Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Terms of state Assemblies and Lok Sabha
Mains level: Role of ECI in fixing the election schedule
Why in the news?
- The date of counting for Assembly elections in Arunachal and Sikkim has been advanced by two days to make sure that the terms of their existing Houses don’t end before the election process is complete.
Context-
- The Election Commission of India (ECI) holds a crucial responsibility in coordinating and supervising electoral procedures nationwide.
- This encompasses setting timetables for elections to legislative bodies like state assemblies and the Lok Sabha (House of the People).
What was the original schedule for the election and counting in these two states? (2024)
- Schedule Announcement: The schedule for Assembly elections in Arunachal Pradesh and Sikkim, as well as the Lok Sabha elections, was announced on March 16. The Assembly elections in Arunachal Pradesh and Sikkim were set to be notified on March 20.
- Nomination Period: Candidates could file their nominations for the elections until March 27.
- Withdrawal Period: The deadline for withdrawing nominations was set for March 30.
- Date of Polling: Both Assembly and Lok Sabha elections were scheduled to take place on April 19, marking the first phase of polling.
- Seven-Phase Lok Sabha Elections: The Lok Sabha elections were planned to be held in seven phases on the following dates: April 19, April 26, May 7, May 13, May 20, May 26, and June 1.
- One-Day Elections: Twenty-two states and Union Territories, including Arunachal Pradesh and Sikkim, were scheduled to conduct one-day elections.
- Counting Date: Counting for all seats in the Lok Sabha and the four Assemblies would occur on June 4, according to the Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Rajiv Kumar.
So what has changed now?
- Change in Counting Date: The Election Commission of India (ECI) announced a change in the counting date for Assembly seats in Arunachal Pradesh and Sikkim from June 4 to June 2.
- Reason for Change: ECI officials stated that the decision to change the counting date was made after realizing that the terms of the Assemblies in Arunachal Pradesh and Sikkim were ending on June 2.
- Completion of Election Process: The decision to bring forward the counting date was based on the constitutional mandate that the election process must be completed before the term of an Assembly ends.
- Ensuring Constitutional Compliance: By adjusting the counting date to align with the end of the Assembly terms, the ECI ensures that the electoral process remains per constitutional requirements.
What exactly does the Constitution say about the terms of state Assemblies and Lok Sabha?
- Lok Sabha Term: Article 83(2) outlines that the Lok Sabha unless sooner dissolved, continues for five years from the date appointed for its first meeting. Similar to state Assemblies, the expiration of the five years leads to the dissolution of the House.
- State Assembly Term: Article 172(1) of the Constitution specifies that every Legislative Assembly of every State shall continue for five years from the date appointed for its first meeting unless sooner dissolved. The expiration of the five years results in the dissolution of the Assembly.
- Extension of Assembly Term: During a Proclamation of Emergency, Parliament has the authority to extend the term of the Assembly by up to one year at a time, not exceeding six months after the Proclamation ceases to operate.
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How does this apply to the Assemblies of Arunachal Pradesh and Sikkim?
- Constitutional Mandate: The Constitution mandates that the term of Legislative Assemblies lasts for five years from the date of their first meeting unless dissolved earlier.
- Completion of Electoral Process: With the term of the Assemblies ending on June 2, 2024, the electoral process, including voting and counting, must be completed before this date to ensure a smooth transition to the new Assemblies.
What are the things that the ECI looks at while fixing the election schedule?
- Factors Considered by ECI: The Election Commission of India (ECI) considers various factors while fixing the election schedule, including weather conditions, festivals, important examinations, availability of school buildings for polling stations, and mobilization of teachers for election duty.
- Logistical Considerations: The ECI takes into account the country’s historical and geographic situation, as well as logistical requirements such as moving security forces to ensure free and fair elections.
- Term of the Legislature: The date of expiration of the term of the legislature is the primary consideration for fixing the election schedule. This date is known five years in advance, calculated from the date of the first sitting of the existing House.
- Completion of Election Process: The ECI aims to complete the election process at least one day before the end of the term of the House. Results are declared a few days prior, allowing time for documentation and other formalities.
Has something similar occurred earlier too?
- Change in Counting Date in Andhra Pradesh (2004): In 2004, the Election Commission of India (ECI) scheduled the counting of votes for the Assembly election in Andhra Pradesh on May 11, two days earlier than the scheduled counting for Lok Sabha and other states. This adjustment was made because the tenure of the Assembly in Andhra Pradesh was set to end on May 13.
- Changes for Festivals or Locally Relevant Events: The ECI has made changes to the announced election schedule to accommodate festivals or locally relevant events. For example, in Mizoram in the previous year, the date of counting for the Assembly election was changed from December 3 to December 4 to avoid a clash with Sunday, which holds special significance for the Christian-majority population.
- Delinking Counting in Specific States: The ECI has previously drawn up schedules that delink the counting in a particular state from the counting in the rest of the country or from the counting of other elections held simultaneously. This strategy allows for the smooth conduct of elections while respecting the constitutional timeline for the end of the term of the House.
Conclusion:
The Election Commission adjusts the counting date for Arunachal Pradesh and Sikkim Assemblies to align with the constitutional mandate. Factors like legislative terms, logistical considerations, and past precedents guide the ECI in fixing election schedules.
Mains PYQ-
Q- Discuss the role of the Election Commission of India in light of the evolution of the Model Code of Conduct. (UPSC IAS/2022)
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Price stabilization fund
Mains level: Significance of Price stabilization fund
Why in the news?
The government has approved the inclusion of wheat and rice under its price stabilization fund to provide subsidies for the quantity allocated under Bharat atta and rice sale.
Context: After it started selling Bharat atta and rice as part of its retail intervention in a bid to tame inflation as prices are soaring ahead of general elections
What is the Price Stabilisation Fund (PSF)?
