Articles Covered:

1. Israel flattens border area to create new buffer zone
2. MULTIDIMENSIONAL POVERTY
3. Uniform Civil Code
4. YEIDA okays detailed project report of Mathura Heritage City
5. Criminal defamation
6. Industrial Corridors
7. Navy secures release of fishing vessel with crew of 11 Iranians, 8 Pakistanis
8. Salient features of Mathura Art

Israel flattens border area to create new buffer zone:

Israel’s military declined to answer whether it is carving out a buffer zone when asked, only saying it “takes various imperative actions that are needed in order to implement a defence plan

Rafah Crossing:

• The Rafah crossing is the southernmost exit point from the Gaza Strip, and it shares a border with Egypt’s Sinai Peninsula.
• The crossing is controlled by Egypt.
• It is the only exit that does not lead to Israeli territory.
• There are only two other border crossings in and out of Gaza:

1. Erezis located in the north and is used by people in Israel.
2. Kerem Shalom,in the south, which is exclusively for commercial goods.
3. Both Erez and Kerem Shalom controlled by Israelare currently closed.

Importance:

1. The Rafah crossing gained heightened importance after Hamas’s assault on the Erez crossing,resulting in over 1,300 casualties in southern Israel.
2. In response, Israel closed both Erez and Kerem Shalom indefinitely, leaving the Rafah border as the sole means of entry and exit for Gaza’s people and the only crossing for humanitarian aid.

Egypt’s Sinai Peninsula:

1. The Sinai Peninsula is a triangle-shaped peninsula in Egypt. It’s located in the northeastern part of the country.
2. The peninsula is bordered by the Mediterranean Sea to the north, the RED SEA to the south, and the Gulf of Aqaba to the east.
3. The peninsula includes the Suez Canal, which is a man-made waterwaythat connects the Mediterranean Sea to the Red Sea.

The recent escalation of conflict between Israel and Hamas militants has thrust the GAZA STRIP into the global spotlight:

• Amidst this turmoil, Israel’s defense minister, declared a“complete siege” of the Gaza Strip,cutting off essential resources. This move has highlighted the long-standing and contentious issue of the Gaza blockade, which has been in place since 2007.

Significant Aspects Regarding the Gaza Strip:

The Gaza Strip is situated in the eastern Mediterranean basin, sharing borders with Egypt in the southwest and Israel to the north and east. To the west, it is bounded by the MEDITERRANEAN SEA:

• It is one of themost densely populated areas globally, with over 2 million residents living in a tiny area.
• The term “open air prison”has been widely used by academics, activists, and journalists to characterize the conditions in Gaza.

Historical Significance:

• The SIX DAYS WAR Resultedin Israel capturing Gaza from Egyptand initiating its military occupation of the region.
• Israel withdrew its settlements from Gaza in 2005, but this period also saw intermittent blockades on the movement of people and goods.
• In 2007, afterHamas assumed power in Gaza, Israel and Egypt enforced a permanent blockade, justifying it as necessary for security.

The UN OCHA reported that the blockade has severely impacted Gaza’s economy, resulting in high unemployment, food insecurity, and aid dependency.

MULTIDIMENSIONAL POVERTY:

Multidimensional poverty encompasses the various deprivations experienced by poor people in their daily lives – such as poor health, lack of education, inadequate living standards, disempowerment, poor quality of work, the threat of violence, and living in areas that are environmentally hazardous, among others.

Multidimensional Poverty Index (MPI) is a measure that assesses acute poverty in over 100 developing countries. It goes beyond just looking at monetary poverty and considers the simultaneous deprivations in health, education, and living standards that people face.

According to NITI Aayog, the Multidimensional Poverty Index (MPI) is another method for assessing poverty, but it has been criticized for not providing “useful information” recently.

