JULY 11 UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – PM IAS

India’s Rise as a Global Power in Intellectual and Cultural Gravitas

Syllabus: GS2/International Relations; GS1/Indian Culture (Salient aspects of Art Forms, Literature and Architecture from ancient to modern times).

Context: In the 21st century, India is increasingly leveraging its “soft power”—the ability to influence others through attraction and persuasion rather than coercion—to enhance its global standing. From its ancient civilisational heritage to its modern, vibrant cultural exports, India is building a compelling narrative on the world stage, transforming its cultural richness into tangible global influence.

What is Soft Power?

Coined by political scientist Joseph S. Nye, soft power is the ability of a country to persuade others to do what it wants without force or coercion. It is derived from the appeal of its culture, political values, and foreign policies. For a nation like India, with a rich civilisational history and a large diaspora, soft power is a crucial tool for expanding diplomatic credibility and influence.

Pillars of India’s Soft Power

1. Cultural Diplomacy and Civilisational Heritage:
   • Yoga and Ayurveda: The global embrace of yoga and Ayurveda has been a major triumph of India’s soft power. India’s initiative led to the United Nations declaring International Day of Yoga, which is now celebrated in over 190 countries. This has positioned India as a contributor to global health and spiritual well-being.
   • Buddhism and Ancient Thought: India’s historical role as the birthplace of Buddhism and other philosophical traditions continues to serve as a powerful link with East and Southeast Asian nations.
   • Festivals and Cuisine: Indian festivals like Diwali and Holi are increasingly celebrated worldwide, while Indian cuisine has become a global favorite. This “culinary diplomacy” fosters cross-cultural understanding and appreciation.
   • Festivals of India Abroad: The Ministry of Culture implements the “Global Engagement Scheme” and the Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR) promotes India’s cultural heritage internationally through cultural centres, art exhibitions, and performances.
2. The Indian Diaspora:
   • Cultural Ambassadors: With over 35 million people, the Indian diaspora is the world’s largest. These individuals act as powerful cultural ambassadors, promoting Indian values, traditions, and festivals in their host countries.
   • Political and Economic Influence: The diaspora’s growing presence in politics and business in countries like the US, UK, and Canada enhances India’s diplomatic and economic relations. They are key drivers of remittances, investments, and lobbying efforts that support India’s interests.
3. Film, Music, and Entertainment:
   • Bollywood’s Global Reach: Indian cinema, particularly Bollywood, has a devoted following in the Middle East, parts of Africa, Russia, and Central Asia. The music and dance numbers from films transcend language barriers, creating a shared cultural experience.
   • Cross-Cultural Collaborations: The success of films like RRR and artists like A.R. Rahman on the international stage, as well as collaborations between Indian and Western artists, have introduced Indian creative talent to new audiences.
   • Regional Cinema’s Rise: The growing global popularity of regional cinema (e.g., South Indian, Bengali) is further diversifying India’s cultural exports and showcasing its linguistic and artistic richness.
4. Education, Science, and Technology:
   • Knowledge Hub: India’s ancient institutions of learning, like Nalanda University, are a source of historical pride. In the modern era, India is becoming a hub for higher education, with foreign universities opening campuses and a growing number of international students coming to study in India.
   • Leadership in Technology: The success of Indian-origin CEOs at major global tech companies (Google, Microsoft, Adobe) and India’s advancements in space technology (Chandrayaan and Aditya-L1 missions) project an image of India as a hub of scientific and intellectual prowess.

Challenges and Way Forward

Despite significant progress, India’s soft power initiatives face challenges:

• Institutional Fragmentation: A lack of coordination among different ministries and institutions (e.g., ICCR, Ministry of Culture, MEA) can lead to fragmented and under-resourced efforts.
• Inadequate Funding: A parliamentary committee has noted the need for increased budgetary allocation for cultural diplomacy to meet global demands.
• Narrative Control: India needs to build a stronger international broadcasting and media presence to counter negative portrayals and shape its own narrative on the global stage.

To fully realize its potential, India must adopt a more coordinated and well-funded approach to its cultural diplomacy. By leveraging its unique civilisational assets and modern dynamism, India can cement its position as not just an economic power, but a cultural and intellectual superpower as well.

