90-Foot Tall Bronze Statue of Lord Hanuman Becomes New Landmark in Texas    
Old Pension Scheme (OPS)    
India-Ukraine Relations    
Polygraph Test    

1.    90-Foot Tall Bronze Statue of Lord Hanuman Becomes New Landmark in Texas
Context:
•    "Statue of Union":
o    A 90-foot tall bronze statue of Lord Hanuman has been unveiled at the Sri Ashtalakshmi Temple in Sugar Land, Texas, making it a significant landmark in the United States.
o    This statue is the third tallest in the country, following the Statue of Liberty in New York and the Pegasus and Dragon statue in Florida.
o    It is the tallest Hanuman statue outside of India and the tallest statue in Texas.
Unveiling Ceremony:
•    Special Ceremony:
o    The statue was revealed during a grand ceremony from August 15 to 18, coinciding with India’s Independence Day.
o    The event included a helicopter showering flowers on the statue, the sprinkling of sacred water, and a 72-foot-long garland being
placed around Lord Hanuman’s neck.
o    Thousands of devotees attended
 

o    the event, chanting the names of Shri Ram and Hanuman, creating a deeply spiritual atmosphere.
Significance:
•    Cultural and Religious Importance:
o    The statue serves as a symbol of unity and devotion, attracting devotees and visitors from across the world.
o    It also highlights the cultural influence and presence of the Indian diaspora in the United States, particularly in Texas.
Prelims Question:
Question: The recently unveiled 90-foot tall statue of Lord Hanuman in Texas is the third tallest in the United States. Which of the following statues are taller?
1.    The Statue of Liberty
2.    The Pegasus and Dragon statue
3.    The Christ the Redeemer statue
Select the correct answer using the codes given below: A) 1 only
B)    1 and 2 only
C)    2 and 3 only
D)    1, 2, and 3
Answer: B) 1 and 2 only
Mains Question:
Question: Discuss the cultural significance of the recently unveiled 90-foot tall statue of Lord Hanuman in Texas for the Indian diaspora in the United States and its impact on promoting Indian heritage abroad.
 

2. Old Pension Scheme (OPS)
Overview:
•    The Old Pension Scheme (OPS) is a defined benefit plan provided by the government, ensuring a fixed post- retirement income for government employees.
Pension Amount:
•    Guarantees 50% of the final drawn basic pay plus Dearness Allowance (DA) as a lifetime pension.
•    Example: If an employee’s basic pay at retirement is ₹10,000, the assured
pension would be ₹5,000.
Eligibility:
•    Exclusive to government employees who joined the service before the introduction of the New Pension Scheme (NPS).
New Pension Scheme (NPS) Overview:
•    The New Pension Scheme (NPS) is a defined contribution plan where employees contribute a portion of their salary towards their pension corpus.
Pension Amount:
•    The pension amount is not fixed and depends on the accumulated corpus.
•    Employees contribute 10% of their basic salary + DA, while the government contributes 14%.
Eligibility:
•    Open to all Indian citizens, including NRIs, between the ages of 18 and 70.
•    Not applicable to armed forces personnel.
Comparison Between OPS and NPS:

Feature    Old Pension Scheme (OPS)    New Pension Scheme (NPS)

Pension Type    Defined Benefit Plan    Defined
Contribution Plan

Contextual Background:
•    Old Pension Scheme (OPS): Widely regarded as a generous scheme, OPS was discontinued in favor of NPS in 2004 to reduce the financial burden on the government. The move was driven by concerns over the long-term sustainability of the OPS, given the increasing life expectancy and the growing number of retirees.
•    New Pension Scheme (NPS): Introduced to ensure financial discipline and reduce the government's pension liabilities. The NPS is aligned with the global shift towards defined contribution plans, where the risk is borne by the individual rather than the employer.
Prelims Question:
Question: With reference to the Old Pension Scheme (OPS) and the New Pension Scheme (NPS), consider the following statements:
1.    OPS provides a fixed pension amount based on the employee’s final salary.
2.    NPS is applicable only to government employees.
3.    The pension amount under NPS is fixed and guaranteed by the government.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct? A) 1 only
B)    2 and 3 only
C)    1 and 2 only
D)    1, 2, and 3
Answer: A) 1 only
 

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Mains Question:
Question: Analyze the financial implications of shifting from the Old Pension Scheme (OPS) to the New Pension Scheme (NPS) for both the government and the employees. How does this shift reflect global trends in pension reforms?

