Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Indian economics indicators, facts , reports etc.
Mains level: Assessment of the Indian economy, Concerns and way ahead
Central Idea
- The Indian economy is in a state of ambiguity, with different viewpoints and statistics painting a fuzzy picture. While some argue that India is well-positioned to be an economic superpower, the true picture is not that straightforward.
An assessment of the Indian economy based on various factors
- Inflation:
- According to the MPC meeting minutes, inflation is under control, but households are witnessing an increase in the prices of goods and services.
- While the base effect will bring down the inflation numbers, households still complain of having a cumulative inflation of over 18 per cent in the last three years.
- Growth:
- The growth picture is ambivalent, with the new normal appearing to be 6-7 per cent.
- While some argue that India is the fastest-growing economy, this is only true if smaller nations are excluded.
- There is not too much optimism about being on track for the 8 per cent-plus growth rate, which we were used to earlier.
- Exports: While there has been satisfaction expressed by the new heights achieved in the exports of goods and services, exports of merchandise are not too satisfactory. For example, if refinery products are excluded from the export’s basket, there has been a fall in FY23.
- Investment:
- The official position is that investment is picking up in the private sector, but data on all funding sources show that there is a slowdown.
- Bank credit is buoyant more on the retail end than manufacturing. Debt issuances are dominated by the financial sector with manufacturing lagging.
- External Commercial Borrowings (ECBs) have slowed down mainly due to the higher cost of loans.
- Consumption: The consumption picture is also fuzzy, with nominal consumption growing by 16 per cent in FY23, but this is pushed up by inflation, and pent-up demand for both goods and services post the full removal of the lockdown in 2022.
- Employment:
- The average unemployment rate is around 7.5 per cent, but the concern is more on the labour participation rate, which has been coming down. This indicates a growing population in the working age group that is not interested in working.
- Start-ups have not yet been job creators to the degree that was expected, given the push by the government over the years.
- Banking sector: The banking sector has emerged stronger with lower NPA levels and improved profitability, which implies that as and when the economy gets into the take-off mode, banks will be well-equipped to provide the funds.
Facts for prelims: Basics
External Commercial Borrowings (ECBs):
- ECBs are loans obtained by entities in one country from non-resident lenders in another country.
- ECBs provide an alternative source of funds for borrowers, enabling access to international capital markets.
- They are primarily used by companies, banks, or other entities to finance activities, investments, or expansion plans.
- The borrowing and utilization of ECBs are subject to guidelines and regulations set by the borrowing country’s central bank or regulatory authority.
- The regulatory framework aims to control external debt, manage foreign exchange exposure, and ensure financial stability.
|
What are the concerns?
- Employment Generation: The decline in the labor force participation rate and layoffs in certain sectors raise significant challenges in terms of job creation and reducing unemployment levels.
- Manufacturing Competitiveness: The decline in merchandise exports (excluding refinery products) indicates potential hurdles in enhancing the competitiveness of the manufacturing sector and expanding exports.
- Execution of Investment Intentions: The gap between investment intentions and actual investments is a concern as it indicates potential bottlenecks or challenges in translating investment plans into action.
- Consumption Growth and Affordability: Affordability issues due to inflation impacting real consumption growth raise concerns about sustained consumer demand.
- Export Diversification: The dependence on a few economies for exports and the potential impact of a global economic slowdown on Indian exports are concerns. Diversifying export destinations and exploring new markets can help reduce vulnerability to global economic fluctuations and strengthen export resilience.
- Effective Implementation of Banking Sector Reforms: While improvements have been observed in the banking sector, concerns about funding sources and the need for increased credit flow to the manufacturing sector indicate ongoing challenges.
Way ahead
- Focus on inflation control: While the MPC has managed to keep inflation under control from a policy perspective, efforts should continue to address the impact of rising prices on households. Measures to enhance supply chain efficiency, promote competition, and reduce production costs can help alleviate inflationary pressures.
- Promote sustainable and inclusive growth: While the current growth rate is positive, efforts should be made to achieve higher and more inclusive growth. This can be done by investing in infrastructure development, skill development programs, and initiatives that support the growth of MSMEs (Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises).
