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UK's Constitutional Crisis Archives In News: Prime Minister Boris Johnson’s brutal battle with lawmakers over Britain’s plan to leave the European Union has led the country into uncharted waters. Along the way, the U.K.’s highest court overturned Johnson’s suspension of Parliament, political norms are being tested and even the Queen has been dragged in. There are more fights ahead over where power resides and how it may be exercised in a country governed by a mass of unwritten rules heaped up over centuries. A defiant Boris Johnson hit back at the UK’s top judges and vowed to take the country out of the European Union next month, despite suffering an unprecedented legal defeat over his Brexit strategy in the highest court in the land. In a sweeping rebuke to the prime minister, Britain’s Supreme Court ruled that Johnson broke the law when he decided to suspend Parliament for five weeks in the run-up to the October 31 deadline for leaving the EU. He gave Queen Elizabeth II “unlawful" advice to pause the legislature and his decision wrecked the ability of Britain’s elected politicians to fulfill their crucial democratic role overseeing his government’s actions, the court found. Johnson said he would “obviously" respect the verdict, but retaliated immediately. While Johnson says it is customary for parliament to be suspended - or “prorogued” - before a government outlines its new policy priorities in a Queen’s Speech, his opponents say the timing and length of the suspension is designed to sideline parliament in the countdown to Brexit. Britain has an uncodified constitution, meaning it is largely upheld through convention and precedent. The constitution has changed dramatically down the centuries, with monarchs steadily surrendering their once-vast powers to the government and prime minister of the day. Johnson required Queen Elizabeth’s formal consent to suspend parliament but she was equally required, by custom, to grant it. But there definitely exists – Conflict between representative democracy and direct democracy Will of Parliament; on the other, the will of the people, as expressed in the 2016 referendum on European Union membership Source: https://www.euractiv.com/section/uk-europe/infographic/uk-constitutional-crisis-what-next/ Where does this leave Brexit? If the U.K. and EU don’t reach a negotiated transition agreement by Oct. 19, Parliament has required Johnson to seek an extension, likely until Jan. 31, 2020. That demand is part of a law sponsored by Labour Party grandee Hilary Benn that was passed on Sept. 9. The prime minister has promised to continue negotiating with Brussels, but has also said he’d prefer to be “dead in a ditch” than to ask for more time. Members of Parliament are worried he may try to exploit loopholes to evade the Benn Act, which has been described by some legal experts as “not watertight.” Such a move, if the government attempted it, would set up further legal battles over the power of the prime minister to evade the will of Parliament. Why the UK needs a written constitution? Today, the UK constitution is still a piecemeal collection of conventions and common law open to misuse and abuse. The current crisis demands that we put this right and agree a written constitution that clarifies beyond doubt the separation of legislative, judicial and executive powers and the role, if any, of the monarchy. This would be hugely preferable to the current situation, which requires expensive judicial reviews to decipher the blurring of legal and political power. However a written constitution won’t be a panacea. It will need to be a living document with the flexibility to be interpreted as the world changes. Recent debates on gun control in the US and the right to self-determination in Catalonia demonstrate that constitutions can also be barriers to change if they do not allow for contemporary amendments. 1215: MAGNA CARTA – Issued in June 1215, the Magna Carta was the first document to establish the principle that the monarch was not above the law and to place limits on royal power. Connecting the Dots: The pressure in the British constitutional cooker is intensifying beyond endurance, and all the safety valves are failing. Comment.
IAS UPSC Prelims and Mains Exam – 2nd October 2019 Archives (PRELIMS + MAINS FOCUS) Delhi-Lucknow Tejas Express Part of: GS Prelims and GS-III - Infrastructure In News This is the first train which is not operated directly by the Railways. IRCTC will be operating this train. IRCTC has promised Tejas passengers compensation for delays – Rs100 will be paid if the delay is for over an hour and ₹250 if delay is more than 2 hours The IRCTC has announced a slew of offers, including free travel insurance worth ₹25 lakh and on-board infotainment services, doorstep baggage collection, local food and no tatkal quota, to make the travel on its first train attractive ahead of its first commercial run on October 5. Do You know? In Japan and Paris, a delay certificate is issued to passengers by railway companies as proof that a train arrived at a station later than stated in the timetable (even for delay as little as five minutes) The document can be shown in schools or offices for late admission at university exams. In the U.K., rail passengers are entitled to get automatic compensation for delayed journeys. Parichay (Identity) Part of: GS Prelims and GS Mains II - Polity In News In an innovative collaboration, law schools from across the country have come together to launch legal aid clinic named Parichay( Identity) with HQ in Guwahati to help people excluded from NRC More than 19 lakh out of a total of 3.3 crore applicants were left out of the Supreme Court-monitored NRC that was published on August 31. Those who were left out are required to file appeals against their exclusion within 120 days of receiving their rejection order from the NRC authority. Parichay is envisaged to function as a clearing house of litigation and research assistance for lawyers filing appeals against exclusion from the NRC. Parichay consisting largely of student volunteerswill assist lawyers in drafting appeals, conduct research on pertinent questions of the law, assist in training lawyers and paralegals, and generate documentation on the functioning of Foreigners’ Tribunals. SC recalls verdict diluting SC/ST anti-atrocities law Part of: GS Prelims and Mains GS-II - Polity In News The Supreme Court had diluted the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act of 1989 in March 20, 2018 verdict in Subhash Kashinath Mahajan vs State of Maharashtra case The 2018 judgement had provided To grant anticipatory bail to accused persons and Directed that the police should conduct a preliminary enquiry on whether complaint under the 1989 law is “frivolous or motivated” before registering a case. Both the above conditions were not part of the original legislation. The judgement had created widespread protests and the Centre also filed a review against the judgment citing dilution of safeguards provided under the legislation SC in a review petition has now recalled the verdict given earlier. Do You know? ‘Review’ of a Supreme Court judgment is done by the same Bench. ‘Overruling’ means that the law laid down in one case is overruled in another case. When a higher court on appeal alters the judgment of a lower court, it is called ‘reversal.’ A crime is committed against an SC every 15 minutes. Six SC women are raped every day on an average. Between 2007 and 2017, there was a 66 per cent growth in crimes against SCs Miscellaneous Climate change is prompting a habitat change in Himalayas. The butterfly named Himalayan tailless bushblue was known to occur at an altitude between 1,300 m to 2,400 m in Jammu and Kashmir and Uttarakhand. Recent studies however, have located the species at 3,577 m in Askot Wildlife Sanctuary in Uttarakhand, at least 1,200 m higher than it’s known range. Most of the species that were found at lower attitude had moved up possibly due to climate change, according to research Lepidoptera (moths and butterflies) are known as potent ecological indicators Humans pollute more than volcanoes The Deep Carbon Observatory (DCO), a 500-strong international team of scientists, noted that Human activity churns out up to 100 times carbon each year as all the volcanoes on Earth. Manmade emissions in 2018 alone topped 37 gigatonnes. By comparison, the CO2 released annually by volcanoes hovers around 0.3 and 0.4 gigatonnes Modern manmade emissions were the “same magnitude” as past carbon shocks that precipitated mass extinction. (MAINS FOCUS) EDUCATION TOPIC: General Studies 2: Issues relating to development and management of Social Sector/Services relating to Health, Education, Human Resources. NITI Aayog's Education Index Niti Aayog released the school education quality index (SEQI) aimed at evaluating the performance of states and Union Territories (UTs) in the school education sector. The top five performing states are Kerala, Rajasthan, Andhra Pradesh, Gujarat and Assam. Background: The School Education Quality Index (SEQI) was developed to evaluate the performance of States and Union Territories (UTs) in the school education sector. The index aims to bring an outcomes focus to education policy by providing States and UTs with a platform to identify their strengths and weaknesses and undertake requisite course corrections or policy interventions. To foster the spirit of competitive and cooperative federalism, the index strives to facilitate the sharing of knowledge and best practices across States and UTs. SEQI aims to drive policy reforms that will improve the quality of school education. The index seeks to institutionalise a focus on enhancing education outcomes by driving improvements in learning levels, access, equity, infrastructure and governance processes. Indicators The indicators are categorized into Outcomes and Governance Processes Aiding Outcomes (GPAO). Outcomes include learning outcomes, access outcomes, infrastructure and facilities for outcomes and equity outcomes, GPAO includes the support system necessary for learning to take place like training and availability of teachers, attendance of students and teachers, administrative adequacy etc. Img: https://images.firstpost.com/optimize/HCrW65Th2elr7st-OGgux80tZ_4=/images.firstpost.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/School-Performance-Index.jpg A case study In Haryana: Among the lakhs of employees on the payrolls of State governments in India, the education department, unarguably, has the largest share of employees. Any effort to introduce education reforms must ensure that the incentives of all stakeholders are aligned throughout the system to ensure their participation. Ex : Haryana, which has created a race among its administrative blocks to be declared as ‘Saksham’ (Hindi for abled/skilled), i.e. Block have 80% or more students who are grade level competent.