In News:

The controversy surrounding the Shahi Jama Masjid in Sambhal, Uttar Pradesh, has intensified following claims that the mosque, built during the Mughal Emperor Babur's reign (1526–1530), was constructed over a Hindu temple, the Hari Har Mandir. This claim has led to legal battles and violent clashes, making it part of a broader series of disputes involving mosques built during the Mughal era, such as the Gyanvapi mosque in Varanasi and the Eidgah Masjid in Mathura.

Background and Legal Context:

The dispute began when a petition was filed in Sambhal's district court on November 19, 2024, claiming the Jama Masjid was built on the site of an ancient temple. The petitioners, led by Hari Shanker Jain, demanded a survey to ascertain the religious character of the site. This petition follows a pattern seen in similar cases in Varanasi, Mathura, and Dhar, where Hindu groups have raised similar claims about mosque sites. The court ordered a photographic and videographic survey of the mosque, which, initially carried out peacefully, later sparked violence on November 24 when the survey was accompanied by chanting crowds. This led to protests, stone pelting, and allegations of police firing, resulting in several deaths.

The Jama Masjid is a protected monument under the Ancient Monuments Preservation Act, 1904, and is listed as a Monument of National Importance by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI). This gives the case legal and cultural sensitivity, as it involves both national heritage and religious sentiments.

Historical and Architectural Context:

The Shahi Jama Masjid in Sambhal was constructed by Mir Hindu Beg, a general under Babur, in the early 16th century. It is one of three mosques commissioned by Babur, alongside those in Panipat and Ayodhya. The mosque is noted for its architectural style, which includes a large square mihrab hall, a dome, and arches, constructed using stone masonry and plaster. Some historians argue that the mosque might be a Tughlaq-era structure modified during Babur's reign. Locally, Hindu tradition holds that the mosque incorporates elements of a Vishnu temple, believed to be the site of Kalki, the tenth avatar of Vishnu.

The Places of Worship Act, 1991:

The dispute has reignited debates about the Places of Worship (Special Provisions) Act, 1991, which mandates that the religious character of any place of worship as it existed on August 15, 1947, should be maintained, with the exception of the ongoing Babri Masjid dispute. The Act aims to prevent any further contests regarding religious sites, and Section 3 of the Act explicitly prohibits converting a place of worship into a site of a different religious denomination.

The petition filed in Sambhal seeks to alter the religious character of the mosque, directly contravening the Places of Worship Act. The petitioners have cited remarks by Supreme Court Justice D.Y. Chandrachud in 2022, suggesting that a survey to ascertain the religious character of a place might not violate the Act. This has led to petitions challenging the Act in the Supreme Court, including cases from Varanasi, Mathura, Dhar, and now Sambhal.

The Legal and Social Implications:

The ongoing dispute over the Shahi Jama Masjid highlights the tension between historical narratives, legal frameworks, and communal harmony. The Supreme Court has intervened in the matter, temporarily halting further proceedings in the trial court, urging that the mosque's management committee approach the Allahabad High Court. The Court emphasized the importance of maintaining peace and harmony and cautioned against any actions that could escalate tensions.

The case underscores the challenges of balancing India's rich historical heritage with its diverse religious communities. As the legal process unfolds, the outcome of the Sambhal dispute could set significant precedents for how similar cases are handled in the future.

Conclusion:

The Sambhal mosque dispute, much like the Gyanvapi and Ayodhya cases, brings to the forefront the complex intersections of history, religion, and law. It also raises critical questions about the application of the Places of Worship Act and its implications for preserving India's pluralistic society. The outcome of this case, alongside the pending petitions in other states, will be crucial in shaping the future of religious site disputes in India.

In News:

The first edition of CINBAX (Counter-Terrorism Counter-Bio-Terrorism and Intelligence Operations Exercise) was launched on December 1, 2024, at the Foreign Training Node, Pune.