- Boost exports: Enhancing the competitiveness of Indian goods and services in global markets is crucial for a robust export sector. Continued efforts to improve the ease of doing business, implement the Production-Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme effectively, and diversify export destinations can help boost exports.
- Facilitate investment: Policy measures should focus on encouraging private sector investment and reducing funding bottlenecks. This can involve improving the ease of doing business, simplifying regulatory processes, and providing incentives for both domestic and foreign investments.
- Strengthen consumer demand: Initiatives to support consumer demand can include income support programs, targeted subsidies, and measures to enhance consumer confidence. Reducing the impact of inflation on household budgets and boosting purchasing power can help drive consumption growth.
- Address unemployment and labor force participation: Policies aimed at promoting skill development, entrepreneurship, and job creation can help address unemployment concerns. Encouraging sectors with higher labor-intensive potential, such as manufacturing and services, and supporting start-ups and MSMEs can be vital in generating employment opportunities.
- Continue banking sector reforms: While the banking sector has made progress in reducing NPAs and improving profitability, ongoing reforms should be sustained to strengthen the sector further. Maintaining prudent lending practices, enhancing risk management frameworks, and promoting transparency and governance will be essential.
- Foster domestic innovation and technology adoption: Encouraging innovation, research and development, and technology adoption can boost productivity and competitiveness across sectors. This can be achieved through policies that promote collaboration between industry and academia, provide incentives for innovation, and invest in digital infrastructure.
- Maintain macroeconomic stability: Ensuring fiscal discipline, sound monetary policy, and a stable regulatory environment will be crucial for sustaining macroeconomic stability. This can help maintain investor confidence and provide a conducive environment for economic growth.
Conclusion
- The Indian economy’s broad numbers look statistically realistic, but the triad of employment, consumption, and private investment has to bear fruit. Domestic initiatives have to drive the story forward, as the world economy slows down.
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Anganwadi scheme
Mains level: Nutrition support in early childhood
Central Idea: The Centre is planning to promote ‘Early Childhood Care and Education’ through anganwadi centres as part of the ‘Poshan Bhi, Padhai Bhi’ slogan announced by the Women and Child Development Minister.
What is Anganwadi scheme?
- The scheme was started in 1975 and aims at the holistic development of children and empowerment of mother.
- It is a Centrally-Sponsored scheme. The scheme primarily runs through the Anganwadi centre.
- The scheme is under the Ministry of Women and Child Development.
Moto: Poshan Bhi, Padhai Bhi
- The focus will be on both nutrition and early learning for children under 6 years, with a particular emphasis on those under 3 years.
- Early learning has been neglected in the Integrated Child Development Scheme (ICDS) and seen as secondary to nutrition.
- Anganwadi centres will be repositioned as pre-schools to provide early learning access to socially and educationally backward communities.
Why such move?
- Two emerging trends are noted: young children shifting to private pre-schools and under-age children being admitted to Class 1 in some states.
- The quality of services provided at Anganwadi centres is perceived as inferior, leading to the shift to private nursery schools.
Task Force and Recommendations
- Rebranding anganwadis: The task force recommends a “mission-mode approach” to rebranding anganwadis, including infrastructure upgrades, materials, play equipment, etc.
- Focus on volunteer support: It suggests involving panchayat raj institutions, women’s self-help groups, local NGOs, and college volunteers to enhance the learning environment.
- Boost to Anganwadi sisters: The task force proposes re-designating anganwadi workers as anganwadi teachers and helpers as childcare workers.
- Nutrition boost: Infrastructure improvements, additional nutrition supplements (such as eggs and milk), extended timings, creches, and day care services are recommended.
- MGNREGS liasion: The task force suggests leveraging funds from the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme (MGNREGS).
Major target: Improve Child Nutrition
- The task force highlights that over 35% of young children in India are stunted, according to the latest NFHS data.
- Although there has been a reduction, India still has the largest population of stunted children globally.
- Child stunting affects developmental outcomes and the ability to learn at school.
- NFHS-5 reveals that only 11.3% of children below 2 years receive an adequate diet.
- The task force recommends introducing eggs as an effective intervention for nutrition.
