Mains Exhaustive

Occupational Safety & Health

Context: In the wake of the incident Silkyara Tunnel collapse , the Central Trade Unions have urged the Union government to ratify the labour conventions.

About Occupational Health & safety: 

  • It is also known as workplace health and safety (WHS) or occupational safety and health (OSH), is a multidisciplinary field concerned with the well-being, health, and safety of people at work. 
  • The primary goal of occupational health and safety is to create and maintain a safe and healthy work environment, preventing accidents, injuries, and illnesses related to work activities.

Key components of occupational health and safety: 

Provisions for ensuring occupational safety in India: 

Constitutional provision: 

  • Article 39(e): The health of men, women and children should be protected, and children should be given opportunity and facility for healthy development.
  • Article 42: States that humane conditions at work and maternity relief should be provided.

International Labour Organization (ILO):

  • Labour Inspection Convention, 1947: To promote and improve labour inspection in various countries.
  • Labour Statistics Convention, 1985: On the standardization and improvement of labour statistics to facilitate international comparisons and promote informed decision-making in the field of labour.
  • World Day for Safety and Health at Work: It observed annually on April 28th for promoting safe, healthy, and decent working environments and raising awareness.
  • Occupational Safety, Health and Working Conditions Code, 2020: To ensure that the workplace is free from hazards and provide free annual health examinations or tests, free of cost to certain classes of employees.
  • The Directorate General of Factory Advisory Services & Labour Institutes (DGFASLI): It serves as a technical arm of the ministry and assists in formulating national policies on occupational safety and health in factories and docks. It also advises factories on problems concerning safety, health, efficiency and well-being of every employee.

Challenges related to occupational health and safety: 

  1. Inadequate safety measures: Instances like Silkyara Tunnel collapse underscore the risks they face, including building collapses and industrial accidents due to inadequate safety measures.
  2. Lack of doctors: On the various occupational diseases and workplace hazards and risks.
  3. Data related to few sector: Labour Bureau compiles and publishes data on industrial injuries relating only to a few sectors, viz. factories, mines, railways, docks and ports.
  4. Lack of regulatory compliance : For registered factories nationwide decreased from 36.23% in the period of 2008-11 to 24.76% in the fiscal year 2019-20.
  5. Inadequate human resource: For effective monitoring like in Major States such as Maharashtra (38.93%), Gujarat (57.52%), Tamil Nadu (58.33%), and Bihar (47.62%) had poor employment rates of inspectors.

Way forward to strengthen occupational health and safety: 

  1. India should ratified ILO Occupational Safety and Health Convention to promote and ensure the safety and health of workers in the workplace.
  2. Setting up emergency standards for hazardous company in India under Occupational Safety, Health and Working Conditions Code.
  3. Establishment of Occupational Safety, Health (OSH)committees and involve workers for identifying hazards and improving OSH.
  4. The labour codes, especially the OSH Code, the inspection and the labour statistical systems need to be reviewed as the Government is in the process of framing theVision@2047 document for the Labour Ministry.

Key findings of ‘A Call for Safer and Healthier Working Environments’ report by the International Labour Organization (ILO): 

  • Over 63% of fatalities occur in the Asia-Pacific region, primarily attributed to the absence of a robust safety net.
  • Threats to workers: Long working hours, exposure to particulate matter, gases, and fumes, and occupational injuries are major causes. Mining, construction, and utilities are the most hazardous sectors.
  • The health of the workers has several determinants, including risk factors at the workplace leading to cancers, accidents, musculoskeletal diseases, respiratory diseases, hearing loss, circulatory diseases, stress related disorders, communicable diseases and others. 

Migrant Workers

Context: The migrant labor force plays vital role in nation's growth and development, but they are often disregarded and considered forgotten citizens. Moreover, the state mechanisms show lack of care and attention towards the migrant workers.

About migrant workers

  • According to the Census, a person is considered a migrant if his/her place of birth is different from the place where he is enumerated. It also uses place of last residence or if the place in which he is enumerated during the census is other than his place of immediate last residence.
  • Migration is the geographic movement of people across a specified boundary various reasons especially social, economic, political reasons. Along with fertility and mortality, migration is a component of the population change. 
  • The term “in migration” and “out migration” are used for migration within a country and are comparable to the terms “immigration” and “emigration” used in international migration.

Factors for migration:

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Status of Migration in India

  • As per the census 2011, the total number of internal migrants in India is 46 crore or 37% of the country’s population.

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  • As per NSS 2020-21 Survey: One in three Urban Indians is a ‘migrant’ but mostly intra-state. Among migrants, 55% have moved between villages mostly women moving after marriage.
  • Marriage is a larger driver of migration than jobs for women. Jobs are the biggest reason of migration from men.
  • Himachal Pradesh and Telangana have the highest share of job-related migrants in their total urban male population.
  • Delhi has the highest share of persons (21.3%) who have come from outside its territory.

Challenges faced by migrant workers:

  • Discrimination: Migrant workers may face discrimination based on language, ethnicity, or cultural differences, that can leads to social isolation and access essential services.
  • Health issues : Workers often live in overcrowded and substandard housing conditions with limited access to sanitation facilities contributes to health issues, like stagnant water around the settlement becomes a breeding ground for vector borne disease.
  • Lack of social safety: Many migrant workers lack of social safety nets such as healthcare, insurance, and retirement plans during economic shocks and health crises .E.g.: During Covid-19 pandemic, more than 80 percent workers in the informal sector lost employment in India and about 75 percent of these workers were small traders & daily wage-labourers, according to Centre for Monitoring Indian Economy.
  • Education exclusion: Frequent relocations of migrant families often face difficulties in ensuring access to education for their children. 
  • Low wage: Migrant workers often engage in unorganized and informal sectors where they receive wages below the minimum standard and lack job security, rendering them vulnerable to exploitation.
  • Lack of realistic data: The current data structure lacks a realistic statistical account of the number of migrant workers and a comprehensive understanding of the nature of their mobility.
  • Political exclusion: Migrants do not usually have voting rights in their destination states, which leaves migrants unable to make political demands for entitlements and seek reforms.
  • Risk of exclusion: This Public Distribution System (PDS), may face risk of exclusion because many sections of society who still don’t have Aadhar Cards, consequently depriving them of food security.

A roadmap to improve the conditions of migrant workers:

  • Promote social integration by creating programs that facilitate cultural exchange and understanding between migrant workers and local communities that help migrants adapt to their new environments.
  • Establish a system for regular updates to keep the database current and reflective of the changing circumstances of migrant workers.
  • Recommendations of Niti Aayog: 
    • Enabling the political inclusion of migrant workers so they can demand their entitlements. This will enhance the accountability of political leadership towards the welfare of migrant workers in their respective states.
    • Setting up inter-state coordination mechanisms between source states and destination states to work with each other.
    • The Ministry of Labour and Employment should set up a special unit for migrant workers, that manages migration resource centres in high migration zones.
    • A national labour helpline should be established. 
    • Embedding a migration wing in each state’s labour department. Creation of night shelters, short-stay homes and seasonal accommodations for migrants in cities.

Government intervention for migrant workers

  • e-SHRAM portal: To create a national database of unorganised workers seeded with Aadhaar. It is also to facilitate delivery of Social Security and welfare Schemes to such workers.
  • One Nation One Ration Card: To create a technology systems that will be used for enabling migrants to access Ration from any Fair Price Shop in India.
  • Affordable Rental Housing Complexes (ARHC) for Migrant Workers/Urban Poor (under Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana-Urban ): To caters to the housing needs to eligible beneficiaries.
  • Code on Social Security, 2020: The code broadens the definition of an employee to encompass informal workers to extend the existing social security net. Under this central government will establish social security funds for informal workers, gig workers, and platform workers.
  • Prime Minister Street Vendor’s AtmaNirbhar Nidhi (PM-SVANidhi): To offer affordable working capital loans to street vendors, enabling them to restart their livelihoods adversely affected by the Covid-19 lockdown.
  • State migrant cell: Established to develop a database of migrant workers in various states, along with comprehensive mapping.
  • Election Commission's remote voting plan for migrants: That would allow domestic migrants to vote in national and regional elections for enabling political inclusion of migrant workers so they can demand their entitlements.

Six years: Debate over minimum age for Class 1 admission

Context: Schools in Delhi this year will continue to admit students to Class 1 below the age of 6 years. There were 14 States and Union Territories, as of March 2022, that allow Class 1 admission for children who have not completed six years.

