Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: PM-AJAY Scheme
Mains level: NA
Central Idea
- The Minister of State for Social Justice and Empowerment recently informed about the Pradhan Mantri Anusuchit Jaati Abhyuday Yojana (PM-AJAY) Scheme during 2023 year-end review.
About PM-AJAY Scheme
|
Details |
| Launch |
Implemented since 2021-22 |
| Aim |
To reduce poverty of SC communities through employment generation, skill development, income generation, and infrastructure development. |
| Nature |
100% Centrally Sponsored Scheme |
| Components |
Development of SC dominated villages into ‘Adarsh Gram’
Grants-in-aid for District/State-level Projects for socio-economic betterment of SCs
Construction of Hostels in Higher Educational Institutions |
| Merged Schemes |
Pradhan Mantri Adarsh Gram Yojana (PMAGY)
Special Central Assistance to Scheduled Caste Sub Plan (SCA to SCSP)
Babu Jagjivan Ram Chatrawas Yojana (BJRCY) |
| Developments in Grants-in-Aid Component |
Financial assistance enhanced from Rs. 10,000 to Rs. 50,000 or 50% of the asset cost, whichever is lesser, for beneficiary/household.
Web-based portal developed for submission, appraisal, approval, and monitoring of Annual Action Plan. |
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: PM-DevINE Scheme
Mains level: Not Much
Central Idea
- Only about 10% of the funds under the Prime Minister’s Development Initiative for North East Region (PM-DevINE) have been sanctioned.
About PM-DevINE Scheme
|
Details |
| Genesis of PM-DevINE |
– Introduced in Union Budget 2022-23
– Approved by the Cabinet on 12th October 2022 |
| Funding |
100% Central funding |
| Implementing Ministry |
Ministry of Development of North-East Region |
| Objectives |
– Infrastructure Development in line with PM GatiShakti
– Supporting Social Development Projects
– Empowering Youth and Women in the NER |
| Project Implementation |
State-wise, project-wise list of projects approved for FY 2022-23, tailored to specific state needs |
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: R-Day Guests
Mains level: Significance of the event
Central Idea
- France’s President Emmanuel Macron is set to be the chief guest for India’s 75th Republic Day celebrations.
- The invitation extended by Prime Minister Narendra Modi signifies a high diplomatic honor and reflects the strong ties between India and France.
Honor of Republic Day Chief Guest
- Ceremonial Significance: Being the chief guest at India’s Republic Day is a top diplomatic honor, involving participation in various ceremonial activities.
- Activities and Protocol: The chief guest receives a guard of honor, attends a presidential reception, lays a wreath at Rajghat, and is honored with a banquet and lunch.
- Symbolism and Friendship: As per Ambassador Manbir Singh, the visit symbolizes participation in India’s pride and reflects the friendship between the two nations.
Selection Process for the Chief Guest
- Advance Planning: The process begins about six months prior, with the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) playing a central role.
- Key Considerations: The decision is driven by political, commercial, military, and economic interests, aiming to strengthen ties with the invitee’s country.
- Historical Factors: The Non-Aligned Movement’s legacy has also influenced past selections, with an emphasis on mutual support and nation-building.
Procedure Post-Selection
- Approval and Discretion: After MEA’s selection, approvals are sought from the Prime Minister and President, followed by discreet confirmation of the invitee’s availability.
- Official Communications and Planning: Post-confirmation, official communications and detailed planning for the visit and ceremonies are undertaken.
Challenges and Contingencies
- Potential for Unplanned Events: Organizers prepare for various contingencies, including health issues or weather disruptions.
- Protocol Challenges: Incidents like the one recounted by Ambassador Singh, involving the ADC of a chief guest, highlight the importance of strict adherence to protocol.
Broader Implications of the Visit
- Ceremonial and Strategic Importance: The role of the Republic Day chief guest blends ceremonial honor with strategic diplomacy, playing a key role in India’s international relations and foreign policy.
- Media Coverage and Perception: The visit is closely monitored by international media, influencing perceptions of the guest’s nation.
- Cultural and Diplomatic Impact: The hospitality and ceremonies reflect India’s traditions and culture, enhancing diplomatic relations.
- Beyond Ceremonial Significance: The visit of the chief guest holds potential for opening new avenues in international relations and advancing India’s global interests.
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Evolution of Passports
Mains level: NA
Central Idea
- A recent Bollywood movie ‘Dunki’ addresses the complex issue of immigration.