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: India's nuclear tests and related facts and new developments
Mains level: India's nuclear tests and its consequences
Central Idea
- On May 11 and 13, 1998, India conducted five nuclear tests that brought about significant changes in the country’s self-esteem and status in the world. The country’s military nuclear policy had been shrouded in ambiguity and opacity for two decades since its first test in 1974. However, with the 1998 tests, India emerged as a nuclear weapons state, which was received with mixed reactions from the international community, resulting in sanctions and isolation. Nonetheless, the tests marked a significant moment for India’s self-confidence and awareness of its potential.
India’s nuclear tests
- Smiling Buddha (Pokhran-I): India’s first nuclear test was conducted on May 18, 1974, in Pokhran, Rajasthan. The test was code-named “Smiling Buddha” and was a “peaceful nuclear explosion.”
- Pokhran-II: India’s second series of nuclear tests were conducted on May 11 and 13, 1998, in Pokhran, Rajasthan. The tests included three underground nuclear tests on May 11 and two on May 13. These tests were conducted under the leadership of Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee and were code-named Operation Shakti.
Nuclear tests dispelled myths that had dominated international opinion
- India’s Isolation: The myth that India would be isolated and its economy would collapse under the weight of sanctions and international opprobrium was dispelled. Instead, the US took the first steps to mainstream India, treating it as an exceptional case, which culminated in the India-US Civil Nuclear Agreement in 2005.
- India’s Inability to Manage nuclear weapons: The ethnocentric myth perpetuated by non-proliferation absolutists of the West that India and South Asia could not be trusted to manage nuclear weapons was also dispelled.
Facts for prelims
| Treaty/Agreement |
Objective |
India’s Status |
| NPT (Non-Proliferation Treaty) |
To prevent the spread of nuclear weapons and weapons technology |
Non-signatory |
| CTBT (Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty) |
To ban all nuclear explosions for both civilian and military purposes |
Signatory |
| FMCT (Fissile Material Cut-Off Treaty) |
To prohibit the production of fissile material for nuclear weapons or other explosive devices |
Supporter |
| NSG (Nuclear Suppliers Group) |
A group of countries that seeks to contribute to the non-proliferation of nuclear weapons through the implementation of guidelines for nuclear exports and nuclear-related exports |
Not a member but has applied for membership |
| New START (Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty) |
To limit the number of deployed strategic nuclear warheads and delivery systems |
Not a signatory |
| MTCR (Missile Technology Control Regime) |
To limit the spread of missiles and unmanned aerial vehicles capable of delivering weapons of mass destruction |
Member since 2016 |
Advantages of the nuclear tests: From India’s point of view
- Deterrence: The nuclear tests provided India with a credible nuclear deterrence capability, which could potentially deter other nuclear-armed adversaries and prevent them from using nuclear weapons against India.
- National pride and self-confidence: The successful nuclear tests were seen as a major achievement and a source of national pride for many Indians. They helped boost India’s self-confidence and reaffirmed its status as a major global power.
- Recognition: India’s successful nuclear tests brought it international recognition and established it as a nuclear-armed state. This recognition was particularly important for India’s security and diplomatic interests.
- Negotiating power: With its new nuclear status, India gained greater negotiating power in international forums and in its bilateral relationships with other countries.
- Technological advancement: The development and testing of nuclear weapons required advanced scientific and technological capabilities, and the successful tests demonstrated India’s progress in these areas.
International Consequences: series of events
- The United States imposed sanctions against India under the Glenn Amendment.
- Pakistan conducted a series of nuclear tests in response.
- Many other countries, including China, castigated India for what they saw as an outrageous contempt for the common will of the international community.
Conclusion
- India’s nuclear tests on May 11 and 13, 1998, marked a significant moment in the country’s history, boosting its self-confidence and changing its status in the world. Despite facing international criticism and sanctions, India’s nuclear program has helped to create a credible nuclear deterrent, making it a vital player in the international system.
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: UNSC 1267 list
Mains level: Global consensus on terrorism
Central Idea: China has objected to India’s proposal to blacklist Abdul Rauf Azhar, a senior terrorist from Pakistan-based Jaish-e Mohammed (JeM) on the UN Security Council’s 1267 List.
