Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Local Security forces and their mandate
Mains level: Challenges for employing local tribal youth against Insurgency and solutions
Central Idea
- The April 26 attack on District Reserve Guard (DRG) personnel and a civilian driver by Maoists in Dantewada, Chhattisgarh highlights the need for a comprehensive approach to tackling the insurgency. Despite claims of a weakened Maoist movement, the attack shows that they still have the ability to strike at will.
About District Reserve Guards (DRG)
- District Reserve Guards (DRG) is a special unit of the police force in some Indian states, primarily in Chhattisgarh, that is trained and equipped to combat Naxalite and Maoist insurgency.
- DRG personnel are typically drawn from local tribal communities and are familiar with the local terrain, which makes them effective in fighting the insurgency.
- They are provided with specialized training in guerrilla warfare, jungle warfare, and use of modern weaponry.
- The DRG is often at the forefront of anti-Naxalite operations and is considered a vital component of the Indian government’s efforts to counter the Maoist insurgency in the country.
Maoist ability to strike at will
- Strategic planning by Maoist Central Committee: A strike such as the one carried out on April 26 cannot be the brainchild of a local Maoist unit; it is highly likely that this was a trap laid out under the directions of the Maoist Central Committee, indicating the sustained hierarchy of the Maoists.
- Timing of attacks: The Maoists carry out maximum attacks against security forces during the tactical counter-offensive campaign which is the period between February and June every year. Out of a total of 17 major strikes in Chhattisgarh (2010-2023), six were carried out in April alone, indicating a pattern that should give the government enough leads to plan its strategy.
- Flouting of standard operating procedures: Standard operating procedures and protocols were blatantly flouted during the unfortunate strike on April 26. It is imperative that the security forces remain extra cautious during the months of the tactical counter-offensive campaign by strictly adhering to standard operating procedures and protocols.
Challenges associated with employing local tribal youth for the DRG
- False sense of empowerment: When armed, local tribal youth often get a false sense of empowerment, which can lead to feuds with the Maoists. This is because they are familiar with the ecosystem of the Maoists and may harbor resentment towards them.
- Intelligence network: During the April 26 incident, the intelligence network of the DRG was outclassed by that of the Maoists. This highlights the need for better training and support for local tribal youth who are employed by the DRG.
- Ad-hoc planning: The DRG personnel, in this case, seem to have acted independently, exposing their ad-hoc planning. This demonstrates the need for better coordination and control over the DRG by the state police.
- Lack of discipline: Although the combat-worthiness of the DRG is beyond doubt, it is not complemented by the rigor of discipline, which is an imperative quality for troops in any protracted counter-insurgency campaign. The track record of the DRG regarding discipline is not too encouraging, with many of the cadres having been cashiered on disciplinary grounds and some having been found to be involved in crime. This highlights the need for better training and support to ensure that the DRG personnel are adequately disciplined and accountable for their actions.
Way ahead: Lasting solutions
- Effective Policing: Effective policing in insurgency-affected regions is the function of a strong State police force. It is widely acknowledged that Central police forces should supplement and not supplant the State police.
- Vacancies in State Police Force: According to data of the Bureau of Police Research and Development, there are many vacancies in the State police forces. Without comprehensive transformation of the State police, Central forces would achieve little beyond random and misplaced killings.
- Control on Local Tribal Youth: Local tribal youth should be employed for the DRG in a controlled manner by the State police. Security should not be simply outsourced to them.
- DRG Personnel Discipline: The combat-worthiness of the DRG is beyond doubt, but it is not complemented by the rigour of discipline. This is an imperative quality for troops in any protracted counter-insurgency campaign. The track record of the DRG regarding discipline is not too encouraging.
- Deeper reflection on the discontent and dispossession of tribal people: The incident calls for a deeper reflection on the discontent and dispossession of the tribal people of central India, who are in all respects the most disadvantaged of citizens.
- Perception management: The government needs to pay adequate attention to perception management. The government should communicate that extensive road construction projects in Bastar will ease the lives of the local population and not just enhance the reach of the security forces.
- Weaken the Maoist ideology: The futility of the Maoist ideology in current times is not adequately exposed to weaken the insurgency. Security is no doubt necessary, but the focus needs to be beyond security and development.
