Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Basic concepts
Mains level: RBI's pause on rate hikes, reasons and implications
Central Idea
- The RBI has decided to not increase the repo rate amid continuing hikes by important central banks such as the US Federal Reserve (Fed) and European Central Bank (ECB), and domestic inflation concerns. However, if incoming data point to rising inflation risks, this decision could prove to be only a pause in the rate hiking cycle.
- The RBI feels that money market rates have effectively risen more than the 250-basis-point yank in the repo rate since May 2022, and hence it decided to pause and assess the impact of rate hikes.
- The key reason behind the MPC decision is the expectation of a decline in inflation to 5.2% in the current fiscal, driven by a healthy rabi crop, normal monsoon, moderating international commodity prices, and the impact of rate hikes.
- The RBI acknowledges the upside risks and stated its readiness to fight any unexpected rise in inflation.
Impact on GDP growth
- The RBI expects GDP growth to slow to 6% from 7% this fiscal as slowing global growth, domestic interest rates, and messy geopolitics bite.
- Slowing global growth will be net negative for India’s exports, and the growing dependence on commodity exports makes India more vulnerable to global growth volatility.
- Fiscal 2024 will, therefore, test the resilience of India’s domestic demand amid rising interest rates.
Reasons for the expected cooling of consumer inflation
- Fuel inflation expected to reduce: Fuel inflation is expected to reduce to 3% from a high of over 10% in the current fiscal because some easing of crude oil prices is likely as global growth slows down.
- Decline in core inflation: Slowing domestic growth will ease core inflation from very sticky levels of over 6% last fiscal to 5.5% in the current one. However, the decline in core inflation will be limited as input cost pressures have not dissipated. To protect their margins, firms will continue to pass on input costs to end-consumer. Services inflation will also continue to exert pressure as the rotation of consumption demand from goods to services continues.
- Moderate food inflation: Food inflation, which has a high weightage in the Consumer Price Index and has driven headline inflation in the past, is projected to moderate to slightly below 5%, assuming a normal monsoon. However, food inflation has always been volatile and carries upside risks largely because of climate-related factors affecting agriculture output and prices.
How slowing global growth will have a negative impact on India’s exports?
- The impact of the growth slowdown in the US and Europe is deeper than the recovery in China: The US and Europe have a combined GDP that is twice that of China. Therefore, the impact of the growth slowdown in the US and Europe will be deeper than the recovery in China. This will have a negative impact on India’s exports to the US and Europe.
- India’s exports to the US and Europe are more than to China by a factor of six: India exports more to the US and Europe than to China by a factor of six. Therefore, the negative impact of the growth slowdown in the US and Europe will be felt more by India than by China.
- India’s growing dependence on commodity exports makes it more vulnerable to global growth volatility: India’s exports of petroleum products and steel are growing, and this makes India more vulnerable to global growth volatility. As global growth slows down, demand for commodities is likely to decline, which will have a negative impact on India’s exports.
External vulnerabilities
- India’s external vulnerability is expected to decline with a narrower current account deficit (CAD) and modest short-term external debt.
- The CAD is expected to narrow to 2% of GDP this fiscal from an estimated 2.5% last fiscal.
Conclusion
- The RBI’s decision to pause on rate hikes is driven by expectations of a decline in inflation. However, inflation risks remain, and the impact of rate hikes on GDP growth is expected to be significant. India’s external vulnerabilities are expected to decline, but the banking turmoil playing out amid interest rate hikes by important central banks and elevated debt levels remains a risk. The RBI’s decision to pause on rate hikes will be closely watched, and further rate hikes may be necessary if inflation risks persist.
Mains Question
Q. Enumerate the factors that led RBI to pause on rate hikes, and discuss the potential risks and impacts on the Indian economy?
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: India- Bhutan border and trijunction
Mains level: India- Bhutan relationship
Central Idea
- India-Bhutan’s exemplary relationship has been a key factor in ensuring the stability and security of the region. The recent visit of Bhutan King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck to India was focused on enhancing the bilateral relationship between the two countries. However, the unspoken part of the visit was the Bhutan-China boundary talks, which have gained momentum in recent times.
