Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: NA
Mains level: Emissions from Fashion Industry
Introduction
- From fast-fashion giants to luxury brands, many have embraced recycled fabrics and eco-friendly messaging as part of their marketing strategies.
- However, a closer look reveals that these recycling methods often fall short of delivering meaningful environmental benefits.
Challenges in Fashion Industry Recycling
[1] Greenhouse Gas Emissions:
- Polyester, a ubiquitous fabric, contributes substantially to emissions, with 28.2 million tonnes used in 2016 alone, emitting nearly triple the CO2 compared to cotton.
- Nylon production generates nitrous oxide, a potent greenhouse gas, exacerbating climate change.
[2] Water Intensity:
- Cotton cultivation, vital for clothing production, consumes vast amounts of water, with estimates suggesting up to 20,000 liters required for a pair of jeans and a t-shirt.
- Predictions indicate potential water crises by 2030 due to escalating water consumption in clothing production.
[3] Water Pollution:
- Chemical dyeing, essential for vibrant textiles, ranks as the second-largest polluter of clean water globally, introducing harmful substances into waterways.
- Cotton cultivation’s heavy reliance on chemicals poses health risks and environmental degradation.
[4] Plastics and Microfibers:
- Polyester clothing sheds microfibers during washing, contaminating oceans and endangering marine life, with significant quantities entering waterways annually.
- Non-biodegradable microfibers pose risks to human health and ecosystems, persisting in the environment indefinitely.
[5] Landfill Waste:
- The fashion industry contributes substantially to landfill waste, with discarded clothing doubling over the past two decades due to fast fashion trends.
- Limited textile recycling exacerbates the landfill problem, with less than 1% of clothing material being reused.
[6] Inability to Recycle:
- Complex fabric blends and non-biodegradable materials like polyester and nylon present challenges to recycling technologies, hindering effective reuse.
- China’s ban on recycled textile imports exacerbates recycling issues, limiting disposal options.
[7] Economic and Ethical Considerations:
- Economic incentives often prioritize short-term profits over sustainability, perpetuating greenwashing tactics and undermining genuine recycling efforts.
- Unethical labor practices compound sustainability challenges, highlighting systemic issues in the fashion industry’s supply chain.
Methods for Recycling
- Mechanical recycling: It breaks down textiles into fibers without altering their chemical composition, suitable for natural fibers like cotton.
- Chemical recycling: It breaks down textiles into basic chemical components, ideal for synthetic fibers like polyester.
- Steps involved: Both methods involve sorting, shredding, cleaning, processing, and quality control to produce new fabrics or products, reducing waste in the fashion industry.
Moving Towards True Sustainability
- Research and Development: Invest in innovative recycling technologies capable of processing complex fabric blends.
- Transparency and Standards: Implement transparent supply chains and rigorous recycling standards to ensure accountability.
- Consumer Education: Educate consumers about the true environmental and ethical impact of their clothing choices.
- Regulation and Accountability: Enforce regulations and industry standards to hold fashion brands accountable for sustainability commitments.
- Circular Economy Promotion: Embrace circular economy principles, such as extended producer responsibility and product lifecycle management, to minimize waste and resource consumption.
Conclusion
- While recycling initiatives in the fashion industry offer some benefits, they fall short of addressing the sector’s overarching environmental and ethical challenges.
- Achieving true sustainability demands systemic changes, including technological innovation, transparent practices, consumer awareness, regulatory enforcement, and circular economy promotion.
- By embracing these principles, the fashion industry can pave the way towards a genuinely sustainable and equitable future.
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: IITs and other premier institutions
Mains level: Read the attached story
Introduction
- New Campus: IIT Madras Zanzibar, inaugurated recently, gained widespread attention following a mention by Amitabh Bachchan on the game show Kaun Banega Crorepati.
- Significance: The establishment of an IIT campus outside India raises questions about the implications and challenges of operating an IIT beyond national borders.
