07 Sep 2023: UPSC Exam Comprehensive News Analysis

E. Editorials 

Category: POLITY

1. India, Bharat and a host of implications

Syllabus: Indian Constitution—Historical Underpinnings, Evolution, Features, Amendments, Significant Provisions and Basic Structure.

Mains: India vs  Bharat

Prelims: Article 1, 58th Amendment Act

 Introduction:

• The terms “Bharat” and “India” carry significant historical, ideological, constitutional, and international implications.
• Recent political developments have infused these words with added significance.
• Opposition parties have united under the banner and acronym “INDIA,” representing the ‘Indian National Developmental Inclusive Alliance.’
• A notable shift has occurred in the use of terminology, with “President of Bharat” being used instead of “President of India” in official invitations, such as those for the G-20 summit.
• This shift has been driven by concerns within the current government that the term “INDIA” could acquire substantial political influence.

 From the Pages of History:

• In 1947, the transfer of power from British rule in India led to the creation of two dominions: India and Pakistan, along with independent Princely States.
• The Muslim League proposed that India should be named either “Hindustan” or “Bharat,” but India argued that it was the successor state to British India.
• India retained the name “India” internationally, while Pakistan had to establish its international status.
• In international settings, the word “India” is commonly used in the English language, maintaining the country’s international identity.
• The 58th Amendment of the Constitution in 1987 provided for the authoritative Hindi text of the Constitution, emphasizing “Bharat” in Hindi and “India” in English.
• The practice of using “India” in English and “Bharat” in Hindi has been followed in internal and international documents.

58th Amendment Act:

• The 58th Amendment of the Constitution in 1987 empowered the President to publish the authoritative text of the Constitution in Hindi.
• The English version of the Constitution is titled “Constitution of India,” while the Hindi version is “Bharat ka Samvidhan.”
• Article 1(1) in the English version states, “India, that is Bharat, shall be a Union of States,” emphasizing “India.”
• Article 1(1) in the Hindi version reads, “Bharat artharth India, rajyon ka sangh hoga,” giving primacy to “Bharat” in Hindi.
• Additionally, the Gazette published in English is referred to as the ‘Gazette of India,’ and in Hindi, it is known as ‘Bharat ka Rajpatra.’

Risk of Alienation from Giving Preference to Bharat:

• The article highlights that the Sangh Parivar and the current government prefer the term “Bharat” over “India.”
• The use of “President of Bharat” in the G-20 invitation indicates this preference.
• There is a potential risk of alienating parts of the country that prefer “India” over “Bharat” if the government officially changes the country’s name.
• The tradition of using “India” in English and “Bharat” in Hindi is considered wise and constitutionally correct, and changing it may not be a priority at this time.

Nut Graf: The terms “Bharat” and “India” both are significant in India’s historical, political, and constitutional contexts. There is a potential risk of alienation if there’s a shift towards “Bharat” exclusively and hence it is suggested that maintaining the tradition of using “India” in English and “Bharat” in Hindi is wise and constitutionally correct.

2. India that is Bharat

Syllabus: Indian Constitution—Historical Underpinnings, Evolution, Features, Amendments, Significant Provisions and Basic Structure.

Mains: India vs. Bharat: Which one should be preferred or one is complementary to the other 

Introduction:

• The ongoing debate surrounding the usage of “India” and “Bharat” as official names. These names have been synonymous with the nation’s identity. However, recent political motivations have fueled this debate.

Dual Identity:

• The Constitution of India officially recognizes both “India” and “Bharat” as names for the country. This recognition highlights the unique dual identity of the nation.
• Historically, the choice between these names has been largely contextual. Both names have invoked feelings of patriotism and pride among the people.

Political Weaponization:

• The current ruling party’s decision to favour “Bharat” over “India” in official communication and documents.
• This move is perceived by some as serving narrow political interests.
• It has sparked a debate on whether one name should take precedence over the other.
• Critics argue that this shift in naming strategy risks undermining national unity for political gains.

Cultural Significance:

• “Bharat” carries deep cultural echoes, rooted in ancient sources and mythology. It transcends the modern geographical and cultural landscape of the republic.
• “India” represents the contemporary nation, reflecting its diverse and evolving identity.
• Both names have played a role in shaping the collective consciousness of the nation during its journey of nation-building.

Diversity and Unity:

• India is a land of remarkable diversity, with a multitude of ethnicities, languages, and genetic backgrounds.
• This diversity has been the result of millennia of migrations and cultural exchanges.
• Prioritizing one name over the other risks creating new divisions in an already diverse society.
• It is essential to promote unity rather than fuel unnecessary cultural confrontations.

