Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Mediterranean Sea
Mains level: NA
Central Idea
- Iranian Revolutionary Guards has warned that the Mediterranean Sea could be closed if the US and its allies continued to commit “crimes” in Gaza.
About Mediterranean Sea
|
Details |
| Location |
Between Europe, Africa, and Asia |
| Size |
Approximately 2.5 million square kilometers |
| Depth |
Average depth 1,500 meters ; Calypso Deep in the Ionian Sea, over 5,000 meters deep |
| Climate |
Predominantly Mediterranean climate with hot, dry summers and mild, wet winters |
| Bordering Countries |
Europe: Spain, France, Monaco, Italy, Malta, Slovenia, Croatia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro, Albania, Greece, Cyprus, Turkey
Asia: Turkey, Cyprus, Syria, Lebanon, Israel
Africa: Egypt, Libya, Tunisia, Algeria, Morocco |
| Major Water Bodies Connected |
Connected to the Atlantic Ocean by the Strait of Gibraltar; links to the Black Sea via the Dardanelles Strait |
| Islands and Archipelagos |
Includes several islands and archipelagos like Sicily, Sardinia, Corsica, Cyprus, and the Balearic Islands |
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Nematocysts
Mains level: NA
Central Idea
- Evolution has crafted unique defense mechanisms in the animal kingdom, one of which is the nematocyst.
Understanding Nematocysts
- Structural Composition: A nematocyst comprises a capsule with a coiled tubule and a toxin-filled bulbous structure.
- Rapid Deployment: Upon stimulation, the nematocyst ejects its tubule at an incredibly high acceleration, comparable to a bullet’s speed.
- Fastest Biological Mechanisms: This ejection process is among the quickest in the animal kingdom.
- Found in: Nematocysts are particularly prevalent in jellyfish, corals, sea anemones, and hydras, serving as effective tools for hunting and protection.
Role in Cnidarians’ Survival
- Cnidarians and Cnidocytes: Cnidarians, a group of animals characterized by cnidocytes (specialized cells), heavily rely on nematocysts for feeding and defense.
- Activation Process: Contact with potential prey triggers sensory structures on cnidocytes, leading to the nematocyst’s release and subsequent prey immobilization or toxin injection.
Diversity of Toxins in Nematocysts
- Variety of Effects: Nematocyst toxins can be paralytic, halting prey movement, or cytolytic, breaking down cells.
- Strategic Use: Cnidarians often employ a mix of toxins to enhance the effectiveness of their predatory and defensive actions.
- Contribution to Cnidarians’ Success: The complexity and efficiency of nematocysts play a vital role in the survival and dominance of cnidarians in aquatic habitats.
- Formidable Aquatic Predators: The presence of nematocysts makes cnidarians formidable entities in their ecosystems.
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Project PRAYAS
Mains level: Read the attached story
Central Idea
- The International Organisation for Migration (IOM) introduced Project PRAYAS (Promoting Regular & Assisted Migration for Youth and Skilled Professionals) to facilitate secure and regular migration for Indian workers and students.
What is Project PRAYAS?
|
Details |
| Project Name |
Project PRAYAS |
| Introduced By |
International Organization for Migration (IOM) |
| Partnership |
Ministry of External Affairs, India |
| Objective |
To facilitate secure and regular migration for Indian workers and students |
| Key Focus |
Enhancing coordination between state and central governments
Addressing India’s growing role in international migration
Providing policy recommendations for migration governance |
| IOM’s Role |
Promoting humane and orderly migration as a United Nations agency |
| Significance |
Represents a consolidation of state-level efforts for well-managed international migration |
| Focus Areas and Activities |
Conducting comprehensive studies on migration trends
Launching awareness programs for safe and orderly migration processes |
Back2Basics: International Organisation for Migration (IOM)
|
Details |
| Establishment |
1951 |
| Initial Purpose |
To assist in the resettlement of people displaced by World War II |
| Current Role |
Providing services and advice on migration to governments and migrants, including various displaced persons |
| Type |
Intergovernmental Organization |
| Membership |
173 member states, 8 observer states |
| Headquarters |
Geneva, Switzerland |
| Key Objectives |
Promote humane and orderly migration Emergency response
Link migration with development Health and support for migrants
Facilitate managed labor migration Counter human trafficking |
| UN Relationship |
Became a related organization of the United Nations in 2016 |
| India and IOM |
India has been a member of IOM since 1992. |
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Bab El-Mandeb
Mains level: Read the attached story
Central Idea
- The war between Israel and Hamas in October raised concerns about Hezbollah’s involvement, but the focus shifted when the Houthis in Yemen expanded the conflict to the Red Sea.