- The term “donkey journey” in the title refers to the perilous routes taken by people lacking legal permits or financial means to immigrate.
- The film highlights that the current system of visas and passports is a relatively recent development, dating back about 70 years.
Historical Perspective on Passports
- Early Forms of Passports: Passports, serving as identity proofs and travel permits, have existed in various forms for centuries.
- Biblical Reference: The Book of Nehemiah mentions King Artaxerxes of ancient Persia providing letters for safe passage, akin to modern passports.
- European Documentation: In France and the United Kingdom, systems similar to modern passports were in place well before the French Revolution of 1789.
The French Passport System
- Internal and Overseas Passports: France required internal passports for domestic travel and overseas passports for foreign trips.
- State Control and Regulation: The system was also used to regulate skilled workers and prevent the entry of potential troublemakers.
Emergence of Modern Passports
- Shift in India: Before World War I, India did not issue passports, but the British government introduced mandatory passports under the Defence of India Act (1914 to 1918).
- Global Changes Post-World Wars: The need for secure borders during the World Wars led to a global shift in the perception and use of passports.
- British Nationality and Status of Aliens Act: This 1914 Act in Britain consolidated laws related to citizenship and introduced modern passport features.
Standardization and Regulation
- League of Nations’ Involvement: In 1920, the League of Nations aimed to standardize passport systems, with the British model becoming widely adopted.
- US Immigration Laws and Passports: The US introduced passport laws in the 1920s, coinciding with immigration restrictions from Asia.
Public Reception and Cultural Impact
- Personal Discomfort: In the US and UK, some people found the detailed physical descriptions and identity verification in passports intrusive.
- Media Attention: The requirement for prominent individuals, including President Woodrow Wilson, to have passports garnered significant media interest.
Conclusion
- Beyond Wartime Necessity: Initially intended as a wartime tool, passports have become an integral part of modern citizenship and international travel.
- Continued Evolution: The history of passports, as explored in ‘Dunki’, reflects the ongoing evolution of identity verification and border control in response to global socio-political changes.
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Srinivasa Ramanujan (1887-1920)
Mains level: NA
Central Idea
- December 22, Ramanujan’s birthday, was declared National Mathematics Day in India by Prime Minister Manmohan Singh in 2012, in recognition of his contributions to the field.
Srinivasa Ramanujan (1887-1920)
- Early life: Srinivasa Ramanujan, born on December 22, 1887, in Erode, Tamil Nadu, exhibited extraordinary mathematical abilities from a very young age.
- Mathematical Mastery by 14: By age 14, Ramanujan had mastered advanced mathematics, excelling in exams and exploring complex topics.
- Difficulties in Other Subjects: His singular focus on mathematics led to poor grades in other subjects, hindering his academic progress.
- Scholarship Loss and Hardships: After losing a scholarship at Government College in Kumbakonam due to his academic struggles, Ramanujan faced financial difficulties and limited job opportunities.
Rise in Mathematical Circles
- Recognition in Madras: By 1910, Ramanujan had gained recognition in Madras’s mathematical circles for his independent work.
- Clerical Job and Research: In 1912, he secured a clerical position at the Madras Port Trust, which afforded him time for mathematical research.
- Collaboration with GH Hardy: In 1913, Ramanujan began a correspondence with British mathematician GH Hardy, leading to an invitation to Cambridge University.
Collaboration and Achievements in Cambridge
- Journey to Britain: Ramanujan arrived in Britain in 1914 and joined Trinity College, Cambridge.
- Work with Hardy and Littlewood: Collaborating with Hardy and JE Littlewood, Ramanujan made significant contributions despite his lack of formal higher education.
- Prestigious Honors: He was elected to the London Mathematical Society in 1917 and became a Fellow of the Royal Society in 1918, one of the youngest Fellows in its history.
Health Struggles and Return to India
- Declining Health: Ramanujan’s health worsened in the cold British climate, leading to a diagnosis of tuberculosis.
- Final Years: He returned to India in 1919 and passed away on April 26, 1920, at the age of 32.
Ramanujan’s Enduring Mathematical Legacy
- High Praise from Hardy: GH Hardy ranked Ramanujan’s natural mathematical talent alongside greats like Euler and Jacobi.
- Bruce C Berndt’s Analysis: American mathematician Bruce C Berndt extensively studied Ramanujan’s notebooks, emphasizing the depth of his contributions.
