PM IAS NOV 06 UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS

India Hosts Maiden Asian Buddhist Summit

Syllabus: GS1/Culture/GS2/IR

Context

• The Ministry of Culture, in collaboration with the International Buddhist Confederation (IBC) organized the First Asian Buddhist Summit (ABS).

About

• The theme of the summit is on ‘Role of Buddha Dhamma in Strengthening Asia’.
• The summit brought Sangha leaders, scholars, experts and practitioners from various Buddhist traditions across Asia.
• Asian Buddhist Summit covered the following themes:
  • Buddhist Art, Architecture and Heritage;
  • Buddha Cārikā and Dissemination of Buddha Dhamma;
  • Role of Holy Buddhist Relics and its Relevance in Society;
  • Significance of Buddha Dhamma in Scientific Research and Well-Being;
  • Role of Buddhist Literature and Philosophy in the 21st Century.
• The Summit is also a manifestation of India’s Act East Policy, which is principled on collective, inclusive and spiritual development of Asia with Dhamma as the guiding light. 

Buddhism

• Buddhism is a spiritual and philosophical tradition based on the teachings of Siddhartha Gautama, known as the Buddha, who lived around the 5th to 4th century BCE in what is now Nepal and India.
• The core of Buddhism is the understanding of human suffering, its causes, and the path to overcome it. 
• Buddhism offers a path to enlightenment, which is seen as liberation from suffering and the cycle of birth, death, and rebirth (samsara).
• The ultimate goal in Buddhism is to attain Nirvana—a state of liberation from the cycle of birth, death, and rebirth.

Relevance of Buddhist Teachings in Today’s World

• Mindfulness and Meditation: In recent decades, mindfulness meditation, a central Buddhist practice, has become widely embraced for its mental health benefits. 
• Emotional Resilience: Buddhism teaches the importance of accepting suffering as a part of life (dukkha), this can help people build resilience in the face of adversity.
• Peace and Nonviolence: Buddhism advocates for nonviolence (ahimsa) and peaceful resolution of conflicts, offering a model for dialogue and reconciliation. 
• Forgiveness: Buddhist principles also emphasize the importance of forgiveness, his teaching is particularly relevant in post-conflict societies or communities dealing with historical trauma.
• Transcending Materialism: In a world often fixated on material wealth, Buddhism provides an alternative perspective on happiness—rooted in inner peace, wisdom, and compassion.

Soft Power Diplomacy

• Soft Power: The concept of soft power has emerged as a potent tool for countries to wield influence and shape perceptions without resorting to coercive tactics.
  • This is often referred to as soft hegemony, a concept used by western countries, especially the United States.
  • It is used to influence other cultures by subtly promoting their ideas and values through popular trends, particularly targeting the younger generation.
  • Joseph Nye was the first to coin the term “soft power”. 

Buddhism as India’s Cultural Soft Power Diplomacy

• To Strengthen Ties with South Asian Countries: Many Southeast Asian nations, such as Thailand, Myanmar, Cambodia, Laos, Vietnam, and Sri Lanka, have deeply rooted Buddhist traditions.
  • India has been strategically leveraging its rich Buddhist heritage to strengthen ties and counter China’s growing influence. 
• Positioning Itself as a Peaceful Nation: By emphasising shared values and diversity, India aims to not only deepen diplomatic and economic relations but also position itself as a beacon of peace and stability in the region. 
• Origin of Buddhism: India’s promotion of Buddhist diplomacy is bolstered by historical roots, with Buddhism originating there, and the presence of significant sites like Bodh Gaya. 
• The Dalai Lama and India’s Global Influence: Living in exile in India since 1959, the Dalai Lama serves as an ambassador of Buddhist philosophy.
  • India’s support for the Dalai Lama and Tibetan Buddhism has increased its influence among Buddhist communities worldwide.
• The Revival of Nalanda University: The original Nalanda University, established in the 5th century CE, was a major center for Buddhist studies, attracting students and scholars from all over Asia.
  • The new Nalanda University aims to be a global hub for education and research in Buddhist studies.
• Buddhist Art and Monuments: Indian Buddhist art and architecture, such as the Ajanta and Ellora Caves, the Sanchi Stupa, and the Great Stupa at Sarnath, are UNESCO World Heritage sites that serve as symbols of India’s cultural heritage. 
• Foreign Policy: The country’s foreign policy emphasises a non-military approach, including the Panchsheel Initiative and the Panchamrit Principles.
  • One crucial aspect is Sanskriti evam Sabhyata, highlighting India’s cultural connections with other nations to bolster its soft power strategy.
• Tourism: India is currently home to seven of the eight most significant Buddhist sites in the world.
  • The Ministry of Tourism is promoting a number of tourist circuits that transgress national borders.
    • The holy places of Buddhism, where Lord Buddha was born and He taught, preached, and attained ‘Enlightenment’ and ‘Nirvana’, are termed as Buddhist Circuit.

