UPSC Daily Current Affairs- 25th September 2023 | Current Affairs & Hindu Analysis: Daily, Weekly & Monthly PDF Download

GS-I

Fatehpur Sikri

Subject: Art and Culture

Why in News?

French tourist dies after falling from 9-feet-high platform inside Fatehpur Sikri fort

About Fatehpur Sikri:

• It is a city predominantly in red sandstone, situated at a distance of 37 km from Agra, Uttar Pradesh.
• It was founded in 1569 by the great Mughal emperor Akbar, and from 1571 to 1585, Fatehpur Sikri was the capital of the Mughal Empire.
• The Mughal capital was moved to Delhi in 1586 because of Fatehpur Sikri's inadequate water supply.
• It was designated a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1986.
• Architecture:
• The structures in Fatehpur Sikri combine elements of Persian, Indian, and Central Asian styles.
• The structures are made primarily of red sandstone, which gives the city its distinctive appearance.
• It is enclosed by an 11 km long fortification wall interspersed with numerous gateways. 
• Notable buildings in the complex include:
  • Jama Masjid: It is home to the Jama Masjid, one of the largest mosques in India. It is known for its imposing structure, graceful arches, and intricately designed prayer hall.
  • Buland Darwaza: This colossal gateway, also known as the "Gate of Magnificence," is an iconic monument of Fatehpur Sikri. It was built to commemorate Akbar's victorious campaign in Gujarat and is a grand example of Mughal architecture.
  • Diwan-i-Khas and Diwan-i-Aam: These are two prominent buildings within the complex. The Diwan-i-Khas (Hall of Private Audience) was where Akbar held private meetings, while the Diwan-i-Aam (Hall of Public Audience) was for conducting public affairs.
  • Panch Mahal: This five-storied palace is a unique structure with open pavilions on each level. It served as a place for relaxation and entertainment.

Source: Indian Express

Documented Tripitaka: Tracing Buddhism’s Sri Lanka Connection

Subject: History

Why in News?

A team from Buddhavanam Theme Park in Hyderabad embarked on a significant visit to Sri Lanka.

• Their destination: the third-century BC Buddhist rock-cut caves at Mathale, situated on the Colombo-Kandy route.

Why such move?

• The team noted that the teachings of Lord Buddha, known as Tripitaka (Sutra, Vinaya, and Abhidhamma pitakas), were originally transmitted orally.
• However, it was under the auspices of Sri Lankan king Devanampiya Tissa, a contemporary of King Asoka, that these teachings were written on palm leaves in Sri Lanka.
• This event marked the advent of Buddhist literature in India.

About Tripitaka

• The Tripitaka, also known as the Pali Canon, is a collection of sacred Buddhist scriptures that form the foundational texts of the Theravada Buddhist tradition.
• It is divided into three sections, known as the Tripitaka, which literally means “Three Baskets.”

History and significance

• The Tripitaka was orally transmitted from the time of Gautama Buddha in the 5th century BCE until it was eventually written down in the 1st century BCE.
• It holds immense historical and religious significance as it contains the teachings, discourses, rules, and guidelines given by the Buddha and his prominent disciples.

Composition of the Tripitaka:

(1) Vinaya Pitaka (Basket of Discipline):

• Comprises the rules and guidelines for monastic discipline in the Buddhist community.
• Provides detailed instructions on the conduct and behavior expected from monks and nuns.
• Covers various aspects, including ethical guidelines, disciplinary codes, and procedures for resolving disputes.
• Offers insights into the monastic life, the organization of the Sangha (monastic community), and the role of the monastic code in maintaining harmony and ethical conduct.

(2) Sutta Pitaka (Basket of Discourses):

• Contains the discourses and teachings delivered by Buddha and his close disciples.
• Includes a vast collection of discourses covering a wide range of topics, such as ethics, meditation, philosophy, and social issues.
• Consists of individual Suttas (discourses) grouped into different collections or Nikayas, such as the Digha Nikaya (Long Discourses), Majjhima Nikaya (Middle-Length Discourses), Samyutta Nikaya (Connected Discourses), and Anguttara Nikaya (Numerical Discourses).
• Presents the Buddha’s profound teachings on the Four Noble Truths, the Noble Eightfold Path, dependent origination, and other core concepts of Buddhism.

