UPSC Weekly Pointers (January 20th - 23rd) 2025 PDF

Om Sri Sai Ram UPSC Weekly Pointers ( January 20th – January 23rd ) January 20th, 2025 Five-point agenda Context: As US President Donald Trump prepares for his second term, India is gearing up for a critical diplomatic mission that is based on a 5-point agenda proposed by External...

Om Sri Sai Ram UPSC Weekly Pointers ( January 20th – January 23rd ) January 20th, 2025 Five-point agenda Context: As US President Donald Trump prepares for his second term, India is gearing up for a critical diplomatic mission that is based on a 5-point agenda proposed by External Affairs Minister Jaishankar. Origin: India’s External Affairs Minister, S. Jaishankar, unveiled a five-point agenda during the BRICS outreach session in Kazan, Russia, on October 24, 2024. The agenda aims to promote a South-friendly, equitable, and multipolar world order by addressing the imbalances in global governance, economy, and infrastructure. What is Jaishankar’s 5-Point Agenda? 1. Expanding Independent Platforms: Strengthen forums like BRICS to provide developing nations with alternatives to systems dominated by disproportionately influential powers. 2. Reforming Global Institutions: Advocate for reforms in the United Nations and multilateral development banks, including the expansion of the UN Security Council, to address contemporary global challenges. 3. Democratizing the Global Economy: Promote the creation of regional production hubs and resilient supply chains to reduce vulnerabilities exposed during the COVID-19 pandemic. 4. Correcting Colonial-Era Infrastructure: Develop inclusive and diversified connectivity options that respect territorial integrity and sovereignty, addressing inequities left by outdated systems. 5. Sharing Scalable Solutions: Share India’s initiatives like Digital Public Infrastructure, Unified Payments Interface (UPI), and the International Solar Alliance to tackle common global challenges. Need for the agenda: Global Imbalances: Persistent inequalities in the distribution of globalization’s benefits, particularly in health, food, and energy security. Marginalization of the Global South: Developing countries face inadequate representation in global decision-making institutions. Supply Chain Vulnerabilities: The COVID-19 pandemic revealed the fragility of global supply chains, emphasizing the need for regional hubs. Geopolitical Instabilities: Conflicts, such as those in West Asia, threaten global security and economic stability.  Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs): The world is struggling to meet SDGs due to inadequate cooperation and outdated frameworks. Challenges to the five-point agenda in the modern world: Institutional Resistance: Reforming institutions like the UN Security Council faces opposition from existing permanent members. Geopolitical Rivalries: Competing national interests among major powers hinder global consensus on multipolarity. Economic Protectionism: Rise of trade wars and protectionist policies disrupt efforts to democratize the global economy. Technological Gaps: Limited access to advanced technologies in developing nations impedes their ability to contribute meaningfully. Global Conflicts: Ongoing regional conflicts and political instability divert resources and focus from collective action. Way Ahead: Strengthening Alliances: Promote South-South cooperation through platforms like BRICS, G20, and regional partnerships. Advocating for Reform: Build coalitions to press for reforms in global governance institutions and development banks. Fostering Resilience: Invest in regional production capabilities and sustainable infrastructure to reduce economic vulnerabilities. Scaling Digital Solutions: Share technological solutions like India’s Digital Public Infrastructure with developing nations. Promoting Dialogue: Leverage diplomatic platforms to mediate global conflicts and advocate for a rules-based order. Conclusion: Jaishankar’s five-point agenda reflects India’s leadership in fostering a multipolar and inclusive world order that prioritizes the Global South. By addressing inequalities and enhancing cooperation, the agenda aims to create a fairer, more resilient global framework for future challenges. Recently, Singapore President Tharman Shanmugaratnam visited the Sun Temple, highlighting its global prominence and Odisha’s rich craftsmanship. About Konark Sun Temple: Location: Situated in Konark, Odisha, near the Bay of Bengal. Built in: Constructed in the 13th century (1238–1264 CE). Built by: Commissioned by King Narasimha Deva I of the Ganga dynasty. Kingdom associated: Represents the strength and stability of the Ganga Empire.  