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DAILY CURRENT AFFAIRS, 09 APRIL 2024

GROSS DOMESTIC PRODUCT (GDP)

 
 
1. Context
In what may be construed as a sign of rising financial distress, India’s household debt levels are reckoned to have touched an all-time high of 40% of Gross Domestic Product (GDP) by December 2023, while net financial savings had likely dropped to their lowest level at around 5% of GDP, as per a research report from leading financial services firm Motilal Oswal
 
2. Gross Domestic Product (GDP)
Gross domestic product (GDP) is the total monetary or market value of all the finished goods and services produced within a country's borders in a specific time period. It is often used as a measure of a country's economic health
GDP provides insight into the overall economic health of a nation and is often used for comparing the economic output of different countries.

There are three primary ways to calculate GDP:

  1. Production Approach (GDP by Production): This approach calculates GDP by adding up the value-added at each stage of production. It involves summing up the value of all final goods and services produced in an economy.

  2. Income Approach (GDP by Income): This approach calculates GDP by summing up all the incomes earned in an economy, including wages, rents, interests, and profits. The idea is that all the income generated in an economy must ultimately be spent on purchasing goods and services.

  3. Expenditure Approach (GDP by Expenditure): This approach calculates GDP by summing up all the expenditures made on final goods and services. It includes consumption by households, investments by businesses, government spending, and net exports (exports minus imports).

3. Measuring GDP

GDP can be measured in three different ways:

  1. Nominal GDP: This is the raw GDP figure without adjusting for inflation. It reflects the total value of goods and services produced at current prices.

  2. Real GDP: Real GDP adjusts the nominal GDP for inflation, allowing for a more accurate comparison of economic performance over time. It represents the value of goods and services produced using constant prices from a specific base year.

  3. GDP per capita: This is the GDP divided by the population of a country. It provides a per-person measure of economic output and can be useful for comparing the relative economic well-being of different countries.

The GDP growth rate is the percentage change in the GDP from one year to the next. A positive GDP growth rate indicates that the economy is growing, while a negative GDP growth rate indicates that the economy is shrinking

The GDP is a useful measure of economic health, but it has some limitations. For example, it does not take into account the distribution of income in an economy. It also does not take into account the quality of goods and services produced.

Despite its limitations, the GDP is a widely used measure of economic health. It is used by economists, policymakers, and businesses to track the performance of an economy and to make decisions about economic policy

4. Gross Value Added (GVA)

 

Gross Value Added (GVA) is a closely related concept to Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and is used to measure the economic value generated by various economic activities within a country. GVA represents the value of goods and services produced in an economy minus the value of inputs (such as raw materials and intermediate goods) used in production. It's a way to measure the contribution of each individual sector or industry to the overall economy.

GVA can be calculated using the production approach, similar to one of the methods used to calculate GDP. The formula for calculating GVA is as follows:

GVA = Output Value - Intermediate Consumption

Where:

  • Output Value: The total value of goods and services produced by an industry or sector.
  • Intermediate Consumption: The value of inputs used in the production process, including raw materials, energy, and other intermediate goods.
5. GDP vs GNP

Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and Gross National Product (GNP) are both important economic indicators used to measure the size and health of an economy, but they focus on slightly different aspects of economic activity and include different factors. Here are the key differences between GDP and GNP:

  1. Definition and Scope:

    • GDP: GDP measures the total value of all goods and services produced within a country's borders, regardless of whether the production is done by domestic or foreign entities. It only considers economic activities that take place within the country.
    • GNP: GNP measures the total value of all goods and services produced by a country's residents, whether they are located within the country's borders or abroad. It takes into account the production of residents, both domestically and internationally.

  2. Foreign Income and Payments:

    • GDP: GDP does not consider the income earned by residents of a country from their economic activities abroad, nor does it account for payments made to foreigners working within the country.
    • GNP: GNP includes the income earned by a country's residents from their investments and activities abroad, minus the income earned by foreign residents from their investments within the country.

  3. Net Factor Income from Abroad:

    • GDP: GDP does not account for net factor income from abroad, which is the difference between income earned by domestic residents abroad and income earned by foreign residents domestically.
    • GNP: GNP includes net factor income from abroad as part of its calculation.

  4. Foreign Direct Investment:

    • GDP: GDP does not directly consider foreign direct investment (FDI) flowing into or out of a country.
    • GNP: GNP considers the impact of FDI on the income of a country's residents, both from investments made within the country and from investments made by residents abroad.

  5. Measurement Approach:

    • GDP: GDP can be calculated using three different approaches: production, income, and expenditure approaches.
    • GNP: GNP is primarily calculated using the income approach, as it focuses on the income earned by residents from their economic activities.
 
 
 
 
For Prelims: GDP, GVA, FDI, GNP
For Mains: 1.Discuss the recent trends and challenges in India's GDP growth
2.Examine the role of the service sector in India's GDP growth
3.Compare and contrast the growth trajectories of India's GDP and GNP
 
 
Previous Year Questions
1.With reference to Indian economy, consider the following statements: (UPSC CSE, 2015)
1. The rate of growth of Real Gross Domestic Product has steadily increased in the last decade.
2. The Gross Domestic Product at market prices (in rupees) has steadily increased in the last decade.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2
Answer (b)
2.A decrease in tax to GDP ratio of a country indicates which of the following? (UPSC CSE, 2015)
1. Slowing economic growth rate
2. Less equitable distribution of national income
Select the correct answer using the code given below:
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2
Answer (a)
Previous year UPSC Mains Question Covering similar theme:
Define potential GDP and explain its determinants. What are the factors that have been inhibiting India from realizing its potential GDP? (UPSC CSE GS3, 2020)
Explain the difference between computing methodology of India’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) before the year 2015 and after the year 2015. (UPSC CSE GS3, 2021)
 
Source: indianexpress
 

EU'S ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE ACT

 

1. Context

The Artificial Intelligence (AI) space has seen certain developments crucial to its regulation in recent years — the United Nations’s Resolution on Artificial Intelligence, the AI Act by the European Parliament, laws introduced on AI in the U.K. and China and the launch of the AI mission in India. These efforts to formalise AI regulations at the global level will be critical to various sectors of governance in all other countries

2. What is the EU AI Act?

  • The AI Act is a proposed European law on artificial intelligence (AI) – the first law on AI by a major regulator anywhere.
  • The law assigns applications of AI to three risk categories. First, applications and systems that create an unacceptable risk, such as government-run social scoring of the type used in China, are banned. Second, high-risk applications, such as a CV-scanning tool that ranks job applicants, are subject to specific legal requirements.
  • Lastly, applications not explicitly banned or listed as high-risk are largely left unregulated

3. Why should we regulate Artificial Intelligence?

  • As artificial intelligence technologies become omnipresent and their algorithms more advanced capable of performing a wide variety of tasks including voice assistance, recommending music, driving cars, detecting cancer, and even deciding whether you get shortlisted for a job the risks and uncertainties associated with them have also ballooned.
  • Many AI tools are essentially black boxes, meaning even those who designed them cannot explain what goes on inside them to generate a particular output.
  • Complex and unexplainable AI tools have already manifested in wrongful arrests due to AI-enabled facial recognition; discrimination and societal biases seeping into AI outputs; and most recently, in how chatbots based on large language models (LLMs) like Generative Pretrained Transformer3 (GPT3) and 4 can generate versatile, human competitive and genuine looking content, which may be inaccurate or copyrighted material.