Historical Context of IITs
- Founding Principles: The IITs were established with a focus on contributing to the nation’s human resource development, emphasizing their Indian identity and commitment to national service.
- Technological Geography: Envisioned as institutions of “Indianness,” the IITs symbolize a united India driven by technological advancements, as outlined in the Nalini Ranjan Sarkar Committee’s Report.
Expansion of the IIT System
- Origins and Growth: Initially comprising five institutions, the IIT system expanded over the years to include 23 IITs across the country, with varying degrees of foreign collaboration.
- Evolution: While initially focused on technology and engineering, the IITs have evolved to include humanities and social sciences, aligning with the objectives outlined in the National Education Policy of 2020.
Challenges and Realities
- Institutional Characteristics: The IITs differ from traditional universities in terms of discipline range and size, primarily focusing on undergraduate education and gradually incorporating post-graduate offerings.
- Academic Rigor and Selectivity: Renowned for their academic excellence, the IITs attract top-tier students and faculty, maintaining rigorous standards despite challenges in faculty recruitment and retention.
- Regional Presence: The proliferation of IITs across the country, including in smaller towns, raises concerns about maintaining quality standards and infrastructure outside major urban centers.
Adapting to Changing Realities
- Quality Assurance: Ensuring the quality and relevance of IIT education requires strategic planning and resource allocation, particularly in the face of faculty shortages and infrastructure constraints.
- Internationalization Efforts: Collaborative initiatives with global universities and enhanced recruitment of foreign faculty can bolster the international reputation and competitiveness of the IITs.
- Funding and Sustainability: Sustainable funding models, both from government sources and alumni philanthropy, are crucial to preserving the integrity and excellence of the IITs amidst expansion and globalization.
Recommendations for the Future
- Strategic Focus: Prioritizing excellence over expansion, consolidating resources, and strategically locating IIT campuses can ensure sustained quality and relevance.
- Global Engagement: Strengthening international collaborations and student exchange programs while maintaining the essence of Indian identity can enhance the global standing of the IITs.
- Sustainable Growth: Balancing growth with quality assurance measures and fostering regional connections can address challenges associated with overexpansion and ensure long-term sustainability.
Conclusion
- Preserving Excellence: Upholding the legacy of academic excellence and national service while adapting to changing educational landscapes is essential for the continued success of the IITs.
- Strategic Vision: A strategic and sustainable approach to growth, internationalization, and quality assurance is imperative to maintain the IITs’ position as India’s premier institutions of higher learning.
- Collective Responsibility: Collaboration among stakeholders, including government, academia, industry, and alumni, is crucial to safeguarding the integrity and reputation of the IITs for generations to come.
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Various laws, judgments mentioned
Mains level: Internet Shut-downs
Introduction
- The Union government invoked its authority under a colonial-era Temporary Suspension of Telecom Services Rules, 2017 to suspend mobile Internet in select districts of Punjab during Farm Protests 2.0.
Mechanisms allowing Internet Shut-downs
|
Authorities |
Purpose |
| Temporary Suspension of Telecom Services (Public Emergency or Public Safety) Rules, 2017 |
Home Departments in the states, state government review committee, central government (under this law, but rarely used) |
Enforces shutdowns for public emergency or safety reasons. |
| Section 144 of the CrPC |
Local law enforcement authorities |
Enables shutdowns, particularly before 2017, to maintain public order and safety. |
| The Indian Telegraph Act, 1885, Section 5(2) |
Home Secretary of the Union or state governments |
Allows blocking of messaging during a public emergency, safeguarding public safety, or protecting sovereignty and integrity. |
Constitutional Provisions for Right to Internet
|
Constitutional Provision |
Explanation |
| Anuradha Bhasin vs. Union of India and Ors. (2020) |
Right to Freedom of Speech and Expression under Article 19(1)(a) |
Grants the right to freedom of speech and expression, which encompasses access to information and the Internet. |
| Faheema Shirin RK vs. State of Kerala and others (2019) |
Right to Education under Article 21A |
Guarantees the right to education for children aged 6 to 14;
Internet access is crucial for modern education. |
| K.S. Puttaswamy (Privacy) vs. Union of India (2017) |
Right to Privacy under Article 21 |
Protects the fundamental right to privacy, and Internet access is often used for secure communication. |
| Anuradha Bhasin vs. Union of India and Ors. |
Freedom to Practice Any Profession or Carry on Any Trade, Business, or Occupation under Article 19(1)(g) |
Ensures the freedom to conduct various trades, businesses, and professions, often requiring Internet access. |
Landmark Precedence: Anuradha Bhasin Judgment (2020)
- Supreme Court’s Ruling: In January 2020, the Supreme Court of India recognized access to the Internet as a fundamental right under the Indian Constitution.
