2023 08 22

Table of Contents:

GS Paper 1:

Casteism in Indian Society

GS Paper 2:

Pros and Cons of Mediation Bill 2021
The key to India’s hunger challenge

GS Paper 3:

Committee recommendation on stalled housing projects

Content for Mains Enrichment

Krushnachandra Ataka
India as a premier wedding destination

Facts for Prelims (FFP)

Vast megalithic site in Kerala
Ancient Mailara cult in coastal Karnataka
Demon particle
Namoh 108
Pacific islands face the risk of drowning
DRDO’s UAV Tapas

Mapping

‘Likaru-Mig La-Fukche’ road (Ladakh)

Casteism in Indian Society

GS Paper 1

Syllabus: Indian Society: Caste

Source: IE

Context: The article discusses the need to acknowledge the existence of caste in Indian society is crucial for achieving true equality and inclusion.

What is casteism?

Casteism is a social system characterized by the hierarchical division of society based on caste, resulting in discrimination, inequality, and unequal access to opportunities for individuals belonging to different castes.

Efforts to eliminate caste-based discrimination in India:

Constitutional Provisions: Articles 15 and 17 specifically address the prohibition of discrimination based on caste.
Reservation Policies: have been implemented to provide historically disadvantaged castes with better access to education, jobs, and political representation. E.g. Article 330 and Article 332
Legal Framework: Laws like the Scheduled Castes and the Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, 1989, provide protection against violence and discrimination faced by marginalized communities.
Awareness Campaigns: Public awareness campaigns, workshops, and seminars are conducted to sensitize society.
Social Movements: Various social reform movements, led by activists, organizations, and leaders, have aimed to challenge and change traditional caste-based norms and practices.

Despite the above efforts, caste-based discrimination continues to persist in Indian society due to the following reasons:

Historical Legacy: Historical injustices and inequalities continue to influence perceptions and behaviours, leading to the perpetuation of discriminatory practices.
Cultural Norms and Traditions: Social practices, rituals, and inter-caste marriage restrictions reinforce caste-based distinctions, making it difficult to break free from these entrenched norms.
Power dynamics: Caste-based discrimination is often tied to power dynamics, with dominant castes seeking to maintain their privileged positions. Lower castes face discrimination and exclusion as a means of preserving existing hierarchies.
Economic Disparities: Lower-caste individuals often face limited access to education, employment opportunities, and resources, leading to a cycle of poverty and marginalization that reinforces discriminatory practices.
Lack of Effective Implementation: While laws and policies have been enacted to address caste-based discrimination, their effective implementation remains a challenge.
- Weak enforcement, lack of awareness, and corruption hinder the eradication of discriminatory practices.
Political Considerations: Political parties exploit caste divisions for electoral gains, perpetuating caste-based discrimination for their own interests.

What is Decasting in India?

“Decasting” in India refers to the process of dismantling and eliminating the entrenched caste-based discrimination, inequalities, and social hierarchies present in society. It involves challenging and overcoming the practices, biases, and prejudices associated with the caste system.


Steps for Achieving De-casteing in India
Acceptance:	Acknowledge the presence and impact of casteism in society, instead of denying or overlooking it.
Education:	Educate younger generations about the importance of seeing beyond caste and the value of inclusivity.
Representation beyond reservations:	Push for Dalit representation in cultural institutions, intellectual spaces, and media, beyond just reserved seats in politics
Celebrate Dalit History:	Embrace and highlight the contributions of Dalits in the Indian independence movement and other spheres.
Promote Allies:	Encourage individuals from privileged castes to become allies, supporting marginalized communities in various spaces.
Build Trust:	Address and work on the distrust Dalits might feel towards the upper segments of society, fostering unity.
Policies Emphasizing Inclusion:	Formulate policies that emphasize diversity, inclusion, and equity, ensuring nobody is left behind.

Conclusion

Addressing caste-based discrimination requires a multi-faceted approach that tackles both structural and attitudinal issues. It involves raising awareness, promoting education and economic opportunities, enforcing anti-discrimination laws, and fostering social and cultural change.

Insta Links:

Caste System

Mains Link:

Discuss in detail features of the Caste System in India, also, identify various reasons for strengthening caste-based identity in today’s times. (15M)

August 22, 2023 /22 August 2023, Casteism in Indian Society, Today's Article

The key to India’s hunger challenge

GS Paper 2

Syllabus: Social Justice

Source: IE

Context: The author Ashok Gulati discusses that the key to addressing India’s hunger challenge lies in focusing on gender-sensitive growth.