China’s objection to the proposal
- China is a permanent, veto-wielding member of the UN Security Council.
- It has put a hold on proposals to blacklist other Pakistan-based terrorists in the past, including Hafiz Talah Saeed, Shahid Mahmood, and Sajid Mir.
The UNSC 1267 list
- The UNSC resolution 1267 was adopted unanimously on 15 October 1999.
- It came to force in 1999, and strengthened after the September 2001 attacks.
- It is now known as the Da’esh and Al Qaeda Sanctions Committee.
What is UNSC 1267 committee?
- It comprises all permanent and non-permanent members of the United Nations Security Council (UNSC).
- The 1267 list of terrorists is a global list, with a UNSC stamp.
- It is one of the most important and active UN subsidiary bodies working on efforts to combat terrorism, particularly in relation to Al Qaeda and the Islamic State group.
- It discusses UN efforts to limit the movement of terrorists, especially those related to travel bans, the freezing of assets and arms embargoes for terrorism.
How is the listing done?
(1) Submission of Proposal
- Any member state can submit a proposal for listing an individual, group, or entity.
- The proposal must include acts or activities indicating the proposed individual/group/entity had participated in the financing, planning, facilitating, preparing, or perpetrating of acts or activities linked to the said organizations.
(2) Actual decision
- Decisions on listing and de-listing are adopted by consensus.
- The proposal is sent to all the members, and if no member objects within five working days, the proposal is adopted.
- An “objection” means rejection for the proposal.
(3) Putting and resolving ‘Technical Holds’
- Any member of the Committee may also put a “technical hold” on the proposal and ask for more information from the proposing member state.
- During this time, other members may also place their own holds.
- The matter remains on the “pending” list of the Committee.
- Pending issues must be resolved in six months, but the member state that has placed the hold may ask for an additional three months.
- At the end of this period, if an objection is not placed, the matter is considered approved.
Here is a timeline of how China disrupts the global efforts against terrorism:
- 2009: After the 26/11 Mumbai attacks, India moved an independent terror designation proposal against Masood Azhar but China blocked the move.
- 2016: After seven years, India proposes listing of Masood Azhar as a global terrorist and is supported by the US, the UK and France. China blocks the move again.
- 2017: The trio moves a third proposal only to be blocked by China again.
- 2019: After the attacks on the CRPF personnel in J-K’s Pulwama, India calls 25 envoys of different countries to highlight the role Islamabad plays in funding, promoting and strengthening global terrorism. India moves the fourth proposal demanding Masood Azhar’s listing. China lifted its technical hold.
- June 2022: China blocked a proposal by India and the US to list Pakistan-based terrorist Abdul Rehman Makki as a ‘Global Terrorist’
- August 2022: China blocks India-US joint proposal to list Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM) deputy chief Abdul Rauf Azhar as UNSC designated terrorist.
Conclusion
- China’s actions expose its double speak and double standards when it comes to the international community’s shared battle against terrorism.
- This clearly depicts its care for its vassal state Pakistan.
Back2Basics: United Nations Security Council
|
Description |
| Purpose |
International peace and security |
| Powers |
Establish peacekeeping operations, impose international sanctions, and authorize military action. Its resolutions are binding. |
| Membership |
15 members. 5 permanent members are Russia, the United Kingdom, France, China, and the United States. The remaining 10 are non-permanent members elected on a regional basis to serve two-year terms. |
| Veto Power |
P5 members have veto power, which means they can veto any substantive resolution, including those on new member states or candidates for Secretary-General. |
| Presidency |
Rotates monthly among its members. |
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Indian Space Policy 2023 and its features, IN-SPACe and NSIL
Mains level: Indian Space Policy 2023, Policy gaps and steps to address these gaps
Central Idea
- India’s new space policy released in 2023 is a promising move towards a flourishing commercial presence in space. However, the policy needs to be accompanied by clear rules and regulations and suitable legislation to create a conducive environment for private sector participation in the Indian space industry.
The Indian Space Policy 2023
- The Indian Space Policy 2023 is a short 11-page document that includes a vision to enable, encourage and develop a flourishing commercial presence in space.
