26/11 accused Tahawwur Rana can be extradited: U.S. attorney

GS 2: International Relations: India-U.S.

Why is it in the news?

• Pakistani-origin Canadian businessman Tahawwur Rana, currently in a Los Angeles jail, is deemed extraditable to India under the U.S.-India extradition treaty for his involvement in the 2008 Mumbai terror attack.

More about the news

• U.S. Attorney Bram Alden argued before the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals that Rana faces charges for his role in the attacks, which resulted in 166 deaths and 239 injuries.
• Despite Rana’s appeal against the extradition order, Alden asserted that there is overwhelming evidence, including Rana’s association with conspirator David Coleman Headley and involvement in planning the attacks.
• Rana’s attorney, John D. Cline, contended that the extradition violates the treaty’s double jeopardy clause, but Alden maintained that the treaty allows for prosecution based on the elements of the offense rather than the underlying conduct.

Centre issues advisory, self-declaration for ads on food and health products only

GS 2: Polity and Governance- Regulation

Why is it in the news?

• The Ministry of Information & Broadcasting (MIB) has issued an advisory requiring advertisers and agencies in the food and health sectors to upload an annual self-declaration certificate on designated platforms, such as the Broadcast Seva Portal for TV/radio and the Press Council of India portal for print/internet media.
• This is on the lines contemplated in Rule 7 of the Cable Television Networks Rules, 1994.

More about the news:

• This new directive, which overrides previous advisories, shifts the responsibility of compliance with Indian laws from media houses to advertisers and agencies.
• This move follows a Supreme Court order on May 7, 2024, emphasizing the need to uphold consumers’ fundamental right to be informed about product quality.

On May 7, 2024, the Supreme Court of India addressed misleading advertisements in the food and health sectors. Justices Hima Kohli and Ahasanuddin Amanullah issued the directions.Petition Context: The order responded to a writ petition by the Indian Medical Association against the Union of India and Patanjali Ayurved Limited. The petition highlighted misleading ads exploiting consumer trust, often endorsed by public figures without due diligence.Guidelines Adherence: The court emphasized following the 2022 Guidelines for Prevention of Misleading Advertisements. It noted the lack of an effective complaint mechanism for guideline violations.Constitutional Mandate: Invoking Article 32 of the Constitution, the court stressed enforcing the fundamental right to health. It emphasized the need for a robust mechanism to ensure advertisers follow the guidelines.Regulatory Requirements: The court mandated advertisers and agencies to submit a self-declaration per Rule 7 of the Cable Television Networks Rules, 1994, before airing or publishing ads. This ensures advertisements are lawful and not misleading, enhancing consumer protection.

• Advertisers must provide proof of the uploaded self-declaration to relevant media stakeholders, and no advertisement will be allowed without it.

Smart Cities Mission extended till March 2025

GS 2: Polity and Governance- Smart Cities Mission

Why is it in the news?

• The Centre has extended the Smart Cities Mission (SCM) under the Union Urban Development Ministry till March 31, 2025.

Launched in June 2015, the mission aims to develop 100 selected cities into smart cities through an area development plan, influencing other parts of the cities and nearby regions.

More about the news

• Over 8,000 projects worth ₹1.6 lakh crore are being implemented under SCM.
• As of July 3, 2024, 90% of the projects (7,188 out of 8,000) amounting to ₹1,44,237 crore have been completed. The remaining 830 projects worth ₹19,926 crore are in advanced stages of completion.
• Further, the mission’s budget is ₹48,000 crore, with 97% (₹46,585 crore) already released and 93% of these funds utilized.
• The extension follows multiple requests from States and city governments needing more time to finish the remaining 10% of projects, which were delayed due to various challenges. However, the extension is without any additional cost, and all ongoing projects are expected to be completed by the new deadline.

