UPSC Daily Current Affairs- 10th January 2024 | Current Affairs & Hindu Analysis: Daily, Weekly & Monthly PDF Download

GS-I

Comprehending Lord Rama in all his dimensions

Subject: History

Why in News?

The article explores the evolving perceptions of Lord Rama in Hindu society, with a focus on the transformation of the invocation “Jai Shri Ram” and the upcoming consecration of the Ram Janmabhoomi temple. It emphasizes the need to revisit the Ramacharitmanas in its entirety to comprehend Lord Rama in all dimensions, especially his compassionate and childlike aspects.

Key Highlights:

• Lord Rama, as depicted by Tulsidas in the Ramacharitmanas, is seen as divine and the upholder of maryada, connoting righteous conduct.
• The aggressive tone of the current popular invocation, “Jai Shri Ram,” emerged in 1990 during the Rath Yatra led by Lal Krishna Advani for the construction of the Ram temple.
• The construction of the Ram Janmabhoomi temple is widely welcomed, symbolizing a correction of historical wrongs and a call for Hindu assertiveness.

Key Challenges:

• The shift in the invocation from traditional greetings like “Ram Ram” to the more militant “Jai Shri Ram” reflects a change in social thinking, raising concerns about sharpness in Hindu thought.
• The article notes that the infant form of Lord Rama is rarely invoked, highlighting a departure from Tulsidas’s portrayal in the Ramacharitmanas.

Key Terms:

• Maryada: Connotes righteous conduct, context-specific.
• Rath Yatra: A procession advocating the construction of the Ram temple.
• Ramlalla Virajman: The deity representing Lord Rama in the Ayodhya case.
• Samadhi: A memorial, in this context, referring to Gandhi’s resting place at Rajghat.

Key Phrases:

• “Jai Shri Ram”: Evolved from the Rath Yatra in 1990, emphasizing a militant tone for the Ram Janmabhoomi temple.
• “He Ram”: Uttered by Gandhi at the time of his assassination, reflecting a deep connection to Lord Rama.

Key Quotes:

• “It is evocative that his samadhi at Rajghat carries these words.” – Referring to the words “He Ram” on Gandhi’s memorial.
• “Recognising the entire creation as full of Siya and Rama, I make obeisance to them with joined palms.” – Tulsidas’s perspective on Lord Rama and Sita.

Key Examples and References:

• Lal Krishna Advani’s Rath Yatra in 1990.
• D.V. Paluskar’s rendering of the bhajan “Thumak chalat Ramachandra.”
• Gandhi’s utterance of “He Ram” at the time of his assassination.

Key Facts and Data:

• Lord Rama is widely perceived in his warrior mode, especially during the celebration of Dussehra.
• The consecration of the Ram Janmabhoomi temple is scheduled for January 22, 2024.

Critical Analysis:

The article critically examines the changing invocation from traditional greetings to the militant “Jai Shri Ram,” expressing concerns about the sharpness in Hindu thinking. It reflects on the evolution of societal perceptions of Lord Rama, emphasizing the need to embrace the diverse dimensions portrayed in the Ramacharitmanas.

Way Forward:

• Encourage a broader understanding of Lord Rama by revisiting the Ramacharitmanas in its entirety.
• Emphasize the compassionate and childlike aspects of Lord Rama, especially in the context of the upcoming temple consecration.
• Reflect on Gandhi’s Rama bhakti as a guiding principle, promoting tolerance and compassion in the celebration of religious milestones.

Source: The Hindu

Kateel Yakshagana Mela

Subject: Art and Culture

Why in News?

The Karnataka High Court has allowed the century-old Kateel Durgaparameshwari Prasadita Yakshagana Mandali to resume all-night shows, adhering to noise pollution norms.

About Kateel Yakshagana Mela

• It refers to a traditional form of theater performance known as Yakshagana, which is predominantly found in the state of Karnataka, India.
• Specifically, “Kateel” refers to the town of Kateel in Karnataka, which is known for its own unique troupes or ‘Melas’ performing this art form.
• It includes stories from Hindu epics like the Ramayana and the Mahabharata.
• They are usually performed on open-air stages at night and can last up to several hours.

Back2Basics:  Yakshagana

Source: The Hindu

Prasadam

Subject: History

Why in News?

Union Minister for Health & Family Welfare recently inaugurated the country’s first healthy & hygienic food street, ‘Prasadam’, at Neelkanth Van, Mahakal Lok, in Ujjain, Madhya Pradesh.