- Special and strategic relationship: India and Bhutan share a special and strategic relationship with a border of over 600 km. The bond has been strengthened since India’s independence, and it has been a buffer between China and India.
- India is Bhutan’s largest development partner: The relationship is not limited to rhetoric but extends to an institutional and economic framework. India is Bhutan’s largest development partner, and Bhutan is India’s biggest trade partner in the region.
- Hydroelectricity, a crucial factor: Hydroelectricity has become the biggest revenue earner of Bhutan, and India buys power generated in Bhutan. It makes Bhutan the country with the highest per capita income in South Asia today.
- Historical and theological relations: Bhutan is a Buddhist theocracy, monarchy, and modern state. The relationship between India and Bhutan is special from a historical, theological, strategic, and economic perspective.
Bhutan-China Boundary Talks
- Considerable progress but no decision yet: Before the King’s visit to India, Bhutanese Prime Minister Lotay Tshering had said in an interview that Bhutan and China have made considerable progress on demarcating border lines. Bhutan has been having talks with China on the boundary question for years, and there has been no decision yet.
- There will be adjustment of territory: Bhutan and China are adopting a modern methodology to draw boundary lines on the ground, and there may be some adjustment of territory as a result of that.
- India’s strategic interests: India’s strategic interests are involved in the boundary talks between Bhutan and China. China has been seeking a toehold in Bhutan for decades. Bhutan is fully conscious of India’s strategic needs.
- Trijunction: Where Bhutan decides its boundary with China (to the west) is of exceptional relevance to India because that is a trijunction of the three countries.
India’s Strategic Interests
- No compromise on national security: India will not talk about Bhutan-China negotiations publicly; however, when it comes to India’s national security, there will be no compromise.
- Siliguri corridor: Doklam plateau overlooks the Chumbi Valley, which overlooks the chicken’s neck (Siliguri corridor). India says this not because Bhutan is threatening its cooperation with India on this front, but to send a message to China that we will draw a line here in conformity with our national interest.
Why India needs Bhutan?
- Strategic location: Bhutan is strategically located between India and China, which makes it an important buffer state for India. Bhutan’s strategic location ensures India’s security and helps in maintaining regional stability.
- Water resources: Bhutan is the source of several rivers that flow into India, including the Brahmaputra, the Sankosh, and the Manas. India needs access to these rivers for irrigation, hydroelectric power generation, and other purposes. India has helped Bhutan in developing its hydropower potential and has signed several agreements for the purchase of hydropower from Bhutan.
- Trade and economic ties: India is Bhutan’s largest trading partner, and Bhutan relies heavily on India for its imports and exports. India provides Bhutan with various economic assistance and has helped Bhutan in its development process.
- Cultural and historical ties: India and Bhutan share a common cultural heritage and have historical ties dating back centuries. India has helped Bhutan preserve its cultural heritage and has supported Bhutan in its efforts to promote tourism.
Why Bhutan needs India?
- Security: Bhutan does not have a large army, and India provides security assistance to Bhutan. India has helped Bhutan in building its border infrastructure and has helped in the development of the Bhutanese army.
- Economic ties: India is Bhutan’s largest trading partner, and Bhutan relies heavily on India for its imports and exports. India provides economic assistance to Bhutan, and Indian companies have invested in various sectors in Bhutan.
- Infrastructure: India has helped Bhutan in building its infrastructure, including roads, airports, and telecommunication networks. India has also helped Bhutan in developing its hydropower potential, and several hydropower projects in Bhutan have been built with Indian assistance.
- Education and healthcare: India has helped Bhutan in the field of education and healthcare. Many Bhutanese students study in India, and India provides scholarships and grants to Bhutanese students. India has also helped Bhutan in building hospitals and providing medical assistance.
- Cultural and historical ties: Bhutan and India share a common cultural heritage and have historical ties dating back centuries. India has helped Bhutan in preserving its cultural heritage and has supported Bhutan in its efforts to promote tourism.
Future of India-Bhutan Relations
- The Bhutan-India relationship has survived because of spiritual underpinnings, geography, economy, and connectivity, all of which strengthen the relationship.
