UPSC Daily Current Affairs- 26th October 2023 | Current Affairs & Hindu Analysis: Daily, Weekly & Monthly PDF Download

GS-I

NCERT panel suggests only ‘Bharat’ in Textbooks

Subject: Art and Culture

Why in News?

In 2022, the Social Science committee of the National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT) proposed a shift from ‘India’ to ‘Bharat’ in Social Science textbooks up to Class 12.

• This suggestion has rekindled the age-old discussion about the nation’s name, particularly after the G20 Summit’s reference to the “President of Bharat.”

Bharat’s Historical Roots

• Puranic Literature and Mahabharata: The name ‘Bharat,’ ‘Bharata,’ or ‘Bharatvarsha’ finds its origins in Puranic literature and the epic Mahabharata. It refers to the land between the southern sea and the northern abode of snow.
• King Bharata: Legend has it that King Bharata, an ancient figure, was the ancestor of the Bharatas, a Rig Vedic tribe, making him the forefather of the entire subcontinent’s populace.

India’ and ‘Hindustan’

• Hindustan’s Origins: ‘Hindustan’ likely evolved from ‘Hindu,’ the Persian equivalent of Sanskrit’s ‘Sindhu,’ influenced by the Achaemenid Persian conquest of the Indus valley in the 6th century BCE. The suffix “stan” emerged around the 1st century CE, creating “Hindustan.”
• Greek Influence: The Greeks transliterated ‘Hind’ as ‘Indus,’ and by Alexander the Great’s 3rd-century BC invasion, ‘India’ referred to the region beyond the Indus.
• Mughal Era: In the 16th century, ‘Hindustan’ described the entire Indo-Gangetic plain, encompassing the Mughal emperor’s territories across South Asia.
• British Colonial Impact: British maps in the late 18th century started using ‘India,’ while ‘Hindustan’ lost its association with the whole of South Asia, reflecting evolving perspectives and colonial influence.

Constituent Assembly’s Decision

• Article 1 of the Constitution: Article 1 of the Indian Constitution begins with the phrase, “India, that is, Bharat, shall be a Union of States.”
• Debate and Perspectives: During the Constituent Assembly discussions, there were differing opinions on emphasizing ‘Bharat’ as the primary name for the country.
• Pro-‘Bharat’ Arguments: Some argued that ‘India’ was merely an English translation of ‘Bharat,’ citing the example of the Irish Constitution, where “Eire” is used in the Irish language, with “Ireland” in English.
• Historical and Cultural Significance: Supporters of ‘Bharat’ highlighted the civilizational and cultural connotations it carried, emphasizing the need for a name that befits India’s history and heritage.
• Dr. BR Ambedkar’s Perspective: Ultimately, the formulation ‘India, that is, Bharat,’ was adopted. Dr. BR Ambedkar, Chairman of the Constituent Assembly’s Drafting Committee, downplayed the civilizational debates and emphasized the pressing work ahead.

Conclusion

• The ongoing debate surrounding ‘Bharat’ and ‘India’ reflects the complexities of identity, history, and linguistic heritage in the nation.
• While ‘Bharat’ has deep roots in ancient Indian texts, ‘India’ carries historical and colonial significance.
• The Constituent Assembly’s choice of ‘India, that is, Bharat,’ signifies a delicate balance between honoring heritage and embracing a forward-looking identity for the nation.

Source: The Hindu

Vajra mushti kalaga

Subject: Art and Culture

Why in News?

The martial art form known as "Vajra Mushti Kalaga" has become extinct and is exclusively practiced during the festival of Dasara.

About Vajra Mushti Kalaga:

• Unique Indian Martial Art: This is a distinctive Indian martial art that integrates various combat techniques, including grappling, wrestling, and striking.
• Vajra Mushti - Thunderbolt Fist: Vajra Mushti, meaning "Thunderbolt Fist," is a notable aspect of this martial art. It involves the use of a small metal weapon, also called Vajra Mushti, typically crafted from animal horns and worn on the fighter's knuckles.
• Main Objective: The primary goal of this Indian martial art is to incapacitate the opponent and counter their weapon.
• Unconventional Wrestling: This form of wrestling differs from traditional grappling as it entails two fighters attempting to strike each other's heads with the knuckleduster.
• Victory Determination: The winner is determined by the first person to draw blood from their opponent's head during the match.
• Historical Background: This wrestling style gained popularity during the reign of the Vijayanagar rulers, who ruled from the 14th to the 17th centuries.
• Real Combat: The combat in this martial art is genuine, and the participants strive to draw blood from their opponent's head. A referee steps in upon noticing the first drop of blood.
• Historical Documentation: Medieval travelers from Portugal observed this form of wrestling during the Navaratri celebrations in the Vijayanagar empire and left detailed accounts of it.