- Restrictions Guidelines: The Court mandated that any government-imposed Internet restrictions must be temporary, limited, lawful, necessary, and proportionate. It also emphasized judicial review.
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: NA
Mains level: Farmers Protests, Key demands
Introduction
- Farmers worldwide are mobilizing in protest against various issues ranging from subsidy cuts to environmental regulations.
- The unrest is witnessed across continents, reflecting a shared struggle against challenges impacting agricultural livelihoods.
Farmers Protests: Worldwide Extent
- Europe: Farmers in several EU member-nations such as Belgium, France, Germany, and Spain have utilized tactics like tractors in city invasions and supermarket raids to protest subsidy cuts, high energy prices, and cheap imports. They protest against EU environment policies aimed at achieving net-zero emissions by 2050, which include pesticide reduction and nature restoration initiatives.
- South America: Protests spanned 67% of countries, driven by economic downturns and droughts, with Brazilian farmers rallying against unfair competition from genetically modified maize.
- Europe: 47% of countries saw protests against low crop prices and rising costs, with French farmers opposing low-cost imports and inadequate subsidies.
- North and Central America: Protests occurred in 35% of countries, with Mexican farmers protesting low prices and Costa Rican farmers seeking government assistance amid debt.
- Africa: 22% of countries witnessed protests due to poor pricing and high production costs, with Kenyan potato farmers demanding better prices and Cameroonian farmers opposing cocoa export bans.
- New Zealand: Farmers protested against government regulations, while Australian farmers opposed proposed high-voltage powerlines.
Asian Protests
- India: Farmers across nine states demand guaranteed crop prices and loan waivers, echoing protests in Nepal against unfair vegetable pricing.
- Malaysia and Nepal: Protests stem from low rice and sugarcane prices, respectively.
Government Responses
- France and Germany have made concessions such as rolling back fuel subsidy cuts and gradually phasing out fuel subsidies.
- EU politicians have voted against proposed pesticide regulations, and climate rules are being revised ahead of elections.
- Nature restoration plans have been deferred for now.
Issues Prompting Indian Protests
- Indian farmers demand legal backing for minimum support prices (MSP) and expansion of MSP coverage beyond rice and wheat, as per a 2021 agreement.
- Import of cheap edible oil and pulses, alongside climate shocks, have impacted farmer earnings.
- Additional demands include higher import duties, changes to crop insurance, better seed quality, debt waivers, and social security benefits.
Conclusion
- Farmer protests globally reflect a unified struggle against economic hardships, environmental regulations, and policy decisions impacting agricultural sustainability and livelihoods.
- Addressing these concerns requires proactive government responses and comprehensive policy reforms to ensure the welfare of farmers and agricultural resilience.
Also read:
Farmers’ Demands over Minimum Support Price (MSP) Guarantee
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Conservation of Migratory Species (CMS)
Mains level: NA
Introduction
- The Fourteenth Meeting of the Conference of the Parties to the Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species of Wild Animals (COP14) will be hosted by the Government of Uzbekistan, in Samarkand from 12-17 February 2024
- CMS COP is a Triennial Event.