Status of India on Hunger:

The Global Hunger Index 2022 ranks India 107 (out of 121 countries), and the level of hunger and undernutrition in the country is now at “serious”
- India’s rank on this index has been worsening since 2020 – 94 in 2020 and 101 in 2021.
With over 19%, India has the highest rate of child wasting (among under 5 children) in the world.
Over 16% of Indians are undernourished, and about one in every three children is stunted.
According to the NFHS-5, 18% of mothers reported that their child (between ages 6-23 months) did not eat any food/“zero-food” in the 24 hours preceding the survey.
Close to 40% did not eat any grains (roti, rice, etc) for an entire day, and six out of 10 children do not consume milk (“zero-milk”).

What is gender-sensitive growth?

Gender-sensitive growth refers to economic development and policies that take into account the specific needs, roles, and contributions of both men and women. This approach acknowledges and addresses gender-based discrimination and seeks to empower women while promoting overall economic progress and social well-being.

How gender-sensitive growth is key to India’s hunger challenges?


Aspects	Role in India’s Hunger Challenges
Inclusive Economic Growth	Gender-sensitive growth promotes inclusive economic development, ensuring that both men and women have access to income-generating opportunities. This can reduce poverty and increase household resources for better nutrition.
Women’s Participation in Labor Force	By improving women’s participation in the labour force, gender-sensitive growth can enhance household income, leading to better affordability of food and improved nutrition.
Education and Skill Development	Investing in women’s education and skill development increases their ability to earn and contribute to family income, reducing vulnerability to hunger and malnutrition.
Women’s Empowerment	Empowered women have more decision-making power within households, including control over food choices and resources. This can lead to improved nutritional outcomes for children and families.
Agriculture and Food Systems	Gender-sensitive growth recognizes the significant role of women in agriculture and food production. Providing women with access to resources, technology, and training can enhance agricultural productivity and food security.
Nutritional Awareness and Healthcare	Gender-sensitive approaches can ensure that women and children receive adequate care and nutrition.
Climate Resilience	Empowering women in climate-resilient practices and sustainable agriculture can help mitigate the impact of climate change on food production and availability.

For the way forward: Click on the FAO report: Hunger Hotspots – FAO-WFP Early Warnings on acute food insecurity

Insta Links:

Food security in India

August 22, 2023 /22 August 2023, food security, Hunger, Today's Article

Pros and Cons of Mediation Bill 2021

GS Paper 2

Syllabus: Alternative Dispute Resolution system

Source: IE

Context: The recently passed Mediation Bill, 2021 in India aims to govern mediation processes. We had already discussed this bill before. Here we will analyse the positive and negative features of the bill.

What is Mediation?

Mediation is an alternative dispute resolution (ADR) method in which a neutral third party, known as a mediator, helps parties in a dispute reach a mutually agreeable resolution.

Mediation is considered a more cost-effective, efficient, and less adversarial method compared to traditional court litigation.

The Mediation Bill, 2021 brings several positive aspects to India’s legal landscape:

Voluntary Pre-Litigation Mediation: The Bill recommends making pre-litigation mediation voluntary instead of mandatory, aligning with the core principle of voluntariness in mediation.
Recognition of Settlement Agreements: The Bill includes provisions for the recognition and enforcement of settlement agreements arising from mediation.
- This aligns with international norms, as India is a signatory to the United Nations Convention on International Settlement Agreements Resulting from Mediation (Singapore Convention).
Efficient Timeframes: On the recommendation of the parliamentary panel, the bill reduces the time for concluding a mediation process from 180 to 90 days.
- This streamlined approach enhances the efficiency of the mediation process, allowing parties to reach resolutions more promptly.
Online and Community Mediation: The introduction of concepts like “online” and “community” mediation reflects modern approaches to dispute resolution.
Flexibility in Interim Relief: The Bill provides for interim relief in exceptional circumstances during mediation.
Inclusion of Mediation Culture: By providing a legal framework for mediation, the Bill promotes a culture of mediation in India.
Global Recognition: The adoption of dedicated mediation legislation puts India on par with global practices in alternative dispute resolution.
- This enhances India’s reputation as a destination for business and investment.