(3) Abhidhamma Pitaka (Basket of Higher Teachings):

• Provides a comprehensive and systematic analysis of Buddhist philosophy and psychology.
• Explores the nature of mind, consciousness, and reality in intricate detail.
• Presents the teachings in a more technical and analytical manner, offering an advanced understanding of Buddhist concepts.
• Divided into seven books, known as the Abhidhamma books, which delve into topics such as consciousness, mental factors, elements, and the path to liberation.
• Offers a deep exploration of the ultimate nature of existence and the workings of the mind.

Features and Characteristics

• Authenticity and Authority: The Tripitaka is regarded as the most authoritative and authentic collection of Buddhist scriptures in the Theravada tradition.
• Canonical Language: The texts are primarily written in Pali, an ancient Indian language close to the language spoken during the Buddha’s time.
• Extensive Coverage: The Tripitaka covers a wide range of topics, offering comprehensive guidance for practitioners in various aspects of life.
• Preservation of Early Buddhist Teachings: The Tripitaka is believed to preserve the original teachings of the Buddha, providing insights into his wisdom and teachings.

Source: The Hindu

How Bal Gangadhar Tilak made the worship of Lord Ganesh a grand community festival

Subject: Modern History

Why in News?

The ten-day Ganesh festival, commencing on September 19, is celebrated nationwide with mass participation, a transformation attributed to Bal Gangadhar Tilak’s 19th-century efforts, now symbolizing India’s unity and resilience.

Central idea

• The ten-day Ganesh festival is a spectacle of devotion and festivity celebrated with enthusiasm across India, particularly in the western regions. This grand public event, characterized by mass participation, owes its transformation from a one-day private affair to a colossal celebration to the visionary nationalist leader, Bal Gangadhar Tilak, fondly known as Lokmanya or the Leader of the People.

Tilak’s Nationalistic Ideals

• Advocated Swaraj (self-rule) with unwavering commitment: Bal Gangadhar Tilak was a visionary leader who firmly believed in India’s right to self-rule. At a time when many nationalist leaders were seeking concessions from the British, Tilak boldly asserted that India should have full self-governance, known as Swaraj, as its birthright.
• Fearlessly criticized British exploitation in India: Tilak was an outspoken critic of British colonial rule in India. He fearlessly highlighted the exploitation, economic hardships, and cultural subjugation faced by Indians under British rule.
• Promoted modern civil and political rights: Tilak advocated for the modernization of India’s political and civil rights. He argued for greater political participation and civil liberties for Indians, emphasizing the need for Indians to have the same rights as citizens of other nations.
• Gained popularity through fiery rhetoric and direct language: Tilak’s communication style was marked by fiery rhetoric and direct language. He used newspapers and public speeches to communicate his ideas to a wide audience.

Tilak’s Leadership and Vision

• Emerged as a prominent mass leader in India’s anti-colonial movement: Bal Gangadhar Tilak’s leadership during the late 19th and early 20th centuries made him one of the most prominent figures in India’s anti-colonial struggle.
• Iconic declaration: Tilak’s famous declaration, Swaraj is my birthright, and I shall have it, encapsulated his determination and became a rallying cry for the Indian independence movement.
• Effectively mobilized people against British rule: Tilak’s leadership was instrumental in mobilizing people against British colonial rule. He organized protests, public meetings, and social and cultural events that galvanized support for the nationalist cause.
• Utilized Hindu imagery and symbolism in political campaigns: Tilak recognized the power of symbolism in political mobilization. He used Hindu imagery and symbolism to appeal to the cultural and religious sentiments of the majority of Indians.