Conclusion
- The Dantewada attack highlights the need for a comprehensive approach to tackling the insurgency, taking into account the tactical counter-offensive campaign, the need for strong state police forces, and the controlled employment of DRG personnel. The government should focus on addressing the root causes of the insurgency, paying attention to perception management and exposing the futility of Maoist ideology
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: findings of All-India Survey on Higher Education
Mains level: Sachar Committee Report, Higher education enrollment of Marginalized communities
Central Idea
- The recently released All India Survey on Higher Education 2020–21 has shown some alarming trends. While there have been improvements in the enrollment of certain communities in higher education, there has been a drastic drop in the enrollment of Muslim students. The survey provides a grim picture of the marginalisation of the Muslim community in higher education and the need for the government to take action to address.
Findings of the survey
- Enrollment overview:
- Enrollment of Dalits, Adivasis and OBCs in higher education increased by 4.2%, 11.9%, and 4% respectively compared to 2019-20.
- The upper castes showed the highest growth rate of 13.6%, after declining with the implementation of Mandal II in the late 2000s.
- Enrollment of Muslim students:
- The enrollment of Muslim students dropped by 8% from 2019-20, by 1,79,147 students. This level of absolute decline has never happened in the recent past for any group.
- UP accounts for 36% of the total decline in Muslim enrollment, followed by Jammu and Kashmir (26%), Maharashtra (8.5%), Tamil Nadu (8.1%), Gujarat (6.1%), Bihar (5.7%) and Karnataka (3.7%).
- Muslims constitute about 4.6% of total enrollment in higher education while they represent about 15% of society.
- Among major states, in 2020-21, Muslims did not do better than Dalits except in Tamil Nadu, Telangana and Delhi. Kerala tops in the percentage of Muslim youth (43%) who are currently attending higher education.
Factors behind declining enrollment of Muslim students
- Lack of job opportunities: Muslim students face a high unemployment rate, which means that they may not see higher education as a path to a good job.
- Discrimination: There is discrimination in the job market against Muslim candidates. Studies have shown that Muslim candidates are less likely to be invited to job interviews compared to candidates with Brahmin or Dalit names.
- Economic factors: Muslim students may not have the financial means to pursue higher education, and may have to work to support themselves and their families. This can lead to a high dropout rate.
- Violence and ghettoization: Violence against Muslims has increased, which has led to a sense of fear and insecurity, and has restricted their mobility. This has resulted in a trend towards ghettoization.
- Discriminatory policies: Some state governments have stopped providing financial support to Muslim students pursuing higher education. This has made it more difficult for them to access higher education opportunities.
All you need to know about Sachar Committee report, 2006
- The Sachar Committee was commissioned by the Indian government in response to concerns about the social and economic status of Muslims in India.
- The committee surveyed the status of Muslims across various parameters, including education, employment, and access to social services.
- The report found that Muslims in India were disproportionately affected by poverty, illiteracy, and lack of access to basic services such as healthcare and sanitation.
- The report highlighted the need for affirmative action policies to address the marginalization of Muslims, such as reservations in education and employment.
- The report also recommended the establishment of an Equal Opportunities Commission to address discrimination against Muslims and other minority communities in India.
- The Sachar Committee Report sparked a national debate about the social and economic status of Muslims in India and led to increased attention on the issue of affirmative action for marginalized communities.
Policy recommendations to address low Muslim students enrollment
- Initiate positive discrimination policies: The government could implement policies such as sub-quotas for Muslims within the OBC quota to improve their access to higher education opportunities.
- Provide scholarships and fellowships: The government could provide greater financial support to minority students pursuing higher education, such as scholarships and fellowships, to help them overcome economic barriers.
- Address discrimination in the job market: The government could work to create more job opportunities for Muslims and address discrimination in the job market to help improve their economic prospects.
- Promote social and economic equality: The overall goal should be to promote greater social and economic equality for Muslims in India, which could involve a range of policies and initiatives focused on education, employment, and other areas.
Conclusion
- The All-India Survey on Higher Education highlights the deepening marginalisation of the Muslim community in higher education and the need for the government to take action to address the situation. Positive discrimination in favour of Muslims, as recommended by the Sachar Committee Report, is the need of the hour to ensure equitable access to higher education for all communities. Without such efforts, India will not be able to realise its potential and contribute to the harmonious development of society.