SC to ECI: Consider Aadhaar, Voter ID & Ration Cards for Bihar Electoral Roll Revision

Syllabus: GS2/Governance (Electoral reforms, Role of ECI), Indian Constitution (Constitutional bodies).

Context: The Supreme Court, while allowing the Election Commission of India (ECI) to continue its Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls in poll-bound Bihar, has directed the poll body to consider accepting Aadhaar, Voter ID (EPIC), and ration cards as valid documents for verification. The order came in response to a batch of petitions challenging the ECI’s exercise on grounds of potential disenfranchisement of voters.

What is the Special Intensive Revision (SIR)?

• Purpose: The SIR is a special drive initiated by the ECI to update and clean up electoral rolls. Its stated objectives are to ensure that no eligible voter is left out and to remove the names of deceased, shifted, or duplicate voters.
• Mechanism: The SIR involves a house-to-house survey by Booth Level Officers (BLOs). Voters are required to fill out a form and submit specific documents to prove their identity and residence.
• The Controversy: The petitioners, including political parties and civil society groups, challenged the ECI’s initial list of 11 accepted documents, which did not include Aadhaar, citing concerns that it would disproportionately exclude marginalized communities, migrant workers, and the poor who may lack other forms of documentation.

Supreme Court’s Directives

• Interim Order: The Supreme Court refused to stay the ECI’s revision process, calling it a “constitutional mandate.” However, it issued a directive to the ECI to “consider” accepting Aadhaar, Voter ID, and ration cards.
• Rationale: The Court noted that the ECI’s own list of documents was not exhaustive. It reasoned that in the “interest of justice,” these three widely-held documents should also be considered.
• Clarification: The Court clarified that this is not a mandatory directive for the ECI to include a name solely based on these documents. The ECI retains the discretion to accept or reject them, provided it gives valid reasons for rejection.
• Jurisdiction: The Court also questioned the ECI’s authority to determine questions of citizenship during the revision, stating that this falls under the domain of the Ministry of Home Affairs.

Arguments of the Petitioners and ECI

• Petitioners’ Argument:
  • Disenfranchisement: The petitioners argued that the strict documentation requirements and short deadlines would lead to the mass disenfranchisement of millions of voters, particularly the poor and migrant workers.
  • Political Motivation: They alleged that the timing of the SIR, just before the Bihar Assembly elections, was politically motivated to target and remove voters from specific communities.
  • Violation of Law: They contended that the ECI’s drive violated fundamental rights under the Constitution and the Representation of the People Act, 1950.
• ECI’s Argument:
  • Constitutional Duty: The ECI defended the exercise as part of its constitutional duty to ensure free and fair elections and maintain an accurate electoral roll.
  • Citizenship vs. Identity: The ECI argued that while Aadhaar is a valid proof of identity, it is not a proof of citizenship, and the Constitution requires a person to be a citizen to be a voter.
  • Illustrative List: The poll panel clarified that its list of 11 documents was only illustrative and not exhaustive.

Implications and Significance for UPSC CSE

• Electoral Reforms: The case highlights the ongoing debate and legal challenges surrounding the integrity and inclusivity of electoral rolls in India.
• Judicial Review: It demonstrates the role of the judiciary in overseeing the actions of a constitutional body like the ECI to protect the fundamental right to vote.
• Aadhaar and Governance: The case underscores the evolving role of Aadhaar in governance. While it is a key identifier, its use in determining citizenship remains a contentious legal and political issue.
• Federalism and Constitutional Bodies: The Court’s observation on the jurisdiction of citizenship highlights the clear separation of powers between different state and central government bodies.

NITI Aayog’s Roadmap for Strengthening State Science & Technology Councils

Syllabus: GS3/Science & Technology (Government policies and interventions); Indian Economy (growth and development). GS2/Indian Constitution (Federalism).

Context: NITI Aayog has recently unveiled a comprehensive roadmap aimed at strengthening the State Science & Technology (S&T) Councils across India. This initiative is a crucial step towards fostering a robust and coordinated S&T ecosystem at the state level, thereby accelerating India’s transformation into a knowledge-driven economy and achieving the vision of Viksit Bharat @2047.