Architectural features: o Chariot Design: The temple is designed as a grand chariot of Surya, the Sun God, with 24 elaborately carved wheels, each 3 meters in diameter, symbolizing time and celestial movement. o Seven Horses: The temple features seven sculpted horses pulling the chariot, representing the Sun’s journey across the sky. o Intricate Sculptures: The plinth and walls are adorned with detailed carvings of dancers, musicians, animals, and mythological narratives, showcasing the artistic finesse of the era. o Vimana and Shikhara: The original principal sanctuary (vimana) was topped with a towering shikhara (crown), which collapsed in the 19th century. o Natmandir and Jahamogana: The dance hall (natmandir) and audience hall (jahamogana) exhibit pyramidal designs, reflecting the grandeur of Kalinga temple architecture. o Symbolic Motifs: Depictions of lions, mythical creatures, and erotic sculptures highlight the spiritual, cultural, and symbolic aspects of 13th-century life. Global Recognition: Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, acknowledged for its artistic ingenuity and cultural relevance, attracting tourists worldwide. Kalaripayattu Context: The 38th National Games in Uttarakhand has sparked controversy over the relegation of Kalaripayattu, Kerala’s ancient martial art form, to the demonstration section. About Kalaripayattu: What it is: Kalaripayattu is one of the oldest martial arts in the world, combining combat techniques, physical training, and healing practices. State of origin: Originated in Kerala, it holds deep cultural and historical roots in South India. History and features: History: Mythology credits the warrior sage Parasurama with its creation. The term “Kalari” means “combat arena,” and “Payattu” means “fight” in Malayalam. Key Features: The martial art emphasizes body conditioning (Maippayattu), wooden weapons (Kolthari), metallic weapons (Angathari), and bare-handed techniques (Verumkai). It enhances strength, flexibility, reflexes, and discipline. Recognition: It was added to the National List of Intangible Cultural Heritage (ICH) of India in 2009. Women’s Participation: Historically, women have trained in Kalaripayattu, and they continue to excel in its practice today. Nigeria - BRICS Context: Nigeria has been officially admitted as a “partner country” of the BRICS bloc, which now includes nine partner nations alongside its full-time members. About BRICS Bloc: Established in: BRICS was formally established in 2009, initially as BRIC (Brazil, Russia, India, and China). South Africa joined in 2010, forming BRICS. Headquarters: BRICS does not have a permanent headquarters but operates on a rotational presidency. Full-Time Members: The bloc consists of Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa, Iran, Egypt, Ethiopia, United Arab Emirates and Indonesia. o In 2023 BRICS expanded: Iran, Egypt, Ethiopia and the United Arab Emirates. Saudia Arabia has been invited to join, but has not yet done so. o In 2025, Indonesia has joined as a full member. Partner Nations: BRICS partner nations include Nigeria, Belarus, Bolivia, Cuba, Kazakhstan, Malaysia, Thailand, Uganda, and Uzbekistan. Evolution: 2006: Formed during a G8 Outreach Summit. 2009: First BRIC summit held in Yekaterinburg, Russia. 2010: South Africa joined, becoming BRICS. 2014: Established the New Development Bank (NDB) at the Fortaleza Summit. Functions: Economic Cooperation: Promote trade and investment among member nations. Global Governance Reform: Advocate for fairer representation in global institutions like the UN and IMF. Development Projects: Fund infrastructure and sustainable development initiatives through the NDB. South-South Cooperation: Strengthen alliances among developing nations to address global challenges collectively. 