Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: INIOCHOS-23
Mains level: NA
The Indian Air Force (IAF) will be participating in a multi-national air exercise called Exercise INIOCHOS-23, which will be hosted by the Greece Air Force.
Ex. INIOCHOS-23
- Exercise INIOCHOS-23 will be conducted at the Andravida Air Base in Greece.
- The IAF will be participating with four Su-30 MKI and two C-17 aircraft.
- The objective of the exercise is to enhance international cooperation, synergy, and interoperability among the participating Air Forces, as stated by the IAF in a statement.
Strategic significance
- The exercise will be conducted in a realistic combat scenario involving multiple types of air and surface assets
- This will provide valuable insight into each other’s best practices and enable the participating contingents to interact professionally.
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Critical Minerals
Mains level: Read the attached story
Central idea
- A recent working paper from Centre for Social and Economic Progress (CSEP) extends the earlier minerals assessment for 23 minerals by assessing the criticality levels of 43 select minerals for India.
- This is based on their economic importance (demand-side factors) and supply risks (supply-side factors) which are determined through the evaluation of specific indicators.
What are Critical Minerals?
- Critical minerals are elements that are crucial to modern-day technologies and are at risk of supply chain disruptions.
- These minerals are used in making mobile phones, computers, batteries, electric vehicles, and green technologies like solar panels and wind turbines.
- Minerals such as antimony, cobalt, gallium, graphite, lithium, nickel, niobium, and strontium are among the 22 assessed to be critical for India.
- Many of these are required to meet the manufacturing needs of green technologies, high-tech equipment, aviation, and national defence.
Why are these resources critical?
- Clean energy transition: Critical minerals are essential to the ecosystem that fuels the world’s transition towards clean energy and digital economy.
- Strategic nature: Any supply shock can severely imperil the economy and strategic autonomy of a country that is over-dependent on others to procure critical minerals.
- Rare availability: Supply risks exist due to rare availability, growing demand, and complex processing value chain.
What is the China ‘threat’?
- Dominant role: China is the world’s largest producer of 16 critical minerals, including cobalt and rare earth elements.
- Monopoly in processing: The country has a strong presence across the board in processing operations, with a share of refining around 35% for nickel, 50-70% for lithium and cobalt, and nearly 90% for rare earth elements.
- Control over offshore mines: China also controls cobalt mines in the Democratic Republic of Congo, from where 70% of this mineral is sourced.
- Supply chain dominance: The country’s dominance in critical minerals production and processing raises concerns of a supply disruption in case of a geopolitical conflict.
Challenges in ensuring resilient critical minerals supply
- Limited availability of critical minerals: The rare availability of critical minerals poses a challenge in meeting the growing demand for these minerals.
- Geopolitical risks: Complex supply chains can be disrupted by hostile regimes or politically unstable regions, leading to supply chain disruptions.
- Dominance of certain countries: A few countries, such as China, are the dominant producers of critical minerals, leading to concerns over supply disruptions in case of a geopolitical conflict.
- Increasing demand for critical minerals: With the shift towards renewable energy technologies and electric vehicles, the demand for critical minerals such as copper, lithium, and rare earth elements is increasing rapidly.
- Reliance on foreign partners: Countries with limited reserves and higher requirements for critical minerals may have to rely on foreign partners to meet their domestic needs, leading to supply chain vulnerabilities.
- Environmental and social concerns: The extraction and processing of critical minerals can have negative environmental and social impacts, leading to challenges in meeting sustainability goals.
What are countries around the world doing about it?
Several countries are taking measures to ensure a consistent supply of critical minerals to their domestic markets.
- India: It has set up Khanij Bidesh India Ltd. (KABIL), a joint venture of three public sector companies, to ensure a consistent supply of critical and strategic minerals to the Indian domestic market.
- US: It has ordered a review of vulnerabilities in its critical minerals supply chains and shifted its focus on expanding domestic mining, production, processing, and recycling of critical minerals and materials.
- Australia: Its Critical Minerals Facilitation Office (CMFO) and KABIL had recently signed an MoU aimed at ensuring reliable supply of critical minerals to India.
- UK: It has unveiled its new Critical Minerals Intelligence Centre to study the future demand for and supply of these minerals, and its critical mineral strategy will be unveiled later this year.
What should India do to ensure resilient supply?
- Developing domestic sources of critical minerals: This can be achieved by promoting exploration and mining activities, both by public and private sector entities.
- Encouraging responsible mining practices: The Indian government should encourage responsible mining practices that minimize negative environmental and social impacts of mining activities.
- Developing recycling capabilities: This can be achieved by promoting research and development in recycling technologies and incentivizing the adoption of recycling practices.
- Promoting transparency in the supply chain: India should promote transparency in the critical minerals supply chain by ensuring the traceability of minerals from the point of extraction to the point of end-use.
- Investing in research and development: India should invest in research and development to develop new technologies and processes for efficient extraction, processing, and recycling of critical minerals.
- Developing a national critical minerals strategy: India should develop a national critical minerals strategy that identifies priority minerals, promotes domestic exploration and mining, and promotes sustainable and responsible mining practices.
Conclusion
- India has a significant mineral geological potential, many minerals are not readily available domestically.
- Hence, India needs to develop a national strategy to ensure resilient critical minerals supply chains, which focuses on minerals found to be critical in this study.
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Private sector startups and recent developments
Mains level: Indian Space Policy 2023, Role of private sector, advantages and potential drawbacks
Central Idea
- The Indian Space Policy 2023 has been approved by the Indian Cabinet Committee on Security. The policy has opened up the Indian space sector, facilitating an enhanced role for the private sector to augment the development and competitiveness of the Indian space program.
All you need to know about Indian Space Policy 2023
- Clear roles and responsibilities: The Indian Space Policy 2023 policy clarifies the roles and responsibilities of the Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO), NewSpace India Limited (NSIL), and the Indian National Space Promotion and Authorization Center (IN-SPACe), as well as that of the private players in the Indian space sector.
- Opportunities for private sector players: One of the key aspects of the new policy is to open up the Indian space sector to provide opportunities for private sector players to play an active role in augmenting the development and competitiveness of the Indian space program. This will allow ISRO to focus on non-commercial missions, such as research and development of advanced space technologies and space exploration.
- Enhance overall ISRO missions: The policy is expected to enhance overall ISRO missions with greater participation of non-government entities, including academia, the research community, startups, and industry.
- Institutional setups: Strategic activities within the space sector will be handled by NSIL, an institutional set up within the Department of Space that will address these activities in a demand-driven mode. The other recent institutional set up that will be critical in coordination between the public sector and the private players is IN-SPACe.
- Framework for use of ISRO facilities: The policy outlines a framework under which the private sector can use ISRO facilities for a small fee.
- Making Indian space programme competitive: The private players are also expected to create new infrastructure in the space sector. This will be critical in ensuring that the Indian space program becomes more competitive and developed.
- ISRO will focus on research and development: In a significant move, ISRO has stated that it will not do any operational and production work for the space sector and will instead focus its energies on developing new technologies, new systems, and research and development. This essentially means that the routine production and launches that the ISRO was involved in until now will be handled by the private sector completely.
- An Open Space Policy refers to a policy that allows for open and transparent participation in space activities.
- It involves the collaboration between public and private entities in the exploration and use of space.
- The goal of an open space policy is to promote innovation, competition, and the growth of the space industry while ensuring the safety and security of space activities.
- This policy allows for the development of new technologies, research and development, and increased cooperation and collaboration between different countries and organizations.
Facts for prelims: Private space sector startups in India
|
Company Name
|
Area of Specialization |
Recent Developments
|
| Skyroot Aerospace, Hyderabad |
Launch Vehicles for Small Satellites |
Successfully launched their first indigenously designed and developed launch vehicle, Vikram I. Vikram S (Mission Prarambh) rocket recently launched as first privately built Indian rocket to make it to space |
| Agnikul Cosmos, Chennai |
Launch Vehicles for Small Satellites |
Successfully tested their fully 3D printed rocket engine, the Agnilet, in January 2021. |
| Bellatrix Aerospace, Bangalore |
Electric Propulsion Systems |
Signed an agreement with Skyroot Aerospace for the use of electric propulsion technology in their launch vehicles. |
| Pixxel, Bangalore |
Earth Observation Satellites |
Launched their first satellite, Anand, in February 2021, and plans to launch a constellation of 30 satellites by 2023. |
| Kawa Space, Mumbai |
Space-Related Technologies |
Developed a ground station in collaboration with the Indian Institute of Technology, Bombay, to track and receive data from satellites. |
| Skylo, Bangalore |
Low-Cost Satellite-Connected Devices for IoT |
Raised $103 million in Series B funding round led by SoftBank Group Corp in August 2021. |
| SatSure, Bangalore |
Data Analytics Services for Agriculture Industry |
Launched their new product, SatSure Agri, in May 2021 to provide crop yield forecasting services to farmers. |
| Dhruva Space, Bangalore |
Satellite-Based Communication Solutions |
Signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Ananth Technologies in October 2021 to provide satellite-based communication services to the aviation industry. |
Benefits of having an open space policy
- Messaging tool: An open space policy can be used as a messaging tool, both for friends and potential foes. It can demonstrate India’s commitment to the peaceful use of outer space and build confidence among other nations.