About Conservation of Migratory Species (CMS)
|
Information |
| About |
- Intergovernmental treaty under UNEP, known as the Bonn Convention
- Signed in 1979, in force since 1983
- 133 Parties as of March 2022, including India since 1983
|
| Aim |
- Conserve terrestrial, marine, and avian migratory species
- Lay legal foundation for global conservation measures
|
| Legal Instruments under CMS |
Range from legally binding Agreements to less formal MoUs |
| Appendices |
- Appendix I: Threatened Migratory Species
- Appendix II: Migratory Species requiring international cooperation
|
| India and the CMS |
- Signed non-legally binding MoUs with CMS for various species conservation (Siberian Cranes, Marine Turtles, Dugongs, Raptors)
- Hosts several migratory species
- India hosted the last COP 13 of CMS in February 2020 at Gandhinagar, Gujarat.
|
| Migratory Species |
Wild animals whose populations cyclically and predictably cross national boundaries |
| Efforts made by India |
- National Action Plan for Conservation of Migratory Birds (2018-2023)
- Marine Turtle Policy and Marine Stranding Management Policy
- Project Snow Leopard
- Dugong Conservation Reserve
|
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Horseshoe Crab and its conservation
Mains level: NA
Introduction
- Environmental groups have petitioned the U.S. government to grant endangered species protection to the American horseshoe crab.
- Horseshoe crabs, often called “living fossils,” have existed since before the age of dinosaurs.
About Horseshoe Crab
|
Description |
| Habitat |
Shallow coastal waters with soft sandy or muddy bottoms;
Spawns primarily on intertidal beaches during summer-spring high tides. |
| Taxonomic Division |
Chelicerata, a division of Arthropoda, comprising spiders, scorpions, harvestmen, mites, and ticks; characterized by segmented body and limbs, and a chitinous exoskeleton. |
| Status |
Referred to as a marine “living fossil” due to minimal evolutionary changes over time. |
| Geographic Range |
American horseshoe crab: Eastern coast of the USA and the Gulf of Mexico.
Indo-Pacific species (Tri-spine, Coastal, Mangrove): Mainly in coastal waters of India, Southeast Asia, China, and Japan. |
| Habitat in India |
Odisha serves as the largest habitat for horseshoe crabs in India. |
| Conservation Status |
Schedule IV of the Wildlife Protection Act of 1972. |
| IUCN Status |
American horseshoe crab: Vulnerable.
Tri-spine horseshoe crab: Endangered.
Other two are not listed yet. |
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Hastsal Minaret, its history, architecture
Mains level: NA
Introduction
- The Hastsal Minar, also known as the Mini Qutub Minar or Chhota Qutub Minar, stands as a Grade A heritage monument in Delhi, silently narrating stories of an era marked by grandeur and mystery amidst ruins and encroachment.
About Hastsal Minaret
|
Description |
| Name |
Mini Qutub Minar (Chhota Qutub Minar, Mini Minar, Kaushal Minar, Hastsal ki Laat) |
| Location |
Hastsal village in Uttam Nagar, West Delhi, India |
| Built |
1650 |
| Builder |
Mughal emperor, Shah Jahan |
| Original Height |
5 storeys, topped with a domed Chhatri pavilion |
| Current Height |
3 storeys, 16.87 meters (55 feet) tall |
| Structure |
Built with Lakhori bricks and clad with red sandstone |
| Significance |
Grade A listed, protected heritage monument with the Department of Archaeology, India |
| History |
Originally built as a hunting lodge tower for Shah Jahan
Used to have a tunnel connecting it to the royal hunting lodge nearby |
| Architecture |
Resembles Qutub Minar in Delhi, octagonal platform, narrow staircase |
| Threats |
Endangered due to neglect, lack of conservation, encroachment by new constructions, surrounded by urbanization |
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Cuscuta Dodder
Mains level: NA
Introduction
- An invasive weed, Cuscuta dodder, is gradually strangling the Chengalpet forests and Vedanthangal Bird Sanctuary, posing a severe threat to local vegetation, ecology, and the habitat of migratory birds.