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Global Buddhist Summit and Buddhist tourism circuit and other related facts
Mains level: India's Buddhist Diplomacy
Central Idea
- India’s recent two-day global Buddhist summit in New Delhi was a significant opportunity for India to strengthen its soft power and connect with the global Buddhist community. India has been investing in Buddhist diplomacy efforts, with a focus on promoting tourism through the development of the Buddhist tourist circuit and by visiting Buddhist sites during Southeast and East Asian visits.
What is global Buddhist summit?
- A global Buddhist summit is a high-level gathering of key figures from the global Buddhist community, including prominent scholars, sangha leaders, dharma practitioners, and government officials, to discuss and promote the teachings and values of Buddhism, as well as to strengthen ties within the global Buddhist community.
- The summit provides an opportunity to exchange ideas and explore ways to address contemporary challenges faced by society, guided by the principles of Buddhism.
- These summits also provide a platform for countries with strong historical and cultural ties to Buddhism, such as India, to project and connect with the global Buddhist population, thereby strengthening their soft power.
Facts for prelims: Global Buddhist summit, New Delhi
| Organized by |
Ministry of Culture in collaboration with the International Buddhist Confederation |
| Attendees |
171 foreign delegates from South Korea, Thailand, Cambodia, Japan, and Taiwan, along with 150 delegates from Indian Buddhist organizations |
| Key Figures |
The Dalai Lama, prominent scholars, sangha leaders, and dharma practitioners |
| Theme |
“Responses to Contemporary Challenges: Philosophy to Praxis” |
| Emphasis |
Continuing relevance of Buddha’s teachings in today’s world and India’s commitment to preserving and promoting Buddhist culture and heritage |
| Focus |
Promotion of tourism through the development of the “Buddhist tourist circuit” and strengthening ties with the global Buddhist community |
| Highlighted Efforts |
India’s Buddhist diplomacy and cultural exchange, promoting regional cohesion |
| Objectives |
To shape the discourse around Buddhist issues on the global stage, to reinforce India’s soft power, and to maintain its edge over China in promoting Buddhist heritage |
| Importance |
A valuable opportunity for cultural exchange, sharing of ideas, and strengthening ties within the global Buddhist community |
The Panchamrit: Current Indian government’s guiding principles for foreign policy
- Samman (Respect): To build a foreign policy based on mutual respect and recognition of the sovereignty and territorial integrity of all nations.
- Samvad (Dialogue): To promote dialogue and engagement with all nations to resolve disputes and build understanding.
- Sahyog (Cooperation): To promote cooperation and collaboration with other nations to achieve common goals and address shared challenges.
- Shanti (Peace): To promote peace and stability in the region and beyond, and to work towards global disarmament and non-proliferation.
- Sanskriti Evam Sabhyata (Culture and Civilization): To promote cultural and civilizational links with other nations, and to work towards the preservation and promotion of India’s rich cultural heritage.
How China used Buddhist diplomacy during the Cold War?
- During the Cold War, China used Buddhist diplomacy as a tool to engage with neighboring countries and gain influence in the region.
- Sponsoring exchanges: China sponsored exchanges between Chinese Buddhist leaders and their counterparts in other countries, which often involved the exchange of gifts and the establishment of cultural centers to promote Chinese culture and Buddhism abroad.
- Offering scholarships: China offered scholarships to foreign students to study Buddhism in China, which helped promote Chinese culture and build goodwill among the international community.
- Sending Buddhist delegations: China sent Buddhist delegations to participate in international events, which helped promote Chinese culture and enhance China’s image as a responsible global power.
- Promoting regional cooperation and peace: China promoted Buddhism as a source of common values and cultural heritage, which helped foster a vision of regional cooperation and peace that would serve China’s interests in the region.
- Using Buddhism to promote domestic policies: During the Cultural Revolution, China promoted its own brand of Buddhism, which was heavily influenced by Marxist-Leninist ideology. This version of Buddhism promoted the idea of a Buddhist socialist state and was used to promote loyalty to the Chinese Communist Party.
How India can leverage its Buddhist diplomacy?
