UPSC Daily Current Affairs- 28th January 2024 | Current Affairs & Hindu Analysis: Daily, Weekly & Monthly PDF Download

GS-I

Hazrat Nizamuddin Aulia Dargah

Subject: History and Culture

Why in News?

The French President recently visited the Hazrat Nizamuddin Aulia Dargah in south Delhi.

About Hazrat Nizamuddin Aulia Dargah:

• It is located in Delhi's Nizamuddin West area. 
• It is the mausoleum of the famous Sufi saint, Nizamuddin Auliya (1238-1325 CE).
• It was built in the 14th Century C.E.
• Features:
  • It consists of a square chamber surrounded by verandas, which are pierced by arched openings.
  • The dome is ornamented by vertical stripes of black marble and is crowned by a lotus-cresting.
  • Inside the dargah complex, one can find the tombs of Nizamuddin Auliya's saints: Jahanara Begum, Shah Jahan’s favourite daughter, and poet Amir Khusru.
  • Towards the north side of Dargah, there is a stepwell.  
  • On the north-eastern side, there is a 16th-century tomb of Atgah Khan, who was a powerful minister in Emperor Akbar’s court.
  • The site is also known for its evening qawwali devotional music sessions.

Who was Nizamuddin Auliya?

• Syed Muhammad Nizamuddin Auliya was one of the most famous Sufi saints from the Indian subcontinent region.
• Also known as Hazrat Nizamuddin and Mahbub-e-Ilahi (Beloved of God), he was a Sunni Muslim scholar and Sufi saint of the Chishti Order.
• Like most of the Chishti Sufi saints, Nizamuddin Auliya stressed love as a means of realising God. He believed the love of God implied a love of humanity.
• Some of the famous disciples of Nizamuddin include Shaikh Nasiruddin Chirag Delhavi, Amir Khusro, and the royal poet of the Delhi Sultanate.

Source: Live Mint

Futala Lake

Subject: Geography

Why in News?

The Supreme Court recently asked the Maharashtra government and its metro rail corporation not to carry out any construction activity at the famous Futala Lake in Nagpur.

About Futala Lake:

• Futala Lake, also known as Telankhedi Lake, is located in the western part of Nagpur, Maharashtra.
• It is believed to be more than 200 years old.
• It is spread over 60 acres.
• Built by the Bhonsle kings of Nagpur, this lake is known for its colourful fountains.
• The lake is surrounded on three sides by forest and a landscaped beach on the fourth side.

Key Facts about Bhonsle Dynasty:

• The Bhonsle or Bhonsale (pronounced Bhoslay) were a prominent Maratha clan who served as rulers of several states in India.
• Raghuji Bhonsle of Berar founded the dynasty in 1730. The most prominent member of the clan was Shivaji, the founder of the Maratha empire.
• His successors ruled as maharajas from their capital at Satara, although "de facto'' rule of the empire passed to the Peshwas, the Marathas' hereditary chief ministers, during the reign of Shahu I.
• In addition to the Bhonsle Maharajas of Satara, rulers of the Bhonsle clan established themselves at Thanjavur in Tamil Nadu in the 17th century, and at Nagpur and Kolhapur in modern-day Maharashtra in the 18th century.
• The Bhonsle of Thanjavur were descendants of Sivaji's half-brother Venkaji, while the Bhonsle of Nagpur and Kolhapur were descended from Sivaji's sons, Sambhaji and Rajaram.
• After the British defeat of the Marathas in the third Anglo-Maratha War in 1818, the Marathas were forced to accept British rule. The four Bhonsle dynasties continued as rulers of their princely states, acknowledging British sovereignty while retaining local autonomy.
• The states of Nagpur, Thanjavur, and Satara came under direct British rule in the mid-nineteenth century when their rulers died without male heirs; Kolhapur continued as a princely state until India's independence in 1947, when the rulers acceded to the Indian government.

Source: Deccan Herald

Why was January 26 chosen to be India’s Republic Day?

Subject: Modern History

Why in News?

On January 26, India celebrates Republic Day, marking the day when its Constitution came into effect in 1950.

 However, the roots of this celebration trace back to January 26, 1930, when India made the historic “Poorna Swaraj” declaration, signifying its quest for complete independence from British rule.

Context of the 1920s

• Non-Cooperation Movement: The 1920s witnessed the aftermath of the Non Cooperation Movement and the Chauri Chaura incident, which prompted Mahatma Gandhi to temporarily halt non-violent protests.
• Rise of Leaders: This period saw the emergence of notable leaders like Bhagat Singh, Chandrashekhar Azad, Jawaharlal Nehru, Subhash Chandra Bose, Vallabhai Patel, and C. Rajagopalachari, setting the stage for India’s future freedom struggle.

Simon Commission and Nehru Report         

• Simon Commission: In 1927, British authorities appointed the Simon Commission to discuss political reforms in India, sparking nationwide protests with slogans like “Simon Go Back.”
• Nehru Report: In response, the Indian National Congress (INC) established its own commission under Motilal Nehru, advocating dominion status for India within the British Empire.

