GS PAPER I
Dholavira, the Harappan City
Why in News
Recently, UNESCO declared Dholavira, the Harappan City, as the 40th World Heritage Sites of India.
Key Points
- India’s nomination of Dholavira, the Harappan City in the Rann of Kutch, Gujarat has been inscribed on UNESCO’s World Heritage list.
- India submitted the nomination dossier for Dholavira: A Harappan City to the World Heritage Centre in January, 2020. The site was on the UNESCO’s tentative list since 2014.
- In its release, UNESCO termed Dholavira as one of the most remarkable and well-preserved urban settlements in South Asia dating from the 3rd to mid-2nd millennium BCE (Before Common Era).
- Since the excavation at the site, the ASI has developed a museum here. Near the ancient city is a fossil park where wood fossils are preserved.
- The union minister for Culture was referring to the countries that have 40 or more World Heritage sites and apart from India, this now contains Italy, Spain, Germany, China and France.
Dholavira Site
- Dholavira: a Harappan city, is one of the very few well preserved urban settlements in South Asia dating from the 3rd to mid-2nd millennium BCE.
- The Indus Valley Civilisation (IVC) acropolis is located on a hillock near present-day Dholavira village in Kutch district, from which it gets its name.
- It was discovered in 1968 by archaeologist Jagat Pati Joshi. The site’s excavation between 1990 and 2005 under the supervision of archaeologist Ravindra Singh Bisht uncovered the ancient city, which was a commercial and manufacturing hub for about 1,500 years before its decline and eventual ruin in 1500 BC.
- After Mohen-jo-Daro, Ganweriwala and Harappa in Pakistan and Rakhigarhi in Haryana of India, Dholavira is the fifth largest metropolis of IVC.
- The site has a fortified citadel, a middle town and a lower town with walls made of sandstone or limestone instead of mud bricks in many other Harappan sites.
- Archaeologist Bisht cites a cascading series of water reservoirs, outer fortification, two multi-purpose grounds, one of which was used for festivities and as a marketplace, nine gates with unique designs, and funerary architecture featuring tumulus, hemispherical structures like the Buddhist Stupas, are some of the unique features of the Dholavira site.
- Unlike graves at other IVC sites, no mortal remains of humans have been discovered at Dholavira.
Other Harappa sites in Gujarat
- Lothal, in Saragwala village on the bank of Sabarmati in Dholka taluka of Ahmedabad district, was the most prominent site of IVC in Gujarat.
- It was excavated between 1955 and 1960 and was discovered to be an important port city of the ancient civilisation, with structures made of mud bricks.
- From a graveyard in Lothal, 21 human skeletons were found. Foundries for making copperware were also discovered. Ornaments made of semi-precious stones, gold etc. were also found from the site.
- Besides Lothal, Rangpur on the bank of Bhadar river in Surendranagar district was the first Harappan site in the state to be excavated.
- Rojdi in Rajkot district, Prabhas near Veraval in Gir Somnath district, Lakhabaval in Jamnagar, and Deshalpar in Bhuj taluka of Kutch are among other Harappan sites in the state.
World Heritage Sites in India
- With this successful nomination, India has 40 world heritage properties overall, which includes 32 cultural, 7 natural and one mixed property.
- The Minister also observed how India has added 10 new world Heritage sites since 2014, and this is testimony to the Prime Minister’s steadfast commitment in promoting Indian culture, heritage and the Indian way of life.