- Impact on Number Theory: Ramanujan’s work, particularly on the partition function, has had a lasting impact on number theory.
- Broad Contributions: His expertise included areas like continued fractions, Riemann series, elliptic integrals, hypergeometric series, and the zeta function.
- Legacy of Unpublished Works: Ramanujan left behind notebooks filled with unpublished results that continued to inspire mathematicians for decades.
Try this question from CSP 2016:
A recent movie titled “The Man Who Knew Infinity” is based on the biography of-
(a) S. Ramanujan
(b) S. Chandrasekhar
(c) S. N. Bose
(d) C. V. Raman
Post your answers here.
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Palna Scheme
Mains level: Read the attached story
Central Idea
- The Union Women and Child Development Ministry aims to establish 17,000 creches in Anganwadi centres across the country out of which 5,222 have been approved to date under the ‘Palna’ scheme.
What is Palna Scheme?
|
Details |
| Objective |
To provide quality childcare facilities through Anganwadi-cum-Crèches, enabling women’s participation in the workforce |
| Integration |
Part of the Samarthya sub-component of Mission Shakti, starting from April 2022
National Creche Scheme (NCS) was revised and subsumed as part of the ‘Palna’ scheme under Mission Shakti. |
| Focus |
Establishing combined Anganwadi and crèche facilities for comprehensive childcare |
| Target Demographic |
Primarily urban areas where family-based childcare support is less available |
| Standard Operating Procedure |
SOP released to outline administrative framework, roles, responsibilities, and monitoring mechanisms |
About National Crèche Scheme (NCS)
|
Details |
| Launch |
Rajiv Gandhi National Crèche Scheme (RGNCS) launched in 2006;
From 2017, implemented as the National Crèche Scheme (NCS). |
| Legal Provisions |
MGNREGA;
Maternity Benefit (Amendment) Act 2017. |
| Objective |
To provide daycare facilities for children aged 6 months to 6 years of working mothers |
| Target Group |
Children of working mothers, especially from economically weaker sections of society |
| Childcare Services |
Daycare, supplementary nutrition, early childhood education, health check-ups |
| Operational Hours |
Typically 7 to 8 hours a day, 26 days a month |
| Age Group |
Children aged 6 months to 6 years |
| Administration |
Ministry of Women and Child Development, Government of India |
| Execution |
Through state governments, NGOs, and community-based organizations |
Try this PYQ from CSP 2019:
Which of the following statements is/are correct regarding the Maternity Benefit (Amendment) Act, 2017?
- Pregnant women are entitled for three months pre-delivery and three months post-delivery paid leave.
- Enterprises with creches must allow the mother minimum six creche visits daily.
- Women with more than two children get reduced entitlements.
Select the correct answer using the code given below.
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 2 only
(c) 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: na
Mains level: gender-inclusive sports culture
Central idea
The article explores the challenges and triumphs of Indian women athletes, particularly runners, revealing their resilience against societal norms and discriminatory practices. Sohini Chattopadhyay’s book, “The Day I Became a Runner,” serves as a powerful narrative, intertwining the stories of champion women runners with India’s political and cultural evolution.
Key Highlights:
- The article explores the challenges and triumphs faced by Indian women athletes, particularly runners, navigating societal norms, laws, and personal obstacles.
- Sohini Chattopadhyay’s book, “The Day I Became a Runner,” serves as a lens to understand the history of Indian women through the narratives of champion runners.
- The stories of Mary D’Souza, Kamaljit Sandhu, P T Usha, Santhi Soundarajan, Pinki Pramanik, Dutee Chand, Lalita Babar, and others are intricately woven into the fabric of India’s political and cultural landscape.
Key Challenges:
- Gender norms and societal restrictions circumscribing outdoor activities for women in India.
- Struggles against patriarchy, poverty, identity, caste, and even controversial “sex tests” faced by women athletes.
- The need for safe public spaces, established training programs, and a cultural shift encouraging women’s participation in sports.
Key Terms:
- Sex test: A controversial practice involving the testing of biological parameters to define a woman athlete’s gender.
- Patriarchy: The social system where men hold primary power and predominate in roles of political leadership, moral authority, and social privilege.
- Stigma: Negative perceptions and attitudes associated with women athletes facing controversial tests or challenges.
Key Phrases:
- “A women’s history of India through the lens of sport”: Describes the book’s focus on portraying Indian women’s history through the stories of athletes.