Conclusion

• The historical intertwining of Indian and Asian cultures through Buddhism provides a strong foundation for fostering mutual understanding and cooperation. 
• By leveraging historical, cultural, and religious ties, India seeks to foster mutual understanding, cooperation, and goodwill among nations. 
• Through initiatives such as the promotion of Buddhist tourism and the revival of Nalanda University, India endeavours to assert its leadership in the realm of academia while simultaneously strengthening its cultural and diplomatic foothold. 

Every Private Property Not a Community Resource: SC

Syllabus: GS2/Polity and Governance

Context

• Recently, a nine-judge Constitution Bench of the Supreme Court of India ruled that the State cannot take over private property solely under the pretext of serving the ‘common good’.

Background of the Case – The case was initiated by the Mumbai-based Property Owners Association, challenging the constitutionality of Chapter VIII-A of the Maharashtra Housing and Area Development Act 1976, which allowed the State to acquire private property with compensation set at one hundred times the monthly rent.  – The petitions, initially filed in 1992, were referred to a nine-judge bench in 2002 and finally heard in 2024 after more than two decades.

Nature of Private Property

• The concept of private property has been a cornerstone of legal and economic systems worldwide.
• Private property rights in India have evolved through various constitutional amendments and judicial interpretations. 
• Initially, the ‘right to property’ was a fundamental right under Article 19(1)(f) and Article 31 of the Constitution.
• However, the 44th Amendment in 1978 relegated it to a constitutional right under Article 300A, allowing the state to acquire private property only through due process and with adequate compensation.

Supreme Court’s Ruling

• The majority opinion, led by the Chief Justice of India, found that Justice Krishna Iyer’s 1978 ruling, which suggested that all private properties could be considered community resources, is ‘unsustainable’.
• The court ruled that not all privately owned property could be considered ‘material resources of the community’ under Article 39(b) of the Directive Principles of State Policy, and this should be assessed on a case-by-case basis rather than through a blanket application.
• It overturned the 1978 judgement by Justice Krishna Iyer, which had a broader interpretation of Article 39(b).

Revisiting Article 39(b)

• The Supreme Court, in its recent ruling, clarifies that private property cannot be classified as ‘material resources of the community’ merely because it meets a certain social or economic criterion. 
• The majority opinion asserts that taking private assets in the name of the common good requires a more rigorous justification.

Article 39(b) – It comes under the Directive Principle of State Policy. It directs the State to work towards redistributing resources to best serve the public interest. – It imposes a positive obligation on the State to frame policy to ensure that the ‘ownership and control of material resources of the community’ are distributed in such a way that they ‘subserve the common good’. Article 31C – It was introduced by the 25th Amendment in 1971 to protect laws formulated under Articles 39(b) and 39(c), allowing the State to acquire resources essential to the community’s welfare.

Dissenting Opinions: Justice Nagarathna’s Views

• ‘Material resources’ can in the first instance be divided into two basic categories, namely:

1. State owned resources which belong to the State which are essentially material resources of the community, held in public trust by the State; and 
2. Privately owned resources.

• However, the expression ‘material resources’ does not include ‘personal effects’ or ‘personal belonging’ of individuals, which are intimate and personal in nature and use.
• Justice B.V. Nagarathna partially dissented, emphasising the need for a balanced approach that considers both individual property rights and the community’s needs.

Private and Material Resources – There may exist private ownership of forests, ponds, fragile areas, wetlands and resource-bearing lands. Such resources fall within the ambit of Article 39(b). – Similarly, resources like spectrum, airwaves, natural gas, mines and minerals, which are scarce and finite, may sometimes be within private control. – Private resources can be turned into material resources of the community by means such as Nationalisation; Acquisition; Operation of law; By purchase by state; and Owner’s donation. Criteria for ‘Material Resources of the Community’ – The ruling clarifies that, a resource should be assessed through multiple lenses to qualify as a ‘material resource of the community’: 1. Nature and characteristics of the resource; 2. Impact on public welfare; 3. If the resource is State-controlled versus privately held; 4. Scarcity and availability of the resource; and 5. Implications of concentrated ownership among private entities.

Implications of the Supreme Court Ruling

• It underlines the importance of protecting individual property rights while ensuring that resource redistribution serves the public interest in a balanced and justified manner. 
• Protection of Private Property Against Arbitrary State Acquisition: Supreme Court reinforces the protection of private property against arbitrary State acquisition and underscores the need for a more nuanced approach to resource redistribution. 
• Economic Shift: The decision reflects a shift towards a more market-oriented economic policy,moving away from the socialist ideologies that influenced earlier rulings.
  • The Supreme Court noted, ‘India’s dynamic economic policies over the past three decades have contributed to the country’s rapid growth, positioning it among the world’s fastest-growing economies’.
• It is expected to have a significant impact on future cases involving property rights and State powers in India.

