Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Marxism, Leninism, Maoism
Mains level: Concept of Urban Naxals, Left Wing Idea of Development
In the news
- The Nagpur Bench of the Bombay High Court recently acquitted a former Delhi University professor and five others in a case under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) for alleged Maoist links.
- The Maharashtra government swiftly approached the Supreme Court seeking an urgent hearing after failing to secure a stay on the High Court’s judgment.
CSE Mains Questions based on Left Wing Extremism (LWE):
Note: Almost every alternate year, a question on LWE has been asked in the Mains.
- 2015: The persisting drives of the government for development of large industries in backward areas have resulted in isolating the tribal population and the farmers who face multiple displacements. With Malkangiri and Naxalbari foci, discuss the corrective strategies needed to win the Left Wing Extremism (LWE) doctrine affected citizens back into mainstream of social and economic growth.
- 2018: Left Wing Extremism (LWE) is showing a downward trend, but still affects many parts of the country. Briefly explain the Government of India’s approach to counter the challenges posed by LWE.
- 2020: What are the determinants of left-wing extremism in Eastern part of India? What strategy should the Government of India, civil administration and security forces adopt to counter the threat in the affected areas?
- 2022: Naxalism is a social, economic and developmental issue manifesting as a violent internal security threat. In this context, discuss the emerging issues and suggest a multi-layered strategy to tackle the menace of Naxalism.
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Who are the Maoists?
- Origins: Maoism, derived from the teachings of Chinese leader Mao Zedong, emerged as a form of communist theory.
- Ideology: Maoists believe in the philosophy that “Power flows from the barrel of the gun” and advocate for armed struggle to achieve their goals.
- Evolution in India: Maoism gained prominence in India through movements like the Naxalbari uprising, leading to the formation of groups like the Maoist Communist Centre (MCC) in West Bengal.
Historical Context and Evolution
- Influence of Russian Revolution: Naxalism draws ideological inspiration from the Russian Revolution and the overthrow of the Tsarist regime.
- Marxian Ideals: Rooted in Marxism, Maoism emphasizes class struggle and the redistribution of power to marginalized communities.
- Neo-Marxism: After the success of revolutions led by Lenin and Mao, intellectuals worldwide, including Fidel Castro, embraced Marxist ideologies.
Root Causes of Maoism in India
- Corporate Exploitation: Exploitation of natural resources in Eastern India has led to marginalization and harassment of tribal communities.
- Tribal Alienation: Post-independence, tribal communities lost traditional rights over resources, leading to alienation.
- Livelihood Losses: Depletion of natural resources threatened tribal livelihoods.
- Forceful Displacement: Displacement from ancestral lands disrupted traditional governance systems.
- Absence of Governance: In areas of exploitation, governance structures collapsed due to killings and intimidation.
- Foreign Provocations: External support for LWE outfits exacerbated the conflict.
Impact on Youth
- Romanticism and Misunderstanding: Some view Maoists romantically, overlooking the violence inherent in their ideology.
- Violence and Destruction: Maoist doctrine glorifies violence, leading to destruction of governance mechanisms.
- Radicalization and Coercion: Maoists radicalize youth and coerce locals to join their movement.
- Urban Presence: Maoists extend their influence to semi-urban and urban areas, facilitated by educated intellectuals.
Strategies used by LWEs and Maoists
- Utilization of State Structures: Maoists exploit state structures to further their agenda and weaken enforcement.
- Recruitment and Fundraising: They recruit and raise funds for insurgency, often through legal means.
- Urban Shelters: Maoists establish urban shelters for underground cadres.
- Legal Assistance: Legal aid is provided to arrested cadres.
- Mass Mobilization: They mobilize masses on issues relevant to their cause.
Government Initiatives for LWE-Affected Areas
- Aspirational Districts Programme: Monitoring of development initiatives in affected districts.
- Education and Infrastructure: Building schools and improving road connectivity in affected areas.
- Naxal Surrender Policy: Aimed at reintegrating misguided youth and hardcore extremists.
- National Policy Action Plan: Development-focused policy to address LWE challenges.
SAMADHAN Doctrine: A Comprehensive Strategy
- Smart Leadership: Effective leadership at all levels.
- Aggressive Strategy: Proactive measures to counter extremism.
- Motivation and Training: Training of security personnel and motivation for operations.
- Actionable Intelligence: Intelligence-driven operations.
- Harnessing Technology: Use of technology for surveillance and monitoring.