Issues with the Mediation Bill, 2021:


Issues	Description
Limited Grounds for Challenge	This could hinder parties’ recourse in case of new evidence or unforeseen circumstances.
Challenge Period Inadequate	The 90-day period provided to raise challenges against settlement agreements might not be sufficient for parties to discover certain defects or fraud at a later stage.
Undefined Term “Exceptional Circumstances”	The term “exceptional circumstances” in Clause 8 under which party can move court (before or during the mediation process) is undefined in the Bill.
Access to Online Mediation	Online mediation requires widespread internet access, which is not uniformly available across India.
Mandatory Panel of Three Mediators for Community	Requiring a panel of three mediators for community mediation limits the flexibility that mediation usually offers.
Restrictions on Government Participation	The Bill restricts the government’s participation in mediation proceedings only to “commercial disputes,” limiting its potential impact on resolving broader public issues, as the government is the biggest litigant in India.

Conclusion:

The bill provides a legal framework for mediation and reflects the government’s whole-of-government approach to promoting alternative dispute resolution. However, the Bill’s impact on promoting mediation as a preferred mode of justice remains debated.

Insta Links:

The Mediation Bill, 2021

August 22, 2023 /22 August 2023, Mediation Bill 2021, Today's Article

Committee recommendation on stalled housing projects

GS Paper 3

Syllabus: Real estate sector

Source: IE

Context: A committee (chaired by former NITI Aayog CEO Amitabh Kant) formed by the Union Housing and Urban Affairs Ministry has suggested reviving stalled real estate projects by requiring all stakeholders, including developers, financiers, and land authorities, to accept “haircuts” (reduced amounts) to make the projects financially viable.

Status of Housing projects:

The Indian Banks’ Association (IBA) has estimated that over 4 lakh stressed dwelling units involving over Rs 4 lakh crore are impacted in these stalled real estate projects
The committee reported that 44% of stalled projects are in the National Capital Region and 21% in the Mumbai Metropolitan

What are Haircuts?

A haircut refers to the lower-than-market value placed on an asset being used as collateral for a loan. In the context of the article, it refers to the acceptance of reduced amounts or losses by stakeholders, such as developers and financiers, to make financially troubled projects viable.

Other Recommendations of the Committee:


Recommendation	Description
Rehabilitation Package	State governments should create rehabilitation packages, and developers should commit to a three-year completion timeline.
“Zero Period”	A “Zero Period” from April 1, 2020, to March 31, 2022, should be established where interest and penalties would be suspended due to Covid-19 and court orders.
Co-Developers	“Co-developers” should be allowed to assist developers in completing projects.
Partial Surrender Policy	Developers should be allowed to surrender unused land against their outstanding dues.
Extension of Plan Approvals	Plan approvals should be extended by three years without payment to the Authority.
No Penalty or Extra Interest	Homebuyers of projects under the state government’s package should not be charged penalties or extra interest.
Use of Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code	The use of the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code should be a last resort.
Enforcement of RERA	The Real Estate (Regulation and Development) Act, 2016, provisions for registering projects with RERA must be enforced.
Resolution for Incomplete Projects	RERAs should identify mostly complete projects facing administrative hurdles and provide a resolution within 30 days.

Conclusion:

The committee’s recommendations aim to revive stalled real estate projects and ensure timely completion of projects, provide relief to homebuyers, and make the real estate sector more resilient and functional.

Insta Links:

Real Estate Regulatory Authority (RERA) Act of 2016

August 22, 2023 /22 August 2023, Committee recommendation on stalled housing projects, NITI Ayog, RERA, Today's Article

Krushnachandra Ataka

Content for Mains Enrichment

Source: TH

Krushnachandra Ataka (from the Kondh tribe), a 33-year-old tribal agricultural labourer from Odisha’s Rayagada district, has achieved an inspiring feat.

After working for 13 years as an agriculture daily wage labourer and 2 years as a migrant labourer, he cracked the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET) for medical colleges. Despite facing financial challenges and a gap in his education, he persevered and secured admission to the Saheed Rendo Majhi Medical College and Hospital.

His determination to become a doctor is fueled by the hope of serving his region, which lacks access to proper medical care. Ataka’s journey exemplifies how determination and the pursuit of education can transform lives and contribute to society.

Usage: His example can be used to show the values of Determination, resilience, perseverance, commitment to education despite challenges, and willingness to serve the community.