- Moderating fears and concerns: An open space policy can help to moderate fears and concerns about India’s space activities, by providing greater clarity on India’s space objectives and priorities.
- Rebuilding confidence: An open space policy can help to rebuild confidence among other nations that India is committed to the peaceful use of outer space.
- Outlining objectives: An open space policy can provide a clear outline of India’s short-term and long-term space objectives and priorities.
- Better resource allocation: An open space policy can help to ensure better resource allocation for India’s space program, by providing a clear framework for decision-making and prioritization.
Potential drawbacks of open space policy
- Increased competition: An open space policy could lead to increased competition among countries and private entities to gain access to space and its resources. This could lead to a potential arms race in space and increased tensions between countries.
- Security concerns: Open access to space could also create security concerns, as countries may develop space weapons or use space to conduct surveillance on other countries.
- Environmental impact: An open space policy could also have environmental consequences, as increased space activity could lead to more space debris and pollution, potentially harming the Earth’s orbit and its environment.
- Lack of regulation: Without proper regulation, an open space policy could lead to the exploitation of space resources, such as minerals and water, which could negatively impact the environment and lead to unfair distribution of resources.
- Cost: Increased space activity and access could also lead to higher costs for countries and private entities, which may not be sustainable in the long run.
Conclusion
- The new policy is expected to bring about significant changes in the Indian space ecosystem, including greater private sector participation, better resource allocation, and institutional clarity. This is an important step towards an open space policy that integrates both commercial and national security requirements in a balanced fashion.
Mains Question
Q. The Indian Space Policy 2023 has been approved by the Indian Cabinet Committee on Security. Note down some of its key aspects. What do you understand by mean open space policy? Discuss its advantages and potential drawbacks.
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Initiatives for private investment and labour force participation
Mains level: India’s Growth Prospects, Private Investment and challenges
Central Idea
- India has had an established track record of high growth, with an average annual GDP growth of 6.6% in the decade leading up to the Covid-19 pandemic. In fiscal 2023, India is seen growing at 7%, making it the fastest-growing large economy. But with an imminent global slowdown and the full manifestation of the lagged impact of interest rate hikes since May 2022, the economy is expected to decelerate and grow at 6% in fiscal 2024.
- Growth accounting: Growth accounting provides a useful framework to analyse medium-term prospects by decomposing their drivers into the contribution of capital, labour and efficiency.
- Economic growth next five years: Indian economy expected to grow at 6.8 per cent per year for the next five years with 52 per cent of it from capital, 38 per cent from efficiency and 10 per cent from labour.
- Changing growth model: The growth model is changing to an infrastructure and manufacturing-driven one.
- Capital spending: The Union Budget has raised capital spending by almost a third in high-multiplier infrastructure segments. But such support to capex will moderate in the years to come, given fiscal consolidation pressures.
- Investment ratio: Investment as a percentage of GDP has already touched a decadal high of 34 per cent in fiscal 2023. So far, the onus to lift the investment ratio has been shouldered by the government. The contribution of the private sector to investments is set to improve, primed as it is with healthier balance sheets, cash reserves and low leverage.
- Contribution of productivity to growth: The creation of physical and digital infrastructure in conjunction with efficiency-enhancing reforms will raise the contribution of productivity to growth. The economy is expected to continue seeing efficiency gains from reforms such as GST and Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code (IBC).
What is holding back a swift and broad-based lift in private investments?
- Economic uncertainty, primarily, and geopolitical events to a lesser extent.
- Sustainability challenge looms for the manufacturing sector as manufacturing and infrastructure growth are carbon-intensive.
- Low-quality skilling of the workforce is holding back its contribution to growth.
- Quality and the skilling of the workforce
- Falling labour force participation of women
What is holding back in Labour’s contribution to growth?
- Labour’s contribution to growth is likely to be low not because India does not have sufficient people in the working-age group, this cohort is 67 per cent of the population and is set to expand by 100 million over the next decade. It is the quality and skilling of the workforce that is holding it back.
Why private investment is essential for Indian economic growth?
- Capital formation: Private investment helps in creating capital formation, which is essential for economic growth. It helps in building infrastructure, creating jobs, and generating income, which in turn drives consumer spending and boosts economic growth.
- Innovation: Private investment is often associated with innovation and technological advancements. Companies that invest in research and development (R&D) can develop new products and processes that can boost productivity and create new markets. This, in turn, can lead to increased profits and more investment in R&D, creating a virtuous cycle of innovation and growth.
- Employment: Private investment creates jobs, which is critical for economic growth and development. When companies invest in new projects or expand their operations, they often need to hire additional workers, which reduces unemployment and boosts consumer spending.
- Foreign investment: Private investment is also an important driver of foreign investment. When companies invest in India, they often bring new technology, skills, and expertise that can help boost local industries and drive economic growth.
- Tax revenue: Private investment can also help increase tax revenues, which can be used by the government to fund public goods and services such as education, healthcare, and infrastructure.
Steps taken by the government to encourage private investment
- Investment-Friendly Policies: The Indian government has launched several investment-friendly policies, such as Make in India, Start-up India, and Digital India, to encourage private investment in the country.
- Infrastructure Development: The government is investing heavily in infrastructure development, including roads, railways, airports, and ports, to create a conducive environment for private investment.
- Tax Reforms: The Indian government has implemented several tax reforms, such as the Goods and Services Tax (GST), to simplify the tax structure and make it more investor-friendly.
- FDI Liberalization: The government has liberalized foreign direct investment (FDI) norms in several sectors, including defense, insurance, and retail, to attract more foreign investment.
- Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code (IBC): The government has implemented the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code (IBC), which has made it easier for businesses to exit, and has increased investor confidence in the Indian economy.
- Production Linked Incentives (PLI): The government has launched the Production Linked Incentives (PLI) scheme to encourage manufacturing in India and make it more competitive globally.
- Easing of Business Regulations: The Indian government has eased several business regulations to improve the ease of doing business in the country and attract more private investment.
- Skill Development: The government has launched several initiatives, such as Skill India and Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana, to develop the skills of the Indian workforce and make it more attractive to investors.
Facts for prelims: Steps taken by the government to encourage labour force participation of women
|
Initiatives
|
Description
|
| Maternity Benefit Programme |
A scheme to provide financial assistance to pregnant women and lactating mothers for their health and nutrition needs. |
| Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana |
A scheme to provide LPG connections to women from Below Poverty Line households. |
| National Urban Livelihood Mission |
A programme to provide self-employment opportunities and skill development training to urban poor women. |
| National Rural Livelihood Mission |
A scheme to provide self-employment opportunities and skill development training to rural women. |
| Mahila E-Haat |
A digital platform to provide a market for women entrepreneurs to sell their products online. |
| Beti Bachao Beti Padhao |
A campaign to address the declining child sex ratio and to promote education among girls. |
| Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana |
A savings scheme for the girl child to ensure their education and marriage expenses are taken care of. |
Way ahead
- Focus on green transition: As the manufacturing and infrastructure growth are carbon-intensive, so it’s important to have a significant and simultaneous focus on green transition. Having a high sustainability quotient can only embellish India’s credentials as a production destination.
- For instance: Research suggests that between fiscals 2023 and 2027, over 15 per cent of India’s capex could be towards green initiatives involving renewable energy, transportation, altering the fuel mix, and green hydrogen. In the fragmented geopolitical milieu, which is shifting towards supply-chain diversification and friend shoring, India can attract foreign investments.
- Enhancing labour force participation of women: The labour force participation of women is falling. This will have to be reversed through employment policies and investing in the health and education of women.
- For instance: According to a World Bank report in 2018, India could add 1.5 percentage points to its GDP growth by improving the participation of women in its workforce.
Conclusion
- India is going to become a $5 trillion economy by fiscal 2029, given the current growth dynamics. However, the impact of climate risk mitigation will be felt across revenue, commodity prices, export markets, and capital spending. To win the growth marathon, India’s focus must be sharp on the drivers of pace.
Mains Question
Q. Highlight India’s growth prospects in the next five years? Discuss the significance of private investment for economic growth and enlist factors that holding back the private investment.
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Quantum Computing, National Quantum Mission (NQM)
Mains level: National Quantum Mission (NQM)
Central idea: The Union Cabinet has approved the National Quantum Mission (NQM) with a budget of ₹6,003 crore. The mission aims to fund research and development in quantum computing technology and associated applications.
