Daily Current Affairs 02 March 2024 – IAS Current Affairs

Current Affairs 02 March 2024 focuses on the Prelims-Mains perspective. Major events are :

Caste Religion Politics During Election

Source: The Hindu
GS I: Social empowerment, communalism, regionalism & secularism

Overview

1. News in Brief
2. Caste Religion Politics During Election
3. Way Forward

Why in the News?

Ahead of the upcoming Lok Sabha election, the Election Commission (EC) has directed political parties, especially star campaigners, to maintain decorum while campaigning and refrain from making appeals based on caste or communal politics or making false statements, which can mislead voters.

News in Brief

• In an advisory issued to all political parties on Friday, the EC cited previous examples of such indirect violations using known methodologies to avoid strictures under the model code of conduct (MCC) and conveyed that stern action would be taken against direct or indirect MCC violations.
• The advisory comes days before the schedule for elections to the Lok Sabha and four State Assemblies is expected.
• The MCC comes into elect with the announcement of the poll dates.
• No aspect of the private life, not connected with the public activities, of the leaders or workers of other parties is to be criticised.
• The political parties and leaders shall not make false statements and utterances without factual basis aimed at misleading the voters.

Caste Religion Politics During Election

Indian politics often revolves around caste and religion due to several historical, social, and political factors deeply embedded in the country’s fabric.

Reason for Caste Religion Politics

• Historical Context
  • Caste has been an integral part of Indian society for centuries, with a rigid social hierarchy dividing people into different groups based on birth.
  • Despite efforts to eradicate caste discrimination, it persists in various forms, influencing social, economic, and political dynamics.
• Social Dynamics
  • Caste and religion play significant roles in shaping identities and affiliations in Indian society.
  • People often vote along caste and religious lines, driven by a sense of solidarity and perceived shared interests with their community.
• Political Exploitation
  • Politicians often exploit caste and religious sentiments to consolidate vote banks and secure electoral victories.
  • They strategically align themselves with specific caste or religious groups, promising to address their concerns and safeguard their interests in exchange for political support.
• Vote Bank Politics
  • Caste-based parties and religious organizations have emerged as influential players in Indian politics, mobilizing support from their respective communities.
  • Political parties frequently indulge in appeasement politics, offering preferential treatment or incentives to certain castes or religious groups to secure their loyalty.
• Electoral Dynamics
  • In a diverse country like India, where communities are fragmented along caste and religious lines, political parties find it advantageous to appeal to specific demographics to secure electoral victories.
  • Consequently, caste and religion become dominant factors in electoral strategies and campaign rhetoric.

Efforts to Reduce Caste Religion Politics During Election

• Electoral Reforms
  • The Election Commission of India (ECI) has introduced several electoral reforms aimed at mitigating caste-driven politics.
  • These reforms encompass stringent enforcement of the Model Code of Conduct, regulations on hate speech and incendiary rhetoric, and supervision of election spending to deter the exploitation of financial resources for political gain.
• Educating
  • Various efforts have been made to educate voters about the importance of choosing candidates based upon their qualifications, capabilities, and policies rather than their caste affiliations.
• Promotion of Secularism
  • Emphasizing secularism and inclusivity in political discourse and policymaking can help mitigate the influence of caste and religion in elections.
  • Political leaders and parties advocating for secular values prioritize unity and equality over divisive identity politics.
• Public Interest Litigation (PIL)
  • The Supreme Court entertains PILs filed by concerned citizens or organizations seeking intervention to address issues related to caste and religion-based politics.
  • These PILs often lead to judicial directives or guidelines aimed at curbing divisive practices and promoting inclusive governance.

Way Forward

• While caste and religion continue to influence Indian politics significantly, addressing these issues requires comprehensive societal and political reforms.
• Promoting inclusive policies, fostering inter-caste and inter-faith dialogue, and ensuring equitable representation in governance are crucial steps toward building a more cohesive and progressive society.
• Moreover, there is a need for political parties to move beyond identity-based politics and focus on addressing broader developmental issues that benefit all citizens, regardless of their caste or religious affiliations.
• Encouraging greater political awareness and encouraging voters to prioritize meritocracy over identity-based considerations can help shift the political landscape towards a more inclusive and representative democracy.

PM Janjati Adivasi Nyay Maha Abhiyaan (PM-JANMAN)

Source: The Hindu

• GS II: Welfare schemes for vulnerable sections of the population by the Centre and States and the performance of these schemes; mechanisms, laws, institutions and Bodies constituted for the protection and betterment of these vulnerable sections
• GS I: Social empowerment, communalism, regionalism & secularism

Overview

1. News in Brief
2. About M Janjati Adivasi Nyay Maha Abhiyaan (PM-JANMAN)
3. Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups

Why in the News?

Trying to collect the data on possible beneficiaries while simultaneously implementing the project, is slowing down the housing component of PM Janjati Adivasi Nyay Maha Abhiyaan (PM-JANMAN). 

News in Brief

• Out of the nearly 5 lakh houses that were to be constructed, the government had set a target of sanctioning 2.5 lakh by February 15.
• But more than a fortnight later only 1.59 lakh houses could be sanctioned.
• Sanction houses only in the villages noticed by the Centre, till the two databases are reconciled.

What is the issue?

• The government relied on the PM Gati Shakti portal to estimate the total population of 75 tribes
• It has been grouped under the Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTG) across the country.
• The government has three different estimates for the total PVTG population — 28 lakh to begin with in November, which increased to 36.5 lakh by mid-January and ballooned further to 44.64 lahks by January-end.
• Based on the numbers given by the Gati Shakti app, the State governments were given a month to conduct their survey.
• The State government has listed out several instances where the PVTGs are found in villages outside the ones notified by the Centre.
• Especially since these groups fall under the most vulnerable category, they migrate regularly looking for employment.

