[Mission 2022] INSIGHTS DAILY CURRENT AFFAIRS + PIB SUMMARY 25 MAY 2022 – INSIGHTSIAS

GS Paper 1

Syllabus: Salient aspects of Art forms, literature and architecture.

• Context:
  • The Qutub Minar complex is not a place of worship and its character cannot be changed now, the Archaeological Survey of India submitted in a Delhi court recently, while opposing a plea challenging the dismissal of a civil suit seeking “restoration” of Hindu and Jain temples on the premises.
  • The original suit, claiming that 27 temples were demolished to build the QuwwatulIslam mosque at the Qutub Minar complex, was dismissed last year under the provisions of Places Of Worship (Special Provisions) Act, 1991.

   

  Archaeological Survey of India (ASI)

  • It is under the Ministry of Culture.
  • It was founded in 1861 by Alexander Cunningham- the first Director-General of ASI.
  • Alexander Cunningham is also known as the “Father of Indian Archaeology”.
  • It is the premier organization for the archaeological research and protection of the cultural heritage of the nation.
  • It carries out surveys of antiquarian remains, exploration and excavation of archaeological sites, conservation and maintenance of protected monuments
  • It administers more than 3650 ancient monuments, archaeological sites and remains of national importance.

   

  Places of Worship (Special Provisions) Act, 1991:

  • It seeks to maintain the “religious character” of places of worship as it was in 1947 except in the case of Ram Janmabhoomi-Babri Masjid dispute, which was already in court.
  • Section 3 of the Act bans the conversion of a place of worship or even a section of it into a place of worship of a different religious denomination or of a different segment of the same religious denomination.
  • Section 4(2) says that all suits, appeals or other proceedings regarding converting the character of a place of worship (that were pending on 15th August, 1947) will come to end when the Act commences and no fresh proceedings can be filed.
  • The legal proceedings however can be initiated if the change of status took place after 15th August, 1947 (after enactment of the Act).
  • It also imposes a positive obligation on the State to maintain the religious character of every place of worship as it existed at the time of Independence.
  • The legislative obligation on the part of the State to preserve and protect all faiths equally is an essential secular feature and one of the basic features of the Indian Constitution.
  • Exemption:
  1. The disputed site at Ayodhya was exempted from the Act.
  2. Any place of worship which is an ancient and historical monument or an archaeological site covered by the Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains Act, 1958.
  3. Any dispute that has been settled by the parties or conversion of any place that took place by acquiescence before the Act commenced.
  • Penalty:
    The Act under section 6 prescribes a punishment of maximum three-years imprisonment along with a fine for contravening the provisions of the Act

   

  Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains (AMASR) Act, 1958:

  • Under this Act The Archaeological Survey of India
  • It provides for preservation of ancient and historical monuments and archaeological sites and remains of national importance.
  • It provides for the regulation of archaeological excavations and for protection of sculptures, carvings and other like objects.
  • The Act prohibits construction in ‘prohibited areas’, an area of 100 meters around protected monuments.
  • The construction is not permitted in such prohibited areas even if it is for public purposes, except under certain conditions.
  • The area can be extended beyond 100 meters by the central government.
  • The iconic monuments in India, Taj Mahal, Ajanta Caves, The Great Stupa at Sanchi and the Sun Temple of Konark, among others are designated as “ancient monuments of national importance” and protected under the AMASR Act.

   

  Qutub Minar:

  • It is a five-storeyed red sandstone tower (72.5 m high) built by Muslim conquerors in the thirteenth century to commemorate their final triumph over the Rajput rulers of Delhi (Qutub means victory), while also serving as a tower from where muezzins (criers) call for prayer at the Quwwatu’l-Islam mosque
  • A 7 m-high iron pillar stands in the courtyard of the mosque.
    Its surrounding contains Alai-Darwaza Gate, the masterpiece of Indo-Muslim art (built in 1311).
  • The building process of Qutub Minar took about 75 years. Its construction was started by Qutub-ud-din Aibak (1206-1210) in 1193 and finished by Iltutmish (1211-1236).
  • In 1368, it was repaired by the rulers of the day, Muhammad-bin-Tughluq (1325-51) and Firuz Shah Tughluq (1351-88).
  • The minar (tower) is engraved with fine arabesque decorations on its surface, mainly verses from the Quran.
  • Qutub Minar and its monuments were declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1993.