What is Quantum Computing?
|
Explanation |
| What is it? |
A type of computing that uses quantum-mechanical phenomena to perform operations on data. |
| Qubits |
Quantum bits, which can be 0, 1, or both simultaneously (a superposition of 0 and 1). |
| Computational speed |
It can perform certain calculations much faster than traditional computing, especially for complex algorithms and large amounts of data. |
| Entanglement |
The use of entanglement allows quantum computing to process multiple pieces of data simultaneously, further increasing computational power. |
| Research |
Governments, universities, and private companies around the world are researching quantum computing. |
| Challenges |
Building practical quantum computers is a major challenge due to the fragility of qubits and the difficulty of controlling and measuring them accurately. |
| Development stage |
Quantum computing is still in its early stages of development. |
National Quantum Mission (NQM)
| Mission duration |
2023-2031 |
| Total cost |
Rs. 6,003.65 crore |
| Leading Department |
Department of Science and Technology (DST) |
| Supporting departments |
Other government departments |
| Focus |
Development of physical qubit-based quantum computers |
| Applications |
Healthcare and diagnostics, defense, energy, and data security |
| India’s positioning |
Among the top six nations involved in quantum research and development |
Key focus areas
(1) Thematic Hubs
- The mission will be structured around four broad themes:
- Quantum Computing,
- Quantum Communication,
- Quantum Sensing and Metrology, and
- Quantum Material and Devices.
- Thematic hubs will be established at research institutes and R&D centres already working in the field.
- The effort is to create an ecosystem that favours quantum technology development in the country.
(2) Satellite-based Communication
- One of the key areas of focus for the NQM will be the development of satellite-based secure communication between ground stations and receivers located within a 3,000 km range over the first three years.
- NQM will lay communication lines using Quantum Key Distribution over 2,000 km for satellite-based communication within Indian cities.
- Tests will be conducted in the coming years for long-distance quantum communication, especially with other countries.
(3) Quantum Computing
- The mission will focus on developing quantum computers (qubit) with physical qubit capacities ranging between 50 – 1000 qubits, developed over the next eight years.
- The development of computers up to 50 physical qubits will take three years.
- 50 – 100 physical qubits will be developed in five years, and computers up to 1000 physical qubits will be developed in eight years.
Applications
- The mission would have a wide range of applications, including in healthcare and diagnostics, defense, energy, and data security.
- Quantum technologies are expected to be far more powerful than traditional computing systems and capable of performing the most complex problems in a highly secure manner.
Various challenges
- Sub-zero temperatures: Current prototype systems require extremely cold (close to -273 C) conditions to work, along with developing the materials capable of such computations.
- Still evolving: Quantum computers are still a work in progress globally, and no one has built a practical computer that can actually work and solve meaningful problems.
- No global breakthrough: IBM, D-Wave of Canada or China’s Zuchongzhi 2.1, all of whom have prototype systems, have not built a quantum computer that can solve a problem that anybody cares about.
Conclusion
- The NQM represents a significant step forward for India’s research and development efforts in the quantum technology sector.
- By focusing on the development of quantum computers and related technologies, the country is positioning itself as a key player in this field, with wide-ranging applications across multiple sectors.
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Freedom of speech and reasonable restrictions
Mains level: Global population trends
Central idea: India is set to overtake China as the world’s most populous country by mid-2023, according to data released by the United Nations.
State of World Population Report
- The report is an annual report published by the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), which provides a global overview of population trends and issues.
- The report covers a wide range of topics related to the population, such as fertility, mortality, migration, family planning, and gender equality.
- It also includes analysis and recommendations for policymakers and governments to address population challenges and promote sustainable development.
- The report is widely regarded as a key reference for researchers, policymakers, and international organizations working on population and development issues.
Highlights of the 2023 report
Facts
|
Data
|
| World Population (2022) |
8 billion |
| Most populous regions |
Eastern and Southeastern Asia, Central and Southern Asia |
| World Population Growth Rate (since 2020) |
Less than 1% |
| Fertility Rate (replacement level) |
2.1 children per woman |
| Population aged 65 years or above (2050) |
16% |
| Persons aged 65 years and above (2050) |
More than double that of 5-year-olds and same as 12-year-olds |
| Regions with fertility rate at or below 2.1 |
60% |
| Top countries accounting for global population increase by 2050 |
DR Congo, Egypt, Ethiopia, India, Nigeria, Pakistan, Philippines, Tanzania |
Population anxieties in India
|
Facts |
| India’s population |
India is now the most populous country in the world, having overtaken China in population, with 1,428.6 million people. |
| Age distribution |
68% of India’s population belongs to the 15-64 years category, and 26% in the 10-24 years group, making India one of the youngest countries in the world. |
| Fertility rate |
National Family Health 5 Survey (2019-21) found that India attained a Total Fertility Rate of 2.0 for the first time, less than the replacement level of 2.1, falling from 2.2 in NFHS 4 (2015-16). |
| Life expectancy |
Life expectancy for men in India is 71 years, the same as the global life expectancy, while it is marginally lower for women at 74 years. |
| Population growth |
India’s population growth rate has decreased from 2.3% in 1972 to less than 1% now. |
| Demographic dividend |
With 68% of its population as youth, and working population, India could have one of the largest workforces in the world, giving it a global advantage. |
Way forward
The UNFPA report strongly recommended that governments introduce policies with gender equality and rights at their heart to address changing demographics. These recommendations include:
- Parental leave programs: Introducing parental leave programs that provide paid leave to both mothers and fathers after the birth or adoption of a child. This can help promote gender equality in the workplace and support families in raising children.
- Child tax credits: Providing tax credits or financial support to families with children to help them meet the costs of raising children. This can help address child poverty and support families in providing for their children’s basic needs.
- Policies to promote gender equality at workplace: Implementing policies and practices that promote gender equality in the workplace, such as equal pay for equal work, flexible work arrangements, and anti-discrimination policies.
- Universal access to sexual and reproductive health and rights: Ensuring that all people have access to comprehensive sexual and reproductive health services, including family planning, maternal health services, etc. This can help prevent unintended pregnancies, reduce maternal mortality, and promote the health and well-being of individuals and families.
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From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Windfall Tax
Mains level: Not Much
The government has revised a windfall tax on domestically-produced crude oil. According to an official notification, the windfall tax rate of Rs 6,400 per tonne.
What is a Windfall Tax?
- Windfall taxes are designed to tax the profits a company derives from an external, sometimes unprecedented event — for instance, the energy price-rise as a result of the Russia-Ukraine conflict.
- These are profits that cannot be attributed to something the firm actively did, like an investment strategy or an expansion of business.
- The US Congressional Research Service (CRS) defines a windfall as an “unearned, unanticipated gain in income through no additional effort or expense”.
- One area where such taxes have routinely been discussed is oil markets, where price fluctuation leads to volatile or erratic profits for the industry.
Features of Windfall Tax
- Imposed on unanticipated and unearned gains: Windfall tax is imposed on the profits or gains that a company earns from external events or factors beyond their control, which they did not actively seek or pursue.
- One-time tax: It is typically imposed as a one-time tax retrospectively, over and above the normal rates of tax, and is not a regular or ongoing tax.
- Imposed on specific sectors or industries: Windfall taxes are usually imposed on specific sectors or industries where there is a significant increase in profits due to external factors such as price fluctuations, supply disruptions, or changes in regulations.
- Rationale for imposition: The imposition of windfall taxes is based on the rationale of redistributing unexpected gains, funding social welfare schemes, and creating a supplementary revenue stream for the government.
- Design problems: Introducing windfall taxes may suffer from design problems, given their expedient and political nature.
- Potential impact on investment: Windfall taxes may lead to uncertainty in the market and negatively impact future investment, as companies may feel uncertain about investing in a sector with an unstable tax regime.
When did India introduce this?
- In July 2022, India announced a windfall tax on domestic crude oil producers who it believed were reaping the benefits of the high oil prices.
- It also imposed an additional excise levy on diesel, petrol and air turbine fuel (ATF) exports.
- Also, India’s case was different from other countries, as it was still importing discounted Russian oil.
How is it levied?
- Governments typically levy this as a one-off tax retrospectively over and above the normal rates of tax.
- The Central government has introduced a windfall profit tax of ₹23,250 per tonne on domestic crude oil production, which was subsequently revised fortnightly four times so far.
- The latest revision was on August 31, when it was hiked to ₹13,300 per tonne from ₹13,000.
Reasons for re-introduction
- There have been varying rationales for governments worldwide to introduce windfall taxes like:
- Redistribution of unexpected gains when high prices benefit producers at the expense of consumers,
- Funding social welfare schemes, and
- Supplementary revenue stream for the government
Issues with imposing such taxes
- Design problems: Windfall taxes may suffer from design problems, given their expedient and political nature. There is also the issue of determining what constitutes true windfall profits and who should be taxed, which raises questions about the threshold for exemption of smaller companies.
- Potential impact on investment: Windfall taxes may lead to uncertainty in the market and negatively impact future investment, as companies may feel uncertain about investing in a sector with an unstable tax regime.
- Internalization of potential taxes: Introducing a temporary windfall profit tax may reduce future investment since prospective investors may internalize the likelihood of potential taxes when making investment decisions.
