MADAN LAL DHINGRA
Context
Today, on the 114th anniversary of his execution, a memorial in his name is being formally inaugurated in Amritsar’s Golbagh area.
1. Introduction
Madan Lal Dhingra, a fearless Indian revolutionary, is remembered for his audacious act of assassinating British official Curzon Wyllie in 1909. Despite his young age and limited time in the spotlight, Dhingra's profound commitment to India's struggle for freedom and his unyielding spirit have left an indelible mark on history.
2. Early Life and Education
- Born on September 18, 1883, in Amritsar to an affluent family, Dhingra's upbringing was marked by privilege.
- His father, Dr Ditta Mal Dhingra, was a British loyalist. However, as he pursued his Master's degree in Lahore, Dhingra's exposure to societal injustices ignited his sense of patriotism.
3. Revolutionary Awakening
- Dhingra's stay in Lahore marked a turning point in his life.
- He displayed an innate sense of justice, as seen when he protested against the imposition of British-imported cloth for blazers, resulting in his expulsion.
- This incident exposed him to the harsh realities faced by his fellow countrymen and fueled his revolutionary fervor.
4. London Connection and Revolutionary Activities
- While studying mechanical engineering at the University College of London, Dhingra came into contact with Indian nationalist leaders like Vinayak Savarkar and Shyamji Krishna Varma.
- Dhingra's involvement with the Indian House, a hub of revolutionary activities, and his association with Abhinav Bharat Mandal demonstrated his dedication to the cause.
5. The assassination of Curzon Wyllie
Dhingra's defining moment came on July 1, 1909, when he assassinated Curzon Wyllie, a British official known for collecting information on Indian revolutionaries. Dhingra's act of shooting Wyllie was a direct response to British oppression and an assertion of India's right to self-determination.
6. Trial and Execution
During his trial, Dhingra defended his actions with passion and conviction, arguing that fighting against British oppression was a justifiable form of patriotism. Despite his spirited defense, he was found guilty and hanged on August 17, 1909, at Pentonville Prison in London.
7. Enduring Legacy
- Madan Lal Dhingra's sacrifice remains a symbol of unwavering dedication to India's freedom struggle.
- His courage in the face of adversity and his resolute commitment to justice have inspired generations.
- His family's disownment and his subsequent isolation exemplify the personal sacrifices that many revolutionaries endured for their convictions.
8. Conclusion
Madan Lal Dhingra's brief yet impactful life epitomizes the spirit of sacrifice and courage that defined the Indian freedom movement. His legacy serves as a reminder that even in the face of overwhelming odds, a single individual's determination can create ripples of change that resonate through history. Dhingra's name continues to evoke admiration and respect among those who honor his contribution to India's fight for independence.
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For Prelims: Madan Lal Dhingra, Curzon Wyllie For Mains: 1. Discuss the life, motivations, and revolutionary actions of Madan Lal Dhingra, a prominent figure in India's struggle for independence. (250 words). |
Source: The Indian Express
PORTUGUESE CODE OF 1867
1. Context
It was a strange demand. F E Noronha had got a call from the Cabeca de Casal, an administrator appointed to make an inventory of assets for partition in his maternal family, asking for his mother’s dowry certificate. Noronha’s parents married nearly six decades ago and his mother died a few years ago. But the certificate was crucial to decide his mother’s inheritance, which his father would share in half.
2. Introduction
The Portuguese Civil Code of 1867 holds a significant place in legal history due to its establishment during the colonial rule of Portugal in its territories, particularly in India. This code's unique features, its impact on Goa, Daman, and Diu, and its relevance in the context of a uniform civil code for India have stirred discussions and debates.
3. Background
- A parliamentary standing committee, led by Sushil Kumar Modi, is examining the Portuguese Civil Code of 1867 in Goa regarding the demand for a uniform civil code.
- The Portuguese occupied Goa and established religious-based customary laws.
