Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Key provisions of CAA, 2019
Mains level: CAA Rules
In the news
- The long-awaited Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) has been set into motion by the Centre, marking a significant step forward in India’s legislative landscape.
- Enacted in December 2019, the CAA aims to provide citizenship to certain migrants from neighboring countries, sparking debates and controversies nationwide.
Making of the CAA, 2019: A Timeline
2002: Initial efforts were made to address the challenges faced by Pakistani Hindus seeking Indian visas and citizenship.
2004: Amendments to Citizenship Rules empowered district magistrates to grant Long Term Visas (LTVs) and citizenship to migrants in border districts.
2010: The Ministry of Home Affairs eased restrictions on LTV extensions for certain categories of Pakistani nationals.
2014: Notification allowed citizenship for select migrant communities, excluding Jains and Parsis.
2018: Government extended LTV eligibility to communities seeking Indian citizenship, offering various benefits. |
New Citizenship Law: Eligibility and Required Documentation
- Beneficiaries: The CAA primarily benefits Hindu, Sikh, Buddhist, Jain, Parsi, or Christian migrants from Pakistan, Bangladesh, and Afghanistan who entered India before December 31, 2014.
- Documentation: Applicants need to provide proof of their country of origin, religion, date of entry into India, and knowledge of an Indian language.
- Proof of Country of Origin: Acceptable documents include birth certificates, educational institution certificates, identity documents, licenses, certificates, or any other document issued by Pakistan, Bangladesh, or Afghanistan.
- Establishing Date of Entry: Applicants can provide a range of documents such as visas, residential permits, census slips, driving licenses, Aadhaar cards, ration cards, or any letter issued by the government or court to prove their entry date.
- Generational Proof: Applicants can also provide documents indicating familial ties to these countries, such as those showing ancestry, expanding the scope of eligibility.
Application Processing Mechanism
[A] Empowered Committees
- Role of Empowered Committee: This committee is tasked with overseeing the entire process, from receiving to processing applications. It ensures that all procedures are followed diligently and efficiently.
- Membership: The Empowered Committee is headed by a Director (Census Operations) and comprises representatives from various government bodies, including the Subsidiary Intelligence Bureau, the Foreigners’ Regional Registration Office (FRRO), the National Informatics Centre (NIC), and the Postmaster General.
- Responsibilities: The committee members are responsible for verifying the authenticity of documents submitted by applicants, conducting background checks, and making final decisions on citizenship applications.
[B] District Level Committees (DLC)
- Composition: The DLC consists of the District Informatics Officer or District Informatics Assistant and a nominee of the central government.
- Functions: DLCs serve as the initial point of contact for applicants, receiving their submissions and ensuring they are complete and accurate before forwarding them to the Empowered Committee for further processing.
- Oversight: While DLCs handle the initial stages of application processing, they operate under the supervision and guidance of the Empowered Committee. This hierarchical structure ensures uniformity and consistency in decision-making across different regions.
[C] Electronic Submission and Processing
- Digital Platform: To streamline operations and minimize paperwork, the application process is conducted electronically. Applicants submit their documents and forms through an online portal managed by the government.
- Efficiency: Electronic submission allows for faster processing times and reduces the risk of errors associated with manual data entry. It also enables real-time tracking of application status, providing transparency to applicants throughout the process.
- Data Security: The government ensures robust cybersecurity measures to protect the sensitive information submitted by applicants. Encryption protocols and secure servers safeguard data integrity and confidentiality.
Conclusion
- The implementation of the CAA signifies a significant policy shift aimed at addressing the plight of persecuted minorities in neighbouring countries.
- While the rules have sparked debates and opposition, they also represent India’s commitment to humanitarian values and providing refuge to those in need.
- As the citizenship application process unfolds, it will be crucial to ensure transparency, fairness, and adherence to legal procedures to uphold the principles of justice and inclusivity.