A Price Stabilization Fund is established to mitigate excessive fluctuations in specific commodity prices. The fund’s resources are typically deployed to moderate high or low prices through various initiatives, such as procuring particular goods and distributing them as needed, ensuring prices stay within a desired range. |
Background-
- During the fiscal year 2014-15, the Price Stabilization Fund (PSF) was instituted within the Department of Agriculture, Cooperation & Farmers Welfare (DAC&FW) to manage the fluctuating costs of crucial agricultural commodities like onions, potatoes, and pulses.
- These commodities will be procured directly from farmers or their organizations at farm gates or designated marketplaces, and subsequently offered to consumers at a more affordable rate. Any incurred losses in the coordination between the central government and the states during these operations must be divided.
The significance of the Price Stabilization Fund (PSF) in the context of recent expansion to include of wheat and rice-
- Addressing Inflationary trends : The inclusion of wheat and rice under the PSF marks a significant expansion beyond the previously covered commodities like onions, potatoes, and pulses. This expansion reflects the government’s commitment to addressing inflationary trends across a broader spectrum of essential food items.
- Buffer Stock Management: The PSF is utilized to build up buffer stocks of key food commodities such as wheat and rice. These stocks are strategically released into the market during periods of price surges to stabilize prices and ensure affordability for consumers.
- Subsidy Allocation: The government provides subsidies to agencies like the Food Corporation of India (FCI) for supplying wheat and rice to central procurement agencies. This subsidy support helps in maintaining the affordability of these commodities, particularly under the Bharat brand, which is sold at subsidized prices.
- Inflation Mitigation: The inclusion of wheat and rice in the PSF is aimed at mitigating rising food inflation, which has been a concern ahead of general elections. By intervening in the market through strategic buffer stock management and subsidized sales, the government seeks to curb inflationary pressures and ensure food affordability for consumers.
- Policy Response to Market Dynamics: The decision to expand the PSF reflects a proactive policy response to address market dynamics, particularly concerning rising rice prices. By taking measures to stabilize prices and increase availability through the PSF, the government aims to alleviate the burden on consumers and mitigate potential electoral repercussions associated with food inflation.
The Price Stabilization Fund (PSF) addresses inflationary pressures and aids in maintaining food affordability through several mechanisms:
- Buffer Stock Management: The PSF accumulates buffer stocks of essential food commodities during periods of surplus production or lower prices. These stocks are strategically released into the market during periods of scarcity or price surges. By increasing the supply of commodities during shortages, the PSF helps stabilize prices and prevents excessive inflation.
- Subsidy Provision: The PSF provides subsidies to support the procurement and distribution of essential commodities. These subsidies enable the government to sell commodities at lower prices, making them more affordable for consumers. Subsidies can also incentivize increased production, leading to a greater supply of commodities and further price stability.
- Market Intervention: The PSF allows for direct intervention in the market to address sudden price fluctuations. By purchasing commodities during periods of low prices and selling them during periods of high prices, the PSF helps moderate price volatility and ensures that prices remain within a reasonable range.
- Consumer Protection: By stabilizing prices and ensuring the availability of essential food items, the PSF protects consumers from sudden spikes in food prices, which can disproportionately affect vulnerable populations. Affordable food prices contribute to improved food security and overall economic stability.
- Incentivizing Domestic Production: The PSF incentivizes domestic production by providing a guaranteed market for farmers’ produce at stable prices. This encourages farmers to increase their production levels, contributing to overall food security and helping to mitigate inflationary pressures.
Conclusion: The government is expanding the Price Stabilization Fund to include wheat and rice amid soaring food prices ahead of elections. This aims to manage inflation by subsidizing essential commodities and maintaining buffer stocks.
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Exercise IMT TRILAT- 2024
Mains level: NA
Why in the news-
- INS Tir and INS Sujata are set to participate in the second edition of the India-Mozambique-Tanzania (IMT) Tri-Lateral (TRILAT) Exercise.
Exercise IMT TRILAT- 2024
- It is a biennial exercise conducted by the navies of India, Mozambique and Tanzania.
- The first edition of the exercise took place in October 2022.
- It seeks to enhance India’s commitment to maritime security and cooperation in the Indian Ocean Region.
- Through this joint exercise, the Indian Navy aims to foster mutual trust and understanding with its maritime partners in Mozambique and Tanzania.
Phases of the Exercise
- Harbour Phase: Activities include joint harbour training such as Damage Control, Fire Fighting, Visit Board Search and Seizure procedures, Medical Lectures, Casualty Evacuation, and Diving operations.
- Sea Phase: Focuses on countering asymmetric threats, Visit Board Search and Seizure procedures, boat handling, manoeuvres, firing exercises, and joint EEZ surveillance.
PYQ:
2017: Consider the following in respect of Indian Ocean Naval Symposium (IONS):
- Inaugural IONS was held in India in 2015 under the chairmanship of the Indian Navy.
- IONS is a voluntary initiative that seeks to increase maritime co-operation among navies of the littoral states of the Indian Ocean Region.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
- 1 only
- 2 only
- Both 1 and 2
- Neither 1 nor 2
Practice MCQ:
Consider the following statements about Exercise IMT TRILAT:
- It is an annual exercise conducted by the navies of India, Mozambique and Tanzania.
- The first edition of the exercise took place in October 2022.
Which of the given statements is/are correct?
- Only 1
- Only 2
- Both 1 and 2
- Neither 1 nor 2
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: International Telecommunication Union (ITU)
Mains level: NA
What is the news-
- Neeraj Mittal, Secretary of the Department of Telecommunications, Government of India was unanimously elected as co-chair of the Digital Innovation Board of International Telecommunication Union (ITU).
About ITU Digital Innovation Board
- This board is established under the Innovation and Entrepreneurship Alliance for Digital Development.
- It comprises of Ministers and Vice Ministers of Telecom/ICT of 23 Member Countries.
- The Alliance establishes the Board to provide strategic guidance, expertise and advocacy regarding its mission of building critical local enablers.
Innovation and Entrepreneurship Alliance
- ITU has started this Alliance to respond to significant unmet needs of ITU Membership in the area of innovation.