InstaLinks:

 Prelims Link:

Archaeological Survey of India(ASI)

Places of Worship (Special Provisions) Act, 1991

Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains(AMASR) Act, 1958

Qutub Minar architecture

UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1993

Delhi Sultanate

Mains Link:

Places of Worship (Special Provisions) Act, 1991 seeks to maintain the religious character of places. In the light of this statement critically analyze the provision of Places of Worship (Special Provisions) Act, 1991.

GS Paper 1

Syllabus: Salient features of art form, literature, architecture.

Context:

• The ArchaeologicalSurvey of India (ASI) on May 17 said that a sculpture of a lion, which possibly dates back to the Ganga dynasty, was found during excavation for the controversial heritage corridor project around the 12thcentury Jagannath Temple in Puri,Odisha.
• This is the third such lion sculpture found during the excavation work.

Jagannath temple

• It was constructed in the 12th century by King Anatavarman Chodaganga Deva of the Eastern Ganga Dynasty.
• Jagannath Puri temple is called ‘Yamanika Tirtha’ where, according to the Hindu beliefs, the power of ‘Yama’, the god of death has been nullified in Puri due to the presence of Lord Jagannath.
• It was called the “White Pagoda” and is a part of Char Dham pilgrimages (Badrinath, Dwaraka, Puri, Rameswaram).
• There are four gates to the temple

1. Eastern ‘Singhadwara’(main gate with two crouching lions)
2. Southern ‘Ashwadwara
3. Western ‘Vyaghra Dwara
4. Northern ‘Hastidwara’.

• There is a carving of each form at each gate.
• In front of the entrance stands the Aruna stambha or sun pillar, which was originally at the Sun Temple in Konark.

Jagannath temple Heritage Corridor Project:

• The project includes redeveloping major portions of the holy town and in the vicinity of the Jagannath temple for visitors and tourists.
• The project will include:

1. Shree Jagannath Temple Administration (SJTA) building redevelopment
2. a 600-capacity Srimandir reception center
3. Jagannath cultural center
4. Badadanda heritage streetscape
5. beachfront development
6. Puri lake
7. Musa river revival plan, etc.

Insta Links:

Prelims links:

Jagannath temple architecture

Ganga dynasty

Jagannath temple Heritage Corridor Project

ASI

Mains Links:

Discuss the main architectural features of Jagannath temple along with Jagannath temple Heritage Corridor Project.

GS Paper 2:

 Syllabus: Regional forums, international organizations.

Context:

• At the fourth Quad summit — the second since the Russian invasion of Ukraine, there were divergences among the leaders of Australia, India, Japan and US on the war in Europe.
• There was unanimity in their response to China’s belligerence as they strongly opposed “any coercive, provocative or unilateral actions that seek to change the status quo” in the Indo-Pacific.
• Indian Prime Minister said: At the Quad level, mutual cooperation is encouraging a free, open, and inclusive Indo-Pacific region, which is a shared objective for all of us,”

Quadrilateral Security Dialogue(QUAD):

• It is the informal strategic dialogue between India, USA, Japan and Australia with a shared objective to ensure and support a “free, open and prosperous” Indo-Pacific region.
• In November 2017, India, the US, Australia and Japan gave shape to the long-pending “Quad” Coalition to develop a new strategy to keep the critical sea routes in the Indo-Pacific free of any influence (especially China).
• In 2021, Quad countries issued a “Spirit of the Quad” joint statement promoting a free, open rules-border, rooted in international law to advance security and combat threats both in the Indo-Pacific and beyond.
• 3C strategy of QUAD