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Liberal Democratic Index (LDI)
Mains level: Propaganda reports against India
In the news
- India, previously categorized as an “electoral autocracy” in 2018, has further declined to become one of the “worst autocratizers,” according to the ‘Democracy Report 2024’ by the Gothenburg-based V-Dem (or Varieties of Democracy) Institute.
Key highlights on India
- Deteriorating Status: India, previously downgraded to an electoral autocracy in 2018, has further declined to become “one of the worst autocratizers.”
- Historical Comparison: India’s level of “liberal democracy” has regressed significantly, reaching levels last seen in 1975 during the state of emergency declared by Indira Gandhi.
- Regime Classification: India falls into the category of electoral autocracy, characterized by multiparty elections alongside insufficient levels of freedom of expression and fair elections.
- Erosion of Democratic Freedoms: The report highlights the gradual deterioration of freedom of expression, media independence, and attacks on civil society under the current government.
About the V-Dem Democracy Report
- Publication: The V-Dem Institute releases the Democracy Report annually, offering insights into the state of democracy worldwide, focusing on democratization and autocratization.
- Regime Classification: Countries are categorized into four regime types based on their scores in the Liberal Democratic Index (LDI), encompassing a spectrum from liberal democracy to closed autocracy.
What is Liberal Democratic Index (LDI)?
- Comprehensive Assessment: The LDI evaluates both liberal (individual and minority rights) and electoral aspects (free and fair elections) of democracy.
- Indicators: It comprises 71 indicators, encompassing the Liberal Component Index (LCI) and the Electoral Democracy Index (EDI), capturing various dimensions of democratic governance.
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- LCI: Measures aspects like protection of individual liberties and legislative constraints on the executive.
- EDI: Considers indicators ensuring free and fair elections such as freedom of expression and association.
- Components of the LDI include:
- Egalitarian Component Index: Assesses the extent of equality among different social groups within a democracy.
- Participatory Component Index: Evaluates the health of citizen groups and civil society organizations, indicating the degree of citizen engagement.
- Deliberative Component Index: Gauges whether political decisions are driven by public reasoning focused on the common good or influenced by emotional appeals, solidarity attachments, or coercion.
- Publication Schedule: The Democracy Report is typically published annually in March, presenting a comprehensive analysis of global democratic trends.
Key Findings from the Democracy Report 2024:
- Collaborative Effort: The report is a collaborative endeavour involving 4,200 scholars from 180 countries, leveraging 31 million datasets spanning from 1789 to 2023 to assess the democratic status of 202 countries.
- Global Trends:
- Autocratization: In 2023, 42 countries, representing 35% of the world’s population, were undergoing autocratization.
- Population in Autocracies: Currently, 71% of the world’s population, amounting to 5.7 billion people, resides in autocracies, marking a significant increase from 48% a decade ago.
- Decline in Democracy: The level of democracy experienced by the average individual globally has regressed to 1985 levels, with Eastern Europe, South, and Central Asia experiencing the sharpest declines.
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Nuclear Wastes mentioned in the newscard, Nuclear Fission Reaction
Mains level: Nuclear Waste Management
In the news
- India recently achieved a significant milestone in its nuclear program with the loading of the core of the Prototype Fast Breeder Reactor (PFBR).
- However, as India progresses towards energy independence, it faces the complex challenge of managing nuclear waste.
What is Nuclear Waste?
- Composition: Nuclear waste comprises radioactive by-products generated during the fission process in nuclear reactors.
- Radioactive Elements: These by-products include elements such as barium-144, krypton-89, and various isotopes of uranium and plutonium.
Nuclear Waste Handling Techniques
- Spent Fuel Storage: Spent fuel, initially stored underwater for cooling, is later transferred to dry casks for long-term storage. This process is critical due to the high radioactivity of spent fuel. Ex.: The U.S. had 69,682 tonnes of spent fuel (as of 2015), Canada had 54,000 tonnes (2016), and Russia had 21,362 tonnes (2014).