4. How was the AI Act formed?

  • The legislation was drafted in 2021 to bring transparency, trust, and accountability to AI and create a framework to mitigate risks to the safety, health, fundamental rights, and democratic values of the EU.
  • It also aims to address ethical questions and implementation challenges in various sectors ranging from healthcare and education to finance and energy.
  • The legislation seeks to strike a balance between promoting “the uptake of AI while mitigating or preventing harms associated with certain uses of the technology”. 
  • Similar to how the EU’s 2018 General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) made it an industry leader in the global data protection regime, the AI law aims to “strengthen Europe’s position as a global hub of excellence in AI from the lab to the market” and ensure that AI in Europe respects the 27­country bloc’s values and rules.

5. What does the draft document entail?

  • The draft of the AI Act broadly defines AI as “software that is developed with one or more of the techniques that can, for a given set of human ­defined objectives, generate outputs such as content, predictions, recommendations, or decisions influencing the environments they interact with”.
  • It identifies AI tools based on machine learning, deep learning, and knowledge as well as logic­based and statistical approaches.
  • The Act’s central approach is the classification of AI tech based on the level of risk they pose to the “health and safety or fundamental rights” of a person.
  • There are four risk categories in the Act unacceptable, high, limited, and minimal.  
  • The Act prohibits using technologies in the unacceptable risk category with little exception.
  • These include the use of real­time facial and biometric identification systems in public spaces; systems of social scoring of citizens by governments leading to “unjustified and disproportionate detrimental treatment”; subliminal techniques to distort a person’s behavior; and technologies that can exploit vulnerabilities of the young or elderly, or persons with disabilities. 
  • The Act lays substantial focus on AI in the high­risk category, prescribing several pre­and post­market requirements for developers and users of such systems.
  • Some systems that fall under this category include biometric identification and categorization of natural persons.
  • AI is used in healthcare, education, employment (recruitment), law enforcement, justice delivery systems, and tools that provide access to essential private and public services (including access to financial services such as loan approval systems).
  • The Act envisages establishing a EU­ wide database of high­risk AI systems and setting parameters so that future technologies or those under development can be included if they meet the high ­risk criteria.

6. What is the recent proposal on general-purpose AI like ChatGPT? 

  • As recently as February this year, general-purpose AI such as the language model­ based ChatGPT, used for a plethora of tasks from summarising concepts on the internet to serving up poems, news reports, and even a Colombian court judgment did not feature in the EU lawmakers’ Plans for regulating AI technologies.
  • The bloc’s 108­page proposal for the AI Act published two years earlier, included only one mention of the word “chatbot.”
  • By mid­April, however, members of the European Parliament were racing to update those rules to catch up with an explosion of interest in generative AI, which has provoked awe and anxiety since OpenAI unveiled ChatGPT six months ago.
  • Lawmakers now target the use of copyrighted material by companies deploying generative AI tools such as OpenAI’s ChatGPT or image generator Midjourney, as these tools train themselves from large sets of text and visual data on the internet.
  • They will have to disclose any copyrighted material used to develop their systems.

7. AI Governance in the USA and China

  • The rapidly evolving pace of AI development has led to diverging global views on how to regulate these technologies.
  • The U.S. currently does not have comprehensive AI regulation and has taken a fairly hands­off approach.
  • The Biden administration released a blueprint for an AI Bill of Rights (AIBoR).
  • Developed by the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy (OSTP), the AIBoR outlines the harms of AI to economic and civil rights and lays down five principles for mitigating these harms.
  • The blueprint, instead of a horizontal approach like the EU endorses a sector­ specific approach to AI governance, with policy interventions for individual sectors such as health, labor, and education, leaving it to sectoral federal agencies to come out with their plans.
  • On the other end of the spectrum, China over the last year came out with some of the world’s first nationally binding regulations targeting specific types of algorithms and AI.
  • It enacted a law to regulate recommendation algorithms with a focus on how they disseminate information.
For Prelims: Artificial Intelligence, Chat GPT, European law on artificial intelligence (AI), large language models (LLMs) like Generative Pretrained Transformer3 (GPT3) and 4 , EU’s 2018 General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), AI Bill of Rights (AIBoR), and Office of Science and Technology Policy (OSTP).
For Mains: 1. What is the EU AI Act? Discuss Why should we regulate Artificial Intelligence?
 

Previous year Question

1. With the present state of development, Artificial Intelligence can effectively do which of the following? ( UPSC 2020)

1. Bring down electricity consumption in industrial units
2. Create meaningful short stories and songs
3. Disease diagnosis
4. Text-to-Speech Conversion
5. Wireless transmission of electrical energy
Select the correct answer using the code given below:
A. 1, 2, 3, and 5 only
B. 1, 3, and 4 only
C. 2, 4, and 5 only
D. 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5
Answer: B
Source: The Hindu
 

PREVENTION OF MONEY LAUNDERING ACT (PMLA)

1. Context

However, some of the most stringent provisions of the PMLA, which have now angered Opposition leaders because they have been used to ensure the prolonged incarceration of politicians without trial, were inserted in the statute during the Congress-led UPA regime

2. Why is the PMLA verdict under review?

The PMLA verdict is under review because of several concerns raised by petitioners and legal experts about the constitutionality of the law and the extent of the powers granted to the Enforcement Directorate (ED).

Specific Concerns

  • The PMLA's retrospective application, allowing for the prosecution of offences committed before the law's enactment, has been challenged as violative of the fundamental right against ex post facto laws.
  • The PMLA places the burden of proof on the accused to establish innocence, a departure from the general principle of criminal law that presumes innocence until proven guilty.
  • Critics argue that the PMLA's provisions are overly broad and draconian, giving the ED excessive powers to arrest, detain, and seize assets without adequate judicial oversight.
  •  The PMLA's lack of adequate safeguards against arbitrary actions and misuse of power has raised concerns about the potential for abuse of authority by the ED.
  •  The PMLA's provisions have been criticized for potentially infringing upon fundamental rights such as the right to personal liberty, the right to property, and the right against self-incrimination.