- Cultural World Heritage Sites in India are: Agra Fort (1983); Ajanta Caves (1983); Archaeological Site of Nalanda Mahavihara at Nalanda, Bihar (2016); Buddhist Monuments at Sanchi (1989); Champaner-Pavagadh Archaeological Park (2004); Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus (formerly Victoria Terminus) (2004); Churches and Convents of Goa (1986); Dholavira: a Harappan City (2021); Elephanta Caves (1987); Ellora Caves (1983); Fatehpur Sikri (1986); Great Living Chola Temples (1987,2004); Group of Monuments at Hampi (1986); Group of Monuments at Mahabalipuram (1984); Group of Monuments at Pattadakal (1987); Hill Forts of Rajasthan (2013); Historic City of Ahmadabad (2017); Humayun’s Tomb, Delhi (1993); Jaipur City, Rajasthan (2019); Kakatiya Rudreshwara (Ramappa) Temple, Telangana (2021); Khajuraho Group of Monuments (1986); Mahabodhi Temple Complex at Bodh Gaya (2002); Mountain Railways of India (1999,2005,2008); Qutb Minar and its Monuments, Delhi (1993); Rani-ki-Vav (the Queen’s Stepwell) at Patan, Gujarat (2014); Red Fort Complex (2007); Rock Shelters of Bhimbetka (2003); Sun Temple, Konârak (1984); Taj Mahal (1983); The Architectural Work of Le Corbusier, an Outstanding Contribution to the Modern Movement (2016); The Jantar Mantar, Jaipur (2010) and Victorian Gothic and Art Deco Ensembles of Mumbai (2018).
- Natural World Heritage Sites in India are: Great Himalayan National Park Conservation Area (2014), Kaziranga National Park (1985); Keoladeo National Park (1985); Manas Wildlife Sanctuary (1985); Nanda Devi and Valley of Flowers National Parks (1988,2005); Sundarbans National Park (1987) and Western Ghats (2012).
- Mixed World Heritage Sites in India is Khangchendzonga National Park (2016).
United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO)
- The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) is a specialised agency of the United Nations (UN) founded in 1945 as the successor to the League of Nations’ International Committee on Intellectual Cooperation.
- It aimed at promoting world peace and security through international cooperation in education, the sciences, and culture.
- It has 193 member states and 11 associate members as well as partners in the non-governmental, inter-governmental, and private sector.
- Headquartered at the World Heritage Centre in Paris, France, UNESCO has 53 regional field offices and 199 national commissions that facilitate its global mandate.
- UNESCO’s programmes contribute to the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals defined in Agenda 2030, adopted by the UN General Assembly in 2015.
GS PAPER II
Inter-state Border Dispute
Why in News
As per available information, there are boundary disputes arising out of demarcation of boundaries and claims and counter claims over territories between Haryana-Himachal Pradesh, UT of Ladakh-Himachal Pradesh, Maharashtra-Karnataka, Assam-Arunachal Pradesh, Assam-Nagaland, Assam-Meghalaya and Assam-Mizoram.
Key Points
- The approach of the Central Government has consistently been that inter-state disputes can be resolved only with the cooperation of the State Governments concerned and that the Central Government acts only as a facilitator for amicable settlement of the dispute in the spirit of mutual understanding.
Assam-Mizoram border dispute
- At the heart of the dispute over the 165-km Assam-Mizoram boundary are two border demarcations that go back to the days of British colonial rule, and disagreement over which demarcation to follow.
- But in 1933, the boundary between Lushai Hills and the then princely state of Manipur was demarcated, it said the Manipur boundary began from the trijunction of Lushai Hills, Cachar district of Assam and Manipur state.
- The Mizos do not accept this demarcation, and point to the 1875 boundary which was drawn in consultation with their chiefs.
- In the decades after Independence, states and UTs were carved out of Assam, Nagaland (1963), Arunachal Pradesh (UT 1972, formerly NEFA), Meghalaya (UT 1972), Mizoram (UT 1972).
- According to an agreement between Mizoram and Assam, status quo was to be maintained in the no man’s land in the border area.
- But in February 2018, there was violence when students’ union MZP (Mizo Zirlai Pawl) built a wooden rest house for farmers on land that was claimed by Assam and which was demolished by Assam Police.
- Again, October 2020, clashes erupted twice in a week over construction in Lailapur (Assam) on land claimed by Mizoram.
Constitutional Provisions related to Inter-state Relations
- Article 262 of the Indian Constitution deals with the “Adjudication of disputes relating to waters of inter-State rivers or river valleys”.
- Article 263 of the Indian Constitution deals with the “Establishment of an Inter-State Council to effect coordination between the states and between Centre and states”.
- Article 131 of the Indian Constitution “provides original jurisdiction to the Supreme Court to resolve dispute between the Union and states and inter-State”.
- Article 136 of the Indian Constitution empowers the Supreme Court to adjudicate on the earlier ruling by the other courts or any other Tribunal can be challenged.