- Liquid Waste Treatment: Nuclear power plants have facilities to treat liquid waste, with some waste being discharged into the environment after treatment.
- Vitrification: Liquid high-level waste is vitrified to form a stable glass for long-term storage.
- Reprocessing: Reprocessing separates fissile material from non-fissile elements in spent fuel, allowing for the reuse of valuable materials. Ex.: India operates reprocessing plants in Trombay, Tarapur, and Kalpakkam.
- Geological Disposal: Some experts advocate for burying nuclear waste deep underground in stable geological formations. Waste is sealed in containers and buried in granite or clay formations, away from human activity.
Challenges and Concerns
- Environmental Risks: Improper waste management can lead to contamination of water resources and surrounding areas.
- Ex.: The Asse II salt mine in Germany faced contamination concerns due to nuclear waste storage.
- Safety Concerns: Accidents at nuclear waste storage sites highlight the need for stringent safety measures.
- Ex.: The Waste Isolation Pilot Plant (WIPP) in the U.S. experienced an accident in 2014, releasing radioactive materials.
- Cost Implications: Waste management accounts for a significant portion of the overall cost of nuclear energy production.
- Cost Estimate: Waste management imposes a cost of $1.6-7.1 per MWh of nuclear energy.
India’s Nuclear Waste Management
- On-Site Storage: Low and intermediate-level nuclear waste generated at power stations is treated and stored on-site. India’s PFBR project aims to address waste management challenges by utilizing fast breeder reactor technology.
- IAEA Safeguards: India adheres to International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) safeguards, ensuring the safe and secure handling of nuclear materials and waste.
- Challenges Ahead: The delayed commissioning of the PFBR suggests potential complications in managing spent fuel with different compositions.
Way Forward
- Investment in Research: Continued investment in research and development of advanced waste treatment technologies can enhance efficiency and safety in nuclear waste management.
- International Collaboration: Collaborating with international organizations and sharing best practices can provide valuable insights and expertise in addressing nuclear waste challenges.
- Public Engagement: Engaging with stakeholders and the public to raise awareness about nuclear waste management and address concerns regarding safety and environmental impact is crucial.
- Regulatory Framework: Strengthening regulatory frameworks and implementing robust safety standards can ensure compliance with international guidelines and safeguard against potential hazards.
Conclusion
- As India advances its nuclear program, effective waste management strategies are crucial to mitigate environmental and safety risks.
Try this PYQ from CSE Prelims 2018:
Q.In the Indian context, what is the implication of ratifying the ‘Additional Protocol’ with the `International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA)’?
(a) The civilian nuclear reactors come under IAEA safeguards.
(b) The military nuclear installations come under the inspection of IAEA.
(c) The country will have the privilege to buy uranium from the Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG).
(d) The country automatically becomes a member of the NSG.
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Sabarmati Ashram and the associated events
Mains level: NA
In the news
- Prime Minister’s recent activities, commemorating the 94th anniversary of the Dandi March at the Sabarmati Ashram, mark a significant step towards the redevelopment and expansion of this historic site.
Ashrams Built by Mahatma Gandhi
Gandhi set up five settlements during his lifetime — two in South Africa (Phoenix Settlement in Natal, and Tolstoy Farm outside Johannesburg), where he lived from 1893 to 1914, and three in India, where he arrived in January 1915.
South Africa Settlements:
- Phoenix Settlement in Natal: Founded in 1904, the Phoenix Settlement was established by Gandhi as a communal living space and center for social and political activism. It served as a hub for his Satyagraha campaigns against racial discrimination and injustice in South Africa.
- Tolstoy Farm outside Johannesburg: Gandhi established Tolstoy Farm in 1910 as a self-sustaining community inspired by the teachings of Russian writer Leo Tolstoy. It served as a refuge for Indian immigrants and a base for organizing resistance against discriminatory laws.