Multidimensional Poverty Index (MPI):

• About: The index is a key international resource that measures acute multidimensional poverty across more than 100 developing countries.
• Produced by: United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the Oxford Poverty and Human Development Initiative (OPHI)
• Calculation of MPI: Multiplying the incidence of poverty and the average intensity of poverty.
• MPI Ranges: From 0 to 1, and higher values imply higher poverty.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

National Multidimensional Poverty Index (MPI):

It is prepared based on the latest National Family Heath Survey of 2019-21.

o NFHS is conducted by the International Institute for Population Sciences (IIPS) under the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Government of India.

• First Edition Released: 2021
• Nodal Agency: NITI Ayog
• Indicators: 3 equally weighted dimensions – Health, Education, and Standard of living

Comparative Performance of Districts in the MPI Score:

1. An important characteristic of the MPI is its ability to provide estimates at the district level.
2. The disaggregated estimates show that the most rapid reduction in the proportion of multidimensionally poor individuals occurred in districts located within the states of MP, Gujarat, UP, and Rajasthan.

Indicator-wise Comparison of Deprivations:

1. All the 12 indicators across the three dimensions – Health, Education and Standard of living – saw statistically significant reduction across the two time periods.
2. Deprivations in sanitation (reduction by 21.8 % points) and cooking fuel (reduction by 14.6 % points)fell the most during the period from 2015-16 to 2019-21.
3. Overall, progress in nutrition, years of schooling, sanitation, and cooking fuel has been the significant contributor to the decline in MPI value.

Uniform Civil Code:

1. Uniform Civil Code (UCC) provides for one law for the entire countryacross all religious communities in their personal matters such as marriage, divorce, inheritance, adoption etc.
2. UCC is defined in Article 44as part of the Directive Principles of State Policy (DPSP), in part of Part IV of the Constitution.
3. Article 44– It states that ‘The State shall endeavour to secure for the citizens a Uniform Civil Code throughout the territory of India’.
4. UCC aims to enforce a uniform legal framework to all citizens, irrespective of their religion.
5. UCC aims to safeguard the fundamental rights of all citizens and reduce social inequalities and gender discrimination.
6. Legality – The legality of UCC is rooted in the Constitution of India, Constituent Assembly debates and also Supreme Court of India judgments.
7. Though DPSP is fundamental to the country’s governance, it is not enforceable or justiciable in a court of law.

 

In Shah Bano Begum Judgement of 1985, where a divorced Muslim woman demanded maintenance from her former husband, the apex court while deciding whether to give prevalence to the CrPC or the Muslim personal law, called for the implementation of the UCC.

Constituent Assembly say about UCC:

• The UCC had been recommended by the authors of the Indian Constitution under the Directive Principles of State Policy.
• For –R.Ambedkar, the chief architect of the Indian Constitution, stressed the importance of a UCC in ensuring gender equality and eradicating prevailing social evils.
• Other distinguished members of the Constituent Assembly such as Alladi Krishnaswamy Ayyar and K.M. Munshi also advocated the enactment of a UCC.
• Against –Many other members including Nazirrudin Ahmad were against it.
• They claimed that the religious laws of different communities should not be tampered with, without their consent.
• Since a consensus on a UCC could not be reached in the Constituent Assembly, UCC was placed under the Directive Principles.

The Sarla Mudgal case was another instance where the Supreme Court invoked Article 44 to direct the government. This case questioned whether a Hindu husband, married under Hindu law, could solemnize a second marriage after converting to Islam. The Supreme Court held that adopting Islam for a second marriage was an abuse of personal laws and declared it an offense under Section 494 of the Indian Penal Code. In the John Vallamattom Case, a Kerala priest challenged Section 118 of the Indian Succession Act, which he deemed discriminatory against Christians. The Supreme Court struck down this section as unconstitutional and highlighted the regret that Article 44 of the Constitution, which calls for a UCC, had not been implemented.

YEIDA okays detailed project report of Mathura Heritage City:

The Heritage City in Mathura will consist of a theme-based heritage centre, yoga wellness centre, convention centre, hotel, Haat for local art and artisans etc.

• According to Uttar Pradesh government, Mathura-Vrindavan, one of India’s largest pilgrimage centres, aims to become a “net zero carbon emission” tourist destination by 2041.