The Transformation of the Ganesh Festival

• Shifted the Ganesh festival from a one-day private event: Before Tilak’s intervention, the Ganesh festival was a one-day private affair largely observed by Brahmins and upper castes. However, in 1893, Tilak initiated a transformative change by expanding the festival into a ten-day community celebration.
• Introduced community Ganpati worship in 1893: Tilak introduced the concept of community Ganpati worship during the Ganesh festival, allowing people from all social strata to participate in the festivities.
• Incorporated patriotic songs and propagated nationalist ideas: Under Tilak’s guidance, the Ganesh festival became a platform for singing patriotic songs and propagating nationalist ideas.
• Formation of Ganesh festival societies and increased youth participation: Tilak’s efforts led to the establishment of Ganesh festival societies across Maharashtra, encouraging youth participation and instilling a sense of pride, valor, and patriotism among the youth.

Shivaji Festival and Boycott Campaign

• Initiated the Shivaji festival in 1896 to inspire nationalism: In addition to the Ganesh festival, Tilak introduced the Shivaji festival in 1896 to celebrate the legacy of the Maratha king Shivaji and inspire nationalist sentiments among young Maharashtrians.
• Celebrated the legacy of Maratha King Shivaji: The Shivaji festival paid tribute to Shivaji’s role in resisting foreign rule and promoting Swaraj, instilling pride in Maharashtrians.
• Organized a campaign in Maharashtra to boycott foreign cloth: In 1896, Tilak organized a campaign in Maharashtra to boycott foreign cloth in response to the imposition of an excise duty on cotton by the British colonial administration.
• Efforts galvanized support for the nationalist cause: Both the Shivaji festival and the boycott campaign were instrumental in galvanizing support for the nationalist cause.

Controversies and Criticisms

• Accused of introducing a communal aspect to the freedom struggle: Tilak faced criticism for allegedly introducing communal elements into the freedom struggle, particularly during the communal clashes of 1893.
• Maintained a conservative stance on women’s emancipation and caste reforms: Tilak’s conservative positions on women’s rights and caste reforms were points of contention.
• Criticize the British for favoring Muslims due to fears of a Hindu majority: During the communal clashes of 1893, Tilak accused the British of being partisan towards Muslims out of fear of a growing Hindu majority.
• Left a complex legacy with an enduring impact on India’s nationalist movement: Despite the controversies and criticisms, Bal Gangadhar Tilak left a complex but indelible legacy in India’s struggle for independence, shaping the course of the nationalist movement.

Conclusion

• Bal Gangadhar Tilak’s vision and leadership and his efforts to unite and instill nationalist fervor through this festival continue to shape the way it is celebrated today. Ganesh Chaturthi stands as a symbol of India’s unity and resilience in the face of colonial rule, thanks to the foresight of Lokmanya’ Tilak.

Source: Indian Express

GS-II

National Higher Education Qualifications Framework (NHEQF)

Subject: Governance

Why in News?

The University Grants Commission (UGC) recently finalised the National Higher Educational Qualification Framework (NHEQF), a regulatory reform proposed by National Education Policy 2020.

About National Higher Education Qualifications Framework (NHEQF):

• Development: The Ministry of Labour and Employment developed the National Vocational Qualifications Framework (NVQF) and the Ministry of Education developed the Vocational Education Qualifications Framework (NVEQF).
• The NHEQF has divided parameters into levels 5 to 10.
  • Levels 1 to 4 cover the school education.
  • The NHEQF level 5 represents learning outcomes appropriate to the first year (first two semesters) of the undergraduate programme of study;
  • While Level 10 represents learning outcomes appropriate to the doctoral-level programme of study.
• According to the NHEQF, students must possess and display the desired graduate profile/attributes after completing a programme of study.
• It also establishes the amount of credits required to complete the four-year undergraduate programme, postgraduate degrees, and doctoral degrees at various levels.

About University Grants Commission (UGC):

• EST: 28th December, 1953
• It is a statutory organization by the UGC Act, 1956
• Ministry: Ministry of Education.
• The UGC’s mandate includes:
  • Promoting and coordinating university education.
  • Determining and maintaining standards of teaching, examination and research in universities.
  • Framing regulations on minimum standards of education.
  • Monitoring developments in the field of collegiate and university education; disbursing grants to the universities and colleges etc

Source: The Hindu

G4 countries

Subject: International Relations

Why in News?

Recently the G4 countries have reiterated that expansion of UN Security Council in both permanent and non-permanent categories is essential to make the body more representative, legitimate, effective and efficient.