- It is based on the Kigali Action Plan adopted at the World Telecommunication Development Conference 2022 (WTDC-22) and the Outcomes of the ITU Plenipotentiary Conference 2022 (PP-22).
- The Alliance has three main vehicles: –
- Digital Transformation Lab
- Network of Acceleration Centres
- Digital Innovation Board
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What is the International Telecommunication Union (ITU)?
- The ITU is a specialized agency of the United Nations (UN) responsible for issues related to information and communication technologies (ICTs).
- It was established in 1865 as the International Telegraph Union, making it one of the oldest international organizations.
- In 1932, the organization was renamed the International Telecommunication Union to reflect its broader mandate.
- It is headquartered in Geneva, Switzerland.
- Its functions include:
- Allocate global radio spectrum and satellite orbits,
- Develops the technical standards that ensure networks and technologies seamlessly interconnect, and
- Strives to improve access to ICTs to underserved communities worldwide.
Membership:
- ITU’s membership includes 193 member states (countries) and over 900 private sector entities, including telecommunications companies, equipment manufacturers, research institutions, and non-governmental organizations (NGOs).
- India has been an active member of the ITU since 1869 and has been a regular member of the ITU Council since 1952.
PYQ:
2020: In India, the term “Public Key Infrastructure” is used in the context of
- Digital security infrastructure
- Food security infrastructure
- Healthcare and education infrastructure
- Telecommunication and transportation infrastructure
Practise MCQ:
The global telecom body International Telecommunication Union (ITU) has recently elected India as the co-chair of the Digital Innovation Board. Which of the following statements about ITU is/are correct?
- It is the United Nations specialised agency for Information and Communication Technologies.
- Its entry is open to all countries, Private Companies as well as institutions.
- India has been a member of ITU since 1869.
Select the correct option:
- All are correct
- Only 3
- 1 and 3
- 1 and 2
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: World Happiness Report , India's ranking
Mains level: Not Much
What is the news-
- India was ranked 126th out of 143 nations in the World Happiness Report 2024, a global happiness index which was released, March 20 to mark the UN’s International Day of Happiness.
About the World Happiness Report
- The WHR is an annual publication of the UN Sustainable Development Solutions Network.
- It is released in partnership by Gallup, the Oxford Wellbeing Research Centre, the UN Sustainable Development Solutions Network (SDSN), and the World Happiness Report’s Editorial Board
- It measures three main well-being indicators: life evaluations, positive emotions, and negative emotions (described in the report as positive and negative affect).
- The report considers six key factors: social support, income, health, freedom, generosity, and the absence of corruption.
- It was adopted by the UN General Assembly based on a resolution tabled by Bhutan.
Key Highlights of the 2024 Report
- Top: For the seventh successive year, Finland topped the list of the happiest countries in the world.
- Runner-ups: The other countries in the top ten were Denmark, Iceland, Sweden, Israel, the Netherlands, Norway, Luxembourg, Switzerland and Australia.
- Bottom: Afghanistan was at the bottom of the list.
Indian Scenario
- Ranking: India maintains its position at 126th in the happiness index. Surprisingly, it is behind Pakistan, Libya, Iraq, Palestine and Niger.
- Neighbourhood: China was ranked 60th, Nepal at 93, Pakistan at 108, Myanmar at 118, Sri Lanka at 128 and Bangladesh at 129th spots.
- Influencing Factors: Marital status, social engagement, physical health, and satisfaction with living arrangements influence life satisfaction among older Indians.
- Gendered Happiness: Older Indian women tend to report higher life satisfaction despite facing more stressors and health challenges.
- Key Predictors: Factors like education level, social caste, social support, perceived discrimination, and self-rated health significantly impact life satisfaction among older Indians.
PYQ:
2018: “Rule of Law Index” is released by which of the following?
- Amnesty International
- International Court of Justice
- The Office of UN Commissioner for Human Rights
- World Justice Project
Practice MCQ:
With reference to the World Happiness Report, 2024, consider the following statements:
- The report is an annual publication of the UN Sustainable Development Solutions Network.
- It was adopted by the UN General Assembly based on a resolution tabled by Bhutan.
- India’s ranking has been consistently improved in this report in last two years.
How many of the given statements is/are correct?
- One
- Two
- Three
- None
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: RBI, SEBI and their regulatory functions
Mains level: NA
Why in the news-
- Recent actions by both India’s banking regulator RBI and the securities watchdog SEBI have startled the market, exposing various malpractices in the financial sector.
Context
- Banking Sector: The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) faces political scrutiny following the Supreme Court’s ban on anonymous political funding instruments introduced by the government in 2018. Its oversight was questioned amidst concerns about opaque corporate donations in the Electoral Bonds Scheme which was recently held unconstitutional.
- Securities Market: The Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) is under pressure to address concerns about asset price inflation, concentrated positions in illiquid shares, and excessive speculation among retail investors. Its credibility was questioned after Hindenburg Research’s allegations.
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Financial Landscape and its Regulation
[1] Reserve Bank of India (RBI)
- The RBI is the central bank and monetary authority of India.
- It is established on April 1, 1935, under the Reserve Bank of India Act, 1934.
- Its idea was incepted from the recommendations of the Hilton Young Commission.
- It is a centralized institution for India to effectively regulate its monetary and credit policies.
- RBI had its initial headquarters in Kolkata, later moving permanently to Mumbai in 1937.
- Initially, the RBI operated as a privately owned entity until its full nationalization in 1949.
Key Regulatory Functions of the RBI:
(i) Monetary Policy:
- The RBI formulates and implements monetary policies to achieve price stability, economic growth, and financial stability.
- The Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) determines the policy interest rates, such as the repo rate, reverse repo rate, and marginal standing facility rate, based on inflation targeting and growth objectives.
- By adjusting these rates, the RBI influences money supply, credit flow, and interest rates in the economy.
(ii) Banking Regulation and Supervision:
- The RBI regulates and supervises banks and financial institutions to ensure their stability, soundness, and compliance with regulatory norms.