About State S&T Councils

• Origin and Role: Established in the 1970s, State S&T Councils were created to decentralize scientific governance and enable states to pursue research tailored to their specific socio-economic needs. They serve as nodal agencies for promoting S&T activities and bridging the gap between national policy and local development.
• Key Functions: These councils play a vital role in supporting scientific research, popularizing science, facilitating patent applications, supporting grassroots innovations, and providing scientific policy advice to state governments.

Major Challenges Identified by NITI Aayog

The NITI Aayog’s report, based on extensive consultations, highlights several systemic issues hindering the effectiveness of these councils:

1. Inadequate Funding: Many states allocate insufficient funds to their S&T councils, with a heavy reliance on a small “core grant” from the central government, primarily the Department of Science and Technology (DST). There is also a significant disparity in funding among states.
2. Weak Governance: The councils often suffer from inconsistent meetings of their governing bodies, a lack of full-time, scientifically-qualified executive leadership, and administrative bottlenecks that cause project delays.
3. Manpower Shortages: Many positions in the councils remain vacant, and there is a lack of clear career progression paths for scientific personnel. The ratio of scientific to non-scientific staff is often imbalanced.
4. Limited Collaboration: There are weak linkages with industries, academia, and other central research institutions, which limits the impact and reach of S&T initiatives.
5. Lack of State-Specific Focus: The report notes that a significant portion of India’s scientific output comes from central institutions, with state-administered institutions yet to make a meaningful contribution to addressing local challenges.

Key Recommendations of the Roadmap

NITI Aayog has outlined a multi-pronged strategy to address these challenges:

1. Structural Reforms:
   • Expand the Governing Councils to include representatives from central institutions, academia, industry, and public sector undertakings (PSUs) to ensure better coordination and expertise.
   • Mandate the appointment of a full-time Executive Director with scientific expertise for each council.
2. Financial Support:
   • The report recommends that state governments should allocate a minimum of 0.5% of their Gross State Domestic Product (GSDP) to S&T.
   • It suggests a shift from core grants to project-based funding (except for North-Eastern states and Union Territories) to promote accountability and incentivize performance.
   • Encourage councils to attract more funding from central ministries and industry partners.
3. Human Resources:
   • Maintain a healthy 70:30 ratio of scientific to non-scientific staff.
   • Regularize key positions and ensure clear career progression paths for scientific personnel.
   • Utilize faculty secondment programs and leverage retired scientists to build capacity.
4. Redefining Programs and Collaboration:
   • Conduct a state-specific S&T needs mapping to align research and development (R&D) with local priorities.
   • Establish dedicated substructures within the councils for specific tasks like Patent Facilitation, Technology Transfer, and Biodiversity Cells.
   • Strengthen ties with central government agencies, PSUs, and educational institutions through annual conclaves and joint initiatives.

Significance for India’s S&T Ecosystem

• Decentralized Innovation: The roadmap aims to transform State S&T Councils into high-impact, innovation-driven engines of growth that are responsive to regional needs.
• Competitive Federalism: It aligns with the principle of competitive federalism by encouraging states to invest in and lead their own S&T ecosystems, which in turn will contribute to national goals.
• Viksit Bharat @2047: By strengthening S&T at the grassroots, the initiative is foundational to building a resilient, self-reliant, and knowledge-based economy, which is a core pillar of the Viksit Bharat vision.
• Bridging Gaps: The recommendations seek to bridge the gap between academia and industry and ensure that research and innovation are translated into tangible socio-economic benefits for the people.

CIMMYT Seeks India’s Support to Sustain Global Agricultural Innovation

Syllabus: GS2/International Relations; GS3/Economy (Agriculture), Science and Technology.

Context: The International Maize and Wheat Improvement Center (CIMMYT), a key player in the global Green Revolution, has underscored the need for India’s continued and enhanced support for international agricultural research. This comes at a time when global agricultural research funding is facing headwinds, and challenges like climate change, new pests, and malnutrition require a concerted international effort.