About G4 countries:

• The G4 is a grouping of Brazil, Germany, India and Japan which are aspiring to become permanent members of the UNSC.
• They are supporting each other’s bids for permanent membership of the UNSC.
• The G4 nations traditionally meet on the sidelines of the annual high-level UN General Assembly session.

Opposition to G4: the Coffee Club

• The Uniting for Consensus (UfC), or the Coffee Club, emerged in the 1990s in opposition to the potential extension of permanent seats on the UN Security Council.
• Italy along with Pakistan, Mexico and Egypt founded the Coffee Club in 1995 to reject the proposal to increase the number of permanent seats in the UNSC.

About UN Security Council:

• EST: United Nations charter in 1945
• HQ: New York City, USA.
• Members: 15 members
• Permanent members with veto power (P5 members): the United States, the Russian Federation, France, China and the United Kingdom.
• Non-permanent members: The non-permanent members of the Security Council are elected for a term of two years.
• The 10 non-permanent seats are distributed on a regional basis as follows:
  • Five for African and Asian States.
  • One for the Eastern European States.
  • Two for the Latin American and Caribbean States;
  • Two for Western European and other States

Source: AIR

Indo- European Languages

Subject: International Relations

Why in News?

New Indo-European language discovered during excavation in Turkey

About Indo- European Languages:

• The Indo-European Languages are a family of related languages that today are widely spoken in the Americas, Europe, and also Western and Southern Asia. 
• The hypothesis that this was so was first proposed by Sir William Jones, who noticed similarities between four of the oldest languages known in his time: Sanskrit, Latin, Greek, and Persian.
• The common ancestral (reconstructed) language is called Proto-Indo-European (PIE), which is no longer spoken.
• There is disagreement as to the geographic location where it originated from, with Armenia and the area to the north or west of the Black Sea being prime examples of proposed candidates.
• The Indo-European family of languages is the second-oldest in the world, only behind the Afroasiatic family (which includes the languages of ancient Egypt and early Semitic languages).
• It has the largest number of speakers of all language families as well as the widest dispersion around the world.
• The various subgroups of the Indo-European family include:
• Indo-Iranian languages (includes Sanskrit, Hindi, Bengali, Persian etc.)
• Italic languages (including Latin and its descendants, the Romance languages)
• Germanic languages
  • Celtic languages
  • Baltic languages
  • Slavic languages
  • Illyrian languages (extinct)
  • Albanian language (and extinct cousins)
• Anatolian languages (extinct, most notable was the language of the Hittites)
  • Tocharian languages (extinct tongues of Tocharians)
  • Greek language
  • Armenian language
• Some of the most commonly spoken Indo-European Languages in the modern world are Spanish, English, Hindustani, Portuguese, Russian, Punjabi, and Bengali.

Source: The Hindu

Why in News?

GS-III

OSIRIS-REx Mission Returns to Earth with Asteroid Samples

Subject: Science and Technology

Why in News?

The NASA OSIRIS-REx mission has achieved a significant milestone by successfully returning to Earth with an estimated 250 grams (8.8 ounces) of material gathered from the surface of an asteroid.

• These precious samples hold the potential to provide critical insights into differentiating authentic asteroid-origin materials from potential terrestrial contaminants or alterations across various meteorite types.

OSIRIS-REx Mission

(a) Mission Launch and Journey:

• OSIRIS-REx embarked on its journey when it was launched from Cape Canaveral, Florida, in 2016.
• Over a span of two years, it traversed space to reach Bennu, a carbon-rich asteroid nestled between Earth and Mars.

(b) Orbiting Bennu:

• The spacecraft reached its destination, Bennu, in December 2018.
• It spent two years in orbit around the asteroid, conducting a comprehensive suite of measurements.
• These measurements encompassed critical aspects such as Bennu’s mass, density, albedo, surface composition, and particle environment.
• The landing site chosen on Bennu was named “Nightingale.”