(appropriate level of competence for a particular grade) If Officials are confident that their block has achieved the 80% target, state officials nominate their block for the ‘Saksham Ghoshna’. Then followed by rigorous rounds of third party assessments to check their claims. If a block is found to be ‘Saksham’, the block officials are recognised and honoured by the State administration. when all blocks in a district are declared as ‘Saksham’, the entire district is also accorded the ‘Saksham’ status. At present , 94 blocks out of a total of 119 in Haryana have been declared ‘Saksham’. Conclusion: The index recognises that school education is a subject on the Concurrent List and that State-level leadership is crucial for improving outcomes in a cost-effective manner. The index will serve as a regular and transparent review of the status of school education quality across the States and UTs. Connecting the dots : The NITI’s Aayog’s State ranking not only encourages competition among States but also rewards and motivates other States to consistently improve. substantiate. LAW TOPIC: General Studies 2: Welfare schemes for vulnerable sections of the population by the Centre and States and the performance of these schemes; mechanisms, laws, institutions and Bodies constituted for the protection and betterment of these vulnerable sections SC reverses dilution of SC/ST Act Context: In 2018, the Supreme Court of India banned immediate arrest of a person accused of insulting or injuring a Scheduled Caste/Scheduled Tribe member to protect innocents from arbitrary arrest. Why? A number of cases of misuse of this Act has been reported from different parts of the country as mentioned The Supreme Court has recently recalled its directions Did you know? In August, 2018, the parliament of India passed the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Amendment Bill, 2018, to bypass the ruling of the Supreme Court of India laying down procedures for arrests under the Act. In what manner had the 2018 judgment diluted provisions for arrest? Keeping in view the special nature of crimes against Dalits , anticipatory bail under Section will not be available to an accused under the Act. Supreme Court laid in 2018 down safeguards, including provisions for anticipatory bail and a “preliminary enquiry” before registering a case under the Act In 2018 SC ordered that neither is an FIR to be immediately registered nor are arrests to be made without a preliminary inquiry by an SSP. An arrest can only be made if there is “credible” information and police officer has “reason to believe” that an offence was committed. Now SC rejected the need of an SSP’s approval for arrest. Justice Goel had observed that “interpretation of Atrocities Act should promote constitutional values of fraternity and integration of the society. This may require ‘check on false implication of innocent citizens on caste lines’.” Terminologies: ‘Review’ of a Supreme Court judgment is done by the same Bench.(Generally, a review is heard in the judge’s chamber, but may be heard in open court in important cases — as in the Sabarimala and Rafale cases, in which no order has been pronounced yet) ‘Overruling’ means that the law laid down in one case is overruled in another case. When a higher court on appeal alters the judgment of a lower court, it is called ‘reversal.’ Justice Mishra said “despite various measures to improve the socio-economic conditions of the Scheduled Castes and the Scheduled Tribes, they remain vulnerable. They are denied number of civil rights. They are subjected to various offences, indignities, humiliations and harassment. They have, in several brutal incidents, been deprived of their life and property” Scheduled Castes and Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, 1989 The Scheduled Castes and Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, 1989 is an Act of the Parliament of India enacted to prevent atrocities against scheduled castes and scheduled tribes It was enacted when the provisions of the existing laws (such as the Protection of Civil Rights Act 1955 and Indian Penal Code) were found to be inadequate to check these crimes (defined as 'atrocities' in the Act). Recognising the continuing gross indignities and offences against Scheduled Castes and Tribes, the Parliament passed the ‘Scheduled Castes and Schedule Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act 1989. The practice of untouchability, in its overt and covert form was made a cognizable and non compoundable offence, and strict punishment is provided for any such offence. The purpose of the Act was to help the social inclusion of Dalits into Indian society Data : A crime is committed against an SC every 15 minutes. Six SC women are raped every day on an average. Between 2007 and 2017, there was a 66 per cent growth in crimes against SCs. Conclusion: The Supreme Court can lay down guidelines only in cases of legislative gaps. But where the field is occupied by parliamentary legislation, the judiciary is bound by the text of law. Connecting the dots: Interpretation of Atrocities Act should promote constitutional values of fraternity and integration of the society. Justify (TEST YOUR KNOWLEDGE) Model questions: (You can now post your answers in comment section) Note: Featured Comments and comments Up-voted by IASbaba are the “correct answers”. IASbaba App users – Team IASbaba will provide correct answers in comment section. Kindly refer to it and update your answers. Q.1) Subhash Kashinath Mahajan Case often seen in news dealt with which of the following area? Doctrine of Basic structure Right to Privacy Judicial Independence SC/ST atrocities law Q.2) Consider the following statements about Tejas Express between Delhi and Lucknow This is the first train which is not operated directly by the Railways Passengers in this train can avail compensation for delays in train operations Which of the statement(s) given above is/are correct? 1 only 2 only Both 1 and 2 Neither 1 nor 2 Q.3) Consider the following statements about Parichay(Identity) It islegal aid clinic launched by Government of Assam and Government of India It is envisaged to function as a clearing house of litigation and research assistance for lawyers filing appeals against exclusion from the NRC Which of the statement(s) given above is/are correct? 1 only 2 only Both 1 and 2 Neither 1 nor 2 Q.4) Askot Wildlife Sanctuary is present in which state of India? Uttar Pradesh Himachal Pradesh Uttarakhand Arunachal Pradesh Q.5) Lichens can be used as an indicator for which of the following? Air and Water Pollution Presence of radioactive metals Presence of heavy metals Select the correct answer from the codes given below. 1 and 2 only 2 and 3 only 1 and 3 only 1,2 and 3 MUST READ The worst may be over: On economic numbers The Hindu What would Gandhi say about the Indian media? The Hindu Recovering Gandhi’s religious vision The Hindu Why 2005 declaration on synergy between government and NGOs is still relevant Indian Express In last five years, Swachh Bharat mission has captured people’s imagination Indian Express
India Post Mahatma Gandhi & India Post Archives TOPIC: Paper I: Essay General Studies 1: Personalities in Indian national movements General Studies 4: Ethics; Indian thinkers and philosophers Mahatma Gandhi: Born on October 2, 1869, in Porbandar, Gujarat Gandhi: Philosophy and significance in present times Opinions and views about his person and his non-violent technique of struggle remain deeply divided. For some, he was a puritanical, conservative critique of modernity. For them he created and perpetuated unrealistic and confused ideas about economic development and technological progress. For his admirers, Gandhi was a man of spiritual truthfulness and democratic action, both at the public and personal levels, with a unique method of struggle that combined political pragmatism with ethical integrity. Some among these admirers evaluate Gandhi’s impact on human history as being as significant as that of Jesus, Buddha and Karl Marx. Two Gandhi’s In the minds of people around the world, Gandhi represents two different and contradictory characters. The first Gandhi is the political Gandhi who fought against British colonialism and is the father of the modern Indian nation. This is the man Albert Einstein lauded as “a leader of his people, unsupported by any outward authority, a politician whose success rests not upon craft nor the mastery of technical devices, but simply on the convincing power of his personality.” The second Gandhi is the Ashramic Gandhi who is more of a mystic than a politician, who used fasting as a method of struggle, and who Rabindranath Tagore considered as the “Mahatma”, the “Great Soul”. Quest for spiritual cause - Satya In Gandhi’s autobiography, The Story of My Experiments with Truth, one can find the idea that life is nothing but a spiritual experience with truth, and a struggle against all forms of untruth and injustice. As such, Gandhi claimed that his life was his message, simply because he extended his practice of satyagraha to all walks of life. Gandhi, in short, was a leader looking for a spiritual cause. He found it, of course, in his non-violence and, ultimately, in independence for India. Truth, Satya, was the central axis of the Gandhian system of thought and practice. For Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi, everything turned on Truth — satyagraha, swaraj, ahimsa, ashram, brahmacharya, yajna, charkha, khadi, and finally, moksha itself. “Truth is not merely that which we are expected to speak and follow. It is that which alone is, it is that of which all things are made, it is that which subsists by its own power, which alone is eternal.” Truth alone triumphs? Outcome hinges exactly on the truth of her testimony versus his defence. Only one can be true. When Truth is rendered negotiable and dispensable, the balance of justice is disastrously upset. Gandhi strained to hear the “small, still voice” within himself, the voice belonging to one he called “antaryami”, “atma” or “God” — an inner prompt, the self as a guide and a compass – so that he could keep moving ever closer to Truth. It was this voice that he followed, sometimes to the bafflement of others who could not hear it. This was the voice that made him undertake life-threatening fasts his health wouldn’t permit; withdraw from active politics at the most crucial junctures of India’s anti-colonial struggle; and many other decisions which are still difficult for us to understand. Even close and loyal associates like Jawaharlal Nehru and Vallabhbhai Patel were often confounded by Gandhi’s actions and decisions; more sceptical and antagonistic peers like M.A. Jinnah and B.R. Ambedkar couldn’t make sense of his motivations at all. Home and the world Of late, many musicians in south India have faced vicious attacks from rightwing Hindutva groups for singing hymns and psalms, thereby allegedly hijacking “Hindu” Carnatic music for “Christian” evangelical aims.This despite the fact that the violin, central to the Carnatic system in modern times, is a European gift to Indian music. Both Christian and Muslim religious lyrics and poetry have been a constitutive part of the Carnatic repertoire throughout the 20th century. Gandhi made great use of the Bible in his prayers, teachings, writings and Ashram liturgies. He was often accused of being a crypto-Christian. However, he flatly refused to give preference to the Vedas over the Bible. He is no Sanatani Hindu who is narrow, bigoted and considers evil to be good if it has the sanction of antiquity and is to be found supported in any Sanskrit book. Just before the Kristallnacht (an incident known as “Kristallnacht”, Nazis in Germany torched synagogues, vandalized Jewish homes, schools and businesses and killed close to 100 Jews), Gandhi advised European Jews to relocate to Palestine and make it their homeland only with the cooperation and goodwill of native Arabs, and not otherwise. This appalled even sympathetic Jews like Buber and Magnes, who had admired and supported Gandhi at the time of the Salt March in 1930, before the Nazi takeover of Germany. Gandhi a political thinker and a social reformer There is more to Gandhi which makes him a political thinker and a relevant social reformer. Gandhi was a dialogical thinker who was open to other horizons of thinking. He