August 22, 2023 /22 August 2023, Today's Article

India as a premier wedding destination

Content for Mains Enrichment

Source: IE

Context: The Ministry of Tourism has launched a comprehensive campaign to position India as a premier global wedding destination.

The campaign aims to tap into the potential of India’s substantial wedding industry while aligning with Prime Minister’s mission to boost tourism. The initiative intends to showcase India as an ideal location for weddings and promote the growth of wedding-related tourism.
The campaign’s approach is holistic, aiming to create a memorable experience for couples from around the world who wish to celebrate their special day in India. It seeks to seamlessly integrate India’s rich cultural heritage and modern elegance.

Usage: This can be used as an example in GS3 paper – Qns related to tourism – Way Forward or Government initiatives in developing Tourism Sector.

August 22, 2023 /22 August 2023, Today's Article

Vast megalithic site in Kerala

Facts for Prelims (FFP)

Source: TH

Context: A recent archaeological excavation conducted by the State Archaeology Department in Kerala, uncovered a significant number of megalithic “hat stones,” also known as Thoppikkallu in Malayalam.

Hat stones are hemispherical laterite stones that were used as lids on burial urns during the megalithic period.
This discovery is notable as it could potentially be the largest collection of hat stones found at an unprotected site in the state.

Key Findings:

The team found numerous megalithic burial sites and relics, including a unique rock-cut laterite burial chamber, during the pipeline work that prompted the excavation.
This site yielded a large number of earthen urns and distinctive iron implements, shedding light on the culture and life of people who inhabited the area over 2,000 years ago.
Ashes were discovered within the urns and beneath the hat stones, which is different from the more common occurrence of cremated bones. This suggests unique mortuary practices at this site.

August 22, 2023 /22 August 2023, Ancient and Medieval India, GS1, Thoppikkallu, Today's Article, Vast megalithic site in Kerala

Ancient Mailara cult in coastal Karnataka

Facts for Prelims (FFP)

Source: TH

Context: Recent discoveries of two sculptures near Kundapura, Udupi district, have confirmed the presence of the ancient Mailara cult in the coastal region.

One sculpture was found in a well at Basrur and depicts a royal hero on a horse holding a sword and a bowl in his hands. This unique piece lacks the usual Mylaladevi figure on the horse’s back. The sitting posture of the horse is unusual and dates it to the 15th century A.D.
The second discovery is a small stone tablet depicting Mailara and Mylaladevi both mounted on an ornate horse while holding swords in their right hands. This relief, found in a tank during dredging, is in side profile and appears to be from the 17th century.

Basrur was a significant trading city during the Medieval period, with trading guilds like Uhayadesi and Nanadesi playing active roles. This environment fostered various cults, including the popular Mylara cult that was widespread in the Deccan region.

About Mailara Cult:

The Mailara cult is a religious tradition centred around the worship of a folk deity named Mailara, who is believed to be a manifestation of Lord Shiva.

This cult is prevalent in parts of southern India, particularly in the Deccan region, including Karnataka, Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh, and Tamil Nadu. The cult has its own unique rituals, practices, and beliefs that have developed over time.

Mailara is often associated with other regional deities like Mallanna in Andhra Pradesh and Khandoba in Maharashtra. The cult has a diverse following that includes people from various castes and occupations, ranging from agricultural and pastoral communities to martial groups.

August 22, 2023 /22 August 2023, Ancient Mailara cult in coastal Karnataka, Ancient Medieval, GS1, Today's Article

Demon particle

Facts for Prelims (FFP)

Source: Business Standard

Context: Researchers at the University of Illinois have discovered a massless particle, often referred to as a “demon particle,” which could pave the way for the development of superconductors capable of functioning at room temperature.

Superconductors, which can conduct electricity without resistance, currently require extremely low temperatures, often below 100 degrees Fahrenheit.
This new discovery could potentially lead to the creation of superconductors that work at room temperature, revolutionizing various fields, including computing and medical imaging.

The team identified the potential existence of the demon particle while investigating the properties of the metal strontium ruthenate, which is similar to high-temperature superconductors.

About Demon Particle:

The prediction of the demon particle was first made by theoretical physicist David Pines in 1956. Pines theorized that electrons passing through a solid would exhibit unique behaviours. This particular particle is intriguing because it lacks mass, making it possible for it to exist and form plasmons (collective units of electrons) at room temperature, where larger particles wouldn’t typically form plasmons.