About Cuscuta Dodder
- Parasitic Nature: It is a parasitic vine devoid of roots, already infesting acres of trees in reserve forests and beginning to spread within India’s oldest bird sanctuary.
- Origin: Native to North America.
- Modus Operandi: As a holoparasitic plant, it forms a canopy on the host plant and extends thousands of tendrils, eventually forming a dense spectacle before strangling and killing the host.
Persistence and Germination
- Seed Characteristics: Cuscuta seeds are spheroid with a hard coat, enabling them to survive up to 50 years in dry storage and at least 10 years in the field.
- Germination: Unlike root parasites, Cuscuta seeds do not require a specific stimulant to induce germination, enhancing their ability to spread rapidly.
Impact and Spread
- India: According to a technical paper by the National Research Centre for Weed Science, Cuscuta poses a significant problem in oilseeds, pulses, and fodder crops across various states, including Andhra Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Gujarat, Orissa, West Bengal, and parts of Madhya Pradesh under both rain-fed and irrigated conditions.
- Global Legislation: It is listed as a ‘declared noxious weed’ in 25 countries, with seeds and plant material restricted from entry. In the United States, it is the only weed seed whose movement is prohibited in every state.
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana, 300 Units Cap
Mains level: Solar Energy Transition
Introduction
- Prime Minister has launched PM Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana to provide free electricity to its beneficiaries.
About PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana
|
Description |
| Purpose |
To provide 300 units of free electricity per month to beneficiaries through an investment of ₹75,000 crores. |
| Announcement |
Initially announced in an interim budget speech by the Finance Minister. |
| Target |
Aimed to light up 1 crore households. |
| Incentive for Renewable Energy |
Urban Local Bodies and Panchayats incentivized to promote rooftop solar systems. |
| Financial Support |
Central Government guarantees no financial burden on people through subsidies directly to bank accounts and highly concessional bank loans. |
| Expected Benefits |
– Annual savings of ₹15,000 to ₹18,000 for households
– Charging of electric vehicles
– Entrepreneurship opportunities
– Employment opportunities for youth with technical skills. |
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Fatehpur Sikri
Mains level: Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act (RPWD)
Central Idea:
The article highlights the importance of accessibility and inclusion for individuals with disabilities in public spaces, using personal experiences and examples from Fatehpur Sikri, a 16th-century monument, to underscore the need for adherence to international standards and the implementation of inclusive practices across India. It emphasizes the urgent need for prioritizing accessibility in the built environment, including ramps and other accommodations, to enable full participation and empowerment of all citizens, regardless of their physical limitations.
Key Highlights:
- Personal experiences at Fatehpur Sikri illustrate the significance of proper accessibility measures.
- Lack of adherence to international standards poses challenges for individuals with disabilities in navigating public spaces.
- The Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act (RPWD) is mentioned as a framework for promoting accessibility, but implementation lags.
- Inclusive design is essential for ensuring equal access to public buildings, transport, and information technology.
- The absence of accurate disability data in India raises questions about the extent of inclusivity and the need for targeted policies.
Key Challenges:
- Inconsistent adherence to international accessibility standards in public spaces.
- Limited implementation of the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act (RPWD) despite its enactment.
- Lack of accurate disability data hampers effective policy formulation and planning.
- Heterogeneity of disabilities poses challenges in designing inclusive solutions.
- Socioeconomic disparities contribute to unequal access to accessible infrastructure and support services.
Main Terms:
- Accessibility
- Inclusion
- Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act (RPWD)
- Universal design
- Public accommodations
- Built environment
- International standards
- Heterogeneity of disabilities
- Socioeconomic disparities
- Inclusive practice
Important Phrases:
- “International standard for a ramp slope”
- “Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act (RPWD)”
- “Universal design”
- “Built environment”
- “Socio-economic background”
- “Accurate disability data”
- “Inclusive environment”
- “Heterogeneity of disability”
- “Accessibility of public accommodations and roads”
- “Participation in civic and socio-economic life”
Quotes:
- “If a city built in 1569 AD can be made nearly 95 per cent wheelchair accessible, so can all public accommodations and roads.”
