20 Apr 2024: UPSC Exam Comprehensive News Analysis

B. GS 2 Related

Category: SOCIAL JUSTICE

1. The battle over Adivasi identity

Syllabus: Issues related to the development and management of the social sector/Services relating to Health, Education, Human Resources

Prelims: Tribes in India

Mains: Issue of Adivasi identity in India

Context​: 

• Conflict over Adivasi identity amidst the government’s efforts to shape a nationalistic tribal narrative. 
• Opposition from indigenous communities in Rajasthan and Jharkhand against perceived appropriation of Adivasi identity. 
• The emergence of the Bharat Adivasi Party (BAP) to counter-narratives and reclaim Adivasi identity.

Details:

• The tribal belt of Udaipur, Banswara, and Dungarpur in the southernmost tip of Rajasthan houses settlements of the Bhil Adivasi people.
• The Bharat Adivasi Party, which rose out of the demand for a separate Bhil State for the Bhil Adivasi people, is on a mission to “take control” of the narrative around Adivasi identity. Having emerged as a force to reckon with in a short period since its establishment in 2023, the BAP won three seats in Banswara and Dungapur districts in the 2023 Assembly election. 
• The party’s support base has been growing in southern Rajasthan because of its emphasis on the tribal identity, demand for a separate State for the tribal Bhil community, and the promise of 75% reservation for tribals in education and jobs.

Main Concern

• According to the author of the article, the government, via the National Commission for Scheduled Tribes, aims to replace current literature on Adivasi histories, communities, and resistance movements that are created by the indigenous people about their own communities.
• The BAP has termed this act an appropriation of their identity.
• The BAP’s efforts are aimed at countering the narrative which seeks to portray Adivasi leaders as fighters against external forces, particularly the British, while downplaying their struggles against internal oppressors, such as Hindu landlords and moneylenders.
• This narrative, according to the BAP, erases the complexities of Adivasi history and ignores their ongoing struggles for socio-economic and cultural autonomy.
• The efforts to co-opt Adivasi icons and portray them as fighters for nationalistic causes are seen as attempts to consolidate support among tribal voters, particularly in states with significant Adivasi populations like Rajasthan, Chhattisgarh, and Madhya Pradesh.
• Critics argue that such portrayals distort historical realities and overlook the multifaceted nature of Adivasi resistance movements.
• They emphasize the importance of acknowledging Adivasi struggles against internal oppressors, such as caste-based discrimination and economic exploitation, alongside their resistance to colonial rule.
• The article also sheds light on grassroots efforts by Adivasi activists and thinkers to challenge dominant narratives and reclaim Adivasi identity.
• Individuals like Jitendra Meena and Bandhan Tigga are highlighted for their efforts to counter these narratives and promote a more inclusive and accurate representation of Adivasi history and culture.

Solutions

• Promotion of inclusive and accurate representations of Adivasi history and culture.
• Empowerment of Adivasi communities to narrate their own stories and define their identity.
• Protection of Adivasi rights and recognition of their struggles against historical and contemporary oppressors.

Nut Graf: The battle over Adivasi identity underscores the complexities of cultural and political dynamics in India. There is a need for dialogue and mutual understanding to address divergent narratives and promote inclusivity.

E. Editorials

Category: SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

1. Scientists and a wish list for the incoming government

Syllabus: GS-3, Developments in Science and Technology, Applications of scientific developments in everyday life

Mains: Challenges in the field of science and technology in India

Context:​ 

• Importance of scientists’ expectations in the general elections.
• Overview of the key issues scientists want the incoming government to address.

Increase Spending

• Current status of research and development expenditure in India.
• Need for increased government and private sector spending.
• Proposal to raise government spending on R&D to 4% of GDP by the end of the term.
• Role of Anusandhan National Research Foundation (ANRF) in boosting private sector contributions.
• Mechanisms required for effective implementation and monitoring of increased funding.

Improving Infrastructure

• Importance of modernizing physical and intellectual infrastructure in educational and research institutions.
• Need for better science laboratories and facilities.
• Requirement to hire quality teachers and researchers to meet growing demands.
• Emphasis on doubling the number of quality personnel over the next five years.

Focus on Merit

• Importance of transparent and merit-based hiring practices.
• Global standards for hiring quality teachers and scientists.
• Proposal for a streamlined selection process within six months of application.

Grant Management System

• Need for a robust science grant management system.
• Challenges associated with grant submission and disbursal.
• Proposal for a system with less bureaucracy, faster disbursal, and autonomy for scientists.
• Flexibility in purchasing and financial rules to ensure effective spending.

Ensuring Freedom

• Importance of academic freedom for innovation and entrepreneurship.
• Need for autonomy for scientists to engage in start-ups, hiring, and spending.
• Importance of accountability for the quality of research and knowledge dissemination.
• Proposal for minimizing bureaucratic hurdles and administrative processes.

Nut Graf: Significance of addressing scientists’ concerns for India’s future development. Emphasis on the interdependence of innovation, entrepreneurship, and fundamental science. Call for the incoming government to prioritize the ease of conducting scientific research and provide scientists with the freedom to innovate and contribute to national development.

H. UPSC Prelims Practice Questions

Q1. Which among the following leaders of Tribal movements was also known as 
‘Dharti Abba’?

1. Raja Jagganath
2. Birsa Munda
3. Gomadhar Konwar
4. Bhola Nath Sahay 

Q2. Consider the following statements with respect to the Forest Conservation 
Amendment Act of 2023: 

1. It amends the Forest (Conservation) Act, 1980.
2. It is not applicable to forests converted for non-forest use after December 12, 1996.
3. It allows States to regularize encroachments in protected forests and determine diversions of forestlands. 

How many of these statements is/are incorrect?

1. Only one
2. Only two
3. All three
4. None

Q3. ‘Vasuki indicus’ recently seen in the news is:

1. Believed to have been one of the largest snakes to have ever existed.
2. An old world vulture native to Asia.
3. Dinosaur fossil from the Middle Jurassic period.
4. A newly found species of snake in the Western Ghats

Q4. Which among the following is the first country to import BrahMos 
supersonic cruise missiles from India?

1. Vietnam
2. Thailand
3. China
4. Philippines

Q5. Consider the following statements with respect to Shompen:

1. Shompen are indigenous people of Manipur.
2. They are designated as Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups. 

Which of these statements is/are correct?

1. Only 1
2. Only 2
3. Both 1 and 2
4. Neither 1 nor 2