PM Modi Mann Ki Baat highlights Swadeshi and women in armed forces
Source:The Hindu ↗
Why It Matters
The broadcast touches upon multiple dimensions relevant to the UPSC syllabus: the contemporary relevance of Gandhian ideals (Swadeshi/Khadi), the evolving role of women in the armed forces, significant historical milestones (RSS centenary), and economic policies impacting citizens (GST). These elements are frequent touchpoints in GS1 (History and Society) and GS3 (Economy and Security).
Summary
In his recent Mann Ki Baat address, PM Modi highlighted a range of national initiatives and historical milestones. He strongly advocated for economic nationalism by urging citizens to buy Khadi and local products in honor of Gandhi Jayanti. The Prime Minister also lauded the empowerment of women in the armed forces, specifically mentioning the global circumnavigation by two female naval officers. Additional topics included the upcoming centenary of the RSS, the 10th anniversaries of the Make in India and Swachh Bharat campaigns, and the economic benefits to consumers resulting from recent GST rate cuts.
Key Points
- PM Modi emphasized the principles of Swadeshi and self-reliance by urging citizens to purchase Made-in-India products and Khadi to mark Gandhi Jayanti.
- The upcoming 100th anniversary of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) was recognized, honoring its founders for their resistance against intellectual slavery.
- Two women Indian Navy officers recently embarked on a global circumnavigation mission under the 'Navika Sagar Parikrama', navigating difficult maritime regions such as Point Nemo.
- The address noted the completion of a decade of both the Swachh Bharat Abhiyan and the Make in India initiative.
- Recent reductions in Goods and Services Tax (GST) rates on various consumer items were highlighted as a 'GST Bachat Utsav' benefiting the middle class.
Important Terms
Navika Sagar Parikrama II
A 2024-25 Indian Navy expedition where two female officers, Lt Cdr Roopa A and Lt Cdr Dilna K, circumnavigated the globe in 'double-handed' mode aboard INSV Tarini.
UPSC context
GS Paper 1 & 2: Women empowerment (Nari Shakti) and role of women in armed forces; GS Paper 3: Maritime security.
Make in India
A flagship initiative launched in 2014 to transform India into a global manufacturing hub by encouraging domestic production and foreign investment across 27 sectors.
UPSC context
GS Paper 3: Indian Economy and issues relating to industrial growth and resource mobilization.
Swachh Bharat Abhiyan (SBM)
A national campaign launched in 2014 to achieve universal sanitation, eliminate open defecation, and improve waste management through a massive behavioral change movement.
UPSC context
GS Paper 2: Social Justice, Governance, and government policies for public health and welfare.
GST Council
A constitutional body established under Article 279A that makes key recommendations to the Union and States on GST rates, exemptions, and model laws.
UPSC context
GS Paper 2: Statutory/constitutional bodies and cooperative federalism; GS Paper 3: Fiscal policy.
Goods and Services Tax (GST)
A comprehensive, destination-based indirect tax levied on the supply of goods and services, replacing multiple central and state taxes to create a unified national market.
UPSC context
GS Paper 3: Indian Economy and major taxation reforms since independence.
Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS)
A socio-cultural voluntary organization founded in 1925 by K.B. Hedgewar; it focuses on national character building and cultural revival, marking its centenary in 2025.
UPSC context
GS Paper 1: Modern Indian history and the evolution of socio-cultural organizations.
Prelims Trap
"Point Nemo is an isolated navigational waypoint located in the deep waters of the Southern Indian Ocean."
Point Nemo is the Oceanic Pole of Inaccessibility. It is located in the South Pacific Ocean, not the Indian Ocean.
Static Concepts Connected
What characterizes Point Nemo (Oceanic Pole of Inaccessibility)?
- Location: Situated in the South Pacific Ocean, it is the exact point on Earth farthest from any landmass.
- Oceanic desert: It lies within the South Pacific Gyre, lacking nutrient-rich currents, resulting in extremely minimal marine life.
- Spacecraft cemetery: Due to its extreme isolation, global space agencies use it as a safe crash zone for decommissioned satellites.
What is the constitutional basis of the GST Council?
- Article 279A: Introduced by the 101st Amendment Act, establishing a joint forum of the Centre and States.
- Decision making: Requires a 3/4th majority, with the Centre having a 1/3rd voting weight and States sharing 2/3rd.
Cross-Topic Patterns
Defense milestones + Oceanography
The 'Navika Sagar Parikrama' connects GS3 Defense (women's roles in expeditionary forces) with GS1 Geography (navigating specific oceanic currents and regions like Point Nemo).
Decade of Flagship Schemes
The 10-year milestones of Make in India and Swachh Bharat invite Mains evaluation questions assessing actual targets achieved versus initial 2014 projections.
Geography matching questions in 2026 will likely include Point Nemo, paired with women's defense expeditions (Navika Sagar Parikrama).
Linked PYQs · 4
Linked PYQs · 4
- 2018MainsGS1
Throw light on the significance of the thoughts of Mahatma Gandhi in the present times.
- 2019MainsGS3
Enumerate the indirect taxes which have been subsumed in the Goods and Services Tax (GST) in India. Also, comment on the revenue implications of the GST introduced in India since July 2017.
- 2019MainsGS1
What are the continued challenges for women in India against time and space?
- 2021MainsGS1
Bring out the constructive programmes of Mahatma Gandhi during Non-Cooperation Movement and Civil Disobedience Movement.