21st January, 2025 Urbanisation and Behavioural change Context: India’s urban population is projected to reach 40% by 2030, posing challenges like infrastructure strain and climate impact. Beyond policy and technology, fostering behavioural change is crucial to tackle these issues effectively. Need for Behavioural Change Officers Enhancing Urban Service Delivery: Cities like Indore’s transformation in waste management highlight the role of behavioural nudges. E.g. Awareness campaigns, viral initiatives like ‘Kachra Gadi’ 2. Driving Sustainability: Encouraging citizens to adopt public transport or conserve energy can significantly reduce emissions and operational costs. E.g. Delhi’s odd-even scheme reduced traffic congestion by 30%. Improving Public Safety: Community-driven policing practices like empathy-driven engagements build trust and safer neighbourhoods. E.g. Kerala’s ‘Janamaithri Suraksha’ project improved police-citizen relations. Institutional Efficiency: Embedding Behavioural insights within urban governance ensures operational efficiency in service delivery. E.g. NITI Aayog’s Behavioural Insights Unit successfully incorporated data-driven nudges in welfare schemes. To induct behavioural changes in officers: Training Programs: Organize behavioural science workshops for municipal officers to familiarize them with frameworks like MINDSPACE. Dedicated Roles: Establish Chief Behavioural Officers (CBOs) within urban local bodies to integrate insights into policies and programs. Data-Driven Approach: Leverage citizen surveys and big data to identify key behavioural bottlenecks. Public Engagement: Launch campaigns to promote co-creation of solutions, empowering citizens to be active participants. Policy Experimentation: Pilot behavioural nudges at small scales before city-wide implementation. E.g. Bihar’s nudge-based schemes for maternal health enhanced institutional deliveries. Challenges to behavioural change: Resistance to Change: Cultural and social inertia among citizens and officials. E.g. Hesitation in adopting waste segregation due to lack of awareness. Insufficient Training: Lack of expertise in Behavioural science among public servants. Resource Constraints: Limited budgets and infrastructure for Behavioural interventions. Fragmented Coordination: Difficulty in aligning multiple urban stakeholders (e.g., public transport agencies, sanitation departments). Way ahead:  Institutionalize Behavioural roles: Make Behavioural insights a core part of urban governance through dedicated teams. Collaborate with Experts: Partner with Behavioural scientists and organizations to design effective interventions. Use technology: Deploy digital platforms to track progress and ensure targeted citizen engagement. E.g. Mobile apps for real-time feedback on waste collection. Scale Proven Models: Expand successful pilots like Indore’s waste management model to other cities. Conclusion: In the words of Mahatma Gandhi, “Be the change that you wish to see in the world.” Institutionalizing Behavioural insights within urban governance can revolutionize city management, enhance sustainability, and empower citizens to drive change collaboratively. Draft Regulations for the Selection and Appointment of Vice Chancellors Context: The University Grants Commission (UGC) recently released draft regulations for the selection and appointment of Vice Chancellors (VCs) in universities, sparking controversy. Key Features of UGC Draft Regulation on Vice Chancellors: 1. Search-cum-Selection Committee Formation: o The Chancellor/Visitor will form a three-member Search-cum-Selection Committee. o The committee will include nominees from the Chancellor/Visitor, UGC Chairman, and the university’s apex body (Senate/Syndicate/Executive Council). 2. Inclusion of non-academics: o Professionals from public policy, public administration, or industry with over 10 years of experience are now eligible for VC roles. 3. Standardized Selection Process: o Introduces uniform criteria for selection across central, state, and private universities. 4. Mandating UGC Nominee: o Makes it mandatory to include a UGC nominee in the Search-cum-Selection Committee for state universities. 5. Alignment with NEP 2020: o Proposes reforms in line with the objectives of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, emphasizing quality, transparency, and inclusivity. Positives of the proposed draft: Standardized Framework: Ensures uniformity in the selection process, enhancing quality across universities. E.g. Supported by SC in Kalyani Mathivanan v. K.V. Jeyaraj, 2015. Increased Transparency: Defined processes and criteria reduce discretionary powers, making appointments more transparent. Widened Talent Pool: Inclusion of professionals from non-academic backgrounds brings diverse perspectives to higher education governance. Alignment with NEP 2020: Promotes holistic reforms aimed at improving the quality of