Smart Cities Mission (SCM) About: The Smart Cities Mission (SCM) is a Centrally Sponsored Scheme launched in June 2015. It aims to transform 100 cities by providing essential infrastructure and a clean, sustainable environment to enhance the quality of life for citizens through “Smart Solutions.” What is a Smart City? The term ‘Smart City’ gained traction post the 2009 financial crisis, denoting cities integrating advanced ICT akin to new Silicon Valleys. In India, a Smart City strategically plans for sustainability, good governance, and utilizes ‘smart’ solutions for enhanced infrastructure and services through area-based development.   Objectives:Deliver core infrastructure and a decent quality of life.Ensure a clean and sustainable environment.Implement ‘Smart’ solutions.Promote sustainable and inclusive development.Develop compact areas.Create replicable models for other cities. Components of SCM:Area-based Development:Redevelopment: Renewal of existing urban areas to improve infrastructure and amenities. Example: Bhendi Bazar, Mumbai.Retrofitting: Upgrading infrastructure in existing areas to make them more efficient and sustainable. Example: Local Area Development, Ahmedabad.Greenfield Projects: Development of new urban areas focusing on sustainability and smart technologies. Examples: New Town, Kolkata; Naya Raipur; GIFT City. Pan-City Solutions: Implementation of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) solutions across various sectors, such as e-governance, waste management, water management, energy management, urban mobility, and skill development. Governance Structure:To enhance effectiveness, a new governance model was adopted.A Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) was created under the Companies Act, 2013, led by a bureaucrat or a representative of a multinational corporation (MNC).Current Status:Initially planned for completion by 2020, the mission was extended twice, with the current deadline set for June 2024.The funding pattern involves the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) route. Achievements of the Smart Cities Mission:Digital Transformation:Implementation of smart technologies for efficient governance and service delivery.Integrated Command and Control Centres (ICCCs) with smart features for city monitoring and management have been operationalized in all 100 Smart Cities. Alignment with Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs): Over 70% of projects align with the United Nations’ SDGs related to cities, clean water, clean energy, and economic growth. SCM projects significantly advance 15 of the 17 SDGs.SDG 11: Nearly 44% of projects contribute to making cities inclusive, safe, resilient, and sustainable.SDG 6: 13.3% of projects contribute to clean water and sanitation.SDG 7: 8.6% of projects focus on affordable and clean energy.SDG 8: 6.4% of projects promote decent work and economic growth. Infrastructure Development:Enhancement of core infrastructure such as roads, water supply, sewage systems, and solid waste management.Improvement of urban mobility through the construction of metro lines, bus rapid transit systems (BRTS), and pedestrian-friendly pathways. Challenges Faced by the Smart Cities Mission:Lack of Clarity in Definition: The Smart Cities Mission lacks a clear and uniform definition of a smart city, leading to challenges in resource allocation and project prioritization tailored to local contexts. Top-Down Approach: Elected representatives have limited involvement in decision-making, raising concerns about democratic governance and accountability in smart city initiatives. Flawed City Selection Process: The competitive selection process overlooks India’s diverse urban realities, focusing on limited areas of cities and excluding many localities from development. Governance Structure Issues: The Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) model deviates from the constitutional framework, leading to governance disputes and objections from cities regarding decision-making autonomy. Displacement and Social Impact: Smart city projects often displace vulnerable communities such as street vendors, disrupting local social structures and causing social unrest. Infrastructure Challenges: Focus on infrastructure development sometimes leads to unintended consequences like urban flooding due to inadequate consideration of water management and environmental impacts.Mission Deadline Extension:Originally planned for completion by 2020, the mission’s extended deadlines reflect complexities in urban development and implementation. Failure in Fundraising Mechanisms: Limited success in raising funds through Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs) and loans hampers project sustainability and completion rates, affecting financial viability. Ineffective Advisory Forum Meetings: Irregular convening of state-level advisory forums undermines stakeholder engagement and collaborative decision-making, hindering effective implementation of smart city projects. Government Initiatives:Atal Mission for Urban Rejuvenation and Urban Transformation (AMRUT).Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana-Urban (PMAY-U).Climate Smart Cities Assessment Framework 2.0.TULIP – The Urban Learning Internship Program. Way forward:Need for Phase 2: Initiate the next phase of the Smart Cities Mission focusing on tier-2 cities within 100 km of state capitals, leveraging the experience of Special Purpose Vehicles (SPVs) in urban development. Expand Role of ICCCs: Enhance the role of Integrated Command and Control Centres (ICCCs) to deliver various services including health, security, waste management, traffic management, disaster management, and e-governance. Ensuring Long-lasting Impact: Address challenges such as insufficient PPP funding, disparities in inter-city project implementation, and governance structure deficiencies to ensure sustainable impacts of smart city initiatives. Separate Plan for Smaller Cities: Develop a separate plan to benefit smaller cities, particularly in the northeast, by increasing central funding and tailoring initiatives to local needs. Need for IT Strategy and Privacy Safeguards: Implement robust cybersecurity measures to protect data generated by ICCCs and ensure privacy of sensitive public and private information. Governance Structure Enhancement: Enhance governance by appointing dedicated CEOs with fixed tenures for clear accountability and including local administration, urban development experts, and stakeholders in decision-making processes. International Collaboration: Utilize India’s experience in sustainable development under the Smart Cities Mission to support and guide similar initiatives in other countries, fostering international collaboration and knowledge exchange (India is poised to lead and assist in Gelephu Smart City Project in Bhutan). Smart Cities Mission Success Stories Ahmedabad Project: Implementation of sensor-based monitoring in the water network resulted in an additional supply of 50 million litres per day (MLD) by detecting and fixing leakages. Indore Project: Utilization of a gravity-based network prevented 205 MLD of untreated sewage from entering the Kahn river, the Saraswati river, and 25 drains. Visakhapatnam Project: TheMudasarlova Reservoir Floating Solar Plant generated 3,613 MWh of electricity annually, saving $0.28 million and preventing the emission of over 3,000 tonnes of CO2.