Conclusion

• The Supreme Court’s ruling marks a critical juncture in the legal landscape of property rights in India. 
• It reaffirms the importance of due process and adequate compensation in the acquisition of private property by the state. 
• As India continues to evolve economically, this judgement provides a nuanced understanding of the nature of private property, balancing individual rights with the common good.

Uttar Pradesh Brings New Rules for DGP Appointment

Syllabus: GS2/ Polity and governance

Context

• The Uttar Pradesh Cabinet cleared the Director General of Police, Uttar Pradesh Selection and Appointment Rules, 2024.

About

• The new rules are in compliance with the Supreme Court verdict in Prakash Singh judgment on police reforms in the case of 2006. 
• According to new guidelines, a committee will decide the state’s new police chief.
• Earlier, the state government had to send the list of eligible officers to the UPSC, which shortlisted three names and sent them to the state, after which it could choose one of them. 

The selection committee

• Head: The selection committee headed by a Retired High Court Judge.
• Members: It will consist of the chief secretary, a person nominated by the UPSC, the UP Public Service Commission chairman or their nominee, an additional chief secretary or principal secretary (Home) and a retired DGP. 

Issues with Police System in India

• Colonial Legacy and Structure: The Police Act of 1861 still governs the police system, which was designed for colonial control rather than for modern-day democratic governance.
• Political Interference: Frequent interference from politicians hampers impartiality in law enforcement.
• Custodial Death: There are many cases on custodial death means Death by torture/pressure in police/judicial custody.
  • During 1996-1997 in D.K.Basu judgment, the Supreme Court (SC) issued a guideline against custodial death in India.
• Training and Capacity Building: Training programs are outdated and lack emphasis on soft skills, ethics, and community engagement.
• Delays in Implementing Reforms: Various reform recommendations, including those by the Supreme Court in the Prakash Singh v. Union of India case (2006), have seen limited implementation.

Way Forward

• Implementing Reforms: Adopting the Model Police Act of 2006 and the recommendations of the Second Administrative Reforms Commission.
• Community Policing Programs: Encouraging initiatives like Mahila Suraksha Samitis and Community Liaison Groups for better relations with communities.
• Independent Oversight Mechanisms: Establishing state and central level oversight bodies to ensure accountability.

Prakash Singh judgment on police reforms – In a landmark judgment, the Supreme Court in 2006 had directed all states and Union Territories to bring in police reforms. – The ruling issued a series of measures that were to be undertaken by the governments to ensure the police could do their work without worrying about any political interference. What were the rulings? – Fixing the tenure and selection of the DGP to avoid situations where officers about to retire in a few months are given the post.  1. In order to ensure no political interference, a minimum tenure was sought for the Inspector General of Police so that they are not transferred mid-term by politicians.  – Police Establishment Boards (PEB): The postings of officers being done by Police Establishment Boards comprising police officers and senior bureaucrats to insulate powers of postings and transfers from political leaders. – State Police Complaints Authority (SPCA): There was a recommendation of setting up the State Police Complaints Authority (SPCA) to give a platform where common people aggrieved by police action could approach.  – State Security Commissions (SSC): Separation of investigation and law and order functions to better improve policing, setting up of SSC that would have members from civil society and forming a National Security Commission.

Rising STEM Research Demands Revitalised Education

Syllabus: GS3/ Science and Technology

Context

• The majority graduates from Higher educational institutions in India, lack essential industry-ready skills, highlighting a critical skill gap.

About

• STEM research refers to the study and development of advancements in four core areas: Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics. 
• It focuses on solving complex problems, driving innovation, and contributing to scientific knowledge across a range of high-impact fields.

Challenges in STEM Research in India

• Skill Gap: Graduates from many Indian higher education institutions lack essential industry-ready skills. This gap makes it challenging for industries to find skilled professionals, impacting economic growth.
• Faculty Shortages: Teaching institutions are already facing faculty shortages, which will worsen if enrollment issues persist.
• Focus on Rankings over Quality: Emphasis on research output for rankings pushes faculty toward producing papers and patents, often prioritizing quantity over quality. This focus diverts resources from improving teaching quality.
• Predatory Research Outlets: The presence of predatory conferences and publications diverts attention from genuine research, undermining the credibility and quality of research output.