- Strategic Action Plans: Tailored action plans for each theater of conflict.
- Financial Isolation: Cutting off financial support to extremist groups.
Way Forward
- Dual Objective: Military defeat of insurgents and ideological resolution of grievances.
- Institutional Overhauls: Reforms in governance and security institutions.
- Coordinated Efforts: States must coordinate operations to deny space to Maoists.
- Population Segregation: Separating civilians from insurgents, both operationally and ideologically.
- Economic Development: Addressing resource conflicts through inclusive economic development.
Conclusion
- Understanding the complex dynamics of Maoism and Left-Wing Extremism is crucial for formulating effective counterinsurgency strategies.
- By addressing root causes, implementing targeted initiatives, and adopting a comprehensive approach, India can mitigate the impact of LWE and pave the way for sustainable peace and development in affected regions.
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Primary Health Centres (PHCs)
Mains level: Read the attached story
In the news
- Public health centres in India have long been shrouded in infamy, perceived as symbols of systemic failure.
- The effectiveness of primary healthcare in India has always been a topic of discussion, with calls for strengthening these services through government commitment to accessibility, affordability, and quality care.
PYQ from CSE Mains 2021:
Q. “Besides being a moral imperative of a Welfare State, primary health structure is a necessary precondition for sustainable development.” Analyse. |
Health Centres in India
- Primary Health Centres (PHCs) also known as Public HCs play a crucial role in providing comprehensive healthcare services to the population.
- The first PHC in India was established following the proposal of the PHC concept in a paper submitted to the Executive Board of the World Health Organization (WHO) in January 1975.
- The establishment of PHCs gained further momentum with the International Conference on PHC held in Alma Ata, Kazakhstan in 1978.
- They are a fundamental component of the healthcare system, with Medical Officers at these centers required to hold an MBBS degree.
- India boasts a vast public health infrastructure with 23,391 PHCs and 145,894 sub-centers, serving a substantial percentage of the population.
- PHCs cover a significant portion of outpatient care, including services for non-communicable diseases, maternal health, and child health.
Importance of Health Centres
- Foundational Role: Health centres form the backbone of India’s public health system, providing primary care to millions.
- Access and Affordability: With nearly two lakh centres across the country, they aim to offer accessible and affordable healthcare, particularly in rural areas.
- Impact on Equity: Effective health centres can mitigate social and health inequities, reducing reliance on costly private healthcare and preventing households from falling into poverty due to healthcare expenses.
Unveiling the Reality
- Evidence of Progress: Surveys conducted across five states reveal a pattern of improving quality and utilization of health services over time, albeit at a slow pace.
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- In Himachal Pradesh, functional health centres serve 83% of the population.
- Chhattisgarh has shown a radical expansion in the public provision of healthcare, with increased facilities, medicines, and staff presence.
- Bihar lags behind, with dismal quality of health centres and some sub-centres being dormant or non-existent.
- Policy Interventions: Increased health expenditure, initiatives like the National Rural Health Mission, and state-specific schemes have contributed to incremental improvements.
- The share of health expenditure in the Union Budget increased drastically.
- The National Health Mission’s share shrank from 69% to 44%, while allocations for the Ayushmann Bharat program and new AIIMS hospitals surged.
- COVID-19 led to a sustained increase in patient utilization of public health facilities, indicating growing trust in the system.
Challenges and Gaps
- Underutilization: Despite improvements, health centres still face challenges such as high staff absenteeism, limited services, and poor infrastructure.
- Lacunas: Health workers report irregular flow of funds, lack of facilities like toilets and transport, and inadequate supply of drugs and testing equipment.
- Social Discrimination: Caste and gender dynamics influence access to and quality of healthcare, perpetuating inequalities. Upper-caste doctors display disparaging attitudes towards marginalized communities, while upper-caste families disrespect Dalit ANMs.
- Gender Disparities: Women, particularly frontline health workers, play a crucial role in rural health settings but often face neglect and discrimination.
Way forward
- Holistic Investment: While progress has been made, it remains patchy, with allocations often prioritizing tertiary healthcare over primary care.
- Designated allocations: The composition of the healthcare budget has remained stagnant, with minimal increases in the share allocated to primary healthcare.
- Policy Reform: The paper advocates for substantial support from the central government to enable poorer states to replicate successful initiatives and enhance the role of health centres in public healthcare delivery.
Conclusion
- India’s health centres, though fraught with challenges, embody resilience and potential.