- In 1869, the Portuguese Civil Code was extended to Goa, Daman, and Diu, while maintaining local customs that were not against morality or public order.
- Over time, various marriage and family laws were introduced, forming a mix of civil and religious laws.
4. Legal Developments
- After Independence, Goa became a Union Territory (UT) and later a state in 1987, preserving its pre-liberation family laws.
- The Goa, Daman, and Diu Reorganisation Act of 1987 allowed adaptations and modifications of laws, but none were implemented.
- In 2014, Goa passed the Succession, Special Notaries and Inventory Proceedings Act, amending certain provisions of the civil code.
- In 2019, Daman and Diu merged with Dadra and Nagar Haveli, but family law systems remained unchanged.
5. Current Contemplations
- The law ministry suggests a review of the Portuguese civil code in Goa.
- The idea of a uniform civil code under Article 44 is discussed, aiming for uniformity of personal laws across India.
- The Law Commission's opinion against a uniform civil code and the need for a substantial majority's support for change are highlighted.
6. Creation and Implementation
- The Portuguese Civil Code of 1867, also known as the "common civil code," was a comprehensive legal framework that governed various aspects of personal and family law.
- It was enacted to streamline and codify legal norms related to marriage, inheritance, property, and other civil matters.
- The code aimed to provide a structured legal framework that applied to the non-Catholic population in Goa, Daman, and Diu, which included Hindus, Muslims, and other communities.
7. Features and Significance
- Usages and Customs: The code recognized the diversity of religious and cultural practices within the territories it governed. It allowed non-Catholic inhabitants to adhere to their customs on specific subjects, as long as they did not conflict with morality or public order.
- Local Adaptations: The code allowed for local usages and customs to be followed, which played a significant role in preserving some traditional practices despite the imposition of a foreign legal system.
- Blend of Civil and Religious Laws: The code represented a fusion of civil and religious laws, as it incorporated various religious communities' practices while maintaining certain overarching legal principles.
8. Legacy and Contemporary Relevance
- The Portuguese Civil Code of 1867 continued to shape family and personal laws in Goa, Daman, and Diu even after India gained independence.
- The code's longevity and its incorporation of diverse practices have sparked discussions about the need for a uniform civil code in India.
- The debate revolves around whether it's appropriate to continue with a colonial-era code or move towards a unified legal framework that addresses the complexities of modern society while respecting religious and cultural diversity.
9. Challenges and Considerations
- Cultural Diversity: Goa's population comprises various religious and cultural groups, making the application of a single uniform code a complex endeavor.
- Legal Modernization: As society evolves, there's a growing need to update laws to reflect changing societal norms and values.
- Constitutional Directive: Article 44 of the Indian Constitution emphasizes the importance of a uniform civil code. Balancing this directive with the rights of religious and cultural communities poses challenges.
10. Conclusion
The Portuguese Civil Code of 1867 stands as a testament to the complex interplay between colonial influences, local customs, and legal systems. It's historical legacy and contemporary relevance highlights the ongoing debate surrounding uniform civil codes in diverse societies. As legal systems continue to evolve, finding a balance between tradition and modernity remains a vital challenge for legal scholars, policymakers, and society at large.
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For Prelims: Portuguese Civil Code of 1867, Uniform civil code under Article 44, Union Territory (UT). For Mains: 1. Discuss the historical significance, features, and contemporary relevance of the Portuguese Civil Code of 1867 in Goa and its implications for the ongoing debate on implementing a uniform civil code in India. (250 Words). |
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Previous year Questions 1. With reference to Pondicherry (now Puducherry), consider the following statements :(UPSC 2010) 1. The first European power to occupy Pondicherry were the Portuguese. 2. The second European power to occupy Pondicherry was the French. 3. The English never occupied Pondicherry. Which of the statements given above is/are correct? A. 1 only B. 2 and 3 only C. 3 only D. 1, 2 and 3 Answer: A |
Source: The Indian Express
LANDSLIDES
1. Context
Following heavy rains in Himachal Pradesh , landslides have occurred in the state. Uttarakhand has also witnessed high rainfall.