higher education. Focus on Governance Standards: Encourages best practices in administration by introducing experienced professionals. Issues with the proposed draft: Violation of State Autonomy: Mandating a UGC nominee in state universities undermines state legislations. E.g. Kerala’s stance on UGC’s role in VC appointments underscores this conflict.) Constitutional overreach: UGC regulations are subordinate legislation and cannot override State University Acts. E.g. SC ruling in Ch. Tika Ramji v. State of UP, 1956. Federal Principles at Stake: States argue that increased central involvement violates the federal structure. E.g. Tamil Nadu and Kerala have opposed this citing erosion of their authority. Ambiguity in Non-Academic Eligibility: Inclusion of professionals from public administration and industry without clear academic experience may dilute educational standards. Potential political interference: Greater control by Governors, often seen as Central appointees, could lead to politically influenced appointments. E.g. Recent controversies in West Bengal and Tamil Nadu reflect this concern. Way ahead: Strengthen consultation with states: UGC should engage state governments to align the regulations with state-specific needs. Define eligibility clearly: Criteria for non-academic candidates should include a demonstrated contribution to education or policy. Adopt flexibility: Allow states the discretion to adopt or modify the regulations as per their governance frameworks. E.g. SC ruling in P.J. Dharmaraj v. Church of South India, 2024. Preserve federal balance: Regulations should respect state legislations to maintain the cooperative federal structure. Judicial clarification: Seek a definitive ruling by a Constitutional Bench to address ambiguities in the overlapping jurisdiction of UGC and state laws. Conclusion: The UGC’s draft regulations aim to standardize VC appointments and improve governance, but they raise significant constitutional and federal concerns. Resolving these issues requires a balance between state autonomy and central oversight, ensuring the shared goal of quality education. About Ratnagiri Excavation: Location: Ratnagiri is located in Jajpur district, Odisha, approximately 100 km northeast of Bhubaneswar. o It is part of the Diamond Triangle of Odisha, along with Udaygiri and Lalitgiri. Artifacts found in recent excavations: o Colossal Buddha Head: Measuring 3–4 feet in height. o Massive Palm: Approximately 5 feet long. o Ancient Wall: Uncovered alongside Buddhist relics. o Inscribed Relics: Dating back to the 8th and 9th centuries AD. Ratnagiri and the History of Buddhism: o Ratnagiri flourished between the 5th and 13th centuries, with its peak construction occurring between the 7th and 10th centuries. o It was a center for Mahayana and Tantrayana (Vajrayana) Buddhism. o Buddhism in Odisha gained prominence under Mauryan Emperor Ashoka after the Kalinga War (261 BCE). o The site likely served as a hub for spreading Buddhism to Southeast Asia, supported by Odisha’s ancient maritime trade links. Significance of Ratnagiri: o Historical Significance: Rivaled Nalanda as a Buddhist learning center. o Cultural Heritage: Home to votive stupas, monasteries, and relics, showcasing the evolution of Buddhist art and architecture. o Global Links: Evidence suggests close connections with Southeast Asia through trade and religious exchanges. o Educational Hub: Likely visited by Chinese monk Hiuen Tsang in 638–639 AD. o Maritime Legacy: Part of Odisha’s celebrated Baliyatra, commemorating trade links with regions like Java, Sumatra, and Bali. US withdrawal from WHO Context: Recently, the United States, under President Donald Trump, has signed an executive order to withdraw from WHO, citing reasons such as mishandling of the COVID-19 pandemic and the lack of reforms within the organization. About WHO: Aim and Functions  1. Aims o Ensure universal health coverage and promote health equity. o Strengthen disease prevention and control worldwide. o Enhance global preparedness and response to health emergencies. 