1 Asian Buddhist Summit (ABS), 2024
Context: The Ministry of Culture, in collaboration with the International Buddhist Confederation (IBC), organized the First Asian Buddhist Summit (ABS), aiming to bring together Buddhist leaders, scholars, and practitioners to foster unity and cooperation across Asia through the teachings of Buddhism.
About the Summit:
- Theme: “Role of Buddha Dhamma in Strengthening Asia” — reflecting the summit’s goal of utilizing Buddhist principles to promote peace, stability, and unity in the Asian continent.
- Participants: Sangha leaders, scholars, and practitioners from diverse Buddhist traditions across Asia gathered to discuss Buddhism’s potential to address contemporary issues.
Key Themes Discussed:
- Buddhist Art, Architecture, and Heritage: Exploring how Buddhist cultural expressions can foster regional unity.
- Buddha Cārikā and Dissemination of Buddha Dhamma: Focusing on spreading Buddha’s teachings to promote ethical values.
- Role of Holy Buddhist Relics: Discussing the relevance of relics as symbols of spiritual heritage and unity.
- Significance of Buddha Dhamma in Scientific Research and Well–Being: Bridging Buddhism with science to enhance mental well-being and resilience.
- Role of Buddhist Literature and Philosophy in the 21st Century: Emphasizing the timeless relevance of Buddhist philosophy in today’s society.
The summit aligns with India’s Act East Policy, which seeks regional collaboration grounded in shared spiritual and cultural heritage to promote Asia’s development.
Buddhism: An Overview
Buddhism, founded on the teachings of Siddhartha Gautama (the Buddha) in the 5th–4th century BCE, is centered on understanding and overcoming human suffering through a spiritual path. Key principles include:
- Four Noble Truths: The nature of suffering, its cause, its cessation, and the path to overcome it.
- Nirvana: The ultimate goal, which is the liberation from the cycle of birth, death, and rebirth.
Relevance of Buddhist Teachings in Today’s World:
- Mindfulness and Meditation: Widely adopted for mental health benefits, promoting focus and stress reduction.
- Emotional Resilience: Buddhism encourages acceptance of suffering (dukkha), fostering resilience in adversity.
- Peace and Nonviolence: The principle of ahimsa advocates for peaceful resolutions and tolerance.
- Forgiveness and Compassion: Relevant in conflict-ridden societies, emphasizing reconciliation and compassion.
- Countering Materialism: Offering an alternative perspective that values inner peace and contentment over material wealth.
Buddhism as India’s Cultural Soft Power Diplomacy:
Buddhism plays a pivotal role in India’s soft power strategy, fostering cultural ties and promoting peace across Asia. Key aspects include:
- Strengthening Regional Ties: Many Southeast Asian nations, like Thailand, Myanmar, and Sri Lanka, have strong Buddhist traditions. India’s Buddhist diplomacy aims to strengthen these connections, particularly in countering China’s influence in the region.
- Promoting India’s Historical Roots: India, as the birthplace of Buddhism, hosts significant sites like Bodh Gaya, emphasizing shared heritage.
- The Dalai Lama’s Influence: India’s support for the Dalai Lama has strengthened its influence among Buddhist communities worldwide.
- Revival of Nalanda University: The new Nalanda University, rooted in the legacy of the ancient institution, aims to be a global center for Buddhist studies.
- Buddhist Art and Monuments: UNESCO World Heritage sites like the Ajanta and Ellora Caves, Sanchi Stupa, and Great Stupa at Sarnath are iconic representations of India’s Buddhist heritage.
- Tourism: India, home to seven of the eight most important Buddhist pilgrimage sites, promotes Buddhist Circuit tourism to connect devotees and travelers with the sacred sites associated with the Buddha’s life and teachings.