- It recognizes the private sector as a critical stakeholder in the entire value chain of the space economy.
- It makes five key points and outlines the roles of various entities, including the Department of Space, ISRO, Indian National Space Promotion and Authorisation Centre (IN-SPACe), and the NewSpace India Limited (NSIL).
- The policy lays out a strategy and spells out the roles of the entities mentioned above.
What is mean by The Second Space Age and its features?
- The Second Space Age refers to a period in the space industry following the early 1990s when private sector involvement in space technology began to increase.
- The Second Space Age is characterized by the following features:
- Increased private sector involvement: The Second Space Age has seen private sector companies take a more prominent role in the space industry. This shift has led to innovation and growth, with private companies investing in space tourism, satellite-based services, and other commercial applications of space technology.
- Commercial applications of space technology: The Second Space Age is marked by a shift towards commercial applications of space technology. Private sector companies are investing in satellite-based services such as broadband, OTT, and 5G, which promise a double-digit annual growth rate.
- Increased global competition: The Second Space Age has led to increased global competition in the space industry. Countries such as China, India, and private companies like SpaceX, Blue Origin, and Virgin Galactic are competing for a share of the space industry’s market.
- Increased collaboration: The Second Space Age has seen increased collaboration between government agencies and private sector companies. This collaboration has led to the development of new technologies and innovative solutions to problems faced in space exploration.
Facts for prelims
IN-SPACe
- IN-SPACe stands for Indian National Space Promotion and Authorization Centre.
- It is a new regulatory body that was set up by the Indian government in 2020 to promote and regulate the activities of non-government entities (NGEs) in the Indian space sector.
- The primary objective of IN-SPACe is to create an enabling environment for private sector participation in the Indian space industry.
- IN-SPACe will be responsible for granting licenses and permits to private companies for carrying out space-related activities, including the establishment and operation of space objects, ground-based assets, and related services such as communication, remote sensing, and navigation.
New Space India Limited (NSIL)
- NSIL is a public sector company under the Department of Space, Government of India.
- It was established in March 2019 as the commercial arm of ISRO to enable commercial exploitation of ISRO’s research and development activities, products, and services.
- NSIL’s primary objective is to facilitate the transfer of technologies developed by ISRO to industries for commercial exploitation.
- It aims to promote the development of the Indian space industry and create a level playing field for the private sector in the space domain.
- NSIL also aims to launch new satellites and provide space-based services such as satellite-based communication, navigation, and remote sensing.
- NSIL is also responsible for organizing and coordinating the participation of Indian industries in international exhibitions, symposiums, and workshops related to the space sector.
|
Gaps in Indian Space Policy 2023
- Lack of legislative framework: The policy provides a broad framework for promoting private sector participation in the Indian space industry but lacks a legislative framework to support it. A regulatory body like IN-SPACe needs legislative authority to be effective.
- Lack of clear rules and regulations: The policy framework envisaged will need clear rules and regulations pertaining to FDI and licensing, government procurement to sustain the new space start-ups, liability in case of violations, and an appellate framework for dispute settlement.
- Ambiguity in IN-SPACe’s position: IN-SPACe currently functions under the purview of the Department of Space, and its position is ambiguous. The Secretary (Space) is also the Chairman of ISRO, the government entity to be regulated by IN-SPACe. This ambiguity could create conflicts of interest and undermine IN-SPACe’s effectiveness.
- Lack of timelines: The policy sets out an ambitious role for IN-SPACe but provides no timeline for the necessary steps ahead. There is no indicative timeline for ISRO’s transitioning out of its current practices, nor is there a schedule for IN-SPACe to create the regulatory framework.
Way ahead: Steps to implement the policy effectively
- Enactment of a new Space Activities Bill: The draft Space Activities Bill, which lapsed in 2019 with the outgoing Lok Sabha, needs to be reintroduced and enacted. The Bill will provide a comprehensive legislative framework to support the Indian Space Policy 2023 and regulate space activities carried out by government and non-government entities.