Indo-Pacific Economic Framework (IPEF)

• It was announced in 2021 to set regional standards for cooperation, and includes some of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) member states.
• IPEF is created to encourage regional economies to “decouple” from the Chinese market by leading them to alternative supply chains.
• The IPEF will not include market access commitments such as lowering tariff barriers, as the agreement is “more of an Administrative arrangement”.
• IPEF is viewed as reflecting the US’ ambitions to expand ties with key Indo-Pacific economies by building a supply chain that excludes China.
• It has four “pillars” of work:

1. Fair and resilient trade.
2. Supply chain resilience.
3. Infrastructure, clean energy, and decarbonization.
4. Tax and anti-corruption.

UN Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS):(1982)

• It is an international agreement that establishes the legal framework for marine and maritime activities.
• It divides marine areas into five main zones:

1. Internal Waters
2. Territorial Sea
3. Contiguous Zone
4. Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ)
5. High Seas.

• It is the only international convention which stipulates a framework for state jurisdiction in maritime spaces.
• It provides a different legal status to different maritime zones.
• It also provides specific guidance for states’ rights and responsibilities in the five concentric zones.
• UNCLOS has been signed and ratified by nearly all the coastal countries in the South China Sea, its interpretation is still hotly disputed.
• There is a maritime dispute in the East China Sea as well.

InstaLinks:

 Prelims Link:

1. QUAD
2. Indo-Pacific Economic Framework (IPEF)
3. UNCLOS
4. South China Sea
5. Nine-dash line
6. ASEAN countries

 Mains Link:

IPEF and QUAD can help India to counter China militarily and economically. Critically analyze.

GS Paper 2:

 Syllabus: International organizations(WEF), local industries

Context:

• Indian industry should strengthen domestic supply chains by sourcing supplies locally.
• We should not excessively depend on international supply chains and ask businesses to procure goods locally “whenever there’s an opportunity”.

World Economic Forum(WEF)

• It is a Swiss nonprofit foundation established in 1971, based in Geneva, Switzerland.
• It is an international institution for public-private cooperation.
• It is Committed to improving the state of the world by engaging business, political, academic, and other leaders of society to shape global, regional, and industry agendas.
• Major reports published by WEF are:
  Energy Transition Index.
  Global Competitiveness Report.
  Global IT Report
  WEF along with INSEAD, and Cornell University publishes this report.
  Global Gender Gap Report.
  Global Risk Report.
  Global Travel and Tourism Report.

Local supply chain:

• The local supply chain implies having regional suppliers and manufacturers in an area very close to your main location.
• During the coronavirus, small businesses were hit hard with the economic impact and being cut off from their foreign suppliers.
• Here is a list of government schemes launched to develop and encourage entrepreneurship in India.Initiatives by government to promote local business:
• AtmaNirbhar Bharat
• SAMRIDH Scheme
• Startup India Seed Fund
• Startup India Initiative
• Startup Leadership Program
• ASPIRE
• Pradhan Mantri Mudra Yojana (PMMY)
• Qualcomm Semiconductor Mentorship Program (QSMP)
• Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship
• ATAL Innovation Mission
• eBiz Portal
• Stand Up India Scheme

AtmaNirbhar Bharat

• Atmanirbhar Bharat Abhiyan (Self-reliant India Mission) is a campaign launched by the Central Government of India which included an Rs.20 lakh crore economic stimulus package and a number of reform proposals.
• Atmanirbhar Bharat Abhiyan rests on 5 important pillars.

1. Economy: contemplates not an Incremental change but a quantum leap so that we can convert the current adversity into an advantage.
2. Infrastructure: that can be an image of modern India or it can be the identity of India.
3. Systems: driven by 21st-century technology, and that is not based on old rules.
4. Democracy: a vibrant democracy that is the source of energy to make India self-reliant.
5. Demand: where the strength of our demand and supply chain is utilized intelligently.