- India can leverage its Buddhist diplomacy in several ways to promote its interests and reinforce its soft power. Here are some of the ways in which India can do this:
- Promote Buddhism at the highest levels of government: India can continue to promote Buddhism and its rich cultural heritage at the highest levels of government, by organizing high-profile events and promoting cultural exchanges.
- Organize cultural events: India can organize cultural events that showcase its Buddhist history and heritage, and promote cultural exchange between India and other countries.
- Strengthen ties with key Buddhist institutions and leaders: India can work to strengthen its ties with key Buddhist institutions and leaders around the world, to build stronger relationships and promote greater cooperation.
- Utilize Bollywood to promote Buddhist heritage: India can utilize the reach of Bollywood to promote its Buddhist heritage, by producing films and television shows that highlight the importance of Buddhism and its role in Indian history and culture.
- Collaborate with the Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR): The Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR) can play a significant role in promoting cultural events within and outside India, and India can collaborate with ICCR to promote its Buddhist diplomacy efforts.
- Develop the Buddhist tourist circuit: India can continue to develop the Buddhist tourist circuit to promote tourism and cultural exchange, by investing in infrastructure and promoting Buddhist pilgrimage sites.
- Strengthen ties with the global Buddhist community: India can continue to strengthen its ties with the global Buddhist community, by participating in international events and promoting greater understanding and cooperation between nations.
Facts for prelims: Quick revision box from civils daily
| Council |
Timeline |
Location |
Sponsor |
Outcome |
| First Buddhist Council |
483 BCE |
Rajagriha |
King Ajatashatru |
Compilation of the Tripitaka scriptures |
| Second Buddhist Council |
4th BCE |
Vaishali |
Unknown |
Established two separate sects of Buddhism |
| Third Buddhist Council |
3rd BCE |
Pataliputra |
Emperor Ashoka |
Compilation of the Abhidhamma Pitaka |
| Fourth Buddhist Council |
1st century CE |
Kundalavana, Kashmir |
Emperor Kanishka |
Compilation of the Mahayana Buddhist scriptures |
Conclusion
- India must act to ensure that it remains a key player in the global Buddhist community. As Buddha was the first diplomat of peace, his teachings of peace and cooperation can become the guiding light of Indian diplomacy on the world stage, especially in these tough times.
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Types of coal
Mains level: India's coal import
Central Idea
- India’s coal imports increased by 30% to 162.46 million tonnes in the 2022-23 financial year compared to 124.99 MT in the previous year, according to a report.
- The report was released by mjunction, a B2B e-commerce platform that is a joint venture between Steel Authority of India (SAIL) and Tata Steel.
India’s coal production and consumption
- India is among the top five coal-producing countries in the world.
- Despite being a major producer, India also imports coal to meet some of its demand.
- India is a significant consumer of coal, which is used for power generation and industrial processes.
Import of Coking Coal
- Coking Coal: The import of coking coal rose by 5.44% to 54.46 MT over 51.65 MT in FY22, as per the report by mjunction. Coking coal is a key raw material used in steel making.
- Non-coking coal: In March 2023, non-coking coal import stood at 13.88 MT against 12.61 MT in the same month last year.
- Other imports: The total imports of various types of coal like anthracite, pulverised coal injection (PCI coal), met coke and pet coke, along with coking and non-coking coal, were at 249.06 MT in FY23, up from 200.71 MT in FY22, a rise of over 24%.
Key inferences from this
- The high demand for steam coal in India and the weakening of seaborne prices led to increased volumes during March.
- This trend might continue in the coming months due to above-normal average temperatures expected during the summer.
Why does India import coal?
India imports coal primarily due to the following reasons:
- Lack of good quality coal: India’s domestic coal reserves have limitations in terms of quality, and the country does not have sufficient reserves of good quality coking coal, which is used in steelmaking and allied industries. Therefore, India imports coal to compensate for the lack of good quality coal.
- Growing energy demand: India’s energy demand is continuously increasing due to population growth and rapid urbanization. Coal is a significant contributor to India’s energy mix, and the country needs to import coal to meet its growing energy demand.
- Infrastructure constraints: India’s domestic coal production is limited due to various factors such as geological constraints, land acquisition issues, and environmental regulations. Moreover, India’s domestic coal transport infrastructure is insufficient, and many power plants are located far away from the coal mines, making imports a more viable option.