firmly believed that the spirit of genuine reciprocity and solidarity is not just a moral requirement, but also a geopolitical necessity. Gandhi rejected the idea that there is one privileged path to god. He also believed that all religious traditions are an unstable mixture of truth and error. He encouraged inter-religious and inter-cultural dialogue, so that individuals could see their faith and culture in a comparative and critical reflection of the other. As such, Gandhi considered interculturalism as a call for simultaneous awareness of commonalities, acceptance of differences, and recognition of shared values. Interestingly, Gandhi was a political thinker and a social practitioner who was constantly experimenting with modes of comparative and cross-border cultural constellations. In Gandhi’s political thinking, the experience of freedom derives not only from constitutional rights but mainly from the diverse modes of participation of the individual in a common humanity. Today, many around the world consider Gandhian ideas as impractical, not to say utopian. Gandhian ethics of social and political reconstruction are more relevant than ever, since they represent an act of self-transformation of humanity rather than an illusory dream of a political leader. Gandhi wanted to change the values that govern the social, political and economic activities in human society. Gandhi believed that decentralised politics and an egalitarian economy function better at the level of micro-communities, where citizens can operate in relations of reciprocity and mutuality. For him, it was clear that neither society nor the individual can live without a moral vision of the world. Gandhi had his moral and political dreams of changing humanity. There are ample events and incidents insisting that we can continue to consult Gandhi on all manner of issues that may trouble our individual or collective conscience. Truth is the key to Gandhi’s philosophy, and we rely on Gandhi even decades after his death and long after his supposed lapse into political irrelevance. Gandhi was a man of experimentation, a man who insisted on the quest for truth. Therefore, it should not come to us as a surprise that the literal meaning of satyagraha is “asserting for truth”. Tid-Bits Einstein Challenge: Albert Einstein’s famous words on Gandhi: “Generations to come will scarce believe that such a one as this ever in flesh and blood walked upon this earth.” Proposed by PM Modi on Mahatma’s 150th birthday celebration Challenge: How do we ensure the ideals of Gandhi are remembered by future generations? Gandhi’s favourite hymn: “Vaishnava Jana To,” which says that a true human is one, who feels the pain of others, removes misery and is never arrogant. In 1925, Gandhi wrote in “Young India”: “It is impossible for one to be internationalist without being a nationalist. Internationalism is possible only when nationalism becomes a fact, i.e., when peoples belonging to different countries have organized themselves and are able to act as one man.” He envisioned Indian nationalism as one that was never narrow or exclusive but one that worked for the service of humanity. First World Youth Conference on Kindness Organised by the UNESCO Mahatma Gandhi Institute of Education for Peace and Sustainable Development and Ministry of Human Resource Development on the theme ‘Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam: Gandhi for the Contemporary World: Celebrating the 150th birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi’ at the VigyanBhavan in New Delhi. Inspired by Mahatma Gandhi, the conference aimed to provide global youth and policymakers an innovative, engaging and inspiring platform to come together and strive to discover ground-breaking pathways to achieve the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Mahatma Gandhi International Sanitation Convention 116 foreign delegates including sanitation ministers visited select sites related to the life and work of Mahatma Gandhi on the “Gandhi Trail”. The “Gandhi Trail” is a trip to Gujarat, where the delegates will visit the Sabarmati Ashram and see Swachh Bharat at work on the ground in Punsari village. The MGISC is a four-day convention which includes more than 160 international representatives from 68 countries. It aims to share sanitation success stories and lessons from the participating countries. Directive Principles of State Policy (DPSPs): Inspired by Gandhian philosophy; Co-operative societies, women participation and empowerment, socio-economic equality etc,. Decentralization: Keeping Mahatma Gandhi’s principle of ‘Swarajya’ in mind to strengthen grass root administration. Do or Die Speech by Gandhiji: In 1942, Mahatma Gandhi gave the clarion call of ‘Do or Die’ from Gowalia Tank Maidan to end the British rule and launched the Quit India Movement. Who gave the title of ‘Mahatma’ to the ‘Father of the Nation’: Gurudev – Rabindranath Tagore The first Nationwide Movement: Rowlatt Satyagraha Quit India is also called as India August Movement (August Kranti) Majoor Mahajan Sangh: Gandhi formed the Majoor Mahajan Sangh, an association for workers’ rights. During those days, “Mahajan” was used as a title of respect for elites. Gandhi inverted the social structure by attaching the name “Mahajan” to “Majoor,” or laborers. With that linguistic choice, Gandhi enhanced the pride of workers. Dyerism: In 1919, the Rowlatt Act enacted by the British government took away the civil rights of Indians. Those who protested peacefully in Jallianwala Bagh faced merciless police firing on the orders of General R Dyer. That cold-blooded assault was described by Mahatma Gandhi as Dyerism. He employed the concept to denote practices of exclusion, including the ostracisation of the Dalits from all spheres of social life in 1919. Pietermaritzburg: A railway station in South Africa where a young Mahatma Gandhi was thrown out of a “Whites-only” compartment 125 years ago On the night of June 7, 1893, Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi, then a young lawyer, was thrown off the train’s first class compartment at Pietermaritzburg station after he refused to give up his seat as ordered by racially prejudiced officials The incident led him to develop his Satyagraha principles of peaceful resistance and mobilize people in South Africa and in India against the discriminatory rules of the British Gandhi called it “the prince among the political sections of the IPC designed to suppress the liberty of the citizen”: Section 124A of the IPC The section deals with the offence of sedition, a term that covers speech or writing, or any form of visible representation, which brings the government into hatred or contempt, or excites disaffection towards the government, or attempts to do so. It is punishable with three years in prison or a life term. “Disaffection”, it says, includes disloyalty and feelings of enmity. However, it also says expressing disapproval of government measures or actions, with a view to getting them changed by lawful means, without promoting hatred or disaffection or contempt towards the government will not come under this section. Origin: Sedition was introduced in the penal code in 1870, a decade after the Indian Penal Code came into force. It was a colonial law directed against strong criticism of the British administration. Its most famous victims included Bal Gangadhar Tilak and Mahatma Gandhi. Gandhijis Nai Talim On the occasion of Mahatma Gandhi’s upcoming 150th birth anniversary celebrations, a movement has begun, across the educational institutions in the country to promote Nai Talim, Work Education and Experiential Learning. A special effort is on school and teacher education in the areas of work education and experiential learning through the education departments of Universities as well as Central and State Governments and the SCERTs. Union HRD Ministry released the curriculum on Experiential Learning – Gandhijis Nai Talim. This curriculum was brought out simultaneously in 13 languages i.e., Assamese, Tamil, Bengali, Odiya, Kannada, Malyalam, Punjabi, Marathi, Telugu, Gujarati, Urdu, Hindi and English. It is in consultation with the state councils of educational research and training along with the universities in the country. The curriculum was a holistic approach of developing body, mind and soul (hand, head and heart), by making a productive art, craft or community engagement activity as the centre of learning. Gandhipedia With the government marking the 150th birth anniversary of Gandhi with several programmes throughout the year, an encyclopedia-like “Gandhipedia” would be among the efforts to spread his values (under Union Culture Ministry). The National Council for Science Museums (NCSM), based in Kolkata, is developing a Gandhipedia “to sensitize” youth and society “at large” about positive Gandhian values. This comes about 10 months after President launched a web portal http://gandhi.gov.in/ to provide people with free access to an online repository of Gandhian literature, philosophy, audios, videos and rare photographs of the Father of nation Dakshina Bharat Hindi Prachar Sabha: To improve Hindi literacy among the non-Hindi speaking people of South Indi and is headquartered in Chennai. The organisation was established by Annie Besant with support from Mahatma Gandhi, who became the founder president of the Sabha, who held the post till his death. The first Hindi class here was taken by M. Gandhi’s son Devdas Gandhi. In 1964, the institution was recognised by the Indian Government as one of the Institutes of National Importance. The Story of Indian Flag Pingali Venkayya was a freedom fighter and the designer of the Indian National Tricolour who went on to become synonymous with the spirit of free and independent India. Venkayya earlier served as a soldier in the British Army in South Africa during the Anglo Boer war in Africa. Acknowledging the need for a national flag, Gandhi then asked Venkayya to design a fresh one at the national congress meeting in 1921. Initially, Venkayya came up with saffron and green colours, but it later evolved with a spinning wheel at the centre and a third colour-white. The flag was officially adopted by the Indian National Congress in 1931. Gandhi & Indian National Congress (INC) had launched 3 major mass movements against British during the freedom struggle: (i) 1920-22: Non-cooperation Movement (NCM) - Nagpur session (1920) Jallianwala Bagh Massacre: Gandhi launched a nationwide protest against the Rowlatt Acts with the strongest level of protest in the Punjab. The situation worsened in Amritsar in April 1919, when General Dyer ordered his troops to open fire on demonstrators hemmed into a tight square, resulting in the deaths of 379 civilians. Montagu ordered an inquiry into the events at Amritsar by Lord Hunter. The Hunter Inquiry recommended that General Dyer, who commanded the troops, be dismissed, leading to Dyer’s sacking. The Amritsar massacre further inflamed Indian nationalist sentiment ending the initial response of reluctant co-operation. At the Indian National Congress annual session in September 1920, delegates supported Gandhi’s proposal of swaraj or self-rule – preferably within the British Empire or out of it if necessary. The proposal was to be implemented through a policy of non-cooperation with British rule meaning that Congress did not field candidates in the first elections held under the Montagu-Chelmsford reforms in 1921. (ii) 1930-34: Civil Disobedience movement (CDM) - Lahore session (1929) Dandi March On March 12, 1930, Gandhi along with 80 satyagrahis started out from Sabarmati Ashram and marched over 390 km to reach the