- It issues guidelines, directives, and prudential regulations covering aspects like capital adequacy, asset quality, management effectiveness, and liquidity risk management.
- The RBI conducts regular inspections, audits, and assessments of banks to assess their financial health and adherence to regulations.
- It also intervenes in troubled banks to protect depositors’ interests and maintain financial stability.
(iii) Payment and Settlement Systems:
- The RBI manages and oversees payment and settlement systems to ensure efficiency, safety, and reliability in financial transactions.
- It operates the Real-Time Gross Settlement (RTGS) system for large-value transactions and the National Electronic Funds Transfer (NEFT) system for retail transactions.
- The RBI formulates regulations and standards for payment systems, promotes innovation in payment technologies, and monitors systemically important payment infrastructures to mitigate risks and enhance resilience.
(iv) Financial Markets Regulation:
- The RBI regulates and supervises financial markets, including money, bonds, foreign exchange, and derivative markets, to maintain market integrity and investor confidence.
- It issues guidelines, directives, and regulations governing market participants, intermediaries, and trading activities.
- The RBI monitors market developments, enforces compliance with regulations, and intervenes in markets to address disorderly conditions, liquidity shortages, or excessive volatility.
- It also conducts open market operations (OMOs) to manage liquidity and stabilize interest rates.
[2] Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI)
- SEBI is the regulatory authority overseeing India’s securities and commodity markets.
- Established in 1988 as a non-statutory body, SEBI was granted statutory powers with the enactment of the SEBI Act 1992 by the Indian Parliament.
- It operates under the purview of the Ministry of Finance.
- SEBI’s structure includes a chairman nominated by the GoI, members from the Union Finance Ministry, the Reserve Bank of India, and others.
- Its headquarters is in Mumbai, with regional offices in Ahmedabad, Kolkata, Chennai, and Delhi.
Key Regulatory Functions of the SEBI:
(i) Formulating Regulations:
- SEBI formulates regulations, guidelines, and directives to govern various aspects of the securities market.
- This includes regulations related to public issuances, disclosures, insider trading, takeover bids, corporate governance, and investor protection.
(ii) Monitoring Market Participants:
- SEBI regulates and supervises market intermediaries such as stock exchanges, brokers, merchant bankers, portfolio managers, and mutual funds.
- It sets eligibility criteria, registration requirements, and conduct norms for these entities and monitors their compliance with regulations.
(iii) Overseeing Market Infrastructure:
- SEBI oversees the functioning of stock exchanges, clearing corporations, depositories, and other market infrastructure institutions.
- It ensures that these entities maintain adequate systems, procedures, and safeguards to facilitate fair, transparent, and efficient trading and settlement operations.
(iv) Enforcing Securities Laws:
- SEBI enforces securities laws and regulations by conducting inspections, investigations, and enforcement actions against violations.
- It has the authority to impose penalties, suspend licenses, and initiate legal proceedings against individuals or entities found to be engaged in fraudulent or unfair practices.
(v) Regulating Securities Offerings:
- SEBI regulates public offerings of securities, including initial public offerings (IPOs), rights issues, and follow-on public offerings.
- It reviews offer documents, ensures disclosure of material information to investors, and supervises the conduct of issuers, underwriters, and other intermediaries involved in the offering process.
(vi) Monitoring Insider Trading and Market Manipulation:
- SEBI monitors and regulates insider trading, market manipulation, and other fraudulent activities that can undermine market integrity.
- It prohibits insider trading, imposes restrictions on share buybacks and open market operations, and investigates suspicious trading activities to maintain market fairness and transparency.
PYQ:
2015: In the light of Satyam Scandal (2009), discuss the changes brought in the corporate governance to ensure transparency and accountability.
2021: With reference to India, consider the following statements:
- Retail investors through demat account can invest in ‘Treasury Bills’ and ‘Government of India Debt Bonds’ in primary market.
- The ‘Negotiated Dealing System-Order Matching’ is a government securities trading platform of the Reserve Bank of India.
- The ‘Central Depository Services Ltd.’ is jointly promoted by the Reserve Bank of India and the Bombay Stock Exchange.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
- 1 only
- 1 and 2 only
- 3 only
- 2 and 3 only
Practice MCQ:
With reference to the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI), consider the following statements:
- It was established in 1988 as a non-statutory body.
- It operates under the Ministry of Corporate Affairs.
- It consists of a chairman, members from the Union Finance Ministry and the Reserve Bank of India.
How many of the given statements is/are correct?
- One
- Two
- Three
- None
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Section 377, LGBTQ+ Rights
Mains level: Sexual Minorities and their Social Rights
Why in the news-
- The Supreme Court issued a cautionary directive to judges regarding court-ordered counselling for LGBTQ+ individuals, emphasizing the need to respect their identity and sexual orientation.
Context
- Petition: The verdict stemmed from a habeas corpus petition filed by a Kerala-based woman seeking the whereabouts of her same-sex partner, highlighting the challenges faced by LGBTQ+ individuals in asserting their rights.
- Coercion Concerns: Concerns were raised about court-ordered counselling potentially being used to coerce individuals against their sexual orientation or chosen partners, prompting the Supreme Court to address these apprehensions.
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Counselling to LGBTQ+ Persons:
[A] Guidelines and Observations
- Avoiding Identity Suppression: Judges were cautioned against using counselling as a tool to coerce individuals into rejecting their LGBTQ+ identity or relationships, particularly when they are in distress or facing familial separation.
- Upholding Constitutional Values: CJI underscored the importance of upholding constitutional values, urging judges to refrain from imposing their personal biases or societal prejudices during legal proceedings.
- Empathy and Compassion: The verdict emphasized that judges must demonstrate sincere empathy and compassion towards LGBTQ+ individuals, ensuring that the principles of justice and equality guide legal decisions.
[B] Guidelines for Courts
- Embracing Diversity: Courts were directed to eschew social morality influenced by homophobic or transphobic views, prioritizing the protection of individual rights and freedoms.