2. Functions o Set global health standards and guidelines. o Monitor emerging health issues and coordinate responses. o Provide technical assistance to countries for capacity building. o Facilitate health research and policy development. WHO’s Role in Global Health: Global Coordination: o Leads international efforts in combating pandemics, such as COVID-19 and Ebola. o Collaborates with governments, NGOs, and private entities to strengthen healthcare systems. Disease Eradication: Played a key role in eradicating smallpox and reducing polio cases by 99%. Capacity Building: Assists low- and middle-income countries in improving health infrastructure, access to medicines, and training healthcare workers. Health Policy Advocacy: Advocates for funding and policies addressing non-communicable diseases, mental health, and nutrition improvement. USA’s Decision to Leave WHO: Reasons Cited: o Mishandling of the COVID-19 pandemic. o Perceived political bias within the organization. o Unequal financial burden on the US compared to other countries, particularly China. Key Provisions in the Executive Order: o Cease funding and resources to WHO. o Recall all US personnel working with the organization. o Seek alternative international partnerships for health initiatives. Process to Leave WHO: The WHO Constitution does not explicitly outline a withdrawal process. However, the US Congress established conditions in 1948 allowing withdrawal with a one- year notice and payment of any outstanding financial commitments. Impact of USA’s Exit: On WHO: o Financial Strain ▪ US withdrawal could lead to a loss of approximately 20% of WHO’s funding. ▪ Affects ongoing health programs globally, particularly in disease eradication and pandemic preparedness. o Expertise Gap ▪ Loss of collaboration with US agencies like CDC reduces WHO’s effectiveness in health surveillance. On Global Health: o Pandemic Preparedness ▪ Disruption in global frameworks for managing pandemics and health emergencies. ▪ Reduced resources for equitable vaccine distribution and treatment initiatives. o Increased Global Inequity ▪ The vacuum created by the US could lead to greater reliance on philanthropy or nations like China, potentially shifting the balance of influence in global health governance. On India: o Health Programmes ▪ Reduced WHO support for India’s programs on tuberculosis, malaria, HIV, and maternal health. ▪ Challenges in implementing WHO guidelines for vaccine coverage and disease prevention. o Collaborative Research ▪ Loss of expertise impacts India’s capacity-building partnerships with WHO. Way Ahead: Strengthen Global Partnerships: Nations like India, along with countries from the Global South, should enhance their contributions and leadership roles in WHO initiatives. Diversify Funding: WHO must reduce reliance on single-member contributions and increase voluntary funding from philanthropic organizations and regional coalitions. Transparency and Reform: Address concerns regarding governance, accountability, and equitable representation of member states in decision-making processes. Conclusion: The US withdrawal from WHO presents significant challenges to global health governance and international cooperation. However, it also highlights the need for structural reforms within WHO to enhance efficiency, transparency, and equitable resource allocation. By leveraging collective leadership and sustainable funding, nations can safeguard WHO’s critical role in addressing global health crises. 23rd January, 2025 Ministry of Culture’s tableau The Ministry of Culture’s tableau presented on Republic Day 2025 reflects India’s cultural richness and creativity, aligned with the Prime Minister’s vision of ‘Virasat Bhi, Vikas Bhi’ (Heritage with Development). About Tableau Key Components and Their Significance: Yaadh on the Potter’s Wheel: o What it Represents: The ancient Tamil musical instrument symbolizes the continuity and depth of India’s musical and artistic traditions. o Significance: Reflects India’s rooted heritage in performing arts and its evolution over centuries. Kinetic Kalpavriksha: o What it Represents: The sacred wish-fulfilling tree that transforms into the ‘Golden Bird.’ o Significance: Symbolizes India’s rich cultural heritage and aspirations for economic progress and creativity. Digital Screens: o What it Represents: Ten digital panels displaying the diversity of India’s creative fields, including performing arts, literature, architecture, design, and tourism. o Significance: Showcases how India’s cultural diversity serves as a foundation for its growth and innovation. Golden Bird Transformation: o What it Represents: India’s legacy as ‘Sone Ki Chidiya’ (Golden Bird) and its path toward reclaiming this title through sustainable and inclusive development. o Significance: Reinforces the message of cultural pride and national progress.