Internal Disagreements: Dominion or Republic?

• Dominion Status Debate: While the Nehru Report called for dominion status, leaders like Subhash Chandra Bose and Jawaharlal Nehru favored complete independence, fearing that dominion status would align India with colonial exploitation in the British Empire.
• Change in Gandhi’s Views: Initially supporting dominion status, Mahatma Gandhi’s stance evolved as he began advocating for complete independence.

Irwin Declaration and Backtracking

• Irwin Declaration: In 1929, Viceroy Irwin vaguely promised dominion status for India, which sparked hope among Indians but faced opposition in Britain.
• Backtracking: Under pressure from Britain, Irwin retracted his promise during a meeting with Indian leaders, leading to growing unity within the INC for complete independence.

Declaration of Poorna Swaraj

• Lahore Session of INC: In December 1929, during the Lahore Session of the INC, the “Poorna Swaraj” resolution was passed, calling for complete independence from British rule.
• Official Promulgation: On January 26, 1930, this declaration of independence was officially announced, marking a pivotal moment in India’s freedom struggle.
• Nonviolent Protest: The resolution also affirmed the Gandhian principles of nonviolent protest, which became integral to the subsequent struggle for independence.

Republic Day in Post-Independence India

• Celebrating Independence: From 1930 until India’s independence in 1947, January 26 was celebrated as “Independence Day” or “Poorna Swaraj Day,” symbolizing India’s commitment to sovereignty.
• Constitution Adoption: When India adopted its Constitution, leaders chose January 26 for Republic Day, as it held historical significance and aligned with the ideals of complete independence as articulated in the “Poorna Swaraj” declaration.
• Symbolism: Today, Republic Day commemorates India’s journey to self-rule and reflects the principles enshrined in its Constitution.

Source: PIB

Historical Insights: Gyanvapi Structure Controversy

Subject: Art and Culture

Why in News?

The Gyanvapi Structure sin Varanasi has been the center of a longstanding controversy regarding its historical origin and the existence of a Hindu temple preceding its construction.

• The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) has recently concluded that a Hindu temple indeed existed at the site before the mosque’s construction, relying on scientific studies, textual evidence, and historical accounts.

Gyanvapi: Historical Background

• Temple’s Existence: The ASI’s findings suggest that a substantial Hindu temple once stood adjacent to the Kashi Vishwanath temple, which is believed to have been demolished during the reign of Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb.
• Persian Chronicles: The primary source for this claim is Saqi Mustaid Khan’s Maasir-i-Alamgiri, a Persian chronicle written shortly after Aurangzeb died in 1707. It mentions Aurangzeb’s orders to destroy temples and schools of the “infidels.”
• Aurangzeb’s Policy: Historians interpret this as part of Aurangzeb’s broader policy against Hinduism, marked by the destruction of temples and discriminatory measures, such as customs duties.

Historical Interpretations

• Selective Targeting: Some historians argue that the 1669 decree was not a blanket order to destroy all temples but targeted institutions where certain teachings took place, especially in Benares (now Varanasi).
• Conflict with Shivaji: It is suggested that Aurangzeb ordered the destruction of the Kashi temple as retribution following Chhatrapati Shivaji’s escape from Mughal custody.
• Religious Cloth: The Gyanvapi Mosque incorporates a part of the ruined temple’s wall, possibly serving as a religious statement of the consequences of opposing Mughal authority.

Expert Opinions and Legal Implications

• ASI Report: The ASI’s extensive report provides expert evidence but can be contested in court during the ongoing legal battle.
• Witnesses and Cross-Examination: The civil suit involves witnesses from various fields, including historians, archaeologists, and religious experts, who will be cross-examined.
• Court Determination: The courts will decide whether the ASI report can be conclusively relied upon and assess the significance of the existence of a Hindu temple in determining the mosque’s religious character.

Legal and Constitutional Aspects

• Maintainability Issue: The preliminary issue of whether the suit can be filed depends on the fate of the Places of Worship Act, 1991, which aims to maintain the religious character of places of worship as of August 15, 1947.
• Relevance of ASI Report: The relevance of the ASI report could change significantly if the 1991 law is altered or struck down. Currently, the law is considered a fundamental feature of the Constitution, safeguarding secularism.
• Secularism and Non-Retrogression: The Places of Worship Act is seen as essential in upholding the principles of secularism and non-retrogression, core elements of India’s Constitution.

Conclusion

• The controversy surrounding the Gyanvapi Mosque underscores the complexities of historical interpretation and legal implications.
• The ASI’s findings, while significant, are part of an ongoing legal process, and the final determination will have far-reaching consequences on the historical narrative and religious character of the site.

Source: Indian Express

GS-III

Singchung Bugun Village Community Reserve

Subject: Environment and Ecology

Why in News?

Arunachal Pradesh, at the recently held Republic Day parade, showcased its Singchung Bugun Village Community Reserve, a 17-square-kilometre biodiversity hotspot.