- Respecting Chosen Families: Acknowledging the significance of chosen families for LGBTQ+ individuals, the court highlighted the need to recognize and respect these relationships, especially in cases involving familial rejection or violence.
LGBTQ+ Persons (Sexual Minority) Rights in India: An Overview
- Decriminalization of Homosexuality: A watershed moment occurred on September 6, 2018, when the Supreme Court of India partially struck down Section 377 of the Indian Penal Code, which criminalized consensual same-sex relationships. This historic decision marked a crucial step towards recognizing the dignity and autonomy of LGBTQ+ individuals.
- Recognition of Transgender Rights: In 2014, the Supreme Court recognized transgender individuals as the third gender and affirmed their fundamental rights under the Constitution in the landmark case of National Legal Services Authority v. Union of India (2014). This judgment laid the foundation for legal recognition and protection of transgender rights in India.
Several key legal cases and judgments have shaped the evolution of LGBTQ rights in India:
- Naz Foundation Govt. v. NCT of Delhi (2009): The Delhi High Court ruled that Section 377 of the IPC violated fundamental rights guaranteed under the Indian Constitution, including privacy and equality. This judgment was a crucial step forward in recognizing the rights of LGBTQ individuals.
- Suresh Kumar Koushal vs Naz Foundation (2013): The Supreme Court overturned the Delhi High Court’s judgment, recriminalizing homosexuality. This decision was met with widespread criticism and sparked renewed activism for LGBTQ rights in India.
- National Legal Services Authority v. Union of India (2014): This landmark judgment recognized transgender individuals as the third gender and affirmed their fundamental rights under the Constitution. It laid the groundwork for ensuring equality and non-discrimination for the transgender community.
- K.S. Puttaswamy v Union of India (2017): This case affirmed the right to privacy as a fundamental right under the Indian Constitution. The judgment recognized that discrimination based on sexual orientation is unconstitutional and emphasized the dignity and autonomy of individuals.
- Navtej Singh Johar v. Union of India (2018): The Supreme Court decriminalized homosexuality and struck down Section 377 of the IPC. The court recognized the rights of LGBTQ individuals to intimacy, autonomy, and identity, setting a precedent for equality and non-discrimination.
Future Prospects
[A] Extension of ART (Assisted Reproductive Technology) Rights
- The Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART) Rights bill, as currently formulated, does not adequately extend to LGBTQ+ persons due to several factors:
- Definition of Commissioning Couple: It restricts access to ART services to “infertile married couples,” excluding same-sex couples and individuals in same-sex relationships.
- Requirement of Legal Marriage: Since same-sex marriage isn’t recognized in India, LGBTQ+ couples are automatically excluded from accessing ART services.
- Narrow Definition of Infertility: The bill’s definition overlooks the unique reproductive challenges faced by LGBTQ+ individuals and couples.
- Gender-Binary Language and Restrictions: Gender-binary language and restrictions exclude transgender and gender non-conforming individuals from accessing ART services.
- Lack of Recognition of Diverse Identities: The bill fails to accommodate the diverse identities within the LGBTQ+ community, neglecting their specific needs and concerns regarding assisted reproduction.
[B] Child Adoption
- National Commission for Protection of Child Rights (NCPCR): It had opposed the adoption rights of same-sex couples.
- Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act, 2015 (JJ Act): It allows heterosexual married couples, and single and divorced persons to adopt.
- Hindu Adoption and Maintenance Act, 1956 (HAMA): It permits any male or female Hindu of sound mind to adopt, and for couples to adopt with the consent of their spouse.
- Central Adoption Resource Authority (CARA): It permits applications from adoptive parents in live-in relationships, which it examines on a case-to-case basis.
However, in October 2023 the Supreme Court ruled that Regulation 5(3) of the CARA Regulations, insofar as it prohibited unmarried and queer couples from adopting, violated Article 15 of the Constitution.
While India’s Supreme Court declined to legalise same-sex marriage and did not explicitly grant gay couples adoption rights.
PYQ:
2020: Customs and traditions suppress reason leading to obscurantism. Do you agree?
Practice MCQ:
Section 377 of the Indian Penal Code which sought to decriminalize homosexuality was struck down in the landmark case of-
- Navtej Singh Johar v. Union of India
- Naz Foundation Govt. v. NCT of Delhi
- Suresh Kumar Koushal vs Naz Foundation
- None of these
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Colouring agent, harmful chemical
Mains level: Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006
Why in the news?
- Karnataka has become the third state in South India to prohibit the use of specific coloring agents in cotton candy and gobi manchurian due to their identified harmful effects.
Context-
- While the Government plans to create awareness among manufacturers, it has also urged consumers to be aware of what they are consuming.
- The Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006 stipulates a fine of not less than ₹10 lakh and a jail term of a minimum of seven years, extending to life imprisonment, against those using banned chemical substances in food products.
What did the survey results show?/Key findings from the sample testing
- Presence of Harmful Chemicals: Laboratory tests revealed the presence of harmful chemicals in many samples collected from the state.
- Cotton Candy Samples: Out of 25 cotton candy samples collected, 15 were found to be unsafe as they contained added colors, while the remaining 10 were deemed safe as they were made without added colors.
- Gobi Manchurian Samples: Among the 171 samples of gobi manchurian collected, 107 were declared unsafe due to the presence of added colors, while 64 were considered safe as they did not contain added colors.
What were the harmful chemicals?
- Harmful Chemicals: The unsafe samples of cotton candy contained traces of sunset yellow, tartrazine, and rhodamine-b, while unsafe gobi Manchurian samples had tartrazine, sunset yellow, and carmoisine. Rhodamine-b, a suspected carcinogen, is already banned.
- Restrictions on Tartrazine: Although tartrazine is an approved artificial food color, there are restrictions on its usage. It can only be used in specific packed food items, with prescribed amounts. It cannot be used in freshly prepared food items.
- Health Concerns: The Food Safety Commissioner emphasized that prolonged consumption of snacks containing artificial colors can lead to severe diseases like cancer, highlighting the importance of the ban in safeguarding public health.