Key Details:

• Participants: 20 personnel from each side – the Indian Army and the Cambodian Army – focusing on enhancing cooperation for UN peacekeeping operations.
• Objective:
  • Enhancing Trust and Interoperability: CINBAX aims to foster mutual trust, build camaraderie, and improve operational efficiency between the two armies in conducting peacekeeping operations under UN guidelines.
  • Focus Areas: Joint Counter-Terrorism (CT) operations, Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR), cyber warfare, logistics, casualty management, and disaster relief operations.

• Phases of the Exercise:
  • Phase I: Orientation for Counter-Terrorism operations in the context of UN peacekeeping missions.
  • Phase II: Conduct of tabletop exercises to simulate and plan response scenarios.
  • Phase III: Finalization of plans and review of lessons learned, focusing on operational strategies and tactical decision-making.
• Key Topics Covered:
  • Discussions on setting up a Joint Training Task Force for intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance.
  • Exploring cyber warfare, hybrid warfare, and unconventional tactics.
  • Strategies for managing logistics, casualties, and coordination during Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) operations.
• Promotion of Indigenous Defence Equipment:
  • The exercise will showcase Indian-made weapons and defence equipment, supporting India’s commitment to Atmanirbhar Bharat (self-reliance in defence production).
  • Objective: To highlight India's advanced military technology and indigenous defence capabilities.
• Significance for India-Cambodia Relations:
  • The exercise strengthens military ties between India and Cambodia, contributing to improved cooperation in regional peacekeeping efforts.
  • CINBAX marks a significant milestone in India-Cambodiadefence collaboration and sets the stage for future joint operations.

India-Cambodia Bilateral Relations

• Historical Context:
  • India and Cambodia share strong religious, cultural, and linguistic ties, with Hindu rituals influencing Cambodian culture and Sanskrit and Khmer sharing common words.
  • Diplomatic relations were established in 1952, even before Cambodia's independence from France.
• Key Developments:
  • 1954: Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru visited Cambodia, initiating strong diplomatic ties, particularly during the Non-Aligned Movement.
  • Post-1970s: India played a pivotal role in Cambodia's recovery from the Khmer Rouge regime. India was the first democratic country to recognize the Heng Samrin regime in 1981 and contributed to Cambodia's political reconciliation.
  • 1980s: India facilitated dialogue for the Paris Peace Accord and contributed to the success of UNTAC elections in 1993.
• Strategic and Economic Cooperation:
  • Defence: Enhanced cooperation in defence capacity building, military training, and infrastructure development.
  • Trade: India exports pharmaceuticals, bovine meat, automobiles, and leather products to Cambodia. In return, Cambodia exports organic chemicals, apparel, and footwear to India.
  • Mekong-Ganga Cooperation (MGC): Established in 2000, MGC includes Cambodia and aims to enhance cooperation in sectors like trade, education, tourism, and cultural exchanges.
• Recent Collaboration:
  • India has extended financial assistance for infrastructure projects in Cambodia, especially in restoring and conserving cultural heritage sites like Angkor Wat.
  • MoUs signed in bilateral cooperation, cultural exchanges, and development projects highlight the growing India-Cambodia strategic partnership.

In News:

Government of India and ADB sign $98 million loan to promote plant health management in India’s horticulture.

Key Highlights:

$98 Million Loan Agreement with ADB:

• India and the Asian Development Bank (ADB) signed a $98 million loan to enhance horticulture productivity and resilience.
• Objective: Improve farmers' access to certified, disease-free planting materials, which will increase crop yield, quality, and climate resilience.
• Focus Areas: The project aligns with India’s Atmanirbhar Clean Plant Programme (CPP), aiming to strengthen plant health management in horticulture.

Atmanirbhar Clean Plant Programme (CPP):

• Implemented under MIDH: The Clean Plant Programme is part of the Mission for Integrated Development of Horticulture (MIDH).
• Goal: To provide virus-free, high-quality planting materials to farmers, boosting horticultural crop yields and promoting climate-resilient varieties.
• Implementation Period: 2024-2030, with 50% financial support from ADB.
• Key Components:
  • Establishment of 9 Clean Plant Centers (CPCs) with state-of-the-art diagnostic, therapeutic, and tissue culture laboratories.
  • Certification Framework: Developing a regulatory framework under the Seeds Act 1966 to certify clean plants.
  • Support to Nurseries: Infrastructure development for large-scale nurseries.
• Significance: The programme strengthens India's self-reliance in horticulture and enhances adaptability to climate change impacts.