About CIMMYT

• Mission: CIMMYT (from its Spanish acronym, Centro Internacional de Mejoramiento de Maíz y Trigo) is a non-profit international agricultural research and training organization.
• Focus: It focuses on developing improved varieties of maize and wheat, as well as on sustainable farming practices, to address global food insecurity, malnutrition, and climate change.
• Nobel Prize Connection: Its former director, the American agronomist Dr. Norman E. Borlaug, was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 1970 for his work on high-yielding, disease-resistant wheat varieties, which were instrumental in ushering in the Green Revolution in countries like India.
• CGIAR: CIMMYT is a member of the CGIAR (formerly the Consultative Group on International Agricultural Research), a global partnership that unites international organizations engaged in research for a food-secure future.

India’s Long-Standing Partnership with CIMMYT

• The Green Revolution: India’s partnership with CIMMYT began in the 1960s. The high-yielding wheat varieties developed by Dr. Borlaug, along with India’s agricultural research and policy framework, transformed the country from a food-deficient nation to a self-sufficient one.
• Borlaug Institute for South Asia (BISA): In a testament to this enduring collaboration, the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) and CIMMYT jointly established the Borlaug Institute for South Asia (BISA) in 2011. BISA is dedicated to addressing food, nutrition, and livelihood security in the region.
• Breeding Success: Over the past five decades, more than 275 wheat varieties in India have been developed using CIMMYT’s germplasm. Six of the top ten most-sown wheat varieties in India today are derived from this collaboration.
• Climate-Smart Agriculture: The partnership has also expanded to include research on climate-resilient crops and sustainable practices like Conservation Agriculture, which includes zero-tillage, residue management, and crop diversification.

Why CIMMYT Seeks India’s Support Now

• New Global Challenges: The world is facing unprecedented challenges, including extreme weather events, new plant diseases (e.g., wheat blast), and increasing malnutrition. Addressing these requires continuous investment in research and development.
• Funding Gap: Global funding for agricultural research, especially for international organizations like CIMMYT, has not kept pace with the growing need.
• India’s Strategic Role: As a global agricultural powerhouse and a leader in the Global South, India’s support is crucial for sustaining the momentum of research. India’s contributions to CIMMYT, while valuable, remain a small fraction of the funding from developed nations.
• India’s Domestic Interest: Continuing and enhancing collaboration with CIMMYT is also in India’s own interest. It provides access to a vast global collection of genetic resources, cutting-edge research, and technology, which can help India address its own domestic agricultural challenges and ensure long-term food security.

Way Forward

India’s strategic support to CIMMYT and other international agricultural research organizations would be a win-win situation. It would not only reinforce India’s position as a responsible global actor and a leader in the Global South but also provide a crucial platform to:

• Strengthen R&D: Invest in collaborative research on heat and drought-tolerant varieties, nitrogen-use efficiency, and the application of gene-editing technologies.
• Foster Capacity Building: Partner to train the next generation of Indian agricultural scientists and extension workers.
• Secure Genetic Resources: Ensure continued access to the world’s largest collections of maize and wheat varieties, which are vital for future crop breeding programs.
• Promote Sustainable Practices: Work together to scale up climate-smart and regenerative agriculture practices across India and other parts of the world.

MISCELLANEOUS

Dhammachakra Pravartana Divas

Syllabus: GS1/Indian Culture (Buddhism); GS2/International Relations.

Context: Dhammachakra Pravartana Divas is an important festival for Buddhists, celebrated annually on the full moon day of Ashadha (Ashadha Purnima). The day commemorates two pivotal events in the history of Buddhism: Lord Buddha’s first sermon and the mass conversion of followers to Buddhism by Dr. B.R. Ambedkar in 1956.

Significance of Ashadha Purnima

• Buddha’s First Sermon: On this day, after attaining enlightenment in Bodh Gaya, Lord Buddha delivered his first sermon to his five ascetic disciples at the Deer Park (Isipatana) in Sarnath, near Varanasi. This sermon is known as Dhammacakkappavattana Sutta (in Pali) or Dharma chakra Pravartana Sutra (in Sanskrit), which translates to “the turning of the wheel of dharma.”
• Core Teachings: In this first sermon, Buddha introduced the foundational concepts of Buddhism, including the Four Noble Truths (the truth of suffering, the cause of suffering, the cessation of suffering, and the path to the cessation of suffering) and the Noble Eightfold Path.
• Formation of the Sangha: This event also marked the formation of the Buddhist Sangha (community of monks) with the five disciples.
• Beginning of Varsha Vassa: The day also marks the beginning of the Varsha Vassa, the three-month rainy season retreat for monks and nuns, during which they remain in their monasteries for intensive meditation.
• Guru Purnima: In India, this day also coincides with Guru Purnima, a festival celebrated by Hindus and Jains to honor their spiritual teachers and gurus.

Dhammachakra Pravartana Divas and Dr. B.R. Ambedkar

• Mass Conversion: In India, the day holds a special significance for the Ambedkarite Buddhist movement. While the official conversion date is a separate event on Vijayadashami (Dussehra), the Deekshabhoomi in Nagpur, Maharashtra, where Dr. B.R. Ambedkar led a mass conversion of his followers to Buddhism on October 14, 1956, is a key pilgrimage site.
• Symbolism: The term Dhammachakra Pravartana Divas is also used to refer to this event, symbolizing the turning of the wheel of dharma in modern India and the rejection of the caste system.

Relevance for UPSC CSE

• Indian Culture: The topic is directly relevant to the art, culture, and religious history section of the General Studies Paper 1 (GS1). It is essential to know the key life events of Lord Buddha and the fundamental teachings of Buddhism.
• Modern History: The connection to Dr. B.R. Ambedkar and the modern Buddhist movement in India makes it relevant for understanding social history and the issues related to Scheduled Castes and their empowerment.
• International Relations: The day is celebrated globally and is an important part of India’s cultural diplomacy and soft power, especially in relations with Buddhist-majority countries in Asia. The International Buddhist Confederation (IBC), an organization under the Ministry of Culture, plays a key role in promoting these celebrations internationally.

Lotus Blooms in Kashmir’s Wular Lake: A Sign of Ecological Revival

Syllabus: GS3/Environment and Ecology, Disaster Management.

Context: After a gap of nearly three decades, the iconic pink lotus has begun to bloom once again in parts of Kashmir’s Wular Lake, Asia’s second-largest freshwater lake. This “miraculous” revival is being hailed as a major milestone in the ongoing conservation efforts and a powerful indicator of the improving ecological health of the region’s vital wetland.

About Wular Lake

• Location: Located in the Bandipora district of Jammu & Kashmir, at the foothills of the Haramukh mountain range.
• Largest Freshwater Lake: It is the largest freshwater lake in India.
• Ramsar Site: It was designated as a Wetland of International Importance under the Ramsar Convention in 1990.
• Source: The lake is fed by the Jhelum River and over 25 other streams.
• Origin: The basin of the lake was formed as a result of tectonic activity.
• Significance: Wular Lake is a critical natural habitat for numerous bird and fish species and plays a crucial role in regulating the flow of the Jhelum River, thereby acting as a natural flood control system for the Kashmir Valley.

Why the Lotus Disappeared

The lotus, which was once a common sight and a source of livelihood for local communities, vanished from the lake after the devastating floods of 1992.

• Siltation: The floods brought a massive quantity of silt and sediment, which settled at the bottom of the lake, burying the lotus roots (rhizomes).
• Ecological Degradation: This heavy siltation reduced the lake’s depth, choked its natural water flow, and prevented sunlight from reaching the lakebed, thus creating an inhospitable environment for the lotus and other aquatic flora.
• Loss of Livelihood: The disappearance of the lotus led to the loss of a traditional seasonal occupation for many local families who depended on harvesting its edible stems, known as ‘nadru’ in Kashmiri cuisine.

The Role of Conservation Efforts

The comeback of the lotus is a direct result of the sustained and focused efforts by the Wular Conservation and Management Authority (WUCMA).

• Large-Scale Desilting: The most critical intervention was a massive desilting and dredging project. Using special machines, WUCMA has removed millions of cubic meters of silt, restoring the lake’s original depth and improving its water-holding capacity.
• Habitat Restoration: The removal of silt allowed the buried, dormant lotus roots to once again receive sunlight and nutrients, enabling them to sprout and regrow.
• Afforestation and Catchment Area Treatment: The conservation efforts also included catchment area treatment to reduce the flow of silt into the lake from surrounding streams.
• Community Engagement: The local community has been actively involved in these efforts, and the revival of the lotus has instilled a sense of hope and ownership among the residents.

Ecological and Socio-Economic Impact

• Indicator of Health: The return of the lotus is a strong indicator of the improving ecological health of the lake.
• Biodiversity Enhancement: The increased water depth and improved water quality have created a more hospitable environment for diverse aquatic flora and fauna. Officials have reported a return of various rare migratory birds to the lake.
• Economic Revival: The reappearance of the lotus has revived hopes for the return of ‘nadru’ harvesting, which will provide a much-needed boost to the local economy and create seasonal employment opportunities for hundreds of families.
• Model for Restoration: Wular Lake’s rejuvenation could serve as a successful model for reviving other degraded wetlands and water bodies across India.

Zonal Councils of India

Syllabus: GS2/Indian Constitution (Federalism), Statutory, regulatory and quasi-judicial bodies.

Context: The Union Home Minister, as the Chairman of the Zonal Councils, frequently holds meetings of these councils to address a range of issues affecting the states. These meetings, which bring together chief ministers and other senior officials, are key examples of cooperative federalism in action, providing a platform to resolve inter-state disputes and foster regional cooperation.

What are Zonal Councils?

• Statutory Body: Zonal Councils are not constitutional bodies. They were created by an Act of Parliament, specifically the States Reorganisation Act of 1956.
• Purpose: The idea was first mooted by Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru during the debate on the States Reorganisation Commission’s report. He envisioned a high-level advisory forum to address the bitterness and hostilities that arose from the linguistic reorganization of states. The objective is to promote inter-state cooperation and coordination.
• Advisory Role: Zonal Councils are advisory bodies. They can discuss any matter of common interest among the member states and the Union and provide recommendations.

Composition and Structure

There are five Zonal Councils in India:

1. Northern Zonal Council: Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, Punjab, Rajasthan, Delhi, Chandigarh, Jammu & Kashmir, and Ladakh.
2. Central Zonal Council: Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Madhya Pradesh, and Chhattisgarh.
3. Eastern Zonal Council: Bihar, Jharkhand, Odisha, and West Bengal.
4. Western Zonal Council: Goa, Gujarat, Maharashtra, and Dadra & Nagar Haveli and Daman & Diu.
5. Southern Zonal Council: Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Karnataka, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, and Puducherry.

Note: The North-Eastern states (Assam, Arunachal Pradesh, Manipur, Mizoram, Nagaland, Meghalaya, Tripura, and Sikkim) are not part of any Zonal Council. Their specific issues are addressed by the North Eastern Council (NEC), a separate statutory body established under the North Eastern Council Act, 1972.

Members of a Zonal Council

• Chairman: The Union Home Minister is the common Chairman of all five Zonal Councils.
• Vice-Chairman: The Chief Ministers of the member states in a zone act as the Vice-Chairman by rotation, each holding the office for one year at a time.
• Members: The members include the Chief Minister and two other Ministers from each member state, along with two members from Union Territories in the zone.
• Advisors: A nominee from NITI Aayog, along with the Chief Secretaries and Development Commissioners of the member states, also attends the meetings.

Functions and Objectives

Zonal Councils serve as a structured platform for dialogue and discussion on a wide range of issues. Their key functions and objectives are:

• Promoting National Integration: They aim to foster a sense of national unity and curb the growth of acute state-consciousness and regionalism.
• Cooperative Federalism: They serve as an important forum for the Centre and the states to cooperate and exchange ideas, thereby strengthening the bonds of cooperative federalism.
• Resolving Disputes: They act as a platform to resolve irritants and issues between the Centre and the states, as well as among states, through free and frank discussions.
• Discussing Common Interests: They discuss matters of common interest in various fields, including economic and social planning, border disputes, linguistic minorities, and inter-state transport.
• Development Projects: They facilitate cooperation among states for the successful and speedy execution of development projects.

Significance for Governance

Despite being advisory in nature, Zonal Councils have proven to be an effective mechanism for addressing complex issues. The recent increase in the frequency of their meetings and the high rate of issue resolution demonstrate their growing importance as instruments of dialogue and cooperation in India’s federal structure.