coastal village of Dandi. The march, a protest against the coercive salt tax imposed by the British, was the most significant organised challenge to British authority after the Non-Cooperation Movement of the early 1920s. The march sparked a series of acts of civil disobedience across India against the salt laws. Over 60,000 people were arrested across the country. Soon after, the Congress planned a Satyagraha at the Dharasana Salt Works, 25 miles south of Dandi. However, the plan was shelved after Gandhi was arrested days before the beginning of the movement. (iii) 1942-44: Quit India movement (QIM) - Bombay on 8th August 1942 After the failure of Cripps Mission, Mahatma Gandhi decided to launch his third major campaign against the British rule – ‘Quit India Movement’ (QIM) in August 1942. And on 8th and 9th August, all senior leaders were arrested leaders of younger generation carried on with the plan. Prevalence of violence & underground activities – Parallel governments were setup in many parts of countries. Removal of railway tracks, Looting of treasury, Blowing up bridges, Burning post-office and police stations, Cutting telephone lines, etc. Despite the lack of centralized planning and coordination, Indians actively participated in large numbers. Lord Linlithgow had to use the help of army and arrest over 90,000 Indians to crush this movement. But we understand that Quit India movement was more of a spontaneous revolt than a planned one. Global Success of Satyagraha Gandhi applied his experiments with truth and practice of non-violence, not only at an individual level but also in the process of the global affairs. In Gandhi’s model of national and international politics, truth (satya) and non-violence (ahimsa) were brought into a mutually interacting and reinforcing relation. Therefore, as in the case of means and ends, truth and non-violence were, for Gandhi, interchangeable entities beyond cultural borders and mental ghettos. By Gandhi in India Champaran Satyagraha – 1917 Persuaded by Raj Kumar Shukla to study the conditions of the Indigo Plantation workers in Champaran, a district in Bihar The system prevalent in the Indigo Plantations was the Tinkathia System, in which, the peasants were required to mandatorily cultivate indigo in 3/20th of their land holdings. Govt. had appointed a Commission of Inquiry to go into the whole issue and nominated Gandhiji as one of its members > found the planters guilty of exploitation. A compromise was reached and planters were ordered to refund 25% of the amount they had illegally taken. There were two main systems of indigo cultivation – nij and ryoti. Ahmedabad Satyagraha – 1918 Due to plague, the mill owners had increased the pay to 75% to attract workers. However, once the plague conditions subsided, the mill owners wanted to bring down the pay to 20%. The workers didn’t agree with this reduction and wanted 50% of the pay to remain. The logic they sited was that WW1 had increased the prices. Gandhiji didn’t want the interest of the industrialist class to be hurt. He tried hard to persuade Ambalal Sarabhai who was his friend but failed. Left with no option, he asked workers to go on a strike. When Gandhiji saw the strike subsiding, he went on a fast. This put pressure on the mill owners who agreed for the 35% increment. Kheda Satyagraha – 1918 Teamed up with Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel to help the cause of peasants. The peasants were in extreme distress as their crop produce had been 1/4th of the original. As per the revenue code, they were entitled for a full concession. However, the Govt. wasn’t willing to let go of their revenues and kept pressurizing the peasants. Gandhiji urged all farmers to fight unto death against this injustice of the British. He appealed the rich farmers to support to the poor farmers by not paying revenues despite having the capability. Later the British came out with a policy asking the rich farmers to pay their due voluntarily. (Which backfired as no rich farmer willingly wanted to pay revenue) Rowlatt Satyagraha – 1919 British, in the name of curbing terrorist violence, had introduced a Bill that severely curtailed the liberties of the Indians. It had provisions for arrest without warrant and detention for 2 years. Gandhiji called for a nation-wide hartal accompanied by fasting and praying. The Movement went in a different direction than what was expected - events of violent outbreaks. The Rowlatt Satyagraha was withdrawn on 18th April, 1919 because of the Jallianwala Bagh Massacre that happened on 13th April 1919. Image Source: https://www.livemint.com/Politics/AeKzn7TXUJNXKSoLF6wpVN/How-Satyagraha-still-drives-change-globally.html In 2018-July, Government decided to grant Special Remission to Prisoners on the upcoming occasion of 150th Birth Anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi. HIGHLIGHTS OF THE NEWS Prisoners, including politicians, convicted in cases of murder, rape or corruption, will not be released Women convicts aged 55 and above, who have completed half of their sentence, will be released Male convicts of aged 60 or more, who have completed half of their sentence, will be released Those convicted under the Prevention of Corruption Act, The Terrorist and Disruptive Activities (Prevention) Act, 1985 (TADA), The Prevention of Terrorism Act, 2002 (POTA), Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, 1967 (UAPA), The Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act, 2012 (POCSO), Prevention of Money Laundering Act, 2002, Foreign Exchange Management Act, 1999 (FEMA), Black Money (Undisclosed Foreign Income and Assets) and Imposition of Tax Act, 2015 will not be released. Pardon: It removes both the sentence and the conviction and completely absolves the convict from all sentences, punishments and disqualifications. Commutation: It denotes the substitution of one form of punishment for a lighter form. For example, a death sentence may be commuted to rigorous imprisonment, which in turn may be commuted to a simple imprisonment. Remission: It implies reducing the period of sentence without changing its character. For example, a sentence of rigorous imprisonment for two years may be remitted to rigorous imprisonment for one year. Respite: It denotes awarding a lesser sentence in place of one originally awarded due to some special fact, such as the physical disability of a convict or the pregnancy of a woman offender. Reprieve: It implies a stay of the execution of a sentence (especially that of death) for a temporary period. Its purpose is to enable the convict to have time to seek pardon or commutation from the President. Prelims-centric Questions A. With reference to the British colonial rule in India, consider the following statements: Mahatma Gandhi was instrumental in the abolition of the system of 'indentured labour'. In Lord Chelmsford's 'War Conference', Mahatma Gandhi did not support the resolution on recruiting Indians for World War. Consequent upon the breaking of Salt Law by Indian people, the Indian National Congress was declared illegal by the colonial rulers. Which of the statements given above are correct? (a) 1 and 2 only (b) 1 and 3 only (c) 2 and 3 only (d) 1, 2 and 3 Solution (b) Explanation: Lord Chelmsford, the then Viceroy of India, invited Gandhi to Delhi at a War Conference. In order to gain the trust of the empire, Gandhi agreed to move people to enlist in the army for World War I. Hence Statement 2 is wrong. Statement 1 and 3 are correct. B. Movement leader of All India Anti-Untouchability League: Mahatma Gandhi – While in jail, Gandhi set up the All India Anti-Untouchability League in September 1932 C. In 1932, Mahatma Gandhi began a fast unto death in Yerwada Jail against: Communal award of Ramsay Mac Donald Violation of Gandhi-Irwin Pact British repression of Satyagrahis Communal riots in Calcutta D. Harijan Sevak Sangh born out of the historic Poona Pact between: Dr.BR Ambedkar and Mahatma Gandhi E. Gandhiji relinquished his title ‘Kaiser-e-hind’ bestowed on him by the British for his services during the Boer War in South Africa. F. Mahatma Gandhi undertook fast unto death in 1932, mainly because: Round Table Conference failed to satisfy Indian political aspirations Congress and Muslim League had differences of opinion Ramsay Macdonald announced the Communal Award None of the statements (a), (b) and (c) given above is correct in this context Explanation: Gandhi took fast unto death on the announcement of communal award and Poona pact was signed after that with agreement of Gandhiji and Ambedkar Connect the dots: Evolution of separate electorate in British Raj Three round table conferences Participation of Congress and its outcome G. Mahatma Gandhi said that some of his deepest convictions were reflected in a book titled, “Unto this Last” and the book transformed his life. What was the message from the book that transformed Mahatma Gandhi? Uplifting the oppressed and poor is the moral responsibility of an educated man The good of individual is contained in the good of all The life of celibacy and spiritual pursuit are essential for a noble life All the statements (a), (b) and (c) are correct in this context H. Reason for Mahatma Gandhi to organize a satyagraha on behalf of the peasants of Kheda? The Administration did not suspend the land revenue collection in spite of a drought. The Administration proposed to introduce Permanent Settlement in Gujarat. Which of the statements given above is/are correct? (a.) 1 only (b.) 2 only (c.) Both 1 and 2 (d.) Neither 1 nor 2 Connecting the Dots: Throw light on the significance of the thoughts of Mahatma Gandhi in the present times. (UPSC 2018: GS I; 10 marks) Discuss the moral principles given by Mahatma Gandhi. Quote instances from his life where he practiced his principles before preaching them. “A man is but the product of his thoughts. What he thinks, he becomes.” – M.K.Gandhi What was more important to Mahatma Gandhi- means or end of an action? How did he practice these principles in his public life? The life of Mahatma Gandhi is a perfect example of restraint, forgiveness and magnanimity. Comment. Why are these attributes important in today’s world? Discuss. How did Gandhi’s arrival change the discourse of the nationalist movement? Did it make the movement more inclusive and representative? Critically comment. The Champaran Satyagraha catapulted Mahatma Gandhi as the true leader of the Indian national movement. Do you agree? Substantiate. What were the similarities and dissimilarities between the approach of Mahatma Gandhi and B R Ambedkar towards the upliftment of the so called lower castes? What factors do you think led to attitudinal change of Mahatma Gandhi from a non-compromising peaceful Gandhi of Non – Cooperation (1920) to an aggressive Gandhi of Quit India Movement (1942)? Why according to Mahatma Gandhi, nonviolence was an act of courage and needed to immense mental strength to practice? Analyse. Serious consideration must be given to the idea of a universal basic income as a more effective way of achieving Mahatma Gandhi’s objectives of “wiping every tear from every eye.” Comment. Discuss the ideas of Gandhi on Gram Swaraj and rural economy. We are what we think. All that we are arises with our thoughts. With our thoughts, we make the world. Comment. “Nationalist movement in India before the arrival of M. Gandhi was a movement representing the classes as opposed to the masses”. Critically analyse Highlight the differences in the approach of Subhash Chandra Bose and Mahatma Gandhi in their struggle for freedom. Discuss the role of women in the freedom struggle during the Gandhian phase. “The Quit India Movement was more of a spontaneous revolt than a planned movement of Congress.” Discuss. Highlight the similarities and differences in the approach of Nelson Mandela and Mahatma Gandhi in the struggle for freedom of their respective countries? “Anger and intolerance are the enemies of correct understanding. “ Discuss. “Rights accrue automatically to him who duly performs his duties.” Explain. Explain Gandhi’s spirit of ownership and how it fits in the current challenge that we face today -Climate Crisis. (Hint: We, as inheritors of the earth, are responsible for its well-being, including that of the flora and fauna with whom we share our planet.) Had Gandhiji not withdrawn the Civil Disobedience Movement, India would have achieved freedom much earlier. Do you agree? Critically comment. Even though the Non-Cooperation and Civil Disobedience Movement had ended in apparent failure, the national movement had been strengthened in many ways? Do you agree? Substantiate. What role did students play in India’s freedom struggle? Examine. During the Quit India movement, the masses were united irrespective of their background. However, today, when India faces much severe challenges, the unity seems elusive. Identify the major challenges faced by Indian society today and how can they be forced to ‘Quit India’? Examine the concept of ‘satyagraha’. Was it a successful strategy? Examine.