3. Money laundering

  • Money laundering is the illegal process of making large amounts of money.
  • This money is generated by criminal activity but may appear to come from a legitimate source.
  • Criminal activities include drug trafficking, terrorist funding, illegal arms sales, smuggling, prostitution rings, insider trading, bribery and computer fraud schemes that produce large profits.

3.1. Different stages in money laundering

Generally, money laundering is a three-stage process:
  1. Placement: The crime money is injected into the formal financial system.
  2. Layering: Money injected into the system is layered and spread over various transactions and book-keeping tricks to hide the source of origin.
  3. Integration: Laundered money is withdrawn from the legitimate account to be used for criminal purposes. Now, Money enters the financial system in such a way that the original association with the crime is disassociated.  The money now can be used by the offender as legitimate money.
All three sources may not be involved in money laundering. Some stages could be combined or repeated many times.

3.2. Impact of Money Laundering on Economic Development

Money laundering can have a significant impact on economic development by:

  • When money laundering occurs, it can undermine public confidence in banks and other financial institutions. This can lead to increased risk aversion and a decline in investment, which can hamper economic growth.
  • Money laundering can distort economic activity by directing funds away from legitimate businesses and into criminal enterprises. This can lead to inefficient allocation of resources and slower economic growth.
  • Money laundering can facilitate corruption by providing a means to conceal the proceeds of corrupt activities. This can weaken governance and undermine the rule of law, further hindering economic development.
  • Money laundering can also lead to a loss of tax revenue, as criminals seek to evade taxes on their illicit gains. This can deprive governments of much-needed funds for essential services, such as education and healthcare.
  • Money laundering is often used to finance organized crime groups, which can lead to an increase in violence and instability.
  • Money laundering can also be used to finance terrorist activities, posing a serious threat to international security.
  • Money laundering can also have a direct impact on individuals and businesses, who may lose money or be victims of fraud as a result of this crime.

4. Prevention of Money-Laundering Act, 2002 (PMLA)

The Prevention of Money-Laundering Act, 2002 (PMLA) is a comprehensive legislation enacted by the Indian Parliament to combat money laundering and other financial crimes. It aims to prevent the use of proceeds of crime, particularly those derived from drug trafficking, organized crime and corruption, from being laundered and utilized to finance further criminal activities or to gain legitimacy.

4.1. Key Features of the PMLA

  • The PMLA prohibits the process of money laundering, defined as the act of concealing or disguising the proceeds of crime.
  • The PMLA empowers the Enforcement Directorate (ED), the designated agency for investigating money laundering cases, to attach and seize property derived from or involved in money laundering.
  • The PMLA provides for the confiscation of property that is involved in money laundering, even if it is not in the possession of the accused person.
  • The PMLA grants the ED extensive powers to conduct searches, make arrests, and detain individuals suspected of money laundering.
  • The PMLA facilitates international cooperation in combating money laundering through mutual legal assistance treaties and other mechanisms.

4.2. Significance of the PMLA

The PMLA has played a crucial role in strengthening India's anti-money laundering framework and enhancing its global standing in combating financial crimes. It has enabled the investigation and prosecution of numerous money laundering cases, leading to the recovery of substantial illicit funds.

4.3. Challenges in Implementing the PMLA

Despite its significance, the implementation of the PMLA has faced certain challenges, including:

  • The PMLA and other laws, such as the Narcotics Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act, have overlapping jurisdictions, which can lead to confusion and delays in investigations.
  • There have been concerns about the lack of adequate safeguards against arbitrary actions and misuse of power under the PMLA.
  • The ED faces resource constraints in terms of manpower and infrastructure, which can hamper its ability to effectively investigate and prosecute money laundering cases.
 
5. About the Directorate of Enforcement 
 
  • The Directorate of Enforcement (ED) is an agency in India that primarily deals with the enforcement of economic laws and regulations to combat money laundering, foreign exchange violations, and financial fraud.
  • The ED is part of the Department of Revenue under the Ministry of Finance, Government of India.
  • The Directorate of Enforcement was established on 1st May 1956, as the "Enforcement Unit" within the Department of Economic Affairs.
  • Its primary focus was on preventing and detecting violations of the Foreign Exchange Regulation Act (FERA) of 1947.
  • Over the years, the agency's role expanded, and in 1999, the Enforcement Directorate was established as a separate entity under the Ministry of Finance.
  • The enactment of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) in 2002 further broadened its jurisdiction, giving it the power to investigate cases related to money laundering.
  • Since its establishment, the ED has played a crucial role in combating economic offences and ensuring compliance with economic laws in India.
  • It has been involved in several high-profile cases, including those related to financial scams, money laundering by influential individuals, and cross-border financial crimes.
  • The ED collaborates with various domestic and international agencies, including financial intelligence units, law enforcement agencies, and Interpol, to gather information, share intelligence, and effectively coordinate efforts to combat economic offences.

5.1. Functions and Roles of ED

  • Enforcing Economic Laws: The primary function of the ED is to enforce two key economic laws in India: the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) and the Foreign Exchange Management Act (FEMA). It ensures compliance with these laws and investigates money laundering, foreign exchange violations, and economic fraud cases.
  • Money Laundering Investigations: The ED investigates cases involving money laundering, which is the process of concealing the origins of illegally obtained money to make it appear legitimate. It identifies and seizes properties and assets derived from illicit activities and prevents their further use.
  • Foreign Exchange Violations: The ED is responsible for investigating cases related to violations of foreign exchange laws and regulations. It monitors and controls foreign exchange transactions to maintain the stability of the Indian rupee and prevent illegal activities such as smuggling and illegal money transfers.
  • Financial Frauds: The ED also investigates and takes action against financial frauds, including bank frauds, Ponzi schemes, and other fraudulent activities affecting the Indian financial system. It works closely with other law enforcement agencies, such as the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), to tackle complex financial crimes.
 
For Prelims: Prevention of Money Laundering Act, ED, CBI, Foreign Exchange Management Act, 
For Mains: 
1. Critically evaluate the Prevention of Money Laundering Act, 2002 (PMLA) in its effectiveness in combating money laundering in India. (250 Words)
 
 
Previous Year Questions
 
1. Which one of the following is not correct in respect of Directorate of Enforcement? (CDS  2021)
A. It is a specialized financial investigation agency under the Department of Revenue, Ministry of Finance.
B. It enforces the Foreign Exchange Management Act, 1999.
C. It enforces the Prevention of Money Laundering Act, 2002.
D. It enforces the Prohibition of Benami Property Transaction Act, 1988.
 