(c) Notable Discoveries:

• During the reconnaissance phase, the OSIRIS-REx mission uncovered several intriguing findings:
• Bennu is classified as an active asteroid, periodically ejecting material from its surface.
• The surface of Bennu exhibited a considerably rougher terrain than initially expected, featuring numerous boulders exceeding ten meters in diameter.
• Bennu’s bulk density was found to be lower than anticipated, suggesting the presence of substantial empty space within the asteroid’s structure.
• Surface features on Bennu indicated signs of past aqueous activity, and the asteroid’s rotation was observed to be accelerating due to the YORP effect.

Previous such missions

• Previous space missions like Japan’s Hayabusa and Hayabusa2, as well as China’s Chang’e 5, have made substantial contributions to our understanding of celestial bodies and their compositions.
• The return of asteroid samples by OSIRIS-REx marks NASA’s first sample return mission since Stardust in 2006 and Genesis in 2004.

Significance of Sample Return

• The return of material directly from celestial sources, such as asteroids, comets, the solar wind, and the Moon, holds immense scientific significance.
• It provides the means to answer questions that lie beyond the scope of remote observations, landers, rovers, or even meteorites.
• Collecting samples directly from the source ensures the preservation of intricate details that may otherwise be lost during a meteorite’s passage through Earth’s atmosphere and subsequent impact.

Source: Economic Times

Draft Patent Amendment Rules and Issues

Subject: Science and Technology

Why in News?

On August 23, the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade in India unveiled draft patent amendment rules.

• These changes, if enacted, may have significant implications for pharmaceutical companies and patients, particularly in the global South.

Draft Patent Amendment Rules: Key takeaways

• Financial Burden: A notable modification is the introduction of variable fees for filing pre-grant oppositions, potentially placing a substantial financial burden on civil society organizations and patient groups.
• Maintainability Decision: Of particular concern is the provision granting the controller the authority to determine the maintainability of representation by individuals or civil society organizations seeking to file pre-grant oppositions.

Impact on Public Health Safeguards

• Key Public Health Safeguard: Pre-grant opposition serves as a crucial public health safeguard against practices like patent evergreening and the granting of unwarranted monopolies. It ensures continued accessibility to quality-assured and affordable generic medicines.
• Lobbying for Weakened Safeguards: The draft amendment rules have raised concerns that they may undermine these safeguards and potentially extend patent protection on frivolous grounds. Big pharmaceutical companies have long lobbied to remove critical safeguards from India’s patent laws.

Critiques and Concerns

• Lack of Rational Basis: Critics argue that the rules’ provision for controller-determined maintainability lacks a rational basis and may create more problems. Without clear guidelines, decisions on the eligibility of pre-grant opposition filers could become arbitrary.
• Favouring Corporations: Some believe that the government is aligning with pharmaceutical companies’ interests, as these corporations often seek to limit pre-grant opposition.
• Unique Provision at Risk: Pre-grant opposition, an exceptional provision within the Indian Patent Act, has been crucial in protecting public health interests. Weakening this provision could have dire consequences for patients and the generic drug industry.

Precedents of Successful Opposition

• Past Precedents: Pre-grant opposition filed by patient groups and civil society organizations has led to the rejection of patent extensions pursued by pharmaceutical companies based on weak claims of “novel invention.”
• Notable Instances: Examples include opposition to patents for drugs like Tenofovir disoproxil fumarate (TDF), Nevirapine, Glivec (imatinib mesylate), Zidovudine/Lamivudine (HIV medicines), and Lopinavir/Ritonavir (HIV medicines).

Potential Ramifications

• Global Implications: The proposed changes could disproportionately impact patients in India and the global South, who heavily rely on India’s production of affordable generic drugs and vaccines.
• Threat to Access: Weakening pre-grant opposition may impede access to essential medicines, putting patients at risk and affecting the generic drug industry.
• Concerns Raised: Experts emphasize that any erosion of this provision within the Indian Patent Act would be a significant change, jeopardizing patients’ ability to access affordable medications and enabling pharmaceutical corporations to exert greater control over the market.

Conclusion

• The draft patent amendment rules have sparked concerns that they may undermine essential safeguards, potentially benefiting pharmaceutical giants while posing a threat to patients’ access to affordable medicines.
• The pivotal role of pre-grant opposition in safeguarding public health interests is at risk, raising questions about the impact on patients in India and beyond.

Source: Indian Express