Minimum Age to admit students in Class 1

  • National Education Policy 2020: It say about the minimum age to admit students in Class 1. 
    • The new NEP pitches for a “5+3+3+4” design for formal schooling corresponding to:
      • the age groups 3-8 years (foundational stage),
      • 8-11 years (preparatory stage),
      • 11-14 years (middle stage), and
      • 14-18 years (secondary stage).
    • This brings early childhood education (also known as pre-school education for children of ages 3 to 5 years) under the ambit of formal schooling.
    • This effectively means that a child should be 6 years old to be eligible for admission into Class 1, after completing three years of early childhood education.
    • In 2022, Kendriya Vidyalaya increased the age of admission from five to six years for Class 1 in an effort to sync with the recommendations of the NEP 2020.
  • Right to Education (RTE) Act, 2009: The RTE Act guarantees education from the age of 6 years to 14 years. This means that a child is expected to begin elementary education (i.e., Class 1) at the age of 6 years.
    • The Act had to specify the entry age for enforcement of formal compulsory education.
    • The age 6, which the RTE says is the age to begin Class 1, is simply a reiteration of Constitution (Article 21A).
  • This was also the same in Gandhi’s idea of basic education, that 6 years of primary education,3 yrs. of lower secondary education and 3 years of upper secondary education.
  • Report of the Sargent Commission (on post-war education development in India), which goes back to the 1940s: It recommended the introduction of free and compulsory education for all Indian children in the 6-11 years age groups.

Global practice

  • Six is the standard age for starting primary school across East Asia, not just in Japan. This age is also common in most European countries. It is usual (though not compulsory) for younger children in these societies to attend some sort of preschool.
  • In the USA and the UK children generally start school at 5.

Potential benefits associated with this age requirement:

  • School environments involve a significant amount of social interaction. A child entering school at the age of six is likely to have had more opportunities for socialization in pre-school or informal settings, helping them adapt to the social dynamics of a classroom.
  • Ability to manage emotions, work collaboratively with peers, and follow instructions.
  • They may have early developed basic numeracy and literacy skills, as well as problem-solving abilities that are foundational for early learning.
  • Enrolling children in school when they are developmentally ready can help reduce stress and anxiety associated with the academic environment. This can contribute to a more positive attitude towards learning.

Potential challenges associated with this age requirement:

  • Children develop at different rates, and a strict age requirement may not account for individual differences in readiness for formal education. Some children may be developmentally advanced and ready for school before the age of six, while others may need more time.
  • A fixed minimum age for admission can lead to academic pressure for children who are not developmentally ready. 
  • The rigid age requirement may not consider late bloomers who might thrive with a slightly later start.
  • A fixed minimum age might lead to labelling children as "too young" or "not ready" based solely on their age, potentially affecting their self-esteem and confidence

Research on the entry age for formal education

  • The early introduction of formal learning approaches to literacy does not improve children’s reading development, and may be damaging.
  • By the age of 11, there was no difference in reading ability level between the two age groups.
  • But the children who started at 5 developed less positive attitudes to reading and showed poorer text comprehension than those children who had started later.
  • In a separate study of reading achievement in 15-year-olds across 55 countries, researchers showed that there was no significant association between reading achievement and school entry age.

Odisha govt allows ST people to sell their land to non-tribals

Context: The Odisha government has permitted Scheduled Tribe (ST) individuals to sell their land to non-tribals and mortgage it for non-agricultural purposes under the Odisha Scheduled Areas Transfer of Immovable Property (by STs) Regulation (OSATIP), 1956. However, the implementation of this legislation has currently been put on hold.

Other amended provision of the OSATIP

  • The ST people, will have to obtain written permission from the sub-collector to sell their land. If the sub-collector does not grant permission for transfer, sell or mortgage of such land, then the person can appeal to the respective district collector within six months, whose decision will be final in this regard.
  • The permission for transferring land from tribals to non-tribals was granted with a rider that after such a transfer, the tribal seller or mortgagor should not be landless or homestead-less.
  • The OSATIP includes strict provisions that not only prohibit the transfer of tribal lands but also criminalise any forced alienation. Additionally, it delineates mechanisms for eviction and the restoration of tribal land.

Tribal population in India

  • As per the Census 2011, the tribal population constitutes about 8.9% of the total population in India.
  • As of the 2011 Census, the tribal population in the Odisha comprising 22.85% of the total State population. Odisha is home to 62 distinct tribes, including 13 Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups. Some of the PVTGs such as Bonda, Dongria Kondh and Kutia Kondh.
    • It ranks as the third-largest concentration of tribal population, trailing behind Madhya Pradesh and Maharashtra. 

Advantages of this amendment:

  • Allowing the sale of land to non-tribals can foster social integration and harmony between different communities. It may break down traditional barriers and create a more inclusive and diverse society.
  • Selling land could provide tribal communities with immediate financial resources as significant economic disparities persist in Scheduled Areas, capital can be invested in income-generating activities, education, healthcare, and other avenues that contribute to economic empowerment.
  • Access to funds from land sales might enable tribal individuals to explore alternative livelihood options beyond agriculture, can contribute to economic resilience and reduce dependency on a single source of income.
  • Increased economic activity resulting from land sales could attract investments and contribute to the development of infrastructure in tribal areas, include roads, schools, healthcare facilities, and other essential social services.
  • The infusion of capital into tribal communities can lead to an improved standard of living.
  • In some cases, non-tribal buyers might bring advanced agricultural practices and technologies to tribal lands, potentially leading to increased productivity and improved farming methods.

Challenges posed by this amendment:

  • Land is often deeply tied to the cultural and social identity of tribal communities. Allowing the sale of tribal land to non-tribals may result in the erosion of traditional practices and ways of life.
  • The incursion of the market economy into tribal areas may lead to the risk of economic exploitation, wherein non-tribals with more resources could take advantage of the situation, potentially leading to the dispossession of tribal communities from their valuable lands.
  • If tribal communities sell their land and are unable to manage the funds effectively, there is a risk of displacement and migration, might lose their connection to their ancestral land.
  • Tribal communities often have a symbiotic relationship with their land, practicing sustainable and traditional methods of agriculture. If non-tribals exploit the land for commercial purposes, it could lead to environmental degradation.
  • Allowing the sale of tribal land to non-tribals might lead to social tensions and conflicts between different communities, could have broader implications for the social harmony of the region.
  • Tribal lands often contain valuable natural resources. If non-tribals exploit these resources without proper regulation, it could lead to depletion, affecting not only the tribal communities but also the overall ecosystem.
  • The proposed amendment could potentially altering the demographic landscape of Scheduled Areas. The Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) of India, which carried out the random study, found that land held by tribals in Odisha had decreased by 12% in the decade between 2005-06 and 2015-16. 
  • The terms ‘landless’ or ‘homestead-less’ were not clearly defined. This lack of clarity could potentially allow a tribal individual to sell all of their land while retaining a small token piece, thus avoiding classification as landless.

Way forward

  • It is crucial to conduct a thorough social impact assessment such as such as displacement, cultural impact, to understand the potential consequences on the tribal communities.
  • The government should develop a comprehensive land use planning strategy like zoning regulations and restrictions on certain types of development  to ensure that the land sold by tribal communities is used in a manner that benefits both the tribal and non-tribal populations.
  • Engaging in meaningful consultation with tribal communities is essential. The government should involve tribal representatives in the decision-making process, ensuring that their perspectives, concerns, and aspirations are taken into account.
  • Conducting awareness campaigns access about alternative livelihood opportunities and educational programs like providing financial literacy programs, skill development initiatives, to ensure that tribal communities are well-informed about the implications of selling their land.
  • Formation of self-help groups, seed- banks, and various other institutions should be encouraged in the tribal areas to fulfil short term credit needs which in turn can be helpful for tribes to prevent mortgages and alienation of land.

Kozhikode included as ‘City of Literature’ under UNESCO’s Creative Cities Network

Context: Kozhikode has recently earned the distinction of being recognized as the City of Literature within the UNESCO Creative Cities Network. The city in North Kerala stands as a cradle for numerous influential figures in the state's literary and cultural sphere. 

More information from the news article:

  • The UNESCO recognition places Kozhikode in the prestigious position of being India's first City of Literature.
  • UNESCO' recognition extend beyond literature to various creative domains, including film, crafts, folk arts, and design. Gwalior, this year, joins the ranks as a City of Music, adding to the list that includes Varanasi (2015) and Chennai (2017).
  • Kozhikode's journey to UNESCO recognition is a result of meticulous planning and dedication. The presence of numerous libraries, publishing houses, and events like the Keral Literature Festival (KLF) played pivotal roles. 
    • Kozhikode holds the distinction of being the birthplace of the first Malayalam novel, Kundalatha, penned by Appu Nedungadi in 1887. 
    • The KLF, since its inception in 2016, has become a grand celebration of creativity and literature.
    • Kozhikode boasts a rich literary heritage, home to iconic writers like M.T. Vasudevan Nair, Vaikom Muhammad Basheer, and S.K. Pottekkatt.
    • Kozhikode has been historically celebrated for its love of music, football, and delectable cuisine. The city's rich football culture, producing Olympian Rahman, and its culinary delights contribute to its multifaceted cultural identity.