- Despite tensions, Hezbollah and Israel avoided full-scale war, with Israel concentrating on Gaza.
Houthi Involvement and Shift in Tactics
- Initial Actions: The Houthis, aligned with Iran, initially targeted Israel in solidarity with Palestinians, using drones and missiles, which were intercepted.
- Change in Strategy: Later, they shifted focus to attacking commercial ships in the Red Sea, threatening global shipping routes.
Understanding the Houthis
- Background: The Houthis, known formally as Ansar Allah, are a Shia militia group in Yemen, named after their late leaders Badr al-Din al-Houthi and Hussein al-Houthi.
- Iranian Support: They receive direct support from Iran and have significant military capabilities, including drones and ballistic missiles.
Strategic Importance of Bab el-Mandeb Strait
- Geographical Significance: The Strait of Bab el-Mandeb is a crucial maritime chokepoint, connecting the Red Sea with the Gulf of Aden and the Indian Ocean.
- Impact on Global Shipping: Houthi actions near the strait have led to a significant decrease in Red Sea traffic and increased shipping costs.
Global and Regional Consequences
- Effect on Israel: Israel’s southern port traffic, particularly in Eilat, has been severely impacted.
- Broader Trade Implications: Approximately 12% of global maritime trade passes through the strait. Disruptions here could exacerbate inflationary pressures worldwide.
- Alternative Routes: Shipping companies are rerouting around Africa, significantly increasing travel time and costs.
International Response
- US Naval Task Force: The U.S. has established a naval force to counter the Houthi threat.
- Arab World’s Stance: Many Red Sea countries, including Egypt, have not joined the U.S. task force, reflecting regional discontent with U.S. policies.
- Potential Offensive Measures: The U.S. has not ruled out bombing Houthi targets in response to continued attacks on shipping lanes.
Conclusion
- Continued Houthi Threat: The Houthis vow to persist in their actions as long as Israel’s conflict with Gaza continues.
- Challenges for Global Trade: The situation underscores the fragility of global shipping routes and the potential for regional conflicts to have far-reaching economic impacts.
- Need for Diplomatic Solutions: This complex scenario highlights the importance of diplomatic efforts to resolve regional tensions and protect vital maritime trade routes.
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: NA
Mains level: India's textile sector
Central Idea
- Major textile hubs in India, including Ludhiana, Surat, and Erode, are grappling with the surge in imports of man-made fibre (MMF) fabrics, impacting a sector worth about $60 billion.
- Fabric processors and weavers across these hubs express concerns over the influx of cheaper imports, primarily from China, affecting their businesses.
Impact of Imported MMF Fabrics
- Market Dominance: Imported fabrics, especially from China, are increasingly found in Indian markets, leading to unsold stocks and production cuts by local weavers.
- Price Disparity: Indian weavers face competition from cheaper imported yarns, compelling them to import materials like viscose yarn from China to remain competitive.
Statistical Overview of MMF Fabric Imports
- Doubling of Imports: In the last three years, MMF fabric imports have doubled, with a significant portion being knitted synthetic fabrics.
- Import Data: Daily imports from China increased from 325 tonnes in 2019-2020 to 887 tonnes in the April-June quarter of the current fiscal year, with a notable drop in average value per kg.
Under-Invoicing and Quality Control Issues
- Under-Invoicing Concerns: The practice of under-invoicing imported finished fabrics poses a major challenge, leading to calls for stricter customs regulations.