Mathura-Vrindavan Pilgrimage Centre:

1. Tourist vehicles will be banned from the entire Braj region, which includes famous pilgrim centres such as Vrindavan and Krishna Janmabhoomi.
2. Instead, only electric vehicles used as public transport will be allowed into the area.
3. All 252 waterbodies and 24 forests in the area will also be revived.
4. According to the plan, the Braj region’s annual pilgrim-tourist footfall is expected to multiply from the current level of 2.3 crore to six crore by 2041.
5. To attain a net zero carbon emission status, greenhouse gas emissions must be reduced to as close to zero as possible, with any remaining emissions re-absorbed from the atmosphere, by oceans and forests for instance.
6. To facilitate this in Mathura-Vrindavan, the plan divides the entire region into four clusters, each containing two of the eight key cities.
7. The plan proposes to form small circuits called ‘Parikrama Paths’ which the pilgrim can undertake either on foot or using electric vehicles.

MATHURA-VRINDAVAN:

• It is located on the banks of the river Yamuna.
• It is situated the birthplace of Lord Krishna.
• The entire land is dotted with magnificent temples, dedicated to various aspects of his life.
• Some of the famous temples are:Govind Dev Temple, Rangaji Temple, Dwarikadhish Temple, Bankey Bihari Temple and the ISKCON Temple.
• Gokul, Barsana and Goverdhanare the other township associated with the legend of Lord Krishna.

Mathura school of art The Mathura School of Art flourished mostly during the reign of Kushana ruler Kanishka in the first century AD. Mathura School grew up on its own. Mathura was the traditional centre of output for this school, with Sarnath and Kosambi also playing key roles. Spotted red sandstone was utilised in the construction of this school. During the Gupta period, in the 6th or 7th century, this art achieved its pinnacle. The representations of Buddha, Bodhisattvas, Vishnu, Shiva, Yakshas, Yakshinis, Jinas, and others found in the Mathura school depict the city’s life and assimilation character as a result of Brahmanism, Jainism, and Buddhism’s religious fervour. Mathura art was notable for its Jina image and indigenous style of Buddha’s image. In the artwork, the Mathura School used a lot of symbolism. Avayudhas were used to depict the Hindu gods. Shiva, for example, is represented by linga and mukhalinga. Similarly, the halo around Buddha’s head is bigger and adorned with geometrical patterns than in the Gandhara School. Padmapani holds a lotus and Vajrapani holds a thunderbolt, and Buddha is encircled by two Bodhisattvas.

Criminal defamation:

Criminal defamation is a type of crime where a person makes a false statement about someone else that harms their reputation and does so intentionally or with reckless disregard for the truth. This false statement must be communicated to others, either in writing or verbally. 

Defamation Law in India: In India, defamation is categorised as either criminal or civil, and both types are covered by the Indian Penal Code (IPC) and the Code of Civil Procedure (CPC). Defamation is an offence under both the civil and criminal law. In Civil law, defamation is punishable under the Law of Torts by imposing punishment in the form of damages to be awarded to the claimant.  Under the Criminal law, Defamation is a bailable, non-cognizable offence and compoundable offences. The Indian Penal Code punishes the offence with a simple imprisonment up to two years, or with fine, or both.

 

CONSTITUTIONAL PROVISIONS: Article 19(2) has imposed reasonable exemption to freedom of speech and expression granted under Article 19(1) (a). Contempt of court, defamation and incitement to an offence are some exceptions. Fundamental Rights vis-i-vis Defamation: It is often argued that defamation laws are a violation of fundamental rights guaranteed under Article 19 of the constitution. The Supreme Court has ruled that the criminal provisions of defamation are constitutionally valid and are not in conflict with the right to free speech. The court also held that the freedom of speech and expression is “absolutely sacrosanct” and is not absolute. The right to life under Article 21 shall also include the right to reputation of a person and cannot be allowed to crucify by other’s right of free speech.