About M Janjati Adivasi Nyay Maha Abhiyaan (PM-JANMAN)

• Budget Speech for 2023-24, it was announced that a Pradhan Mantri PVTGs Development Mission.
• It will be launched to enhance the socio-economic conditions of Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups.
• This initiative aims to provide essential amenities such as secure housing, clean drinking water, sanitation, improved access to education, health, and nutrition, as well as enhanced road and telecom connectivity, and sustainable livelihood opportunities to PVTG households and habitats.
• An allocation of Rs.15,000 crore has been earmarked for the next three years under the Development Action Plan for the Scheduled Tribes (DAPST).
• The comprehensive IEC campaign started initially in 100 districts, covering approximately 500 blocks and 15,000 PVTG habitations across 18 states and the Union Territory of Andaman and Nicobar Islands.
• In phase II, it will cover the remaining districts.
• This campaign is an effort aimed at saturating PVTG families with individual entitlements and habitations with basic facilities, by making these tribal communities aware of their entitlements.
• During the campaign period, Aadhar Card, Community Certificate and Jan Dhan Accounts will be provided as these are basic requirements for other schemes such as issue of Ayushman Card, PM Kisan Samman Nidhi, Kisan Credit Card etc.
• This initiative will ensure to cover every PVTGs household that has remained unreached because of distance, lack of road and digital connectivity and will provide facilities at their doorstep.
• Places like Haat Bazar, CSC, Gram Panchayat, Anganwadi, Multipurpose Centre, Vandhan Vikas Kendras, Krishi Vigyan Kendras will be used to organise these events.

Need for the Scheme: According to the 2011 census, India has a Scheduled Tribe (ST) population of 10.45 crore, with 75 communities across 18 states and the Union Territory of Andaman and Nicobar Islands identified as Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs). These PVTGs continue to grapple with vulnerabilities in social, economic, and educational domains.

INS Jatayu At Minicoy Island

Source: PIB
GS III: Various Security forces and agencies and their mandate; Prelims

Overview

1. About INS Jatayu At Minicoy Island
2. About Minicoy Island Lakshadweep

Why in the News?

Indian Navy will commission Naval Detachment Minicoy as INS Jatayu

About INS Jatayu At Minicoy Island

• The event marks an important milestone in the Navy’s resolve to incrementally augment security infrastructure at the strategically important Lakshadweep Islands.
• Naval Detachment Minicoy was set up in the early 1980s under the operational command of Naval Officer-in-Charge (Lakshadweep).
• Minicoy is the southernmost island of Lakshadweep which straddles the vital Sea Lines of Communications (SLOCs).
• Basing of an independent Naval unit with requisite infrastructure and resources will enhance the overall operational capability of the Indian Navy in the islands.

Importance of Naval Base at Minicoy Island

• The base will enhance the operational reach and facilitate the Indian Navy’s efforts towards Anti-Piracy, Maritime Security, Coastal Surveillance and Anti-Narcotics Operations in the Western Arabian Sea.
• It will also augment the Indian Navy’s capability as the first responder in the region and augment connectivity with the mainland.
• Establishing a Naval base is in line with the Govt of India’s focus towards the comprehensive development of the Lakshadweep Islands.
• INS Jatayu is the second Naval base in Lakshadweep after INS Dweeprakshak in Kavaratti.
• With the commissioning of INS Jatayu, the Indian Navy will strengthen its foothold in the Lakshadweep islands and along with extending operational surveillance, reach and sustenance, it will usher in a new era of capacity building and comprehensive development of the island territories.
• The base will help the Island’s Defense and easy to conduct Naval Exercises.
• This also enhances Naval Operations through Military Presence.
• Lakshadweep Archipelago, a strategic location can serve as a vantage point to monitor any movement of pirate vessels in the Arabian Sea through Maritime Patrol.

About Minicoy Island Lakshadweep

Minicoy Island, located in the Lakshadweep archipelago of India, is a stunning destination known for its natural beauty, rich culture, and unique geographical features. This southernmost island of the Lakshadweep group is distinct from the other islands due to its culture, language, and traditions, which have been influenced by Maldivian culture over the centuries.

Details

• Geography: Minicoy Island is the second-largest island in the Lakshadweep archipelago, covering an area of approximately 4.8 square miles (12.4 square kilometres).
• Location: It is situated about 200 kilometres to the southwest of the main island of Lakshadweep, Kavaratti.
• Culture and Language: The inhabitants of Minicoy Island are primarily of Maldivian descent and speak Mahl, a dialect of Divehi, the language spoken in the Maldives. This sets them apart from the other islands of Lakshadweep, where Malayalam is the predominant language.
• Lighthouse: One of the prominent landmarks of Minicoy is its towering lighthouse, built by the British in 1885. The lighthouse stands at a height of 300 feet (91 meters) and offers breathtaking views of the surrounding turquoise waters.
• Tuna Fishing: Minicoy is renowned for its traditional tuna fishing techniques. The islanders use pole-and-line fishing methods, which are not only sustainable but also environmentally friendly.
• Tourism: While relatively less visited compared to other tourist destinations in India, Minicoy Island is gaining popularity among travellers seeking offbeat experiences. Its pristine beaches, coral reefs, and warm hospitality attract tourists looking for a tranquil escape.

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