Trials, medical ethics and the orbit of power

GS 2: Polity and Governance- Clinical Trials

Why is it in the news?

• In January 2021, activists wrote to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the then Health Minister Dr. Harsh Vardhan alleging ethical violations in Bharat Biotech’s Covaxin clinical trial at People’s Hospital in Bhopal.
• They claimed irregularities, including violations of informed consent, exploitation of vulnerable groups, non-reporting of adverse events, and lack of follow-up. Further, they demanded the trial’s stoppage and for an independent investigation.
• However, the vaccine was approved for “Restricted Use under Clinical Trial Mode,” a term not found in Indian regulatory laws.

What is a Clinical Trial? A clinical trial is a research study involving human participants to assess the safety, efficacy, and/or effectiveness of interventions such as drugs, devices, or behavioral therapies. Objective of Clinical Trials: Clinical trials play a crucial role in the drug development process by evaluating the benefits and risks of new treatments.

More about the news

• The Ethics committees overseeing the trial were criticized for their functioning. Dr. Jacob Puliyel, a member of the National Technical Advisory Group on Immunization, filed a writ petition in the Supreme Court, which ruled that relevant data should be made public.
• Ethical violations in medical trials are not uncommon, as detailed in Carl Elliott’s book, which examines historical cases of unethical medical experimentation and the challenges faced by whistle-blowers. India lacks strong whistle-blower protection laws, further complicating the exposure of unethical practices.
• India’s drug development process often involves balancing patient risk with potential therapeutic benefits, a task requiring specialized knowledge. However, clinical development in India is often overseen by medical doctors without the necessary expertise, leading to ethical violations.
• There is significant evidence of poor and uneducated people being enrolled in clinical studies without proper informed consent, a responsibility that falls to institutional ethics committees, whose effectiveness is questionable.

A study by Gayatri Saberwal et al. highlighted numerous issues with the functioning of ethics committees in India. Problems include trials without ethics committees and committees overseeing multiple study sites inadequately. The biggest abusers of these regulations are often entities promoted by the Ministry of AYUSH, using poorly designed studies to falsely validate their products.

Humility in public discourse

GS 4: Ethics- Ethics and Human Interface

Why is it in the news?

• Recently, RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat emphasized the critical need for humility in public discourse. He raised concerns that personal attacks and hate speech often overshadow substantive discussions, pushing important issues to the sidelines.
• This trend, prevalent in India and many other democracies, has transformed public debates into contentious spectacles rather than constructive exchanges of ideas.