Conclusion: India’s initiatives, such as the Asian Buddhist Summit and the revival of Nalanda University, reflect its commitment to strengthening historical, cultural, and religious ties with Asia. By promoting Buddhist tourism and educational collaboration, India seeks to bolster its leadership in academia and cultural diplomacy, fostering mutual understanding, goodwill, and cooperation in the region.
2 Every Private Property Not a Community Resource: Supreme Court
The recent Supreme Court ruling in India marks a significant development in the legal understanding of private property rights, especially concerning the State’s ability to acquire private assets for the “common good.” Here are the key takeaways from this landmark judgment:
Background of the Case:
The case stemmed from a challenge by the Property Owners Association in Mumbai against Chapter VIII-A of the Maharashtra Housing and Area Development Act, 1976. This provision allowed the State to acquire private property with a compensation cap at one hundred times the monthly rent, which the petitioners argued was inadequate. Initially filed in 1992, the case reached a nine-judge Constitution Bench in 2002 and was finally ruled upon in 2024.
Evolution of Private Property Rights in India:
Initially, private property was protected as a fundamental right under Article 19(1)(f) and Article 31 of the Indian Constitution. However, the 44th Amendment in 1978 changed this, making it a constitutional right under Article 300A, thereby allowing State acquisition of private property but only with due process and fair compensation.
Supreme Court’s Ruling:
The majority opinion led by the Chief Justice held that not all private property could be considered “community resources.” The ruling overturned the broader interpretation of Article 39(b) put forth by Justice Krishna Iyer in 1978, which suggested that private property could broadly serve as community resources. The recent ruling asserts that such classifications require careful case-by- case analysis.
Key points include:
- Article 39(b) directs the State to distribute resources in ways that “subserve the common good.” However, this ruling establishes that private property should not automatically be included under this mandate.
- Article 31C protects laws under Articles 39(b) and 39(c), allowing the State to acquire resources crucial for the welfare of the community. However, the recent judgment suggests this power should be used judiciously, balancing individual rights with community interests.
Dissenting Opinion:
Justice B.V. Nagarathna emphasized a need for a balanced approach, distinguishing between State- owned resources held in public trust and privately owned resources. She highlighted that “material resources” should not include intimate or personal belongings of individuals and suggested a more of “community resources.”
Criteria for ‘Material Resources of the Community’
The court set out criteria to help determine whether a private resource could be classified as a community resource:
- Nature and characteristics of the resource.
- Impact on public welfare.
- State control vs. private ownership.
- Scarcity and availability of the resource.
- Ownership concentration among private entities.
Implications of the Ruling:
The ruling has significant implications for future cases involving property rights and state powers, including:
- Protection Against Arbitrary Acquisition: The court emphasized the need for due process and fair compensation in any State acquisition of private property.
- Shift Toward Market–Oriented Policies: This reflects a gradual shift from the socialist economic policies that influenced earlier judgments, aligning more closely with India’s evolving, market-oriented economy.
- Impact on Economic Growth: The court noted that India’s recent economic policies have helped establish it as one of the fastest-growing economies, and this ruling may further support that trajectory by upholding property rights.
Conclusion: The Supreme Court’s decision underscores the balance between individual property rights and community needs. It reinforces the protection of private property rights against arbitrary state actions while acknowledging the State’s role in redistributing resources. This judgment is poised to shape India’s property rights landscape as the country advances economically, ensuring a balanced approach to resource distribution.
3 World Solar Report Series
Context: The release of the 3rd edition of the World Solar Report series at the 7th Assembly of the International Solar Alliance (ISA) highlights crucial insights into global solar energy advancements, investment trends, technology developments, and green hydrogen potential in Africa.
Overview of the World Solar Report Series
The World Solar Report series, first launched in 2022, provides a comprehensive view of the global solar landscape, focusing on industry trends, challenges, and technological progress in solar energy. The 3rd edition includes four reports:
1. World Solar Market Report:
- Growth in Solar Capacity: Global solar capacity surged from 1.22 GW in 2000 to 1,418.97 GW in 2023, with an impressive 40% annual growth rate.