- Entry 17 of the state list of Schedule VII of the Indian Constitution deals with the power of states to legislate (under State list) with respect to water (water supplies, irrigation and canals, drainage and embankments, water storage and water power).
- Entry 56 of the union list of Schedule VII of the Indian Constitution deals with the “Regulation & development of inter-State rivers and river valleys”.
- In addition, the zonal councils have been established by the Parliament to promote inter-state cooperation and coordination.
GS PAPER II
Commission of Inquiry
Why in news
The West Bengal government has set up a Commission of Inquiry into the alleged surveillance of phones using the Pegasus spyware developed by the Israeli cyber-intelligence company NSO Group.
Key Points
- The Commission, comprising former Supreme Court Justice and former Calcutta High Court Justice, will look into the alleged breach of privacy of several individuals like journalists, activists, businesspersons, police officials, politicians, both in the government and the opposition.
- The Commission will “enquire into and report on inter alia the reported Interception and the possession, storage and use of such information collected through such Interception, in the hands of State actors and non-State actors.”
Commissions of Inquiry Act, 1952
- Under the Commissions of Inquiry Act, 1952, a Commission set up by the government shall have the powers of a civil court, while trying a suit under the Code of Civil Procedure, 1908.
- It means that the Commission has powers to summon and enforce the attendance of any person from any part of India and examine her on oath, and receive evidence, and it can order requisition of any public record or copy from any court or office.
- Under Section 5 of the Act, the Commission also has the power to require any person, subject to any privilege which may be claimed by that person under any law for the time being in force, to furnish information on such points or matters that, in the opinion of the Commission, may be useful for, or relevant to, the subject matter of the inquiry.
- Under Section 2(a) of the 1952 Act, Commissions set up by the central government can make an inquiry into any matter relatable to any of the entries in List I (Union List) or List II (State List) or List III (Concurrent List) in the Seventh Schedule to the Constitution, while Commissions set up by state governments can look into entries in List II or List III.
- Entry 31 of the Union List or List I deal with posts and telegraphs, telephones, wireless, broadcasting and other like forms of communication.
- In the Pegasus inquiry commission, the West Bengal government has cited public order and police entries. While these subjects are in the State List, an argument could also be made that the subject matter of the inquiry essentially falls under the Central List.
GS PAPER II
Marine Aids to Navigation Bill 2021
Why in News
Parliament passed the Marine Aids to Navigation Bill 2021, which aims to replace over 90-year-old Lighthouse Act 1927.
Key Points
- Marine Aids to Navigation Bill 2021 is part of the proactive approach adopted by the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways by repealing colonial laws and replacing them with legislations catering to modern and contemporary needs of the maritime industry.
- The bill aims to adopt state-of-the-art technologies of marine navigation which were not covered under the statutory provisions of the old Lighthouse Act 1927.
Background
- The administration and management of Lighthouse and Lightships in India is governed by Lighthouse Act 1927 for safe navigation.
- At the time of enactment of Lighthouse Act 1927, there were only 32 Lighthouses in the then British India spread across six regions viz. Aden, Karachi, Bombay, Madras, Calcutta and Rangoon.
- Post-Independence, 17 Lighthouses came under the administrative control of India, which have now increased manifold to meet the growing needs of the shipping industry.
- Presently, there are 195 Lighthouses and number of advanced radio and digital aids to navigation administered under the Act.
- Lighthouses have been globally identified as a major tourist attraction due to scenic location, typical architecture and heritage value.
Objective of Marine Aids to Navigation Bill 2021
- To incorporate the global best practices, technological developments and India’s International obligations in the field of Marine Aids to Navigation;
- To fulfil the vision of India to make the legislative framework user-friendly and to promote ease of doing business.
Significance
- The new Act will facilitate harmonized and effective functioning of aids to marine navigation and Vessel Traffic Services along the Indian coastline. The benefits include:
- Improved Legal Framework for Matters related to Aids to Navigation & Vessel Traffic Services and covers the future developments in the field of Marine Navigation.
- Management of ‘Vessel Traffic Services’ for enhancing the safety and efficiency of shipping and to protect environment.
- Skill development through Training and Certification for the operators of ‘Aids to Navigation’ and ‘Vessel Traffic Services’ at par with International standards.
- Auditing and Accreditation of Institutes to cater to the need of Training and Certification at par with global standards.
- Marking of “Wreck” in general waters to identify sunken / stranded vessels for safe and efficient navigation.
- Development of Lighthouses for the purpose of education, culture and tourism, which would tap the tourism potential of coastal regions and contribute to their economy.
Need of the Act
- The need for enactment of a new Act is necessitated to provide an appropriate statutory framework which reflects the modern role of marine aids to navigation, and
- To be in compliance with India’s obligations under International Conventions.
GS PAPER III
Unemployment rate in India
Why in News
According to the Periodic Labour Force Survey (PLFS) conducted by National Statistical Office (NSO), Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation during 2019-20, women unemployment rate falls to 4.2% in 2019-20 from 5.1% in 2018-19.
Key Points
- Labour Force Participation Rate (LFPR) for the persons aged 15 years and above on usual status (principal status + subsidiary status) basis.
- LFPR for women has increased from 24.5% in 2018-19 to 30.0% in 2019-20.
- The unemployment rate for women has come down from 5.1% in 2018-19 to 4.2% in 2019-20.
Initiatives to encourage employment of women
- Government has taken several initiatives to improve women’s participation in the labour force.
- In order to encourage employment of women, a number of protective provisions have been incorporated in the labour laws for creating congenial work environment for women workers.
- These include:
- Enhancement in paid maternity leave from 12 weeks to 26 weeks,
- Provision for mandatory crèche facility in the establishments having 50 or more employees, permitting women workers in the night shifts with adequate safety measures, etc.
- Government has taken a decision to allow the employment of women in the aboveground mines including opencast workings between 7 pm and 6 am and in below ground working between 6 am and 7 pm in technical, supervisory and managerial work where continuous presence may not be required.
- Further, in order to enhance the employability of female workers, the Government is providing training to them through a network of Women Industrial Training institutes, National Vocational Training Institutes and Regional Vocational Training Institutes.
- Various steps have taken for generating employment in the country like encouraging various projects involving substantial investment and increasing public expenditure on schemes like Prime Minister’s Employment Generation Programme (PMEGP), Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme (MGNREGS), Pt. DeenDayal Upadhyaya Grameen Kaushalya Yojana (DDU-GKY) and Deendayal Antodaya Yojana-National Urban Livelihoods Mission (DAY-NULM).
Women role in Atmanirbhar Bharat Rozgar Yojana (ABRY) Scheme
- Atmanirbhar Bharat Rozgar Yojana (ABRY) Scheme has been launched with effect from 1st October 2020 to incentivize creation of new employment along with social security benefits and restoration of loss of employment.
- This scheme reduces the financial burden of the employers and encourages them to hire more workers.
- Under ABRY, Government of India is providing for a period of two years both the employees’ share (12% of wages) and employer’s share (12% of wages) of contribution payable or only the employees’ share, depending on employment strength of the EPFO registered establishments.
- As on 12th July 2021, total benefit of around Rs.993 crores have been given through 84,390 establishments covering more than 22 lakh beneficiaries including 5.88 lakh women beneficiaries.
Women role in Pradhan Mantri Mudra Yojana (PMMY)
- Pradhan Mantri Mudra Yojana (PMMY) has been initiated by Government inter alia, for facilitating self-employment.
- Under PMMY collateral free loans upto Rs. 10 lakhs, are extended to micro/small business enterprises and to individuals to enable them to setup or expand their business activities.
- About 70% of the loans have been given to women entrepreneurs.
Women role in Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme (MGNREGS)
- Government has increased MGNREGA wage to Rs. 202 a day from Rs. 182 to benefit nearly 13.62 crore families.
- Out of total employment generated (in person days) under MGNREGS, women share has increased from around 145.35 crore person days in FY 2019-20 to around 207 crore person days in the FY 2020-21.
Periodic Labour Force Survey (PLFS)
- The PLFS is an annual survey conducted by the National Statistical Office.
- It was started in 2017 and it essentially maps the state of employment in the country.
- It collects data on several variables such as the level of unemployment, the types of employment and their respective shares, the wages earned from different types of jobs, the number of hours worked etc.