Kerala's Literary Legacy:

  • UNESCO's recognition of Kozhikode is not an isolated event; it reflects the broader literary fervour in Kerala.
  • Cities like Thiruvananthapuram, Thrissur, and Kottayam, the first 100% literate town in India, also celebrate literary tradition. 
  • Despite the digital age, publishing thrives in Kerala, with a growing trend of translating Malayalam literature and embracing translations from diverse languages.

UNESCO's acknowledgment not only crowns Kozhikode as a City of Literature but also highlights Kerala's enduring love for the written word across its diverse cities.

About Kozhikode

  • Kozhikode, also known as Calicut, stands along the Malabar Coast in the state of Kerala. 
  • Throughout ancient and the medieval period, it earned the name ‘City of Spices’ due to its pivotal role as a major trading hub for Indian spices.
  • Historically, it was the capital of an autonomous kingdom governed by the Samoothiris (Zamorins).
  • The port of Kozhikode played a crucial role as the entry point to the medieval South Indian coast, attracting traders from China, Persia, Arabia, and eventually Europe.

Under Zamorins

  • Kozhikode was initially part of the Polanad kingdom, a vassal state to the Kolathunadu of North Malabar ruled by the Porlatiri.
  • The Eradis of Nediyiruppu at Kondotty in Eranad sought a trade outlet to the sea, leading to the conquest of the area around Panniankara.
  • Following this, Kozhikode emerged as a prominent city in the 13th century CE, with the Eradis relocating their headquarters to Kozhikode.
  • The title ‘Zamorin’ is derived from the European interpretation of ‘Swami Nambiyathiri Thirumulpad’ or ‘Samuri’.
  • During the zenith of their reign, the Zamorins ruled a region stretching from Kollam to Panthalayini Kollam.
  • The discovery of the sea route from Europe to Kozhikode in 1498 marked a turning point, leading to Portuguese territorial expansion and control of the seas between Ormus and the Malabar Coast.

Portuguese conflicts

  • First battle of Cannanore in 1502 initiated Portuguese conflicts in the Indian Ocean, culminating in their dominance of the spice trade.
  • Continuous wars with the Zamorin navy, led by Kunjali Marakkars, reduced Kozhikode's significance as a trade centre.

Dutch intervention

  • In the early 17th century, the Zamorin expelled the Portuguese with the assistance of the Dutch East India Company.
  • The Dutch presence in Kozhikode commenced in 1604, marked by a treaty that facilitated trade and mutual cooperation against the Portuguese.

Advent of British influence

  • The British presence in Kerala traces its origins to 1615, marked by the arrival of a group led by Captain William Keeling at Kozhikode. 
  • Among them was Sir Thomas Roe, a British envoy, who visited Jahangir, the fourth Mughal emperor.
  • In 1755, Travancore established dominance in Kerala by defeating the Zamorin of Kozhikode in the Battle of Purakkad.
  • Subsequently, Kozhikode fell under British rule following the Mysorean conquest of Malabar in the late 18th century CE.
  • Kozhikode served as the capital city of the Malabar district, one of the two districts along the western coast (Malabar Coast) of the Madras Presidency.
  • In 1866, the Kozhikode municipality was established under the Madras Act X of 1865 (Amendment of the Improvements in Towns Act 1850), becoming the first modern municipality in the state.

The early history of Kozhikode and the prevailing conditions can be known from the accounts of foreign travellers: 

  • Ibn Battuta visited Kozhikode and portrayed it as ‘one of the great ports of the district of Malabar,’ attracting merchants from around the world.
  • A Chinese sailor under the imperial fleet, Ma Huan (1403) lauded Kozhikode as a significant emporium of trade frequented by merchants worldwide. He observed the city's unique religious diversity, finger-and-toe counting system still in use, and the matrilineal system of succession.
  • Abdur Razzak (1442–43): As the ambassador of Persian Emperor Shahruhk, Abdur Razzak (1442-23) found Kozhikode's harbour perfectly secured and noted active trade with maritime nations, including Abyssinia, Zirbad, and Zanzibar.
  • An Italian traveller, Niccolo de Conti (1445), described Kozhikode as rich in pepper, lac, ginger, cinnamon, myrobalans, and zedoary.
  • In 1498, Vasco Da Gama reached Kozhikode, establishing a trading route with Europe that later contributed to Portugal's colonization of the region. 
  • Russian traveller Afanasy Nikitin (1468-74), along with Italians Ludovico di Varthema (1503–1508) and Duarte Barbosa, contributed to the diverse accounts of Kozhikode from foreign visitors.

About UNESCO's City of Literature in the Creative Cities Network: 

  • The UNESCO City of Literature program is an integral component of the expansive Creative Cities Network, a global initiative aimed at fostering creativity and cultural innovation. 
  • Launched in 2004, this network encompasses member cities spanning seven diverse creative fields, including Crafts and Folk Art, Design, Film, Gastronomy, Media Arts, and Music.

Criteria for Cities of Literature:

Cities aspiring to attain the esteemed title of City of Literature must adhere to a set of criteria established by UNESCO. These criteria serve as benchmarks to evaluate the city's commitment to promoting literature and cultural diversity.

  • Quality, quantity, and diversity of publishing: Presence of high-quality, diverse publishing within the city.
  • Educational programs, focusing on domestic and foreign literature at primary, secondary, and tertiary levels.
  • Cultural significance of literature, drama, and poetry
  • Literary events and festivals: Active participation in hosting literary events and festivals that celebrate both domestic and foreign literature.
  • Infrastructure for literary preservation: The existence of libraries, bookstores, and public or private cultural centres actively involved in preserving, promoting, and disseminating domestic and foreign literature.
  • Publishing sector involvement: Engagement of the publishing sector in translating literary works from diverse national languages and foreign literature.
  • Media involvement: Active participation of traditional and new media in promoting literature and bolstering the market for literary products.

City candidacy process:

  • Cities aspiring to receive the City of Literature designation undergo a formal process of submitting bids to UNESCO.
  • This involves a comprehensive presentation of the city's cultural and literary assets, demonstrating its commitment to meeting the established criteria.

UNESCO's monitoring and review mechanism:

  • To ensure the continued adherence to the set standards, the UNESCO City of Literature designations undergo meticulous monitoring and review every four years.
  • This periodic evaluation ensures that designated cities maintain their cultural and literary vibrancy, contributing to the overall success and impact of the Creative Cities Network.

INDIA’s case for APEC

Context: The 2023 Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit was held in San Francisco, the US hosted APEC after a gap of 12 years

  • The outcome of the summit process is that China and US have resumed their bilateral talks. The US-China Summit restored communications, including military, which was suspended by China.
  • Further Golden Gate declaration was adopted by the APEC Economic Leaders' Meeting in San Francisco, reflecting a shared commitment to APEC's mission and emphasizes the need for responsive policies addressing economic challenges
  • The declaration underscores the importance of economic integration, market-driven approaches, and inclusivity in addressing global issues such as climate change and digital transformation.
  • The declaration highlights the role of digital technology, efforts to bridge the digital divide, collaboration against corruption and reaffirms APEC's dedication to a rules-based multilateral trading system.

Thus in this scenario it is important to understand the candidature of India for APEC i.e. the credentials, benefits and the challenges that India will face for securing membership.

India as a perfect fit for APEC?

  1. Economic Size and Growth Potential: India boasts the world's fifth-largest economy and is the third-largest in Asia. Its significant and sustained economic growth positions it as a crucial source of long-term economic expansion for the world. Inclusion in APEC would allow member countries to tap into India's growing economy.
  2. Infrastructure Investment Needs: India's ambitious infrastructure development plans, requiring over $1 trillion in investment over the next decade, present a considerable opportunity for APEC countries. Collaborating with India could benefit member nations by participating in and contributing to India's infrastructure growth, especially at a time when some economies in the region are experiencing strained growth.
  3. Economic Liberalization: India has undertaken substantial economic liberalization since 1991, aligning its policies with global economic trends. This evolution makes India more compatible with the liberalized and free-market principles that APEC promotes.
  4. Demographic Dividend: With a large and youthful population, India can offset the impact of aging populations in some APEC economies. India's demographic dividend provides a potential workforce and consumer base, contributing positively to the economic growth of the region.
  5. Strategic Balance and Non-Alignment: India's inclusion in APEC could contribute to strategic balance within the group. India has a history of non-alignment, which might provide comfort to smaller members of the grouping, as it suggests a diplomatic approach that avoids alignment with any particular power bloc.
  6. Alignment with Indo-Pacific Policy: India's inclusion aligns with the recent Indo-Pacific policy of the United States. This alignment may foster greater cooperation between APEC and India, creating synergies in addressing regional and global challenges.

