Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Kaldor-Verdoorn
Mains level: addressing the skills gap and improving the quality of the workforce
![Burning Issue] Jobless growth in India - Civilsdaily](https://d18x2uyjeekruj.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2018/10/word-image-13.png)
Central idea
The article discusses the challenge of “jobless growth” in India, where the employment growth rate remains unresponsive despite increased GDP and value-added growth rates. It emphasizes the unique characteristics of India’s jobless growth regime, involving a high Kaldor-Verdoorn coefficient, and calls for a distinct policy focus on employment in addition to the traditional emphasis on GDP growth.
Key Highlights:
- The article discusses the distinction between wage employment and self-employment, emphasizing the challenge of inadequate labor demand, particularly for regular wage work in the formal sector.
- India’s historical employment scenario includes open unemployment, high levels of informal employment, and a stagnant growth rate of salaried workers in the non-agricultural sector.
- The lack of employment opportunities in the formal sector is attributed to factors such as output growth, labor productivity, and the introduction of labor-saving technologies.
Key Challenges:
- India faces the challenge of “jobless growth,” where the employment growth rate remains unresponsive despite a rise in GDP growth and value-added growth rates.
- The article highlights the connection between labor productivity growth rate and output growth rate, contributing to the phenomenon of jobless growth in India.
- The distinct form of jobless growth in India, characterized by a higher than average Kaldor-Verdoorn coefficient, poses a qualitative challenge for macroeconomic policies.
Key Terms:
- Kaldor-Verdoorn coefficient: A measure reflecting the responsiveness of labor productivity growth rate to output growth rate.
- Dual economy structure: An economic structure characterized by the coexistence of a modern and traditional sector, often seen in developing countries.
- Mahalanobis strategy: A development strategy that prioritizes heavy industrialization to overcome the constraints on output and employment.
Key Phrases:
- “Jobs generally refer to relatively better-paid regular wage or salaried employment.”
- “The lack of opportunities is reflected by a more or less stagnant employment growth rate of salaried workers in the non-agricultural sector.”
- “The positive effect of output growth rate on employment fails to counteract the adverse effect of labor-saving technologies in the Indian jobless growth regime.”
Key Quotes for value addition:
- “The Indian economy has historically been characterized by the presence of both open unemployment as well as high levels of informal employment.”
- “Jobless growth in India makes the macroeconomic policy challenge qualitatively different from other countries.”
Key Examples and References:
- Reference to the Mahalanobis strategy focusing on heavy industrialization as a policy for overcoming constraints on output and employment.
- Mention of the higher than average Kaldor-Verdoorn coefficient in India’s non-agricultural sector as a distinctive feature of jobless growth.
Key Facts:
- India’s employment growth rate in the formal non-agricultural sector has remained unresponsive despite significant increases in GDP and value-added growth rates.
- Jobless growth in India is associated with a high Kaldor-Verdoorn coefficient, indicating a strong connection between labor productivity growth rate and output growth rate.
Critical Analysis:
- The article critically examines the traditional presumption that increasing the output growth rate would be a sufficient condition for increasing the employment growth rate in the formal sector.
- It highlights the need for a separate policy focus on employment, including both demand and supply side components, in addition to the focus on GDP growth.
Way Forward:
- Advocate for policies addressing the skills gap and improving the quality of the workforce to make automation less attractive for firms.
- Propose direct public job creation as a demand-side component of employment policies.
- Suggest reorienting the macroeconomic framework to finance employment-related expenditures, including increasing the direct tax to GDP ratio and improving compliance.
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Pir Panjal range
Mains level: Shift of terrorist activity to Poonch-Rajouri
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Colombo Security Conclave (CSC)
Mains level: vulnerability of the CSC to domestic political changes
Key Highlights:
- The Colombo Security Conclave (CSC) aims to promote a safe, secure, and stable Indian Ocean, with India playing a leadership role.
- The CSC’s revival in 2020, after a standstill since 2014, reflects India’s evolving strategic vision for the Indian Ocean.
- India seeks to institutionalize its role in the region, addressing security challenges and emerging threats through the CSC.
- China’s growing influence in the Indian Ocean is a significant factor driving the CSC’s revival, with Beijing investing in the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) and establishing a presence in key locations.
Key Challenges:
- Domestic political changes in member-states can impact the CSC’s effectiveness, as seen with the Maldives’ absence from a recent meeting.
- The nationalist and pro-China sentiments in member-states may hinder collaboration, affecting the CSC’s ability to address regional challenges.
- Despite concerns about China’s actions in the Indian Ocean, some regional countries may not view China as a threat, limiting the CSC’s collective response.
Key Terms/Phrases:
- Colombo Security Conclave (CSC)
- Indian Ocean
- Belt and Road Initiative (BRI)
- Maritime security
- Regional collaboration
- Extra-regional powers
- Indo-Pacific
- National Security Adviser (NSA)
Key Quotes:
- “The lack of capacity of island nations to secure the seas and counter transnational threats has continued to motivate India.”
- “China’s outreach to the Indian Ocean is to control crucial sea lines of communication and trade, limiting India’s influence.”
Key Statements:
- “The CSC offers India an opportunity to institutionalize its role, shape the regional security architecture, and better address existing and emerging threats.”
- “The strategic accommodation and flexibility of the CSC contribute to the security of the Indian Ocean.”
Key Examples/References:
- China’s naval capabilities, defense relationships, and infrastructure projects in the Indian Ocean.
- Maldives’ absence from a recent CSC meeting due to preferences for a close relationship with China or nationalist sentiments.
Key Facts/Data:
- The CSC was revived in 2020, with the inclusion of Mauritius, Seychelles, and Bangladesh.
- China’s investments in the Indian Ocean include the Belt and Road Initiative projects and control of Sri Lanka’s Hambantota port.
Critical Analysis:
- The vulnerability of the CSC to domestic political changes highlights challenges in maintaining consistent regional collaboration.
- The balance between addressing security concerns and managing relationships with China is crucial for the CSC’s success.
Way Forward:
- Strengthen institutional mechanisms within the CSC to mitigate the impact of domestic political changes.
- Continue to focus on the five pillars of cooperation, addressing maritime security, counter-terrorism, cyber-security, humanitarian aid, and disaster relief.
- Enhance efforts to build trust among member-states and address concerns related to nationalist and pro-China sentiments.
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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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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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