PM IAS OCT 21 UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS

Classical Status for Five Languages

Syllabus: GS 1/Culture 

In News

• The Union Cabinet recently approved classical status for five languages—Marathi, Bengali, Assamese, Pali, and Prakrit.

About classical status

• The designation of a language as classical aims to honor its historical significance and its role in preserving India’s cultural heritage. 
• These languages have been crucial in safeguarding ancient knowledge, philosophies, and values over thousands of years.
  • Previous Declarations: Other classical languages declared include Tamil, Sanskrit, Telugu, Kannada, Malayalam, and Odia.

Criteria for Classical Languages:

• Initially established in 2004, classical languages must have:
• A history of over a thousand years.
• A body of ancient literature viewed as valuable.
• An original literary tradition.
• Changes: In 2005, criteria were modified to require a history of 1,500 to 2,000 years and acknowledged potential discontinuity with modern forms.
  • Revised Criteria: The Linguistic Experts Committee modified criteria in July 2024, allowing for a broader definition, including:
    • Knowledge texts beyond poetry.
    • Historical inscriptional evidence.
    • Acknowledgment of modern languages’ connections to classical forms.

Significance:

• The recognition of languages as Classical Languages will create significant employment opportunities, particularly in academia and research.
•  It will also generate jobs in archiving, translation, publishing, and digital media through the preservation and digitization of ancient texts. 
• This initiative encourages scholarly research and revitalization of ancient knowledge systems, reinforcing India’s intellectual and cultural identity. Additionally, it fosters pride and ownership among language speakers, promoting national integration and supporting the vision of a self-reliant, culturally rooted India.
• Central government funding is provided for research, translation, and preservation efforts across classical languages.

Related Steps 

• The Ministry of Education has implemented several initiatives to promote Classical Languages:
  • Central Universities: Three were established in 2020 to promote Sanskrit.
  • Central Institute of Classical Tamil: Created to facilitate the translation of ancient Tamil texts, promote research, and offer courses for students and scholars.
  • Centres for Excellence: Set up for Kannada, Telugu, Malayalam, and Odia studies under the Central Institute of Indian Languages in Mysuru.
  • Awards: National and international awards have been introduced to recognize achievements in Classical Languages.
  • Additional Benefits: Includes National Awards for Classical Languages, university chairs, and dedicated centers for promotion.

Conclusion and Way Forward 

• The Union Cabinet’s decision to grant Classical Language status to Marathi, Pali, Prakrit, Assamese, and Bengali highlights their vital role in India’s cultural and intellectual heritage. 
• This recognition not only celebrates their historical and literary importance but also demonstrates the government’s commitment to preserving linguistic diversity. 
• By safeguarding these languages for future generations, the government reinforces a vision of cultural self-reliance and national integration, aligning with the goals of Atmanirbhar Bharat and a culturally rooted India.

Relief Under Article 21 Superior to PMLA Conditions

Syllabus: GS2/Polity and Governance

Context

• A Delhi court granted bail to AAP leader Satyendar Jain, under Article 21 of the Constitution, arrested in a money laundering case.

About

• The Delhi court order highlighted that the constitutional conditions had a mitigating effect on the statutory conditions under Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) when liberty was at the core.
• The relief granted under Article 21 (right to life and personal liberty) of the Constitution pertaining to delay in trial and long incarceration is superior to the twin conditions under Section 45 of the PMLA.
  • Article 21 applies irrespective of the nature of the crime.

Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) 2002  – It was enacted by Parliament of India under Article 253 of Constitution in 2002 to prevent money laundering and provide for the confiscation of property derived from or involved in money laundering. – PMLA and the Rules notified there under came into force with effect from 2005, and it was further amended in 2009 and in 2012. Provisions: – Sec. 3 of PMLA defines the offense of money laundering as any process or activity connected with the proceeds of crime and projecting it as untainted property. – Prescribe obligation: PMLA prescribes the obligation of banking companies, financial institutions and intermediaries for verification and maintenance of records of the identity of all its clients.  – Empowerment of officers: PMLA empowers Directorate of Enforcement to carry out investigations in cases involving offense of money laundering and also to attach the property involved in money laundering.  – Special Courts: It envisages the designation of one or more courts of sessions as Special Court to try the offenses punishable under PMLA. –  Agreement for Central Government: It allows the Central Government to enter into an agreement with the Government of any country outside India for enforcing the provisions of the PMLA. Bail Provisions under PMLA – The twin conditions of bail under Section 45 of the PMLA pose stringent thresholds for an accused.  – For one, the person has to prove in court that he or she is prima facie innocent of the offense.  – Secondly, the accused should be able to convince the judge he would not commit any offense while on bail.  1. The burden of proof is entirely on the incarcerated accused.