- Threshold for exemption of smaller companies: Determining the threshold for exemption of smaller companies raises questions about which companies should be taxed and what level of profit is normal or excessive.
- Difficulty in determining true windfall profits: There is also the issue of determining what constitutes true windfall profits, as it may be challenging to differentiate between profits attributable to external events versus those attributable to a company’s active investment strategy or business expansion.
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From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Web 3.0
Mains level: Not Much
Central idea: The article discusses the key features of Web3, including its decentralized nature, peer-to-peer transactions, and greater control over data and digital assets for users.
What is Web3?
- Web3, also known as Web 3.0, is the next generation of the World Wide Web that emphasizes decentralization, security, and user privacy.
- It is essentially a vision of the internet where users have more control over their data, identities, and online interactions.
- It is built on blockchain technology, which enables peer-to-peer transactions without the need for intermediaries such as banks, governments, or other third parties.
- This decentralized approach to the web allows for greater transparency and trust, as well as more secure and private transactions.
- Web3 technologies include blockchain platforms like Ethereum, IPFS (InterPlanetary File System) for distributed file storage, decentralized identity systems like uPort, and decentralized marketplaces like OpenBazaar.
Features of Web 3
Feature
|
Web3
|
Web2
|
|
Centralisation
|
Decentralised |
Centralised |
|
Intermediaries
|
Peer-to-peer |
Rely on intermediaries |
|
Data ownership and control
|
Users have control |
Large corporations have control |
Challenges for Web3:
|
Challenge
|
Scalability
|
Current blockchain infrastructure can only handle a limited number of transactions per second. |
User Adoption
|
Despite being around for over a decade, blockchain technology is still relatively unknown to the general public. |
Interoperability
|
Web3 is being developed by different organisations, each with their own unique vision for the technology, leading to challenges in integration. |
Complexity
|
Technical expertise is required to use and understand Web3, which may be a barrier for some users. |
Examples of Web3 use:
|
Use
|
|
Cryptocurrencies
|
Built on blockchain technology, cryptocurrencies enable secure, decentralised transactions without the need for intermediaries. |
|
Decentralised Finance
|
Aims to build a new financial system on top of blockchain technology. DeFi applications enable users to borrow, lend, and trade crypto. |
|
Decentralised storage
|
Used to create decentralised social networks and develop decentralised identity verification systems. |
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: YZ Ceti exoplanet , Exoplanets
Mains level: NA
Central idea: Astronomers have detected a repeating radio signal from the YZ Ceti exoplanet that suggests the presence of a magnetic field around it.
What is YZ Ceti b?
- YZ Ceti b is an earth-sized exoplanet (a planet that orbits a star other than our sun).
- It is located barely 12 light-years from Earth, and it rotates around a small red dwarf star called YZ Ceti.
How was the discovery made?
- The researchers had to make multiple rounds of observations before they could detect the radio signals from the star YZ Ceti, which seemed to match the orbital period of the planet YZ Ceti b.
- From this, they deduced that the signals were a result of the interaction between the planet’s magnetic field and the star.
Why does the magnetic field matter?
- Intense bursts of energy from the YZ Ceti star-exoplanet exchange produce spectacular auroral lights, similar to the energy surges from the sun that disrupt telecommunications on earth.
- The radio waves confirmed the existence of an exoplanetary magnetic field.
- This can only be produced if the exoplanet orbits very close to its parent star and has its own magnetic field to influence the stellar wind and generate the signals.
What’s the implication for YZ Ceti b?
- The small orbit of YZ Ceti b indicates that the planet takes just a couple of earth days to circle its star.
- Nearly half of all the stars visible in the sky could potentially harbor rocky, earth-sized planets in habitable orbits around them.
- Astronomers indicated that the possibility of the existence of a magnetic field on the Earth-like exoplanet, called YZ Ceti b, probably hints at the habitability of life on that planet.
How common are such magnetic fields?
- Planetary scientists have never been able to identify magnetic fields on smaller, rocky exoplanets until now.
- The survival of a planet’s atmosphere may depend on its having, or not having, a strong magnetic field, since the field protects its atmosphere from being eroded by the charged particles blowing in from its star.
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: NA
Mains level: Empathy in higher education and role of IITS in reducing social inequality in local communities
Central Idea
- The recent spate of suicides among IIT students and the subsequent media attention, which has brought to the fore the social behavior and anxieties within the IIT student community. It emphasizes that studying at the IITs can be highly stressful, especially for students from socially marginalized backgrounds.
For instance: JEE Exam and Social Inequality
- There are disparities among students from different social strata in the JEE Advanced entrance exam, with lower cut-offs for SC/ST students compared to general category students.
- This disparity in scores can be attributed to cultural and material inequalities faced by SC students, such as lack of basic amenities like water, sanitation, and transportation.
What is mean by material inequality?
- Unequal distribution of resources and basic amenities: Material inequality refers to the unequal distribution of resources and basic amenities such as food, water, shelter, healthcare, education, and access to opportunities, among individuals or groups in a society.
- Factors responsible: It is a result of various factors such as income, social class, gender, race, ethnicity, and geographical location.
- Negative effects: Material inequality can have negative effects on the well-being and opportunities of individuals and communities, leading to disparities in access to resources and basic needs.
How IITs can engage with local communities?
- Conduct Field and Community Studies: Students from all disciplines can conduct field and community studies to understand the causes of material inequality in the surrounding areas. This will provide them with insights into the problems that exist and help them design effective solutions.
- Interdisciplinary Field Work: IITs can adopt an interdisciplinary fieldwork pedagogy where professors from different disciplines work together to design solutions for societal challenges. This will help students to develop mutual respect, empathy, and a collective understanding of how the state and the market work.
- Local Problem Areas: IITs can identify and work on concrete problems of all sizes and difficulty levels, such as cooking energy, public transport, small enterprises, and pollution, in the surrounding districts. Faculty members can work with district administrations to address these and involve both IIT and local college students.
- Collaboration and Teamwork: Engaging with local communities will reduce competitive stress and increase collaboration and teamwork within the student body. Students will appreciate the diversity of backgrounds and understand the adversities many among them have had to face.
- Democratic Science: Students should demand training in a science of empathy and diversity that probes and explores all nooks and crannies of knowledge and society. Only when Indian science turns more democratic will the university become more empathetic and the society more equal and prosperous.
Value addition box
IIT Bombay as an example:
- IIT Bombay can use the communities in surrounding districts as problem areas for research and academics. From cooking energy to public transport, there are concrete problems of all sizes for students and faculty members to grapple with.
- Faculty members can work with district administrations to involve both IIT and local college students, thereby creating an ecosystem of higher education that satisfies its institutional and cultural roles.
|
What is empathy?
- Empathy is the ability to understand and share the feelings of another person. It involves being able to put oneself in another person’s shoes and perceive things from their perspective.
- Empathy allows individuals to connect with others emotionally, recognize their needs and respond with sensitivity and compassion.
- It is an important aspect of emotional intelligence and plays a crucial role in building strong relationships, effective communication, and social cohesion.
What do you understand by mean science of empathy?
- Science of empathy refers to the study and application of empathy as a scientific concept, including understanding its mechanisms, impact, and potential applications in various fields such as healthcare, education, and social justice.
- It involves using scientific methods to study empathy, including neuroscience, psychology, and social science research.
- The goal is to deepen our understanding of empathy and how it can be applied to improve social and emotional outcomes for individuals and communities.
Why Empathy is important in IITs?
- Addressing social inequalities: IITs are known for their rigorous academic curriculum and high-achieving students, but they also have a responsibility to address social inequalities that exist in society. Empathy can help students and faculty understand the challenges faced by underprivileged communities and develop solutions that address these challenges.
- Fostering collaboration: Empathy can help IIT students and faculty work together more effectively by understanding each other’s perspectives and experiences. This can lead to better collaboration and teamwork, which is essential for tackling complex problems.
- Developing socially responsible professionals: IITs aim to produce professionals who can make a positive impact on society. Empathy is an important quality for professionals who want to understand the needs and concerns of their clients or users, and develop solutions that meet those needs.
- Enhancing research: Empathy can also enhance research by promoting interdisciplinary collaborations that consider a wide range of perspectives and experiences. This can lead to more innovative and effective solutions to complex problems.
- Social Responsibility: Higher education institutions have a social responsibility to produce graduates who understand the societal impacts of their work and who are capable of creating solutions that benefit all members of society. Empathy helps students to understand the perspectives of those who may be affected by their work and to create solutions that are more inclusive and equitable.
- Collaborative Work: In higher education, collaborative work is increasingly common across disciplines, cultures, and even national borders. Empathy enables students to understand the needs and motivations of their collaborators and to work effectively as part of a team.
- Diversity and Inclusion: Diversity and inclusion are key principles of higher education, and empathy plays a crucial role in achieving these goals. Empathy helps students to understand and appreciate the experiences and perspectives of others who come from different backgrounds, leading to a more inclusive and welcoming learning environment.