- Establishment of a clear regulatory framework: IN-SPACe needs to create a clear regulatory framework that sets out the rules and regulations for private sector participation in the Indian space industry. This will ensure a level playing field and promote the growth and development of the industry.
- Timely implementation of the policy: The Indian government needs to work closely with ISRO and other stakeholders to ensure the timely implementation of the policy. This will require setting clear timelines for the necessary steps ahead and ensuring their effective implementation.
- Promotion of private sector participation: The Indian government needs to promote private sector participation in the Indian space industry by providing incentives, facilitating technology transfer, and creating a conducive environment for innovation and growth.
- Collaboration with international partners: The Indian government needs to collaborate with international partners to share knowledge, expertise, and resources in the space domain. This will help in promoting innovation and growth in the Indian space industry and enhancing India’s global competitiveness.
Conclusion
- The Indian Space Policy 2023 is a promising move towards creating a conducive environment for private sector participation in India’s space industry. However, it needs legislative support to create a stable and predictable regulatory framework and ensure a level playing field for the private sector. A vision that needs legislative support to launch India into the Second Space Age.
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Santiniketan
Mains level: Read the attached story
Central Idea
- The article announces that Santiniketan, the home of Nobel laureate Rabindranath Tagore in West Bengal, has been recommended for inclusion in UNESCO’s World Heritage List.
About Santiniketan
Santiniketan is a renowned cultural and heritage place located in Birbhum District, West Bengal, India. It holds historical significance and is known for its association with Nobel laureate Rabindranath Tagore. Here are key points about Santiniketan:
- It was the home of Rabindranath Tagore, where he lived and composed many of his literary works, including songs, poems, and novels.
- The Santiniketan campus is adorned with splendid sculptures, frescoes, murals, and paintings created by renowned artists such as Rabindranath Tagore, Nandalal Bose, Ramkinkar, Binodbehari Mukhopadhyay, and others.
- The region of Birbhum District, where Santiniketan is located, is also famous for its fairs and festivals. Some notable ones are Poush Mela (December), Joydev Mela (January), Basanta Utsav (Holi) in March, and the famous mystic Baul Singers.
- Special cultural events are held during Bengali New Year and Rabindra Janmotsav (birth anniversary of Rabindranath Tagore) in the Bengali month of Boisakh with great enthusiasm.
- Santiniketan celebrates unique festivals like Briksharopan (festival of Planting Saplings) and Halakarshan (festival of Plowing the Fields) on the 22nd and 23rd days of Sravana (August), respectively.
- Varshamangal, the festival of rains, is celebrated during August/September.
- Poush Mela is an annual fair and festival held in Santiniketan, starting on the 7th day of the month of Poush. The fair officially lasts for three days, but vendors may stay until the end of the month. It is known for live performances of Bengali folk music, particularly by bauls (traditional wandering minstrels), and also features tribal dances like Santali.
Recommendation by ICOMOS
- The recommendation for Santiniketan’s inclusion was made by the International Council on Monuments and Sites (ICOMOS), which is the advisory body to the UNESCO World Heritage Centre.
- ICOMOS is a France-based international cultural body dedicated to the conservation and enhancement of global architectural and landscape heritage.
West Bengal’s Representation in World Heritage List
- If selected, Santiniketan would be the second cultural symbol from West Bengal to be included in the UNESCO list.
- In 2021, UNESCO included ‘Durga Puja in Kolkata’ in its list of Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.
Back2Basics: UNESCO World Heritage Sites
|
Description |
| UNESCO World Heritage Sites |
Landmarks or areas selected by UNESCO for their cultural, historical, scientific, or other significant value, legally protected by international treaties. |
| Importance |
World Heritage Sites represent collective and preservative interests of humanity, signifying remarkable accomplishments and intellectual history. |
| Selection Criteria |
Sites must be already-classified landmarks, unique and significant culturally or physically, such as ancient ruins, historical structures, cities, monuments, etc. |
| Conservation |
World Heritage Sites require practical conservation to protect them from risks like trespassing, uncontrolled access, or administrative negligence. |
| World Heritage Committee |
Selects and monitors World Heritage Sites, manages the World Heritage Fund, and provides financial assistance. Composed of 21 states parties elected for a four-year term. |
| Membership |
India is not a member of the World Heritage Committee. |
Note: “States parties” refer to the countries that have ratified the World Heritage Convention and participate in the decision-making process.