Step required for improvement

• Separate Ranking Systems: Teaching institutions should be ranked based on their teaching quality, while research output should not heavily influence rankings for institutions primarily focused on teaching.
• Enhanced Focus on Pedagogy: Faculty in teaching institutions should prioritize pedagogy over research initially, allowing the education quality to improve and later benefiting research outcomes.
• Faculty Development Programs: Greater emphasis on faculty development, mentorship, and updated courses, both online and offline, to improve teaching quality.
• Collaboration with Research Institutions: Joint efforts between teaching and research institutions to share best practices in pedagogy can strengthen the quality of teaching.
• Dedicated Teaching Track: Creating a dedicated teaching track within academic hierarchies can incentivize teachers to focus on pedagogy. Faculty can progress based on teaching skills rather than research output alone.

Steps taken by Indian Government

• National Education Policy (NEP): NEP promotes quality education and aims to bridge the skill gap in the country. It encourages a balance between research and teaching quality.
• Anusandhan National Research Foundation (ANRF): ANRF supports research and aims to foster collaborations between institutions, supporting the development of quality research and teaching standards.
• Impacting Research Innovation & Technology (IMPRINT): This initiative aims at providing solutions to the most relevant engineering challenges and translating knowledge into viable technology in 10 selected technology domains.
• Research parks at IIT Delhi, IIT Guwahati, IIT Kharagpur, IIT Kanpur, IIT Chennai, have been established which provide an interface between entrepreneurship and Industry to establish their R&D units in collaboration with students & faculty members of the IITs.

Concluding remarks

• Revitalizing the country’s teaching institutions is critical to producing a larger, higher-quality talent pool, capable of driving innovative research and scientific discoveries.
• By prioritizing pedagogical excellence, creating dedicated teaching tracks, and fostering collaboration between teaching and research institutions, India can cultivate an educational ecosystem where quality teaching and impactful research reinforce each other.

World Solar Report Series

Syllabus: GS3/Energy

Context

• The 3rd edition of the World Solar Report series was released at the 7th Assembly of the International Solar Alliance.

About

• The newly launched 4 reports namely World Solar Market Report, World Investment Report, World Technology Report, and Green Hydrogen Readiness Assessment for African Countries each highlight a crucial area in the global shift towards sustainable energy.
• First introduced in 2022, this series provides a comprehensive overview of global progress in solar technology, key challenges, and investment trends in the sector.

Key Highlights

• World Solar Market Report
  • Rise in Solar Capacity: Global solar capacity has increased from 1.22 GW in 2000 to 1,418.97 GW in 2023—a 40% annual growth rate. 
  • Solar Industry Employment Boom: It provides 16.2 million jobs, with solar leading with 7.1 million—up 44%, and 86%.
• World Investment Report
  • Exponential Growth in Energy Investments: Global energy investments are set to soar from $2.4 trillion in 2018 to $3.1 trillion in 2024—a steady climb at nearly 5% annually. 
  • APAC leads global solar investments: APAC is at the forefront of solar investments pouring USD 223 billion into solar in 2023. 
• World Technology Report 
  • It include record-setting 24.9% efficiency in solar PV modules, an 88% reduction in silicon usage since 2004, and a 90% drop in utility-scale solar PV costs, fostering resilient, cost-effective energy solutions.
• Readiness Assessment of Green Hydrogen in African Countries’report
  • Green hydrogen offers a viable alternative to coal, oil, and gas, supporting Africa’s transition to cleaner energy.

About the International Solar Alliance

• It is an international organisation with 120 Member and Signatory countries. 
• Established: By Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President of France Francois Hollande in 2015.
• Headquarter: First international intergovernmental organisation to be headquartered in India. 
• Mission: To unlock US$1 trillion of investments in solar by 2030.
  • Reducing the cost of the technology and its financing. 

India’s Renewable Energy Capacity

• India’s total electricity generation capacity has reached 452.69 GW. 
• Having the 8,180 MW (megawatt) of nuclear capacity, the total non-fossil fuel-based power now accounts for almost half of the country’s installed electricity generation capacity. 
• As of 2024, renewable energy-based electricity generation capacity stands at 201.45 GW, accounting for 46.3 percent of the country’s total installed capacity.
  • Solar power contributes towards 90.76 GW, wind power follows closely with 47.36 GW, hydroelectric power generating 46.92 GW and small hydro power adding 5.07 GW, and biopower, including biomass and biogas energy, adds another 11.32 GW. 

India’s Targets

• India has a vision to achieve Net Zero Emissions by 2070, in addition to attaining the short-term targets which include:
  • Increasing renewables capacity to 500 GW by 2030,
  • Meeting 50% of energy requirements from renewables,
  • Reducing cumulative emissions by one billion tonnes by 2030, and
  • Reducing emissions intensity of India’s gross domestic product (GDP) by 45% by 2030 from 2005 levels.