- Ethical Considerations: Science and technology can have ethical implications, and empathy is necessary to understand the impact of scientific and technological advancements on different groups of people. Empathy can help students to identify potential ethical dilemmas and to create solutions that align with ethical principles.
Conclusion
- The issues of social inequality and stress among students in the Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs) suggests the need for an empathetic and inclusive approach towards higher education. Interdisciplinary fieldwork and community engagement can create a diverse and inclusive ecosystem of higher education, preparing students to become better professionals and citizens.
Mains Question
Q. Empathy along with science is an essential ingredient in higher education in India. In light of this statement discuss how IITs can play a critical role in promoting empathy and reducing social inequalities in India.
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: NA
Mains level: Europe- France-US and China Complex relations
Central idea
- French President Emmanuel Macron’s recent declaration that France is an ally but not a vassal of the United States and his comments that Paris does not share Washington’s hostility towards China have generated significant reactions in the US and Europe. Beijing’s official media has praised Macron’s strategic autonomy approach towards China, and Russia hopes that France and other European countries will be less politically tied to the US.
Macron’s comments on China and Taiwan and reactions
- Outrage in the US and Europe: Macron’s comments that France does not share the US’s hostility towards China and does not see the Taiwan crisis as a threat to Europe have generated outrage in the US and Europe.
- China praised: Beijing sees Macron’s model of strategic autonomy as a positive example for other nations to follow regarding China.
- India criticized: India has criticized the remarks, noting that the principle and power are at stake in both Ukraine and Taiwan.
What is mean by Vassalisation?
- The term vassalisation refers to a state or country that is in a subordinate or dependent relationship with another, usually more powerful, state or country.
- It suggests a lack of independence and autonomy in decision-making and an obligation to follow the policies and interests of the more powerful state.
Important trends highlighted by the debate on the vassalisation of Europe and Russia
- Different perspectives on Taiwan and Ukraine
- Macron’s claim on Taiwan not being a concern to Europe reinforces India’s External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar’s criticism of Europe’s mindset that their problems are the world’s problems.
- The Ukraine conflict has debilitating consequences for the world, and a shooting war between the US and China over Taiwan could be more devastating and costly to the international system.
- Macron’s contradictory approach to the Indo-Pacific is disappointing, and his wavering resolve on China may lead Asian countries to think less of French resolve.
- Macron does not represent all of Europe
- President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, has a different take on China than Macron.
- Central Europeans trust the US more than France or Germany to defend their security interests.
- Europe is deeply divided on how to address contemporary security challenges, undermining Macron’s ambition to turn Europe into the world’s third superpower.
- The only common belief in Europe today is the political faith in Beijing’s capacity to end Russia’s war in Ukraine.
- A weaker and divided Europe enhances the prospects for a bipolar world
- Multipolarity has been an important objective of India’s foreign policy for over three decades.
- The talk of multipolarity could become academic as the US and China pull way ahead of other powers, get deeper into confrontation, and shape the choices of the rest of the world.
- The belief that Europe and Russia can act as elements of a multipolar world is becoming increasingly untenable.
- India’s possibilities in Europe and Russia
- Delhi should not turn its back on Europe despite its current predicament with China.
- Macron’s China push underlines India’s own possibilities in Europe.
- Western Europe that follows the money in China could do the same in India, providing much strategic benefit to India in its partnerships with Brussels and individual European actors.
- India is stepping up its engagement with Russia on the calculation that Moscow’s current dependence on Beijing is temporary.
- India needs to work more closely with the US and its Asian allies
- The inability or unwillingness of both Russia and Western Europe to balance China means India needs to work much more closely with the US and its Asian allies to secure a more favourable balance of power in its Indo-Pacific neighbourhood.
- India’s strategic value will only go up for the US amidst the European reluctance to stand up to China’s hegemonic ambitions.
- Few countries in Asia face more urgent and daunting challenges from China than India, and few Asian capitals have more political will to stand up to Beijing than Delhi.
- The reduced standing of Europe and Russia in great power relations is accompanied by Asia’s rise, with emerging strategic opportunities for Japan, India, and South Korea.
- Europe-China relations have been complex and multi-faceted over the years: On the one hand, China is Europe’s second-largest trading partner, and there is a lot of economic interdependence between the two. On the other hand, there are concerns about human rights violations, lack of market access for European companies in China, and China’s increasing assertiveness in the Asia-Pacific region.
- Some important developments include
- The EU-China Comprehensive Agreement on Investment (CAI): Negotiated in December 2020, the CAI is a landmark investment deal between the EU and China aimed at improving market access for European companies in China and increasing investment flows between the two regions. However, the agreement has been met with criticism from some EU member states and civil society groups, who argue that it does not do enough to address human rights abuses in China.
- Increasing concern over Chinese human rights abuses: Europe has been increasingly critical of China’s human rights record, particularly in the wake of the crackdown on pro-democracy protesters in Hong Kong and the treatment of Uighur Muslims in Xinjiang. The EU has imposed sanctions on Chinese officials involved in human rights abuses, and there is growing support for a boycott of the 2022 Winter Olympics in Beijing.
- Growing competition in the Indo-Pacific region: Europe is becoming more engaged in the Indo-Pacific region, which is seen as a key area of strategic competition between China and the US. Some EU member states, such as France and Germany, have developed their own Indo-Pacific strategies and are seeking to deepen security partnerships with countries in the region.
- Belt and Road Initiative (BRI): China’s massive infrastructure project, the BRI, has raised concerns in Europe about China’s growing influence in the region. Some EU member states, such as Italy and Greece, have signed on to the initiative, while others have been more cautious.
Facts for prelims
|
Category
|
Information
|
| Location |
East Asia |
| Capital |
Taipei |
| Population |
23.58 million (2021) |
| Official language |
Mandarin Chinese, Hokkien, Hakka, and indigenous languages |
| Currency |
New Taiwan dollar |
| Form of government |
Unitary semi-presidential constitutional republic |
| Topography |
Mountainous with fertile plains in the west |
| Climate |
Subtropical |
Conclusion
- Macron’s comments on China have sparked debates about Europe and Russia’s relationship with China and the US. A weaker and divided Europe enhances the prospects for a bipolar world dominated by the US and China, which makes it important for India needs greater engagement with European geopolitics and to work closely with the US and its Asian allies to secure a more favorable balance of power in the Indo-Pacific region.
Mains Question
Q. What do you understand by mean vassalisation in terms of international politics? Discuss the latest trends that have emerged from the debate on the vassalisation of Europe derived from French president Macron’s recent comments on China.
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Stablecoins
Mains level: Read the attached story
The US Congress (Parliament) has made another attempt to create a legislative framework for the increasingly popular stablecoins, a sort of cryptocurrency that is pegged to a particular commodity or currency.
What are Stablecoins?
- Stablecoins are cryptocurrencies designed to maintain a stable value, typically by being pegged to a stable asset such as the US dollar.
- Investing in stablecoins can help mitigate market volatility because they are less susceptible to price fluctuations than other cryptocurrencies such as Bitcoin or Ethereum or any other.
Types of stablecoins
| Fiat-backed stablecoins |
Backed by reserves of fiat currency held in a bank account or other secure location. Example: Tether (USDT) |
| Commodity-backed stablecoins |
Backed by reserves of a physical commodity, such as gold or silver. Example: PAX Gold (PAXG) |
| Algorithmic stablecoins |
Use algorithms or smart contracts to maintain a stable value. Example: Dai stablecoin (DAI) |
How can Stablecoin mitigate market volatility?
|
Explanation |
| Hedging against volatility |
- Help investors hedge against volatility and reduce their risk exposure.
- Pegged to a stable asset, which can provide a haven during market turbulence.
- If the value of Bitcoin or Ethereum drops suddenly, investors can move their funds into stablecoins to protect their portfolio from further losses.
|
| Greater flexibility in transferring funds |
- Greater flexibility and convenience compared to traditional fiat currencies.
- Quickly and easily transferred between wallets and exchanges, making them ideal for cross-border transactions.
- Investors take advantage of investment opportunities in other markets and avoid currency exchange fees and delays.
|
| Arbitrage trading |
- Used for arbitrage trading, which involves buying an asset in one market and selling it in another market for a higher price.
- As stablecoins are pegged to a stable asset, investors can quickly move funds between exchanges without worrying about price fluctuations, making arbitrage trading easier and potentially more profitable.
|
What are the risks?
|
Explanation |
| Stability of the asset |
- Stablecoins are reliant on the stability of the asset they are pegged to.
- If the value of that asset drops, it can lead to a drop in the stablecoin’s value as well.
- This could result in losses for investors who hold the stablecoin.
|
| Transparency and regulation |
- There are concerns over the transparency and regulation of stablecoin issuers.
- This could result in a loss of trust in the stablecoin and a subsequent drop in its value.
- There is no proper regulation and oversight.
- There is a risk that stablecoin issuers may engage in fraudulent or unethical behaviour, which could lead to losses for investors.