More about the news

• Philosopher Elizabeth Anderson provides insightful analysis on this topic. She argues that when individuals resort to attacking each other’s character instead of engaging with the substance of their arguments, it undermines the core principles of democratic dialogue. This behaviour leads to a culture where genuine issues are sidelined, and the focus shifts to personal conflicts and sensationalism.
• At the heart of humility in public discourse is the recognition of our own limitations and a genuine effort to understand differing viewpoints. It entails listening with empathy, respecting diverse perspectives, and engaging in debates with civility and reason. Instead of dismissing opposing views as inherently flawed or malicious, humility encourages us to explore the underlying values and concerns driving those viewpoints.
• The historical perspectives of thinkers like Baron De Montesquieu and Dr. B.R. Ambedkar underscore the importance of ethical conduct in public life. They believed that a robust democracy hinges not only on legal frameworks and institutional mechanisms but also on the ethical behaviour of its citizens. Their insights emphasize the role of education in fostering a culture of respectful dialogue and ethical governance.
• In Indian philosophical traditions and contemporary discourse, the pursuit of knowledge is not merely about accumulating facts or asserting one’s expertise. It encompasses a moral dimension rooted in humility and openness to learning from others. This perspective is exemplified in narratives from the Mahabharata and other texts, where even revered sages and gods display humility by learning from ordinary individuals.

Conclusion

• Promoting humility in public discourse involves cultivating a mindset that values mutual respect, constructive criticism, and collective problem-solving. It encourages individuals to approach disagreements as opportunities for mutual understanding and growth, rather than as battles to be won or lost.
• By nurturing humility and ethical conduct in public discourse, societies can foster environments where diverse viewpoints are heard, consensus is sought through reasoned debate, and solutions to complex challenges are collectively pursued. This approach not only strengthens democratic institutions but also enhances social cohesion and individual well-being.

Till Russia do us part? NATO at 75, an enduring alliance

GS 2: International Organisations- NATO

Why is it in the news?

• As NATO celebrates its 75th anniversary, it remains a cornerstone of transatlantic security and collective defense.

More about the news

About NATO:

• NATO was established as “Atlantic Alliance” on April 4, 1949, in response to the growing Soviet threat in post-World War II Europe.
• Initially formed by 12 member states including the United States, Canada, and several Western European nations, NATO’s primary purpose was to provide collective defense against potential Soviet aggression and to maintain stability in a war-torn Europe.
• The alliance currently consists of 32 member countries.
• Mission and Objectives of NATO:
• Collective Defence: NATO’s main mission is collective defence under Article 5 of the North Atlantic Treaty, where an attack on one member is considered an attack on all, requiring a collective response.
• Crisis Management: NATO also conducts crisis management activities, which include conflict prevention, peacekeeping, and stabilization efforts in different global regions.

The alliance was crystallized by the famous quip from its first Secretary General, Baron Hastings ‘Pug’ Ismay, who described its purpose as “to keep the Soviet Union out, the Americans in, and the Germans down.” This succinctly captured NATO’s strategic goals of preventing Soviet influence from spreading further into Europe, maintaining American engagement in European security affairs, and ensuring that Germany, after World War II, would be integrated into a stable and democratic Western Europe.

Historical Context:

• After World War II, Europe was divided into Eastern and Western spheres of influence, with the Soviet Union establishing Communist regimes in Eastern European countries it had liberated from Nazi occupation. This expansionist policy raised concerns among Western democracies about Soviet intentions and the spread of Communism.
• NATO emerged as a strategic alliance to counterbalance Soviet power and prevent further Soviet encroachments into Western Europe. 

The formation of NATO was driven by several strategic imperatives:

• Containment of Soviet Expansion: NATO aimed to deter Soviet aggression and prevent the spread of Communism westward.
• Unity of Western Allies: It aimed to unify Western Europe and North America under a collective security umbrella, ensuring mutual defense against external threats.
• Integration of German Security: By integrating Germany into a Western defense framework, NATO sought to prevent the resurgence of militarism that had characterized Germany in the early 20th century.