Indian Settlements:
- Ahmedabad Ashram (Kocharab Ashram): Gandhi’s first ashram in India was established in Kocharab, Ahmedabad, in 1915. It was initially a rented space and was later moved to a larger site on the banks of the Sabarmati River, becoming the Sabarmati Ashram.
- Sabarmati Ashram: Read the article below.
- Sevagram Ashram: Established in 1936 near Wardha in Maharashtra, Sevagram Ashram was Gandhi’s final residence in India. It was intended to be a model village based on principles of self-reliance, sustainability, and nonviolence. Gandhi spent the last years of his life here, engaging in various constructive programs and campaigns.
Try this PYQ from CSE Mains 2019:
Q. Many voices had strengthened and enriched the nationalist movement during the Gandhian Phase. Elaborate. |
About Sabarmati Ashram
- Founded in 1917 by Mahatma Gandhi, the Sabarmati Ashram holds immense historical significance in India’s struggle for independence and Gandhian philosophy.
- Situated on the western bank of the Sabarmati River, north of the village of Juna Vadaj in Ahmedabad, Gujarat, the ashram became a focal point for various movements and experiments led by Gandhi.
Key Movements and Initiatives
- Champaran Satyagraha (1917): The ashram served as a base for Gandhi’s involvement in the Champaran Satyagraha, a movement against oppressive indigo planters in Bihar.
- Khadi Movement (1918): Gandhi initiated the Khadi movement from Sabarmati Ashram, promoting the use of hand-spun cloth as a means to boycott foreign goods and promote self-reliance.
- Ahmedabad Mill Strike (1918) and Kheda Satyagraha: Gandhi led the workers’ strike in Ahmedabad and the peasants’ movement in Kheda, both of which were pivotal in India’s struggle for independence.
- Non-Cooperation Movement (1920): The ashram played a crucial role in Gandhi’s call for non-cooperation with British authorities, urging Indians to boycott British goods and institutions.
- Dandi March (1930): One of the most iconic events in India’s freedom struggle, the Dandi March, commenced from Sabarmati Ashram. Gandhi, along with his followers, marched to Dandi to protest against the salt tax imposed by the British.
Philosophy and Ideals
- Gandhi envisioned Sabarmati Ashram as a community based on principles of simplicity, self-reliance, and communal living.
- He emphasized the importance of truth, non-violence (Ahimsa), and Satyagraha (nonviolent resistance) as tools for social and political change.
Activities and Structures
The ashram housed various facilities and structures, including:
- Hriday Kunj: Gandhi’s residence at the ashram, where he lived with his wife Kasturba.
- Gandhi Smarak Sangrahalaya: A museum dedicated to Gandhi’s life, showcasing his personal belongings, letters, and photographs.
- Magan Niwas: A guesthouse for visitors and volunteers.
- Vinoba-Mira Kutir: Residence of Vinoba Bhave and Mira Behn, Gandhian disciples.
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Yaounde Declaration, Malaria
Mains level: NA
In the news
- Health ministers from 11 African nations grappling with the heaviest malaria burdens have recently signed the Yaounde Declaration.
What is Yaounde Declaration?
|
Details |
| Signed at |
Yaoundé conference, hosted by WHO and the Government of Cameroon in Yaoundé, Cameroon (capital). |
| Participants |
Ministers of Health, global malaria partners, funding agencies, scientists, civil society organizations, and other malaria stakeholders. |
| Signatory countries |
- Burkina Faso, Cameroon, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Ghana, Mali, Mozambique, Niger, Nigeria, Sudan, Uganda, and Tanzania.
- These countries collectively account for over 70% of the global malaria burden.
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| Pledges |
- Effective tackling of malaria threat in Africa, leading better and investing more money in fighting malaria, using new technology for data, etc.
- Investing more in health infrastructure, personnel, and programs, collaborating across sectors, forming partnerships for funding, research, and innovation.
- Showing strong commitment to quickly reducing malaria deaths and holding each other and their countries accountable for the commitments.
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