Why it is named a ‘Demon’ particle?

This name was chosen because the particle’s properties, including being massless, chargeless, and not interacting with light, seemed to defy conventional understanding, much like a mythical or supernatural entity. The term “demon” was used metaphorically to convey the unusual and counterintuitive nature of this theoretical particle.

August 22, 2023 /22 August 2023, Demon particle, GS3, Particle Physics, TECHNOLOGY, Today's Article

Namoh 108

Facts for Prelims (FFP)

Source: The Wire

Context: The Lucknow-based CSIR-NBRI (National Botanical Research Institute) has reportedly developed a new variety of lotus flowers called ‘Namoh 108,’ characterized by having 108 petals.

The name “Namoh 108” is a combination of the religious significance of the ‘lotus flower’ and the digit ‘108,’ which holds importance in Hinduism.

Features of Namoh 108:

The lotus variety flowers from March to December and is rich in nutrients.
It’s the first lotus variety in India to have its genome completely sequenced for its characteristics.

The release also included products derived from the lotus, such as apparel made from lotus fibre and a perfume called ‘Frotus’ extracted from lotus flowers.

August 22, 2023 /22 August 2023, ENVIRONMENT, GS3, Namoh 108, Species in news, Today's Article

Pacific islands face the risk of drowning

Facts for Prelims (FFP)

Source: India Today

Context: The World Meteorological Organization (WMO) has issued a warning that sea levels around the Pacific Islands are rising at a rate of approximately 4 mm per year, slightly faster than the global average.

This accelerated rise poses a serious threat to low-lying islands like Tuvalu and the Solomon Islands. The warning comes from the WMO’s State of the Climate in the South-West Pacific 2022 report.
The report also highlighted the occurrence of marine heatwaves in a substantial region northeast of Australia and south of Papua New Guinea, spanning more than six months.
The report revealed that the region experienced 35 natural hazards in the previous year, leading to over 700 deaths. These events directly affected more than 8 million individuals.

The findings of the WMO report highlight the urgent need for comprehensive climate action to mitigate these impacts and safeguard the future of these vulnerable island nations.

August 22, 2023 /22 August 2023, Disaster Management, GS3, Pacific islands face the risk of drowning, Today's Article

DRDO’s UAV Tapas

Source: LM

Context: The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) announced that there were no casualties or collateral damage resulting from the crash of the Tapas unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) during an experimental flight trial in Karnataka, India.

The UAV was undergoing a trial flight from ATR Challakere when it encountered a technical snag and crashed in nearby farmland. DRDO assured that investigations into the technical issue are ongoing.

About TAPAS UAV:

The Tapas UAV, previously known as Rustom-2, is a Tactical Airborne Platform for Aerial Surveillance-Beyond Horizon-201. It’s a long-endurance drone developed by the Aeronautical Development Establishment in India.
With a wingspan of 20.6 meters and a top speed of 225 kmph, the drone can cover a range of over 250 km using the C Band frequency data link developed by DRDO.
The UAV has the capability to fly autonomously or via remote control, making it suitable for pre-programmed missions. It boasts a compact and lightweight design, allowing for
easy transport and deployment in various environments.

The drone’s real-time data collection and transmission capabilities provide valuable intelligence for decision-making. It has an impressive flight endurance of several hours and can operate in both daylight and darkness.

August 22, 2023 /22 August 2023, Defence, DRDO’s UAV Tapas, GS3, INTERNAL SECURITY, Today's Article

‘Likaru-Mig La-Fukche’ road (Ladakh)

Mapping

Source: HT

The Border Roads Organisation (BRO) has commenced the construction of the world’s highest motorable road, the ‘Likaru-Mig La-Fukche’ road, in Ladakh’s Demchok sector. This road project aims to provide connectivity to the military outposts in the sensitive Fukche sector, lying near the contested Line of Actual Control (LAC).

The road will reach an altitude of about 19,400 feet, surpassing the existing highest motorable road at Umling La in Ladakh. Notably, an all-woman unit of the BRO, led by Colonel Ponung Doming, is supervising the construction. Additionally, the BRO is undertaking other significant projects, including the Shinku La tunnel and the construction of the ‘Nyoma Airfield’.

August 22, 2023 /‘Likaru-Mig La-Fukche’ road (Ladakh), 22 August 2023, Today's Article