Source: The Hindu

Vaishno Devi shrine

Subject: Art and Culture

Why in News?

As per recent reports, the number of pilgrims visiting Mata Vaishno Devi shrine in J&K this year crosses 80 lakh mark. 

About Vaishno Devi shrine:-

• Location: Jammu and Kashmir
• Shrine: Situated atop the Trikuta hills in the Reasi district of the Jammu region
• Dedication: Vaishno Devi temple is one of the 108 Shakti Peethas devoted to Durga
• Foundation: Founded in 1846 by Maharaja Gulab Singh, though known for centuries
• Popularity: One of India's most frequented Hindu pilgrimage destinations
• Deity: The temple is renowned for its deity, believed to fulfill devotees' wishes
• Altitude: Located at an altitude of 5,200 feet
• Trek: Pilgrims must embark on a 12 km journey starting from Katra
• Blessings: Pilgrims receive darshans (blessings) of the goddess inside the Holy Cave
• Goddess Form: The goddess is represented by three natural rock formations, called "Pindies"
• Idols: The cave contains no statues or idols
• Accessibility: Darshans are available 24/7 throughout the year

Source: AIR

GS-II

Jamrani Dam Multipurpose Project

Subject: Government Schemes

Why in News?

Recently, the government of India approved the inclusion of the Jamrani Dam Multipurpose Project under the Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana-Accelerated Irrigation Benefit Programme (PMKSY-AIBP).

About the Jamrani Dam Multipurpose Project:

• Project Description: The undertaking aims to erect a dam in proximity to Jamrani village, spanning the Gola river, a feeder of the Ram Ganga river, situated in Uttarakhand's Nainital district.
• Irrigation Impact: A significant portion of the irrigation advantages from this venture will be directed towards the adjoining state of Uttar Pradesh.
• PMKSY-AIBP Inclusion: This endeavor is the seventh project to be enlisted in the PMKSY-AIBP roster.

Key facts about Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana

• Launch Year: The initiative was launched in 2015-16.
• Aim: The primary objective is to enhance physical access to water on farms, increase the area available for cultivation with assured irrigation, boost on-farm water use efficiency, and introduce sustainable water conservation practices.
• Components:
  • Accelerated Irrigation Benefit Programme (AIBP): This component focuses on expediting the completion of ongoing major and medium irrigation projects, including national projects.
  • Har Khet Ko Pani (HKKP): This includes four sub-components, namely Command Area Development & Water Management (CAD&WM), Surface Minor Irrigation (SMI), Repair, Renovation and Restoration (RRR) of Water Bodies, and Ground Water (GW) Development.
• Other components:
  • Per Drop More Crop (PDMC): This component is implemented by the Department of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare.
  • The Watershed Development component (WDC): It is implemented by the Department of Land Resources.
  • Nodal Ministry: The initiative is led by the Department of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare, under the Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare.

Source: The Hindu

LS Ethics Committee: Its’ Constitution, Members

Subject: Polity

Why in News?

The Lok Sabha Ethics Committee, set up over two decades ago, plays a pivotal role in overseeing the conduct of members and addressing cases of misconduct.

• While it predominantly handles relatively minor offenses, its significance in maintaining ethical standards in Parliament cannot be understated.

History of Ethics Committees

• Origin in 1996: The concept of ethics panels for the two Houses of Parliament was first proposed during a Presiding Officers’ Conference in Delhi in 1996.
• Rajya Sabha’s Pioneering Committee: Vice President K R Narayanan, who served as Rajya Sabha Chairman, established the Ethics Committee for the Upper House on March 4, 1997. It officially commenced its duties in May of the same year.
• Lok Sabha’s Journey: Lok Sabha’s Ethics Committee journey was delayed initially. A study group within the House Committee of Privileges recommended its formation in 1997 after studying legislative ethics practices worldwide. However, it only became a permanent fixture in the Lok Sabha in 2015, following its ad hoc establishment in 2000.

