Content :

1. Navkar Mahamantra Divas: Celebrating Mahavir Jayanti
2. India’s Renewable Energy Capacity Achieves Historic Growth in FY 2024-25

Navkar Mahamantra Divas: Celebrating Mahavir Jayanti

Origins and Significance

• Historical Roots:
  • Traces back over 2,500 years, recited by Jain monks and lay followers.
  • A universal prayer, not directed at any deity, but honoring virtues like purity and renunciation.
  • Preserved in Jain Agamas (canonical scriptures) written in Prakrit, reflecting early Indian philosophical thought.

• Modern Preservation:
  • Digitization efforts under Gyan Bharatam Mission to safeguard Jain manuscripts.
  • Proposal to grant classical language status to Prakrit and Pali.

• Cultural Role:
  • Described by PM Modi as the essence of faith and life, symbolizing stability, spiritual energy, and purity.
  • Represents India’s civilizational ethos, emphasizing inner purity and ethical living.

Relevance : GS 1(Heritage , Culture) ,GS 2(Governance)

Lord Mahavir: Life and Teachings

• Background:
  • Born in 599 BCE in Kundagrama (Vaishali, Bihar) as Vardhamana (meaning “increasing,” symbolizing growth).
  • Son of King Siddhartha and Queen Trishala of the Ikshvaku dynasty.
  • The 24th Tirthankara of Jainism, embodying spiritual liberation.

• Core Principles:
  • Ahimsa (non-violence)
  • Satya (truth)
  • Aparigraha (non-possessiveness)
  • Brahmacharya (celibacy/chastity)
  • Anekantavada (multiplicity of viewpoints)

• Influence:
  • Shaped Gandhian philosophy.
  • Inspired non-violent movements globally.
  • Aligned with Mission LiFE (Lifestyle for Environment), promoting ethical and sustainable living.

Mahavir Jayanti and Navkar Mahamantra Divas

• Mahavir Jayanti:
  • Commemorates Lord Mahavir’s birth.
  • A reaffirmation of Jain principles: non-violence, truth, non-possessiveness, chastity, and pluralism.
  • More than a festival—a moral and spiritual celebration.

• Navkar Mahamantra Divas:
  • Inaugurated by PM Modi on April 9, 2025, recognizing Jainism’s spiritual contributions.
  • Highlights the Navkar Mantra as a symbol of faith and national integration.

• State Recognition:
  • Jain heritage reflected in the Sammed Shikhar depiction at the new Parliament building’s entrance.
  • Return of ancient Jain idols from abroad, symbolizing India’s reclamation of its spiritual legacy.

Ecological and Ethical Alignment

• Jain Principles and Mission LiFE:
  • Promote minimalism, sustainability, and ethical consumption.
  • Reflect ecological interdependence, as seen in the Jain emblem Parasparopagraho Jivanam (souls render service to one another).
  • Offer solutions to climate change through restraint and simplicity.

Nine Resolutions for a New India

• Inspired by the Navkar Mantra’s numerological significance (multiples of 9, 27, 108):
  • Water Conservation: Save every drop, honoring water as life.
  • Plant a Tree in Mother’s Name: Foster emotional bonding with nature.
  • Cleanliness Mission: Reaffirm Swachh Bharat with Jain principles of purity.
  • Vocal for Local: Promote Indian production and ethical economics.
  • Explore India First: Encourage domestic tourism and cultural immersion.
  • Adopt Natural Farming: Reduce chemical use, aligning with non-violence.
  • Healthy Lifestyle: Embrace moderate, Satvik diets (e.g., millets) and reduce oil use.
  • Yoga & Sports: Promote holistic wellness through daily physical activity.
  • Help the Poor: Practice Jain Seva Dharma for social equity and compassion.

Preservation of Jain Knowledge

• Importance:
  • Jain literature is a cornerstone of Indian intellectualism.
  • PM Modi emphasized its role in preserving cultural and ethical heritage.

• Government Initiatives:
  • Digitization of Jain manuscripts via Gyan Bharatam Mission.
  • Granting classical language status to Prakrit and Pali.
  • Establishment of Centre for Jain Studies at DAVV, Indore, with ₹25 crore funding under the PMJVK Scheme.
  • Focus areas: Research, digitization, youth engagement, and global awareness of Jain heritage.

Commemorative Measures

• 2550th Bhagwan Mahaveer Nirvan Mahotsav (2024):
  • Release of a commemorative stamp and coin in April 2024.
  • Celebrates Lord Mahavir’s liberation and enduring legacy.

• Impact:
  • Reinforces Jainism’s place in India’s national consciousness and public memory.