2. Landslides in India
- The recent cases of land subsidence in Joshimath, Uttarakhand, captured the spotlight.
- On June 29, 2022, at least 79 people were killed in a landslide in the Noney district of Manipur.
- The risk analysis in the report was based on the density of human and livestock populations, which indicates the impacts on people due to these landslides.
- The disaster in Kedaranath in 2013 and the landslides caused by the devastating Sikkim earthquake in 2011 are also included in this atlas.
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Between 1988 and 2022, the maximum number of landslides 12, 385 recorded in Mizoram.
Uttarakhand followed it at 11, 219, Tripura at 8, 070, Arunachal Pradesh at 7, 689, and Jammu and Kashmir at 7,280. Kerala saw 6,039, Manipur 5,494 and Maharashtra recorded 5, 112 incidents of landslides.
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- Globally, landslides rank third in terms of deaths among natural disasters.
- However, deforestation due to unplanned urbanisation and human greed increases the risk of such incidents.
- In 2006, about 4 million people were affected by landslides, including a large number of Indians.
- India is among the four major countries where the risk of landslides is the highest; it added. If we look at the figures, about 0.42 million square kilometres in the country are prone to landslides, which is 12.6 per cent of the total land area of the country.
- However, the figure does not include snow-covered areas. Around 0.18 million sq km of landslide-prone areas in the country are in North East Himalayas, including Darjeeling and Sikkim Himalayas.
- Of the rest, 0.14 million sq km falls in North West Himalaya (Uttarakhand, Himachal Pradesh and Jammu and Kashmir); 90, 000 sq km in the Western Ghats and Konkan hills (Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Karnataka, Goa and Maharashtra) and 10, 000 sq km in Eastern Ghats of Aruku in Andhra Pradesh.
3. Reasons for landslides
- Sudden heavy rains due to climate change are also increasing landslides. Around 73 per cent of landslides in the Himalayan region are attributed to heavy rains and reduced water-absorbing capacity of the soil.
- Global climate change is causing heavy rainfall that erodes steep slopes with loose soil found in a 2020 study by the Indian Institute of Technology in Delhi.
- Therefore, the increasing number of landslides can no longer be termed as just natural disasters, as human actions have also played a major role in it.
4. Data On Landslides
- Uttakarkhand, Kerala, Jammu and Kashmir, Mizoram, Tripura, Nagaland and Arunachal Pradesh reported the highest number of landslides during 1998 – 2022
- Mizoram topped the list, recording 12,385 landslide events in the past 25 years, of which 8,926 were recorded in 2017 alone
- Likewise, 2,071 events of the total 2,132 landslides reported in Nagaland during this period occurred during the 2017 monsoon season
- Manipur, too, showed a similar trend, wherein 4,559 out of 5,494 landslide events were experienced during the rainy season of 2017, Of the total 690, Tamil Nadu suffered 603 landslide events in 2018 alone
- Among all these states, an alarming situation is emerging from Uttarakhand and Kerala
- While Uttarakhand’s fragility was recently exposed during the land subsidence events reported from Joshimath since January, this Himalayan state has experienced the second highest number (11,219) of landslides since 1998, all events since occurring post 2000
- The year-wise number of landslide events in the state is: 2003 (32), 2010 (307), 2012 (473), 2013 (6,610), 2017 (1), 2021 (329) and 2022 (1)
- The number of districts with the maximum landslide exposure are in Arunachal Pradesh (16), Kerala (14), Uttarakhand and Jammu and Kashmir (13 each), Himachal Pradesh, Assam and Maharashtra (11 each), Mizoram (8) and Nagaland (7)
- Kerala has been consistently reporting massive landslides since it suffered the century’s worst floods in 2018
- The year-wise landslide events here are 2018 (5,191), 2019 (756), 2020 (9) and 2021 (29).