- Quality Control Orders (QCOs): The government’s introduction of QCOs on MMF fibres and products, requiring BIS certification, has impacted the entire value chain.
Consequences for Local Industry and Global Trade
- Operational Capacity: The downstream industry is reportedly operating at only 70% capacity due to these challenges.
- Export Decline: Exports of man-made yarn, fabrics, and made-ups have seen a year-on-year decline.
- Global MMF Trade: India’s share in global MMF trade was 2.7% in 2019, with fabrics and yarn being major export components.
Industry Perspectives and Government Policies
- Innovation Gap: Industry experts highlight a lack of innovation in MMF products in India compared to countries like China, Thailand, and Korea.
- Impact of QCOs: The introduction of QCOs, particularly at the fibre stage, is criticized for disrupting the industry, with calls for implementing quality controls at the garment stage instead.
- Challenges for MSMEs: Small and medium enterprises face financial strain due to declining orders, high prices, and increased operational costs.
- GST Issues and Financial Relief Demands
- GST Refund Delays: The introduction of GST led to higher taxes on MMF fibre and yarn, with delayed refunds causing financial burdens for weavers.
- Refund Controversy: Weavers contend that they are owed significant refunds due to the inverted duty structure, with the government potentially owing around ₹1,000 crore to the sector.
Conclusion
- Need for Strategic Measures: Addressing the challenges in India’s textile industry requires a balanced approach, considering both domestic capabilities and global market dynamics.
- Government’s Role: Effective policy measures, including rationalizing import duties and quality controls, are essential to support the industry and enhance its competitiveness.
- Future Outlook: The textile sector’s resilience and adaptability will be key in overcoming these challenges and capitalizing on potential opportunities in the global market.
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Prime Meridian, Ujjain
Mains level: NA
Central Idea
- The newly elected Madhya Pradesh CM asserted that Ujjain, was the reference for world time 300 years ago, before the Prime Meridian shifted to Paris and then Greenwich.
- For UPSC aspirants, understanding these nuances is essential for a comprehensive grasp of India’s scientific heritage and its global context.
Time Measurement and Ujjain’s Role
- Ujjain’s Central Meridian: Before Greenwich’s establishment in 1884, Ujjain was the central meridian for time in India, influencing Hindu almanac calculations.
- Vedshala Observatory: The Vedshala or Government Jiwaji Observatory in Ujjain offers insights into ancient Indian timekeeping methods.
Ujjain’s Geographical and Astronomical Significance
- Surya Siddhanta’s Contributions: This 4th-century astronomical treatise positions Ujjain at the intersection of the zero meridian of longitude and the Tropic of Cancer, highlighting its global importance.
- Astronomical Landmarks: Ujjain’s location on the Tropic of Cancer, intersecting significant temples, underscores its historical and religious significance in Hindu cosmogony.
Legacy of Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II and the Vedshala
- Observatory’s Origins: Built between 1725-1730 by Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II, the Vedshala was inspired by the observatory in Samarkand and predates those in Jaipur, Delhi, Mathura, and Varanasi.
- Motivation for Construction: Jai Singh’s initiative to educate the country in astronomy was sparked by a debate in the Mughal court over astronomical calculations.
Ujjain’s Astronomical Heritage and Contributions
- Center for Ancient Astronomy: Ujjain was a hub for astronomical and mathematical studies, home to scholars like Varahamihira, Brahmagupta, and Bhaskaracharya.
- Vikram Samvat Calendar: King Vikramaditya’s establishment of the Vikram Samvat calendar around 58–56 B.C. further cements Ujjain’s historical importance.
Exploring the Vedshala’s Instruments and Functions
- Yantras and Their Uses: The observatory houses various instruments (yantras) for measuring time, celestial altitudes, planetary motions, and eclipses.
- Unique Instruments: The Shankhu Yantra, Samrat Yantra, Digansha Yantra, Nadi Valay Yantra, and Bhitti Yantra demonstrate the sophistication of ancient Indian astronomical tools.