Mission for Integrated Development of Horticulture (MIDH):

• Nodal Ministry: Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare.
• Focus: Holistic development of the horticulture sector, including fruits, vegetables, mushrooms, spices, and more.
• Funding Pattern:
  • General States: 60% by Government of India (GoI), 40% by State Governments.
  • North-Eastern and Himalayan States: 90% by GoI.

Horticulture Sector at a Glance:

• Contribution to Agricultural GDP: Accounts for 33% of the gross value.
• Land Coverage: Occupies 18% of agricultural land in India.
• Global Standing: India is the second-largest producer of fruits and vegetables globally.
• Surpassing Food Grains: Horticulture production exceeds food grain production, occupying much less land (25.66 million hectares vs. 127.6 million hectares for food grains).

Key Benefits of the CPP:

• Climate Resilience: Promotes climate-resilient plant varieties and helps farmers adapt to climate change.
• Innovation: Encourages the use of advanced testing techniques and builds institutional capacity.
• Long-term Impact: Expected to improve sustainability, productivity, and the economic well-being of farmers.

Additional Horticulture Initiatives:

• CHAMAN (Horticulture Assessment using Geo-informatics): A programme to estimate area and production of horticultural crops using scientific methods.
• Kisan Rail Services: Facilitates transportation of perishable horticultural products like fruits and vegetables.
• Capital Investment Subsidy Scheme: By the National Horticulture Board to support the sector’s growth.

In News:

• It was launched by Dr. Jitendra Singh, the Union Minister of State for Science & Technology, Earth Sciences, PMO, Personnel, Public Grievances, Pensions, Atomic Energy, and Space, along with Shri V. Srinivas, the Secretary of the Department of Administrative Reforms and Public Grievances (DARPG).
• This initiative, conceptualized by DARPG, aims to evaluate and rank central Ministries and Departments based on their grievance redressal mechanisms.

Key Aspects of GRAI 2023:

• Objective: GRAI 2023 was designed to provide a comparative assessment of Ministries and Departments based on their grievance redressal systems. It was created based on recommendations from the Parliamentary Standing Committee of the Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances, and Pensions.
• Assessment Method: The index evaluates 89 Central Ministries and Departments across four dimensions:efficiency, feedback, domain&organisational Commitment
  • It is calculated using data from the Centralised Public Grievance Redressal and Management System (CPGRAMS) from January to December 2023. Ministries are grouped into three categories based on the number of grievances received in 2023:
    • Group A: Ministries/Departments with more than 10,000 grievances (28 Ministries/Departments)
    • Group B: Ministries/Departments with 2,000 to 9,999 grievances (33 Ministries/Departments)
    • Group C: Ministries/Departments with fewer than 2,000 grievances (28 Ministries/Departments)
  • Top Performers:
    • Group A: The Department of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare topped the rankings.
    • Group B: The Office of the Comptroller & Auditor General of India led.
    • Group C: The Department of Investment & Public Asset Management ranked first.

927945. Analysis: GRAI 2023 includes an in-depth analysis of the root causes of effective grievance redressal for each Ministry/Department, presented in a color-coded, easily understandable format.

1828154726001450500. Advancements: The report outlines a roadmap for improving grievance redressal, emphasizing:
                     • Utilization of advanced technologies such as AI and Machine Learning (ML) for predictive analytics and data analysis.
                     • The introduction of features like IGMS 2.0 and TreeDashboard within CPGRAMS.
                     • Improved training for Grievance Redressal Officers (GROs) and more rigorous audits to increase accountability.
                     • Expansion of CPGRAMS integration to local governments, enhancing the grievance redressal system across all levels of governance.