- India and Bhutan have survived mainly because it was built on mutual trust, which means Bhutan has equally driven the relationship. India should pursue this relationship with trust and complete faith.
- India must reach out to the new generation in Bhutan, which is being influenced by social media negativity and wrong information about India.
Conclusion
- The India-Bhutan relationship has been a key factor in ensuring the stability and security of the region. The relationship between the two countries has been built on mutual trust and has been strengthened by an institutional and economic framework. India’s strategic interests are involved in the boundary talks between Bhutan and China. India should pursue the relationship with trust and complete faith and should reach out to the new generation in Bhutan.
Mains Question
Q. Highlight the significance of the India-Bhutan relationship in ensuring regional stability and security? Discuss why India and Bhutan need each other?
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: National Curriculum Framework (NCF)
Mains level: Not Much
The Ministry of Education has released a pre-draft version of National Curriculum Framework (NCF) for School Education.
National Curriculum Framework (NCF)
Features
|
Details
|
| What is it? |
A comprehensive framework for school education in India
Provides guidelines for the development of curricula and syllabi, textbooks, and teaching practices for schools in India |
| Developed by |
National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT), an autonomous organization under the Ministry of Education |
| Aim |
To promote a child-centred, activity-based approach to learning that focuses on the development of knowledge, skills, and values |
| Development |
The first NCF was developed in 1986 and subsequently revised in 2000 and 2005.
The latest pre-draft version of NCF for School Education was released by the Ministry of Education in April 2023. |
| Coverage |
For age groups 3 to 18 years
Seeks feedback from various stakeholders |
| National Steering Committee |
Set up by the Ministry to undertake and develop NCFs under the chairmanship of K. Kasturirangan. |
Salient features of NCF
(1) Values and Roots
- A key part of the document is the inclusion of values and its “rootedness” in India.
- The pre-draft says that the framework is deeply rooted in India in content and learning of languages, in the pedagogical approaches including tools and resources, and in philosophical basis — in the aims and in the epistemic approach.
- The document further says that it leans towards making students acquainted with true sources of knowledge, which have been a philosophical preoccupation of ancient Indians.
- These sources focus on six pramanas: pratyaksa, anumana, upamana, arthapatti, anupalabdhi, and sabda.
Six Pramanas
1. Pratyaksha: Interpreted as perception through the five senses
2. Anumana: Uses inferences to come to new conclusions
3. Upamana: Knowing through analogy and comparison
4. Arthapatti: Involves knowing through circumstantial implication
5. Anupalabdhi: Includes perception of non-existence
6. Sabda: Something an individual can only directly know a fraction of all reality through direct experience and inference but must rely on other experts was acknowledged thousands of years ago |
(2) Moral Development
- A part of the document focuses on the moral development of a child through panchakosha vikas or five-fold development.
- The pre-draft recommends developing moral values for the child through a balanced diet, traditional games, yoga asanas, as well as a wide variety of stories, songs, lullabies, poems, and prayers to develop a love for cultural context.
(3) Curriculum revamp
- The pre-draft says that for Grade 10 certification, students will have to take two essential courses from humanities, maths and computing, vocational education, physical education, arts education, social science, science, and interdisciplinary areas.
- In Grade 11 and 12, students will be offered choice-based courses in the same disciplines for more rigorous engagement.
- Arts education will include music, dance, theatre, sculpture, painting, set design, scriptwriting, while interdisciplinary areas will include knowledge of India, traditions, and practices of Indian knowledge systems.
- For Class 11 and 12, the document states that “Modular Board Exams will be offered as opposed to a single exam at the end of the year, and the final result will be based on the cumulative result of each exam.”
- The framework of the social science curriculum emphasizes understanding and appreciating the feeling of Indianess, ‘bhartiyata,’ by valuing the rich cultural heritage and tradition of the country.
- It also stresses on identifying and explaining important phases of the Indian national movement against British rule, with special reference to Gandhian and other subaltern movements.
(4) Social Science Curriculum
- The pre-draft emphasizes understanding and appreciating the feeling of Indianess, “bhartiyata,” by valuing the rich cultural heritage and tradition of the country.