- Taramandel Shows: The observatory also features a planetarium offering educational shows about celestial bodies.
Ongoing Astronomical Research and Preservation
- Renovation and Continuation of Studies: Maharaja Madhav Rao Scindia of Gwalior renovated the observatory in 1923, ensuring the continuation of astronomical research.
- Annual Ephemeris Publication: The observatory publishes an ephemeris, detailing the daily positions and movements of planets.
Conclusion
- Balancing Historical Pride and Scientific Accuracy: While appreciating Ujjain’s rich astronomical heritage, it’s crucial to distinguish between historical significance and contemporary scientific standards.
- Insights for UPSC Aspirants: Understanding Ujjain’s role in ancient timekeeping and astronomy offers UPSC aspirants a nuanced perspective on India’s scientific contributions and cultural heritage.
- Enduring Legacy: Ujjain’s astronomical legacy, exemplified by the Vedshala Observatory, continues to be a testament to India’s historical advancements in science and time measurement.
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Tribunals
Mains level: Read the attached story
Central Idea
- The Supreme Court clarified that tribunals, bound by their governing legislations, cannot compel the government to formulate policy.
- It emphasized the separation of powers, stating that policy-making is outside the judiciary’s domain, including quasi-judicial bodies like tribunals.
What are Tribunals?
|
Details |
| Nature |
Judicial or quasi-judicial institutions established by law |
| Purpose |
Provide faster adjudication compared to traditional courts
Offer expertise on specific subject matters |
| Functions |
Adjudicating disputes
Determining rights between parties
Making administrative decisions
Reviewing existing administrative decisions |
| Constitutional Recognition |
42nd Amendment Act, 1976 introduced Articles 323-A and 323-B in the Constitution |
| Article 323A |
Empowers Parliament to constitute administrative Tribunals for public service matters |
| Article 323B |
Allows Parliament or state legislatures to constitute tribunals for specific subjects like taxation, land reforms |
| Composition |
Comprises expert (technical) members and judicial members |
| Expert Members |
Selected from various fields, including central government departments |
| Judicial Members |
Persons with a judicial background, such as High Court judges or eligible lawyers |
| Supreme Court’s Stance |
Technical members not required if tribunal’s aim is expeditious disposal of matters |
Case in Focus: Armed Forces Tribunal (AFT) and Policy Direction
- Specific Case Reviewed: The Bench addressed whether the AFT could direct the government to create a policy for appointing the Judge Advocate General (Air).
- General Observation: It has been consistently observed that courts cannot mandate the government to enact legislation or develop a policy.
Judicial Analysis and Reasoning
- Justice Karol’s Observations: Justice Sanjay Karol noted that the AFT, with powers akin to a civil court, lacks the authority of the Supreme Court or High Courts.
- High Courts’ Limitations: Even High Courts, under Article 226 of the Constitution, cannot order the government or its departments to establish specific policies.
- Government’s Prerogative: The judgment reinforced that policy creation, especially concerning defense personnel services or their regularization, is exclusively the government’s responsibility.
Implications of the Judgment
- Tribunals’ Restricted Powers: Tribunals must operate within the confines of their governing legislation and lack the jurisdiction to influence policy formation.
- Judiciary’s Role in Policy Matters: The judgment highlights the judiciary’s limited role in policy-making, even in cases where fundamental rights might be at stake.
- Separation of Powers: This ruling underscores the principle of separation of powers, delineating the distinct functions of the legislative, executive, and judicial branches.
Conclusion
- Respecting Institutional Boundaries: The judgment serves as a reminder of the importance of respecting the boundaries and roles of different government institutions in a democratic setup.
- Broader Implications: This decision has significant implications for how tribunals and courts interact with policy-making processes, emphasizing judicial restraint and adherence to the constitutional framework.
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Districts in India
Mains level: Read the attached story
Central Idea
- Amid reports that Odisha may create a few more districts before the end of the year, the Orissa High Court has directed the government not to issue any final order in this regard without its permission.