NATO’s early years were marked by significant geopolitical events that tested its resolve and capabilities:

• Berlin Blockade (1948-1949): Stalin’s blockade of West Berlin led to the Berlin Airlift, where NATO allies airlifted essential supplies to sustain the city’s population, demonstrating NATO’s commitment to Western solidarity.
• Cold War Deterrence: Throughout the Cold War, NATO maintained a policy of deterrence through a credible military posture, ensuring that any Soviet aggression would be met with a unified and robust response.

Since its inception, NATO has evolved to meet changing global security challenges:

• Membership Expansion: NATO has grown from its original 12 members to include 31 countries, incorporating former Warsaw Pact nations and other European states seeking security guarantees.
• Post-Cold War Operations: Beyond its traditional defense role, NATO has engaged in humanitarian interventions, peacekeeping missions, and crisis management operations in regions like the Balkans and Afghanistan.

NATO has faced challenges in adapting to post-Cold War security dynamics:

• Internal Cohesion: Differences in strategic priorities among member states have occasionally strained NATO’s unity, particularly regarding military engagements and resource commitments.
• New Security Threats: NATO has responded to new security threats such as terrorism, cyber warfare, and hybrid warfare tactics employed by adversaries like Russia, necessitating adaptation in strategy and capabilities.

Conclusion

•  As NATO celebrates its 75th anniversary, it remains a cornerstone of transatlantic security and collective defense.
• By fostering military integration, democratic values, and cooperative security measures, NATO continues to play a vital role in promoting stability and peace across the Euro-Atlantic region and beyond.
• Its enduring legacy underscores the importance of collective security alliances in maintaining international stability amidst evolving global challenges.

Critically endangered Great Indian Bustards’ recovery program, and what lies ahead

GS 3: Environment and Biodiversity- Conservation

Why is it in the news?

• The Great Indian Bustard, a distinctive avian species exclusive to India, holds a pivotal ecological role as a primary indicator species within grassland habitats.
• Recognized for its significance in gauging the overall health of these ecosystems, its presence or absence often reflects broader environmental conditions.
• Recently, the Compensatory Afforestation Fund Management and Planning Authority (CAMPA) approved a substantial funding of Rs 56 crore for the upcoming phase (2024-2029) of the conservation program aimed at safeguarding the Great Indian Bustard (GIB) and the Lesser Florican.

• Spearheaded by the Wildlife Institute of India (WII), an esteemed body operating under the Union Environment Ministry, this initiative is set to undertake crucial measures which include the reintroduction of captive-bred Bustards into their natural habitat through ex-situ conservation centres, comprehensive population studies across Rajasthan and other states where the Bustard roams, and advancements in artificial insemination techniques to bolster breeding efforts.
• Both the Great Indian Bustard and the Lesser Florican face alarming endangerment statuses, with only approximately 140 Bustards and fewer than 1,000 Lesser Floricans remaining in the wild.
• Rajasthan, particularly its desert and semi-arid landscapes, supports a significant portion of the Bustard population, numbering over 120 individuals. The species also persists in fragmented habitats across Gujarat, Maharashtra, Karnataka, and Andhra Pradesh. In stark contrast, Madhya Pradesh, once part of its historical range, has not recorded any sightings of the Bustard for several years, underscoring the urgent need for conservation interventions across its former territories.