- Better quality and cost-effectiveness: Importing coal from other countries can sometimes be more cost-effective than producing it domestically, especially when the quality of imported coal is better than domestic coal.
Key terminologies
Coking coal: a type of coal that is used in the production of steel.
Anthracite: a hard and compact type of coal that has a high carbon content.
Pulverised coal injection (PCI coal): a method of injecting pulverized coal into a blast furnace to improve the efficiency of the iron-making process.
Met coke: a type of coke made by heating coal in the absence of air, which is used as a fuel in blast furnaces to produce iron.
Pet coke: a carbon-rich solid material that is derived from oil refining. It is used as a fuel in industrial processes. |
Try this PYQ from CSP 2012:
Despite having large reserves of coal, why does India import millions of tonnes of coal?
- It is the policy of India to save its own coal reserves for the future, and import them from other countries for the present use.
- Most of the power plants in India are coal-based and they are not able to get sufficient supplies of coal from within the country.
- Steel companies need a large quantity of coking coal which has to be imported.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
Post your answers here
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Gold Reserves
Mains level: India's forex reserves and its implications
Central Idea: The RBI has increased its gold reserves by 34.22 tonnes YoY to reach 794.64 tonnes at the end of March 2023, according to the central bank’s data.
What are Gold Reserves?
- Gold reserves refer to the physical gold holdings that a central bank or a country holds as a part of its foreign exchange reserves.
- Central banks may acquire gold reserves through various means, including purchases from other central banks, international organizations, or commercial banks, and from domestic production or importation.
- Gold reserves are typically held in the form of gold bars, which are stored in secure vaults or depositories.
Why Gold?
- Gold is considered a safe-haven asset and has been historically used to back a country’s currency.
- Holding gold reserves is seen as a way to hedge against inflation, currency fluctuations, and other economic uncertainties.
Significance of Gold Reserves
- Economic stability: Gold reserves are often seen as a symbol of economic stability and confidence, especially during times of financial crisis or uncertainty. Holding gold reserves can help central banks to maintain the stability of their currency and the economy.
- Diversification: Gold is considered a safe-haven asset and can provide diversification to a country’s foreign exchange reserves portfolio. Diversification helps to reduce the risks associated with any single asset class.
- Hedge against inflation: Gold is considered an inflation hedge as its value tends to increase during times of high inflation or when the value of a currency is depreciating. Holding gold reserves can help to protect the purchasing power of a country’s currency.
- International transactions: Gold reserves can be used as collateral for loans and international transactions. Countries can also use gold reserves to settle international debts.
- Confidence-building: The level of a country’s gold reserves can be an indicator of the country’s financial strength and stability. High levels of gold reserves can help to build confidence among investors and other countries.
Breakdown of RBI’s gold reserves
- Total: As of March-end 2023, the RBI held 794.64 metric tonnes of gold, including gold deposits of 56.32 metric tonnes.
- Domestic and abroad: Out of the total gold reserves, 437.22 metric tonnes of gold is held overseas in safe custody with the Bank of England and the Bank of International Settlements (BIS), while 301.10 metric tonnes of gold is held domestically.
How much do these gold reserves value?
- In value terms (USD), the share of gold in the total foreign exchange reserves increased from about 7.06% as of September-end 2022 to about 7.81% as of March-end 2023, as per the RBI’s report.
- During the half-year period, the reserves increased from $532.66 billion as of September-end 2022 to $578.45 billion as of March-end 2023.
New terminologies
Foreign currency assets (FCA): a component of forex reserves that includes major traded currencies held by the central bank of a country.
Special drawing rights (SDRs): an international reserve asset created by the International Monetary Fund (IMF) to supplement member countries’ official reserves.
Reserve tranche position: a component of IMF’s financial accounts that represents a country’s reserve position in the organization. |
Back2Basics: Foreign Exchange (Forex) Reserve
- Foreign exchange reserves are important assets held by the central bank in foreign currencies as reserves.
- They are commonly used to support the exchange rate and set monetary policy.
- In India’s case, foreign reserves include Gold, Dollars, and the IMF’s quota for Special Drawing Rights.
- Most of the reserves are usually held in US dollars, given the currency’s importance in the international financial and trading system.