2. The Prevention of Money Laundering Act, 2002 become effective since which one of the following dates? (UKPSC RO/ARO 2012)
 
A. July 2002          B. August 2003        C. July 2004         D. July 2005
 
3. FEMA (Foreign Exchange Management Act) was finally implemented in the year (UPPSC  2013)
A. 1991         B. 1997         C. 2000             D. 2007
 
4. The Foreign Exchange Regulation Act was replaced by the ______ in India. (SSC Steno 2020) 
A. Foreign Exchange Currency Act
B. Foreign Exchange Finances Act
C. Foreign Exchange Funds Act
D. Foreign Exchange Management Act
 
5. "Central Bureau of Intelligence and Investigation" is listed in the __________ list given in the Seventh Schedule of the Constitution of India. (SSC CGL 2017) 
A. Union             B. State             C. Global          D. Concurrent
 
Answers: 1-D, 2-D, 3-C, 4-D, 5-A
 
Source: The Indian Express
 

VOTER VERIFIABLE PAPER AUDIT TRAIL (VVPAT)

 
 
1. Context
 
With the first phase of voting set to take place on April 19, the Supreme Court (SC) last week said that petitions seeking 100% verification of Voter Verified Paper Audit Trail (VVPAT) slips would be taken up soon.
 
2.What is Voter Verifiable Paper Audit Trail (VVPAT)?
 

The Voter Verifiable Paper Audit Trail (VVPAT) is a mechanism introduced to ensure the accuracy and transparency of the voting process in electronic voting machines (EVMs). It provides a means for voters to verify that their vote has been correctly cast by allowing them to physically verify their choices on a paper printout.

Here's how it generally works:

Voting Process: When a voter casts their vote using an electronic voting machine, the VVPAT generates a paper slip containing the details of the vote—such as the candidate's name and symbol—and displays it behind a transparent window for a few seconds.

Verification: The voter can visually verify if the printed information on the paper slip matches the candidate they selected using the EVM. This provides an opportunity for the voter to ensure that their vote has been accurately recorded.

Paper Trail: The printed paper slip is then deposited into a sealed box/container. These paper trails serve as physical records for future verification in case of disputes or recounts.

The introduction of VVPAT adds an extra layer of transparency and confidence in the voting process, reassuring voters about the accuracy and integrity of their votes despite using electronic means for casting ballots

The Voter Verifiable Paper Audit Trail (VVPAT) was first used experimentally in India during the 2013 Assembly Elections in Himachal Pradesh and Gujarat. It was used in a few polling stations to test its efficacy and functionality as an additional layer of verification in the electronic voting process. Following successful trials, the Election Commission of India gradually expanded the use of VVPATs in subsequent elections to enhance transparency and build trust in the electoral process
 
3. What was the rationality behind the introduction of VVPAT?
 
 
The introduction of the Voter Verifiable Paper Audit Trail (VVPAT) was primarily driven by the need to enhance the credibility and transparency of electronic voting machines (EVMs) in elections.
Here are the key reasons behind its introduction:
 
  • To address concerns about the credibility of EVMs and to increase voter trust by providing a physical, verifiable paper trail. This allowed voters to confirm that their vote was cast as intended and recorded accurately
  • VVPAT enables voters to verify their votes independently, ensuring that the electronic voting process accurately reflects their chosen candidate before the vote is officially cast
  • In case of disputes or the need for a recount, the paper records generated by VVPATs serve as a tangible, auditable trail, allowing for manual verification and cross-checking if necessary
  • Meeting the demand for a transparent and accountable voting process, addressing legal challenges, and fulfilling ethical obligations to ensure fair elections
4. Key features and Applications
 

Key Features:

  • VVPAT provides a physical paper trail for each vote cast using an electronic voting machine (EVM). It generates a printed slip with the details of the vote, allowing voters to verify their choices before the vote is officially cast.

  • The printed paper slip is displayed behind a transparent window on the VVPAT machine for a few seconds, giving voters an opportunity to visually confirm their selections.

  • Enhances the transparency and accountability of the electronic voting process by providing voters with a means to verify that their votes have been accurately recorded.

  • The paper records produced by VVPAT serve as auditable and tangible evidence, enabling manual verification in case of disputes, recounts, or discrepancies

Applications:

  • VVPAT ensures the integrity of the electoral process by allowing voters to independently verify that their votes are correctly registered, thereby reducing concerns about EVM tampering or malfunction.

  • Acts as a mechanism to build trust among voters, political parties, and stakeholders by offering a verifiable and transparent voting process.

  • Helps in resolving legal challenges or disputes related to the accuracy of the voting process. The paper trail can be used for manual verification during recounts or audits.

  • Boosts voter confidence in the electoral system, encouraging higher participation and trust in the democratic process

 5. What are the challenges and concerns with VVPAT?
 
 
While the Voter Verifiable Paper Audit Trail (VVPAT) system enhances transparency and credibility in the voting process, several challenges and concerns have been raised regarding its implementation:
  • Introducing VVPAT systems involves substantial costs for manufacturing, deployment, and maintenance. It also requires logistical arrangements for printing, storage, and transportation of paper rolls, adding to the overall election expenses
  • The process of verifying votes through VVPAT can extend the time required for casting votes, potentially causing longer queues and delays at polling stations, especially in high-turnout elections
  • Like any technology, VVPAT systems are susceptible to technical glitches, paper jams, or calibration errors, which could potentially affect the smooth functioning of the voting process and cause delays
  • Ensuring that voters and polling staff are adequately trained to use and handle VVPAT machines is crucial. Lack of awareness or inadequate training might lead to errors or confusion among voters during the verification process
  • The time duration for verifying the printed slip in the VVPAT machine is brief, potentially causing difficulties for some voters, especially those with visual impairments or those who might need more time to verify their choices
  • Safeguarding the printed paper trails for potential audits or recounts requires secure storage mechanisms to prevent tampering, damage, or loss of the paper records
  • In massive elections with numerous candidates and constituencies, the volume of paper trails generated by VVPATs can become cumbersome to manage and recount manually if necessary
 
6.How VVPAT is different from EVMs?
 