Benefits for India in joining APEC 

  1. Act East Policy Enhancement: APEC membership would significantly boost India's Act East Policy, strengthening ties and cooperation with countries in the Asia-Pacific region. This could lead to higher trade volumes, increased economic collaboration, and improved physical connectivity, aligning with India's strategic interests in the East. This will further strengthen the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership that India has entered with ASEAN.
  2. Facilitation of Economic Reforms: Joining APEC could facilitate the implementation of economic reforms in India. Exposure to APEC's economic principles and practices may contribute to enhancing India's competitiveness. It could also provide a platform for sharing best practices and learning from other member economies, ultimately contributing to India's economic development.
  3. Preparation for Emerging Trade Agreements: APEC membership could prepare India for potential inclusion in emerging trade agreements, such as the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP). Access to these agreements could open up new markets, increase trade opportunities, and enhance India's economic integration with the Asia-Pacific region.
  4. Boost to Strategic Partnership with the USA: APEC membership for India could strengthen the strategic partnership between India and the United States. Shared membership in APEC could provide a common platform for both countries to collaborate on economic issues, fostering deeper ties in trade, investment, and strategic cooperation.
  5. Economic Growth and Global Reach: APEC membership has the potential to significantly boost India's economic growth by expanding its reach in foreign markets. Access to APEC markets, investment sources, and value chains could accelerate India's integration into the global economy, particularly in the manufacturing sector.

Challenges that India faces in securing membership of APEC

India has been attempting to join APEC since 1993 but still has not got membership as 

  1. Geographic Location: A significant hurdle is India's geographic location. APEC, as the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation, primarily involves countries bordering the Pacific Ocean. Since India does not have a direct Pacific coastline, its geographic location is considered a challenge for its APEC membership. The organization's focus on the Pacific Rim region might limit India's eligibility based on geographical criteria.
  2. Concerns about Shifting Focus: APEC members have expressed concerns that India's inclusion might shift the focus of the organization away from the Pacific Rim. This suggests that there are apprehensions among current members that India's participation could alter the established priorities and dynamics of the APEC forum.
  3. Economic Policies: India's economic policies are perceived as inward-looking and protective, which contrasts with the liberalized and free-market principles that APEC promotes. The divergence in economic approaches may contribute to scepticism among APEC members about India's compatibility with the organization's overarching economic philosophy.
  4. Trade Negotiation Record: India's record in trade negotiations, both bilaterally and at the World Trade Organization (WTO), has raised scepticism among APEC members. There may be concerns that India's approach to trade negotiations could affect the momentum and efficiency of APEC forums.

PRELIMS SPECIFIC

About APEC

  • It is a regional economic forum established in 1989 to leverage the growing interdependence of the Asia-Pacific. 
  • Its aim is to create greater prosperity for the people of the region by promoting balanced, inclusive, sustainable growth.
  • APEC's 21 member economies are: Australia; Brunei Darussalam; Canada; Chile; People's Republic of China; Hong Kong, China; Indonesia; Japan; Republic of Korea; Malaysia; Mexico; New Zealand; Papua New Guinea; Peru; The Republic of the Philippines; The Russian Federation; Singapore; Chinese Taipei; Thailand; United States of America; and Viet Nam.
  • In APEC, all members have an equal say and decision-making is reached by consensus. 
  • There are no binding commitments or treaty obligations.
  • Commitments are undertaken on a voluntary basis and capacity building projects help members implement APEC initiatives.
  • Key to achieving APEC's vision are what are referred to as the 'Bogor Goals' of free and open trade and investment in the Asia-Pacific.
  • Its permanent secretariat is based in Singapore.

Note: India is not a member state of APEC.

India-Japan engagement in South East Asian region

Context: Philippines is redirecting its attention to Japan and India as alternative sources of development and security due to the geopolitical and sustainability concerns that have emerged due to Chinese led infrastructure projects. 

  • This is reflective of its motive to deepen and broaden its security and economic partnerships with like-minded partners amidst Beijing’s growing unwillingness to act and behave like a responsible neighbour.
  • This comes at a time when two collisions were reported earlier between Chinese vessels and Philippine boats on a resupply mission to Filipino troops on a remote outpost in the disputed South China Sea.

Importance of South China Sea

  1. Natural Resources: The presence of substantial oil and natural gas reserves beneath the South China Sea, estimated at 11 billion barrels of oil and 190 trillion cubic feet of natural gas, makes it a valuable resource-rich area. Access to these resources is a significant economic incentive for countries in the region.
  2. Fishing Grounds: The South China Sea is home to abundant and productive fishing grounds, providing a vital source of income and sustenance for millions of people across multiple countries. The fisheries in the area support regional livelihoods and are crucial for food security.
  3. Trade Routes: The South China Sea is a critical trade route, with over 21% of global trade, valued at $3.37 trillion, passing through its waters. It connects major economies and serves as a lifeline for international commerce, making it vital for global economic stability.
  4. Geopolitical Tensions: The territorial disputes in the South China Sea, particularly involving China, the United States, and Southeast Asian nations, have heightened geopolitical tensions in the region. The United States supports many Southeast Asian states in these disputes, adding to the complexities of the situation and influencing the balance of power.
  5. ASEAN Inconsistencies: The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) member states have differing positions on China's maritime assertiveness and militarization in the South China Sea. These inconsistencies have contributed to the challenges in resolving disputes and maintaining regional stability.
  6. Quad Concerns: The Quadrilateral Security Dialogue (Quad), comprising the United States, Japan, India, and Australia, acknowledges the importance of addressing Chinese aggression in the South China Sea. They view this region as a critical theatre for regional security, with Japan particularly vested in the stability of maritime Southeast Asia. The Quad is also concerned about the potential implications of Chinese actions on Taiwan, and the security dynamics in the broader Indo-Pacific region.

Cooperation between Philippines and Japan

  1. Close Strategic Partnership: The Philippines and Japan have a close strategic partnership. Japan is identified as a major investor in the Philippines, contributing significantly to the country's economic development. 
    • Additionally, Japan is the largest source of Overseas Development Assistance (ODA) for the Philippines, indicating a strong economic and developmental collaboration. Thus the current state of ties between the Philippines and Japan is described as a "golden age." This often implies a period of exceptionally positive and fruitful cooperation between the two nations.
  2. Japanese Prime Minister's Visit: The visit of the Japanese Prime Minister to the Philippines is a notable event. High-level visits between leaders of countries signify the importance both nations place on their relationship 
    • Japan as the First Recipient of Overseas Security Assistance (OSA): The statement mentions that the Philippines is the first recipient of Japan's Overseas Security Assistance (OSA). This indicates a willingness on the part of Japan to collaborate with the Philippines in matters related to security, potentially including areas such as defence and counterterrorism.
    • Reciprocal Access Agreement (RAA) Negotiations: The formalization of negotiations for a Reciprocal Access Agreement (RAA) is a significant development. Such agreements typically involve mutual access to each other's military facilities and are indicative of a deepening security partnership between the two nations.

Cooperation between Philippines and India

  • Advancements in Bilateral Partnership: Philippines is reportedly incorporating India in its strategic calculations, indicating a growing relationship between the two countries.
  • High-Level Bilateral Visits: These visits between the Philippines and India serve to strengthen diplomatic ties and foster collaboration on various fronts.
  • Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between Coast Guards: It  has been signed between the Philippine and Indian Coast Guards which will enhance interoperability, intelligence sharing, and maritime domain awareness between the two nations.
  • Offer of Helicopters: India has offered to supply the Philippine Coast Guard with seven indigenously manufactured helicopters. This offer is based on a soft loan agreement with extended payment terms, indicating a cooperative effort in enhancing the maritime capabilities of the Philippines.
  • BrahMos Supersonic Cruise Missile Delivery: The understanding regarding delivery of the BrahMos supersonic cruise missile to the Philippines would signify a defence collaboration between India and the Southeast Asian country.

India and Japan collaboration

The geopolitical developments in the South East Asian region thus presents an opportunity for both India and Japan which is captivated upon by them through

  • Bolstered Engagements in Southeast Asia: Both Japan and India are actively engaging with Southeast Asian countries. This engagement is seen as a strategic move to counterbalance China's growing economic influence and military capabilities in the region
  • Top Choices for Alternative Indo-Pacific Strategic Partners: According to the State of Southeast Asian Survey in 2023, Japan and India are identified as the top two choices for alternative Indo-Pacific strategic partners among Southeast Asian countries. This indicates a preference among these nations to diversify their strategic partnerships beyond traditional alliances.