- “Only by accomplishing this can we realise the full potential of our citizenry, empowering them to actively contribute their professional expertise and diverse skills for the optimal development of the country.”
- “It is evident that our country has miles to go before genuine inclusivity can be celebrated.”
- “The absence of ramps is just one example of why the disabled citizenry often finds it challenging to fully participate in civic and socio-economic life, potentially resulting in diminished self-esteem.”
- “Every Indian deserves the freedom to experience our country’s rich history and heritage along with the rights accorded to all citizens.”
Anecdotes:
- The personal experience of the author’s brother tipping over in a wheelchair due to a steep ramp highlights the dangers posed by inadequate accessibility measures.
- The contrast between the accessible ramps at Fatehpur Sikri and the inaccessible environments encountered in daily life underscores the importance of universal design in public spaces.
Useful Statements:
- “Implementing proper accessibility measures is a cost-effective investment in enhancing accessibility for individuals with physical limitations.”
- “Inclusive design is essential for ensuring equal access to public buildings, transport, and information technology.”
- “In pursuing true accessibility, involving multiple end-users in the design process is crucial for determining its success.”
Examples and References:
- Fatehpur Sikri as an example of successful accessibility implementation.
- Comparison between international standards and the actual accessibility of public spaces in India.
- Mention of UN-Habitat’s definition of an inclusive environment.
- Reference to the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act (RPWD) as a framework for promoting accessibility.
- World Health Organization’s data on global disability prevalence versus India’s reported disability rates.
Facts and Data:
- Fatehpur Sikri is mentioned as being nearly 95% wheelchair accessible.
- The World Health Organization estimates that 16% of the global population experiences significant disabilities.
- India’s last Census in 2011 reported only 2.2% of the population as having disabilities.
Critical Analysis: The article effectively combines personal anecdotes with broader observations to highlight the challenges and importance of accessibility and inclusion in India. It critiques the lack of adherence to international standards and the limited implementation of legislative frameworks, emphasizing the need for concrete action to address these issues. However, it also acknowledges the complexities involved, such as the heterogeneity of disabilities and socioeconomic disparities, which require nuanced approaches to ensure meaningful inclusivity.
Way Forward:
- Prioritize accessibility and inclusion as national priorities, possibly under a dedicated “mission.”
- Ensure consistent adherence to international standards in the design and construction of public spaces.
- Improve implementation of the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act (RPWD) and enhance data collection on disability prevalence.
- Promote inclusive design practices and involve end-users in the planning and development of accessible infrastructure.
- Raise awareness and advocate for the rights of individuals with disabilities to foster a more inclusive society.
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: President and governor speeches
Mains level: the tradition of presidential and gubernatorial addresses to Parliament and Legislative Assemblies in India
Central Idea:
The article discusses the tradition of presidential and gubernatorial addresses to Parliament and Legislative Assemblies in India, highlighting the ceremonial and ritualistic nature of these events. It emphasizes the need for reform to streamline these addresses, suggesting a shift towards shorter, more concise speeches akin to the British practice, to save time and enhance efficiency in legislative proceedings.
Key Highlights:
- Presidential and gubernatorial addresses in India are steeped in tradition, characterized by elaborate ceremonies and rituals.
- The speeches are drafted by the government of the day, with little involvement from the heads of state, leading to lengthy and sometimes tiresome readings.
- Past presidents like R. Venkataraman and K.R. Narayanan exhibited meticulousness in reviewing draft speeches, suggesting improvements that were generally accepted.
- Similar experiences were observed at the state level, with governors making suggestions for changes to their addresses, sometimes leading to unexpected challenges.
- The article reflects on instances of political civility, where suggested changes were acknowledged and accommodated, despite time constraints.
- Despite the ceremonial nature of these addresses, controversy and turbulence in legislative assemblies have been on the rise, fueled by accusations and counter-accusations.