- It is important for investors to carefully assess the reputation and credibility of the stablecoin issuer before investing in a stablecoin.
|
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: EMIC Waves
Mains level: Indian Antarctic Program
Central idea
- Scientists working at the Indian Antarctic Station, Maitri, have identified and probed Electromagnetic Ion Cyclotron (EMIC) waves to study their characteristics.
- The study aims to understand the impact of energetic particles in the radiation belts on low orbiting satellites.
About Indian Antarctic Station, Maitri
|
Description |
| Name |
Maitri Antarctic Station (Friendship Research Centre) |
| Establishment |
1984 |
| Location |
Schirmacher Oasis, East Antarctica |
| Distance from other stations |
5 km away from Novolazarevskaya Station |
| Purpose |
Conducting scientific research as part of the Indian Antarctic Programme |
| Features |
Second permanent research station of India in Antarctica |
| Named by |
Then-PM Indira Gandhi |
| First camp commander |
Squadron Leader D.P. Joshi |
| First huts |
Completed in 1989 by the IV Antarctica Expedition |
What are EMIC Waves?
- Electromagnetic Ion Cyclotron (EMIC) waves are a type of plasma wave that occurs in the Earth’s magnetosphere.
- They are caused by the interaction of energetic particles in the radiation belts with the Earth’s magnetic field.
- These waves have frequencies in the range of a few hundred hertz to a few kilohertz and are known to play an important role in the acceleration and loss of energetic particles in the Earth’s magnetosphere.
- The study of EMIC waves is important for understanding the effects of space weather on satellite communication and navigation systems.
Identification and study of EMIC waves
- A team of scientists from the Indian Institute of Geomagnetism (IIG) analysed data collected between 2011 and 2017 by the Induction Coil Magnetometer.
- The device was installed at the Indian Antarctic station Maitri to bring out several aspects of the ground observation of the EMIC waves.
Significance of the study
- This study is important to improve our understanding of EMIC wave modulation and how they interact with energetic particles that impact satellites and their communication.
- It could help understand the impact of energetic particles in the radiation belts on low orbiting satellites and lead to improved satellite communication systems.
Back2Basics: Indian Antarctic Programme
- It is a scientific program run by the National Centre for Antarctic and Ocean Research under the Ministry of Earth Sciences.
- It was launched in 1981 and since then India has been operating research stations in Antarctica.
- It gained global acceptance with India’s signing of the Antarctic Treaty and subsequent construction of the Dakshin Gangotri Antarctic research base in 1983, superseded by the Maitri base from 1989.
- The program conducts research in areas such as geology, oceanography, atmospheric sciences, and earth sciences.
- India currently operates two permanent research stations in Antarctica – Maitri and Bharati.
- The program also has plans to set up a third research station called ‘Siddhanta’ in the coming years.
- Apart from conducting research, the program also engages in logistics support, environmental monitoring, and outreach activities.
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: TeLEOS-2 Satellite, PSLV
Mains level: NA
The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) will launch Singapore’s TeLEOS-2 satellite this week, from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota.
What is TeLEOS-2?
- TeLEOS-2 is a Singaporean Earth Observation satellite built by ST Electronics (Satellite Systems).
- It carries a made-in-Singapore Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) capable of providing 1 m resolution data.
- It will be equipped with a 500 GB onboard recorder for recording the data captured and a high speed 800 Mbps downlink.
- In 2015, ISRO launched TeLEOS-1, the first Singapore commercial Earth Observation Satellite, which was launched into a low Earth orbit for remote sensing applications.
- ISRO has so far launched nine satellites belonging to Singapore.
About the launch vehicle: PSLV-CA
- The PSLV-CA was manufactured by ISRO with the first launch on 2007-04-23.
- CA means “Core Alone”, model premiered on 23 April 2007.
- PSLV-CA has 15 successful launches and 0 failed launches with a total of 15 launches.
- The CA model does not include the six strap-on boosters used by the PSLV standard variant.
- The fourth stage of the CA variant has 400 kg less propellant when compared to its standard version.
- It currently has the capability to launch 1,100 kg to a 622 km Sun-synchronous orbit.
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From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Civil Unions
Mains level: Same sex marriages
Central idea
- The Indian judiciary is currently hearing arguments about the legal recognition of same-sex unions under the Special Marriage Act.
- The Centre has contested the maintainability of the petitions, and the judiciary’s right to confer legal recognition on the “socio-legal institution” of marriage.
- However, the CJI has clarified that the scope of the hearing would be limited to developing a notion of a Civil Union that finds legal recognition under the Act.
- This article explains what civil unions are, how they differ from marriage, and which countries allow them.
What is a Civil Union?
- A civil union is a legal status that allows same-sex couples specific rights and responsibilities normally conferred upon married couples.
- Civil unions resemble marriages and bring with them employment, inheritance, property, and parental rights, among other things.
How is a civil union different from marriage?
- In the US, prior to the Supreme Court’s landmark ruling in “Obergefell v. Hodges” in 2015, a majority of the states had civil union laws that allowed same-sex couples to marry without providing them formal recognition of the same.
- Civil unions were recognised solely by issuing states and not by federal law, which meant that such couples could not enjoy the benefits of being in a civil union uniformly across all states.
- After the legalisation of same-sex marriages, several civil unions were converted into marriages.
What other countries allow civil unions?
- Several countries allow civil unions.
- Before Sweden legalised same-sex marriages in 2009, LGBTQ couples there could apply for civil unions and enjoy benefits such as the right to adopt.
- In Norway, couples could enter into civil unions from 1993, which gave way to a new law 15 years later allowing such couples to marry, adopt, and undergo state-sponsored artificial insemination.
- In Austria, same-sex couples could form civil partnerships between 2010-2017 until a court ruling deemed civil unions discriminatory, and such marriages were legalised.
- Similarly, countries like Brazil, Uruguay, Andorra, and Chile recognised the right of same-sex couples to enter into civil unions even before they formally recognised their legal right to marriage.
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: JC Bose and his contributions
Mains level: NA
Central idea
- A recent discovery by researchers from Tel Aviv University in Israel, that plants make distinct sounds in the ultrasonic range when faced with stress, made headlines around the world.
- However, Indians who had grown up hearing about Jagadish Chandra Bose’s work, more than a century ago, on plant physiology and their ability to feel pleasure and pain, were not surprised.
|
Details |
| Who was JC Bose? |
– Born in 1858 in Mymensingh, Bengal.
– A polymath who made significant contributions to physics, biophysics, and plant physiology
– Graduated from Calcutta University with honors in physics and studied in London and Cambridge. |
| Notable works |
– Developed sensitive instruments for wireless telegraphy and demonstrated the first-ever wireless transmission of microwaves in 1895.
– Showed that plants produce electrical signals in response to stimuli and made significant contributions to biophysics. |
| Recognition & Controversy |
– Despite his contributions, he was not awarded a Nobel Prize, which many believe he deserved.
– Refused to obtain patents for his work and rejected the idea of making money from science.
– Claimed that even inanimate inorganic matter could respond to stimulus and regarded plants as intermediates in a continuum between animals and non-living materials, which was not easily accepted by his contemporaries. |
| Legacy and Significance |
– Founded the Bose Institute, a premier research institute in India.
– The crater Bose on the Moon is named after him.
– Regarded as one of India’s greatest scientists, and his legacy continues to inspire future generations of scientists. |
| Significance |
– Bose’s work on plant physiology and biophysics was ahead of his time and not fully understood by his contemporaries.
– However, over the years, much of his work has been confirmed. |
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From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Consumer Confidence Index (CCI)
Mains level: Not Much
Central idea
- The Consumer Confidence Survey was conducted in the first half of March 2023 across 19 cities.
- This article analyses the survey results, released this month, and breaks down the findings under different sections.
What is Consumer Confidence Survey?
- The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) conducts a Consumer Confidence Survey to measure consumers’ perceptions of the prevailing economic situation.
- The survey is conducted across various cities and measures consumer confidence on parameters such as the economy, employment, price, income, and spending.
- The survey consists of questions regarding consumers’ sentiments over various factors in the current situation and future.
Here are a few parameters that help aggregate overall confidence:
- Spending: The consumer is asked about the willingness to spend on major consumer durables, purchasing vehicles, or real estate. This measures the overall spending scenario on necessities as well as luxuries for the next quarter.
- Employment: The consumer is asked about current and future ideas on employment situations, joblessness, job security, which reflects the sentiments of the current or expected employment in the country.
- Inflation: The consumer is asked about interest rates and levels of prices of all goods, tracking the price expected by consumers and their spending on basic necessities.
About the Consumer Confidence Index (CCI)
- CCI is a survey that is conducted every two months to measure how optimistic or pessimistic the consumers are regarding their financial situation.
- The index measures the change in consumer perception on the financial situation in the last year and the future expectations index measures what the consumer thinks about his financial situation in the coming one year.
- The main variables of the survey are: Economic situation, Employment, Price Level, Income and Spending.
Current perceptions of the survey
- The survey estimates current perceptions and a year-ahead expectations on the economy, employment, price, income, and spending.