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Press Information Bureau (PIB) IAS UPSC – 21st to 29th September, 2019 ARCHIVES GS-2 Launch of ‘TB Harega Desh Jeetega’ Campaign (Topic: Government policies and interventions for development in various sectors and issues arising out of their design and implementation) The new TB campaign aims to improve and expand the reach of TB care services across the country, by 2022. This includes preventive and promotive approaches, and proposes potentially transformative interventions such as engagement with private sector health care providers, inter-ministerial partnerships, corporate sector engagement, latent TB infection management, and community engagement. The interventions will be accompanied by a comprehensive, mass media and communications campaign to generate awareness about the disease and the free treatment services available under the government program. Based on three strong pillars – Clinical approach Public health component Active community participation: Multi-stakeholder and community participation shall form the pivot of the countrywide campaign Other supporting elements of the campaign comprise private sector engagement, patient support, and political and administrative commitment at all levels. Major Announcements by the Health Minister: Also launched the National TB Prevalence Survey Announced a partnership with the World Bank which is providing a $400 million credit for accelerating TB response in 9 states through private sector engagement and other critical interventions. Launched an all oral regimen kit for multi-drug resistant TB patients which does not include injections which are painful and can have side effects released the TB India Report (2019), the Work Place Policy Framework for TB, Operational Guideline for Employer Led Model on TB, Training module for transforming TB survivor to TB champion, and Elected Representative’s Handbook on TB. Flagged off a van for the National TB Prevalence Survey. In all, 25 such vans will be part of the prevalence survey, which shall take 6 months and be carried out across the country. This shall present national and state level data, which will be used as a policy tool for further interventions. Established patient forums in over 95 per cent of all districts in the first 100 days, which clearly shows our strong commitment to ending TB in the shortest time. These district forums will bring the voices of the affected to the fore, and highlight on-ground challenges faced by patients and their families in accessing TB care services Reasons for the rising crisis In addition to the failure of political machinery, the other major reasons for this are as follows: Adult and child under-nutrition Lack of active door-to-door detection Shortage of drugs Increasing Multi-Drug Resistant TB (MDR-TB) and Extensive Drug Resistant TB (XDR-TB) Total Drug Resistant TB acting as an assured death warrant Inadequate prescription by doctors and inadequate follow up of proper prescription by patients is aggravating the problem of antibiotic resistance Disease becoming expensive and difficult to treat Poor quality serological tests for diagnosis; poor quality diagnosis and treatment by medical practitioners Delay in implementation of critical programmes under the Revised National TB Control Programme (RNTCP) such as expansion of the GeneXpert pilot programme, scaling up of drug sensitivity testing, and the introduction of a child-friendly paediatric TB drug. India’s War on TB – The Way Forward Countering Delay in Diagnosis: To block transmission, treatment should begin as soon as a symptom shows up. As cough is a very common symptom of many diseases, doctors don’t think of TB until other treatments fail. Partnership with the private sector is essential for early diagnosis of TB. Universal primary health care, a basic human right, and a diagnostic algorithm for early diagnosis are essential for TB control. To retard progression: Employ the biomedical method is drug treatment of latent TB. Experts recommend an age window of 5-10 years when all children must be screened with TST; those with latent TB must be treated to prevent progression. Private Sector: The private sector has a very crucial role to play in checking the rise of TB as it is the first place a patient from an urban area visits. We need to make them a partner in this fight. Strict guidelines need to be followed to report cases of TB to government. Developing a comprehensive set of national guidelines could strengthen private sector engagement in TB Efforts should be made to map and categorise private practitioners based on the nature of their education, experience and services provided. Private hospitals need to be penalised for failure to report early TB cases to government. This will enhance the accountability of the private players. If cannot provide free treatment, it needs to refer the patient to a government clinic. Identification, focusing, messaging and testing (IFMeT): Key to successful private-public partnerships to fight TB Strengthening research: We urgently require rapid and cost-effective point-of-care devices that can be deployed for TB diagnosis in different settings across the country. Additionally, new drug regimens are necessary for responding to the spread of drug-resistant strains as is an effective vaccine for preventing TB in adults. It is a big challenge in current times, which is due to irregular treatment. Operational research for optimising service delivery is also critical because it is often the case that diagnostics and drugs do not reach those who need them the most. TB with other disease like HIV is difficult to treat and the research needs to be strengthened in this field. The India TB Research and Development Corporation launched in 2016 must play a pivotal role in accelerating these efforts. Technology: Technology has to be introduced and utilized in the most effective manner to ensure early access and monitoring. Ending social stigma: TB is not a health issue alone. It is a broader societal challenge. Patients often hesitate to seek treatment or deny their condition altogether for fear of losing social standing. The consequence is that TB becomes a death sentence for many even though it is a fully curable illness. Women are disproportionately affected with estimates suggesting that 100,000 Indian women are asked to leave their homes every year after being diagnosed with TB. Mass awareness campaigns like ‘TB Harega Desh Jeetega’ can play an important role in breaking social taboos. Local communication channels such as community radios and street plays must also be leveraged. Children should be engaged through anganwadis and schools for disseminating accurate messages about TB to their families. Paediatric TB is often a neglected area. Children come from low socio-economic strata with social stigma and discrimination which needs to be de-stigmatised. Major initiatives taken by India– Shift to Daily regime of medication: With DOT Centres, the treatment will be at individual door level leading to no defaulter. Cash benefit for TB patients & Medical Practitioner: About 35 lakh identified Tuberculosis patients across the country will soon get Rs. 500 every month from the Centre as social support. The cash benefit for social support will cover loss of wages, travel and mainly nutrition. INR 500/- to the private medical practitioner for notification of the disease Will this work: Need to incentivise both the patients and the private practitioners as both the sides will ensure that they stand to gain from the treatment, which, in the long term, might lead to behavioural change. Web-based Application – Nikshay: To enable health functionaries at various levels across the country to monitor TB cases in their areas Patients receive daily SMSes to ensure they continue their medication. The medicines come with a toll free number that is visible only after the medicine has been taken out of the foil pack; patients are required to give the number a missed call. Every missed call is tracked, and when there are too many gaps, the patient is traced, often by treatment supervisors who travel to remote areas on bikes that the programme pays for. Nikshay Poshan Yojana: A direct benefit transfer (DBT) scheme to provide nutritional support to TB patients. Under the scheme, TB patients have been receiving Rs. 500 per month for the entire duration of treatment. Since its inception, a total amount of Rs. 427crore has been paid to over 26 lakhs beneficiaries through direct transfers to their bank accounts. Introduction of Cartridge-Based Nucleic Acid Amplification Test (CBNAAT): It is a revolutionary rapid molecular test which simultaneously detects Mycobacterium tuberculosis and rifampicin drug resistance. This test is fully automated and provides results within two hours. It is a highly sensitive diagnostic tool and can be used in remote and rural areas without sophisticated infrastructure or specialised training. Note: March 24th is celebrated as World Tuberculosis Day Connecting the Dots: Tuberculosis can be one of the major hurdles in converting the human capital in India to Demographic Dividend. Highlight the reasons for the rising TB problem and suggest measures to eliminate the problem. TB remains one of the leading causes of death from any single infectious agent worldwide. Comment on the national and global efforts to eliminate the disease by 2035. Discuss the measures taken by Government of India to control communicable diseases? GS-3 Measures undertaken to boost coal production (Topic: Energy) Government is undertaking measures to ramp up the domestic coal production from the current level of 730 MT to 1149 MT by 2023 thereby eliminating the coal import except for the limited un-substitutable import. Despite the push for renewable energy, the country will require base load capacity of coal-based generation for stability. Currently, coal occupies 55% share in primary energy supply and about 75% in electricity generation. Government is opening new mines, expanding the capacity of existing mines and creating new evacuation infrastructure to ramp up the domestic coal production. CIL alone is poised to commission 11 new coking coal washeries in a phased manner to meet the total demand of