About Singchung Bugun Village Community Reserve:

• It is a 17-square-kilometre biodiversity hotspot located in Arunachal Pradesh, around 40 km from the famous Eagle nest Wildlife Sanctuary.
• The reserve was created in 2017 to protect biodiversity in the region.
• It is home to critically endangered species such as the passerine bird Bugun Liocichla (Liocichlabugunorum), which is named after the Buguns community.
  • It was one of the first bird species to be discovered in India since the country’s independence in 1947, and it lives only on the Buguns’ community lands.
  • The Buguns are an indigenous community with a population of about 2,000 people, spread across 12 villages that are dotted outside the forests of Eagle nest Wildlife Sanctuary.

What is a Community Reserve?

• Conservation reserves and community reserves in India are terms denoting protected areas of India which typically act as buffer zones, connectors, and migration corridors between established national parks, wildlife sanctuaries and reserved and protected forests in India.
• Such areas are designated as conservation reserves if they are uninhabited and completely owned by the Government of India but used for subsistence by communities, and community reserves if part of the land is privately owned. 
• These protected area categories were first introduced in the Wildlife (Protection) Amendment Act of 2002, an amendment to the Wildlife Protection Act (WLPA) of 1972. 
• These categories were added because of reduced protection in and around existing or proposed protected areas due to private ownership of land, and land use.
• The provisions of the WLPA apply to an area once it has been declared a community reserve.

Source: The Hindu

Has the economy improved in the NDA’s second term?

Subject: Economy

Why in News?

The discussion between D.K. Srivastava and G. Vijay analyzes the economic performance of the BJP-led government in its second term, focusing on policy prescriptions, the impact of major reforms such as GST and corporate income tax changes, and the recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic. The conversation delves into the challenges faced by the GST Council, the government’s emphasis on infrastructure development, and the performance of the agricultural sector over the past five years.

Key Highlights:

• The Indian economy faced challenges in 2019 due to GST implementation issues and corporate income tax reforms, leading to a weak fiscal situation.
• The COVID-19 pandemic caused a sharp contraction, followed by a rapid recovery with GDP growth rates exceeding expectations.
• Recovery was K-shaped, impacting contact-intensive sectors and large service sectors, resulting in a focus on infrastructure expansion for long-term growth.
• The digitization of the economy through the UPI platform was highlighted as a positive outcome, especially for small-scale industries in the informal sector.
• The GST story was deemed incomplete, with concerns about revenue autonomy for State governments and challenges in GST reform.
• The government’s capital expenditure increase in the last budget aimed at income generation and employment growth, but concerns were raised about the quality of employment generated.
• The agricultural sector performed well in terms of growth, except for the current year, but challenges such as supply chain shocks and inflation in key food items were discussed.

Key Challenges:

• Unresolved issues in GST reform, including revenue neutrality and loss of revenue autonomy for State governments.
• Quality of employment generated by capital-intensive infrastructure projects and the persistently high unemployment rate.
• Inconsistent policies in the agricultural sector, with challenges like bans on exports and uncertainties affecting production decisions.

Key Terms:

• GST (Goods and Services Tax)
• UPI (Unified Payments Interface)

Key Phrases:

• “K-shaped recovery”
• “Last mile delivery”
• “Jobless growth”
• “Centre-State relations”
• “Capital stimulus”
• “Job creation elasticities”
• “Unprotected informal sector employment”

Key Quotes:

• “Between 2014 and 19, we provided a rejuvenated Centre-State dynamic, cooperative federalism, GST Council, and a strident commitment to fiscal discipline.”
• “The government stood out as a performing government, a government whose signature was in the last mile delivery.”

Key Statements:

• Recovery from the economic challenges post-2019 was marked by robust GDP growth, particularly in FY22 and FY23.
• The GST Council faced criticism for incomplete reform, loss of revenue autonomy for State governments, and politicization of resource distribution.

Key Examples and References:

• Demonetization in 2016 and its long-term impact on economic contraction.
• The increase in capital expenditure in the last budget and its purported aim of income generation and employment growth.

Critical Analysis:

The discussion highlights the positive aspects of economic recovery, infrastructure development, and agriculture sector growth. However, challenges such as the quality of employment, unresolved GST issues, and inconsistent policies in agriculture are critically analyzed. The impact of global challenges, supply-side issues, and the need for a balanced approach between capital stimulus and consumption stimulation are emphasized.

Way Forward:

• Address GST reform issues to ensure revenue autonomy for State governments.
• Evaluate the employment impact of infrastructure projects and focus on generating quality employment.
• Maintain a balance between capital stimulus and consumption stimulation to address external sector challenges.
• Implement consistent and supportive policies in the agricultural sector to address supply chain shocks and inflation.
• Continue efforts to digitize the economy for inclusive growth and last-mile delivery.

This comprehensive analysis provides insights into the economic performance of the BJP-led government, covering various dimensions and offering suggestions for future considerations.

Source: Financial Express