- The results show that consumer confidence continues to recover from its historic low of mid-2021, but still remains pessimistic at 87.0, a 2.2 point increase from previous results.
- The assessment of inflation conditions improved for the current period reflecting a higher confidence in prevailing economic conditions.
- With regards to spending, sentiments were positive with signs of improvement compared to the last round conducted in January 2023.
What does this imply?
- The survey shows that while consumer confidence is slowly recovering, it still remains pessimistic.
- The survey results indicate positive sentiments on employment and spending, but a marginal dip in the country’s future economic situation.
- Credit growth numbers indicate a rise in consumer spending.
- The upcoming state and general elections could have an impact on the economy, and it remains to be seen how it will play out.
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: NA
Mains level: Same-sex marriage, Legal recognition analysis
Central Idea
- The legalisation of same-sex marriage is a natural progression towards accepting and integrating the LGBTQIA+ community in India, which has been marginalized and hounded for decades. While the decriminalisation of homosexuality was a positive step towards acceptance, granting civil rights such as marriage and adoption is essential in creating a more diverse and inclusive society.
LGBTQIA+ community
- LGBTQIA+ is an acronym for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer/Questioning, Intersex, Asexual/Ally. The plus sign is often added to include other identities and orientations that are not explicitly mentioned in the acronym.
- It is a term used to refer to individuals who identify as any of these sexual orientations or gender identities.
- The community is made up of individuals who may face discrimination, marginalization, and stigma based on their sexual orientation or gender identity. The community advocates for equal rights and acceptance, and works towards achieving societal and legal recognition and protection.
Problems faced by LGBTQIA+ community in India
- Discrimination: Members of the LGBTQIA+ community are often subjected to discrimination, harassment, and violence due to their sexual orientation or gender identity.
- Social Stigma: Homosexuality is still stigmatized in many parts of Indian society, and people who identify as LGBTQIA+ are often ostracized, bullied, and excluded from social activities.
- Lack of legal protection: The Indian legal system does not offer comprehensive legal protection against discrimination and violence based on sexual orientation and gender identity.
- Health issues: Members of the LGBTQIA+ community often face health issues such as HIV/AIDS, depression, anxiety, and substance abuse due to the stress and discrimination they face.
- Limited access to healthcare: Due to social stigma and discrimination, many members of the LGBTQIA+ community face barriers in accessing healthcare services, including mental health care and HIV/AIDS treatment.
- Family rejection: Many members of the LGBTQIA+ community face rejection and disownment by their families, which can lead to mental health issues, homelessness, and financial instability.
- Employment discrimination: Members of the LGBTQIA+ community often face discrimination in the workplace, including being denied jobs, promotions, and other opportunities due to their sexual orientation or gender identity.
- Limited legal recognition: Same-sex marriage is not recognized in India, and LGBTQIA+ couples do not have the same legal rights and protections as heterosexual couples.
What is mean by homosexuality?
- Homosexuality refers to a sexual orientation where an individual is primarily attracted to people of the same gender. It is a natural variation of human sexuality and is not considered a disorder or mental illness. The term is used to describe a person’s identity, behavior, and desire towards people of the same gender.
What is the stigma around homosexuality in India?
- Cultural and religious beliefs: India is a culturally and religiously diverse country with deep-seated traditional values. Many people believe that homosexuality is against these values and that it is a sin.
- Lack of awareness and education: There is still a lack of awareness and education about homosexuality in India, which leads to many misconceptions and negative stereotypes.
- Discrimination and harassment: People who are open about their homosexuality often face discrimination and harassment from society, including family, friends, and colleagues.
- Legal status: Until recently, homosexuality was illegal in India, which further stigmatized the community.
- Masculinity norms: Indian society often associates masculinity with traditional gender roles, which can make it difficult for people who do not conform to these norms.
- Lack of representation: The representation of LGBTQ+ people in Indian media and popular culture is limited, which can contribute to a lack of understanding and empathy for their experiences.
- Same-sex marriage is the legal recognition of a marriage between two individuals of the same sex.
- It grants same-sex couples the same legal and social recognition, rights, and privileges that are traditionally associated with marriage, including property rights, inheritance rights, and the ability to make decisions for each other in medical emergencies.
- The recognition of same-sex marriage varies around the world, with some countries legalizing it while others do not.
- The issue has been the subject of much debate and controversy, with arguments for and against same-sex marriage based on religious, cultural, social, and legal considerations.
Arguments in favor of same-sex marriage
- Civil Rights: Legalizing same-sex marriage is a matter of civil rights, which ensures equal treatment under the law for all individuals, regardless of their sexual orientation.
- Equality: All citizens should have the right to marry the person they love, irrespective of their gender or sexual orientation.
- Family: Same-sex couples should have the same legal rights as heterosexual couples when it comes to adoption, inheritance, and other family-related matters.
- Mental Health: Same-sex couples who can marry experience greater mental health benefits due to increased social support, greater economic stability, and increased social acceptance.
- Social Stability: Legalizing same-sex marriage can help promote social stability by increasing the number of legally recognized families and reducing social stigmas.
Arguments against same-sex marriage
- Religious Beliefs: Many people oppose same-sex marriage because of their religious beliefs and consider it to be a sin.
- Traditional Family: Some people believe that same-sex marriage is a threat to traditional family values.
- Children: There are concerns that children may be negatively affected by growing up in same-sex households.
- Social Consequences: Some people believe that legalizing same-sex marriage will have negative social consequences, including the breakdown of the family and moral decay.
- Slippery Slope: Some people believe that legalizing same-sex marriage could lead to a slippery slope, where other forms of non-traditional marriage become legal as well.
Way ahead
- Education and Awareness: A sustained education and awareness campaign could be launched at various levels, including schools, universities, media, and community organizations to address the social stigma and prejudice against LGBTQIA+ individuals. This could also involve sensitization training for various public and private sector employees to reduce discrimination and bias in the workplace.
- Advocacy: Pro-LGBTQIA+ advocacy groups could play a significant role in lobbying for the legal recognition of same-sex marriages. This could involve building alliances with other civil society organizations, engaging with lawmakers, and using social media to spread awareness about the issue.
- Legal Framework: A new legal framework could be developed to recognize same-sex marriages, which would include rights and protections for LGBTQIA+ individuals. This framework would need to address issues such as inheritance rights, joint property ownership, and the legal recognition of children born to same-sex couples through surrogacy or adoption.
- Consultation: A wide-ranging consultation process could be initiated with stakeholders from different communities, including religious leaders, civil society organizations, and members of the LGBTQIA+ community, to build consensus on the issue.
- Balancing Interests: The government could take a cautious approach to legalizing same-sex marriage, considering the positive effects such as social inclusion and individual rights, and the potential negative effects, such as religious sensitivities and family values. This could involve striking a balance between individual rights and social cohesion, taking into account the unique cultural and social contexts of India.
- Monitoring and Evaluation: The government could set up an independent body to monitor the implementation of same-sex marriage legislation and evaluate its impact on society. This could help to identify areas of success and potential areas for improvement, and ensure that the legal recognition of same-sex marriages is a positive step forward for Indian society as a whole.
Conclusion
- The hallmark of a progressive nation is reflected in its ability to accept diversity, include minorities, and integrate the marginalised. Legalising same-sex marriage may pave the way for generations to come and become a big step towards reclaiming the diverse, multicultural, and inclusive civilisation that India has always been. Government should strike a balance between individual rights and social cohesion, taking into account the unique cultural and social contexts of India.
Mains Question
Q. What do you understand by mean by Homosexuality? Decriminalization of homosexuality in India is considered as a positive step. In this backdrop analyze the issue of Same Sex Marriage in India.
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: IT Rules
Mains level: Fake news, IT Rules amendments and issues
Central Idea
- The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) has created powers to determine fake or false or misleading internet content about any business of the Central Government, which is inspired by George Orwell’s novel 1984 and its concept of Newspeak. While the government claims that these changes are for an Open, Safe & Trusted and Accountable Internet, this claim is questionable, and their impact on natural justice, transparency, and trust in government.
- Fake news refers to intentionally fabricated or misleading information presented as if it were real news. It can be spread through traditional media sources like newspapers or television, but it is more commonly associated with social media platforms and other online sources.
- Fake news can range from completely made-up stories to misleading headlines and selectively edited or out-of-context information designed to deceive readers.
- It is often used for political purposes, to manipulate public opinion or to spread misinformation about individuals, organizations or events.
What makes Government’s claim questionable?
1. No safeguards for natural justice
- Against the principle of natural justice: The IT Amendment Rules, 2023, contain powers that allow the government to act as a judge in its own case. This goes against the principles of natural justice, where a transparent process with a fair chance of hearing and a legal order is essential.
- Government censorship: The absence of such safeguards in the IT Rules could result in government censorship, where press releases and tweets by the government may rally citizens to its cause without providing legal reasoning or the remedy of a legal challenge.