Apart from this India-Japan Special Strategic and Global Partnership is also categorized by

  • Convergence on free, open and inclusive Indo-Pacific. 
  • Defence and security and in the region. – Quad, MALABAR. 
  • India and Japan signed a Reciprocal Provision of Supplies and Services Agreement (RPSS). 
  • The 2+2 ministerial meeting is present between two countries.
  • Japan's Open Indo-Pacific (FOIP)’ Strategy and India's ‘Act East’ Policy converge in action in the northeast of India—a bridge between South and Southeast Asia. Ex – Act EAST Forum. 
  • New Delhi and Tokyo have also embarked on a third-country cooperation model in the Indo-Pacific and beyond by Collaboration through infrastructure development in third countries (in the Indo- Pacific) such as Sri Lanka, Myanmar and Bangladesh. 
  • Asia Africa Growth Corridor (AAGC)—a collaborative effort to soft-balance China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) project. 

Thus India should focus on third-country developmental model with Tokyo into the sub-region of the greater Indo-Pacific at a time when resident countries are looking for alternative sources of development and security amidst the polarising dynamics of the U.S.-China power competition. Thus the three democracies (Japan, India and Philippines) can explore new opportunities for multi-faceted strategic cooperation.

Art historian B N Goswamy’s work on Indian miniature painting tradition

Context: Renowned Indian art historian and critic Brijinder Nath Goswamy, celebrated for his extensive research on the Indian miniature painting tradition, has recently passed away in Chandigarh after battling prolonged illness. As a recipient of the Padma Bhushan, Goswamy gained prominence following the release of his seminal 1968 article, 'Pahari Painting: The Family as the Basis of Style.' 

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More from the news article: 

  • Brijinder Nath Goswamy, was born on August 15, 1933, was a distinguished Indian art critic and historian. 
  • The Government of India acknowledged Goswamy's contributions with the prestigious Padma Shri in 1998 and later honoured him with the Padma Bhushan in 2008.
  • In his article, 'Pahari Painting: The family as the basis of style,' Goswamy delved into the intricate family lineages of renowned artists.
    • His expertise in Pahari painting, a traditional miniature art form originating in the Punjab region's hills, was exemplified through detailed studies of artists like Pandit Seu, Nainsukh, and Manaku.
  • His literary knowledge extended across various themes, with notable works such as 'A Place apart: Painting in Kutch, 1720-1820.' He explored Kutch's visual history, highlighting the influence of Mughal connections on the region's art.
  • The landmark work, 'Painters at the Sikh court,' delved into the wealth and patronage of Sikh courts.
    • Utilizing historical documents, he provided a comprehensive narrative of Punjab's post-British occupation art scene, shedding light on the lives of painters during that period.
  • In the edited book 'Life at Court: Art for India’s rulers, 16th-19th centuries,' he explored subjects in Rajput and Mughal painting, offering unique insights into the lives of India's rulers. 

Esteemed for his profound understanding of Indian art, B. N. Goswamy's contributions continue to shape the discourse in art history. His enduring publications remain essential resources for studying India's rich artistic heritage, making him a revered figure in the realm of Indian art and culture.

About Miniature paintings: 

  • Miniature painting, an exquisite art form IS characterized by details on a small scale, captivating with its vibrant colours and intricate patterns, as noted by the World Art Community.
  • One distinctive aspect of miniature paintings lies in their diminutive size, crafted with intricate brushwork that contributes to their unique identity.
  • Natural sources such as vegetables, indigo, precious stones, gold, and silver provide the vibrant colours.
  • While artists worldwide convey diverse themes through paintings, Indian miniature paintings often centre around Ragas (musical notes patterns), religious narratives, and mythological stories.
  • This delicate tradition traces its origins back to the Buddhist Pala dynasty which ruled Bengal and Bihar from the 8th to the 11th century. These intricate artworks emerged as a response to the religious teachings of Buddha. 
  • Initially manifesting as illustrations of religious texts on Buddhism and Jainism, these early paintings graced palm leaves until the advent of paper in the 11th to 13th centuries.
  • Around 960 A.D., miniature paintings made their way to the western regions of India, introduced by the rulers of the Chalukya Dynasty.
  • However, the true flourishing of the miniature painting tradition began during the Mughal Empire in the early 1500s. Humayun and his descendants played a pivotal role in elevating court painting, particularly in the form of Mughal miniatures. 

Schools of Miniature paintings:

Indian miniature painting evolved through the centuries, with each school bearing the imprint of the social, religious, economic, and political milieu of its region.

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1. Pala school (8th century A.D.):

With a focus on symbolic colour usage, these paintings drew inspiration from Buddhist tantric rituals.  This style radiated across South-East Asia, reaching Sri Lanka, Nepal, Burma, and Tibet.

2. Jain school (11th century A.D.): 

  • The Jain school portrayed religious texts like 'Kalpa Sutra' and 'Kalkacharya Katha' through miniature paintings.
  • Originating on palm leaves and transitioning to paper in the 12th century, these paintings featured vibrant colours, enlarged eyes, and intricate depictions of Tirthankara goddesses. 
  • This school witnessed a decline in the late 16th century.
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3. Orissa school (17th century A.D.): 

  • The Orissa school maintained its tradition by using palm leaves despite widespread paper usage.
  • This school predominantly depicted the love stories of Radha and Krishna, Krishna Leela, and Gita Govinda.
  • The paintings, rich in colour, vividly captured the eastern landscapes of India with bold and expressive strokes.
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4. Mughal school (16th-18th centuries): 

  • The Mughal School, an amalgamation of Indian and Persian styles, flourished under Akbar's reign.
  • This era witnessed a fusion of the Indian artistic tradition with the Persian style, giving birth to the distinctive Mughal style of painting.
  • Scenes from the royal court, hunting expeditions, and battles graced these paintings. The Mughal influence extended to Hindu painters, who incorporated stories from 'Ramayana' and 'Mahabharata.' 
  • Yet, this golden era experienced a decline during Aurangzeb's reign, prompting skilled miniaturists to migrate to the princely courts of Rajasthan, the lower Himalayan hill kingdoms, and the plains of Punjab.
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4. Rajasthani school: 

  • Rajasthan, too, witnessed the rise of diverse schools of miniature painting, including Kishangarh, Bundi, Jaipur, Mewar, and Marwar.
  • The miniature paintings of Rajasthan, while retaining traces of Mughal influence, carved out their own unique identity.
  • These artworks often delved into the royal lifestyle, narrating tales of bravery, and weaving mythological stories around revered figures like Lord Krishna and Radha.
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5. Pahari school (17th-19th centuries A.D.)

  • In regions like Himachal Pradesh, Jammu, Tehri-Garhwal, a fresh artistic expression emerged known as Pahari painting.
  • Pahari paintings depicted both religious and secular themes, featuring detailed renditions of epics such as Mahabharat, Ramayana, Puranas, and Gita.
  • Schools like Guler, Basohli, Garhwal, Chamba, and Kangra thrived.
  • Gods and goddesses, along with the scenic beauty of the Himalayas, were common themes. 
  • Influenced by both Mughal and Rajasthani styles, these paintings featured bold colours and ornate frames.
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6. Deccan school (16th-19th centuries A.D.): 

  • This style, born after the dissolution of the Bahmani Sultanate in 1520, initially developed independently of Mughal influences. 
  • Thriving in places like Ahmednagar, Golconda, Tanjore, Hyderabad, and Bijapur, the Deccan school drew from the rich traditions of the Deccan and influences from Turkey, Persia, and Iran.
  • Unlike its Mughal counterpart, it showcased intense colours, sensuous female figures, geometrically accurate buildings, and multi-dimensional effects.

Each school of Indian miniature painting serves as a testament to the nation's artistic diversity, offering a captivating journey through time and cultural influences.

Sant Mirabai Janmotsav

Context: 'Sant Mirabai Janmotsav,' an event dedicated to celebrating the 525th birth anniversary of Sant Mirabai is scheduled to take place in Mathura, Uttar Pradesh. During the event, the Prime Minister will unveil a commemorative stamp and coin as a tribute to Mirabai. This event will signify the commencement of a year-long series of programs in honour of Mirabai.

Mirabai (1498-1546):

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  • Mirabai (Meera), was born into the Rathore Rajput royal family in Kudki, located in the present-day Pali district of Rajasthan.
  • She spent her formative years in Merta and was the great-granddaughter of Rana Jodhaji, the founder of Jodhpur.
  • In 1516, she was unwillingly married to Bhoj Raj, the crown prince of Mewar, and faced various challenges in her marital life.
  • Mirabai's life took a transformative turn when she became a devoted follower of Lord Krishna. Her unwavering devotion led her to abandon the royal palace and embark on a spiritual journey. She saw Krishna as the beloved and is considered to be high example of Premabhakti.
  • After the death of her husband, she left the kingdom of Mewar and embarked on pilgrimages.
  • In her later years, she is said to have lived in Dwarka or Vrindavan. 
  • Mirabai advocated for the inclusion of all, irrespective of factors like birth, poverty, age, and sex, in receiving divine grace.
  • Mirabai's contribution to the Bhakti movement is manifested in her devotional songs and lyrics, constituting a rich cultural heritage and her bhajans continue to be sung across India.
  • Mirabai's legacy endures through the continued singing of her compositions, especially the popular ‘Payoji Maine Naam Ratan Dhan Payo.’ 
  • She is mentioned in Bhaktamal written by Nabha Dass. 