What are the Penalties?
- Prohibition on Artificial Colors: Rule 16 of the Food Safety and Standards Act prohibits the use of artificial colors in the preparation of gobi manchurian.
- Approved Limits for Food Colors: While certain food colors are allowed within approved limits, non-permitted colors like rhodamine-b should not be used in the preparation of cotton candy.
- Penalties for Offenders: Violators face severe penalties, including cancellation of licenses for commercial activities, hefty fines, and imprisonment. The Food Safety and Standards Act specifies a minimum fine of ₹10 lakh and a jail term of at least seven years, which can extend to life imprisonment, for those found using banned chemical substances in food products.
Way Forward:
- Enforcement and Monitoring: Health safety officials will likely conduct random checks to ensure compliance with the ban on harmful chemicals and artificial colors.
- Public Awareness Campaigns: The government will continue its efforts to raise awareness among manufacturers and consumers regarding the risks associated with harmful chemicals and artificial colors in food products.
- Regulatory Review: There might be a review of existing regulations and standards related to food safety to further strengthen controls and ensure comprehensive coverage of potentially risky food items beyond gobi manchurian, such as kebabs, that may use coloring agents.
- Collaboration with Stakeholders: Collaboration between government authorities, food manufacturers, and other stakeholders in the food industry will be crucial to implement and enforce the ban effectively. This may include consultations, partnerships, and dialogues to address challenges and ensure compliance with regulations.
Conclusion: Karnataka banned certain coloring agents in response to findings of harmful chemicals in food samples. Strict penalties and enforcement measures are in place, alongside awareness campaigns and collaboration with stakeholders to ensure compliance and safeguard public health.
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Income and Wealth Inequality in India report
Mains level: Income inequality in India and comparison with developed countries
Why in the news?
- In 2022, 22.6% of the national income went to the top 1% of Indians. Cut to 1951, their share in the income was only 11.5% and even lower in the 1980s just before India opened-up its economy at 6%.
Context: India’s top 1% income and wealth shares (22.6% and 40.1%) are at their highest historical levels in 2022-’23 and the country’s top 1% income share is among the very highest in the world as per World Inequality Lab.
Key findings from the ‘Income and Wealth Inequality in India’ report by the World Inequality Lab
- Increase in Share of Top 10%: The share of the top 10% of Indians in national income rose from 36.7% in 1951 to 57.7% in 2022.
- Decline in Share of Bottom 50%: The bottom 50% of Indians earned only 15% of the national income in 2022, compared to 20.6% in 1951, indicating a decrease in their share.
- Decrease in Share of Middle 40%: The middle 40% of Indians experienced a significant decline in their share of income from 42.8% to 27.3% over the period.
- Rapid Widening of Income Gap: The gap between the rich and the poor has widened rapidly in the last two decades.
- Historic Peak for Wealthiest 1%: In 2022, the share of national income that went to the wealthiest 1% of Indians reached a historic peak, surpassing levels observed in developed countries such as the United States and the United Kingdom.
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Income group-wise share in national income, and the adult population in each bracket as of 2022-23
- Distribution Across Income Percentiles: Approximately one crore adults were in the top 1%, ten crore in the top 10%, 36 crore in the middle 40%, and 46 crore were in the bottom 50% of the income pyramid.
- Concentration of Wealth at the Top: The top 0.001% of the income pyramid, comprising about 10,000 richest Indians, earned 2.1% of the national income, highlighting extreme wealth concentration.
- High Shares of National Income: The top 0.01% and top 0.1% of income earners earned disproportionately high shares of the national income, accounting for 4.3% and 9.6%, respectively. This reflects significant income inequality, with a small segment capturing a large portion of the country’s wealth.
The year wise share of national income for the top 10%, bottom 50% and that middle 40% of the population:
- 1950s-60s: Negligible income gap between the top 10% and the middle 40% of earners.
- 1980s: Bottom 50% saw a slight increase in their share of national income, contributing to narrowing the gap.
- 1990s Onwards (Post-liberalization): The income share of the top 10% surged dramatically, while shares of the other two groups steadily declined. This trend persisted into the 2000s and early 2010s, stabilizing thereafter.
- In 2022: the top 1% of earners had a higher share of national income than the richest 1% during colonial rule.
- Income Disparities: The average annual income of the top 1% was ₹53 lakh, 23 times more than the average Indian’s income of ₹2.3 lakh in 2022-23. The average income of the bottom 50% and middle 40% stood at ₹71,000 and ₹1.65 lakh, respectively, during the same period.
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Richest 1% of Indians’ share in the national income
- Pre-Independence (1930s): The top 1% of earners had a significant share of national income, surpassing the 20% mark.
- Post-Independence: After independence and the merger of princely states with Independent India, the share of the top 1% steadily declined, reaching close to 6% in the 1980s.
- Post-liberalization: Following liberalization reforms, the income share of the top 1% surged again, presently hovering around the 22.5% mark.
- Comparison with British Rule: The current income share of the top 1% is much higher than their share under British rule, highlighting a return to historical levels of income concentration.
The income share of India’s top 10% and top 1%, compared with select countries in 2022-23
- India’s Income Growth: India’s income levels are not growing as rapidly as other comparable economies.
- High Share of Top 1%: Despite slower overall income growth, the top 1% of earners in India have a disproportionately high share of national income.
- Comparison with Advanced Countries: In 2022-23, the income shares of India’s top 1% were higher than those recorded in advanced countries like the United States, China, France, the United Kingdom, and Brazil.
China and Vietnam’s average incomes grew at a much faster pace than India’s
- Economic Policies: China and Vietnam implemented economic policies that focused on export-oriented growth, attracting foreign investment, and promoting industrialization. These policies contributed to rapid economic expansion and increased average incomes in both countries.
- Liberalization and Reforms: Both China and Vietnam underwent significant economic liberalization and reforms, allowing for greater market integration, privatization of state-owned enterprises, and relaxation of trade barriers. These reforms stimulated economic growth and led to higher average incomes.