- The pre-draft also stresses on identifying and explaining important phases of the Indian national movement against British rule, with special reference to Gandhian and other subaltern movements.
- It also recommends teaching concepts of Buddhism, Jainism, and Vedic and Confucian philosophies.
(5) Follow-up processes
- As a follow-up to the National Education Policy 2020, development of four National Curriculum Frameworks — NCF for School Education, NCF for Early Childhood Care and Education, NCF for Teacher Education, and NCF for Adult Education — have been initiated.
- The National Steering Committee under the chairmanship of K. Kasturirangan was set up by the Ministry to undertake and develop NCFs.
Controversy over curriculum revamp
- The latest round of textbook rationalisation has resulted in some of the most sweeping changes in the curriculum since the NDA government came to power.
- These changes include removing all references to the 2002 Gujarat riots, reducing content related to the Mughal era and the caste system, and dropping chapters on protests and social movements.
- Many of these changes are seen as ‘political’, however, their earlier introduction into curriculum was also a political move.
The furore over Mughal History
- While some of the content on the Delhi Sultanate and the Mughal Empire has indeed been removed from the history textbook for Class 7, the Mughals have not entirely disappeared.
- For instance, the chapter ‘The Mughal Empire’ in the Class 7 history textbook, Our Pasts – II, has undergone deletions — including a two-page table on the milestones and achievements of the reigns of the emperors Babur, Humayun, Akbar, Jahangir, Shah Jahan, and Aurangzeb.
- However, the chapter itself has not been removed.
- Students of Class 7 will continue to learn about the Mughals, though in lesser detail.
Significance
- School textbooks have always been seen as playing a crucial role in shaping national narratives, and as a tool for cultivating a desired national identity.
- NCERT textbooks are read by more than 5 crore students in 18 states around the country, who are seen by political parties as a large captive audience with impressionable minds.
- It’s not just school students either — candidates preparing for competitive exams such as the Civil Services Examination, SSC, JEE, and NEET, also rely on these textbooks.
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Indian Space Policy, 2023
Mains level: Not Much
Central idea: The Union Cabinet has approved the Indian Space Policy, 2023.
Indian Space Policy, 2023
- It aims to enhance the role of the Department of Space, boost the activities of ISRO missions, and encourage participation from research, academia, startups, and industry.
Salient features
(1) Outlining roles and responsibilities
- The Indian Space Policy, 2023 outlines the roles and responsibilities of various organizations in the space sector.
- The policy includes the responsibilities of ISRO, NewSpace India Limited, and private sector entities.
- This clarity in roles will help in the efficient functioning of the components set up in recent times.
(2) Multistakeholder participation
- The policy aims to boost the space sector by enhancing the role of the Department of Space and encouraging participation from research, academia, startups, and industry.
- This will help in the development of the space segment and create more opportunities for the private sector.
(3) Boosting ISRO Missions
- The Indian Space Policy, 2023 aims to boost the activities of ISRO missions.
- This will help ISRO achieve its objectives more efficiently and effectively.
- It will also help in the development of new technologies and innovative solutions.
(4) Involvement of Private Sector
- The Policy, 2023 recognizes the importance of the private sector in the development of the space sector.
- It encourages the involvement of private sector entities in various aspects of the space segment.
- This will create more opportunities for the private sector and help in the growth of the Indian space industry.
(5) Research and development
- The policy aims to involve research, academia, and startups in the development of the space sector.
- This will help in the development of new technologies, innovative solutions, and talent pool.
- It will also help in the growth of the Indian space industry and create more opportunities for research and development in the sector.
Conclusion
- The Indian Space Policy, 2023 is a comprehensive policy that provides clarity in the roles and responsibilities of various organizations in the space sector.
- The policy aims to boost the space segment, encourage private sector involvement, and involve research, academia, and startups in the development of the sector.
- The policy will help in achieving the objectives of ISRO more efficiently and effectively, and create more opportunities for the private sector and research and development in the space sector.
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Natural Justice, Proportionality
Mains level: Freedom of press
Central idea
A quick recap of the case
- The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting (MIB) has earlier refused to renew broadcast license of a Malayalam news channel.