Districts in India
- Historical Background: Districts, as local administrative units, are a legacy from the British Raj era.
- Administrative Hierarchy: Positioned below the state and territory level, districts are crucial in India’s local governance structure.
- Leadership and Responsibilities: A Deputy Commissioner or Collector, often from the Indian Administrative Service (IAS), heads a district, overseeing administration and maintaining law and order.
- Subdivision of Districts: Districts are further divided into smaller units like tehsils, talukas, or mandals, varying by region.
Mechanics of Creating New Districts
- State Government’s Prerogative: The authority to create, modify, or abolish districts lies with State governments, executed via executive orders or state assembly legislation.
- Preferred Methodology: States typically opt for the executive route, issuing official gazette notifications for these changes.
Central Government’s Role in District Reconfiguration
- Limited Involvement: The Central government’s role is minimal in district reformation, primarily concerning name changes.
- Procedure for Name Changes: For renaming districts or railway stations, State governments seek clearances from central entities like the Home Ministry, Ministry of Earth Sciences, Intelligence Bureau, Department of Posts, Geographical Survey of India, and the Railway Ministry.
Trends in District Formation
- Increase in Numbers: India’s district count has risen from 593 in 2011 to 718, as per the Government of India’s Know India website.
- Factors Influencing Growth: This increase includes new districts formed between 2001-2011 and the bifurcation of Andhra Pradesh into Andhra Pradesh and Telangana in 2014.
Rationale behind Creating New Districts
- Benefits: Districts gain from government investments in local administration and development.
- Infrastructure and Economic Development: New districts see enhanced infrastructure, attracting investments and boosting economic activities and employment.
Challenges in District Formation
- Limitations and Costs: The financial burden of establishing administrative infrastructure restricts rampant district creation.
- Resource Allocation: The process involves setting up offices and deploying officers and public servants, impacting the state’s budget.
Way Forward
- Community Engagement: Involving local populations in the decision-making process is vital to align district formation with their aspirations and needs.
- Conflict Resolution and Inclusive Growth: This approach can help mitigate conflicts and ensure decisions contribute to the inclusive growth of the state and nation.
Back2Basics: History of Districts in India
|
Details |
| Early Administration |
Initiated by the British East India Company post-Battle of Plassey (1757) and Battle of Buxar (1764) |
| Collectorate System |
Introduced by Warren Hastings in 1772; District Collector as key revenue, judicial, and administrative authority |
| Transition to Crown Rule |
Post-1857 Revolt, direct British Crown rule led to formalization of district system |
| Role of District Collector |
Central figure in district administration, responsible for revenue, law, and order |
| Revenue Systems |
Implementation of Zamindari, Ryotwari, and Mahalwari systems for land revenue collection |
| Survey and Settlement |
Extensive land surveys for revenue assessment |
| Judicial Functions |
Initially, Collectors (District Magistrate) handled judicial roles; later, separate judicial offices were established |
| Law Enforcement |
Establishment of modern police system with districts as key units |
| Impact on Indian Society |
Centralized control, introduction of bureaucracy |
| Post-Independence Legacy |
Retained district system with evolved role of District Collector |
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: na
Mains level: historical journey of the Jat community in India
Key Highlights:
- The article explores the historical journey of the Jat community in India over the past 500 years, tracing their nomadic origins to settled agrarian lifestyles.
- Jats, divided into various sub-castes and known for their traditional practices, have faced historical battles and conversions, contributing significantly to agriculture and politics.
- Despite internal divisions and religious differences, the Jat community unites on national issues such as farmers’ rights and land legislation, producing prominent leaders like Chaudhary Charan Singh.
Key Challenges:
- The Jat community grapples with stereotypes and mockery, facing challenges in reconciling their pride in the past with a desire to assert their qualities in contemporary contexts.
- The article highlights the internal divisions among Jats based on religion, turning former clansmen into archrivals despite presenting a united front on national issues.