washed domestic coking coal of steel sector Some other steps that the Government has taken: Easing of mine plan approval, Doing away with system of previous approval of Central Govt. for grant of mining lease, Streamlining the grant of permits and clearances, Greater coordination with State in matters relating to land acquisition, Grant of lease, Creation of sufficient coal evacuation infrastructure Promotion of diversified use of coal such as conversion of coal to synthesis gas and subsequent use of the latter to produce methanol or fertilizers National Centre for Clean Coal Research and Development (NCCCR&D) Government of India through Department of Science & Technology, has set up the NCCCR&D as a national level consortium on clean coal R&D, led by the Indian Institute of Science (IISc)-Bengaluru. The primary goal is to address several critical R&D challenges towards the development of clean coal technologies, in tandem with developing supercritical power plant technologies, both at the materials and system level. Clean coal technology is a collection of technologies being developed in attempts to lessen the negative environmental impact of coal energy generation and to mitigate worldwide climate change. The term “clean coal” has been applied to many technologies, ranging from wet scrubbers, which remove sulfur dioxide from coal-generated gas, to coal washing, which removes soil and rock from coal before it’s sent to a factory. The research in clean coal domain could potentially be game changer for meeting the energy needs of the country in terms of higher efficiency and capacity at lower operating costs and size. Connecting the Dots: Discuss the significance of coal as an energy resource. What reforms are needed to cure the ailing coal sector? What is the significance of coal for a developing economy? Is India endowed with good coal resources? Examine. New leadership group announced at Climate Action Summit to drive industry transition to low-carbon economy (Topic: Conservation, environmental pollution and degradation) A new initiative was launched on 23rd September at the UN Climate Action Summit to help guide the world’s heaviest greenhouse gas emitting industries toward the low-carbon economy. Countries that have come together: India and Sweden together with Argentina, Finland, France, Germany, Ireland, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, South Korea and the UK, as well as a group of companies including Dalmia Cement, DSM, Heathrow Airport, LKAB, Mahindra Group, Royal Schiphol Group, Scania, SpiceJet, SSAB, ThyssenKrupp and Vattenfall, announced a new Leadership Group for Industry Transition that will drive transformation in hard-to-decarbonize and energy-intensive sectors. Who will support it? This global initiative will be supported by the World Economic Forum Energy Transitions Commission Mission Innovation Stockholm Environment Institute European Climate Foundation among many others in an ambitious, public-private effort … to ensure heavy industries and mobility companies can find a workable pathway to deliver on the Paris Agreement. Why? Industry sector emissions, including those from hard-to-abate and energy-intensive sectors like steel, cement, aluminum, aviation and shipping are expected to be responsible for 15.7Gt by 2050. The international collaboration between countries and industry groups is critical to establish workable policy frameworks and incentives, and to enable joint investment into low carbon infrastructure. Modi Speaks On Holistic Approach towards Health Pillar 1: Preventive Health Special emphasis on Yoga, Ayurveda and fitness Building more than 1.25 lakh wellness centers. Banned e-cigarette to save the younger generation from this serious threat. Special emphasis on immunization – Addition of new vaccines Pillar 2: Affordable Healthcare Implemented the world's largest health assurance scheme Ayushman Bharat Under this, 500 million poor are being provided free treatment up to 500 thousand rupees per year. And in the last one year only 4.5 million people have been benefited from it. Started more than five thousand special pharmacy stores where more than 800 essential medicines are being made available at affordable prices. The cost of heart stent has been reduced by 80 percent and the cost of knee-implant by 50 to 70 percent. Millions of people suffering from kidney problems are availing free dialysis facility in India. Pillar 3: Improve the Supply Side Historic steps for quality medical education in India, and for medical infrastructure. We have made radical reforms for the second sector. Pillar 4: Mission Mode Intervention: If mothers and children are healthy, then it can create the foundation to make the whole society healthy and hence initiatives like National Nutrition Campaign on mission mode. Sustainable Development Goals aims to eliminate TB by 2030 but in India, we intend to achieve this in mission mode by 2025 Started a campaign against the diseases caused due to air pollution and the ones that are transferred from animals to humans. During Climate Action Summit Pledged that the share of non-fossil fuel will be increased, and by 2022 India’s renewable energy capacity would be increased to much beyond 175 GW, and later till 450 GW. India plans to make the transport sector green through e-mobility and considerably increase the proportion of the biofuel blend in petrol and diesel. Jal Jeevan mission has been launched for water conservation, rainwater harvesting and for the development of water resources and approximately 50 billion dollars is going to be spent on this in the next few years. On the International forum, almost 80 countries have joined our International Solar Alliance campaign. India and Sweden together with other partners are launching the Leadership group within the Industry transition track. This initiative will provide a platform for governments and the private sector with opportunities for cooperation in the area of Technology innovation. This will help to develop low carbon pathways for industry. In order to make our infrastructure disaster resilient, India is launching a Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure The partnership of national governments, UN agencies and programmes, multilateral development banks, financing mechanisms, private sector, and knowledge institutions will promote the resilience of new and existing infrastructure systems to climate and disaster risks, thereby ensuring sustainable development. Developed through consultations with more than 35 countries, CDRI envisions enabling measurable reduction in infrastructure losses from disasters, including extreme climate events. CDRI thus aims to enable the achievement of objectives of expanding universal access to basic services and enabling prosperity as enshrined in the Sustainable Development Goals, while also working at the intersection of the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction and the Paris Climate Agreement. Established as a platform for generating and exchanging knowledge, CDRI will conduct country-specific and global activities. CDRI will provide member countries technical support and capacity development, research and knowledge management, and advocacy and partnerships to facilitate and encourage investment in disaster resilient infrastructure systems. In its formative stage, CDRI will focus on developing resilience in ecological infrastructure, social infrastructure with a concerted emphasis on health and education, and economic infrastructure with special attention to transportation, telecommunications, energy, and water. Within 2-3 years, the coalition aims to have a 3-fold impact of achieving considerable changes in member countries’ policy frameworks, future infrastructure investments and high reduction in economic losses from climate-related events and natural disasters across sectors. CDRI will uphold the UN Agenda 2030 principle of leaving no one, no place, and no ecosystem behind, focusing on the most vulnerable regions and populations, while enabling inclusive and deliberative processes that recognize national and local efforts as primal. Climate Action Summit Finance: mobilizing public and private sources of finance to drive decarbonization of all priority sectors and advance resilience; Energy Transition: accelerating the shift away from fossil fuels and towards renewable energy, as well as making significant gains in energy efficiency; Industry Transition: transforming industries such as oil and gas, steel, cement, chemicals and information technology; Nature-Based Solutions: reducing emissions, increasing sink capacity and enhancing resilience within and across forestry, agriculture, oceans and food systems, including through biodiversity conservation, leveraging supply chains and technology; Cities and Local Action: advancing mitigation and resilience at urban and local levels, with a focus on new commitments on low-emission buildings, mass transport and urban infrastructure; and resilience for the urban poor; Resilience and Adaptation: advancing global efforts to address and manage the impacts and risks of climate change, particularly in those communities and nations most vulnerable. Mitigation Strategy: to generate momentum for ambitious NDCs and longterm strategies to achieve the goals of the Paris Agreement. Youth Engagement and Public Mobilization: to mobilize people worldwide to take action on climate change and ensure that young people are integrated and represented across all aspects of the Summit, including the six transformational areas. Social and Political Drivers: to advance commitments in areas that affect people’s well-being, such as reducing air pollution, generating decent jobs, and strengthening climate adaptation strategies and protect workers and vulnerable groups. At United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) HEALTH: 11 crore toilets have been constructed in five years and the biggest cleanliness drive had been launched. Ayushman Bharat health scheme, the world's biggest health insurance scheme, offers 50 crore people free medical coverage of up to Rs 50 lakh. SINGLE-USE PLASTIC: India is in the midst of a major drive to end the use of single-use plastic. INCLUSIVITY: 'Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas, Sabka Vishwas' - India's strength and tradition. GLOBAL WARMING: Natural disasters all over the world have increased due to global warming. India was not a major contributor to global warming but is today one of the leading countries devoted to the solving the problem of global warming. YUDH NOT BUDH: India is committed to world peace. Sacrifices made by Indian troops on UN Peacekeeping Missions cannot be matched by those from any other country. We are residents of a country that has given the world not yudh [wars] not budh [Gautam Buddha] TERRORISM: Calling on the world to unite in the battle against terrorism, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said terrorism hurts the principles on which the United Nations was formed. For the sake of humanity, the entire world needs to unite to fight terrorism. HARMONY AND PEACE: Ending his speech, PM Narendra Modi recalled a speech delivered by Swami Vivekananda in Chicago in 1893. In the speech, delivered at the World Parliament of Religions (1893), Swami Vivekananda gave the message of 'harmony and peace, not dissension.” The world's largest democracy still has the same message for the world: Harmony and peace. Please Note: HIKAA: The Cyclonic Storm ‘HIKAA’ over northeast and adjoining east central Arabian sea ‘Global Goal Keeper Award’ for Swachh Bharat Abhiyan: Narendra Modi Exercise MALABAR: To strengthen