3. India-Ukraine Relations
Context:
•    India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi's historic visit to Ukraine has garnered significant attention. He is the first Indian PM to visit Ukraine since diplomatic relations were established in 1992.
•    The visit aims to deepen India-Ukraine relations and underscore India's consistent position on the Russia-Ukraine conflict, emphasizing that lasting peace can only be achieved through dialogue and diplomacy.
Historical Background of India-Ukraine Relations Establishment of Diplomatic Relations:
•    India was among the first nations to recognize Ukraine after the disintegration of the Soviet Union.
•    Diplomatic relations were established in January 1992 with the opening of the Embassy of India in Kyiv in May 1992.
•    Ukraine opened its first mission in Asia, in Delhi, in February 1993.
Phase of Engagement but Lack of Full-Scale Cooperation:
•    India and Ukraine cooperated in various domains, such as defense and diaspora relations. However, India's historical ties with Russia hindered full-scale engagement with Ukraine.
Decline in Bilateral Cooperation Post Russia- Ukraine War:
•    The bilateral trade volume between India and Ukraine dropped significantly from
$3.39 billion in 2021-22 to $0.71 billion in 2023-24.

Areas of Cooperation Between India and Ukraine
1.    Geopolitical Cooperation:
o    Support during the 1971 War: The Soviet Union, under Ukrainian- born Leonid Brezhnev, supported India in the 1971 war against Pakistan.
o    High-Level Exchanges: Regular communication between Indian PM Narendra Modi and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky during the Russia-Ukraine War.
o    Joint Working Groups: India and Ukraine maintain regular interactions through Joint Working Groups and Foreign Office Consultations.
2.    Defense Cooperation:
o    Military Technology: Ukraine has been a significant source of military technology for India. For instance, Ukraine-manufactured R- 27 air-to-air missiles are used on India's SU-30MKI fighters.
o    Defense Exports: India has started exporting defense equipment to Ukraine during its war with Russia.
3.    Economic Cooperation:
o    Trade Relations: In 2020, India was Ukraine's largest export destination in the Asia-Pacific region and the fifth-largest overall.
o    Trade Growth: Bilateral trade reached $3.386 billion in 2021-22.
o    Export Items:
    From Ukraine to India: Agricultural products, Metallurgical products, Plastics & Polymers.
    From India to Ukraine: Pharmaceuticals, Machinery, Chemicals, Food products.

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o    Indian Companies in Ukraine: Several Indian companies, such as the Indian Pharmaceutical Manufacturers' Association, have representative offices in Ukraine.
4.    Humanitarian Assistance:
o    India provided 99.3 tons of humanitarian aid to Ukraine during the Russia-Ukraine war, including medicines, blankets, tents, tarpaulin, and medical equipment.
o    Indian pharmaceutical companies have donated more than USD 8 million in medical aid and financial assistance to Ukraine.
5.    Diaspora Cooperation:
o    The local Indian community in Ukraine mainly consists of business professionals and medical students.
o    The community has formed an association called "India Club," which organizes cultural and sports events.
6.    Cultural Cooperation:
o    Over 30 Ukrainian cultural groups are engaged in promoting Indian art forms, yoga, philosophy, Ayurveda, and spirituality.
o    The iconic Oscar-winning song "Naatu Naatu" was shot in Ukraine.
7.    Institutional Cooperation:
o    ITEC (Indian Technical and Economic Cooperation) Program: Offers training and capacity- building programs in Indian centers of excellence.
o    ICCR (Indian Council for Cultural Relations) Scholarship: Provides scholarships for higher education in Indian institutions.

o Kendriya Hindi Sansthan Scholarship Program: Offers scholarships to Ukrainian students for higher-level Hindi language courses.
Challenges in India-Ukraine Relations
1.    Declining Bilateral Trade:
o    The trade volume has drastically reduced due to the ongoing Russia-Ukraine crisis, impacting economic ties.
2.    Impact on India's Imports:
o    The decline in trade has disrupted India's imports of agricultural, machine-building, and military goods from Ukraine, leading to issues like rising inflation.
3.    India's Relations with Russia:
o    India's continued engagement with Russia and its neutral stance on the conflict have dampened the spirit of India-Ukraine cooperation.
4.    Ukraine's Past Criticism of India:
o    Ukraine's criticism of India's nuclear tests and Kashmir policy has been an irritant in fully developing bilateral relations.
Way Forward
1.    Diplomatic Balancing Act:
o    India must maintain a delicate balance in its relations with both Russia and Ukraine, as well as with China and the US. Engagement with Ukraine should not affect India's longstanding ties with Russia.
2.    Center Stage in Peace Efforts:
o    India should position itself as a neutral and principled global player, leading efforts to negotiate peace in Ukraine. This could help restore global food supply chains and prevent starvation-related deaths worldwide.

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3.    Redefining Non-Alignment:
o    India should demonstrate a modern interpretation of non- alignment by deepening relations with Ukraine while maintaining close cooperation with Russia. The shift from equidistance to proactive engagement with all nations is crucial in the current geopolitical landscape.