About the Great Indian Bustard (GIB): GIBs are the largest among India’s four bustard species, including MacQueen’s bustard, Lesser florican, and Bengal florican.Conservation Status:IUCN Red List: Critically EndangeredCITES: Appendix ICMS: Appendix IWildlife (Protection) Act, 1972: Schedule IState Bird: Designated as the state bird of Rajasthan.Habitat: Found predominantly in Rajasthan and Gujarat, with smaller populations in Maharashtra, Karnataka, and Andhra Pradesh.Significance: GIBs are pivotal to grassland ecosystems, serving as indicators of their health.Characteristics: Tall birds with long legs and necks, reaching heights of up to 1.2 meters (4 feet). Males and females are distinguished by feather color.Lifespan: Typically 12-15 years; slow-reproducing with a maturity age of 3-4 years and extended parental care.Food Habits: Omnivorous diet includes grass seeds, insects, and occasionally small rodents and reptiles.Threats: Vulnerable to collisions with overhead power lines due to poor frontal vision and inability to change flight path.Recent Initiative: The Supreme Court has appointed a seven-member committee to balance conservation efforts for GIBs with renewable energy generation in their habitats. About the Lesser Florican: Scientific Name: Sypheotides indicusSize and Endemism: The Lesser Florican, also known as likh or kharmore, is the smallest bustard species endemic to the Indian Subcontinent.Conservation Status:Wildlife Protection Act, 1972: Schedule ICITES: Appendix II          Habitat: Found in tall grasslands across states including Rajasthan, Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, and parts of Andhra Pradesh, Maharashtra, and Karnataka.

The Great Indian Bustard recovery plan and conservation program

• Over the past forty years, its population has dramatically dwindled from an estimated 700 individuals to fewer than 150 today, according to data from the Rajasthan Forest Department. This decline is primarily attributed to habitat loss caused by expanding agricultural activities in Rajasthan’s semi-arid regions, along with threats like predation on eggs by animals such as dogs and monitor lizards. In recent times, collisions with overhead power lines have emerged as a critical threat, leading to a notable mortality rate among these birds.

The issue of power line collisions prompted a legal intervention, culminating in a Supreme Court directive acknowledging the challenges of completely eliminating overhead lines from the Bustard’s habitat. An expert committee was appointed to explore feasible solutions, including the potential for undergrounding these lines to mitigate the risk. The Bustard’s limited ability to avoid collisions due to its large size and poor frontal vision exacerbates this threat. Studies by the Wildlife Institute of India (WII) in 2020 estimated that 18 Bustards perish annually due to such collisions in the Thar desert region, posing a significant danger to their survival.

• Beyond immediate conservation measures, the Supreme Court also underscored broader environmental concerns, recognizing citizens’ rights to protection against the adverse impacts of climate change as fundamental rights to life and equality.
• Efforts to conserve the Great Indian Bustard gained momentum starting in 2012-2013 with the launch of a comprehensive long-term recovery project led by the Rajasthan government and the Ministry of Environment. This initiative received a substantial funding injection in 2016 amounting to Rs 33.85 crore over seven years, aimed at improving habitat quality and initiating a conservation breeding program. Funded through the Compensatory Afforestation Fund, which collects funds for afforestation in lieu of forest land diversions, this initiative marked a significant step forward in bolstering Bustard conservation efforts.
• Further progress was achieved in July 2018 with the signing of a tripartite agreement involving the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, the Rajasthan Forest Department, and the Wildlife Institute of India (WII) which facilitated the establishment of long-term conservation breeding centres (CBC) at Ramdevra and Sorsan, alongside the implementation of crucial field research projects including telemetry-based tracking of Bustards, comprehensive population surveys, habitat management strategies, and community engagement initiatives.

Achievements made so far at the breeding centres

• Before the establishment of the Conservation Breeding Centre (CBC) in Ramdevra, initial efforts in conservation breeding began in June 2019 at a temporary facility in Sam, Jaisalmer. This phase involved collecting eggs from wild Great Indian Bustards (GIBs), which were then artificially incubated and hand-reared within the breeding centre itself. Subsequently, matured chicks from the centre were allowed to mate and reproduce, ensuring the continuity of the breeding program.
• Currently, the breeding centres house a founder population of 40 GIBs, comprising 29 individuals whose eggs were sourced from the wild and 11 born from breeding within the centre. Establishing a founder population is crucial to maintain a viable captive population and preserve genetic diversity from the source population. The 2018 tripartite agreement mandates a minimum of 20 adult birds, including 15 females, to constitute a sustainable captive population.
• Further, the Wildlife Institute of India (WII) plans to sustain the program by annually collecting four to six GIB eggs for captive breeding until these birds can be successfully reintroduced into the wild. In contrast, due to their larger remaining wild population of approximately 1,000, only two to four Lesser Florican eggs will be sourced annually for similar conservation efforts.

