The Samajwadi Party's (SP) decision to withdraw

The Samajwadi Party's (SP) decision to withdraw

The Samajwadi Party's (SP) decision to withdraw from the Opposition Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) in Maharashtra marks a significant development in state politics. The move follows a controversial post by Milind Narvekar, a Shiv Sena (UBT) MLC, which reignited tensions over the Babri Masjid demolition. The post, which celebrated the event with quotes from Shiv Sena founder Bal Thackeray and included images of Uddhav and Aaditya Thackeray, prompted SP's Maharashtra unit chief Abu Azmi to question the alliance's ideological coherence.

Key Points:

1. Controversial Post: The Shiv Sena (UBT) post on X referenced the Babri Masjid demolition with pride, a stance historically associated with the party's founder, Bal Thackeray.

2. SP's Response: Abu Azmi criticized the post, comparing Shiv Sena (UBT)'s rhetoric to that of the BJP and questioning the Congress's role in maintaining the alliance. The SP subsequently announced its decision to exit the MVA.

3. Political Implications: The SP's two MLAs in Maharashtra, Abu Azmi and Raees Sheikh, have opted to step away from the alliance. This could have broader ramifications for the MVA's unity, especially as other members criticize the SP's motivations.

4. Defense by Shiv Sena (UBT): Shiv Sena (UBT) leaders defended their stance, arguing that their position on the Babri Masjid has been consistent since 1992. They also accused the SP of opportunism and potential alignment with the ruling alliance.

5. Internal MVA Struggles: Azmi highlighted a lack of coordination within the MVA during the Maharashtra Assembly elections, where the SP contested eight seats and won two.

This development underscores the challenges of maintaining ideological harmony within opposition coalitions, particularly when historical issues like the Babri Masjid continue to evoke strong emotions and political maneuvering.

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Challenge to Places of Worship Act 1991, Special Bench Hearing, Constitutional Debate

Explore the constitutional challenge to the Places of Worship Act 1991. Learn about the Special Bench hearing, arguments from petitioners, opposing views, and its impact on secularism and communal harmony.

Challenge to Places of Worship Act 1991, Special Bench Hearing, Constitutional Debate

The challenge to the Places of Worship (Special Provisions) Act, 1991, represents a significant legal and constitutional debate in India, with broad implications for religious harmony and the interpretation of history in a modern secular state.

Background of the Act

The 1991 Act was enacted to maintain the religious character of places of worship as they existed on August 15, 1947, and prohibit any legal attempts to alter this status. It explicitly excludes the Ayodhya dispute, which was already in litigation at the time. The law aims to preserve communal harmony and prevent historical grievances from fueling contemporary conflicts.

Issues at Hand

1. Petitioners’ Arguments:

   • Advocate Ashwini Kumar Upadhyay and others argue that the Act unfairly bars Hindus, Jains, Buddhists, and Sikhs from reclaiming places of worship they claim were forcibly converted or encroached upon during historical invasions.
   • They contend that the Act violates their right to judicial remedy and is contrary to principles of justice.

2. Opponents’ Stand:

   • Muslim organizations like the AIMPLB and Jamiat Ulama-i-Hind argue that the Act upholds constitutional values such as secularism and the spirit of fraternity.
   • They emphasize that revisiting historical wrongs could disturb communal harmony and lead to endless litigation.
   • The Ayodhya verdict has been cited to support the law, asserting that it reflects a commitment to historical reconciliation rather than revisiting past conflicts.

3. Gyanvapi Mosque Controversy:

   • The Gyanvapi mosque case in Varanasi has added to the complexities, with Hindu plaintiffs claiming the presence of a temple under the mosque, a contention strongly opposed by the mosque's management.

4. Government's Silence:

   • The Union government has not yet taken a clear stance, promising to respond through a counter-affidavit.

Special Bench and Legal Proceedings

The Special Bench, headed by Chief Justice Sanjiv Khanna, will assess the constitutionality of the 1991 Act. This Bench, which includes Justices Sanjay Kumar and K.V. Viswanathan, will hear the case starting on December 12, 2024.

Key Constitutional Questions

1. Does the Act violate the fundamental right to equality (Article 14) or the right to religious freedom (Article 25)?
2. Can the Act be justified as protecting secularism and the Basic Structure of the Constitution?
3. Should courts delve into historical grievances, or is maintaining communal harmony paramount?

