Daily Current Affairs 18 September 2023 – IAS Current Affairs

Current Affairs 18 September 2023 focuses on the Prelims-Mains perspective. Major events are :

Santiniketan UNESCO World Heritage List

Source: Live Mint
GS II: Important International institutions, agencies and fora- their structure, mandate

Overview

1. News in Brief
2. About Santhinikethan
3. Other sites which found a place on the list

Why in the News?

Santiniketan, a town in West Bengal, was included in the UNESCO World Heritage List during the 45th Session of the World Heritage Committee in Saudi Arabia.

News in Brief

• This was announced by the international agency in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, where the 45th session of the World Heritage Committee is being held till September 25.
• Santiniketan becomes the 41st UNESCO World Heritage Site in India and the third in West Bengal, after the Sundarbans National Park and the Darjeeling Mountain Railways.
• Last year, the state’s Durga Puja got space in the “Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity” under UNESCO.
• There had been repeated efforts in the past to secure the status of UNESCO World Heritage Site for Santiniketan, especially in the run-up to Tagore’s 150th birth anniversary in 2010.

About Santhinikethan

Santiniketan, founded by the illustrious poet, philosopher, and Nobel laureate Rabindranath Tagore, is a renowned educational and cultural institution located in the Birbhum district of West Bengal, India.

It holds a special place in India’s intellectual and cultural heritage. 

Santiniketan

• Founding and Philosophy
  • Santiniketan, which means “Abode of Peace,” was founded by Rabindranath Tagore in 1901.
  • It started as an experiment in education based on Tagore’s vision of a holistic and integrated approach to learning.
  • His educational philosophy aimed at breaking away from the rigidities of traditional education.
  • It aims to foster an environment where students can connect with nature, arts, and culture.
• Nature-Centric Education
  • Santiniketan’s unique feature was its open-air classrooms, where students studied under trees.
  • Tagore believed that the natural environment could be a powerful teacher.
  • The curriculum at Santiniketan emphasized a close connection with nature, and students were encouraged to learn from the world around them.
• Cultural and Artistic Hub
  • Santiniketan became a hub for arts and culture under Tagore’s guidance.
  • It played a pivotal role in the revival of traditional Indian arts and crafts.
  • Tagore believed in the integration of artistic expression with education.
  • Santiniketan became known for its cultural festivals, music, dance, and theater performances.
• Internationalism
  • Tagore’s outlook was not limited to India.
  • Santiniketan attracted scholars, artists, and students from around the world.
  • It became a center for international cultural exchange, reflecting Tagore’s belief in the universality of knowledge and culture.
• Visva-Bharati University
  • In 1921, Santiniketan was expanded into Visva-Bharati University, a central university that embodies Tagore’s educational ideals.
  • It continues to follow his philosophy of education and cultural enrichment.

Rabindranath Tagore

• Role as Founder
  • Rabindranath Tagore’s role in Santiniketan was multifaceted.
  • He not only founded the institution but also served as its guiding light.
  • His educational experiments, poems, songs, and plays were an integral part of Santiniketan’s curriculum and cultural life.
• Educational Vision
  • Tagore’s educational vision was centred on the idea that education should be a liberating experience, nurturing the mind and soul.
  • He emphasized the importance of creativity, critical thinking, and a deep connection with one’s cultural roots.
• Cultural Contribution
  • Tagore’s contributions to Indian culture are immeasurable.
  • His compositions, including the national anthems of India (Jana Gana Mana) and Bangladesh (Amar Shonar Bangla), are celebrated worldwide.
  • His literary works, such as “Gitanjali” (Song Offerings), earned him the Nobel Prize in Literature in 1913.
• Social Reformer
  • Beyond education and culture, Tagore was a social reformer and a strong advocate for humanism and internationalism.
  • He used his literary and intellectual prowess to address societal issues and promote peace and harmony.

Conclusion

In summary, Santiniketan stands as a testament to Rabindranath Tagore’s progressive educational and cultural ideals. It continues to be a revered institution in India, attracting students and artists from various corners of the world. Rabindranath Tagore’s legacy, both as a visionary educator and a cultural icon, remains deeply intertwined with Santiniketan’s identity and mission.