2. World Investment Report:
- Investment Growth: Global energy investments are expected to rise from $2.4 trillion in 2018 to $3.1 trillion in 2024, growing at around 5% annually.
- Regional Leaders: The Asia-Pacific (APAC) region leads in solar investments, channeling $223 billion into solar energy in 2023.
- World Technology Report: Efficiency & Cost Reduction: The report showcases record-breaking 24.9% efficiency in solar PV modules and an 88% reduction in silicon usage since 2004. Utility-scale solar PV costs have decreased by 90%, making solar a more resilient and cost-effective energy solution.
4. Green Hydrogen Readiness Assessment for African Countries
- Transition Potential: Green hydrogen offers a sustainable alternative to fossil fuels for Africa, supporting the continent’s clean energy transition.
About the International Solar Alliance (ISA):
- Established: Jointly by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and French President Francois Hollande in 2015.
- Headquarters: ISA is the first international intergovernmental organization headquartered in India.
- Mission: To mobilize $1 trillion in solar investments by 2030, reduce solar technology costs, and ease access to financing.
India’s Renewable Energy Landscape:
- Installed Capacity: India’s total electricity generation capacity is 452.69 GW, with non-fossil fuel sources contributing nearly half.
- Renewable Energy: By 2024, India’s renewable capacity is 201.45 GW (46.3% of total capacity), including:
- Solar Power: 90.76 GW
- Wind Power: 47.36 GW
- Hydroelectric Power: 46.92 GW
- Small Hydro Power: 5.07 GW
- Biopower (biomass and biogas): 11.32 GW
India’s Climate Targets:
India is committed to achieving Net Zero Emissions by 2070 and has set ambitious short-term targets, including:
- Increasing renewable capacity to 500 GW by 2030.
- Meeting 50% of energy needs from renewables.
- Reducing cumulative emissions by 1 billion tonnes by 2030.
- Lowering emissions intensity of GDP by 45% from 2005 levels by 2030.
Conclusion: The World Solar Report series underscores the transformative role of solar energy, investment trends, and emerging technologies in achieving global energy goals. India’s proactive stance in renewable energy aligns with the ISA’s vision and showcases its commitment to a sustainable energy future. This progress, along with international collaboration, positions solar energy as a pivotal force in the global energy transition.
4 Biopiracy
Biopiracy involves the unauthorized appropriation of biological resources and traditional knowledge, often by corporations, researchers, or nations, for commercial gains without proper compensation to the communities or countries of origin. It frequently affects biodiversity-rich regions, particularly in the Global South, where indigenous plants, animals, or knowledge are patented without permission or benefit-sharing.
Common Forms of Biopiracy:
- Patent Claims on Traditional Medicinal Plants: Companies or individuals may patent traditional medicinal plants, exploiting indigenous knowledge without acknowledgment or compensation.
- Unauthorized Collection of Genetic Resources: Genetic resources are taken from biodiversity-rich regions for research or product development without permission.
Digital Biopiracy:
With the advancement of biotechnology, digital biopiracy has emerged, where genetic and biological data is accessed through digital tools, often from online databases, and used for profit in areas like pharmaceuticals, agriculture, and synthetic biology.
Key Concerns:
- Digital databases of genetic information allow companies to bypass traditional biopiracy laws, as they no longer need physical samples.
- Nations and indigenous communities risk losing control over their genetic resources in the digital sphere, complicating regulation and benefit-sharing.
India’s Legal Frameworks Against Biopiracy:
- The Biological Diversity Act, 2002: Mandates benefit-sharing if commercial products are developed from Indian biological resources.
2. Protection of Plant Varieties and Farmers’ Rights (PPVFR) Act, 2001:
- Grants rights to plant breeders and recognizes farmers for conserving plant varieties.
- Prevents the patenting of traditional crop varieties developed by Indian farmers, preserving farmers’ knowledge and contributions.