Procedure for Complaints

• Complaint Filing: Any individual has the right to submit a complaint against a Member of Parliament (MP) using another Lok Sabha MP as the intermediary. The complaint should include proof of alleged misconduct and an affidavit affirming its authenticity. MPs can also submit complaints without requiring an affidavit.
• Speaker's Role: The Speaker of the Lok Sabha has the authority to forward any complaint against an MP to the Ethics Committee.
• Preliminary Inquiry (Prima Facie): The Ethics Committee carries out an initial investigation to determine whether the complaint merits further scrutiny. It proceeds with an evaluation and provides recommendations after this initial phase.
• Report Presentation: The Committee presents its findings to the Speaker, who then seeks the House's input on whether to consider the report. Additionally, a half-hour discussion on the report can be scheduled.

Privileges Committee Comparison

• Overlapping Responsibilities: The Ethics Committee and the Privileges Committee occasionally deal with similar cases. More serious allegations typically go to the Privileges Committee.
• Privileges Committee’s Mandate: The Privileges Committee safeguards the “freedom, authority, and dignity of Parliament.” It can address breaches of privilege by MPs or non-MPs that undermine the House’s authority and dignity.
• Ethics Committee’s Scope: The Ethics Committee primarily focuses on cases of misconduct involving MPs.

2005 Cash-for-Query Case

• Expulsion of MPs: In 2005, a significant episode unfolded when both Houses expelled 10 Lok Sabha MPs and one Rajya Sabha MP implicated in the cash-for-query scandal. They were accused of accepting money to raise questions in Parliament.
• Bansal Committee’s Report: The Lok Sabha took action based on the report of a special committee led by Chandigarh MP P K Bansal. In contrast, Rajya Sabha entrusted the House Ethics Committee with investigating the matter.
• Evidence in the 2005 Case: Former Lok Sabha Secretary General P D T Achary noted that the 2005 case was backed by substantial evidence from a sting operation. Establishing a money trail could be the challenge in the recent Bengal MP case.

Conclusion

• The Lok Sabha Ethics Committee, although historically ad hoc and relatively recent in its permanent establishment, plays a critical role in upholding the ethical standards of India’s parliamentary members.
• It serves as a guardian of parliamentary ethics, ensuring that members adhere to the highest moral standards while fulfilling their legislative responsibilities.
• The Committee’s work, while often overshadowed, is integral to maintaining the integrity of the Lok Sabha.

Source: Indian Express

GS-III

Exercise Harimau Shakti 2023

Subject: Defence

Why in News?

A joint bilateral training exercise “Exercise Harimau Shakti 2023”, between the Indian and Malaysian Armies commenced recently.

About Exercise Harimau Shakti 2023:-

• Venue: Umroi Cantonment, India.
• It is a joint bilateral training exercise between Indian & Malaysian Armed Forces.
• Objective: to enhance military capability for conducting of Multi Domain Operations in a sub conventional scenario.
• The Malaysian Army contingent, comprising troops from the 5th Royal Battalion of the Malaysian Army, joins hands with the Indian contingent represented by a battalion of THE RAJPUT REGIMENT.
• This exercise is a follow-up to the previous edition held in Pulai, Kluang, Malaysia, in November 2022.

Activities:-

• During the exercise, both contingents will establish a Joint Command Post and an integrated surveillance grid, alongside a Joint Surveillance Centre.
• The training will focus on coordinated deployment of joint forces in various environments, including jungles, semi-urban, and urban areas.
• Intelligence collection, collation, and dissemination exercises will also be conducted.
• The exercise will incorporate modern technology, including Drones/UAVs and Helicopters.
• Special attention will be given to casualty management and evacuation drills.
• Logistics management and survival training at the battalion level are crucial components of the training program.

Significance:-

• Exercise Harimau Shakti” represents a significant effort to enhance defense cooperation between the Indian Army and the Malaysian Army.

Source: The Print

United Nations Forum on Forests (UNFF)

Subject: Environment

Why in News?