About Bhaktamal (Bhaktamaal)

  • Bhaktamal (written in early 17th century) is a poem written in Braj Language by Nabha Dass. 
  • Bhaktamal compiles life history of more 200 bhaktas from Puranic times to Bhakti movement.
  • Though written as hagiography, the book recounts no miraculous events and is widely believed to be an unbiased account of bhaktas across all sectarian paths. 
  • Nabha Dass belonged to the sect of Ramananda Sampradaya, the sect following the teachings of Saint Ramananda.

Bhakti movement in India

  • It originated in the Tamil region during the 6th-7th centuries AD and gained prominence through the poetic expressions of the Alvars and Nayanars, representing Vaishnavite and Shaivite perspectives, respectively. 
  • In the 12th century, Basavanna initiated a significant phase of the Bhakti movement in the Kannada region.
    • Despite posing a threat to the caste hierarchy and societal fabric, Basavanna (a minister of King Bijjala from Kalachuri Dynasty) and his disciples, including Akkamahadevi, Allama Prabhu, and Devara Dasimayya, produced a rich literary tradition known as Vachana sahitya.
    • These Vachanas conveyed profound observations on spiritual and social aspects.
  • In Maharashtra, the Bhakti movement gained momentum in the late 13th century, led by the Varkaris. Influential figures like Jnanadev, Namdev, and Tukaram played a pivotal role, leaving behind verses that encapsulated the essence of Bhakti.
    • Tukaram, a Shudra by caste, rebelled against societal norms by becoming a merchant and defying Brahminical injunctions against writing on religious matters. 
    • Writing in Marathi rather than Sanskrit, Tukaram faced opposition from the orthodoxy. 

Expansion of Bhakti movement to the North:

  • As the Bhakti movement gained traction in South India, Vaishnava scholars and saints played a pivotal role in elucidating its philosophical teachings. 
  • Ramanuja, for instance, introduced the doctrine of Vishistadvaita, also known as qualified monism, which stood in contrast to the absolute monism advocated by Adi Sankara.
  • The Bhakti movement originating in Kerala and Tamil Nadu, subsequently spread to Karnataka, Maharashtra, and eventually reached North India in the 15th century.
  • It reached its pinnacle during the 15th and 17th centuries.

Causes for the origin of Bhakti movement:

Social evils and dissatisfaction

  • The genesis of the Bhakti movement can be traced to the prevalent social evils in Hindu society.
  • The rigid caste system, irrelevant rituals, blind faiths, and economic disparities due to casteism created discontent among common people.
  • The monopolization of religion by Brahmins further fuelled dissatisfaction, prompting a need for a more liberal form of religion.

Challenge from Islam

  • The emergence of Islam in India posed a significant challenge to Hinduism.
  • Unlike Buddhism and Jainism, which lost vitality over time due to the tolerant outlook of Hinduism, Islam presented a formidable challenge.
  • With Muslims becoming rulers by the 13th century AD, their religion, characterized by universal brotherhood, equality, absence of caste system, and monotheism, attracted Hindus, especially the oppressed Sudras.

Influence of Sufism

  • Sufism, a reform movement within Islam, played a crucial role in the origin of the Bhakti movement.
  • Prominent Sufi saints like Hazrat Khwaja Moinuddin Chisti and Hazrat Khwaja Nizamuddin Auliya fostered a spirit of reconciliation between Hindus and Muslims. 
  • The liberal approach of Sufism influenced Hindu saints, contributing to the development of Bhakti ideals. 

Appeal of simple devotion

  • The complexity of Vedic and Upanishadic philosophy led common people to seek a simpler form of worship and religious practices.
  • The paths of Gnana marga and Karma marga were perceived as difficult, making Bhakti marga, a simple way of devotion, an appealing alternative for salvation from worldly life.

Role of religious reformers

  • Hindu religious reformers responded to the egalitarian message of Islam, especially appealing to the lower classes of Hindu society.
  • The medieval period witnessed various revivalist movements in Hinduism under different sages and saints, all rooted in the Bhakti philosophy. 

Salient features of Bhakti movement:

  • Bhakti reformers championed the principle of monotheism, advocating the belief in the oneness of God. This foundational concept sought to unify spiritual practices and direct devotion towards a singular divine entity.
  • The Bhakti movement underscored the significance of self-surrender as a means to attain divine bliss and grace. Devotees were encouraged to submit themselves entirely to the will of God in their spiritual journey.
  • Recognizing the need for guidance, Bhakti reformers acknowledged the role of gurus as mentors and preceptors. These spiritual leaders played a crucial part in guiding individuals on their path to salvation.
  • A key principle of the Bhakti movement was the promotion of universal brotherhood. Bhakti leaders rejected societal divisions based on birth, emphasizing the idea that all living beings, including humans, were children of God.
  • Bhakti reformers were vocal critics of idol worship, challenging the prevalent practice of revering physical representations of deities. They argued for a more direct and personal connection with the divine.
  • A distinctive feature of the Bhakti movement was the stress on singing hymns with profound devotion. Devotees expressed their love and devotion to God through the composition and recitation of devotional songs.
  • Bhakti leaders vehemently condemned the caste system, emphasizing that all individuals, regardless of their birth, were considered as God's children. This stance aimed at breaking down social barriers and fostering equality.
  • The Bhakti movement rejected the significance of ritualistic practices, pilgrimages, and fasting as a means of achieving spiritual growth. Instead, emphasis was placed on the purity of heart and devotion.
  • A notable aspect of the Bhakti movement was its disregard for the sanctity of any particular language. Bhakti leaders composed poems and hymns in the language of the common people, making spirituality accessible to a wider audience.

Some of the important proponents of the Bhakti movement:

  • Kabir
    • Despite limited historical evidence on his life, he is believed to have been a weaver and a disciple of Ramananda.
    • Kabir's poetry emphasized on the universality of God, attracting a wide following.
    • A religious radical, Kabir denounced the narrowness of both Hindu and Islamic sectarianism. 
    • His message resonated strongly with the lower classes of Hindu society.
    • Denunciated polytheism, idolatry, and caste divisions, seeking to break barriers between Hindus and Muslims.
  • Ravidas
    • Ravidas, a poet saint of the 15th to 16th century Bhakti movement, is venerated as a guru in regions like Punjab, Rajasthan, Maharashtra, and Madhya Pradesh.
    • Spoke against caste and gender divisions, advocating unity in the pursuit of personal spiritual freedoms.
  • Guru Nanak
    • Guru Nanak, born in 1469, founded Sikhism, emphasizing monotheism and strict morality. Over two centuries, Sikhism expanded under the leadership of its ten gurus.
    • Sikhism stressed the oneness of God and adherence to strict moral principles.
    • Sikh teachings fostered a strong sense of community among adherents.
    • Gurus faced conflicts with the Mughal empire, leading to persecution and martyrdom. 
    • Guru Govind Singh was the last guru, after whom the Granth Sahib became the religious authority.
  • Chaitanya Mahaprabhu (1485–1533)
    • Chaitanya of Bengal presented a distinctive aspect of the Bhakti movement, focusing on the exaltation of Krishna over other deities.
    • Unlike Kabir, Chaitanya's movement was revivalist and centred on the worship of Vishnu, particularly in the form of Krishna.
    • Bengal Vaishnavites, under Chaitanya's influence, did not seek to reform Hinduism but stressed devotion to Krishna.
    • Chaitanya made disciples from all classes, popularizing group devotional singing accompanied by ecstatic dancing.

Significance of the Bhakti movement:

The Bhakti movement played a pivotal role in redefining the accessibility of salvation. Previously confined to the first three social orders, salvation became inclusive, offering a path to spiritual redemption for everyone. Women and individuals from the lower strata of society found an all-encompassing route to salvation through the Bhakti movement.