- Some central banks keep reserves in Euros, British pounds, Japanese yen, or Chinese yuan, in addition to their US dollar reserves.
India’s forex reserves cover:
- Foreign Currency Assets (FCAs)
- Special Drawing Rights (SDRs)
- Gold Reserves
- Reserve position with the International Monetary Fund (IMF)
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Drug Recalls
Mains level: Read the attached story
Central Idea
- Abbot published a public notice in newspapers, alerting people about a mislabelled batch of medicine that it had inadvertently shipped to the market.
- Such recalls take place regularly in the US but it is uncommon in India for domestic or foreign pharmaceutical companies to recall substandard or mislabelled drugs.
Recall of Medicines: India story
India has been mulling the creation of a mandatory recall law for substandard drugs since 1976.
- Drugs Consultative Committee (DCC) meeting in 1976: Resolved to have greater cooperation between state drug controllers to recall and destroy drugs that failed tests.
- DCC meetings in 1989, 1996, 1998, 2004, 2007, and 2011: Issue of recalls came up but resulted in no amendments to the Drugs & Cosmetics Act.
- CDSCO proposes draft recall guidelines in 2012: National regulator lacks power to convert guidelines into binding law
- DCC and Drugs Technical Advisory Board meetings in 2016 and 2018-2019: Issue of recalls resurfaces but India still lacks a recall law, 46 years on.
Why there is no concrete law in India?
- Complex drug regulatory issues: The Drug Regulation Section of the Union health ministry is not equipped to tackle complex drug regulatory issues.
- Multiple agencies: India has highly fragmented regulatory structure, with each state having its own drug regulator.
- Exposing the loopholes: India’s drug regulators are aware that a mandatory drug recall system, will bring to public attention the poor state of affairs in India’s pharmaceutical industry.
- Evading accountability: The delay in implementing a recall law exposes the lack of accountability and interest in protecting public health.
Consequences of delay
- Drug failure hazard: Dozens of drugs fail random testing in government laboratories every month.
- Substandard quality: The lack of a mandatory recall law means substandard drugs, even those with dangerous consequences for consumers, can circulate in the market.
- Public health crisis: People, including children, are likely dying or suffering from adverse health events because substandard drugs are not swiftly removed from the market.
Reasons behind
The lack of a mandatory recall law in India can be attributed to various factors, including-
- Lack of expertise
- Apathy
- Vested interests in enabling the growth of the pharmaceutical industry.
Way forward
- Implementation of a mandatory drug recall law: The Indian government can take steps to implement a mandatory drug recall law. This law should have teeth to hold pharmaceutical companies accountable for their products.
- Centralization of regulatory powers: To create an effective recall mechanism, the responsibility of recalling drugs has to be centralized, with one authority that has the legal power to hold companies liable for failures to recall drugs from across the country, and further, to also search and seize batches of failed medicine.
- Streamlining of regulatory processes: The Indian government can take steps to streamline regulatory processes to reduce the time taken for approvals and ensure that drugs are tested thoroughly before they enter the market.
- Capacity building of regulatory bodies: The Drug Regulation Section of the Union health ministry should be equipped with the necessary resources, expertise and mandate to tackle complex drug regulatory issues.
- Encouragement of ethical pharmaceutical companies: The Indian government can encourage ethical pharmaceutical companies by providing incentives to companies that comply with regulatory standards, penalizing those that do not, and promoting transparency in drug pricing.
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Scheduled Tribes
Mains level: Manipur Riots
Central Idea
- The Chief Justice of India has questioned why a 23-year-old Constitution Bench judgment was not shown to the Manipur High Court, which directed the state government to consider the inclusion of Meetei/Meitei community in the Scheduled Tribe list.
- The Chief Justice observed that a High Court does not have the power to direct changes in the Scheduled Tribes List, as it is a Presidential power to designate a Scheduled Caste or Scheduled Tribe.
What is the Scheduled Tribes List?
- Article 342(1) of the Constitution states that it is entirely the President’s power to designate a Scheduled Caste or Scheduled Tribe.
- It is not open to State governments, courts, tribunals, or any other authority to modify, amend or alter the list of Scheduled Tribes specified in the notification issued under clause (1) of Article 342.