- Modernization of land-related occupations poses concerns about the future of Jats, leading to efforts to reinvent their identities in the face of changing socio-economic dynamics.
Key Terms:
- Khap panchayats: Controversial local bodies involved in delivering justice and making decisions on social matters, often criticized for endorsing conservative practices.
- Arya Samaj: A reform movement within Hinduism advocating for the worship of the uncreated Supreme Being and rejecting idol worship.
- Subaltern: Referring to marginalized or oppressed groups within a society.
Key Phrases for answer enrichment:
- “Jats strategically placed their faith in their practice of agrarian work.”
- “Jats seem to have missed the understanding of pride with confidence, as they petition the world on their qualities and superiority.”
- “With modernisation of land-related occupations and change in the feudal order, Jats are anxious about their future.”
Key Quotes:
- “Despite their history, the Jats are mocked and customarily derided among North Indian groups.”
- “They have a strong desire to assert without a bona fide avenue.”
- “Olympians from the Jat community have brought international fame to their community and their politics.”
Key Examples and References:
- Reference to historical figures like Suraj Mal, Chaudhary Charan Singh, Sir Chhotu Ram, and Raja Mahendra Pratap Singh as notable Jat icons.
- Mention of Sikh and Muslim Jats driving a conservative agenda within the regional political landscape.
- Olympic athletes Sakshi Malik, Bajrang Punia, and Vinesh Phogat representing the Jat community and holding the government accountable.
Key Facts:
- Jats trace their origins to diverse geographies, from Eastern Europe and Central Asia to sea-adjacent plain fields.
- Jats have a history of adopting religions en masse, including Buddhism during the spread of the religion.
- The Jat community is predominantly found in North India, with diverse sub-castes and internal religious divisions.
Critical Analysis:
- The article critically examines the challenges faced by the Jat community, including stereotypes, internal divisions, and concerns about the future in the context of changing socio-economic dynamics.
- It highlights the tension between the community’s pride in its history and the desire to assert itself in contemporary contexts.
Way Forward:
- Encourage open dialogues within the Jat community to address internal divisions and promote unity.
- Advocate for educational initiatives to challenge stereotypes and promote a nuanced understanding of the Jat community’s contributions.
- Support initiatives that help the Jat community adapt to modernization while preserving its cultural identity and historical pride.
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: na
Mains level: policies addressing the root causes of poverty, unemployment, gender discrimination, and farmer issues
Central idea
The article examines the current status of four societal groups poor, youth, women, and farmers coined as ‘castes’ by Prime Minister Modi. Despite government policies, challenges such as poverty, unemployment, gender discrimination, and farmer issues persist, leading to discontent among these groups.
Key Highlights:
- The article discusses the impact of India’s traditional caste system and welcomes Prime Minister Modi’s formulation of four ‘castes’ poor, youth, women, and farmers focusing on their current status.
- It highlights the persisting challenges faced by these groups, including poverty, unemployment, gender discrimination, and the plight of farmers, despite government policies.
Key Challenges:
- Widespread poverty is evident, with UNDP estimating 16% of the population (228 million) living below low poverty bars, facing malnutrition and hunger.
- Youth unemployment, particularly among graduates, remains high, leading to internal migration, rising crime, and drug use.
- Women face various challenges, including crimes against them, gender disparity in income, and significant workforce exits between 2004-05 and 2011-12.
- Farmers continue to grapple with issues such as suicides, small holdings, rising input costs, insufficient MSP, and uncertain market prices.
Key Terms:
- Varnas: The four traditional social classes in Hindu society—Brahmin, Kshatriya, Vaishya, and Sudra.
- MSP (Minimum Support Price): The price at which the government purchases crops from farmers to support their income.
- Caste system: The social hierarchy in India traditionally divided into varnas and numerous castes.
Key Phrases:
- “I resent the word ‘caste’” – Expressing displeasure at the term while discussing Modi’s formulation of four ‘castes.’
- “Joblessness among youth is a volcano that can erupt at any time” – Highlighting the potential social consequences of high youth unemployment.