Impact on Medieval Indian society:

  • Social impact of Bhakti movement:
    • One of the most significant social impacts was the rejection of caste distinctions by followers of the Bhakti movement. They mingled based on equality, sharing meals from a common kitchen, and aimed to loosen the bonds of caste.
    • The movement fostered harmony among different societal sections and elevated the status of women.
    • The practice of 'Sati' faced resistance, and the Bhakti saints emerged as social reformers condemning various social evils.
  • Religious impact:
    • The Bhakti movement awakened Hindus and Muslims to the futility of ritualism and superstitions.
    • The movement encouraged religious toleration, exemplified by the inclusion of messages from different sects in the Guru Granth Sahib, the holy book of the Sikhs.
  • Promotion of regional languages:
    • The Bhakti saints communicated their teachings through local languages, making spirituality accessible to the common people.
    • This shift from Sanskrit, Arabic, and Persian contributed to the promotion of regional languages.
    • Saints like Kabir, Surdas, and Tulsidas expressed their devotion in languages like a mixture of Hindi, Braj Bhasha, and Awadhi.
    • The use of regional languages made religious knowledge more inclusive, allowing people from all walks of life to actively participate in and understand the spiritual discourse.
  • Moral values:
    • The movement instilled a spirit of piety in daily life, promoting hard work, honest means of earning wealth, and social service to the poor. It emphasized humanitarian values, contentment, and self-control. 

While the Bhakti movement had a profound impact on society, its two-fold objective—reforming Hinduism and fostering harmonious relations between Hindus and Muslims—was only partially realized. The movement gave rise to Sikhism and contributed to the broad outlook of rulers like Akbar. However, it also led to further divisions within the Hindu society, exemplified by the emergence of distinct groups like the followers of Kabir known as Kabir Panthis.

Robotics: Types, Applications and Challenges 

Context: While Amazon continues to develop and deploy robotic systems in some of its warehouses in different parts of the world, the company has not tested robots in any of its facilities in India, raising questions about the capability of India's robotic ecosystems.

The Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) defines Robotics as the science and practice of designing, manufacturing, and applying robots. Robotic technology encompasses the design, construction, operation, and use of robots.

Working Principle of Robot:

  • A robot operates by sensing its environment, carrying out computations for decision-making, and performing actions. 
  • Sensors in the robot collect and feed measurements to a controller or computer, which processes them and subsequently sends control signals to motors and actuators which allows the robot to interact with its environment. 
  • Combining the above features with artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) have led to the development of more advanced robots that can perform tasks, such as visual perception, speech recognition, and decision-making.

Types of Robots:

As such there is no strict classification of robots and their types but according to as per the Bureau of Indian Standard’s standards for robots, they can be classified as: 

  1. Industrial Robots: They are used in manufacturing and assembly line operations, and handle specific automation applications such as picking and placing objects; assembling and packaging; ironing, cutting, or welding; and product inspection, among others.
  2. Services Robots: They are robots for personal use or professional use that perform useful tasks for humans or equipment. They are used in non-industrial environments, such as homes, hospitals, and offices.
  3. Medical Robots: They are used as medical electrical equipment or medical electrical systems and are not regarded as an industrial robot or service robot.

World Robotics Report 2022

According to the report, five major markets for industrial robots are China, Japan, the United States, the Republic of Korea, and Germany. These countries accounted for 78% of global robot installations. China ranked first in terms of annual installations of industrial robots followed by Japan and USA. China now instals more industrial robots per year than the rest of the world combined.

India and Robotics:

  •  Since 2016, the operational stock of industrial robots has more than doubled in India to reach 33,220 units in 2021, averaging at an annual growth rate of 16%.
  •  In terms of annual industrial installations, India ranks 10th globally as per the World Robotics Report, 2022.

Application of Robotics in India:

1. Applications in Manufacturing 

  • Production Automation: These kinds of robots become part of the production unit, they come in various types and configurations, each designed to perform specific tasks in the production chain. E.g., Articulated and SCARA robots etc. 
  • Process Optimization: Through eliminating mundane tasks, streamlining workflows, reducing costs, ensuring continuity, and improving operational efficiency robots helps in process optimisation.
  • Logistics and Warehousing automation: To help in reducing errors, speed up order fulfilment, reduce overhead and running costs, and facilitate better inventory management. E.g., Autonomous Mobile Robot

2. Applications in Healthcare: 

  • Cleaning and Disinfecting: 
    • Disinfecting robots utilise ultraviolet-C (UV-C) light or hydrogen peroxide vapour (HPV) for cleaning identified areas. 
  • Safety and Monitoring Robots: 
    • Telepresence systems use computer vision technology to monitor the patient’s vitals and voice recognition to communicate with the patient. 
  • Surgical Robots: Allows surgery to be performed using small tools attached to a robotic arm. The surgeon uses a computer system to control the robotic arm to which small surgical tools are attached.

3. Applications in Agriculture: 

  • Precision farming: By using the big data and surrounding awareness they help in precision farming. 
  • Animal husbandry: Through optimal use of grass areas, improving nutritional value of grass, using tools to milk cows, they help optimise the dairy businesses. 
  • Crop and Soil health monitoring by crop surveillance, doing weed control etc. 
  • Crop harvesting: They use sensors and cameras to detect when the crops are ready to be picked, then use robotic arms or other tools to carefully harvest them without damaging the produce. 
  • Use in crop scouting: These robots traverse large fields and collect real-time information on pest type, concentration, and infestation level. Also, they would assist in collecting information on soil moisture, nutrient deficiency, and disease severity during crop growth stages.
  • Use in spot-spraying: They detect and treat weeds, diseases, pests and nutrient requirements, in real time, in growing crops.

National Security 

  • Mine Detection: 
    • Image processing technique is employed to find the accurate position of the robot.
    • Metal detector is the sensor used to detect landmines. 
    • The graphical user interface for the remote terminal computer provides the effective control for the robot. 
  • In Surveillance, they can be used in different activities, such as, mobile robots for ground, aerial, surface water, and underwater applications.
  • Remotely operated vehicles: These robots allow us to explore a space without actually being in that space. They send back data, including live video, of its surroundings.
  • Combat robots: They are designed for military applications, from transport to search & rescue and attack. 

Challenges to Indian Robotics Ecosystem in India:

  • Limited skilled human resources pose a significant challenge in robot design, development, and maintenance. E.g., shortage of technicians and specialised maintenance personnel.
  •  Lack of multidisciplinary collaboration among government stakeholders, industry, academia, start-ups, and other relevant stakeholders.
  • High import dependence makes it vulnerable to supply chain disruptions impacting local availability. E.g., Magnets (crucial for motors), batteries, etc.
  • Capital intensive nature of robotics development limits scaling up robot production due to the need of software, manufacturing processes and production units.
  • Lack of a comprehensive regulatory framework addressing intellectual property protection and cybersecurity for robotic systems which may lead to intellectual property disputes, cybersecurity vulnerabilities.  
  • Lack of reliable energy and internet connectivity and other critical infrastructures affecting their performance, reliability, and real-time communication capabilities.
  •  Limited awareness about robotic technologies limits their adoption leading to high operational inefficiency and cost.
  •  Ethical concerns such as privacy infringements, biased decision-making, and intrusive surveillance by use of robotics.

Way Forward:

  • Create Robotic Innovation Unit (RIU) which builds a dynamic robotics ecosystem by collaborating with industry start-ups, to make Robotics future ready. 
  • Create a “Research and Development (R&D) Centre of Excellence for robotics” to promote cutting-edge discoveries driving technological advancements in robotics.
  • Regulatory Steps:
    • Create Demonstration Centres to showcase robotics innovations and innovation test beds to refine them.
    • Create Regulatory sandboxes to promote experimentation with new robotics technology.
    • Form standard mechanism to ensure safety and quality, driving progress in robotics.
    • Create a Fund for innovation and provide start-up support, and fiscal incentives to boost technological progress.
    • Form a technical training module to ensure a skilled workforce, creating an ecosystem for robotics advancement.

The rise of robotics is reshaping a wide range of human activities, and early interventions in these ecosystems can help India harness the full potential of robotics, driving multi-sectoral economic growth and technological advancement.

To achieve this, the Government of India has formulated a draft National Strategy for Robotics, aiming to position India as a global leader in the research, design, development, and manufacturing of robotics. 

Understanding Technology behind Generative Pre-Trained Transformer

Context: India will explore building large language models says Principal Scientific Advisor of India.

Natural Language Processing (NLP): 

  • NLP deals with giving computers the ability to understand text and spoken words in much the same way human beings can.
  • NLP combines human language with statistical, machine learning, and deep learning models. Together, these technologies enable computers to process human language in the form of text or voice data and to ‘understand’ its full meaning, complete with the speaker or writer’s intent and sentiment.
  • NLP drives computer programs that translate text from one language to another, respond to spoken commands, and summarize large volumes of text rapidly even in real-time. For example, voice-operated GPS systems, digital assistants, speech-to-text dictation software, customer service chatbots etc.

Understanding Large Language Model: 

  • Humans perceive the text as a collection of words. Sentences are sequences of words. Documents are sequences of chapters, sections, and paragraphs. But computers process one word or character at a time and provide an output once the entire input text has been consumed. 
  • LLM model works, but sometimes, it forgets what happened at the beginning of the sequence when the end is reached. So, computer scientists have found a transformer model to provide a better approach.