Supreme Court’s Take on the Law

• The Supreme Court recently held that constitutional courts cannot allow provisions of the PMLA to become instruments in the hands of the Enforcement Directorate to continue incarceration for a long time.
• To address concerns raised by ED regarding possible tampering with witnesses or evidence, the court imposed strict conditions on bail, including:
  • regular appearance before the deputy director of ED; 
  • appearance before the investigating officer of the scheduled offenses; 
  • restraint against contacting any prosecution witnesses or victims related to the scheduled offenses; 
  • full cooperation with the trial and a refrain from asking for adjournments.

Conclusion

• The court decision underscores the importance of preventing prolonged incarceration and delayed trials, balancing statutory conditions with constitutional rights. 
• Ultimately, the balance between law enforcement powers and individual rights remains a critical aspect of this legal framework, ensuring justice while safeguarding fundamental liberties.

India’s Sports Culture and Challenges

Syllabus: GS2/Governance 

Context

• The Union Minister for Youth Affairs and Sports said that India is set to become one among the top ten performing countries in the world in the field of sports. 

India’s Sports Landscape

• Traditional games like wrestling, kabaddi, archery, and various forms of martial arts were not just physical activities but also cultural rituals.
• During the colonial era, the British introduced modern sports like cricket, football, hockey, and tennis to India.
  • As a result, infrastructure for these sports began to develop.
• Post-independence, India witnessed unsteady growth in sports infrastructure.
  • However, the pace of development remained relatively slow, and the infrastructure was limited primarily to a few metropolitan areas.
• During the late 20th and the early 21st century India started recognizing the importance of sports infrastructure in nurturing talent.
  • India hosted major international events such as the Asian Games in 1982 and the Cricket World Cup in 1987, which necessitated the construction of world-class sporting infrastructure.
• Over time, with the advent of technology, the approach towards sports infrastructure underwent a remarkable transformation. 

India’s Performance in International Events

• The Paris Olympics ended with India securing six medals — one silver and five bronze — to place 71st in the medals tally.
  • It was ranked below nations with much smaller populations including Georgia, Kazakhstan and North Korea.
  • The United States, with less than a quarter of India’s population, topped the charts with 126 medals followed by China with 91.
• India has now won just 41 Olympic medals in total since its debut in 1900, all at the Summer Games.
• The country’s performance led to many questions about the need for a sporting culture. 

Reasons for the Lack of success by Indian Athletes

• Lack of Infrastructure and Training Facilities: While improvements have been made, many areas still lack quality sports infrastructure and training facilities, access to modern training equipment and coaching is essential for developing elite athletes.
• Insufficient Funding: Many athletes struggle to secure adequate funding, which limits their training opportunities and participation in international competitions.
• Focus on Popular Sports: The overwhelming focus on cricket often overshadows other sports, leading to a lack of resources and attention for disciplines like athletics, swimming, and others.
• Lack of Grassroots Development: There’s a need for a stronger grassroots sports culture that identifies and nurtures talent from a young age. 
• Competition Level: Indian athletes often face stiff competition from countries with a more established sports culture and better funding, making it challenging to achieve podium finishes.

