20th century under John Marshall, with financial support from the Begums of Bhopal.
Features	1. The central feature of the stupa is the dome or anda, which symbolizes the cosmic body of the Buddha. 2. At the top of the dome is the harmika, a square railing representing heaven, and a chhatra, or umbrella-like structure, which symbolizes high rank and spiritual protection. 3. The stupa is surrounded by a pradakshina path, which is a circular walkway used by devotees for circumambulation. 5. The structure is further enclosed by stone railings, which mark the boundaries of the sacred space. 6. The stupa is accessed through four elaborately carved gateways, known as toranas, located at the cardinal points—North, South, East, and West. 7. These toranas are adorned with intricate carvings that depict scenes from the life of the Buddha and Buddhist symbols such as the lotus, wheel of dharma, and Bodhi tree.
Cultural significance	1. The sculptures and carvings on the Great Stupa reflect the rich narrative tradition of early Indian art. 2. The scenes use symbols and metaphors to depict his teachings and various Jataka tales. 3. The stupa represents a transitional phase in Indian sculpture, bridging the gap between the Mauryan and Gupta periods, and showcases early examples of Buddhist art and architecture.
Religious Importance	1. It is a key site for pilgrimage, symbolizing the enlightenment and teachings of the Buddha. 2. It was built to spread Buddhist teachings and house sacred relics. 3. The stupa continues to be an important spiritual site for devotees seeking peace and enlightenment.
Influence on Architecture	Its circular stupa design became a model for similar structures in Sri Lanka, Southeast Asia, and beyond.
UNESCO Status	The Great Stupa of Sanchi was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1989, acknowledging its global cultural significance.

UPSC Syllabus: Art and culture