Plans Ahead

• The upcoming phase of the Great Indian Bustard (GIB) and Lesser Florican conservation spans from 2024 to 2033, with immediate focus until 2029.
• Key objectives include enhancing the Ramdevra CBC and establishing a new Lesser Florican CBC at Sorsan, Rajasthan. By 2026, the upgraded Ramdevra facility will feature a new lab for artificial insemination, aiding in breeding efforts.
• Over the next two years, extensive population surveys are slated for Jaisalmer, along with regions in Rajasthan and other states like Gujarat, Maharashtra, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, and Madhya Pradesh.
• A pivotal goal over the next five years is the reintroduction of captive-bred GIBs into the wild, preceded by acclimatization in enclosures within Rajasthan. This phased approach is supported by scientific planning from WII experts.

Significance of ‘abhaya mudra’

GS 1: Culture and History- Buddhism

Why is it in the news?

• In his inaugural speech as Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi employed the abhaya mudra, a symbolic gesture characterized by an open palm raised upwards, traditionally interpreted as a gesture of reassurance and fearlessness.

About Leader of Opposition: The Leader of Opposition (LoP) in Parliament is an MP from the largest opposition party with at least one-tenth of the total Lok Sabha seats.Statutory recognition under the Salaries and Allowances of Leader of Opposition in Parliament Act, 1977, entitles the LoP to salary, allowances, and facilities equivalent to a cabinet minister.The office of the LoP is not constitutionally mandated but holds significant parliamentary influence and privileges.

• This gesture, he suggested, stood in stark contrast to what he described as a government instilling fear among its citizens, asserting that such a culture of fear was incompatible with the core values of Hinduism and Indian civilization.

Mudras in Buddhism:

• In Sanskrit, “mudra” can refer to a seal, mark, sign, or currency, but within Buddhist practices, it specifically denotes hand and arm gestures used during rituals or depicted in images of Buddhas, bodhisattvas, tantric deities, and other Buddhist figures.
• Mudras are most commonly seen in visual representations of the Buddha (Buddharupa), where each gesture conveys distinct moods and meanings, symbolizing the subtle states of realization attained by the Buddha.
• For approximately 500 years following the Buddha’s life in the 6th or 5th Century BCE, he was not portrayed in physical form. At sites like Sanchi, he was symbolized by a vacant throne or a footprint.
• The earliest physical depictions of the Buddha emerged around the turn of the first millennium, initially in Gandhara art from the northwestern regions of the Indian subcontinent (present-day Pakistan and Afghanistan), influenced by Hellenistic styles. Later, during the Gupta period in the Gangetic plains, these depictions flourished.
• Among the earliest Buddharupa images, four primary mudras are observed: the abhaya mudra (gesture of fearlessness), the bhumisparsha mudra (earth-touching gesture), the dharmachakra mudra (wheel-turning gesture), and the dhyana mudra (gesture of meditation).
• As Mahayana (Greater Vehicle) and Vajrayana (Thunderbolt Vehicle) Buddhism evolved, and Buddhist artwork spread beyond India, numerous mudras were incorporated into Buddhist iconography. In tantric Buddhist practices, mudras took on dynamic roles in rituals, symbolizing offerings, forms of worship, and relationships with imagined deities.
• Various mudras:

Gesture of fearlessness

• The abhaya mudra, a hand gesture in Buddhism, involves raising the right hand with the palm outward at shoulder height, fingers pointing upwards. Sometimes, fingers touch the thumb, with others extended upward, or both hands are raised (double abhayamudra).
• In Buddhist tradition, the abhaya mudra symbolizes security, serenity, and compassion derived from Enlightenment. It reflects the Buddha’s ability to grant fearlessness, exemplified when he calmed a charging elephant with this gesture.
• According to Buddhist legend, Devadatta, a cousin and a disciple of Buddha, plotted against the Buddha by driving a wild elephant towards him. Despite the danger, the Buddha used the abhaya mudra, calming the elephant, which knelt before him, illustrating the gesture’s power of protection and refuge.