- From the events and images obtained, the NRSC ranked Rudraprayag in Uttarakhand at the top of 147 vulnerable districts
- It has the highest landslide density in the country, along with having the highest exposure to total population and number of houses
For Prelims & Mains
| For Prelims: Landslides, climate change, ISRO, Disaster management, National Remote Sensing Centre, Landslide Atlas of India |
Previous year questions
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1. Which of the following statements in respect of landslides are correct? (NDA 2022) 1. These occur only on gentle slopes during rain.
2. They generally occur in clay-rich soil.
3. Earthquakes trigger landslides.
Select the correct answer using the code given below. A. 1 and 2 B. 2 and 3 C. 1 and 3 D. 1, 2 and 3 Answer: (B) For Mains: 1. Describe the various causes and the effects of landslides. Mention the important components of the National Landslide Risk Management Strategy. (250 words) (2021)
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Source: The Down to Earth
CHANDRAYAAN-3
1. Context
The Chandrayaan-3 mission moved into the last phase of its journey to the Moon, with the Lander Module successfully separating from the main spacecraft Thursday afternoon. “Thanks for the ride, mate!” ISRO said in a message on microblogging site X, imagining a conversation between the Lander Module and the Propulsion Module.
2. Chandrayaan-3
- Chandrayaan-3 is the third lunar mission of the ISRO. It follows the Chandrayaan-1 and Chandrayaan-2 missions.
- The primary objective of Chandrayaan-3 is to achieve a successful landing on the Moon's surface, rectifying the setback faced by its predecessor, Chandrayaan-2, in 2019.
- The Chandrayaan-3 mission aims to demonstrate India's capability to soft-land a lander and rover on the lunar surface.
- By executing a precise landing, ISRO intends to showcase the technological advancements and expertise of the Indian space program.
- The mission will contribute to expanding our understanding of the Moon, its geological features, and its evolution.
- To ensure the success of Chandrayaan-3, ISRO has incorporated improvements and modifications based on the lessons learned from Chandrayaan-2.
- These include enhancements in the design and functioning of the lander and rover, as well as improvements in navigation and landing systems.
- Rigorous testing and evaluations have been conducted to address the shortcomings identified during the previous mission.
- It can be expected that they will be similar to those carried by Chandrayaan-2, aiming to study lunar topography, mineralogy, surface composition, and the Moon's environment.
- These instruments will gather valuable data to further our knowledge of the Moon and contribute to scientific research.
Image Source: India Today
3. Chandrayaan-2 Mission and its Objectives and Discoveries
- The Chandrayaan-2 mission, launched on July 22, 2019, had a multifaceted objective.
- While the most discussed goal was to demonstrate the ability to soft-land a lander and rover on the unexplored south pole of the Moon, it also aimed to expand lunar scientific knowledge through various studies.
- These studies included detailed investigations of topography, seismography, mineral identification and distribution, surface chemical composition, topsoil thermo-physical characteristics and the lunar atmosphere composition.
4. Chandrayaan 2 Orbiter
- Despite the challenges faced by the Vikram lunar lander, which crash-landed on the Moon's surface on September 6, 2019, the Mission's orbiter remained fully operational.
- The orbiter gathered a wealth of new information about the Moon and its environment, significantly contributing to our understanding of the lunar surface, sub-surface and exosphere.
- The data collected by the orbiter added valuable insights into the exploration of permanently shadowed regions and the study of craters and boulders beneath the regolith.
5. Reasons for Failure of the Vikram Lander
- The landing attempt of the Chandrayaan-2 Mission's Vikram lander encountered a setback when ISRO lost contact shortly before the scheduled touchdown on September 7.
- The lander was decelerating but failed to slow down to the required safe landing speed of 2 meters per second.
- Designed to absorb an impact even at 5 meters per second, Vikram hit the Moon's surface at a much higher speed, resulting in damage to itself and its instruments.
- The crash landing of the Vikram lander prevented the successful demonstration of soft landing technology in space.