Initiatives Taken by Government

• Khelo India: To promote sports at the grassroots level. It includes talent identification, coaching, sports infrastructure development, and organizing competitions at school and university levels.
• National Sports Policy: To enhance the quality of sports training, promote participation, and increase the number of athletes competing internationally.
• Sports Authority of India (SAI): A key institution responsible for nurturing young talent and providing training facilities.
• National Sports Awards: The awards are given annually to recognize and reward excellence in sports.
• Pandit Deendayal Upadhyay National Welfare Fund For Sportspersons (PDUNWFS): It was set up in 1982 with a view to assisting outstanding Sportspersons of yesteryear. 
• National Sports Development Fund: The Fund helps sportspersons excel by providing them opportunities to train under coaches of international repute.
  • It also provides financial assistance for development of infrastructure and other activities for promotion of sports.
• Target Olympic Podium Scheme (TOPS): To identify and support athletes with potential to win medals at the Olympic Games.
  • It provides financial assistance for training, coaching, and participation in international competitions.
• Mission Olympic Cell (MOC): A body within the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports to monitor and provide support for athletes’ training and preparation for the Olympics under the TOPS.
• National Sports Federations (NSFs): The government recognizes and funds NSFs, which are responsible for promoting and developing their respective sports.

Measures that can be taken 

• Funding: Increase investment in sports facilities, especially in rural and underserved areas.
• Identification of Talent: Implement sports programs in schools to identify and nurture talent from a young age.
• Encouragement to other sports: Promote a wider variety of sports beyond cricket, such as athletics, swimming, and indigenous sports.
• Leagues and Competitions: Establish professional leagues and competitions in lesser-known sports to boost participation and viewership.
• Corporate Sponsorships: Encourage partnerships between private companies and sports organizations to provide financial backing.
• Role Models: Highlight successful athletes to inspire youngsters to pursue sports.

Conclusion

• It is good to be critical about our performance because it fuels the hunger in athletes and also pushes administrators to do better. 
• In recent years, the paradigm shift in India’s approach towards sports infrastructure has been remarkable. 
• The concerted efforts by the government, private entities, and various sports bodies reflect a commitment to bolstering the country’s sporting ecosystem. 
• This evolution signifies India’s aspiration to emerge as a global powerhouse in sports and marks a pivotal moment in the nation’s sporting history.

8 Years of Regional Connectivity Scheme (RCS) – UDAN

Syllabus: GS3/Infrastructure

Context

• The UDAN scheme has completed 8 years of Implementation.

About

• The Regional Connectivity Scheme (RCS) – UDAN (Ude Desh Ka Aam Nagrik) is a component of India’s National Civil Aviation Policy (NCAP) 2016, launched by the Ministry of Civil Aviation (MoCA) in 2016, with a 10-year vision.
• It aims to improve infrastructure and connectivity in India, especially in remote and underserved regions. 
• The first UDAN flight took off in 2017, connecting Shimla to New Delhi.

Features of the UDAN Scheme

• A Market-Driven Approach: Airlines assess demand on specific routes and submit proposals during bidding rounds.
  • The scheme incentivizes airlines to connect underserved regions by offering them support through Viability Gap Funding (VGF) and various concessions.
• Support Mechanisms: 
  • Airport Operators: They waive landing and parking charges for RCS flights, and the Airports Authority of India (AAI) does not levy Terminal Navigation Landing Charges (TNLC) on these flights.
  • Union Government: For the first three years, excise duty on Aviation Turbine Fuel (ATF) purchased at RCS airports capped at 2%. 
  • State Governments: States have committed to reducing VAT on ATF to 1% or less for ten years and providing essential services such as security, fire services, and utility services at reduced rates.

Significance of the Scheme

• Fuelling Growth of the Aviation Industry: Over the past seven years, it has catalysed the emergence of many new and successful airlines.
  • It has also generated a rising demand for new aircraft of all sizes, broadening the spectrum of planes deployed on RCS routes. 
• Promoting Tourism: Initiatives like UDAN 3.0 have introduced tourism routes connecting several destinations in the Northeast region, while UDAN 5.1 is focused on expanding helicopter services in hilly areas to stimulate tourism, hospitality, and local economic growth.
• Boosting Air Connectivity: RCS-UDAN has connected 34 states and Union Territories across the country.
  • A total of 86 aerodromes have been operationalized, including ten in the Northeast region and two heliports. 
• Number of Airports Increased: The number of operational airports in the country has doubled from 74 in 2014 to 157 in 2024 and the aim is to increase this number to 350-400 by 2047. 

