Current Affairs – December 06, 2024

{GS1 – A&C – Religion} Akal Takht

• Context (IE): The Akal Takht, the supreme temporal seat of the Sikhs, imposed religious punishment on the former deputy CM of Punjab and President of the Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) for the alleged misrule of the SAD government from 2007 to 2017.

Establishment of the Akal Takht

• Foundation: It was established by the sixth Sikh master, Guru Hargobind, in 1606 following the execution of his father, Guru Arjan Dev, by the Mughals.
• Purpose: Guru Hargobind used this platform for governance and issued the first directive (Hukamnama) from here, urging Sikh congregations to contribute horses and weapons to the Panth.
• Symbolism: The Guru requested two swords, one shorter symbolising miri (temporal power) and one longer symbolising piri (spirituality), indicating the primacy of spiritual authority over temporal power.
• Defiance: The Akal Takht symbolised Sikh defiance of Mughal authority, with its 12-foot-high platform challenging Emperor Jahangir’s 11-foot-high throne.
• Focal Point: After the execution of Banda Singh Bahadur in 1716, the Akal Takht became the focal point for Sikhs during periods of persecution. Sikhs gathered here on Baisakhi and Diwali for Sarbat Khalsa assemblies to make important decisions.
• Historical Assemblies: Maharaja Ranjit Singh convened one of the last assemblies in 1805 to deliberate on supporting the Maratha prince of Indore, Jaswant Rao Holkar, against the British.

Appointment of the Jathedar

• Authority: The Jathedar of the Akal Takht is the supreme temporal and religious authority of the Sikhs.
• Criteria: The Jathedar must be baptised, possess a deep knowledge of Sikh history and scriptures, and be free from moral shortcomings.
• Initial Phase: Initially, the Sarbat Khalsa appointed the Akal Takht Jathedar during annual congregations. After British control, the Darbar Sahib committee controlled the appointments.
• SGPC Role: Following the Sikh Gurdwaras Act of 1925, the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) began appointing the Jathedar.

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Religious Punishment by the Akal Takht

• Tankhah: The term “tankhah” refers to a penalty imposed on a Sikh who has violated the Rehat Maryada, which is the Sikh code of conduct. It involves performing extra prayers (Bani), performing Seva (selfless service), making public apologies, or undertaking pilgrimages.
• Justice: Any Sikh can be summoned to the Akal Takht, tried, and sentenced. It applies only to those who voluntarily submit to its authority, aiming to remove ego and instil humility.

{GS1 – A&C – Sites} Budaun’s Jama Masjid Shamsi

• Context (IE): A court in Budaun, Uttar Pradesh, is hearing a plea seeking permission for Hindus to pray at the 800-year-old Jama Masjid Shamsi.

• The petitioners argue that mosque was constructed after demolishing the Neelkanth Mahadev Temple.
• The Muslim side refutes this claim, citing the Places of Worship Act, 1991.

Historical Significance of the Jama Masjid Shamsi

Construction History

• Commissioned by Sultan Shams ud-Din Iltutmish in 1223 AD, according to inscriptions on the mosque.
• The mosque’s construction occurred during the governorship of Iltutmish’s son, Rukn-ud-Din Firoz.
• It was repaired in the 16th century after a fire, with domes added under Akbar’s reign.
• The mosque is recognised as a Monument of National Importance and a National Heritage Site.

Architectural Features

• It is one of the oldest and largest congregational mosques in North India.
• The mosque showcases Persian and Afghan architectural influences.
• The mosque is constructed using red sandstone and white marble.

Historical Evidence and Claims

• Some historical records, including those by British-era Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) officials, mention that the mosque was constructed using materials from demolished Hindu temples. It also mentioned dwarf pillars with Hindu architectural features near the mosque’s mihrab.
• Alexander Cunningham, founder of the ASI, noted local traditions that suggest a temple, Harmandar, stood at the site before the mosque.
• Gazetteer References: The 1907 district gazetteer credits the construction of the Neelkanth Mahadev Temple to the 12th-century Chauhan king Ajaypal.