- By addressing systemic gaps and prioritizing primary healthcare, the nation can harness the transformative power of these centres to achieve equitable and accessible healthcare for all.
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: MethaneSAT, GWP of Methane
Mains level: NA
In the news
- MethaneSAT, the latest addition to the space technology arsenal, promises to revolutionize the tracking and measurement of methane emissions globally.
- Launched aboard a SpaceX Falcon9 rocket, this innovative satellite is set to provide unparalleled insights into methane emissions, aiding in the fight against climate change.
Methane Emissions
- Methane, organic compound composed of carbon and four hydrogen atoms (CH4).
- Second-biggest anthropogenic contributor to global warming after carbon dioxide, 80 times more potent.
- Global Warming Potential (GWP) measures warming caused by substance relative to carbon dioxide over a century.
- Methane GWP100: 28, nitrous oxide 265, sulphur hexafluoride 23,500.
- Short-lived climate pollutant, breaks down in a few years unlike carbon dioxide.
- Sources: Cattle-farming, landfills, wastewater treatment, rice cultivation, industrial processes.
- Energy, agriculture, waste sectors primary emitters, responsible for 30% of global warming.
- Livestock emissions, including manure and gastroenteric releases, account for 32% of human-caused emissions.
- Global Methane Pledge: Launched at UN COP26 climate conference in Glasgow. Over 90 countries signed, led by United States and European Union (India not signed up).
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Unraveling MethaneSAT
- MethaneSAT is an initiative of the Environmental Defense Fund (EDF), in collaboration with Harvard University, the Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory, and the New Zealand Space Agency.
- Equipped with a high–resolution infrared sensor and a spectrometer, MethaneSAT can detect methane concentrations as small as three parts per billion.
- With a wide-camera view of about 200 km by 200 km, MethaneSAT can identify both small and large emitters, filling critical data gaps.
Key Features
- Data Accessibility: MethaneSAT will provide its data for free in near real-time, empowering stakeholders and regulators to take timely action to curb methane emissions.
- Cloud Computing and AI: Google’s cloud-computing and AI technology will be used to analyze the vast amount of data collected by MethaneSAT, ensuring efficient processing and interpretation.
Significance of Methane Emission Monitoring
- Greenhouse Gas Impact: Methane, though invisible, is a potent greenhouse gas and a major contributor to global warming, second only to carbon dioxide.
- Health Hazards: Methane emissions also contribute to the formation of ground-level ozone, posing serious health risks and causing premature deaths.
- Fossil Fuel Operations: The bulk of human-caused methane emissions stem from fossil fuel operations, making it imperative to monitor and reduce these emissions.
Implications
- Global Impact: The launch of MethaneSAT aligns with the growing momentum for stringent methane management policies worldwide.
- Transparency: Publicly available data from MethaneSAT will hold governments and corporations accountable for their methane emission reduction commitments.
- Behavioral Change Challenges: While the data from MethaneSAT can drive awareness, behavioral changes among polluters are not guaranteed, highlighting the need for complementary regulatory measures.
Try this PYQ from CSE Prelims 2019:
Q.Consider the following:
- Carbon monoxide
- Methane
- Ozone
- Sulphur dioxide
Which of the above are released into atmosphere due to the burning of crop/biomass residue?
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 2, 3 and 4 only
(c) 1 and 4 only
(d) 1, 2, 3 and 4
Post your answers here.
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Holistic Progress Card (HPC)
Mains level: NA
In the news
- The traditional report cards of students are undergoing a transformation with the introduction of the Holistic Progress Card (HPC) by the National Council for Educational and Research Training (NCERT).
- This innovative approach aims to evaluate not just academic performance but also various aspects of a child’s holistic development.
What is the Holistic Progress Card (HPC)?
- 360-Degree Evaluation: Departing from the conventional marks or grades-based assessment, the HPC adopts a comprehensive evaluation approach.
- Student-Centric Assessment: Students are actively engaged in the assessment process through class activities, allowing them to demonstrate diverse skills and competencies.
- Peer and Self-Assessment: Students participate in evaluating their own and their classmates’ performance, fostering self-awareness and peer collaboration.
Key Features of the HPC
- Classes Involved: The HPC was created for the foundational stage (Classes 1 and 2), preparatory stage (Classes 3 to 5), and middle stage (Classes 6 to 8). Efforts are currently underway to develop a similar framework for the secondary stage.