- The Ministry of Home Affairs had declined to grant security clearance to the channel’s promoters citing alleged links between radical groups.
- Hence the news agency approached Kerala High Court, which upheld the ban on February 9, 2022
- The Supreme Court granted temporary relief and allowed it to resume operations.
Supreme Court’s ruling
- The Supreme Court set aside earlier ban orders and upheld the channel’s appeal on two procedural grounds, namely
- Principles of natural justice and
- Proportionality
Articles invoked in the judgment
- The Court stated that the burden shifts on the Centre to prove that the procedure followed was reasonable and in compliance with the requirements of Articles 14 and 21 of the Constitution.
- The Court used the standard of proportionality to test the reasonableness of the procedure in the present case and assessed the validity of public interest immunity claims based on the “structured proportionality standard”.
- The Court found that the reasons for denying security clearance to the channel were not legitimate purposes for the restriction of the right of freedom of speech protected under Article 19(1)(a) of the Constitution.
Key concepts involved
(1) Principles of natural justice
- The principles of natural justice are a set of procedural rules that ensure fairness and justice in administrative and legal proceedings.
- These principles are based on the fundamental idea that everyone is entitled to a fair hearing, and they are aimed at preventing arbitrary or biased decisions by decision-makers.
- The SC bench allowed the challenge to the MHA order and judgment of the High Court on account of the principles of natural justice constitutionalized by its judgment in its 1978 ruling in “Maneka Gandhi vs Union of India”
- Actions which violate procedural guarantees can be struck down even if non-compliance does not prejudice the outcome of the case.
(2) Proportionality
- The principle requires that the decision or action must be proportionate to the objective it seeks to achieve.
- In other words, the means employed to achieve the objective must be no more than necessary to achieve it, and the harm caused by the decision or action must not be excessive in relation to the benefit gained.
- The validity of the claim of involvement of national security considerations must be assessed on the test of whether there is material to conclude that the non-disclosure of information is in the interest of national security.
- Courts can assess the validity of public interest immunity claims based on the “structured proportionality standard”, said the SC.
- The SC observed that sealed cover proceedings infringe the principles natural justice and open justice.
Conclusion
- The Court’s ruling has been welcomed by media organizations and civil society groups as a victory for freedom of speech and expression
- The Court observed that the duty to act fairly derived from common law is not exhaustively defined in a set of concrete principles, and the concept of natural justice “cannot be put into a ‘straitjacket formula’.
- The ruling has been hailed as a victory for freedom of speech and expression, and a blow to attempts to stifle dissent and critical voices in the media.
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Bidri Craft
Mains level: NA
Bidri craft artist from Karnataka Shah Rasheed Ahmed Quadri has been conferred with the prestigious Padma Shri Award.
Bidri Crafts
- Bidri ware is a traditional form of handicraft that originated in Bidar, Karnataka.
- It involves the crafting of metal wares using a unique technique that incorporates zinc and copper.
Its history
- Bidri ware has a long history that can be traced back to the 14th century.
- It was introduced to Bidar by Persian artisans during the reign of the Bahmani Sultans.
- The craft flourished under the patronage of the Mughal emperors, and it became a symbol of wealth and status.
Crafting process
- The process of making Bidri ware involves several stages. First, a mould is made of the object to be crafted.
- Next, the object is cast in an alloy of zinc and copper.
- The cast object is then filed and polished to remove any rough edges.
- The design is then etched onto the surface of the object using a sharp chisel.
- The etched areas are then filled with a blackened paste made from a mixture of copper sulphate and mud.
- Finally, the object is polished again to remove any excess paste and to create a smooth finish.
Designs and motifs
- Bidriware is known for its intricate designs and motifs, which are often inspired by nature, Islamic art, and Persian calligraphy.
- Common motifs include flowers, leaves, and geometric patterns.
- Many pieces also feature verses from the Quran or other Islamic texts.
Recognition and awards
- Bidri ware has received several awards and recognition for its craftsmanship and cultural significance.
- In 2006, it was awarded the Geographical Indication status by the Indian government, which recognizes its unique origin and traditional crafting techniques.
- Bidriware has also been recognized by UNESCO as an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.
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