Topic Voter Verifiable Paper Audit Trail (VVPAT) Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs)
Purpose Provides a physical paper trail for each vote cast Records and stores electronic votes
Functionality Generates a printed paper slip for verification Allows voters to electronically select candidates
Verification Allows voters to verify their choices on paper Does not provide a physical verification
Output Prints a paper trail with voter selections Records votes electronically within the machine
Transparency Enhances transparency by offering a physical record Relies on electronic recording
Recounts/Audits Provides tangible paper records for manual recounts/audits Requires accessing electronic data for recounts
Deployment Linked as an additional component to EVMs Independent electronic voting device
Mechanism Shows printed slips briefly behind a transparent window Uses buttons for candidate selection
Maintenance Requires handling and storage of paper trails Maintenance involves electronic systems
Voter Confidence Boosts confidence by offering a physical verification option Confidence relies on trust in electronic systems
 
 
 
For Prelims: Indian Polity and Governance
 
For Mains: General Studies II: Salient features of the Representation of People’s Act
 
 
 
Previous Year Questions
 
1. The Voter Verifiable Paper Audit Trail (VVPAT) system was used for the first time by the Election Commission of India in (UPSC CAPF 2019)
 
North Paravur Assembly Constituency, Kerala
B.Noksen Assembly Constituency, Nagaland
C.Mapusa Assembly Constituency, Goa
D.Nambol Assembly Constituency, Manipur
Answer (B)
 
 
Source: Indianexpress
 

TOTAL SOLAR ECLIPSE

 
 
 
1. Context 
 
Recently, a total solar eclipse will cross North America, passing over Mexico, the United States, and Canada. This type of solar eclipse is a rare event for any particular spot. According to Royal Museums Greenwich, once a place on Earth witnesses a total solar eclipse, it will be about 400 years before that part sees the next one.
 
 
2. About Total Solar Eclipse
 

A total solar eclipse is a rare and dramatic astronomical phenomenon that occurs when the Moon completely covers the Sun, plunging the day into darkness for a brief period. It happens when the Moon casts a shadow on Earth, and only observers within a narrow path along this shadow will experience totality.

  • Alignment: The Sun, Moon, and Earth must be perfectly aligned for a total solar eclipse to occur.
  • Moon's Shadow: The Moon casts two shadows: the umbra (the dark inner part) and the penumbra (the lighter outer part). During a total eclipse, the umbra falls on a specific region on Earth's surface.
  • Path of Totality: The path of totality is the narrow track on Earth where the umbra falls. Observers within this path will experience a total eclipse, where the Sun is completely blocked out.
  • Duration: The totality phase of a solar eclipse only lasts for a few minutes, typically ranging from a few seconds to seven and a half minutes.

Totality is the most spectacular part of a total solar eclipse. During totality, the sky darkens, and the Sun's corona, the outermost layer of the Sun's atmosphere, becomes visible. The corona is usually too faint to be seen with the naked eye because it's overwhelmed by the Sun's bright light.

 
 
 
3. Why is Total Solar Eclipse So Rare?
 

There are two main reasons why total solar eclipses are rare

  1. Precise Alignment: A total eclipse requires a very specific and perfect alignment between the Sun, Moon, and Earth. The Moon's orbit around Earth is tilted about five degrees compared to Earth's orbit around the Sun. So, usually, the Moon passes above or below the Sun during a new moon, casting no shadow on Earth or just a partial one. Only when the alignment is just right will the Moon's shadow fall directly on Earth, creating a total eclipse.

  2. Small Shadow: Even when the alignment is correct, the total eclipse is only visible from a small area. The Moon's umbra, the darkest part of its shadow that creates totality, is very small compared to Earth. It covers less than one per cent of Earth's surface. This narrow path, called the path of totality, is where observers can witness the complete Sun blockage. Since most of Earth is covered by water and a significant portion of land is uninhabited, the chance of a total eclipse being visible from a populated area becomes even smaller.

So, it all boils down to how the Moon and Earth are cosmically lined up, and the tiny area of Earth that gets to experience the awe-inspiring darkness of a total eclipse.

 

4. The three other types of solar eclipse

 

In addition to total solar eclipses, there are three other types of solar eclipses:

  1. Partial Solar Eclipse: A partial solar eclipse occurs when only a portion of the Sun is obscured by the Moon as seen from a particular location on Earth. In this scenario, the alignment of the Sun, Moon, and Earth is such that the Moon only partially covers the Sun's disk. This creates a crescent shape of sunlight during the maximum phase of the eclipse. Partial solar eclipses are visible from a much broader area than total eclipses, as the Moon's shadow only partially covers the Earth's surface.

  2. Annular Solar Eclipse: An annular solar eclipse happens when the Moon is too far from the Earth to completely cover the Sun's disk. In this case, the apparent size of the Moon is smaller than that of the Sun, even when it is directly in front of it. As a result, a ring of sunlight remains visible around the edges of the Moon, creating what is often referred to as the "ring of fire" effect. Annular eclipses occur when the Moon is near its farthest point from Earth in its elliptical orbit, known as apogee.

  3. Hybrid Solar Eclipse (Annular-Total Eclipse): A hybrid solar eclipse, sometimes called an annular-total eclipse, is a rare type of eclipse that transitions between being annular and total along its path of totality. The nature of a hybrid eclipse depends on factors such as the observer's location within the eclipse's path and the curvature of the Earth. At some points along the path, the eclipse may appear as annular, with the "ring of fire" effect visible, while at other points, it may transition to a total eclipse, where the Sun is completely obscured by the Moon. Hybrid eclipses are relatively uncommon compared to the other types of solar eclipses.

 

5. How often does a solar eclipse take place?

 

  • Solar eclipses occur on average about two to five times per year, though this can vary. However, not all solar eclipses are visible from any given location on Earth. The frequency of solar eclipses depends on the alignment of the Sun, Moon, and Earth, as well as the specific geometry of their orbits.
  • There are three main types of solar eclipses: total, partial, and annular. Total solar eclipses are less common than partial or annular eclipses because they require a very specific alignment where the apparent size of the Moon matches or exceeds the apparent size of the Sun, allowing the Moon to completely cover the Sun's disk from the perspective of observers within the path of totality.
  • Partial solar eclipses are more common and occur when only a portion of the Sun is obscured by the Moon. Annular solar eclipses are also less common than partial eclipses and occur when the Moon is farther from the Earth in its orbit, resulting in a ring of sunlight being visible around the edges of the Moon's silhouette.
  • While solar eclipses occur regularly, the frequency with which they are visible from any specific location on Earth varies. Some locations may experience multiple solar eclipses within a relatively short period, while others may go years or even decades without experiencing a solar eclipse.

 

6. How does the lunar eclipse take place?


A lunar eclipse occurs when the Earth passes between the Sun and the Moon, blocking some or all of the Sun's light from reaching the Moon. This phenomenon can only happen during a full moon when the Sun, Earth, and Moon are aligned in what is known as syzygy.

There are three main types of lunar eclipses:

  1. Total Lunar Eclipse: During a total lunar eclipse, the Earth completely blocks direct sunlight from reaching the Moon. Instead, the only light that reaches the Moon is refracted through Earth's atmosphere, causing the Moon to appear reddish or coppery in color. This effect is often referred to as the "blood moon." Total lunar eclipses are visible from anywhere on the night side of the Earth where the Moon is above the horizon during the eclipse.