2. Government censorship in the name of safety
- Swift take-down of the content: With the new powers, the determination of fake or false or misleading information by a fact-checking unit of the Central Government will result in a swift take-down of the content, making it inaccessible not only on social media but also on the news portal’s website.
- Prevents critical understanding: This will prevent readers from developing a critical understanding of facts, which is a natural outcome of a democratic system. Thus, the IT Rules undermine the administration of justice and assume that the executive alone knows what is best for the citizen.
3. Lack of details on fact-checking body composition
- Lack of details and autonomy of the fact checking body: For a trusted internet, the fact-checking body’s composition and design of regulatory institutions are important. When these bodies are not insulated or formed with financial and functional autonomy, they become subservient to government and political interests. This undermines the basis of trust in government built through scrutiny.
- Government the sole arbiter of truth: The present system makes the Union Government the sole arbiter of truth, leaving citizens with little choice but to trust the government.
The basis of accountability
- Accountability requires remedial actions that are neither an artificial measure of placation nor a disproportionate or aggressive penalty.
- The IT Rules target institutions that work towards accountability, making it difficult to achieve its purpose.
- The mission of journalists is to report facts and speak truth to power, and the slogan Open, Safe & Trusted and Accountable Internet means little in a Digital India, where Newspeak-like rules prevent the free exchange of information.
Conclusion
- IT Rules of 2023, inspired by Orwell’s Newspeak, could lead to government censorship, lack of natural justice, and trust in government. The government needs to provide transparency, impartiality, and accountability in the regulatory institutions’ design to build trust among citizens. Instead of relying on a fact-checking unit of the Central Government, it is essential to establish independent regulatory bodies with financial and functional autonomy to promote a truly open, safe, and trusted internet.
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Golden crescent and golden traingle
Mains level: Menace of Drug trafficking in India
Central Idea
- Narcotics trade is a global social problem that has harmful effects on the youth and families. This trade generates money that is diverted to disruptive activities having bearing on national security, keeping the law enforcement agencies on tenterhooks. India is also facing the problem of drug trafficking, and the issue is assuming dangerous proportions.
What is Narcotics trade?
- The narcotics trade refers to the illegal production, distribution, and sale of drugs such as opium, heroin, cocaine, and methamphetamine.
- It is a global issue that poses a serious threat to public health and safety, as well as national security.
- The trade is often controlled by criminal organizations, and the money generated from it is often used to fund other illicit activities such as terrorism and money laundering.
Prevalence of Narcotics trade in India
- Significant challenge: The Narcotics trade is a serious problem in India, affecting the youth and families, and leading to the diversion of money for disruptive activities that have a bearing on national security.
- Sandwiched between golden Crecent and golden triangle: India is a big market and a transit route for other countries. India has been seen as sandwiched between the Death (Golden) Crescent and Death (Golden) Triangle.
- Use of drones to supply drugs: The use of drones to supply drugs and weapons across the border in Punjab is a new phenomenon.
- Hot destination for cocaine: India has surprisingly become a hot destination for cocaine, which is controlled by South American drug cartels. Investigations have revealed the connection of these cartels with NRIs based in Canada, Australia, Singapore, Hong Kong, and several European countries along with local drug lords and gangsters in India.
- Social and health impact: Narcotics trade harms youth and families, leading to addiction and health problems.
- Diversion of funds for disruptive activities: The money generated from the narcotics trade is diverted for disruptive activities that have bearings on national security.
- Increase in terrorism: Drug traffickers from across borders have been found to have connections with terrorist organizations like Lashkar-e-Toiba and Hizbul Mujahideen, and the illegal money is used for terror activities sponsored by the ISI.
- Infiltration of organized crime: Organized gangs, which primarily used to carry out extortion activities in their local areas, are getting hooked to the narcotics trade network, and are being used for drug trafficking and gun running. This creates a nexus between terrorists and organized gangs/underworld, which poses a new and disturbing trend that needs to be tackled effectively by security agencies.
- Proliferation of darknet markets: Studies reveal that 62 per cent of the darknet is being used for illicit drug trafficking. The anonymity and low risks of darknet transactions are disrupting traditional drug markets.
- Border security: The heroin and methamphetamine-producing areas have porous borders and are reportedly under the control of rebel groups indirectly supported by intelligence setups. Illicit arms are manufactured here and supplied to underground groups active in India.
Facts for prelims
- The Golden Crescent: The Golden Crescent is a region in South Asia that is known for the production of illicit drugs, particularly opium. The region includes parts of Afghanistan, Iran, and Pakistan. It is one of the two major drug-producing areas in the world, along with the Golden Triangle, which is located in Southeast Asia.
- The Golden Triangle: The Golden Triangle is a region in Southeast Asia that encompasses parts of Myanmar, Thailand, Laos, and Vietnam. It is one of the world’s largest opium-producing areas and is named after the shape formed by the overlapping mountains of these countries.
- Nearly 90% of the world’s demand for heroin and methamphetamine is being met from these regions.
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Why drug trafficking is a serious security issue?
- Illegal money: Drug trafficking generates a significant amount of illegal money, which can be used to fund other illegal activities such as terrorism, money laundering, and human trafficking.
- Social and economic consequences: Drug addiction and abuse can have severe social and economic consequences, including increased crime rates, loss of productivity, and strain on the healthcare system.
- Organized crime syndicates: Drug trafficking often involves organized crime syndicates, which can undermine the rule of law and weaken the state’s ability to maintain law and order.
- Impacts regional stability: Drug trafficking can create instability in regions that are already vulnerable to conflict and violence, as rival groups compete for control of the lucrative trade.
Steps taken by India to address the issue of drug trafficking
- National Policy on Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances: India has a comprehensive policy framework to address the issue of narcotics trade. The National Policy on Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances provides a framework for controlling the illicit traffic in drugs, preventing drug abuse, and providing care and rehabilitation to drug addicts.
- Narcotics Control Bureau: The Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) is the nodal agency for combating drug trafficking in India. It works closely with other law enforcement agencies to prevent drug trafficking, intercept drug shipments, and prosecute drug traffickers.
- International cooperation: India has been cooperating with other countries to combat the narcotics trade. It has signed several bilateral and multilateral agreements to strengthen cooperation on drug trafficking, including the SAARC Convention on Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances and the UN Convention against Illicit Traffic in Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances.
- Seizure of drugs: Law enforcement agencies have been seizing large quantities of drugs in recent years. In 2020, the NCB seized over 9,500 kg of drugs and arrested over 5,000 people in drug-related cases.
- Awareness campaigns: The government has been running awareness campaigns to educate people about the dangers of drug abuse. It has also been working with NGOs and civil society organizations to provide care and rehabilitation to drug addicts.
- Use of technology: Law enforcement agencies are using technology to track drug trafficking. For example, the NCB has been using social media and the dark web to track drug trafficking.
- Strengthening border security: India has been strengthening its border security to prevent the entry of drugs into the country. The government has been using modern technology, such as drones and sensors, to monitor the borders.
- Use of financial intelligence: Law enforcement agencies are using financial intelligence to track the money trail of drug traffickers. They are working closely with banks and financial institutions to identify suspicious transactions and freeze the assets of drug traffickers.
Way ahead
- International cooperation: India needs to engage with its neighboring countries to ensure that they take steps to prevent the production and transit of narcotics through their territories. India should also collaborate with international agencies like the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) to share intelligence and develop a coordinated approach towards combating the drug menace.
- Strengthening law enforcement: India should strengthen its law enforcement agencies and provide them with the necessary resources and training to effectively tackle the narcotics trade. The Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) should be given more teeth and made more proactive in tracking down drug traffickers and seizing drugs.
- Public awareness: India needs to launch a sustained public awareness campaign to educate people about the harmful effects of drugs and the links between drug trafficking and terrorism. The government should also work with civil society organizations to mobilize communities to report drug-related activities in their neighborhoods.
- Stricter punishment: India needs to introduce stricter punishment for drug traffickers and increase the penalties for drug-related crimes. This will act as a deterrent and make it more difficult for drug traffickers to operate in India.
- Use of technology: India needs to leverage technology to track and intercept drug shipments. The use of drones and other unmanned aerial vehicles can be explored to monitor the movement of drugs across borders.
- Monitoring darknet activities: India needs to monitor activities on the darknet and take action against those engaged in drug trafficking through this channel. The NCB can work with international agencies to track down drug traffickers operating on the darknet.
- Rehabilitation: India needs to focus on rehabilitating drug addicts and providing them with the necessary support to overcome their addiction. This will help in reducing demand for drugs and prevent people from getting into the trap of drug trafficking.
Conclusion
- The problem of drug trafficking is a growing threat to India’s security, and the issue needs to be addressed urgently. Concerted and coordinated efforts of all the agencies will be required to tackle this growing threat. The nexus between terrorists and organized gangs/underworld is a new and disturbing trend and the law enforcement agencies must develop new strategies to counter the new trends.
Mains Question
Q. The problem of drug trafficking is a growing threat to India’s security. In this backdrop discuss the concerns regarding narcotics trade in India and suggest a way ahead
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