- However, ISRO identified and rectified the small error responsible for the failure, paving the way for the upcoming Chandrayaan-3 mission to showcase this technology without any glitches.
- Furthermore, the crash landing also resulted in missed opportunities for gathering additional data about the lunar terrain, composition and mineralogy.
6. The Way Forward
- The lander Vikram and rover Pragyaan was equipped with instruments to conduct surface observations, which, combined with the orbiter's support, could have provided diverse sets of data contributing to a more comprehensive understanding of the Moon.
- With Chandrayaan-3 on the horizon, ISRO aims to overcome previous challenges, achieve a successful soft landing on the Moon, and advance scientific exploration by collecting valuable information about our celestial neighbour.
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For Prelims: Vikram lander, Chandrayaan-3, Chandrayaan-2, Moon, ISRO, lunar mission, celestial body,
For Mains:
1. Discuss the primary objective of Chandrayaan-3 and its significance in India's space exploration efforts. (250 Words)
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Previous Year Questions 1. In the context of space technology, what is "Bhuvan", recently in the news? (UPSC 2010)
A. A mini satellite, launched by ISRO for promoting the distance education in India
B. The name given to the next Moon Impact Probe, for Chandrayan-II
C. A geoportal of ISRO with 3 D imaging capabilities of India
D. A space telescope developed by India
Answer: C 2. What will be India's second moon mission by ISRO? (Maharashtra Talathi 2019) A. Chandrayaan 1 B. Chandrayaan 1.A C. Chandrayaan 2 D. Chandrayaan 3 Answer: C 3. Chandrayaan - 2 was launched from which of the following states by ISRO? (DSSSB LDC 2019) A. Maharashtra B. Rajasthan C. Kerala D. Andhra Pradesh Answer: D 4. The phases of the moon as we see from the Earth are due to changing relative positions of the sun, the earth and the moon. Which of the following statements is true? (CTET 2022)
A. on a full moon day, the earth comes between the sun and the moon
B. on a new moon day, the moon is in between the earth and the sun
C. on a full moon day, the moon is in between the earth and the sun
D. on a new moon day, the earth is between the sun and the moon.
E. on a new moon day, the sun is between the moon and the earth
1. A, B 2. B, C 3. C, D 4. A, E Answer: 1 5. ISRO is related to: (SSC JE EE 2020) A. space research B. agricultural research C. seed research D. marine research Answer: A 6. “The experiment will employ a trio of spacecraft flying in formation in the shape of an equilateral triangle that has sides one million kilometres long, with lasers shining between the craft.” The experiment in question refers to (UPSC 2020) A. Voyager-2 B. New Horizons C. LISA Pathfinder D. Evolved LISA Answer: D |
Source: The Indian Express
LABOUR FORCE PARTICIPATION RATE (LFPR)
1. Context
According to Lokniti-CSDS, the proportion of youth identifying unemployment as the biggest problem has increased by 18 percentage points from the results of a similar survey in 2016. The share of those identifying price rise as the primary concern has increased by 7 percentage points
2. What is Labour Force Participation Rate (LFPR)?
- The labor force participation rate (LFPR) is a measure that refers to the percentage of the working-age population (typically defined as individuals aged 15 years and above) who are either employed or actively seeking employment.
- It is a commonly used indicator to understand the level of engagement of a country's population in the labor market.
- To calculate the LFPR, the number of individuals in the labor force (which includes both employed and unemployed individuals actively seeking work) is divided by the total working-age population and multiplied by 100 to express it as a percentage.
- The labor force includes people who are currently employed, as well as those who are unemployed but actively looking for work.
- It does not include individuals who are not in the labor force, such as students, retirees, homemakers, or individuals who are not actively seeking employment.
- The LFPR provides insights into the proportion of the population that is economically active, which is important for assessing the level of labor market engagement, estimating potential labor supply, and evaluating changes in workforce dynamics over time.