- A notification issued under clause (1) of Article 342 can be amended only by law to be made by Parliament.
Notable Judgements:
(1) The State of Maharashtra vs. Milind verdict
- The five-judge Constitution Bench in State of Maharashtra versus Milind, in November 2000, held that a notification issued under clause (1) of Article 342, specifying Scheduled Tribes, can be amended only by law to be made by Parliament.
- Any tribe or tribal community or part of or group within any tribe can be included or excluded from the list of Scheduled Tribes only by Parliament by law and by no other authority.
(2) FCI vs. Jagdish Balaram Bahira
- The settled law in the Milind verdict was referred to by a July 2017 judgment authored by Justice Chandrachud for a three-judge Bench of the Supreme Court in CMD, FCI versus Jagdish Balaram Bahira to note that the Presidential Order under Article 342 regarding Scheduled Tribes was always “final”.
Back2Basics: Scheduled Tribes
- The term ‘Scheduled Tribes’ first appeared in the Constitution of India.
- Article 366 (25) defined scheduled tribes as “such tribes or tribal communities or parts of or groups within such tribes or tribal communities as are deemed under Article 342 to be Scheduled Tribes for the purposes of this constitution”.
- Article 342 prescribes procedures to be followed in the matter of specification of scheduled tribes.
- Among the tribal groups, several have adapted to modern life but there are tribal groups who are more vulnerable.
- The Dhebar Commission (1973) created a separate category “Primitive Tribal Groups (PTGs)” which was renamed in 2006 as “Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs)”.
How are STs notified?
- The first specification of Scheduled Tribes in relation to a particular State/ Union Territory is by a notified order of the President, after consultation with the State governments concerned.
- These orders can be modified subsequently only through an Act of Parliament.
Status of STs in India
- The Census 2011 has revealed that there are said to be 705 ethnic groups notified as Scheduled Tribes (STs).
- Over 10 crore Indians are notified as STs, of which 1.04 crore live in urban areas.
- The STs constitute 8.6% of the population and 11.3% of the rural population.
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: NA
Mains level: Food safety governance in India
Central idea: Misleading claims
- FSSAI flagged 32 cases of food business operators (FBOs) making misleading claims and advertisements in contravention of the Food Safety and Standards (Advertisements & Claims) Regulations, 2018.
- The cumulative count of such offences has shot up to 170 in the last six months.
- FBOs urged to avoid making unscientific and exaggerated claims for larger consumer interest.
Regulations for tackling misleading ads and claims
- FSSAI’s Food Safety and Standards (Advertisements & Claims) Regulations, 2018
- CCPA’s regulations, and Cable Television Network Rules, 1994.
- FSSAI seeks truthful, unambiguous, meaningful, and scientifically substantiated claims.
- Claims suggesting suitability for prevention, alleviation, treatment, or cure of a disease, disorder, or particular psychological condition prohibited unless permitted under the regulations of the FSS Act, 2006.
Response of FSSAI
- Scrutinized products in categories such as health supplements, organic products, fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) products, and staples endorsing certain health and product claims.
- Alleged violators include manufacturers and/or marketers of nutraceutical products, refined oils, pulses, flours, millet products, and ghee.
- Cases referred to concerned licensing authorities to issue notices and withdraw the misleading claims or scientifically substantiate them.
- Failure to comply would invite penalties of up to Rs 10 lakh, suspension, or cancellation of licenses for repeated offenses.
Recent observations in the food advertising ecosystem
- Non-disclosure: Close to 788 ads processed against food advertising, about 299 related to non-disclosure by food influencers, and 490+ ads found to be misleading.
- Fairly violative sector: Violations across different food categories and food.
Definitions of various terms
- Natural food product: A single food derived from a recognized natural source with no additives or chemicals.
- Fresh: This reference is allowed only for products not processed except washing, peeling, chilling, trimming, cutting, or low-dose irradiation.
- Pure: It is used for single-ingredient foods with nothing added and devoid of all avoidable contamination.
Expectations from a consumer’s point of view
- Clinical data: Companies need to provide clinical data about the outcomes pertaining to the control group, the administered group, and the observed period of the claimed outcomes.
- Interpretable ads: Advertisements need to be modified in a way a consumer can interpret.