Other sites which found a place on the list

• Ancient Jericho in Palestine
• Cultural Landscape of Old Tea Forests of the Jingmai Mountain in China’s Pu’er.
• Gedeo Cultural Landscape in Ethiopia;
• Zarafshan Karakum Corridor of Silk Roads in Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan

Financial Inclusion Index

Source: PIB
GS III: Economy

Overview

1. About Financial Inclusion Index
2. Financial Inclusion in India

Why in the News?

According to the Reserve Bank of India (RBI), the value of the Financial Inclusion Index (FI Index) has recently increased to 60.1 from 56.4 in 2022.

About Financial Inclusion Index

• The index was launched in 2021 with the purpose of capturing the extent of financial inclusion across the country.
• It has been conceptualised as a comprehensive index, incorporating details of banking, investments, insurance, postal, as well as the pension sector, in consultation with government and respective sectoral regulators.
• Three broad parameters
  • Access (35%)
  • Usage (45%)
  • Quality (20%)
• A unique feature of the index is the quality parameter which captures the quality aspect of financial inclusion as reflected by financial literacy, consumer protection and inequalities and deficiencies in services.
• The index captures information on various aspects of financial inclusion in a single value ranging between 0 and 100, where 0 represents complete financial exclusion and 100 indicates absolute financial inclusion.
• It is responsive to ease of access, availability and usage of services, and quality of services.
• The Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana (PMJDY) was a major milestone for financial inclusion and the “evolution, promotion and adoption of digital channels.
• The Jan Dhan, Aadhaar and Mobile (JAM) eco-system has brought a major shift in the field of financial inclusion by several initiatives to universalise digital payments in a convenient, safe, secure, transparent and affordable manner.

Financial Inclusion in India

Financial inclusion in India has been a critical component of the country’s economic development and social progress. With a diverse population, including a significant number of individuals in rural and remote areas, ensuring access to financial services for all has been a priority. 

Overview

• Historical Context:
  • India’s journey towards financial inclusion can be traced back to the nationalization of banks in 1969, which aimed to provide banking services to the unbanked and underbanked populations.
• Jan Dhan Yojana
  • A landmark initiative in India’s financial inclusion journey was the Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana (PMJDY) launched in 2014.
  • It aimed to provide every household with a bank account, insurance coverage, and access to credit.
• Banking Correspondents (BCs)
  • To address the issue of physical distance from bank branches, India introduced the concept of banking correspondents who act as intermediaries, providing banking services in remote areas.
• Aadhaar Integration
  • The integration of Aadhaar, India’s unique identification system, with bank accounts and other financial services has streamlined the process of opening accounts and accessing subsidies and benefits.
• Digital India
  • The Digital India initiative has played a pivotal role in promoting digital financial services, including mobile banking and digital payments. This has increased convenience and reduced costs for users.
• Microfinance Institutions (MFIs)
  • Microfinance institutions have filled the gap by providing small loans to low-income individuals and small businesses, fostering financial inclusion.
• Financial Literacy Programs
  • Financial literacy programs have been conducted to educate individuals about the benefits and responsible use of financial services, ensuring that they make informed decisions.
• Impact on Poverty Alleviation
  • Financial inclusion has had a significant impact on poverty alleviation.
  • Access to credit and insurance has enabled individuals to invest in income-generating activities and protect themselves from financial shocks.
• Gender Inclusion
  • Special attention has been given to promoting financial inclusion among women. Initiatives like the Stand Up India scheme aim to empower female entrepreneurs.

What are the Challenges Ahead?

Despite significant progress, challenges like low financial literacy, inadequate infrastructure in remote areas, and the need for cybersecurity measures in digital banking remain.

Conclusion

• Financial inclusion in India has come a long way, with millions of previously unbanked individuals now part of the formal financial system.
• This has not only improved their economic well-being but also contributed to the country’s overall economic growth.
• The journey towards complete financial inclusion continues, with a focus on addressing remaining challenges and ensuring that every citizen can access and benefit from financial services.