- “A happy farmer is an oxymoron” – Describing the perpetual challenges faced by farmers despite record-breaking crop production.
Key Quotes:
- “Large sections of the four ‘castes’ are poor, unhappy and have little faith in the policies and programmes of the Modi government.”
- “Their silence is not approval or acquiescence. It is because they are poor, enjoy little power and live in fear.”
Key Examples and References:
- Reference to UNDP’s poverty estimation, NCRB data on crimes against women, and statistics on farmer suicides.
- Mention of the government’s claim to create 2 crore jobs a year and the subsequent revelation of vacancies.
Key Facts:
- 16% of the population, approximately 228 million people, are estimated to be living below the poverty line.
- Youth unemployment rate is 10%, and among young graduates, it reaches 42.3%.
- Crimes against women rose by 4% in 2022, with 4,45,000 cases registered.
- Farmer suicides remained high between 2014 and 2022.
Critical Analysis:
- The article critiques the government’s policies, emphasizing the disparity between its favoring the rich and the continued challenges faced by the poor, youth, women, and farmers.
- It questions the efficacy of measures like job creation claims and suggests that the silence of these groups is more a result of powerlessness and fear than approval.
Way Forward:
- Advocate for policies addressing the root causes of poverty, unemployment, gender discrimination, and farmer issues.
- Call for inclusive measures that empower and uplift marginalized sections.
- Encourage a more consultative approach by the government, especially in formulating policies that directly impact the livelihoods of these groups.
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: na
Mains level: reevaluate the effectiveness of caste reservations
Central idea
The central idea revolves around the author’s proposition to reevaluate the effectiveness of caste reservations, questioning whether they have genuinely uplifted the marginalized communities. The author highlights the venomous backlash faced for this stance, prompting a call for a new kind of affirmative action that goes beyond existing policies and involves addressing root causes.
Key Highlights:
- The author faced severe backlash, including threats and demands for arrest, after suggesting an end to caste reservations instead of a caste census.
- The attack was led by individuals associated with advocacy and sympathy for Dalits, raising questions about their effectiveness in addressing fundamental issues.
Key Challenges:
- The author questions the efficacy of reservations, emphasizing the need to examine if they have truly worked for the intended beneficiaries.
- The plight of Dalit communities, particularly the musahar community, living in extreme poverty and squalor, highlights the persistent challenges despite reservation policies.
Key Terms:
- Caste census: A survey to gather information about the distribution of different castes in a population.
- Affirmative action: Policies and initiatives aimed at providing opportunities to marginalized groups, often through reservations.
Key Phrases:
- “The time has come to examine how well reservations have worked.”
- “Reservations have benefited politicians and Dalit advocacy groups more than the people for whom they were created.”
Key Quotes:
- “The vile, malicious abuse I faced from these groups has convinced me that affirmative action of a new kind is needed.”
- “Reservations have created a class of people who continue the evil, inhuman exploitation that lower-caste Indians have faced for too long.”
Key Examples and References:
- Reference to a Bhumihaar dominant village in Jehanabad district, highlighting the stark contrast between clean prosperity and the squalor of the musahar quarter.
- Mention of a challenge from a Dalit advocate based in the United States, raising questions about the commitment to the cause on the ground.
Key Facts:
- The Chief Minister of Bihar has already ordered a caste census.
- Dalit communities continue to face challenges such as lack of access to decent schools, healthcare, and living in squalid conditions.
Critical Analysis:
- The author questions the impact of reservations, arguing that they have benefited politicians and advocacy groups more than the marginalized communities.
- The focus on the need for a new kind of affirmative action suggests a call for innovative solutions beyond existing reservation policies.
Way Forward:
- Emphasize the importance of addressing the root causes of Dalit marginalization, such as poverty and lack of access to education and healthcare.
- Advocate for comprehensive solutions that go beyond reservations, involving community development, education, and healthcare initiatives.
- Encourage a constructive debate on the effectiveness of existing policies and the exploration of new approaches to uplift marginalized communities.
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