- The root cause of the problem lies in the disconnect between the writers and readers of these speeches, raising questions about ownership and relevance.
- The author proposes adopting a more concise format for these addresses, similar to the British model, to refocus attention on legislative business and mitigate political polarization.
Key Challenges:
- Resistance from governments accustomed to using these addresses as platforms to showcase their achievements and plans.
- Convincing stakeholders about the efficacy of shifting towards shorter, more focused speeches.
- Overcoming entrenched traditions and resistance to change within the political system.
- Balancing the ceremonial aspects of these addresses with the need for efficiency and relevance in legislative proceedings.
- Addressing political polarization between central and state governments, which may hinder collaborative efforts towards reform.
Main terms for answer quality enhancement:
- Presidential address
- Gubernatorial address
- Ceremonial
- Ritualistic
- Legislative proceedings
- Political polarization
- Tradition
- Efficiency
- Reform
Important Phrases:
- “Land of largely unquestioned custom, ceremonials, and rituals”
- “Suggesting changes by them difficult”
- “Saving of time and the avoiding of tedium”
- “Political civility”
- “Root of the problem”
- “Ornament of convention”
- “Collective body of legislators”
- “Innovative and self-denying Chief Minister”
Quotes:
- “When I am asked to read these Addresses, I feel like saying ‘Rashtrapati Bhavan’ and sitting down!” – R. Venkataraman
- “The speech was not mine, it was yours.” – Unnamed speaker to Nitish Kumar
- “Who Owns that Speech?” – Professor A.R. Venkatachalapathy
Anecdotes:
- R. Venkataraman’s meticulous review of draft speeches, despite tight timeframes.
- Chief Minister Buddhadeb Bhattacharjee’s prompt action to rectify an oversight in a gubernatorial address.
- The Governor of Bihar officiating a seamless legislative ceremony, earning appreciation from the Chief Minister.
Useful Statements for critical approach in answer writing:
- “The root of the problem lies in the foundational dichotomy of one agency writing the speech and another reading it.”
- “Presidents and Governors will, I think, be relieved with such a rearrangement.”
- “It will take an innovative and self-denying Chief Minister to start the reform to rescue a custom, ceremony, and ritual of grace from disgrace.”
Examples and References:
- Instances of past presidents and governors suggesting changes to draft speeches, with varying degrees of acceptance and acknowledgment.
- Comparison with the British practice of brief, outline-focused speeches by the head of state.
Facts and Data:
- Terms of past presidents and governors mentioned in the article (e.g., R. Venkataraman, K.R. Narayanan).
- References to specific events, such as the oversight in printing a gubernatorial address.
Critical Analysis:
- The article presents a nuanced critique of the ceremonial nature of presidential and gubernatorial addresses, highlighting inefficiencies and challenges.
- It underscores the importance of streamlining these addresses to enhance legislative efficiency and mitigate political polarization.
- The proposed reform aligns with the need for modernization and adaptation within the Indian political system.
Way Forward:
- Advocate for collaborative efforts among stakeholders to initiate reform and streamline the process of presidential and gubernatorial addresses.
- Emphasize the benefits of shorter, more focused speeches in enhancing legislative efficiency and relevance.
- Encourage political leaders to prioritize the collective interests of legislators and citizens over traditional ceremonies and rituals.
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: World Economic Forum's Global Gender Gap Report
Mains level: debate surrounding paid menstrual leave
Central Idea:
The article discusses the complex issue of providing paid leave for menstruation, highlighting its potential impact on gender equality and societal perceptions of menstruation. It argues against the implementation of blanket policies, advocating instead for tailored support and inclusivity on a case-by-case basis.
Key Highlights:
- Sabrimala Temple Issue: Highlights the struggle against discriminatory practices related to menstruation, emphasizing the need for gender equality.
- Global Gender Gap: Discusses the widening gender gap globally and its implications on workforce participation and leadership roles for women.