{GS2 – IR – Africa} India’s Role in Africa’s Development

• Context (IE): Indian PM’s recent visit to Nigeria underscores India’s deepening ties with Africa, focusing on fostering development and leveraging mutual strengths.

Africa’s Current Development Landscape

• Geographic Potential: Africa has abundant natural resources, including oil, gas and minerals and 60% of the world’s arable land, making it economically vital.
• Economic Growth: Hosts some of the world’s fastest-growing economies (Ethiopia, Rwanda, Ghana).
• Young Population: Africa has the youngest median age (19.2 years), offering a demographic dividend.
• Geostrategic Importance: It has attracted major powers, including China (Belt and Road Initiative), the US (Prosper Africa) and Japan (TICAD).
• Agenda 2063: African Union’s strategic framework for inclusive growth, industrialisation and peace.
• Challenges: The continent faces high poverty rates (over 34%), political instability and frequent conflicts, with regions like the Sahel and Horn of Africa experiencing chronic insecurity.

India-Africa Ties

• Shared History: India and Africa share a legacy of colonial exploitation and a common struggle for independence, fostering solidarity during the Non-Aligned Movement.
• Strategic Vision: India’s Africa policy is guided by the principles of South-South Cooperation and mutual respect, focusing on capacity building, trade, and people-to-people ties.

India’s Role in Africa’s Development

Economic Engagement

• Trade and Investment: India is Africa’s third-largest trading partner, with bilateral trade exceeding $98 billion in 2022-23 in energy, pharmaceuticals and agriculture sectors.
• Energy Security: India imports about 15% of its crude oil from African nations (Nigeria and Angola).
• Lines of Credit (LoC): India has extended $12.3 billion across 300 projects in 41 African countries, focusing on infrastructure, health, and education.

Capacity Building and Skill Development

• Educational Programs: Initiatives like the Indian Technical and Economic Cooperation (ITEC) program have trained over 50,000 African professionals in various fields.
• E-Vidya Bharati and E-Arogya Bharati (E-VBAB): India’s tele-education and telemedicine programs benefit thousands of African students and healthcare workers.
• Agricultural Development: India’s expertise in Green Revolution technologies is being shared to enhance Africa’s food security.

Healthcare Contributions

• Affordable Medicines: India supplies over 50% of Africa’s generic medicines, combating diseases like HIV/AIDS and malaria.
• Pandemic Response: During COVID-19, India provided vaccines under the “Vaccine Maitri” initiative and supported healthcare infrastructure.

Infrastructure and Connectivity

• Digital Cooperation: Initiatives like the Pan-African e-Network (PAeN) enhance digital infrastructure.
• Transport Projects: India’s investments in road, rail, and port infrastructure improve connectivity within Africa and with global markets.

Peacekeeping and Security

• UN Peacekeeping: India has contributed over 200,000 personnel to UN missions, with significant deployments in Africa.
• Anti-Piracy Efforts: The Indian Navy actively combats piracy in the Gulf of Aden, ensuring secure maritime trade routes.

Opportunities for Deeper Engagement

• Green Energy: Africa’s vast solar and wind potential aligns with India’s International Solar Alliance goals.
• Startup Ecosystem: India’s digital startups can provide affordable fintech, ed-tech and agri-tech solutions for Africa’s growing markets.
• Triangular Cooperation: Collaborating with Japan & the US for joint development projects in Africa.

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Challenges in India’s Engagement with Africa

• Competition From Chinese Heavy Investments: Necessitates innovative Indian contribution strategies.
• Logistical & Financial Constraints: Limited financial resources & connectivity hinder India’s outreach.
• Political Instability: Frequent conflicts challenge governance in Africa & disrupt developmental projects.
• Perception Issues: India’s engagement must overcome perceptions of being resource-driven rather than development-focused.