About Prasadam:

• It is the country’s first “Healthy and Hygienic Food Street”.
• It has been opened at Neelkanth Van, Mahakal Lok, in Ujjain, Madhya Pradesh.
• It will connect people in every corner of the country with pure and safe local and traditional food.
• Spread over 939 square metres with 19 shops, Prasadam offers convenient and culturally rich dining options for the 1-1.5 lakh devotees who visit the Mahakaleshwar Temple daily.
• The food street is designed to provide various facilities, including a kids’ play area, drinking water facility, CCTV surveillance, parking, public conveniences, and seating spaces.

Key Facts about Mahakaleshwar Temple:

• It is a Hindu temple dedicated to Shiva.
• Location:
  • It is located in the ancient city of Ujjain, in the state of Madhya Pradesh.
  • The temple is situated beside the Rudra Sagar Lake.
• It is one of the twelve Jyotirlingas of Lord Shiva. 
• Mahakaleshwar idol is Dakshina Mukhi, facing south, unlike all the other Jyotirlingas.
• The temple, which is spread over five levels, sees a huge throng of devotees during the Maha Shivaratri festival.
• Architecture:
  • The temple complex comes with a spacious courtyard that is adorned with the finest sculptures that are believed to be influenced by the Chalukya, Maratha, and Bhumija styles of structural design. 
  • The foundation and platform are built of stones. Most of the upper structure rests on the strong and well-designed pillars and plasters.
  • It is complete with impressive lingam sculptures of Mahakaleshwar.
  • The images of Ganesh, Parvati, and Kartikeya are installed in the west, north, and east of the sanctum sanctorum. 
  • The temple also houses a tank constructed in the sarvatobhadra style.

Source: The Hindu

GS-II

AMU’s Minority Status: A Historical and Legal Overview

Subject: Polity and Governance

Why in News?

The Supreme Court’s seven-judge Bench has begun hearing the long-standing dispute over the minority status of Aligarh Muslim University (AMU), a contention that spans nearly six decades.

AMU’s Establishment

• Origins: AMU traces its roots to the Muhammadan Anglo-Oriental (MOA) College, founded by Sir Syed Ahmad Khan in 1875 to address Muslims’ educational backwardness.
• University Status in 1920: The institution gained university status in 1920, transitioning from MOA College to AMU, with a focus on both Western education and Islamic theology.

Dispute over Minority Status

• Article 30(1) of the Constitution: It says that all minorities, whether based on religion or language, shall have the right to establish and administer educational institutions of their choice.
• Initial Legal Challenges: The Supreme Court’s 1967 ruling in S. Azeez Basha vs. Union of India marked the beginning of the legal dispute, questioning the amendments to the AMU Act and the university’s administration.
• Supreme Court’s 1967 Verdict: The court held that AMU was not established nor administered by the Muslim minority, emphasizing that it was created by a central act for government recognition of its degrees.

Nationwide Protests and Political Response

• 1981 Amendment Affirming Minority Status: Following protests by Muslims, the government amended the AMU Act in 1981, explicitly recognizing its minority status.
• Allahabad High Court’s 2005 Ruling: The High Court overturned AMU’s reservation policy and nullified the 1981 amendment, aligning with the Supreme Court’s 1967 decision.

Recent Developments and Government Stance

• Withdrawal of Appeal by NDA Government: In 2016, the NDA government withdrew its appeal in the Supreme Court, stating it could not endorse setting up a minority institution in a secular state.
• Referral to a Larger Bench: In 2019, a three-judge Bench led by then CJI Ranjan Gogoi referred the matter to a seven-judge Bench for a comprehensive review.

Current Proceedings in the Supreme Court

• Composition of the Bench: The case is being heard by a Bench comprising CJI DY Chandrachud and Others
• Focus of the Hearing: The Bench is set to deliberate on the complex historical, legal, and constitutional aspects surrounding AMU’s minority status.

Conclusion

• Significance of the Case: The Supreme Court’s current hearing is crucial in determining the future of AMU’s minority character, a matter deeply intertwined with India’s educational and secular fabric.
• Implications for Minority Rights: The outcome will have significant implications for minority rights in India, particularly concerning the establishment and administration of educational institutions under Article 30(1) of the Constitution.

Source: The Hindu

Pravasi Bharatiya Diwas

Subject: Government Schemes

Why in News?

Recently, the Prime Minister of India extended greetings on the occasion of Pravasi Bharatiya Diwas.

About Pravasi Bharatiya Diwas:

• It is also known as Non-Resident Indian (NRI) Day, is celebrated on January 9 to mark the contribution and achievements of the overseas Indian community to the development of India.
• It is the flagship event of the Ministry of External Affairs.
• The day also commemorates the return of Mahatma Gandhi, the greatest Pravasi, from South Africa to India in 1915, who led India's freedom struggle and changed the lives of Indians forever.
• It was first celebrated in 2003. It was an annual event earlier, but in 2015, the government revised its format to celebrate PBD once every two years.
• It has become a platform to connect the Indian diaspora with their roots and encourage their continued engagement with India’s progress.
• It is held in different cities, to showcase the diversity and progress of different regions of India.
• Till date, 17 conventions have been held. The last Pravasi Bharatiya Divas was celebrated in the Indore of Madhya Pradesh in 2023.

Source: PIB

GS-III

What an ‘India Club’ means for its Shipping Industry?

Subject: Economy

Why in News?

India is planning to establish its own Protection and Indemnity (P&I) entity, named the India Club, to insure ships operating along Indian coasts and waterways.

• Presently, the Indian shipping industry relies on global firms for insurance coverage.

Understanding P&I Entities

• Function and Structure: A P&I club is a mutual insurance association offering risk pooling, information, and representation for its members, including ship owners, operators, and other maritime stakeholders.
• Coverage Scope: These clubs provide coverage for third-party risks like cargo damage, war, and environmental hazards, which traditional insurers often avoid.

Global P&I Club Landscape

• International Group of P&I Clubs: Headquartered in London, this group comprises 13 clubs covering about 90% of the world’s ocean-going vessels.
• Global Cooperation: These clubs operate on a cooperative model, pooling funds for large claims and determining liability through complex agreements.

Rationale behind making India Club

• Reducing Vulnerability: A local P&I entity can mitigate risks related to international sanctions and pressures, as seen in the Russia-Ukraine conflict.
• Focus on Domestic Shipping: Initially, the India Club will primarily insure ships involved in domestic movements.

Operational Model of India Club

• Government-Led Initiative: The Ministry of Ports, Shipping, and Waterways is spearheading the formation of this coalition of domestic fleet owners.
• Scope of Coverage: The India Club will cater to vessels on coastal routes and inland waterways within India.
• Involvement of Traditional Insurers: Traditional insurance and reinsurance companies may participate in underwriting claims and offering services.

Challenges Facing

• Limited Beneficiaries: The initiative might primarily benefit state-owned and smaller shipping lines, as many Indian-owned ships operate under foreign flags to evade stringent regulations.
• Acceptance Issues: The India Club’s coverage might not be recognized by global traders.
• High Coverage Requirements: Offering extensive coverage, especially for large crude carriers, could pose financial challenges.

Conclusion

• Strategic Move: Establishing the India Club is a strategic step towards enhancing India’s maritime insurance capabilities and reducing dependence on international entities.
• Balancing Challenges and Opportunities: While the initiative presents opportunities for greater autonomy in maritime insurance, it also faces challenges in global acceptance and financial viability.
• Potential for Growth: If successfully implemented, the India Club could significantly bolster India’s maritime sector, offering tailored insurance solutions for domestic shipping needs.

Source: Indian Express

Drishti 10 ‘Starliner’

Subject: Defence and Security

Why in News?

Chief of Naval Staff recently flagged off the first indigenously manufactured Drishti 10 'Starliner' Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) for the Navy.

About Drishti 10 ‘Starliner’:

• It is an indigenously manufactured Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV).
• It was developed by Adani Defence and Aerospace.
• It is an advanced intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) platform with 36 hours endurance and a 450 kg payload capacity.
• It is an all-weather military platform which has clearance to fly in both segregated and unsegregated airspace.
• It is designed to possess high endurance, combat-proven capabilities, and advanced features, providing a significant boost to India’s naval capabilities.
• The UAV’s autonomous nature, coupled with its mission effectiveness and payload configuration options, makes it an invaluable asset for strategic operations.
• One of the distinguishing features of the Drishti 10 ‘Starliner’ is its minimal maintenance requirements, making it cost-effective and operationally efficient.
• This characteristic ensures increased operational readiness, reducing downtime, and maximising deployment opportunities.
• It is equipped with advanced communication systems, including satellite communication and Line-of-Sight (LOS) data links, ensuring reliable and secure data transmission.

Source: The Hindu