- Parameters of Evaluation: Besides academics, students are evaluated on self-awareness, relationships, problem-solving, emotional intelligence, and creativity. Students reflect on their progress after each activity by circling statements like “I learned something new,” “I expressed creativity,” or “I helped others.”
- Method of Evaluation:
- Self-Assessment: Included in the HPC for all students from Class 1 to Class 8. In middle school (Classes 6 to 8), students set academic and personal goals with specific timelines at the start of the year. The middle stage HPC also involves an “ambition card” where students list their goals for the year and areas for improvement, along with the skills and habits needed to achieve them.
- Parental Involvement: Parents provide feedback on homework completion, classroom engagement, and the child’s ability to balance screen time with extracurricular activities at home, thus connecting home and school.
- Peer Evaluation: Students evaluate their classmates’ participation in learning and engagement after each classroom activity.
Implementation and Adoption
- Rollout across States: The HPC has been sent to all states and Union Territories, with several already adopting it for Classes 1 to 8.
- Regional Customization: States have the flexibility to modify the HPC to suit their regional requirements while adhering to the overarching principles.
Rationale behind the Change
- Focus on Higher-Order Skills: The shift from rote memorization to higher-order skills evaluation aligns with the objectives of NEP 2020 and NCF SE.
- Promotion of Holistic Development: The HPC aims to communicate students’ strengths and areas of improvement, fostering self-esteem and self-awareness.
Benefits and Implications
- Comprehensive Evaluation: The HPC promotes a holistic assessment approach, encompassing academic achievements and critical skill development.
- Shift to Formative Assessment: By emphasizing formative assessment, the HPC encourages competency-based evaluation and continuous improvement.
- Insights for Teachers and Parents: Teachers and parents gain valuable insights into each student’s learning journey, enabling personalized support and guidance.
Conclusion
- The introduction of the Holistic Progress Card marks a significant step towards redefining student assessment in India.
- By prioritizing holistic development and competency-based evaluation, the HPC aims to nurture well-rounded individuals capable of thriving in a rapidly evolving world.
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Women, Business and Law Index
Mains level: NA
In the news
- India’s ranking in the World Bank’s Women, Business and Law index saw a significant improvement, climbing to 113 out of 190 countries in the latest edition of the report.
- It is intriguing to know that none of the countries globally achieved a full score in the new index, indicating pervasive gender disparities in legal rights worldwide.
About Women, Business and Law Index
- The Women, Business and Law Index is a World Bank initiative aimed at measuring how laws and regulations impact women’s economic opportunity.
- The index provides objective and measurable benchmarks for evaluating global progress towards legal gender equality.
- Range from 0 to 100, where 100 denotes equal legal rights for men and women.
- The report assesses eight critical areas: mobility, workplace, pay, marriage, parenthood, entrepreneurship, assets, and pension.
- The 2024 edition marks the 10th iteration of the report.
India’s Performance
- Legal Rights Gap: Indian women now enjoy 60% of the legal rights granted to men, slightly below the global average of 64.2%.
- Regional Comparison: India outperformed its South Asian counterparts, where women typically have access to only 45.9% of the legal protections compared to men.
- Supportive Frameworks: India’s performance in establishing supportive frameworks fell short, with only 54.2% of the necessary frameworks in place.
- Policy Efforts: India aims to increase female labour force participation, which stood at 37% in 2022-23, significantly lower than many advanced economies.
- OECD Comparison: The female labour force participation rate in OECD countries exceeded 50% in 2022, highlighting the gap India seeks to bridge.
Try this PYQ from CSE Prelims 2015:
‘Global Financial Stability Report’ is released by which organisation?
(a) Organization for Economic Cooperation and development (OECD)
(b) World Economic Forum
(c) World Bank
(d) World trade Organization (WTO)
Post your answers here.
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: INS Jatayu, Eight Degree Channel
Mains level: Read the attached story
In the news
- The Naval Detachment Minicoy will transition into INS Jatayu, an upgraded naval base, symbolizing India’s commitment to bolstering security infrastructure in the strategic Lakshadweep Islands.
- This development underscores the Indian Navy’s strategic imperative to fortify its presence in the region.
About INS Jatayu
- Upgrade to Naval Base: INS Jatayu will be elevated to a fully-fledged naval base, equipped with essential infrastructure such as an airfield and housing facilities.
- Strategic Location: Situated amidst vital Sea Lines of Communications (SLOCs), the Lakshadweep Islands hold immense strategic importance, serving as a gateway to the Indian Ocean.