Way Forward

• Enhanced Financial Support: Increase LoCs and explore innovative financing models like Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs).
• Focus on Niche Areas: Leverage India’s strengths in IT, healthcare and low-cost innovations to address Africa’s unique needs.
• Strengthen Cultural Ties: Promote cultural exchanges and diaspora engagement to deepen people-to-people connections.
• Collaborate with Global Partners: Partner with the African Union, UN and other global institutions to align efforts with Agenda 2063.

{GS2 – Polity – IC} Martial law

• Context (IE): The South Korean president has declared emergency martial law, citing threats from anti-state activities by the opposition. However, Parliament forced him to revert the decision.

• Martial Law is a temporary state of emergency the government declares to address unexpected threats and crises within a country.
• Under it, military authorities take over civil administration and are responsible for law and order.

Martial Law in the Indian Constitution

• Article 34 of the Indian Constitution covers Martial Law. This concept is borrowed from the British.
• Article 34 provides for restrictions on FRs while martial law is in force in any area within territory of India.
• It provides Parliament with the right to make any law indemnifying any government servant for acts done during the operation of martial law.
• The power of Parliament under this Section is subject to the following two conditions:
  • The act must have been done concerning the maintenance or restoration of order.
  • Martial law must be in force in the area where the act was done.
• The term ‘martial law’ is not defined in the IC. There are no explicit grounds mentioned for the imposition of Martial law.
• Post-independence, it was never applied in India.

Differences between Martial Law and National Emergency in India

{GS3 – DM – Drought} World Drought Atlas

• Context (DTE): According to the World Drought Atlas, around 75% of the global population will be affected by drought by 2050. It is released by the UN Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD) and the European Commission Joint Research Centre.

• Aim: To provide data-driven insights and guidelines to combat the increasing global drought risks.
• It highlights the effects of droughts on energy, trade, and agriculture.
• For India: It predicts significant losses in soybean crops due to drought and recalls the 2019 water crisis in Chennai, caused by poor water management despite ample rainfall.

Measures for Drought Management

Global Measures

• Integrated Drought Management Programme: This initiative works globally to enhance resilience against droughts by promoting collaboration and sustainable practices.
• UNCCD’s Drought Resilience, Adaptation and Management Policy (DRAMP) Framework: Supports countries in developing & implementing policies for better adaptation and managing drought risks.
• Global Drought Information System: Offers a centralized platform for data and information, aiding global efforts to monitor and manage drought conditions effectively.
• The International Drought Resilience Alliance (IDRA): It promotes knowledge sharing and funding for drought resilience initiatives.

India-Specific Measures

• National Policy on Disaster Management: This policy incorporates comprehensive strategies for drought mitigation, preparedness, and response, ensuring a coordinated approach.
• National Agricultural Drought Assessment and Monitoring System: Utilises advanced monitoring techniques to assess drought impacts on agriculture and guide timely interventions.

{GS3 – IE – Development} Growth Challenges on the Path to Viksit Bharat

• Context (IE): India’s recent GDP growth estimates have fallen short, highlighting critical policy missteps and challenges on its path to achieving Viksit Bharat by 2047.

Need for Growth-Oriented Policies

• Ambition for High-Income Status: Requires sustained economic reforms & targeted growth strategies.
• Long-Term Policy Focus: Macroeconomic growth is significantly influenced by consistent and well-crafted policies over the medium term.

Challenges Hindering Growth

• Nehruvian Socialist Impulses: Persistent state-interventionist tendencies conflict with the vision of limiting state intervention and slowing policy modernisation.
• Infrastructure & FDI Gaps: Despite robust infrastructure initiatives, reduced FDI inflow hinders growth.
• Judicial and Bureaucratic Barriers: Lack of timely conflict resolution and unpredictability in judicial actions discourage investment.
• Economic Disparity: The divergence between India’s per-capita income and its aggregate economic size limits sustainable growth.