- “To be a woman runner in India means to persevere in the face of tremendous odds”: Highlights the resilience required by women athletes to overcome societal barriers.
Key Quotes:
- “The book is both gripping and tough — gripping, so you don’t want to put it down, and tough, since the lives written up have been hard ones.”
- “The landmark verdict underlined that the World Athletics rules for female athletes discriminated against women by setting a threshold for testosterone.”
Anecdotes:
- Chattopadhyay’s own experiences as a woman runner, facing challenges of being the only woman in parks or roads.
- Stories of champion athletes like Mary D’Souza, P T Usha, and others, illustrating their resilience and achievements.
Key Statements:
- “There is no fairy-tale running story. And the training program is not what makes these lives harsh. It’s the many obstacles that these women must clear to simply do what they love — to run.”
- “Running requires safe public spaces, well-established training programs, and a culture that encourages women to occupy space in our streets and parks.”
Key Examples and References:
- Instances of women athletes facing hurdles such as the controversial “sex test” and societal stigmas.
- The case of Dutee Chand challenging and winning against discriminatory rules for female athletes.
Critical Analysis:
- The article critically analyzes the societal and cultural barriers that women athletes face in India.
- It emphasizes the significance of running as a sport that requires substantial investment, including safe spaces and supportive cultural attitudes.
Way Forward:
- Advocate for gender-inclusive sports culture, encouraging more women to participate in running and other athletic activities.
- Promote awareness and challenge discriminatory practices like the controversial “sex tests” to create a more equitable sports environment for women.
- Continue to document and celebrate the stories of champion women athletes as a means of inspiration and advocacy for gender equality in spor
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: na
Mains level: Vajpayee's best orations occurring when he was on the opposition benches.
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Universal Services Obligation Fund.
Mains level: passage of the Telecommunications Bill, 2023, and the repeal of The Indian Telegraph Act, 1885
Central idea
The article critiques the recently passed Telecom Bill, emphasizing its nationalistic undertones, potential authoritarian features, and the failure to address the digital divide effectively. It questions the rushed parliamentary process and highlights concerns about corporate favoritism, symbolized by the renaming of the Universal Services Obligation Fund.
Key Highlights:
- The tweet by Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnav announces the passage of the Telecommunications Bill, 2023, and the repeal of The Indian Telegraph Act, 1885.
- The use of the term “Bharat” instead of “India” and crediting the PM’s individual vision are intentional for cultural nativism.
Key Challenges:
- The Telecom Bill is criticized for ignoring the persisting digital divide and lacking fresh ideas to address it.
- Provisions favoring select private firms and potential misuse of regulatory power are highlighted.
- State control and surveillance powers without defined safeguards raise concerns about privacy and freedom.
Key Terms and Phrases:
- “Digital Bharat Nidhi”: Renaming of Universal Services Obligation Fund (USOF) in the Telecom Bill.
- “Regulatory sandboxes”: Provisions likely to benefit large corporations in the telecom sector.
- “Authorisation” vs. “Licensing”: The change in terminology with increased severity in the Telecom Act.
Key Quotes:
- “Bharat moves on…” – Tweet by Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnav.
- “Guess who will soon step into Mobile Satellite Services from India?” – MP Priyanka Chaturvedi on potential favoritism towards private firms.
Key Statements:
- The Telecom Bill is criticized for distracting from the digital divide issue and lacking innovative solutions.
- Concerns raised about potential misuse of regulatory powers and selective favoritism toward private corporations.
Key Examples and References:
- Mention of the renaming of USOF as “Digital Bharat Nidhi” in the Telecom Bill.
- Reference to the allocation of satellite spectrum benefiting the Adani Group.
Key Facts and Data:
- Stagnation in new telecom users and contraction in smartphone sales, as reported by the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India and International Data Corporation.
- A legal penalty of ₹25,000 for providing false particulars or failing to share information as required by the Telecom Act.
Critical Analysis:
- The Telecom Bill is criticized for maintaining colonial architecture, vague definitions, and potential threats to privacy.
- The rushed passage of the bill without addressing raised concerns reflects an unconstitutional concentration of power.
Way Forward:
- Advocate for a thorough review of the Telecom Bill by a Standing Committee to address concerns.
- Emphasize the need for policies that genuinely bridge the digital divide and promote fair competition in the telecom sector.
- Encourage transparency, public participation, and safeguards to protect individual rights in telecommunications legislation.
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