  2. Partial Lunar Eclipse: In a partial lunar eclipse, only a portion of the Moon passes through Earth's umbral shadow, resulting in part of the Moon appearing darker than usual. The rest of the Moon remains unaffected. Partial lunar eclipses are visible from a broader geographic area than total eclipses.

  3. Penumbral Lunar Eclipse: A penumbral lunar eclipse occurs when the Moon passes through Earth's penumbral shadow, which is the outer, less dark part of the Earth's shadow. This type of eclipse is subtle and often difficult to observe because the Moon only appears slightly dimmer. Penumbral lunar eclipses are less dramatic than total or partial eclipses.

The occurrence of a lunar eclipse is not as rare as a solar eclipse because the Earth casts a larger shadow than the Moon, allowing for more frequent lunar eclipses. On average, there are about two to four lunar eclipses per year, visible from various parts of the Earth. However, not all lunar eclipses are total; some are partial or penumbral, depending on the alignment of the Sun, Earth, and Moon.

 

7. The Way Forward

 

The scientific observations and experiments conducted during eclipses, such as studying the Sun's corona during a total solar eclipse or measuring the Earth's atmosphere during a lunar eclipse. Providing visual aids, such as diagrams or photographs, could enhance understanding of the concepts discussed. Finally, encourage further exploration by inviting readers to observe upcoming solar and lunar eclipses and providing tips for safe observation.

 

For Prelims: Solar eclipses, Sun, Moon, Earth

For Mains: 

1. Discuss the significance of astronomical events like solar and lunar eclipses in furthering our understanding of the universe. How can these phenomena be used to promote public interest in science education? (250 Words)

 

Previous Year Questions

1. In the northern hemisphere, the longest day of the year normally occurs in the: (UPSC 2021)

A. First half of the month of June
B. Second half of the month of June
C. First half of the month of July
D. Second half of the month of July
 

2. On 21st June, the Sun  (UPSC 2019)

A. does not set below the horizon at the Arctic Circle
B. does not set below the horizon at Antarctic Circle
C. shines vertically overhead at noon on the Equator
D. shines vertically overhead at the Tropic of Capricorn
 
 
3. A solar eclipse occurs when (BSF RO 2019) (NDA  2016)
A. the moon comes between the sun and the earth
B. the earth comes between the sun and the moon
C. the sun comes between the earth and the moon
D. the sun, the moon and the earth are not in the same line
 
Answers: 1-B, 2-A, 3-A
 
 Source: The Indian Express

MUSLIM LEAUGUE AND HINDU MAHASABHA

 
 
 
 
1. Context
 

Following Prime Minister Narendra Modi's recent remarks accusing the Congress manifesto of resembling that of the Muslim League, Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge retaliated by pointing fingers at the BJP's historical ties. Kharge alleged that the BJP's "ideological ancestors" were aligned with both the British and the Muslim League during India's struggle for independence.

He stated, "The ideological ancestors of Modi and Shah were against Mahatma Gandhi's 'Quit India' movement in 1942... It is widely known how Syama Prasad Mukherjee formed coalition governments with the Muslim League in Bengal, Sindh, and NWFP during the 1940s."

 
 
2. Muslim League

 

The All-India Muslim League, commonly known as the Muslim League, was a political party in British India that played a pivotal role in advocating for the rights and interests of Muslims. Founded in 1906, the League emerged in response to growing concerns among Muslim leaders regarding their representation and protection within the Indian National Congress, which predominantly championed Hindu interests.

Founding and Objectives

  • The Muslim League was established at the All-India Muhammadan Educational Conference held in Dhaka (then in British India, now in Bangladesh) in December 1906. Its founding members included prominent figures such as Nawab Salimullah Khan and Aga Khan III.
  • One of the primary objectives of the Muslim League was to safeguard the political and socio-economic rights of Muslims in India, who felt marginalized within the predominantly Hindu-dominated political landscape.
  • Initially, the Muslim League advocated for separate electorates, whereby Muslims could vote for Muslim candidates to represent their interests in legislative bodies.

Leadership and Ideology

  • Throughout its existence, the Muslim League was led by influential leaders such as Muhammad Ali Jinnah, who played a central role in shaping its ideology and strategy.
  • The League's ideology evolved, gradually embracing the concept of separate nationhood for Muslims in India. This ideology culminated in the demand for the creation of a separate Muslim-majority nation, eventually leading to the establishment of Pakistan in 1947.
  • Jinnah's Two-Nation Theory became a cornerstone of the League's ideology, asserting that Muslims and Hindus were distinct nations with irreconcilable differences, necessitating separate political entities.

Role in Indian Politics

  • The Muslim League actively participated in the Indian independence movement, albeit with a distinct focus on safeguarding Muslim interests.
  • Over time, especially during the 1940s, the League's demand for a separate Muslim state gained momentum, leading to the Lahore Resolution in 1940, which called for the creation of Pakistan.
  • The League's negotiation with the British and the Congress, coupled with mass mobilization efforts, eventually led to the partition of India and the creation of Pakistan in 1947.

Legacy

  • The Muslim League played a crucial role in articulating and advancing Muslim interests during the struggle for independence, its demand for a separate nation also led to the partition of India, resulting in widespread violence and displacement.
  • After the partition, the Muslim League transformed into the Pakistan Muslim League (PML), which continued to be a prominent political party in Pakistan, albeit with various factions and iterations over the years.
 
 
3. Hindu Mahasabha

 

The Hindu Mahasabha, also known as Akhil Bharat Hindu Mahasabha, was a Hindu nationalist political organization in British India. Founded in 1915, the Mahasabha aimed to promote Hindu interests and culture in the context of the Indian nationalist movement. It emerged as a counterforce to the Indian National Congress, primarily representing Hindu nationalist sentiments.

Founding and Objectives

  • The Hindu Mahasabha was established in response to the perceived neglect of Hindu interests within the Indian nationalist movement, particularly by the Indian National Congress.
  • Its founding members included prominent leaders such as Vinayak Damodar Savarkar, Madan Mohan Malaviya, and Lala Lajpat Rai.
  • The Mahasabha's primary objectives included the protection and promotion of Hindu rights, culture, and identity, as well as advocacy for the interests of the Hindu community in India.

Leadership and Ideology

  • Vinayak Damodar Savarkar, a prominent proponent of Hindutva ideology, played a central role in shaping Mahasabha's ideology and objectives.
  • Hindutva emphasized the cultural and civilizational unity of Hindus and sought to assert Hindu identity in the political sphere.
  • The Mahasabha advocated for a strong Hindu presence in Indian politics and society, opposing what it perceived as appeasement of minority communities and advocating for the primacy of Hindu interests.