LEGAL PROVISIONS OF DEFAMATION: Section 499 of the Indian Penal Code (IPC): It states defamation could be through words, spoken or intended to be read, through signs, and also through visible representations. Explanation 2 to Section 499 of the Indian Penal Code provides that criminal defamation extends to a “collection of persons”. Exceptions under Section 499: These include “imputation of truth” which is required for the “public good” and thus has to be published, on the public conduct of government officials, the conduct of any person touching any public question and merits of the public performance. Punishment under Section 500 of IPC: “Whoever defames another shall be punished with simple imprisonment for a term which may extend to two years, or with fine, or with both.”

SUPREME COURT’S DIRECTIVES: In the Subramanian Swamy vs Union of India Case: The Supreme Court said that the fundamental right to freedom of speech and expression must be balanced against the right to reputation. The Court also stated that the offence of criminal defamation does not violate freedom of speech and expression under Article 19 (1) (a) of the Constitution and is a proportionate or reasonable restriction as per the law laid down in Article 19 (2). The Court also said that while the right to free speech and dissent exist in a democracy, it cannot mean that a citizen can defame another as protection of reputation is a fundamental right as well as a human right.

Industrial Corridors:

Industrial corridors play a vital role in India’s economic development by promoting industrialization, attracting investments, and creating employment opportunities. These strategically planned stretches of land are designed to support industrial activities and associated infrastructure. Industrial corridors aim to leverage locational advantages and foster regional connectivity. 

Need for Industrial Corridors:

• The different sectors of an economy are inter-dependent on each other.
• Industrial corridors, recognizing this inter-dependence, offer effective integration between industry and infrastructure, leading to overall economic and social development.
• According to the World Economic Forum, about 35% of the projected growth in the world’s urban population until 2050 will come from India, China, and Nigeria, combined.
• A study titled ‘India’s Urban System: Sustainability and Imbalanced Growth of Cities’, points to the fact that million-plus cities in India increased in number from 5 (with a share of the total urban population of 18.81%) in 1951 to 23 (32.54% of the urban population) in 1991, and to 53 (42.62% of the urban population) in 2011, whereas the share of small and medium cities in total urban population registered a consistent decline over the years.

Industrial Corridors and Infrastructure Development Industrial corridors constitute world-class infrastructure, such as: High-speed transportation network – rail and road Ports with state-of-the-art cargo handling equipment Modern airports Special economic regions/industrial areas Logistic parks/transhipment hubs Knowledge parks focused on catering to industrial needs Complementary infrastructure such as townships/real estate Other urban infrastructure along with enabling policy framework

Industrial Corridors in India Delhi Mumbai Industrial Corridor (DMIC) Chennai Bengaluru Industrial Corridor (CBIC) Extension of CBIC to Kochi via Coimbatore Amritsar Kolkata Industrial Corridor (AKIC) Hyderabad Nagpur Industrial Corridor (HNIC) Hyderabad Warangal Industrial Corridor (HWIC) Hyderabad Bengaluru Industrial Corridor (HBIC) Bengaluru Mumbai Industrial Corridor (BMIC) East Coast Economic Corridor (ECEC) with Vizag Chennai Industrial Corridor (VCIC) as Phase-1 Odisha Economic Corridor (OEC) Delhi Nagpur Industrial Corridor (DNIC)

PM GatiShakti Plan:

1. National Industrial Corridor projects are getting developed on the overall framework of PM GatiShakti – National Master Plan to provide a systematic, multi modal connectivity to various economic zones for a seamless movement of people, goods and services resulting in efficient conduct of logistics and economic activities.
2. The development of major industrial corridor projects will be implemented through the National Industrial Corridor Development and Implementation Trust (NICDIT).

National Industrial Corridor Development Programme: National Industrial Corridor Development Programme is India’s most ambitious infrastructure programme aiming to develop new industrial cities as “Smart Cities” and converging next generation technologies across infrastructure sectors. Government of India is developing various industrial corridor projects as part of the National Industrial Corridor Programme which is aimed at development of futuristic industrial cities in India which can compete with the best manufacturing and investment destinations in the world.