3. LFPR and Unemployment Rate in India
- Unemployment Rate: The percentage of people who are unemployed and actively seeking work.
- LFPR (Labour Force Participation Rate): The percentage of the working-age population that is either employed or actively seeking employment.
- Importance of Unemployment Rate: Commonly used to assess the stress in the job market.
- India's Unique Situation:
- Low LFPR: India's LFPR has been consistently lower than the global average.
- Falling LFPR: India's LFPR has been declining over time.
4. Significance of LFPR
- Developing Economy Concern: A low and falling LFPR is unfavorable for a developing economy like India.
- Lack of Job Opportunities: Workers may opt out of the labor force due to prolonged unemployment and discouragement.
- The unemployment rate alone is insufficient to gauge India's labor market situation.
- LFPR provides a more comprehensive understanding of labor market engagement and workforce dynamics.
5. Falling LFPR
- India's LFPR has been continuously decreasing since 2016-17.
- Reached its lowest level in 2022-23.
- Despite fast economic growth (e.g., GDP growth of 7.2% in 2022-23), LFPR has been declining.
6. Low Female LFPR
- Female LFPR in India has dropped to just 8.8% in FY23.
- More than 90% of working-age women in India do not actively look for jobs.
- Significantly lower LFPR among women indicates gender-related challenges in accessing and participating in the labor market.
7. Key Observations
- The falling LFPR contradicts the country's economic growth rate.
- Female LFPR is particularly concerning, with a vast majority of women not seeking employment.
- Low LFPR and low female LFPR signify potential issues with job availability, gender inequality, and labor market participation in India.
8. Comparison of Labor Force Participation Rates in India and Other Countries
- CMIE vs. ILO: CMIE's measure of assessing the Labor Force Participation Rate (LFPR) is more stringent than that of the International Labour Organization (ILO).
- India's LFPR: CMIE estimated India's LFPR at 40% for 2022, while the ILO pegged it at 49%. Both measures indicate a low LFPR compared to other countries.
- Higher LFPR in other countries: According to the ILO model, several Latin American and Asian economies have significantly higher LFPRs than India.
- Indonesia had an LFPR of around 67% in 2022, while South Korea and Brazil had rates as high as 63-64%. Argentina, Bangladesh, and the Philippines recorded LFPRs in the range of 58-60%. Sri Lanka had over 51% of its population in the labor force.
- In contrast, India had less than half of its working-age population either employed or actively seeking employment, according to the data.
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For Prelims: Centre for Monitoring Indian Economy (CMIE), Labour force participation rate (LFPR), Gross Domestic Product (GDP), International Labour Organisation (ILO), and Unemployment rate.
For Mains: 1. What is Labour Force Participation Rate (LFPR) and discuss the factors that have contributed to the Low LFPR in India? (250 Words)
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Previous year Question
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1. Given below are two statements, one is labeled as Assertion (A) and the other as Reason (R). (UPPSC 2019)
Assertion (A): The labour force participation rate is falling sharply in recent years for females in India.
Reason (R): The decline in labour force participation rate is due to improved family income and an increase in education.
Select the correct answer from the codes given below:
Codes:
A. Both (A) and (R) are true and (R) is the correct explanation of (A)
B. Both (A) and (R) are true and (R) is not the correct explanation of (A)
C. (A) is true, but (R) is false
D. (A) is false, but (R) is true
Answer: C
2. Which of the following statements about the employment situation in India according to the periodic Labour Force Survey 2017-18 is/are correct? (UPSC CAPF 2020)
1. Construction sector gave employment to nearly one-tenth of the urban male workforce in India
2. Nearly one-fourth of urban female workers in India were working in the manufacturing sector
3. One-fourth of rural female workers in India were engaged in the agriculture sector
Select the correct answer using the code given below:
A. 2 only
B. 1 and 2 only
C. 1 and 3 only
D. 1, 2 and 3
Answer: B
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Source: The Indian Express