Broader Implications

The outcome of this case could set a precedent for how India addresses historical disputes tied to religious sites and the balance between legal remedies and social harmony. It may also influence the discourse on the limits of judicial intervention in historical and religious matters.

FAQs on the Challenge to the Places of Worship Act, 1991

1. What is the Places of Worship (Special Provisions) Act, 1991?

The Act mandates that the religious character of any place of worship as it existed on August 15, 1947, cannot be changed. It aims to maintain communal harmony by preventing legal disputes over historical religious sites.

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2. Why is the Places of Worship Act being challenged?

Petitioners argue that the Act bars Hindus, Jains, Buddhists, and Sikhs from reclaiming places of worship they claim were encroached upon or forcibly converted during historical invasions. They view this as a violation of their fundamental rights.

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3. What are the main arguments of the petitioners?

The petitioners contend that the Act:

• Violates the right to seek judicial remedy.
• Favors one community at the cost of others.
• Is contrary to principles of justice, equality, and freedom of religion.

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4. What do opponents of the challenge argue?

Muslim organizations and other opponents argue that:

• The Act upholds secularism and the spirit of fraternity in the Constitution.
• Revisiting historical grievances could disturb communal harmony and lead to social unrest.
• The Act is part of the Constitution's Basic Structure and essential for peace.

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5. What is the role of the Supreme Court in this matter?

The Supreme Court has constituted a three-judge Special Bench, headed by Chief Justice Sanjiv Khanna, to hear the case. The Bench will examine the constitutional validity of the 1991 Act.

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6. How is the Gyanvapi mosque case related to this challenge?

The Gyanvapi mosque is at the center of a dispute where Hindu plaintiffs claim the presence of a temple under the mosque. The mosque management opposes the claim, citing the 1991 Act as a safeguard against such disputes.

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7. Has the government taken a stand on this issue?

The Union government has remained silent so far and has promised to file a counter-affidavit in response to the challenge.

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8. How does the Ayodhya judgment impact this case?

The Ayodhya judgment of 2019 upheld the 1991 Act, emphasizing its role in maintaining communal harmony and preventing historical wrongs from influencing the present and future.

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9. When is the Supreme Court hearing scheduled?

The first hearing by the Special Bench is scheduled for 3:30 PM on December 12, 2024.

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10. What could be the implications of this case?

The verdict may shape how India addresses historical disputes over religious sites, balancing legal remedies with the need for communal harmony and secularism.

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An In-Depth Look at the Times Higher Education Rankings and Their Global Impact

An In-Depth Look at the Times Higher Education Rankings and Their Global Impact

Higher education institutions play a crucial role in shaping the future by driving innovation, fostering critical thinking, and preparing students for diverse professional paths. Among the various systems developed to assess the quality and global standing of these institutions, Times Higher Education (THE) Rankings have emerged as a leading authority. This article delves into the origins, methodology, impact, and controversies surrounding THE Rankings while analyzing their influence on higher education institutions worldwide.

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What are Times Higher Education Rankings?

Times Higher Education (THE), a UK-based weekly magazine, has been publishing university rankings since 2004. Initially, THE collaborated with Quacquarelli Symonds (QS) to produce the THE-QS World University Rankings. However, in 2010, THE began publishing its own rankings in collaboration with Thomson Reuters and later shifted to Elsevier for data collection and analysis. These rankings evaluate universities on multiple dimensions, such as teaching quality, research output, knowledge transfer, and international outlook.

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The History and Evolution of THE Rankings

1. Origins and Early Years

• THE first entered the field of university rankings in 2004 in partnership with QS. Their combined rankings quickly gained global recognition.
• In 2010, THE ended its partnership with QS and developed a new methodology, working with Thomson Reuters to ensure a more robust and transparent ranking process.

2. Independent Rankings Era

• The revamped methodology introduced in 2010 was centered on five key performance indicators, ensuring a balanced approach to evaluate the multifaceted roles of universities.
• Since 2015, Elsevier has provided bibliometric data for the rankings, enhancing their credibility.

3. Expanding Scope

Over the years, THE has diversified its rankings to include:

• World University Rankings: Comprehensive global rankings.
• Impact Rankings: Based on universities’ contributions to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
• Subject Rankings: Focused on specific academic disciplines.
• Young University Rankings: Highlighting the performance of institutions established in the last 50 years.
• Asia and Emerging Economies Rankings: Regional and developmental focus.