Gaja Dwar of New Parliament

Source: Indian Express
GS I: Art and Culture

Overview

1. About Gaja Dwar

Why in the News?

On Sunday morning, days ahead of the new Parliament building holding its first session, Vice-President Jagdeep Dhankhar hoisted the national flag at the Gaja Dwar of the building.

About Gaja Dwar

• The new Parliament has six entrances.
• According to a government note on the Parliament art project, the sculpture of an elephant, or Gaja, has been installed to guard the entrance to the north, since the animal represents intellect and memory, wealth and wisdom, and thereby embodies the aspirations of the elected representatives of a democracy.
• According to Vastu Shastra, the north direction is associated with the planet Mercury, the source of higher intellect.
• The Lord of the direction is Kubera, the god of wealth. Therefore, the Gaja is placed to the north.

Guardians of the other doors

• Asva
  • Asva or the horse, standing alert and ready at the southern entrance, is symbolic of endurance and strength, power, and speed, also describing the quality of governance.
• Garuda
  • The eagle-like Garuda stands at the eastern ceremonial entrance, signifying the aspirations of the people and the administrators of the country.
  • In vastu shastra, the eastern direction is associated with the rising sun representing hope, the glory of victory, and success.
• Makara
  • A mythological aquatic creature, the Makara combines the bodily parts of different animals, representing unity in diversity among the people of the country.
• Shardula
  • Another mythological creature, Shardula is said to be the most powerful, foremost of all living beings, symbolising the power of the people of the country.
• Hamsa:
  • The most important quality of the people of a democracy is the power of discernment and self-realisation born of wisdom.

One District One Product Promoted on GeM portal

Source: Times of India
GS II: Government policies and interventions for development in various sectors and issues arising out of their design and implementation

Overview

1. About One District One Product
2. How does the promotion help?
3. What is a Government e-marketplace?

Why in News?

The Central government recently decided to promote One District One Product (ODOP) on Government e-Marketplace (GeM), an online public procurement platform.

About One District One Product

• ODOP aims to increase the procurement, common services and marketing of products.
  

• There may be more than one cluster of ODOP products in one district.
• Also there may be a cluster of ODOP products consisting of more than one adjacent district in a State.
• An ODOP product could be a perishable agricultural product, a cereal-based product, or a food item that is widely produced in a district and its supporting industries.
  • Products include mango, potato, litchi, tomato, tapioca, kinnu, bhujia, petha, papad, pickle, millet-based products, fisheries, poultry, meat etc.
• More focus should be on processing Agri products in order to reduce wastage, proper assaying, and storage and marketing.
• The ODOP approach of the scheme would lead to easing in providing common facilities and other support services.

How does the promotion help?

• It would brisk business across government departments and PSUs and spread the network of GeM to the state level.
• Products like handicrafts and pottery (Moradabad brass and Khurja pottery) are expected to be pushed in festivals for corporate gifting.
• Nearly 350 categories have been created on GeM and estimated purchases of ODOP products and farmer producer organisations (FPOs) could be Rs 878 crore.
• Orders made by the government include Robusta coffee from Wayanad (Kerala), Pattachitra products from Puri, Saharanpur woodcraft and silk sarees from Bhagalpur.

What is a Government e-Marketplace ?

• Government e-Market Place hosted by the Directorate General of Supplies and Disposals where common user goods and services.
• GeM is a user-friendly portal for making procurements by Government officers.
• Public procurement forms a very important part of Government activity and reform in Public Procurement.

Public procurement refers to the process by which governments and state-owned enterprises purchase goods and services from the private sector.

• It aims to transform the way in which procurement of goods and services is done by the Government Ministries and Departments, Public Sector Undertakings and other apex autonomous bodies of the Central Government.
• Transparency in Procurement
  • GeM eliminates human interface in vendor registration, order placement and payment processing, to a great extent.
  • GeM is a completely paperless, cashless and system-driven e-marketplace.
• National eGovernance Division (Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology) has developed a GeM portal for the procurement of both Products and services.

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