Transformer Model: 

 Process of Tokenisation 

  • To process a text input in a transformer model, the computer first tokenises the text input into a sequence of words.
  • These tokens are then encoded as numbers and converted into embeddings, which are vector-space representations of the tokens that preserve their meaning. 
  • Next, the encoder in the transformer transforms the embeddings of all the tokens into a context vector, which is like the essence of the entire text input. Using this vector, the transformer decoder generates output based on clues. 
  • Then, you can reuse the same decoder, but this time the clue will be the previously produced next word.
  • This process can be repeated to create an entire paragraph, starting from a leading sentence. This process is known as auto-regression.

In this model, the grammar of the output may not be correct as in reality, the transformer model doesn’t explicitly store grammar rules, instead, it acquires them implicitly through examples.

Large Language Model (LLM):

  • A large language model is a transformer model on a mass scale. 
  • It is so large that it usually cannot be run on a single computer. 
  • Such a large model is learned from a vast amount of text before it can remember the patterns and structures of language.
  • Because of this reason, it is naturally a service provided over API or a web interface. 

For example, the GPT-3 model which backs the ChatGPT service was trained on massive amounts of data from the internet including books, articles, websites etc. In this training it learned the statistical relationships between words, phrases, and sentences, allowing it to generate contextually relevant responses.

Other notable examples of this technology are Google's PaLM used in Bard, and Meta's LLaMa, as well as BLOOM, Ernie 3.0 Titan, and Anthropic's Claude 2.

LLM Use Cases:

  • Linguistic diversity and inclusion: India is a linguistically diverse country, with over 22 official languages and hundreds of dialects spoken. LLM can enable people to access information and services in their own language, reducing the digital divide and fostering greater inclusivity.
  • Economic growth and innovation: It can transform industries in India such as healthcare, education, and manufacturing. For example, LLMs can be used to develop new educational tools, improve consultation, and automate customer service tasks.
  • Personalisation and training: It can generate training data, modules etc. and develop educational and similar tools that are personalised to each person’s needs making education and delivery of services effective.
  • Use in Research and Development (R&D): LLMs can be used to analyse large datasets of scientific data to identify patterns and trends that would be difficult or impossible for humans to find on their own. E.g., IIT-D is using LLM to find Malaria drugs.
  • Use in Intelligence: By analysing large social media datasets, satellite imagery, financial transaction data and human intelligence data and finding patterns through LLM intelligence agencies can identify potential threats, extremist propaganda etc. E.g., the US National Security Agency is using LLMs to analyse large amounts of social media data to identify potential terrorist threats. Hence, LLMs can be used to develop new tools for disseminating Early warnings, cybersecurity, social media monitoring etc. 

INDUS-X

Context: The first-ever INDUS-X investors' meet was organized by the Innovations for Defence Excellence (iDEX) under India's Ministry of Defence and the US Department of Defence. This event, also marked the launch of the INDUS-X Educational Series (Gurukul). The purpose of the meeting is to conduct a comprehensive review of advancements in various facets of defence and security cooperation, technology value chain collaborations, and people-to-people ties.

About INDUS-X:

  • The genesis of INDUS-X stemmed from a commitment made by the US and Indian National Security Advisors in 2023, outlining plans for an ‘Innovation Bridge’ to unite defence start-ups from both nations under the U.S.-India initiative on Critical and Emerging Technology (iCET). 
  • On June 21, 2023, the alliance was officially launched in Washington, D.C. during an event hosted by the U.S.-India Business Council.
  • A factsheet distributed during the event outlined the collaboration plan for INDUS-X participants, emphasizing two key themes: 'Bilateral Cooperation Mechanism' and 'Public–Private Partnerships’. 
  • The collaborative efforts between the U.S. Department of Defence (DoD) and the Indian Ministry of Defence (MoD), spearheaded by iDEX and OSD, are poised to catalyse innovation within the defence industrial bases of both nations with the support of their governments.

The collaboration agenda below delineates the planned actions for INDUS-X stakeholders, aiming to propel defence innovation between the United States and India. This agenda is equipped with timelines and metrics designed to gauge the progress of collaboration initiatives envisioned under INDUS-X.

The intent is for INDUS-X stakeholders to advance this agenda through the following endeavours:

1.Bilateral cooperation mechanism: 

  • Advisory oversight:
    • A Senior Advisor Group (SAG) will assess the advancement of the collaboration agenda and provide recommendations to the defence establishments and other INDUS-X stakeholders for future endeavours.
    • The United States Institute of Peace (USIP), Carnegie India, USIBC, the U.S.-India Strategic Partnership Forum (USISPF), and the Society of Indian Defence Manufacturers (SIDM) will orchestrate subsequent programming to propel the implementation of the collaboration agenda.

2.Industry and academy led initiatives:

  • Mentor-protégé partnerships for start-ups: The goal is to provide assistance in areas such as market access, business strategy, and technology expertise.
  • Accelerator program for defence start-ups:
    • Entities such as Hacking for Allies (H4x), the Information Technology Industry Council (ITIC), and the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Hyderabad, along with additional INDUS-X stakeholders, express their intent to explore opportunities.
    • These opportunities include offering startups jointly defined problem sets, mentoring, and exposure in defence commercialization, business development, product refinement, technology advancement, funding opportunities, and more.
  • Academic & start-up programming partnerships with universities and accelerators: 
    • Pennsylvania State University, IIT Madras, and IIT Kanpur express their intent to lead best practice workshops.
    • These workshops will involve collaboration with Indian and American universities and accelerator partners, including labs, Technology Hub (T-HUB), IITs, and Hacking for India.
    • The goal is to exchange best practices in defence innovation, fielding, and commercialization.
  • Collaboration of Start-ups with Defence Majors’ Supply Chains: Indian and U.S. defence firms may explore options for collaboration within the supply chain with start-ups, fostering mutually beneficial relationships.

3.Public-Private partnerships: 

  • The Department of defence (DoD) and the Ministry of Defence (MoD), in conjunction with external partners, will explore joint challenges tailored for U.S. and Indian start-ups, emphasizing shared dual-use scenarios.
  • The DoD and MoD plan to explore avenues for start-ups to utilize each other's dedicated research and development (R&D) centres and innovation labs, fostering collaborative initiatives among defence start-ups.
  • IndiaSpora, IndUS Tech Council, Forge/Coimbatore, and T-Hub/Hyderabad will collaborate with private investors to garner support for investments in defence and dual-use start-ups. 
  • DoD and MoD will delve into potential models, such as public-private partnerships, to establish a fund aimed at supporting deep-tech defence start-ups.
  • The MoD and DoD will explore the standardization of certification processes for technologies emerging from the defence innovation ecosystems of both countries. This exploration will concentrate on aligning Quality Assurance (QA) parameters, certification standards, and program success memoranda to expedite the assimilation of these technologies

Significance:

  • The initiation of INDUS-X marks a pivotal achievement in the collaborative innovation efforts between India and the U.S. in the defence sector.
  • This endeavour is designed to fortify their defence industrial bases, and cultivate a more inclusive and resilient ecosystem for defence start-ups.
  • With a comprehensive collaborative agenda and the involvement of diverse stakeholders, INDUS-X is positioned to propel substantial advancements in defence technology, laying a robust foundation for future cooperation. 
  • This partnership creates a platform for both nations to capitalize on each other's strengths, nurture innovation, and jointly pursue strategic objectives.

About Critical and emerging technology collaboration:

  • Initiative on Critical and Emerging Technologies serves as an agreed-upon framework between India and the U.S. for collaborative efforts in critical and emerging tech sectors, encompassing areas such as artificial intelligence, quantum computing, semiconductors, and wireless telecommunication.
  • The framework was initially announced during the Quad meeting in Tokyo in 2022, emphasizing the shared democratic values guiding the design, development, governance, and use of technology.

Focus areas:

  • The iCET primarily seeks to position New Delhi and Washington D.C. as trusted technology partners, fostering supply chain development and supporting the co-production and co-development of items.
  • Notable focus areas include establishing a research agency partnership for collaboration in AI, developing a new defence industrial cooperation roadmap, creating common standards in AI, accelerating defence technological cooperation, supporting semiconductor ecosystem development, strengthening cooperation in human spaceflight, advancing collaboration in 5G and 6G, and adopting OpenRAN network technology in India.
  • Notably, a semiconductor sub-committee has been formed to review recommendations from an industry-led task force associated with iCET.
  • Defence cooperation and future outlook:
  • The establishment of a roadmap for Defence Industrial Cooperation and the initiation of a Strategic Trade Dialogue further demonstrate the dedication to removing regulatory barriers and enhancing trade collaborations in strategic technology under iCET.