InstaLinks:

 Prelims Link:

• WEF
• Reports by WEF
• Schemes to promote local businesses
• MSMEs

 Mains link:

Indian industry should strengthen domestic supply chains rather than relying on external sources. Critically analyze.

GS Paper 2 and GS Paper 3

Syllabus: Government policies and interventions, Environmental pollution and degradation

Context:

• Delhi Chief Minister flags off 150 electric buses.

Electric Vehicles (EVs)

• An EV operates on an electric motor instead of an internal combustion engine and has a battery instead of a fuel tank.
• EVs have low running costs as they have fewer moving parts and are also environmentally friendly.
• In India, the fuel cost for an EV is approximately 80 paisa per kilometer. Contrast this with the cost of petrol which is today more than Rs 100 per litre in Indian cities, or Rs 7-8 per kilometer to operate a petrol-based vehicle.

FAME India Scheme:

• It is a part of the National Electric Mobility Mission Plan.
• The Department of Heavy Industries, the Ministry of Heavy Industries and Public Enterprises is the monitoring authority.
• It encourages electric vehicles by providing subsidies.
• The FAME India Scheme is aimed at incentivizing all vehicle
  Two phases of the scheme:

1. Phase I: started in 2015 and was completed on 31st March, 2019
2. Phase II: started from April, 2019, was supposed to be completed by 31st March, 2022. The government has extended the FAME II scheme for 2 years. Now, this scheme will be applicable till 31st March 2024.

• It covers Hybrid & Electric technologies like Mild Hybrid, Strong Hybrid, Plug in Hybrid & Battery Electric Vehicles.
  It has four focus Areas:

1. Technology development
2. Demand Creation
3. Pilot Projects
4. Charging Infrastructure

Insta Links:

Prelims Link:

Electric vehicles

FAME Scheme

Mains link:

Electric vehicles are a better alternative to conventional fuel consuming vehicles. Critically analyze. Also discuss the recent initiatives by the government to promote environmentally friendly vehicles.

GS Paper 3

Syllabus: Infrastructure(energy, ports, roads, airports, railways etc)

Context:

• The PM is set to lay the foundation stone for include the Rs 1,400 crore multi-modal logistics park in Chennai, the Rs 5,850 crore 21-km four-lane double-decker elevated road connecting Chennai Port to Maduravoyal (NH-4), and the Rs 14,870 crore Chennai-Bengaluru Expressway project.
• The Prime Minister would dedicate to the nation four railway projects implemented at a cost of over ₹2,900crore.
• They are:

1. 75 km long Madurai Theni (Railway Gauge Conversion Project)
2. 30km long third railway line between Tambaram-Chengalpattu
3. 115km long Ennore-Chengalpattu section
4. 271km long Tiruvallur-Bengaluru section of a natural gas pipeline

Indian Railways:

• It is the world’s fourth largest rail network in the world. Railways in India
• The Indian railways employ more than 1.3 million people.
• It transports more than 90% of the coal that provides 50% of the country’s power requirement.
• 100% foreign direct investment (FDI) in the railways infrastructure sector.
• As per data released by the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade, for railways and associated sectors, the FDI inflows stood at $1.23 billion (April 2000 – March 2021).

Government initiatives:

• Rising passenger & freight traffic
• Increasing urbanization, rising incomes (both rural and urban), growing industrialization across the country along with private sector participation
• Increasing freight traffic
• Growing industrialization across the country
• Dedicated freight corridor(Six high-capacity, high-speed dedicated freight corridors)
• Diamond Quadrilateral network of high-speed rail
• Connecting major metros and growth centers of the country

Dedicated Freight Corridor (DFC):

• It is a high speed and high capacity railway corridor that is exclusively meant for the transportation of freight, or in other words, goods and commodities.
• It involves integration of better infrastructure and state of the art technology.
  It consists of two arms: