How Indian assimilation and secularism is better than French?

Syllabus: Effects of Globalization on Indian Society/ Social Empowerment, Communalism, Regionalism & Secularism

In News

After the police killed a teenager of Algerian descent named Nahel in Nanterre, France, violent protests erupted across the country.

France’s ethnic composition:

• France stands as one of the most racially and ethnically diverse countries in Europe.
• Approximately 32% of France’s population under 60 can trace their ancestry to countries outside Europe, especially Africa, making it a melting pot of diverse cultural backgrounds.

The French African colonies:

• Formal French presence in Africa began with the capture of Madagascar in 1642 and the establishment of a port at Saint-Louis (present-day Senegal) in 1659.
• The motivation behind this colonial expansion was to secure access to commodities like gum Arabic and groundnuts, as well as participate in the trans-Atlantic slave trade.
• A second phase of French colonization began with the invasion of Algiers in 1830, leading to the acquisition of territories such as Algeria, Morocco, Senegal, Mali, Burkina Faso, Benin, Guinea, Ivory Coast, and Niger by the early 20th century.
• Most of France’s African colonies gained independence by 1962.

The root cause behind the killing:

• Systemic racism in French policing: Young men of Black or North African descent are subjected to police identity checks at a rate 20 times higher than the rest of the population.
• Continuing France’s Sphere of Influence and Migration:
• Critics argue that France’s exploitative relationship with its former colonies persists, involving political interventions, military presence, and economically extractive processes.
• This situation has led to continued impoverishment in Africa and migration to Europe, with France being a preferred destination due to assured minimum wages and workers’ rights.

The failure of assimilation:

• After World War II, France faced labor shortages and attracted cheap labor from its colonies, resulting in a thriving African population in the country, many of whom are now naturalized citizens.
• France’s approach to assimilation, seeking to integrate its diverse population into a “French ideal” while downplaying cultural differences, has caused deep tensions in society.
• Discrimination: African immigrants in France often face economic challenges, including low levels of education, high unemployment rates, and higher crime rates, which contribute to the brunt of police violence they experience, compounded by racial biases.

Lessons to be learned from India:

• Secularism: India’s model of secularism promotes unity in diversity, allowing for peaceful coexistence of various cultures, growth, and development.
• Unity in diversity: India’s approach to national integration and recognition of diverse identities fosters a “salad bowl” metaphor, where different cultures can coexist while maintaining their unique identities.

Conclusion: 

In the era of globalization and increased migration, embracing diversity and adopting a “salad bowl” approach can contribute to societal harmony and a more inclusive future.

Comparison of Affirmative Action in India and the USA

Syllabus: Comparision of the Constitution of India with other countries

In News

The Supreme Court of the United States (SCOTUS) recently made a ruling on affirmative action in college admissions, placing limits on its use. In this section, we will compare the affirmative action policies of India and the USA.

Meaning of Affirmative Action:

Affirmative action refers to policies and practices aimed at promoting equal opportunities for historically disadvantaged groups, particularly in areas such as education, employment, and government contracts. It involves proactive measures to address past discrimination and foster diversity and inclusion. Such actions can include preferential treatment, quotas, or targeted outreach programs to ensure representation and equal access to opportunities for underrepresented groups.

Comparison of affirmative action in India and the United States:

• Dimension Affirmative Action in India Affirmative Action in the USA
• Purpose Address historical social and economic inequalities based on caste Address historical discrimination based on race
• Targeted Groups Scheduled Castes (SC), Scheduled Tribes (ST), Other Backward Classes (OBC) African Americans, Hispanics, Native Americans, Asian Americans
• Reservation System Reservation quota policies provide reserved seats in education, employment, and politics Quota systems are not used. Instead, diversity and inclusive policies are encouraged in admission practices to increase the representation of Black, Hispanic, and other minority students in colleges and universities.
• Origin William Hunter and Jyotirao Phule in 1882 originally conceived the idea of a caste-based reservation system. The Indian constitution’s fundamental right under Articles 15(4) and 16(4) Civil Rights Act of 1964, which bans discrimination on various grounds.
• Reservation Percentage Fixed at 50% (Indra Sawhney judgment) for OBC, SC & ST in both employment and education No fixed percentage. It depends on the institution or program and varies for different states of the USA.
• Criteria for Eligibility Caste-based identity; Social, education, and economic (EWS quota) backwardness Race, ethnicity, and historical disadvantage
• Duration Originally intended as a temporary measure in the Indian constitution but extended to achieve social justice Continues to evolve based on societal changes and legal interpretations
• Controversies The debate over extending reservations to other communities and concerns about reverse discrimination e.g., 2006 Anti-Reservation Protests; Patel and Jats demanding reservation Controversies around the misuse of affirmative policies.

The Argument for Affirmative Action:

Affirmative action is considered a necessary policy to rectify long-standing historical injustices faced by marginalized communities. It provides them with access to education, jobs, and public services, enabling social mobility and breaking the cycle of poverty. By promoting diversity and inclusion, reservation contributes to a more equitable and harmonious society.

Argument Against Affirmative Actions:

While the intention of affirmative action is laudable, it has some unintended consequences. Reservation can lead to divisions and animosity among different groups, and it may perpetuate the notion of caste in society. It also hampers meritocracy, as deserving candidates may be overlooked in favor of less qualified candidates from reserved categories. Instead, a more targeted and comprehensive approach addressing economic backwardness could be considered.

Way Forward:

To strike a balance, affirmative policies should be reevaluated to target the most marginalized and economically disadvantaged individuals rather than perpetuating caste-based reservations. A strong focus on quality education and skill development for all, regardless of caste or creed, will empower the marginalized and ensure equal opportunities.

Conclusion:

Public awareness and dialogue on the purpose and implementation of reservation are essential to foster understanding and cooperation among diverse sections of society. A thoughtful and inclusive approach to affirmative action can contribute to a more just and progressive society.

Impact of CSR funds

Syllabus: Development process and the development industry/ Corporate governance

In News

The Ministry of Corporate Affairs (MCA) has raised concerns about the limited impact of corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiatives, despite a notable increase in CSR spending in recent years.

Definition of CSR:

CSR involves businesses committing to incorporate social and environmental concerns into their operational practices. In April 2014, India became the first country to make CSR mandatory following an amendment to the Companies Act, 2013. According to this provision, companies are required to invest at least 2% of their net profit from the previous three years in areas such as education, poverty alleviation, gender equality, and hunger, as part of their CSR compliance. The significance lies in recognizing every company’s moral responsibility to actively contribute to social causes, provided it aligns with the company’s financial well-being.

CSR Trends in India:

• Since the implementation of the mandatory CSR provision in 2014, CSR spending by corporate India has seen a substantial increase. For instance, CSR spending reached Rs 26,210 crore in FY21, marking an 80% growth since FY16. Various sectors have received CSR funding, with the education sector being the top recipient (38%), followed by hunger, poverty, and healthcare (25%), environmental sustainability (12%), and rural development (11%).

Examples of CSR in India:

Prominent companies in India have undertaken impactful CSR initiatives:

• Tata Group: Engages in women empowerment, income generation, rural community development, and other social welfare programs.
• Ultratech Cement: Organizes medical camps, immunization programs, sanitation drives, water conservation efforts, and organic farming programs.
• Mahindra & Mahindra: Operates programs like Nanhi Kali focusing on girls’ education, Mahindra Pride Schools for industrial training, and Lifeline Express for healthcare services in remote areas

Concerns regarding CSR funds:

• Limited Impact: The impact of CSR funds is not widely felt, raising questions about the effectiveness of the initiatives.
• Negligible Spending: Certain critical areas such as technology incubators, sports, and armed forces, as well as initiatives aimed at reducing inequalities, saw minimal allocation of CSR funds.
• Regional Disparities: The Companies Act requires companies to prioritize areas around their operations while allocating CSR funds, which may lead to regional imbalances.

Way ahead:

To address these concerns and maximize the positive impact of CSR initiatives, companies should consider the following steps:

• Long-term Approach: Adopt a long-term approach to CSR investments to ensure productive and sustainable results.
• Visibility and Impact: Enhance the visibility and impact of the invested funds through strategic planning and execution.
• Balancing Investments: Strike the right balance between capital investments and operational expenses to optimize the utilization of CSR funds.
• Self-sustainability: Ensure that the initiatives undertaken become self-sustaining, functioning seamlessly without burdening the companies.
• Risk Management: Implement a robust risk management framework to make CSR projects sustainable and effective.
• National Priorities: Strike a balance between local area preferences and national priorities to avoid disproportionate concentration of CSR funds in specific regions.

Conclusion:

The focus should be on creating a well-structured CSR framework that effectively utilizes funds for the betterment of the community. By adopting a comprehensive and thoughtful approach, companies can make a lasting and meaningful impact on the areas they choose to support.

Dharma Chakra Day

In News

During the Dharma Chakra Pravartan Divas celebrations, the President of India emphasized the significance of Buddha’s teachings and urged the youth to draw inspiration from them.

Key highlights of the event:

• Importance of Sheel, Sadhachar, and Pragya: The President stressed the importance of following Sheel (character), Sadhachar (good conduct), and Pragya (wisdom) to empower the younger generation and make a positive impact on society.
• Awarding of Construction Contract: The event also saw the awarding of the construction contract for the India International Centre for Buddhist Culture and Heritage in Lumbini, Nepal.

What is Dharma Chakra?

The Dharma Chakra, also known as the wheel of dharma, is a widely recognized symbol in Indian religions, including Hinduism, Jainism, and Buddhism. In Buddhism, it specifically represents the Buddha’s teachings (Dharma) and the universal moral order.

About Dharma Chakra Day:

Dharma Chakra Day is celebrated to commemorate Buddha’s first teaching after attaining enlightenment. It falls on the full moon day of Asadha in the Indian sun calendar and is considered the second most sacred day for Buddhists after Buddha Poornima (Vesak). The day commemorates the Dhamma Cakka-Pavattana Sutta, which includes the Four Noble Truths and the Noble Eightfold Path. It also marks the beginning of the Rainy Season retreat for monks and nuns.

Additionally, Dharma Chakra Day is observed as Guru Purnima by both Buddhists and Hindus. Guru Purnima falls on a full-moon day in the Hindu month of Ashadh and is dedicated to Maharshi Veda Vyasa, the editor of the Vedas and creator of Hindu scriptures. It also marks Lord Buddha’s first sermon delivered at Sarnath on the same day. The occasion is believed to mark the onset of the monsoon season.

The event was organized by the Ministry of Culture in partnership with the International Buddhist Confederation (IBC) on July 4, 2020. It is celebrated under various names in different countries, such as Asadha Poornima in India, Esala Poya in Sri Lanka, and Asanha Bucha in Thailand.

Gutti Koya tribe

In News

The Koya tribe residing along the Andhra Pradesh-Chhattisgarh border preserves its customs and memories through stone memorials erected in honor of their physician, priest, and village leader.

These memorials, constructed using large stones, serve as symbols of the tribe’s gratitude and are accompanied by rituals and feasts organized by the families of the deceased.

The Koya population is primarily found in Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, and Odisha. They communicate in the Koya language, which belongs to the Dravidian language family. One of their most significant festivals is the Sammakka Saralamma Jatra, celebrated once every two years on the full moon day of the Magha Masam (January or February). This festival takes place in Medaram village, located in the Mulug taluk of Warangal district.

The Koyas’ livelihood relies on animal husbandry and forest produce.

Tam Pà Ling Cave

In News

New research published in Nature Communications has unveiled that humans arrived in Southeast Asia much earlier than previously believed. The evidence supporting this revelation was discovered in Tam Pà Ling Cave in northern Laos.

Key Findings:

Recent evidence from Tam Pà Ling Cave in Northern Laos indicates that Homo sapiens migrated to Southeast Asia at least 68,000 years ago, challenging previous assumptions about the timing of human migration in the region. The findings suggest that Southeast Asia, including mainland, coastal, and island locations, could have served as a viable dispersal route for early humans. The presence of Denisovans, an extinct human relative, further complicates the understanding of early human movements and interbreeding with other hominin species. The discoveries in Tam Pà Ling Cave significantly contribute to our comprehension of the ancient human journey across the world.

About Tam Pà Ling Cave:

Tam Pa Ling Cave is located in the Annamite Mountains in northeastern Laos, situated at the top of Pa Hang Mountain, approximately 1,170 meters above sea level.

Who were Denisovans?

Denisovans were an extinct group of hominins, or human relatives, primarily known from remains found in Siberia and Tibet. They coexisted with Neanderthals and early modern humans hundreds of thousands of years ago.

Dating methods used in the cave:

The researchers employed various dating methods to determine the age of the fossils found in the cave, including:

• Luminescence dating: Measures the last exposure of crystalline materials to sunlight or heat and uses quartz and feldspar.
• Uranium series dating: Measures uranium and its decay products within a tooth to determine its age.
• Electron spin resonance dating: Estimates the fossil’s age by measuring the number of electrons in tooth enamel.
• Micromorphology: Examines sediments under a microscope to assess the integrity of the layers containing the fossils.

eSARAS mobile app

In News

The Deendayal Antyodaya Yojana-National Rural Livelihoods Mission (DAY-NRLM) has introduced the eSARAS mobile app to facilitate the marketing of products crafted by women in self-help groups (SHGs).

The primary goal of the app is to create a platform for the promotion and sale of genuine handicrafts and handlooms. This initiative is designed to boost the local economy by supporting and promoting local products, thereby providing enhanced livelihood opportunities for members of SHGs.

Gucchi Mushroom

In News

For the second consecutive year, Gucchi mushroom hunters are facing challenging conditions due to unpredictable weather patterns, early springs, and above-average temperatures, resulting in another season of low yield.

Gucchi mushrooms are highly sought after for their unique nutty and earthy flavor, but they are notoriously difficult to find.

These mushrooms belong to the Morchellaceae family of the Ascomycota and are pale yellow in color with distinctive pits and ridges on the cap, sitting atop a large white stem. Apart from their delicious taste, Gucchi mushrooms also offer various health benefits. They are rich in potassium, vitamins, copper, and vitamin D, as well as several B vitamins. Additionally, they contain antioxidants that help prevent health issues like heart diseases and diabetes by eliminating harmful reactive oxygen species from the body.

The rarity of Gucchi mushrooms is not only due to weather-related challenges but also attributed to climate change, deforestation, and habitat destruction. These factors have significantly reduced the mushroom’s availability, affecting both pickers and traders and resulting in an overall decline in morel production.

Faunal and Floral Database

In News

In 2022, India made remarkable contributions to its faunal and floral databases, with a total of 664 animal species being added. Among these additions, there were 467 completely new species and 197 new records.

The Zoological Survey of India (ZSI) meticulously compiled the data on these faunal discoveries, which have been published in a comprehensive document titled “Animal Discoveries – New Species and New Records 2023.” Similarly, the Botanical Survey of India (BSI) documented the plant discoveries in their publication “Plant Discoveries 2022.”

The state of Kerala stood out with the highest number of new discoveries, showcasing 82 animal species and 15 new records. These discoveries span a wide range of taxa, including mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians, fish, insects, and more, contributing significantly to our understanding of India’s rich biodiversity.

India-Myanmar-Thailand Trilateral Highway

In News

As per the Union Ministry of Road and Transport, the India-Myanmar-Thailand Trilateral Highway, also known as the IMT Highway, has reached a significant milestone, with approximately 70% of the construction work completed.

The IMT Highway, a 1,360 km long route, is a crucial infrastructure project being developed under India’s Look East policy. Once fully operational, it will establish a vital link between Moreh, India, and Mae Sot, Thailand, passing through Myanmar. Additionally, there are proposals to extend this highway further to connect Cambodia, Laos, and Vietnam, enhancing regional connectivity and fostering economic cooperation among these nations.

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