Socio-Spiritual Impact

• Global Relevance:
  • Jain principles provide a moral compass in a conflict-prone, consumerist world.
  • Promote:
    • Inner conquest over external expansion.
    • Non-violence as a strategy for global peace.
    • Truth and restraint for self-liberation and societal harmony.

• National Integration:
  • Jainism is a living tradition, integral to India’s cultural and ethical fabric.
  • Aligns with the vision of Viksit Bharat (Developed India).

Conclusion

• Navkar Mahamantra Divas represents:
  • A shift from ritual to inspiration, where ancient teachings guide:
    • Ecological responsibility through sustainable living.
    • Social equity through compassion and service.
    • Inclusive growth through ethical and pluralistic values.
• Jainism’s principles, rooted in Lord Mahavir’s teachings, continue to shape India’s moral, cultural, and environmental ethos, fostering a harmonious and developed nation.

India’s Renewable Energy Capacity Achieves Historic Growth in FY 2024-25

India has achieved a historic milestone in renewable energy by reaching 220.10 GW of installed capacity in FY 2024–25, with a record addition of nearly 30 GW. This growth aligns with its commitment to 500 GW non-fossil fuel capacity by 2030 under the Panchamrit goals.

Relevance : GS 3(Environment and Ecology )

Core Highlights: FY 2024–25

• Record Annual RE Addition:
  • 29.52 GW added this year (highest ever), up from 19.62 GW in FY 2023–24.
  • Reflects a 49.9% year-on-year increase in deployment.

• Solar Energy Leads:
  • 23.83 GW added in FY 2024–25, up from 15.03 GW in the previous year.
  • Break-up:
    • Ground-mounted: 81.01 GW
    • Rooftop: 17.02 GW
    • Hybrid solar: 2.87 GW
    • Off-grid: 4.74 GW
  • Rooftop solar growth aided by schemes like PM-Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana.

• Wind Power Crosses Milestone:
  • Total installed: 50.04 GW, with 4.15 GW added this year.
  • Revitalization due to Wind-Solar Hybrid Policy (2018) and offshore wind momentum.

• Bioenergy & Small Hydro:
  • Bioenergy capacity: 11.58 GW (includes 0.53 GW from waste-to-energy and off-grid).
  • Small hydro: 5.10 GW, with an additional 0.44 GW under implementation.
  • These sources enhance decentralised and diversified energy supply.

Strategic Foundations

Policy & Institutional Anchors

• National Action Plan on Climate Change (NAPCC) (2008):
  • National Solar Mission laid the initial groundwork for solar expansion.
• Electricity Act (Amendment) 2003 & 2022:
  • Enabled open access markets, transmission sharing, and Renewable Purchase Obligations (RPOs).
• Green Hydrogen Mission & RTC Policies:
  • Emphasis on 24/7 clean energy through RE + Storage hybrids.
• PLI Schemes (2020s):
  • Strengthened domestic solar PV module manufacturing, reducing import dependence.

Global Commitments Driving Expansion

• COP26 – ‘Panchamrit’ Commitments (2021):
  • Target of 500 GW non-fossil fuel capacity by 2030.
  • Net-zero carbon emissions goal by 2070.
• Updated Paris Agreement NDC (2022):
  • 50% of cumulative electric power capacity from non-fossil sources by 2030.

Implementation Mechanisms

• Green Energy Corridor (GEC):
  • Strengthening intra- and inter-state transmission infrastructure for RE evacuation.
• Advanced Tendering Models:
  • Includes hybrid, round-the-clock (RTC), peak power, and thermal + RE bundling projects.
• Pipeline Size:
  • Installed + Pipeline = 454.56 GW
    (220.10 GW installed + 169.40 GW under implementation + 65.06 GW tendered).

Strategic & Socio-Economic Implications

• Energy Security:
  • Reduced fossil fuel imports, advancing energy independence.
• Climate Leadership:
  • Enhances India’s international credibility in climate negotiations.
• Rural Empowerment:
  • Rooftop and off-grid solar improve access to electricity, irrigation, and income security.
• Green Jobs:
  • Potential to create over 1 million jobs by 2030 in deployment, manufacturing, and services.

Challenges Ahead

• Grid Integration:
  • Intermittent nature of solar/wind requires investment in storage and smart grids.
• Land & Permitting Issues:
  • Delays in land acquisition and transmission connectivity.
• DISCOM Financial Health:
  • Affects payment security and viability of long-term Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs).

Way Forward

• Scale up investment in storage technologies and implement time-of-day tariffs.
• Accelerate deployment of offshore wind and green hydrogen projects.
• Ensure policy predictability, ease of business, and faster execution of tenders.