Prelims Question
Question: With reference to India-Ukraine relations, consider the following statements:
1.    India was one of the first countries to recognize Ukraine after the disintegration of the Soviet Union.
2.    Ukraine has been a consistent and major supplier of military technology to India since independence.
3.    Bilateral trade between India and Ukraine increased significantly after the Russia- Ukraine war began.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct? A) 1 and 2 only
B)    2 and 3 only
C)    1 only
D)    1, 2, and 3
Answer: A) 1 and 2 only
Mains Question
Question: Analyze the impact of the Russia- Ukraine war on India-Ukraine relations, particularly in terms of economic and defense cooperation. How should India navigate its diplomatic relations with both Ukraine and Russia in the current geopolitical context?

4.    Polygraph Test
About:

respiration, and skin conductivity while a person answers a series of questions.
•    Assumption: The test is based on the premise that physiological responses vary when a person is lying.
•    Historical Origin: The concept of a lie detection test dates back to the 19th century, pioneered by Italian criminologist Cesare Lombroso, who used a machine to measure changes in blood pressure during interrogations.
Comparison with Narco-Analysis Test
•    Narco-Analysis:
o    Method: Involves injecting sodium pentothal to induce a hypnotic or sedated state, where the subject is considered incapable of lying.
o    Assumption: In this sedated state, the individual is expected to reveal truthful information without the influence of imagination.
Accuracy of Tests
•    Controversy: Both Polygraph and Narco- Analysis tests are not scientifically proven to be 100% accurate and remain controversial in the medical and legal fields.
•    Usage: Despite their controversial nature, these tests are used by investigative agencies as a "softer alternative" to physical torture for extracting truth from suspects.
Note:
•    Brain Mapping: This test uses imaging to study brain anatomy and function, helping to identify areas controlling movement, speech, and vision. It is different from Polygraph and Narco-Analysis as it focuses on brain activity rather than physiological responses.

•    Definition: A Polygraph, or Lie Detector         

Test, measures and records physiological indicators like blood pressure, pulse,

Legal Admissibility of Polygraph Tests Violation of Article 20(3):
 

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•    Constitutional Protection: Polygraph, Narco-Analysis, and Brain Mapping tests conducted without the accused's consent violate Article 20(3) of the Indian Constitution, which protects the right against self-incrimination.
•    Right Against Self-Incrimination: Ensures that no person accused of an offence is

o Supreme Court Ruling: The right against self-incrimination under Article 20(3) does not extend to physical evidence (e.g., fingerprints, handwriting, blood, and voice samples), as these are considered voluntarily given information.

compelled to be a witness against         

themselves.
Necessity of Consent
•    Mandatory Consent: The accused must provide voluntary and informed consent to avoid breaching constitutional rights.
•    Judicial and Human Rights Concerns:
o    These tests raise concerns about judicial integrity and human rights, particularly regarding the individual's rights and freedoms.

Landmark Judgments Related to Polygraph Tests
1.    Selvi v. State of Karnataka & Anr (2010):
o    Supreme Court Ruling: Involuntary administration of Polygraph or Narco-Analysis tests is an intrusion into an individual's "mental privacy," violating Article 20(3).
o    Self-Incrimination: The court emphasized that self-incrimination is a legal principle under which a person cannot be compelled to provide information or testify against themselves in a criminal case.
2.    D.K. Basu v. State of West Bengal (1997):
o    Supreme Court Ruling: Involuntary Polygraph and Narco-Analysis tests constitute cruel, inhuman, and degrading treatment, violating Article 21 (Right to Life and Liberty).
3.    State of Bombay v. Kathi Kalu Oghad

NHRC Guidelines on Polygraph Tests
•    Voluntary Consent:
o    The accused must willingly agree to undergo the Polygraph test, with the option to refuse.
•    Informed Consent:
o    The accused should be fully informed about the test's purpose, procedure, and legal consequences by the police and their lawyer before agreeing.
•    Recorded Consent:
o    The accused's consent must be formally recorded in the presence of a Judicial Magistrate.
•    Documentation:
o    During court proceedings, the police must provide evidence that the accused voluntarily agreed to the test, documented by the lawyer and presented to the judge.
•    Clarification of Statements:
o    The accused should be aware that any statements made during the Polygraph test are treated as statements to the police, not as confessions.
•    Judicial Consideration:
o    Judges consider various factors, such as the length of the accused's detention and the nature of the interrogation, when evaluating the results of a Polygraph test.

(1961):         
Prelims Question

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Question: With reference to the legal and constitutional aspects of Polygraph Tests in India, consider the following statements:
1.    Polygraph tests conducted without the accused's consent violate Article 20(3) of the Indian Constitution.
2.    The right against self-incrimination under Article 20(3) extends to physical evidence like fingerprints and handwriting samples.
3.    The Supreme Court has ruled that involuntary Polygraph tests amount to cruel and degrading treatment under Article 21.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct? A) 1 and 3 only
B)    1 and 2 only
C)    2 and 3 only
D)    1, 2, and 3
Answer: A) 1 and 3 only

Mains Question
Question: Critically examine the ethical and constitutional concerns surrounding the use of Polygraph and Narco-Analysis tests in criminal investigations. How do these concerns balance with the need for effective law enforcement?