- Enhanced Operational Capability: The transformation of Naval Detachment Minicoy into INS Jatayu signifies a significant augmentation of the Navy’s operational capabilities in the region.
- Geopolitical Dynamics: Against the backdrop of evolving geopolitical dynamics, particularly China’s increasing influence in the Indian Ocean Region, the establishment of INS Jatayu assumes greater significance.
A Strategic Asset: Lakshadweep Archipelago
- Geographical Context: Lakshadweep, comprising 36 islands, lies strategically between the Indian mainland and the Maldives, serving as a vital link in India’s maritime security architecture.
- Maritime Highways: Minicoy, in particular, is strategically positioned along key maritime highways, including the Eight Degree Channel and the Nine Degree Channel.
Future Prospects and Challenges
- Operational Implications: The establishment of INS Jatayu will bolster the Navy’s operational reach and responsiveness, enabling effective anti-piracy and anti-narcotics operations in the western Arabian Sea.
- Ecological Considerations: The fragile ecology of the island poses challenges for infrastructure development, necessitating meticulous planning and environmental clearances.
- Operational Expansion: The proposed airfield at INS Jatayu will facilitate operations for various aircraft, bolstering the Navy’s surveillance capabilities and extending its operational reach.
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: ADITI Scheme, iDEX
Mains level: Read the attached story
In the news
- The recently launched ADITI scheme by the Union Minister of Defence marks a new era in promoting innovations in critical and strategic defence technologies.
About ADITI Scheme
- Scheme Objective: Acing Development of Innovative Technologies with iDEX (ADITI) is aimed at fostering innovations in critical and strategic defence technologies.
- Development Goals: The scheme targets the development of approximately 30 deep-tech critical and strategic technologies within the proposed timeframe.
- Eligibility Criteria: Start-ups can avail grant-in-aid of up to Rs 25 crore for their research, development, and innovation efforts in defence technology.
- Budget Allocation: ADITI is backed by a budget of Rs 750 crore spanning from 2023-24 to 2025-26.
- Framework: It operates within the iDEX (Innovations for Defence Excellence) framework under the Department of Defence Production, Ministry of Defence.
Features of the Scheme
- Bridge-building Initiative: ADITI aims to establish a ‘Technology Watch Tool’ to bridge the gap between the modern Armed Forces’ expectations and requirements and the capabilities of the defence innovation ecosystem.
- Incentives for Innovators: iDEX has been expanded to iDEX Prime, offering increased assistance from Rs 1.5 crore to Rs 10 crore, motivating young innovators to participate.
- National Transformation: Initiatives like ADITI, iDEX, and iDEX Prime are instrumental in propelling India towards becoming a knowledge society.
- Youth Empowerment: The scheme aims to nurture youth innovation, propelling the country forward in the realm of technology.
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Cavum, Altocumulus Clouds
Mains level: Not Much
In the news
- Recently, the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) shared mesmerizing images of Cavum clouds, also known as “hole-punch clouds” or “fallstreak holes,” as observed from space.
What are Cavum Clouds?
- Formation Process: Cavum clouds are formed when airplanes traverse through layers of altocumulus clouds, which are mid-level clouds containing supercooled water droplets (water below freezing temperature but still in liquid form).
- Adiabatic Expansion: As the aircraft moves through, a phenomenon called adiabatic expansion can occur, causing the water droplets to freeze into ice crystals.
- Creation of Holes: These ice crystals eventually become too heavy and fall out of the cloud layer, resulting in the formation of a hole in the clouds.
- Steep Angle Formation: Cavum clouds are typically formed when planes pass through at a relatively steep angle.
About Altocumulus Clouds
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Details |
| Appearance |
Altocumulus clouds are mid-level clouds characterized by white or gray patches or layers. |
| Formation |
They form between 2,000 to 7,000 meters (6,500 to 23,000 feet) above sea level. |
| Composition |
Composed of water droplets and occasionally ice crystals. |
| Shape |
Usually appear as rounded masses or rolls. |
| Weather Patterns |
Often indicate fair weather, but can also precede thunderstorms or cold fronts. |
| Optical Effects |
They can create a halo effect around the sun or moon when thin enough. |
| Classification |
Altocumulus clouds are classified as “middle-level clouds” (based on their altitude in the atmosphere). |
| Associated Types |
Altocumulus castellanus: Towering altocumulus clouds indicating instability and potential storminess. |
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