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Methodology of THE Rankings

THE Rankings assess universities based on 13 carefully calibrated performance indicators grouped under five broad categories:

1. Teaching (30%)

• Reputation survey (15%): Captures the opinions of leading scholars on teaching excellence.
• Staff-to-student ratio (4.5%): Measures personalized attention and academic support.
• Doctorate-to-bachelor ratio (2.25%): Indicates academic advancement opportunities.
• Doctorates awarded to academic staff (6%): Reflects research integration in teaching.
• Institutional income (2.25%): Suggests investment in teaching infrastructure.

2. Research (30%)

• Reputation survey (18%): Gauges research quality and prestige.
• Research income (6%): Indicates the ability to attract funding.
• Research productivity (6%): Measures publications per academic staff.

3. Citations (30%)

• This category assesses research influence by calculating the average number of citations received per published paper.

4. International Outlook (7.5%)

• Proportion of international students and staff (5%): Reflects cultural diversity.
• International collaboration (2.5%): Indicates global research engagement.

5. Industry Income (2.5%)

• Measures knowledge transfer through industrial funding.

Each category is weighted to ensure a fair evaluation, with data sourced from institutional submissions, bibliometric databases, and surveys of academics and employers.

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Impact of THE Rankings

1. Global Recognition and Prestige

Being featured in THE Rankings enhances an institution's reputation, attracting students, faculty, and funding globally. High rankings often translate into increased enrollment of international students and partnerships with prestigious universities.

2. Policymaking and Institutional Strategies

Universities and governments use THE Rankings as a benchmark to evaluate and improve higher education standards. For example:

• Governments in countries like China, Singapore, and India have launched initiatives to elevate their universities' global standing, guided by THE metrics.
• Institutions invest heavily in improving research output, international collaborations, and faculty diversity to climb the rankings.

3. Student Decision-Making

Prospective students, particularly international ones, rely on rankings to choose universities. Rankings influence perceptions of quality, employability, and overall experience.

4. Research and Collaboration

Top-ranked institutions often attract more research funding and global collaborations, creating a positive feedback loop.

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Criticism and Controversies

Despite their popularity, THE Rankings have faced criticism on several fronts:

1. Overemphasis on Research

• Critics argue that THE’s methodology disproportionately favors research-intensive institutions, sidelining universities excelling in teaching or community engagement.
• Universities with fewer resources or those focused on regional issues often lag behind in rankings.

2. Western Bias

• The heavy reliance on English-language publications and global reputation surveys has been criticized for favoring Western institutions, marginalizing universities in developing countries.

3. Subjectivity in Reputation Surveys

• A significant portion of the scores depends on reputation surveys, which are inherently subjective and susceptible to biases.

4. Pressure on Universities

• The pursuit of rankings often leads institutions to prioritize metrics over genuine improvements in education and student experience.
• Universities might divert funds from essential services to meet ranking criteria, such as research and internationalization.

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Recent Trends in THE Rankings

1. Focus on Sustainability

• THE introduced Impact Rankings in 2019 to measure universities’ contributions to SDGs. This shift reflects a broader focus on societal impact rather than traditional academic metrics.

2. Greater Representation

• The rankings have expanded to include more universities from developing countries, particularly through regional rankings. However, the gap between elite institutions and emerging ones remains significant.

3. Digital Transformation

• With the rise of online learning and digital research tools, THE has started accounting for these factors in its methodology, ensuring relevance in a rapidly changing educational landscape.

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How Universities Respond to THE Rankings

1. Strategic Investments

• Institutions invest in research infrastructure, faculty recruitment, and international partnerships to enhance their ranking positions.

2. Branding and Marketing

• Universities leverage high rankings in their branding campaigns to attract students, faculty, and funding.

3. Collaboration

• Recognizing the importance of citations and global reach, institutions actively pursue collaborative research projects with top-ranked universities.

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Future of THE Rankings

As higher education evolves, THE Rankings will likely continue adapting to emerging priorities, such as:

• Emphasizing diversity and inclusion.
• Measuring the effectiveness of online education.
• Highlighting contributions to local and global communities.

With the growing demand for transparency and fairness, THE may also refine its methodology to address long-standing criticisms and ensure that the rankings remain a trusted benchmark.

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Conclusion

The Times Higher Education Rankings have established themselves as a pivotal tool in the global education landscape. By assessing universities across diverse parameters, they provide valuable insights into institutional performance. However, they are not without their flaws, and stakeholders must interpret them with a critical eye. As the field of higher education becomes more competitive and complex, THE Rankings will remain influential, shaping the policies, strategies, and perceptions of universities worldwide.