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Namami Gange Program
Mains level: Read the attached story
Central Idea: The article discusses the results of an analysis of the sludge found in Indian sewage treatment plants (STP) that were set up to treat polluted water from the Ganga under National Mission for Clean Ganga.
About National Mission for Clean Ganga
|
Description |
| Launch |
2014 |
| Aim |
Cleaning and rejuvenating the Ganga river |
| Interventions |
Development of sewage treatment infrastructure, riverfront development, and public awareness campaigns |
| Approach |
River basin approach, identifying pollution hotspots and implementing targeted interventions |
| Implementing Agency |
NMCG |
| Responsibilities |
Coordinating efforts across stakeholders, including state governments, municipalities, and civil society organizations |
| Objective |
Improve water quality and ensure ecological and socio-economic sustainability of the Ganga river |
Sludge classification
- India doesn’t yet have standards classifying sludge as class A or B.
- Treated sludge can be classified as class A or class B, as per the standards of the United States Environment Protection Agency.
- Class A sludge: It is safe to be disposed of in the open and useful as organic fertilizer.
- Class B sludge: It can be used in restricted agricultural applications, with the edible parts of the crop not exposed to the sludge-mixed soil, and animals and people not come into extensive contact.
Current sludge disposal practices
- Currently, those awarded contracts for developing and maintaining STPs under the Namami Ganga Mission are also apportioned land for disposing off sludge.
- However, the sludge is rarely treated, and during rains, it often makes its way back into rivers and local water sources.
Study’s findings
- The sludge analysed after drying fell into the class B category.
- Nitrogen and phosphorus levels were higher than those recommended by India’s fertilizer standards, but potassium levels of some sludges were less than recommended.
- The degree of pathogens, as well as heavy metal contamination, was above the recommended fertilizer standards.
- The calorific value of sludge ranged from 1,000-3,500 kcal/kg, which is lower than the average calorific value of Indian coal.
Recommendations to improve sludge quality
- The report recommends storing the sludge for at least three months to kill pathogens and blending it with cattle manure and husk or local soil to reduce heavy metal.
- However, this would still put it in class B, and converting it into grade A sludge would require far more extensive treatment.
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Meerut, 1857 Uprising
Mains level: Not Much
Central Idea
- The article highlights the historical significance of Meerut, a city in western Uttar Pradesh.
- Alamgirpur, the easternmost settlement of the Harappa civilization, is located in Meerut and has archaeological importance.
- However, Meerut gained fame for its role in India’s First War of Independence on May 10, 1857, also known as the Indian Mutiny or Revolt.
Meerut: Historical origins and name
- Meerut has historical origins, possibly deriving its name from Mayarashtra, the capital of Mayasura, who was Ravana’s father-in-law.
- The archaeological site of Vidura-ka-tila, located northeast of Meerut, is believed to be the remains of Hastinapur, the ancient capital of the Kauravas and Pandavas from the Mahabharata.
- Meerut was ruled by the Scindias before being ceded to the British in 1803, which eventually paved the way for the British exit from India.
The 1857 Rebellion
- The rebellion in Meerut was sparked by the introduction of the Enfield rifle and the use of cartridges rumored to be greased with a mixture of cow and pig fat.
- Sepoys (Indian soldiers) who refused to use the cartridges were punished and stripped of their uniforms.
- This incident led to a rebellion among the sepoys and a call for the uprising against British rule.
Outbreak of the Mutiny
- On May 10, 1857, while the European residents of Meerut were attending church, the sound of musketry and columns of smoke signalled the revolt of the native troops.
- The sepoys, having revolted, marched towards Delhi, considering it the power center and the capital of Mughal India.
Meerut’s Significance
- Meerut played a crucial role in the Indian Mutiny, serving as the starting point for the rebellion that spread across the country.
- The mutiny in Meerut inspired and influenced the subsequent events of the uprising.
- D. Savarkar later referred to the Mutiny as the First War of Independence.
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