- Investment in Infrastructure: China and Vietnam invested heavily in infrastructure development, including transportation networks, energy systems, and telecommunications. This infrastructure investment facilitated economic development and improved productivity, leading to higher average incomes
Income inequality in India can be attributed to various factors:
- Historical Factors: Historical disparities in wealth distribution, exacerbated by colonial rule and feudal systems, have contributed to persistent income inequality.
- Economic Growth Patterns: India’s economic growth needs to be more inclusive, with benefits disproportionately accruing to certain segments of society, particularly urban and educated populations. This uneven growth exacerbates income inequality.
- Structural Issues: Structural factors such as unequal access to education, healthcare, and employment opportunities perpetuate income disparities. Marginalized groups such as Dalits, Adivasis, and women often face barriers to accessing quality education and formal employment, limiting their income-earning potential.
- Land Ownership and Agriculture: Unequal distribution of land ownership and disparities in agricultural productivity contribute to income inequality, particularly in rural areas where agriculture remains a primary source of livelihood.
- Labor Market Dynamics: Informal employment, low wages, and lack of job security in the informal sector contribute to income inequality. Additionally, skill mismatches and technological advancements may widen the income gap by favoring skilled workers over unskilled laborers.
- Lack of Financial Inclusion: Limited access to formal financial services and lack of asset ownership, such as land or property, among marginalized communities further perpetuate income inequality.
- Corruption and Cronyism: Corruption, crony capitalism, and unequal access to resources and opportunities exacerbate income inequality by favoring vested interests and hindering equitable wealth distribution.
Conclusion: India witnesses unprecedented income inequality with the top 1% accruing a higher share of national income than under British rule. Structural factors, uneven economic growth, and limited access to resources perpetuate income disparities, requiring comprehensive policy interventions for equitable growth.
Mains PYQ
Q. It is argued that the strategy of inclusive growth is intended to meet the objective of inclusiveness and sustainability together. Comment on this statement. ( UPSC IAS/2019)
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Digital Architecture, Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology
Mains level: National Data Governance Framework Policy
Why in the news?
The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeiTY) released the National Data Governance Framework Policy (NPD Framework) which was touted as the first building block of the digital architecture being conceived to maximize data.
Context:
- The role of digitization in realizing India’s vision of becoming a $5 trillion economy cannot be overstated.
- As per a NASSCOM report, data and artificial intelligence (AI) can add approximately $450-500 billion to India’s GDP by 2025.
Types of data:
- Personal Data – Data containing identifiers that can be used to identify specific individuals.
- Non-Personal Data (NPD)- data excluding personal data. It constitutes the primary type of citizen data obtained by the government and holds the potential to serve as a ‘public good’.
Significance of Non-personal data-
- NPD as a Public Good: NPD (Non-Personal Data) is considered the primary type of citizen data collected by the government. It holds the potential to serve as a ‘public good’, implying its utility and value to society as a whole.
- Integration of NPD in Public Services: Advocates for integrating NPD into the delivery of public services to create synergies and scalable solutions. Integration aims to enhance the effectiveness and efficiency of public service delivery.
- Application of Advanced Analytics and AI: Utilizing high-value advanced analytics and artificial intelligence (AI) on NPD can lead to predicting socially and economically beneficial outcomes. Such applications can span across various sectors of the economy.
- Key Sectors for Data-Driven Insights: Meteorological and disaster forecasts: Utilizing NPD to enhance predictions and preparedness for weather-related events and disasters. Infrastructure capacity and citizen use patterns: Understanding how citizens interact with infrastructure to optimize usage and planning.
- Mobility and housing patterns: Analyzing data to inform transportation and housing policies.
- Employment trends: Using NPD to predict and address changes in employment patterns and workforce needs.
- Informing Governance and Public Functions: NPD-driven insights can better inform decision-making in governance and public functions. Data analytics can provide valuable information for policy formulation and resource allocation.
Challenges related to NDP:
- Privacy and Security Concerns: The unprotected inter-flow of NPD across government departments, third parties, and citizens can lead to privacy breaches and make sensitive data vulnerable. This vulnerability can disproportionately benefit capacity-carrying actors such as Big Tech.
- Risk of Faulty Decision-making: Imperfect analysis of crucial public trends resulting from the exchange of NPD can lead to faulty decision-making. The inefficient exchange of data fails to unlock the power of interdisciplinary legislative and policy-making.
- Gaps in the NPD Framework: The NPD Framework lacks actionable guidance and practical operationalization, focusing on abstract high-level principles and objectives. It overlooks mechanisms for pricing data, appropriate legal structures for data exchange, and standardized governance tools.
- Lack of Legislation and Operationalization: While legislation is expected, the practical implementation and operationalization of the NPD Framework are overlooked. Questions remain unanswered regarding stakeholder rights and obligations across sectors.
Steps by Government:
- Agriculture Data Exchange in Telangana: Telangana State has developed an agriculture data exchange platform. The platform aims to facilitate the exchange of agricultural data among various stakeholders. It is likely designed to enhance decision-making, productivity, and innovation in the agriculture sector.
- India Urban Data Exchange (IUDX): The Ministry of Housing & Urban Affairs, in collaboration with the Indian Institute of Science, has established the India Urban Data Exchange (IUDX).
- IUDX enables better urban planning, infrastructure development, and governance through data-driven insights.
- Data Exchanges for Geospatial Policy: The Department of Science & Technology has announced plans to establish data exchanges to implement aspects of the National Geospatial Policy.
Measures to address these challenges:
- Need for Critical Evaluation and Enhancement: A critical evaluation of the NPD Framework is necessary to address existing gaps. Enhancements to the framework can supplement MeiTY’s efforts to regulate NPD and facilitate interoperability across sectors.
- Learn from International practice: countries like Australia, the UK, and Estonia highlight the adoption of data exchange frameworks and protocols. These frameworks have been applied across various sectors such as housing, employment, aged care, and agriculture to address specific issues like unemployment.