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Current Affairs 6 December 2024 For All Competitive Exam In India

 

Current Affairs 6 December 2024 For All Competitive Exam In India

Read our daily Current Affairs for all competitive exams in India for UPSC, SSC, Defence, Railways, Banking, and other exams.

Current Affairs

1. French Prime Minister Michel Barnier resigned

French Prime Minister Michel Barnier resigned after his government lost a no-confidence vote in parliament on December 4, 2024. The vote was triggered following his controversial use of Article 49.3 to bypass parliamentary approval for the 2025 budget. This decision drew widespread criticism from both left-wing and far-right parties, including Marine Le Pen’s Rassemblement National, who opposed measures like pension reforms and other economic policies. The collapse reflects deep political divisions, with opposition parties leveraging public dissatisfaction over rising living costs and government policies.

Barnier will serve as a caretaker prime minister until President Macron appoints a successor, a step crucial to avoid further governmental paralysis amidst a looming financial crisis.

2. Anna University ranks in Interdisciplinary Science Rankings 2025

Anna University ranks 42nd globally in the Interdisciplinary Science Rankings 2025, making it the highest-ranked institution in India for interdisciplinary research.

The Interdisciplinary Science Rankings 2025, developed by Times Higher Education in collaboration with Schmidt Science Fellows, highlights the top universities excelling in interdisciplinary research. This inaugural ranking evaluates institutions on their ability to integrate diverse disciplines, encouraging innovation to address complex global challenges like climate change and quantum computing.

The Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) secured the top spot, followed by Stanford University and the National University of Singapore. Other prominent entries in the top 10 include the California Institute of Technology, Duke University, and Wageningen University & Research in the Netherlands.

Asia emerged as a leader in interdisciplinary research representation, with 50% of ranked universities coming from the region. Meanwhile, the United States dominated the top-tier institutions, boasting the highest number of universities in the top 100.

The ranking methodology emphasizes inputs (funding and resources), processes (research culture and collaborations), and outputs (quality and global impact). This ranking aims to foster collaboration and innovation by breaking traditional disciplinary silos.

For detailed results and methodology, visit Times Higher Education's rankings.

3. The Cambridge Dictionary has chosen "manifest" as its Word of the Year for 2024

The Cambridge Dictionary has chosen "manifest" as its Word of the Year for 2024. This selection reflects a surge in the term's popularity, driven by its modern association with the practice of "manifesting" — visualizing and believing in one's goals as a step toward achieving them. The word was searched nearly 130,000 times on Cambridge's website, highlighting its relevance in contemporary culture.

Originally meaning "easily noticeable or obvious," the term has evolved to embody a mindset associated with personal growth and goal-setting, amplified through social media trends and endorsements by celebrities like Dua Lipa and Simone Biles. Its usage surged during events like the Olympics and viral discussions on platforms like TikTok.

4. The brand ambassador for the Assam Rifles Half Marathon (ARHM) 2024

The brand ambassador for the Assam Rifles Half Marathon (ARHM) 2024 was legendary boxer MC Mary Kom. She represented the event, which took place on November 24, 2024, in Shillong, Meghalaya. The marathon, one of Northeast India's largest, aimed to promote fitness, camaraderie, and eco-consciousness under the theme “Chase the Clouds and Conquer the Hills.” It included a 21 km half marathon, a 10 km race, and a 5 km fun run, with over 1,900 participants from across India.

5. The Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) celebrated its 67th Foundation Day

The Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) celebrated its 67th Foundation Day on December 4, 2024. Established in 1957, DRI is India's premier intelligence and enforcement agency under the Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs (CBIC). It plays a crucial role in combating smuggling, customs duty evasion, and related economic offenses.

To mark the occasion, the agency hosted the 9th Regional Customs Enforcement Meeting (RCEM), bringing together representatives from international organizations like the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) and the International Narcotics Control Bureau (INCB). DRI also released its annual "Smuggling in India Report 2023-24," highlighting its achievements, including seizures and enforcement trends.

For more about DRI's work and its foundation day celebrations, you can explore further details here .

6. The 25th edition of Nagaland's iconic Hornbill Festival

The 25th edition of Nagaland's iconic Hornbill Festival is in full swing from December 1-10, 2024. Held at the Kisama Heritage Village, this year's festivities are a grand celebration of Naga culture and heritage. Visitors can experience vibrant performances by various Naga tribes, featuring traditional dances, music, and unique games. With a special focus on international cultural exchanges, partner countries like Japan, Wales, and Peru will showcase their traditions alongside Naga heritage.