The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change is organising a Country-Led Initiative (CLI) event as part of the United Nations Forum on Forests (UNFF) from 26-28 October, 2023 at the Forest Research Institute (FRI), Dehradun, Uttarakhand.

About the United Nations Forum on Forests:

• It promotes the management, conservation, and sustainable development of all types of forests.
• It was established in 2000 by the UN Economic and Social Council of the United Nations (ECOSOC).
• The Forum meets annually at the UN Headquarters in New York, bringing together representatives of all member states and forest-related agencies for high-level dialogue on technical matters in odd years and policy matters in even years.
• The forum has universal membership, and is composed of all Member States of the United Nations and specialized agencies.
• India is a founding member of UNFF. 

What is the Country-Led Initiative (CLI)?

• Its primary goal is to contribute to the discussions of UNFF regarding the implementation of Sustainable Forest Management and the UN Strategic Plan for Forests.
• It also aims to facilitate the sharing of best practises among UNFF member States for the implementation of SFM and UNSPF.
• This year, CLI will discuss thematic areas involving forest fires and forest certification.

Source: PIB

Hunter's Moon Lunar Eclipse

Subject: Science 

Why in News?

Hunter’s Moon Lunar Eclipse is predicted to be seen on October 28^th,2023.

Background:-

• The “Hunter’s Moon” will officially be 100% illuminated at 3:35 p.m. EST on Saturday, October 28, 2023.

About Hunter’s Moon Lunar Eclipse:-

• The Hunter’s Moon is one of the many names given to the full moons throughout the year.
• Each of these names have its own unique cultural and historical significance.

Historical Significance:-

• Rooted in Native American, Colonial American, and other traditional North American cultures, the names of these moons were used to track the changing seasons and were adopted by colonial settlers.
• The Hunter’s Moon follows the Harvest Moon, which is the full moon closest to the autumnal equinox.

Naming:-

• Historically, the Harvest Moon allowed farmers to work late into harvesting their crops by the moon’s light.
• Once the harvest was completed, the Hunter’s Moon would rise signaling a time when game would be fattened and hunted to store for the winter.
• This moon was a beacon for hunters to begin stocking up for the colder months ahead.

Features:-

• The Hunter’s Moon can sometimes appear red or orange in color, due to the way that sunlight is scattered by the Earth’s atmosphere.
• This is especially common when the moon is low in the sky, such as during sunrise and sunset.
• This year’s Hunter’s Moon” will look both more colorful and larger than it will at any other time of night.
• It will only for about 15 minutes.
• It will also be more impactful because it’s being viewed in twilight, not darkness.
• Europe and Africa will be the best placed to see watch the entire event, but it’s a very slight partial lunar eclipse.
• At the peak of the event about 6% of the full moon will be inside Earth’s dark central shadow .
• It may look like a small bite has been taken from it.
• However, as it drifts through Earth’s lighter, outer penumbral shadow it will mostly just seem less bright than usual.

About Lunar Eclipse:-

• An eclipse happens when a planet or a moon gets in the way of the sun’s light.
• A lunar eclipse occurs when the Sun, Earth, and Moon align so that the Moon passes into Earth’s shadow.
• In the Lunar Eclipse, the Earth arrives in between the sun and the moon.
  • In this way, the shadow of the earth falls on the moon.
• The lunar eclipse can only happen during the Full Moon. But, the orbits of the moon and earth are different.
• That’s why the lunar eclipse happens only up to 3-4 times a year.
• There are three types of lunar eclipses: Total lunar eclipses, partial lunar eclipses, and penumbral lunar eclipses.
• Total lunar eclipse: entire Moon falls within the darkest part of Earth’s shadow, called the umbra.
  • When the Moon is within the umbra, it will turn a reddish hue.
  • Lunar eclipses are sometimes called “Blood Moons” because of this phenomenon.
• Partial lunar eclipse: An imperfect alignment of Sun, Earth and Moon results in the Moon passing through only part of Earth’s umbra.
  • The shadow grows and then recedes without ever entirely covering the Moon.
• Penumbral eclipse: The Moon travels through Earth’s penumbra, or the faint outer part of its shadow.
  • The Moon dims so slightly that it can be difficult to notice

Source: The Hindu