Role in Indian Politics

  • The Hindu Mahasabha participated in the Indian independence movement, albeit with a distinct focus on Hindu nationalist ideology. It emphasised Hindu unity and empowerment within the broader nationalist struggle.
  • During the 1930s and 1940s, the Mahasabha opposed the Quit India Movement launched by the Indian National Congress, instead opting to support British war efforts during World War II. It believed that continued British rule was essential for safeguarding Hindu interests.
  • The Mahasabha also engaged in electoral politics, contesting elections and holding positions in various provincial governments, particularly in the United Provinces (now Uttar Pradesh) and Bengal.

Legacy

  • The Hindu Mahasabha played a significant role in articulating Hindu nationalist sentiments and representing Hindu interests during the Indian nationalist movement.
  • After India's independence and partition in 1947, the influence of the Hindu Mahasabha waned, although it continued to exist as a political entity in independent India. Over the years, various factions and iterations of the Mahasabha have emerged, each with its own interpretation of Hindu nationalism and Hindutva ideology.

 

4. Congress Dominance in 1937 Provincial Elections

 

Under the Government of India Act of 1935, provincial elections were held in 1937, showcasing the political landscape of colonial India.

  • Congress Triumph: Congress emerged as the dominant force, securing 711 out of 1,585 provincial assembly seats. It attained absolute majorities in five of the eleven provinces, namely Madras, Bihar, Orissa, Central Provinces, and United Provinces. Additionally, Congress enjoyed a near-majority in Bombay, clinching 86 out of 175 seats. Consequently, Congress ministries were established in all these provinces, demonstrating its widespread influence.
  • Non-Congress Governments: In the remaining three provinces - Sindh, Punjab, and Bengal - non-Congress entities assumed power. The Sind United Party led a coalition government in Sindh, while Sikandar Hayat Khan's Unionist Party secured a majority in Punjab. Bengal saw Fazlul Huq's Krishak Praja Party (KPP) form a coalition government with the Muslim League, despite Congress holding the largest share of seats (54) in the province.
  • Muslim League's Performance: The Muslim League, despite claiming to be the exclusive voice of Indian Muslims, faced dismal results in the elections. It secured merely 106 out of the 482 seats designated for Muslims under separate electorates. Notably, the League failed to win any seats in the North West Frontier Province (NWFP) and performed poorly in Muslim-majority provinces like Punjab and Sindh. This underscored the challenges to its claim of representing Muslims effectively.
  • Decline of Communal Parties: The Hindu Mahasabha, under V D Savarkar's leadership, also faced significant setbacks in the elections. The outcome prompted communal parties to recognize the necessity of adopting more assertive and mass-oriented political strategies. As noted by Bipan Chandra and others, communal parties pivoted towards exploiting religious sentiments and fears in the subsequent years.

The 1937 provincial elections left a profound impact on Indian politics, reshaping power dynamics and setting the stage for future developments in the struggle for independence.

 

5. The alliance between the Muslim League and Hindu Mahasabha
 
  • Ideological Convergence: Scholars have highlighted the ideological parallels between the Muslim League and the Hindu Mahasabha, suggesting a shared belief in the concept of two nations within India. Dr B R Ambedkar noted this alignment, asserting that both Vinayak Damodar Savarkar of the Mahasabha and Muhammad Ali Jinnah of the League concurred on the notion of separate Muslim and Hindu nations in India.
  • Political Alliances: Following the Congress's resignation from ministries in protest against Viceroy Linlithgow's decision to involve India in World War II without consulting Indian representatives, the political landscape underwent significant changes. Sensing an opportunity, both the Muslim League and the Hindu Mahasabha swiftly moved to join provincial governments.
  • Coalition Formation: In Sindh and the North West Frontier Province (NWFP), where Muslim populations were predominant, alliances between the League and the Mahasabha materialized. Meanwhile, in Bengal, the Mahasabha lent support to Fazlul Huq's Krishak Praja Party (KPP), another Muslim-centric political entity. The Forward Bloc, led by Subhas Chandra Bose, also backed this coalition.
  • Justification by Savarkar: Vinayak Damodar Savarkar, a prominent figure in the Mahasabha, justified these alliances as "reasonable compromises" in pursuit of political power. He highlighted instances such as the Mahasabha's cooperation with the League in Sind and the collaboration with Fazlul Huq's government in Bengal. Savarkar asserted that such alliances were made in the interest of public welfare rather than mere pursuit of office.
 

6. Opposition to the Quit India Movement

 

  • Launch of Quit India Movement: Mahatma Gandhi initiated the Quit India Movement on August 8, 1942, from Bombay's Gowalia Tank Maidan after failed negotiations between Congress and the Viceroy regarding India's post-war status. The movement aimed to compel the British to leave India.
  • Response of Muslim League and Hindu Mahasabha: Contrary to the Congress's stance, both the Muslim League and the Hindu Mahasabha refrained from joining the Quit India Movement. Instead, they chose to maintain their positions in the ministries, offering support to the British war efforts. This decision was primarily driven by political considerations to retain power.
  • Savarkar's Directive: Vinayak Damodar Savarkar, in a well-known letter, instructed members of the Hindu Mahasabha to remain in their respective positions, whether in municipalities, local bodies, legislatures, or the army. He explicitly advised against participating in the Quit India Movement at any cost, as documented in Prabhu Bapu's work.
  • Mookerjee's Support: Syama Prasad Mookerjee, a key figure in the Bengal government, expressed his support for thwarting the Quit India Movement. He emphasized the importance of maintaining internal stability during the war and urged trust in the British for the defence and freedom of the provinces, as evidenced in his posthumously published writings.
  • Jinnah's Opposition: Muhammad Ali Jinnah, echoing similar sentiments, intensified his campaign for Pakistan while Congress leaders were incarcerated. He portrayed the Quit India Movement as Congress's attempt to establish Hindu dominance, rallying Muslims against it. Jinnah's strategy paid dividends, as noted by Sumit Sarkar, with the Muslim League's ascendancy in various provinces by 1943, establishing Jinnah as the principal spokesperson for Muslims.
  • Impact and Political Developments: The refusal of the Muslim League and Hindu Mahasabha to participate in the Quit India Movement marked a significant divergence from Congress's approach. It led to a strengthening of Jinnah's position and the Muslim League's political stature, ultimately shaping the trajectory of India's independence movement.
 
 
7. The Way Forward
 
 
By reflecting on the historical experiences of political entities like the Muslim League and the Hindu Mahasabha, India can chart a path forward that prioritises inclusive politics, democratic values, communal harmony, and secularism. By learning from the lessons of the past, India can build a more inclusive and equitable future for all its citizens.
 