Notable highlights include the Hornbill International Rock Contest, local crafts and handloom fairs, Naga wrestling, and delicious traditional cuisine. This 25th anniversary marks a significant milestone for the festival, bringing together thousands of visitors to celebrate the rich diversity of Nagaland.

7. The SheSTEM 2024 program in India

The SheSTEM 2024 program in India, organized by the Atal Innovation Mission (AIM) in collaboration with the Embassy of Sweden, is focused on fostering innovation in energy storage and sustainability. This year's challenge invited students from grades 6 to 12 to present their ideas on Battery Technology and Energy Storage Systems. Over 1,000 students participated, showcasing prototypes and concepts aimed at addressing global challenges related to sustainability and energy. The event highlights the potential of young minds in STEM fields, inspiring future innovators and empowering students to play an active role in shaping a sustainable, technology-driven world.

8. The World Drought Atlas provides a comprehensive report on global drought 

The World Drought Atlas provides a comprehensive report on global drought trends, projecting a significant increase in drought severity due to climate change. According to the report, droughts have already increased by 29% since 2000 and are expected to intensify. Vulnerable regions such as parts of Africa, South Asia, and the Mediterranean are at the greatest risk. The 2024 Atlas highlights alarming projections: over 2.3 billion people live under conditions of severe water stress, and if current trends continue, these numbers will rise dramatically by 2050. The report also points to reduced agricultural yields, as crop productivity will decline significantly due to ongoing droughts, threatening food security and livelihoods globally.

Key insights include:

1. Rising risks to agriculture: Climate models predict crop failures and reduced harvests, especially in water-scarce regions.
2. Impact on ecosystems: Droughts are harming biodiversity and depleting groundwater sources, which affects ecosystem services and food security.
3. Urban vulnerabilities: Droughts in urban areas exacerbate water quality issues and public health risks, with rising cases of waterborne diseases like cholera.
4. Solutions and recommendations: The report calls for transformative action including enhanced drought risk assessments, improved water management, and the implementation of early warning systems.

This report urges immediate, large-scale action to mitigate the escalating crisis, with recommendations tailored to local and regional contexts, aiming for resilience across communities and sectors.

9. The Banking Laws (Amendment) Bill, 2024, passed by the Lok Sabha

The Banking Laws (Amendment) Bill, 2024, passed by the Lok Sabha, introduces several important changes, including provisions for bank account holders to nominate up to four nominees. This is a significant update from the earlier rule allowing only a single nominee.

Key highlights of this amendment include:

1. Successive or simultaneous nomination: Account holders can now distribute shares of their accounts among multiple nominees and define the share percentage for each nominee, simplifying the inheritance process in case of unforeseen events.
2. Addressing post-COVID disputes: The amendment aims to reduce legal complications that arose when multiple claimants contested for funds, streamlining the distribution process.
3. Customer convenience: Locker holders can opt for a successive nomination system to align with this framework.

The bill also includes provisions to enhance governance in cooperative and commercial banks, emphasizing customer-centric reforms.

10. The 29th Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) Partnership Summit 2024

The 29th Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) Partnership Summit 2024 took place in New Delhi, focusing on critical global issues like inclusive growth, economic resilience, and geoeconomic shifts. It brought together international leaders, policymakers, business executives, and experts to explore pathways for sustainable development and collaboration.

Key highlights included discussions on building resilient supply chains, fostering gender equality, and the role of advanced technology in global competitiveness. Over 60 countries participated, with sessions aimed at addressing economic challenges post-pandemic and amid geopolitical tensions.

11. Neale Fraser, an Australian tennis legend and former world No. 1, passed away 

Neale Fraser, an Australian tennis legend and former world No. 1, passed away at the age of 91 on December 3, 2024. Fraser had a remarkable career, winning 19 Grand Slam titles, including three singles crowns, and playing a pivotal role in Australia's Davis Cup victories. Known for his powerful left-handed serve, he won singles titles at Wimbledon and the US Open and was instrumental in securing four consecutive Davis Cup wins from 1959 to 1962.

Fraser later served as Australia's Davis Cup captain from 1970 to 1993, leading the team to four more titles during his tenure. His leadership and contributions to tennis earned him induction into the International Tennis Hall of Fame in 1984 and numerous accolades throughout his life. Fraser is remembered as one of the greats of Australian tennis, inspiring generations of players.

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