Navy secures release of fishing vessel with crew of 11 Iranians, 8 Pakistanis:

FV Omaril, an Iranian-flagged Vessel, had been boarded by seven pirates who had taken the crew as hostages, the Indian Navy said.

• The Indian Navy foiled a piracy attempt on an Iranian-flagged fishing vessel, FV Omaril, off the east coast of Somalia on February 2 and ensured the release of the crew — 11 Iranian and eight Pakistani nationals — along with the boat.
• “Information regarding piracy attempt on fishing vessel FV Omarilwas monitored on January 31. The Indian naval remotely piloted aircraft (RPA), undertaking surveillance in the area, successfully located FV Omaril, and INS Sharda, deployed for anti-piracy mission in the region, was diverted to intercept the boat,” the Navy said in a statement

Maritime Piracy:

As per the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), maritime piracy is when people on a private boat or ship commit crimes like kidnapping, violence, or robbery for personal gain.

1. UNCLOS is an international treaty which was adopted and signed in 1982 in Montego Bay, Jamaica
2. It lays down a comprehensive regime of law and order in the world’s oceans and seas establishing rules governing all uses of the oceans and their resources.

This happens on the open sea and is targeted at another vessel or its people and property.

1. The Regional Cooperation Agreement on Combating Piracy and Armed Robbery against Ships in Asia (ReCAAP) is the first government-to-government agreement that addresses the incidence of piracy and armed robbery in Asia. The ReCAAP initiative aims to enhance multilateral cooperation among sixteen regional countries.
2. The United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) is an international agreement that establishes a legal framework for marine and maritime activities. It was adopted in 1982 and defines the rights and obligations of States Parties with respect to the maritime environment.

Salient features of Mathura Art:

1. Buddha image – Buddha was never represented in a human form at any of Sanchi, Bharhut, or Gaya prior to the founding of this school.
2. Themes – Only symbols, such as two footprints or a wheel, were used to represent Buddha. Mathura artists continued to depict symbols at first, but the human figure of Buddha gradually emerged as a separate school of art.
3. This depiction of the human Buddha was based on Yaksha representations.
4. Early depictions of the Buddha and Bodhisattva are plump, joyful beings with no spirituality. They have a blocky appearance and a smooth, close-fitting robe that is virtually entirely free of wrinkles.
5. Patrons – The Mathura statues are related to earlier yaksa (male nature deity) figures, with a strong resemblance to the early Kushn period’s massive standing Buddha representations.
6. Features of sculpture – The overall impact of them, as well as the more traditional seated Buddhas, is one of great force. The shoulders are broad, the chest expands, and the legs are planted firmly with feet split apart.
7. Images were more sensuous and flashier in the second century AD, with increasing rotundness. By the third century AD, the extreme fleshiness had subsided, and the surface features had become more polished.
8. The shaved head, the protuberance on the top of the head indicated by a tiered spiral, a round smiling face, the right arm raised in abhaya-mudra (reassurance gesture), the left arm akimbo or resting on the thigh, the drapery closely moulding the body and arranged in folds over the left arm, leaving the right shoulder bare, and the presence of the lion throne rather than the lotus throne are
9. The halo around Buddha’s head was lavishly adorned.
10. The Mathura school etched out both the sitting and standing postures of Buddha and Bodhisattvas. The Sravasti Sarnath and Kaushambi Standing Buddhas are the best examples of Buddha images under this style.
11. The later evolution of Buddha’s Human form was linked to human beauty and heroic values.
12. Type of sandstone – Spotted red sandstone was utilized in the construction of this school.
13. Vaishnava and Shiva images – At Mathura, pictures of the Vaishnava and Shaiva faiths can also be seen, but Buddhist ones predominate.
14. Women’s position in Mathura’s art – The woman was at the center of the painting, and there are few works of Indian art that can match the gorgeous feminine figures created by the Mathura artists in terms of beauty, delicacy, and appeal.