 
For Prelims:  Hindu Mahasabha, Muslim League, Indian Independence, Quit India Movement
 
For Mains: 
1. Critically evaluate the role of the Muslim League in the Indian independence movement. How did its ideology evolve and what were the consequences for the partition of India? (250 words)
2. Compare and contrast the ideologies of the Hindu Mahasabha and the Indian National Congress. How did their differing visions of India's future shape their political strategies? (250 words)
3. Vinayak Damodar Savarkar justified alliances between the Hindu Mahasabha and the Muslim League as "reasonable compromises" for political gains. Do you think such political expediency can be ethically justified? Critically examine. (250 words)
 
 
Previous Year Questions
 
1. Hindu Mahasabha was founded in ______. (Rajasthan Patwari 2021) 
A.1815         B. 1917        C. 1916         D. 1915
 
2. All India Muslim League was founded in the year  (MPPSC  2014)
A. 1905      B. 1904        C. 1907         D.1906
 
 
3. The All India Muslim League was founded in 1906 at: (SSC MTS  2021)
A. Lahore       B. Bombay     C. Lucknow        D. Dacca
 
Answers: 1-D, 2-D, 3-D
 
Source: The Indian Express
 

MANGAL PANDEY

 
 
1. Context
 
Little would Sepoy Mangal Pandey have realised that the shot fired by him at the Sergeant Major of his regiment at Barrackpore near Kolkata on March 29, 1857, would trigger a great event in the history of Modern India — the Revolt of 1857, or the Sepoy Mutiny, or the First War of Indian Independence
 
2. Mangal Pandey
  • Mangal Pandey, born on July 19, 1827, in Nagwa village in Batia district, belonged to a Bhumihar Brahmin family. At the age of 22, he enlisted in the East India Company's army, serving as a soldier in the 6th company of the 34th Bengal Native Infantry.
  • He took a stand against using the newly introduced Enfield rifle, which allegedly had cartridges coated with animal fat (beef and pork) that needed to be bitten open before use. This act was perceived by the soldiers as a direct attack on their religious beliefs, as they believed the British aimed to undermine their faith and promote Christianity.
  • On March 29, 1857, Pandey rebelled and fired at his Senior Sergeant Major. Subsequently, he was subdued and executed on April 8, 1857, following a Court Martial at Lal Bagan in Barrackpore. His regiment, like the 19th infantry in Behrampore, was disbanded due to the display of dissent
  • Mangal Pandey, who met his demise at the hands of the Company on April 8, 167 years ago, hailed from Awadh, a region annexed by the British in 1856 despite prior agreements with the Begums of Awadh.
  • This annexation deeply angered the populace, particularly as Awadh was a significant source of soldiers for the Company's army, with approximately 75,000 troops hailing from the region.
  • Nearly every agricultural household in Awadh had a member serving in the army, making the events in the region a matter of utmost importance to the Sepoy.
  • The removal of the Nawab and the seizure of taluqdars' villages during the land revenue settlement of 1856 sparked widespread outrage.
  • Around 14,000 petitions were lodged by the Sepoys, highlighting the hardships endured due to the revenue system. Mangal Pandey symbolized the discontent that permeated peasant families under British rule

3.1857 Revolt

  • Pandey's act was followed by a similar defiance from the soldiers of the 7th Awadh Regiment, resulting in a similar outcome.
  • By the onset of May, reports of the Sepoys' rebellion had reached Meerut. On the morning of May 11, 1857, a group of Sepoys from Meerut, who had refused to use the new cartridges and had killed their European officers the day before, crossed the Jamuna River. They set fire to the tool house and proceeded to march towards the Red Fort.
  • Appealing to Bahadur Shah II, the elderly Mughal emperor who was receiving a pension from the East India Company, they requested him to lead their cause, providing legitimacy to their actions. After much persuasion, he acquiesced and was declared the Shah-en-shah-i-Hindustan
  • Pandey's actions had extensive ramifications, prompting a shift in the dynamics of British governance in India. The uprising caught the British off guard, challenging their perception of Indian subjugation and revealing the potential for resistance among the Indian populace. Following the revolt, they recognized the necessity for a long-term strategy to maintain control over India.
  • On August 2, 1858, the British Parliament enacted legislation transferring all authority of the East India Company to the Crown, designating Queen Victoria as the Sovereign of British India. Lord Canning's Queen's Proclamation, issued on November 1, 1858, to the Princes, Chiefs, and people of India, unveiled a new policy emphasizing perpetual support for native Princes and non-interference in matters of religious belief.
  • The governance of India under the Monarch's authority through a Secretary of State aimed to enhance administrative oversight and control over the Indian government. It was decided to accord equal status to the "Natives of India" as other subjects of the British Empire, with assurances of legal equality under the Crown.
  • The principles outlined in the Queen's Proclamation were reaffirmed during a significant event held at Delhi's Coronation Park in 1877, known as the Delhi Durbar, attended by a large assembly. Queen Victoria assumed the title of Qaiser-e-Hind, reinforcing the Crown's commitment to India and its diverse peoples
4. Soldier and Peasants
  • The exchange of roles between the soldier and the peasant, coupled with a widespread collective dissatisfaction with British governance, fueled the uprising, allowing it to escalate to the scale it did. It spread across a large swath of India, providing the populace with a temporary respite from state oppression and administrative control.
  • Their longstanding grievances were immediately vocalized as they rose up in mass opposition to British authority. During the revolt, buildings were razed, treasuries were looted, barracks and courthouses were set ablaze, and prison gates were forced open.
  • In Awadh, the rebellion manifested as a grassroots movement, drawing support not only from dispossessed taluqdars but also from peasants who had received land titles in 1856. They fought under the banner of their ousted Nawab.
  • For over a year, the insurgents persevered against daunting odds. Lacking a steady supply of weapons and ammunition, they relied on what they could capture from British arsenals, which proved insufficient.
  • Often, they resorted to using swords and pikes against an enemy armed with modern weaponry. Additionally, their communication was hindered by the absence of an efficient system, leading to a lack of coordination.
  • Apart from a shared animosity towards foreign rule, the rebels lacked a cohesive political agenda or a clear vision for the future. Nonetheless, they exhibited remarkable bravery, unwavering dedication, and profound commitment. Thousands willingly faced death, fighting for a cause they held dear
5. Way Forward
 
To commemorate Mangal Pandey’s heroic action, a park has been named after him in Barrackpore on the banks of the Hooghly. It has a small bust of Pandey and a brief history of his sacrifice. Perhaps more should be done to pay homage to a man who selflessly and without any hope of support rose up in revolt against the British. Pandey was hanged from a tree in the police lines, but people cannot visit the place without permission
 
Source: Indianexpress
 
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