Issues with Current Economic Policies

• Declining GDP Growth: GDP growth estimates dropped to 5.4% in Q2 FY24, down from 8% five quarters ago, exposing forecasting inaccuracies.
• High Taxation Rates: Tax-to-GDP ratio reached 19%, surpassing East Asia’s lower rates (e.g., China at 16%, Vietnam at 13%), affecting competitiveness and efficiency.
• FDI Decline: Withdrawal from Bilateral Investment Treaties (BITs) deters foreign investments by increasing risks for investors.
• Tight Monetary Policy: India’s real repo rates are higher than non-advanced economies’ average, causing contractionary effects on growth.
• Retrospective Tax Changes: Policies like indexation benefit removal undermine investor confidence and the “Ease of Living” agenda.

Reforms Needed

• Revive BITs: Re-enter BTIs to provide security and predictability for foreign investors.
• Reform Taxation Policies: Reduce tax rates and streamline retrospective tax changes to attract domestic and foreign investments.
• Balance Monetary Policies: Adjust real repo rates to align with global non-advanced economies, ensuring a pro-growth monetary stance.
• Enhance Institutional Strength: Improve conflict resolution mechanisms, enforce contracts, and ensure policy consistency to attract FDI.
• Adopt Global Best Practices: Learn from East Asian economies with low tax-to-GDP ratios and higher growth outcomes.
• Limit Statist Policies: Address socialist legacies to align with the PM’s vision of reduced state intervention in economic activities.

{GS3 – S&T – NanoTech} Nano Bubble Technology *

• Context (PIB): The Ministry of Forest, Environment & Climate Change launched ‘Nano Bubble Technology’ to clean & purify the water of National Zoological Park, Delhi.

Source: moleaer

• Nanobubbles is an advanced technique for enhancing water quality by using tiny bubbles.
• Nanobubbles have a strong negative charge, which helps them attract & break down impurities in water.
• Size: Nanobubbles are incredibly tiny, measuring between 70 and 120 nanometers in diameter, 2500 times smaller than a single grain of salt.
• Oxygenation: Nanobubbles enhance oxygen levels in the water, promoting aerobic degradation by aerobic bacteria, which naturally breaks down organic matter.
• Brownian Motion: Nanobubbles remain in the water for a long time, ensuring a uniform distribution of oxygen and maintaining dissolved oxygen levels for extended periods.

Applications of Nanobubble Technology

• Water Treatment: Nanobubbles remove contaminants, pollutants, and pathogens from water, providing a chemical-free solution for water purification.
• Agriculture: Infusing water with oxygen-rich nanobubbles can significantly improve plant growth.
• Aquaculture: Oxygen nanobubbles can enhance health and growth of fish and other aquatic organisms.
• Industrial Cleaning: The small size and high reactivity of nanobubbles allow them to penetrate and clean hard-to-reach areas, making them ideal for industrial cleaning applications.
• Medical Field: Research is exploring the use of nanobubbles for targeted drug delivery, medical imaging, and even cancer treatment.

{Prelims – In News} Gharcholas Saree

• Context (TH): The Gharcholas Saree from Gujarat received the GI tag. It was presented at the “GI and Beyond – Virasat Se Vikas Tak” program in New Delhi.

• Traditional Use: They are worn by newlywed brides to symbolise joining their new home, particularly within Hindu and Jain communities. The name “Gharchola” means “Outfit for Home“.
• Fabric and Design: These sarees are woven on cotton or silk fabric using silk & zari threads. They feature checkered patterns filled with small golden motifs of peacocks, lotuses, human figures & floral designs.
• Bandhani Technique: The sarees are coloured using the Bandhani or tie-and-dye technique. This technique frequently uses red, maroon, green, and yellow.
• Varieties: A Gharcholas Saree with 12 squares is known as “Bar Bagh,” while one with 52 squares is called “Bavan Bagh“.

Other Handicrafts Honoured

• Saadeli Art: A traditional art form from Surat that involves intricate wooden inlay work.
• Soof Embroidery: An intricate form of needlework from Banaskantha known for its geometric patterns.
• Sujni Craft: A type of embroidered quilt-making from Bharuch.
• Saudagiri Print: A distinctive block printing technique from Ahmedabad.