• Over time, the abhaya mudra became incorporated into depictions of Hindu deities, including the Buddha’s recognition as the ninth avatar of Vishnu in Hindu mythology. This assimilation began around AD 450 to the sixth century, as described by Wendy Doniger in “The Hindus: An Alternative History”. The Vishnu Purana from 400-500 CE first mentions the Buddha as an avatar of Vishnu.
• In the diverse landscape of Hinduism, various traditions and cultural influences merged, resulting in manifestations seen in the artistic representations of gods.
• The abhaya mudra is notably depicted in images of deities such as Lord Shiva, Lord Vishnu, and Lord Ganesha, symbolizing protection and fearlessness.

Securing India’s Future: The Imperative of a Five-Year Internal Security Plan

GS 3: Internal Security

Why is it in the news?

• Internationally, India’s prestige is at a high unprecedented since Independence, while domestically, the economy is on a robust trajectory.
• A crucial aspect for the government now is to devise a well-coordinated plan for the next five years, particularly focusing on internal securityaddressing nine critical aspects of it.

The Nine aspects:

1) Internal Security Doctrine:

• There is a pressing need for a national security doctrine (NSD) that outlines both internal and external challenges and prescribes comprehensive policies.
• While past drafts by the National Security Advisory Board await approval, developing at least the internal security component could provide much-needed clarity and consistency.

National Security Doctrine: A National Security Doctrine provides guidelines for promoting jointness among military services and minimizing inter-service conflicts. It helps policymakers prioritize India’s geopolitical interests, particularly concerning its porous borders vulnerable to arms, drugs, and human trafficking. The doctrine is crucial for addressing both external state-sponsored terrorism and internal self-radicalized terrorism effectively.

2) Ministry of Internal Security:

• The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has grown unwieldy, impacting its ability to promptly address internal security issues.
• Assigning a young, dedicated minister independent charge of internal security, could enhance efficiency and responsiveness.

3) Jammu and Kashmir:

• Despite claims of reduced terror incidents post Article 370’s abrogation, recent attacks in Jammu highlight ongoing security challenges.
• Reorganizing the security grid, restoring J&K’s statehood, and conducting Assembly elections are crucial steps towards normalcy amidst persistent threats from Pakistan.

4) Northeast Issues:

• Despite optimistic hopes from the 2015 Framework Agreement with NSCN (IM), unresolved demands for separate flag and constitution hinder progress.
• Ensuring strict adherence to ceasefire agreements and addressing ethnic conflicts and insurgencies, especially in Manipur, require urgent attention.

5) Naxalism:

• Recent data shows significant declines in Naxal violence, but now is the time for a reconciliatory approach.
• A unilateral ceasefire, dialogue initiation, and addressing grievances can facilitate mainstream integration and peace-building efforts.

6) Intelligence and Investigative Bodies:

• Both the Intelligence Bureau (IB) and the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) need restructuring and statutory backing to prevent misuse and bolster operational integrity.
• Strengthening the legal mandates, infrastructure, and resources of these institutions is imperative.

7) State Police Reforms:

• Transforming the colonial-era “Ruler’s Police” into a community-oriented “People’s Police,” akin to Robert Peel’s reforms, should be a priority.
• Enhancing public trust and effectiveness through modernization and community engagement is critical.

8) Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs):

• Addressing issues within the CAPFs, such as unplanned expansion, inadequate training, and cadre conflicts, requires a comprehensive review.
• Establishing a high-powered commission can offer sustainable solutions to these systemic challenges.

9) Technology Integration:

• Leveraging advanced technologies as force multipliers in policing is essential.
• Establishing a high-powered technology mission, as proposed at the DGPs’ conference held in Lucknow in 2021, can guide the adoption of cutting-edge technologies to tackle evolving security threats effectively.

Conclusion

• A cohesive internal security framework not only strengthens India domestically but also enhances its global standing.
• Addressing these strategic areas with foresight and innovation will pave the way for a more secure and resilient nation.