India - Japan - US Naval cooperation and enhance interoperability based on shared values and principles. Exercise KAZIND: Exercise KAZIND-2019 is the fourth edition of an annual event which is conducted alternatively in Kazakhstan and India. The aim of this exercise is to conduct company level joint training with emphasis on counter terrorism operations in mountainous terrain. During the exercise, aspects of emerging trends of global terrorism and hybrid warfare have also been included. The joint military exercise will enhance the level of defence cooperation further fostering bilateral relations between the two nations. National Water Mission Awards: NWM, Department of Water Resources, River Development & Ganga Rejuvenation, Ministry of Jal Shakti has initiated the ‘National Water Mission Awards’ to recognize excellence in water conservation, efficient water use and sustainable water management practices. First Indigenous High Temperature Fuel Cell System: Developed by Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) in partnership with Indian industries under India’s flagship program named “New Millennium Indian Technology Leadership Initiative (NMITLI)” The 5.0 kW fuel cell system generates power in a green manner using methanol / bio-methane, with heat and water as bi-products for further use; amounting to greater than 70% efficiency, which otherwise may not be possible by other energy sources. The Fuel Cells developed are based on High Temperature Proton Exchange Membrane (HTPEM) Technology. The development is most suitable for distributed stationary power applications like; for small offices, commercial units, data centers etc.; where highly reliable power is essential with simultaneous requirement for air-conditioning. This system will also meet the requirement of efficient, clean and reliable backup power generator for telecom towers, remote locations and strategic applications as well. This development would replace Diesel Generating (DG) sets and help reduce India’s dependence on crude oil. The Fuel Cells fit well in India’s mission of replacing diesel with green and alternate fuels. The development of fuel cell technology is indigenous and carries immense national importance in terms of non-grid energy security. Government of India has instituted ‘Sardar Patel National Unity Award’ - Highest Civilian Award for contribution to Unity and Integrity of India. The Award seeks to recognize notable and inspiring contributions to promote the cause of national unity and integrity and to reinforce the value of a strong and united India. The award will be announced on the occasion of the National Unity Day, i.e. the birth anniversary of Sardar Patel on 31st October. Edifice of modern India: The largest dry dock of Indian Navy - The Aircraft Carrier Dock at the Naval Dockyard in Mumbai Launch of Navy's first new stealth frigate, INS ‘Nilgiri’: INS Nilgiri is the first ship of Project17A. Project 17A frigates are a design derivative of the Shivalik class stealth frigates with much more advanced stealth features and indigenous weapons and sensors. These frigates are being built using integrated construction methodology. The P17A frigates incorporate new design concepts for improved survivability, sea keeping, stealth and ship manoeuvrability. National Launch of 10 Year Rural Sanitation Strategy (2019-2029) By: The Department of Drinking Water and Sanitation (DDWS), Ministry of Jal Shakti Focus on: Sustaining the sanitation behavior change that has been achieved under the Swachh Bharat Mission Grameen (SBM-G), ensuring that no one is left behind, and increasing access to solid and liquid waste management. Link Vehicle Data to VAHAN database: Ministry of Road Transport & Highways has reiterated the necessity of linking all vehicle data with VAHAN database to avoid harassment and inconvenience to citizens. The States and Union Territories have been asked to ensure that all PUC centres upload emission test data electronically to VAHAN database as per guidelines issued in compliance with Supreme Court directions. ‘UMMID’ (Unique Methods of Management and treatment of Inherited Disorders) initiative: To tackle inherited genetic diseases of new born babies UMMID Initiative is designed on the concept of ‘Prevention is better than Cure’. In India’s urban areas, congenital malformations and genetic disorders are the third most common cause of mortality in newborns. With a very large population and high birth rate, and consanguineous marriage favored in many communities, prevalence of genetic disorders is high in India Aims: To establish NIDAN Kendras to provide counselling, prenatal testing and diagnosis, management, and multidisciplinary care in Government Hospitals wherein the influx of patients is more To produce skilled clinicians in Human Genetics To undertake screening of pregnant women and new born babies for inherited genetic diseases in hospitals at aspirational districts NIDAN (National Inherited Diseases Administration) Kendra will be established for genetic testing and counselling services. Mochi Swabhimaan Initiative – a nationwide effort in which LSSC will support the cobbler community who provide leather-based services, with CSR funds ensuring they work in a dignified manner Leather Sector is an Export driven sector and has the potential to create 2 million jobs in the next 5 years. The Government of India had recently announced in the Budget of 2019 that export duty be rationalized on raw and semi-finished leather increasing opportunities in the sector.
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IAS UPSC Prelims and Mains Exam – 1st October 2019 Archives (PRELIMS + MAINS FOCUS) Kerala bagged the top spot on the School Education Quality Index (SEQI) Part of: GS Prelims and GS-II - Education In News SEQI assesses States on the basis of learning outcomes, access, equity and infrastructure and facilities, governance processes using survey data, self-reported data from States and third-party verification. It is developed by NITI Aayog through a collaborative process, including key stakeholders such as Ministry of Human Resource and Development (MHRD) and World Bank. Some of the findings of the Index are Among the large States, Kerala bagged the top spot with 76.6 per cent and while Uttar Pradesh with 36.4 per cent scored the lowest for 2016-17. Among the small States, Manipur (68.8 per cent) emerged as the top performer while Arunachal Pradesh (24.6 per cent) came last in the category. Among Union Territories, Chandigarh (82.9 per cent) stood at the top position while Lakshadweep ranked lowest (31.9 per cent). The index provides instructive feedback to State authorities to drive reforms in crucial sectors and encourage innovation in cost-effective policy approaches Paleochannel Part of: GS Prelims and GS Mains I - Geography In News The Union Water Ministry has excavated an old, dried-up river in Prayagraj (formerly Allahabad) that linked the Ganga and Yamuna rivers. The discovery was made last December by a team of scientists from the CSIR-NGRI (National Geophysical Research Institute) and the Central Groundwater Board. A palaeochannel is a remnant of an inactive river or stream channel that has been filled or buried by younger sediment. Paleochannels typically act as pathways for groundwater movement and provide a potential source of groundwater. Their presence can be helpful in identifying areas suitable for recharge. https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/wyxpkb/article29560056.ece/ALTERNATES/FREE_960/TH01New-rivercol Commutation Part of: GS Prelims and Mains GS-II - Polity In News The Ministry of Home Affairs has decided to commute the death sentence of Balwant Singh Rajoana, who was convicted for the assassination of former Punjab chief minister Beant Singh, to life imprisonment Beant Singh, credited for ending terrorism in Punjab, was assassinated on August 31, 1995, in an explosion in Chandigarh. About Presidential Pardoning Powers Article 72 says that the President shall have the power to grant pardons, reprieves, respites or remissions of punishment or to suspend, remit or commute the sentence of any person convicted of any offence Commutation: It means reducing the punishment by changing the nature of punishment. For example, punishment to death may be changed to life imprisonment. Pardon: It removes both the sentence and the conviction and completely absolves the convict from all the sentences, punishments and disqualifications. Remission It implies reducing the period of sentence without changing its character Respite It denotes awarding a lesser sentence in place of one originally awarded due to some special fact, such as the physical disability of convict or the pregnancy of a woman offender. Reprieve It implies a stay of the execution of a sentence (especially that of death) for a temporary period. its purpose is to enable the convict to have time to seek pardon or commutation from the President. Eight core industries’ output contracts (negative growth) by 0.5% in August 2019 Part of: GS Prelims and Mains GS-III – Indian Economy In News The eight core sector industries are coal, crude oil, natural gas, refinery products, fertiliser, steel, cement and electricity. The eight core sector industrieshad expanded by 4.7 per cent in August last year The contraction indicates weakness in industrial activity and may spur RBI to cut REPO rates in its next Monetary Policy Review. Do You Know? These eight sectors have 40.27% of the weight of all sectors that figure in Index of Industrial Production (IIP) The IIP index is computed and published by the Central Statistical Organisation (CSO) on a monthly basis The base year used for IIP calculations is 2011-12. Repo rate is the rate at which the central bank of a country (RBI) lends money to commercial banks in the event of any shortfall of funds (MAINS FOCUS) EMPLOYMENT & AGRICLUTURE TOPIC: General Studies 3: Indian Economy and issues relating to planning, mobilization of resources, growth, development and employment. The link between jobs, farming and climate Context: Slowing economy is taking place, growth has slowed for the past two-and-a-half years Unemployment is the biggest crisis that India is facing today Data: Periodic Labour Force Survey point to a dramatic rise in the unemployment rate since 2011-12 Unemployment is the highest in the 45 years since 1972-73 Unemployment in ‘Rural Males’, in 2017-18, is four times the average for the 40 years up to 2011-12. Causes for the slow growth in rural income: Since 2008-2009, crop agriculture activity has recorded zero or negative growth in five years not seen anything like this since 1947. Other causes include low export growth , the state of the banking sector etc Decline in investment rate (due to poor agricultural growth) ecological factors like land degradation involving loss of soil moisture and nutrients, and the drop in the water table, leading to scarcity which raises the cost of cultivation excessive fertilizer use caused over-abuse of the earth’s resources. increasingly erratic rainfall, due to climate change Measures to be taken : Recent Reduction in the corporate tax rate. ( but large part of corporate sales is driven by rural demand ) The future growth of demand for much of industrial production is likely to come from rural areas so the rural picture matters Way Forward: Govt must strive to increase rural income Intelligent governance, resource deployment and change in farmer behaviour is a need of the hour Draw in the public agricultural institutes and farmer bodies for their views on how to resuscitate the sector. Policy focus is disproportionately on the tax rate, the