Pre & Mains Notes
1. Ashoka in Ujjain: Vaishya Tekri Excavations
WHAT HAPPENED
The Madhya Pradesh government has begun restoring Buddhist monuments in Ujjain, including Vaishya Tekri, where fresh excavations may provide new evidence about the Mauryan-era site.
CORE ISSUE
Understanding Ashoka’s connection with Ujjain and the historical significance of Vaishya Tekri.
KEY DETAILS
- Vaishya Tekri: A large mound near Ujjain; archaeological excavations in 1938–39 revealed a punch-marked coin hoard and large brick structures.
- Mauryan connection: Excavations and historical accounts indicate that the site could help establish the nature and extent of Mauryan activity in Ujjain.
- Ashoka & Ujjain: Ashoka is traditionally associated with Ujjain, where he is believed to have served as a viceroy before becoming emperor.
- Fresh excavations: New excavation could clarify the site's chronology, structural remains and Buddhist connections, including whether smaller stupas and monastic structures existed beyond the main stupa.
WHY IT MATTERS
The site can help reconstruct Mauryan urban history, Ashoka’s early career and the spread of Buddhism, while adding to the archaeological understanding of ancient Ujjain.
2. Why Indian Cities Flood and Overheat
WHAT HAPPENED
Indian cities are increasingly facing urban flooding and extreme heat because rapid, unplanned urbanisation is reducing natural drainage and increasing heat exposure.
CORE ISSUE
Urban development is outpacing cities’ drainage, planning and climate-resilience capacity.
KEY DETAILS
- Flooding: Heavy rainfall becomes hazardous when concrete surfaces, encroachment and inadequate drainage prevent water from infiltrating or flowing away.
- Urban heat: Loss of vegetation, concrete surfaces and poor ventilation create urban heat islands, while heatwaves are becoming more frequent and intense.
- Planning gap: The 74th Constitutional Amendment envisages Urban Disaster Management Authorities, but implementation and coordination remain weak.
- Way ahead: Cities need hazard-sensitive planning, improved drainage, more green/open spaces, heat-action plans and climate-resilient infrastructure.
WHY IT MATTERS
Urban flooding and heatwaves cause major economic, health and livelihood losses. Climate-resilient urban planning is therefore essential as India urbanises.
@CSEWhy Newspaper Recos
Indian Express
1. Four symptoms of an institution in decline
(Read to develop systemic & institutional thinking)
The Hindu 📰
1. The fact is youth unemployment has a household cost
(Read for GS 1 Society)
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