Opposition’s Reaction:

• The Opposition’s reaction to the government’s decision has further escalated the debate.
• The Opposition’s adoption of “INDIA” as an acronym may have influenced the current actions.
• The debate now takes on the aura of a fundamental question about the nation’s identity, rather than a matter of nomenclature.

Undermining National Confidence:

• The government’s emphasis on changing the name undermines the nation’s confidence and soft power.
• It can create uncertainty and confusion regarding the nation’s identity.
• Both “Bharat” and “India” have been deeply embedded in popular culture, political discourse, and literature across various Indian languages.
• Regardless of the chosen name, the essence and aspirations of the nation remain consistent.

Coexistence and Unity:

• Advocating for the coexistence of “India” and “Bharat” as complementary identities.
• Recognizing that different contexts and constituencies may favour one name over the other.
• Emphasizing that unity and diversity have always been India’s strengths.
• Avoid unnecessary debates and divisive actions that can undermine this unity.

Conclusion:

• Promoting the harmonious coexistence of “India” and “Bharat” as reflective of the nation’s multifaceted identity.
• Prioritizing unity and shared aspirations over divisive debates regarding the nation’s nomenclature and identity.

Nut Graf: The debate over whether to prioritize “India” or “Bharat” as the official name reflects a complex duality in India’s identity. While both names evoke patriotism, their politicization and the potential for division warrant caution. Embracing both names harmoniously, emphasizing unity, and avoiding unnecessary conflict should prevail in this discussion.

Category: SOCIAL JUSTICE

1. Bridging the malnutrition gap, the Bemetara way

Syllabus: Issues relating to Poverty and Hunger.

Mains: Importance of counselling in eradicating malnutrition

Ongoing Government Schemes for Removal of Hunger and Malnutrition:

• The government has implemented various measures to address food security, including mid-day meals in schools and monthly rations through the Public Distribution System.
• Initiatives like the Prime Minister’s Overarching Scheme for Holistic Nourishment (POSHAN) Abhiyaan provide ready-to-eat meals, supplements, and special schemes like the Mukhyamantri Suposhan Yojana in Chhattisgarh.
• Despite these efforts, nutrition security remains a challenge due to a lack of knowledge about proper eating and feeding practices, as well as the proliferation of highly processed foods.

Lessons from Bemetara:

• Bemetara, a district in Chhattisgarh, faces malnutrition issues despite its affluence and agricultural richness.
• The high number of Severe Acute Malnutrition (SAM) children in Bemetara highlights the importance of addressing knowledge gaps related to feeding practices.
• The Potth Laika Abhiyaan, or “Healthy Child Mission,” is a nutrition counselling program in Bemetara that focuses on educating parents of malnourished children about balanced diets, and hygiene, and dispelling dietary myths.
• Ground-level staff from health and women and child development departments are trained to provide nutrition counselling, and local leaders participate in counselling sessions.

Also read Malnutrition in India.

Statistical outcome Comparison:

• The Potth Laika Abhiyaan successfully brought 53.77% of targeted children out of malnutrition within nine months (December 2022 to July 2023), totalling 599 out of 1,114 children.
• Specifically, 61.5% of Medium Acute Malnutrition (MAM) children and 14.67% of SAM children were lifted out of malnutrition.
• Comparing this to a control group of 20 Anganwadi Centres (AWCs) where the mission was not implemented, only 30.6% of children were rescued from malnutrition. This includes 33.8% of MAM children but zero SAM children.
• The Potth Laika Abhiyaan achieved a 23% increase in malnutrition recovery compared to the control group.
• Notably, the mission is cost-effective, requiring minimal expenses for training and regular monitoring, unlike providing meals that entail budgeting and the risk of leakages.

Conclusion:

• The success of the Potth Laika Abhiyaan underscores the importance of nutrition counselling in addressing malnutrition.
• To accelerate the eradication of malnutrition, it is essential to combine food distribution programs with nutrition counselling and monitoring.
• Replicating this model on a larger scale across districts and states can significantly contribute to India’s goal of achieving a “Kuposhan Mukt Bharat” (Malnutrition-free India).

Nut Graf: In the pursuit of eradicating malnutrition in India, the Potth Laika Abhiyaan in Chhattisgarh’s Bemetara district offers a powerful lesson. Through nutrition counselling and robust monitoring, this initiative has rescued a significant number of malnourished children, demonstrating that knowledge-sharing alongside food support is crucial for achieving a “Kuposhan Mukt Bharat”.