ease of doing business in the non-agricultural sector which must be turned towards agricultural sector Did you know: In the average country of the OECD, an increase in unemployment of such magnitude would have triggered a nationwide debate and agitation on the streets. Connecting the dots : It is imperative to focus on agricultural production in devising a long-term solution to the problem of unemployment. Substantiate . POLITY General Studies 2: Salient features of the Representation of People’s Act. Appointment to various Constitutional posts, powers, functions and responsibilities of various Constitutional Bodies.. The EC’s order on Sikkim CM’s disqualification Context: Sikkim CM Prem Singh was found guilty of misappropriation of government funds in a cow distribution scheme while he was the minister of animal husbandry in the 1990s.A case was registered in 2003 under the Prevention of Corruption Act Sikkim CM Prem Singh Tamang's disqualification period of 6 years, which began on August 10, 2018, was to end on August 10, 2024 Tamang’s SKM party won the assembly elections held in April, took over as CM in May. He has to contest assembly polls within six months of becoming the chief minister to hold the office Tamang had requested the poll panel to waive his disqualification period under Section 11 of the Representation of the People Act. The EC reduced Sikkim chief minister Prem Singh Tamang's disqualification period by almost five years under a provision of the electoral law, paving the way for him to contest the state assembly elections. Did you know? Section 11 of the RP Act states, "The Election Commission may, for reasons to be recorded, remove any disqualification under this Chapter 1 (except under section 8A) or reduce the period of any such disqualification." EC’s stand: The legislature has, in its wisdom, deemed it necessary to vest this Commission with this power with the understanding that socio-economic-political factors may, in certain peculiar circumstances, warrant that the general disqualification prescribed by statutory rule should be removed/reduced by exercising this extraordinary power.” The Prevention of Corruption Amendment Act 2018 The Bill incorporates the recommendations given by the 20th Law Commission headed by Justice (retd) AP Shah in its 254th Report. The Bill makes bribing a punishable offence. It redefines provisions related to criminal misconduct. It makes mandatory for taking prior approval of relevant Government or competent authority to conduct any investigation into offence. It modifies definitions and penalties for offences related to taking bribe, being habitual offender and abetting offence. The Representation of the People Act, 1951 Article 327 of Indian Constitution For the conduct of election of the Houses of Parliament and to the House or Houses of the Legislature of each State, The qualifications and disqualifications for membership of those Houses, the corrupt practices and other offences at or in connection with such elections It was introduced in Parliament by law minister Dr. B.R. Ambedkar. Rationale behind the relief: Argument was that law prevailing at the time of his offence entailed disqualification only if the sentence was for a term of two years or more; and that the amendment in 2003, under which any conviction under the anti-corruption law would attract the six-year disqualification norm, should not be applied to him. Criticisms: Morally wrong and a dangerous precedent that may end up reversing the trend towards decriminalising politics Tamang was convicted under the Prevention of Corruption Act for and his one-year prison term was upheld by the High Court and the Supreme Court. Disqualification from contest is a civil disability created by electoral law to keep those convicted by criminal courts from entering elected offices. EC decision also goes against the grain of a series of legislative and judicial measures to strengthen the legal framework against corruption in recent years.( apex court has described corruption as a serious malady and one impinging on the economy.) Concluison: The EC is already battling a perception that its actions are partisan and this action is bound to further strain its credibility. Connecting the dots: Today, we have 43% of the people sitting in the Lok Sabha with pending criminal cases. Do you think the EC’s act of removing the disqualification of a convict is morally wrong and a dangerous precedent that may end up reversing the trend towards decriminalising politics? Elucidate . (TEST YOUR KNOWLEDGE) Model questions: (You can now post your answers in comment section) Note: Featured Comments and comments Up-voted by IASbaba are the “correct answers”. IASbaba App users – Team IASbaba will provide correct answers in comment section. Kindly refer to it and update your answers. Q.1) Index of Industrial Production is released by which body/ministry? Central Statistical Organisation Ministry of Commerce and Industry NITI Aayog None of the above Q.2) Consider the following statements about Palaeochannel It is a remnant of an inactive river or stream channel that has been filled or buried by younger sediment. Their presence can be helpful in identifying areas suitable for groundwater recharge Which of the statement(s) given above is/are correct? 1 only 2 only Both 1 and 2 Neither 1 nor 2 Q.3) Consider the following statements Article 161 deals withpower of Governor to grant pardons, etc, and to suspend, remit or commute sentences in certain cases Commutation of sentence means reducing the period of sentence without changing its character Which of the statement(s) given above is/are correct? 1 only 2 only Both 1 and 2 Neither 1 nor 2 Q.4) School Education Quality Index (SEQI) is developed by which of the following body/bodies? NGO Pratham NITI Aayog Union Ministry of Human Resource Development Both b and c MUST READ A test for judicial review in India The Hindu Creating jobs for young India The Hindu Housing crisis, untouched The Hindu How to read corporate tax cut Indian Express South Asia needs a culture of commitment to human rights Indian Express ‘Howdy, Modi’ showcased that India, US have shed Cold War baggage Indian Express An innovator of resistance, Bapu defeated hatred Live Mint
Eastern Economic Forum ARCHIVES Search 5th September Spotlight here: http://www.newsonair.com/Main_Audio_Bulletins_Search.aspx TOPIC: General Studies 2: India and its neighbourhood relations, International relations. Bilateral, regional and global groupings and agreements involving India and/or affecting India’s interests. Effect of policies and politics of developed and developing countries on India’s interests, Indian diaspora. Important International institutions, agencies and fora- their structure, mandate. About Eastern Economic Forum EEF was established by a decree of the President of the Russian Federation, Vladimir Putin, in 2015, with the aim of supporting the economic development of Russia’s Far East, and to expand international cooperation in the Asia-Pacific region. The ongoing EEF Summit at the Far Eastern Federal University is the fifth in its history. Among the participants in the Summit are India, Malaysia, Japan, Australia, and South Korea. According to the EEF website, the 2018 Summit was attended by more than 6,000 participants from over 60 countries, and over 220 agreements worth over RUB 3.1 trillion were signed. (Each Russian ruble is almost exactly worth 1 Indian rupee.) The Summits have roundtable conferences, panel sessions, business breakfasts, besides business dialogues and bilateral talks and agreements. What has the EEF achieved till now? In the last five years, as many as 17 different countries have invested in the Far East, according to the EEF website. These include regional and global heavyweights like China, Japan, South Korea, Australia, New Zealand, and Vietnam. As a result, 20 advanced special economic zones and five free ports have been put in place. A total of 1,780 new investment projects, worth over 3.8 trillion rubles, and 230 new enterprises have become functional, the EEF website says. What is India’s interest in the EEF? Prime Minister Modi has described the EEF as a “historic opportunity” to give new impetus to the cooperation between India and Russia. He has said that the relationship between the two countries has “special chemistry, special ease”, even pointing out that Siberian cranes migrate to “my home state Gujarat”. Going beyond the bonhomie and historical ties, India is also a key customer of the Russian arms industry. In March, India entered into a joint venture with Russia to manufacture the legendary Kalashnikov assault rifles in India. In 2018, Russia sold the S-400 advanced air defence system to India. India is interested in expanding the level of trade between the two countries. An area of special interest for India is the exploration of hydrocarbon reserves along the coast of Russia’s Far East. Modi in Russia Prime Minister Narendra Modi became the first Indian premier to visit the Far East Russia. Announcing $1 billion loan for the development of Russia's Far East, Modi said it was a 'unique case' of India providing such special credit line The launch of a Russian-Indian joint venture for manufacturing AK-203 Kalashnikov assault rifles in India will bring bilateral cooperation in the military and technical area to a new level Putin and Modi signed 15 agreements, MoUs to strengthen bilateral ties. The prime minister unveiled his government's "Act Far East" policy to boost India's engagement with Russia's Far East region, blessed with oil, gas and other minerals. The Far East will become the bedrock of a strong India-Russia tie, which is based on the principles of "rules-based order, sovereignty, respect for territorial integrity and is against engaging in the internal matters of other countries". Vladivostok and India When ships will start plying between Vladivostok and Chennai with the opening of the maritime routes between the two cities, the Russian port city will become the springboard of northeast asia market in India. This will further deepen the India-Russia partnership." Modi added that the partnership between India and Russia in the development of the Far East will make it a "confluence of open, free and inclusive Indo-Pacific". In Russian, Vladivostok is ‘Ruler of the East’. Located on the Golden Horn Bay north of North Korea and a short distance from Russia’s border with China, it is the largest port on Russia’s Pacific coast, and home to the Pacific Fleet of the Russian Navy. It is the eastern railhead of the legendary Trans-Siberian Railway, which connects the far east of Russia to the capital Moscow, and further west to the countries of Europe. At Vladivostok’s massive port, shipping and commercial fishing are the main commercial activities. Automobiles are a major item of import at the port, from where they are often transported further inland. Trade and strategy India is building nuclear power plants with Russia’s collaboration in Kudankulam on the sea coast in Tamil Nadu’s Tirunelveli district. The opening of a sea route is likely to help in the project. Even otherwise, a vibrant sea route will help in the upscaling of trade relations between the two nations. It will also increase India’s presence in the Indo-Pacific, and especially the South China Sea, a deeply contested patch of the ocean that Beijing considers its stomping ground. Connecting the dots: India and Russia have been strategic partners even before cold war era. Critically analyse the defence relation between two countries and what can be possible way forward.
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