Conclusion

• UDAN is not just a scheme; it is a movement aimed at empowering every Indian with the gift of flight. 
• Enhancing regional connectivity and ensuring affordability has fulfilled countless citizens’ aspirations while stimulating economic growth and job creation. 
• The UDAN scheme remains a game changer for Indian aviation, contributing significantly to India’s vision of a connected and prosperous nation.

Stress Factors for Indian Railways

Syllabus: GS3/Economy

Context

• The recent series of train accidents in India has highlighted the urgent need for a series of reforms in Indian railways.

About

• The number of railway accidents dropped from 1,390 per year in the 1960s to 80 per year in the last decade. 
• However there were still 48 consequential accidents in 2022-23, and 40 in 2023-2024.
  • A consequential accident injures and/or kills people, damages railway infrastructure, and disrupts rail traffic.

Stress factors for Indian Railways

• High Operating Ratio (OR): The OR for 2024-2025 estimated at ₹98.2, meaning the Railways spends ₹98.2 for every ₹100 earned, leaving little for capital expenditure (capex).
• Accidents and Safety Issues: Despite a drop in accidents from 1,390 per year in the 1960s to 80 per year recently, there were around 40 consequential accidents in 2023-2024.
  • Human error is a major cause, with 55.8% of accidents due to Railway staff failures, 28.4% due to non-staff errors, and 6.2% due to equipment failures.
• Delays in Dedicated Freight Corridors (DFCs): Only the eastern DFC is fully operational; the western DFC is partly ready.
  • East coast, east-west, and north-south corridors are still in the planning stage, limiting freight capacity expansion.
• Financial Losses in Passenger Services: In 2019-2020, passenger services earned ₹50,000 crore but faced a loss of ₹63,364 crore.
  • The challenge of balancing affordable travel with profitability persists, especially with growing costs from wages, pensions, and fuel.
• Stressful Working Conditions: Locomotive pilots face 12-hour shifts, especially in high-freight zones, leading to stressful conditions.
  • Increased congestion and operational pressures add to the difficulties in maintaining physical capacity.
• Reliance on Freight Services: According to NITI Aayog, the rates for freight service which accounts for 65% of total revenue has increased more than three times as fast as passenger rates between 2009 and 2019.

Steps Taken by the Government

• Integration of Railway and Union Budget: In 2016-2017, the government merged the Railway budget with the Union budget, providing easier access to gross budgetary support.
• Improved Safety Measures: Investments in modern signaling systems, better track maintenance, and upgraded safety protocols.
• Introduction of New Trains: Introduction of high-speed Vande Bharat trains to increase passenger revenue and improve service on high-traffic routes.
• Automatic Train Protection (ATP) system to help a vehicle steer clear of another vehicle or obstacles. 

What is a collision avoidance system? – It is a collection of technologies to help a vehicle steer clear of another vehicle or obstacles.  1. For example, a CAS device fit on a train will be designed to help that train avoid colliding with another train. – Most CAS devices require two types of information, preferably in real-time: the locations of all the other vehicles and the location of this vehicle relative to those vehicles. What is ‘Kavach’? – Kavach is an indigenously developed Automatic Train Protection (ATP) system. – It is a set of electronic devices and Radio Frequency Identification devices installed in locomotives, in the signaling system as well the tracks, that talk to each other using ultra high radio frequencies to control the brakes of trains and also alert drivers, all based on the logic programmed into them. – It activates the train braking system automatically if the driver fails to control the train as per the speed restrictions.

Way Ahead

• Infrastructure Investments: Increase capital expenditure for track renewal and maintenance, as the current outlay of 7.2% is insufficient.
• Lowering Operating Ratio: Enhance internal revenue generation through better pricing models for both passenger and freight services.
• Improved Working Conditions: Ensure better scheduling and training for staff to minimize human error and prevent accidents.
• Reduce fuel costs by increasing electrification and exploring alternative energy sources to lower operational costs.