Commonwealth Secretariat recognized CPGRAMS as a best practice in grievance redressal at its meeting in April 2024.

In News:

Centre clears scheme for development of 40 tourist destinations across 23 States at a cost of ?3,295 crore.

Key Details:

• Focus Areas: The scheme encourages the development of lesser-known destinations such as Bateshwar (Uttar Pradesh), Ponda (Goa), Gandikota (Andhra Pradesh), and Porbandar (Gujarat) to reduce overcrowding at popular sites.
• Implementation Timeline: Projects must be completed within two years, with funding released in stages until March 2026.
• Key Features:
  • Long-term interest-free loans for 50 years.
  • States responsible for project execution and maintenance, often through public-private partnerships (PPP).
  • The Ministry of Tourism will monitor progress, and 66% of the funds have already been released.
  • Emphasis on sustainability and boosting local economies by creating jobs through tourism.
  • States must provide land at no cost and ensure proper infrastructure like safety, connectivity, and utilities.

Selection Criteria for Projects:

• Consultation Process: Detailed regional consultations led to the selection of 40 projects from 87 proposals received by the Ministry of Tourism. West Bengal was the only state not submitting proposals.
• Evaluation Criteria: Projects were evaluated based on:
  • Connectivity, tourism potential, and ecosystem.
  • Financial viability and sustainability.
  • Impact on local economy and job creation.
• Funding Pattern:
  • A maximum of ?100 crore for each project, with higher funding considered for exceptional projects.
  • Total funding capped at ?250 crore per state, allocated on a first-come, first-served basis.

Importance of the Scheme:

• Economic Growth & Employment: Projects are designed to stimulate local economies, create employment, and promote sustainable tourism.
• Global Branding: The scheme aims to brand and market tourist destinations on a global scale.
• Tourism Infrastructure Growth: It aims to improve the entire tourism value chain, including transportation, accommodation, activities, and services.

Tourism Sector Overview:

• Current Status:
  • India ranks 39th among 119 countries in the Travel and Tourism Development Index (TTDI) 2024.
  • Foreign Tourist Arrivals (FTAs) increased by 47.9% in 2023, with 9.52 million tourists.
  • Tourism contributed 5% to India’s GDP in 2022-23 and created 76.17 million direct and indirect jobs.
  • India earned ?2.3 lakh crore in foreign exchange in 2023 through tourism.
  • Projected revenue from tourism to exceed $59 billion by 2028.
• Initiatives for Promotion:
  • Swadesh Darshan Scheme: To develop theme-based circuits.
  • Dekho Apna Desh Initiative (2020): Promotes domestic tourism.
  • PRASHAD & HRIDAY Schemes: Focus on pilgrimage and heritage city development.

MGNREGA Job Card Deletions Issue:

• Context: A significant surge in deletions of job cards under MGNREGA (Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act) raised concerns over transparency and workers’ rights.
• Reasons for Deletion:
  • Permanent migration, duplicate cards, forged documents, and refusal to work.
  • Aadhaar-based payment system (ABPS) implementation led to deletions for non-linked cards.
• Implications:
  • Violation of workers’ legal right to employment, especially when deletions were made without due process.
  • The "Not willing to work" designation undermines livelihood opportunities, especially in high unemployment rural areas.
• Recommendations for Reform:
  • Strengthening verification processes and ensuring deletions follow due procedure.
  • Empowering Gram Sabhas to review and approve deletions.
  • Regular audits and better grievance redressal mechanisms.

Other Government Initiatives in Tourism:

• National Mission on Pilgrimage Rejuvenation and Spiritual, Heritage Augmentation Drive (PRASHAD): For holistic and sustainable development of pilgrimage tourism.
• Incredible India & E-Visa Initiatives: To attract more foreign tourists.
• Regional Connectivity Scheme (UDAN): Enhances air connectivity to remote tourist destinations.
• National Heritage City Development and Augmentation Yojana (HRIDAY): Preserves and rejuvenates heritage sites.