- Challenges in Implementing Paid Menstrual Leave: Raises concerns about exacerbating gender inequality, social stigma, and potential misuse of leave policies.
- Case of Japan: Explores the experience of Japan with unpaid menstrual leave and its limited uptake, alongside persisting gender disparities in the workforce.
- Enforcement Challenges: Cites instances of intrusive enforcement methods and underscores the need for sensitive implementation strategies.
- Ongoing Struggles for Gender Equality: Highlights various arenas where women continue to fight for equal treatment, including combat roles and pay parity.
Key Challenges:
- Social Stigma: Addressing societal taboos and perceptions surrounding menstruation.
- Gender Equality: Balancing the need for menstrual support with potential impacts on women’s workforce participation and leadership opportunities.
- Implementation Issues: Ensuring fair and non-intrusive enforcement of leave policies without perpetuating discrimination or abuse.
- Cultural Sensitivity: Acknowledging diverse experiences and cultural contexts surrounding menstruation.
- Policy Effectiveness: Assessing the efficacy of paid menstrual leave in addressing menstrual health needs while advancing gender equality.
Main Terms:
- Menstruation
- Gender Gap
- Paid Leave
- Gender Equality
- Social Stigma
- Workforce Participation
Important Phrases:
- “Period shaming”
- “Blanket biological disadvantage”
- “Tailoring support”
- “Inclusivity on a case-by-case basis”
- “Sensitive implementation strategies”
- The menstrual cycle can be affected by external factors such as stress, changes in temperature and altitude, and even exposure to certain chemicals and toxins.
- This can cause changes in the length of the cycle, the intensity of bleeding, and the severity of symptoms.
- There is also a small percentage of women who experience menorrhagia, which is an excessive bleeding during menstruation. This can be caused by hormonal imbalances, fibroids, endometriosis, and other underlying medical conditions.
Quotes:
- “Menstruation is not a disease, but a natural phenomenon.”
- “Granting special status to menstruation would validate social stigma.”
- “Recognizing the diverse nature of menstrual experiences is essential.”
- “Women in Japan are less likely to be employed and often paid lesser.”
- “Women continue to fight for equal treatment in various arenas.”
Anecdotes:
- Sabrimala Temple issue highlighting the struggle against discriminatory practices.
- Instances of intrusive enforcement methods in Bhuj and Muzzaffarnagar schools.
- Limited uptake of unpaid menstrual leave in Japan despite its availability for decades.
Useful Statements:
- “Paid leave for menstruation could unintentionally widen the gender gap.”
- “Tailoring support on a case-by-case basis promotes inclusivity and addresses individual needs.”
- “Sensitive implementation strategies are crucial to prevent discrimination and abuse.”
Examples and References:
- Sabrimala Temple issue
- Global Gender Gap Report 2021
- Case of Japan and its gender disparities in the workforce
- Incidents in Bhuj and Muzzaffarnagar schools
- Ongoing struggles for gender equality in combat roles and pay parity
Facts and Data:
- The World Economic Forum’s Global Gender Gap Report 2021.
- National Family Health Survey (NFHS) report highlighting menstrual health challenges in India.
- Low uptake of menstrual leave in Japan, with only 0.9% of women availing it.
- Gender disparities in Japan’s workforce despite higher education levels among women.
Critical Analysis:
The article offers a nuanced perspective on the debate surrounding paid menstrual leave, highlighting both its potential benefits and challenges. It critically examines the implications of such policies on gender equality, social stigma, and workforce dynamics, emphasizing the importance of context-sensitive approaches.
Way Forward:
- Awareness and Education: Promote awareness and education to combat social stigma and misconceptions surrounding menstruation.
- Tailored Support: Advocate for tailored support and accommodations for individuals experiencing menstrual challenges, rather than blanket policies.
- Sensitive Implementation: Develop sensitive implementation strategies to ensure fair and non-discriminatory enforcement of leave policies.
- Continued Advocacy: Continue advocating for gender equality in all spheres, including combat roles and pay parity, to address systemic inequalities.
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