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Cyclone Mocha
Mains level: Not Much
Central Idea: The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) has warned of a developing cyclonic or low-pressure area in the Bay of Bengal. It would be named Cyclone Mocha (pronounced ‘Mokha’).
What is a cyclone and how are they formed?
- A cyclone is a low-pressure system that forms over warm waters.
- Warm seas present ripe conditions for the development and strengthening of cyclones.
- The air rises and blows in an anticlockwise direction around the low in the northern hemisphere and in a clockwise direction in the southern hemisphere.
- As warm air rises and cools, water vapour condenses to form clouds and this can lead to rains.
- Cyclones can cause significant impacts on life and property, including storm surge, flooding, extreme winds, tornadoes and lightning.
Requirements for a Cyclone to form
There are six main requirements for tropical cyclogenesis:
- Sufficiently warm sea surface temperatures
- Atmospheric instability
- High humidity in the lower to middle levels of the troposphere
- Enough Coriolis force to develop a low-pressure centre
- A pre-existing low-level focus or disturbance
- Low vertical wind shear
How are cyclones named?
- Cyclones that form in every ocean basin across the world are named by the regional specialized meteorological centres (RSMCs) and Tropical Cyclone Warning Centres (TCWCs).
- The IMD names the cyclones developing over the north Indian Ocean after following a standard procedure.
- In 2000, a group of nations called WMO/ESCAP decided to start naming cyclones in the region.
- After each country sent in suggestions, the WMO/ESCAP Panel on Tropical Cyclones (PTC) finalized the list.
- This cyclone will be named Mocha (Mokha), a name suggested by Yemen after the Red Sea port city, which is known to have introduced coffee to the world over 500 years ago.
Why is it important to name cyclones?
- Adopting names for cyclones makes it easier for people to remember, as opposed to numbers and technical terms.
- It’s easier and less confusing to say “Cyclone Titli” than remember the storm’s number or its longitude and latitude.
- Apart from the general public, it also helps the scientific community, the media, disaster managers etc.
- With a name, it is also easy to identify individual cyclones, create awareness of its development, rapidly disseminate warnings to increase community preparedness etc.
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Sovereignty
Mains level: Not Much
Central Idea
- The article revolves around the issue of a political party filing a complaint against a politician of foreign origin with the Election Commission of India (ECI).
- She had allegedly been advocating the secession of Karnataka from India in her election speeches.
Definition of sovereignty
- Sovereignty is the idea of having supreme authority over a defined territory.
- In Western philosophy, the concept is used to describe the supremacy of the state over the people being governed.
- The state has a legitimate claim to sovereignty in exchange for providing protection to its citizens, keeping society cohesive and at peace, and controlling law and order.
Sovereignty in India’s Constitution
- The word sovereignty appears in the beginning of the Preamble to the Constitution of India as the first attribute of the independent republic of India.
- Its placement as the first among the core principles of the republic underlines its importance in the Constitution.
- Sovereignty is invoked in the Indian Constitution to “declare the ultimate sovereignty of the people of India and that the Constitution rests on their authority.”
- It is mentioned in the Constitution under Fundamental Duties, and citizens have a duty to uphold and protect the sovereignty, unity, and integrity of India.
Relationship of Indian states with the sovereign Union
- The Indian political system is described as “quasi-federal.”
- India is a Union of States, and the component units have no freedom to secede or break away from it.
- The Indian setup is more unitary in nature than the federal one, and the central government has more powers than the states.
- The choice of a unitary bias that the Constitution makers made was possibly rooted in the difficulty of getting around 600 princely states to accede to India.
Provisions attesting to the superior position of the Centre
- The States in India need not be consulted in the matter of amendment to the bulk of the Constitution.
- Governors in states are appointed “during the pleasure” of the President and are seen as representatives of the Union in the States.
- The Sixteenth Amendment of 1963 laid down that even the advocacy of succession under Article 19 (1) will not be protected under law in the name of Freedom of Speech as directed under Article 19 (2).
- The right to alter the boundaries of states and to create new states lies with Parliament alone.
- The Constitution offers no guarantee to the States against their territorial integrity without their consent since it was not a result of an ‘agreement’ between the States.
These provisions demonstrate the superior position of the Centre in the Indian political system.
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