- Regulatory Design for Data Exchanges: Creating a regulatory design for data exchanges in India can digitize and automate public welfare functions. It can reduce administrative burden, facilitate inter-sectoral integration, and build safeguards for using and sharing NPD, making civic functions more participatory.
- Stakeholder Consultation: Engage stakeholders from government, industry, academia, and civil society in the evaluation process. Gather feedback on practical challenges faced in implementing the framework and areas needing clarification or enhancement.
Conclusion: A comprehensive evaluation and enhancement of the NPD Framework are imperative. Learning from international practices, establishing regulatory designs for data exchanges, and fostering stakeholder consultations will pave the way for effective governance of non-personal data.
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Legal liability protection, Fact check unit
Mains level: IT Rules, 2021
Why in the news?
The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology has designated the Press Information Bureau’s Fact Check Unit to point out misinformation about Central government departments on social media platforms ahead of the election.
Context-
- According to the IT Rules of 2021, social media platforms might lose their legal protection from being held responsible for content posted by users if they decide to keep the misinformation flagged by the Fact Check Unit.
Background of this news-
- Due to the controversy surrounding the concept, the Union government had delayed officially notifying the Fact Check Unit as there was ongoing litigation at the Bombay High Court challenging the provision.
- However, this month, the court decided not to prolong a temporary halt that prevented the government from implementing the rules.
Key points as per IT Rules, 2021-
- Mandates: In essence, the IT Rules (2021) demand that social media platforms exercise heightened diligence concerning the content present on their platforms. Legal obligation on intermediaries to make reasonable efforts to prevent users from uploading such content.
- Appoint a Grievance Officer: Social media platforms are mandated to set up a grievance redressal mechanism and promptly remove unlawful and inappropriate content within specified timeframes.
- Ensuring Online Safety and Dignity of Users: Intermediaries are obligated to remove or disable access within 24 hours upon receiving complaints about content that exposes individuals’ private areas, depicts them in full or partial nudity, shows them engaged in sexual acts, or involves impersonation, including morphed images
- Informing users about privacy policies is crucial: Social media platforms’ privacy policies should include measures to educate users about refraining from sharing copyrighted material and any content that could be considered defamatory, racially or ethnically offensive, promoting pedophilia, or threatening the unity, integrity, defense, security, or sovereignty of India or its friendly relations with foreign states, or violating any existing laws.
Fake news on social media can have several negative impacts on governments-
- Undermining Trust- Fake news can erode public trust in government institutions and officials. When false information spreads widely, it can lead to scepticism and doubt about the government’s credibility.
- Destabilizing Democracy- Misinformation can distort public perceptions of government policies and actions, potentially leading to unrest, protests, or even violence. This can destabilize democratic processes and undermine the functioning of government.
- Manipulating Public Opinion- Fake news can be strategically used to manipulate public opinion in favour of or against a particular government or political party. By spreading false narratives, individuals or groups can influence elections and policymaking processes.
- Impeding Policy Implementation- False information circulating on social media can create confusion and resistance to government policies and initiatives. This can impede the effective implementation of programs and reforms.
- Wasting Resources- Governments may be forced to allocate resources to address the fallout from fake news, such as conducting investigations, issuing clarifications, or combating disinformation campaigns. This diverts resources away from other important priorities.
- Fueling Division- Fake news can exacerbate social and political divisions within a country by spreading divisive narratives or inciting hatred and hostility towards certain groups or communities. This can further polarize society and hinder efforts towards unity and cohesion
Measures to Tackle Fake News on Social Media:
- Mandatory Fact-Checking: Implement a requirement for social media platforms to fact-check content before dissemination.
- Enhanced User Education: Promote media literacy and critical thinking skills to help users discern reliable information from fake news.
- Strengthened Regulation: Enforce stricter regulations on social media platforms to curb the spread of misinformation and hold them accountable for content moderation.
- Collaborative Verification: Foster partnerships between governments, fact-checking organizations, and social media platforms to verify the accuracy of information.
- Transparent Algorithms: Ensure transparency in algorithms used by social media platforms to prioritize content, reducing the spread of false information.
- Swift Removal of Violative Content: Establish mechanisms for prompt removal of fake news and penalize users or entities responsible for spreading it.
- Public Awareness Campaigns: Launch campaigns to raise awareness about the detrimental effects of fake news and promote responsible sharing practices.
Conclusion: To address misinformation, governments should enforce IT Rules (2021), empower fact-checking units, and promote media literacy. Collaboration between authorities, platforms, and citizens is vital for combating fake news and upholding democratic values.
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Trademarks, Patents
Mains level: Patent Amendments Rules
In the news-
- The Patent (Amendment) Rules, 2024 were recently published in the Gazette of India, making crucial changes in the Indian patent regime.
Context:
2023 emerged as a landmark year for intellectual property rights (IPR) in India, reflecting the nation’s commitment to innovation and creativity.
- 1 Lakh Patents filed: The Indian Patent Office has achieved a significant milestone this year by granting over 1 lakh patents in a year for the first time.
- Sector-wise Breakdown: The highest number of patents, 47,993, were granted in the electrical and related field of invention, followed by mechanical (37,714), chemical sciences (12,028) and Biotech (3,576) categories.
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Key Amendments Introduced:
- Revised Timeline for Request for Examination: The period for submitting a Request for Examination (RFE) in a patent application has been shortened from 48 months to 31 months from the earliest priority date.
- Streamlined Applications: Patent applicants now need to furnish details of corresponding applications solely twice using Form 3.
- Introduction of ‘Certificate of Inventorship’: This new provision acknowledges the contributions of inventors to patented innovations.
- Reduction in Advance Renewal Fees: A discount of 10% on renewal fees is offered if paid electronically in advance for a minimum of four years.
- Decreased Frequency of Patent Working Statements: The requirement to file statements of working patents has been reduced from annually to once every three financial years.
- Enhanced Authority of Controller: The Controller is now empowered to extend specified periods and excuse delays for up to six months.
- Amendments to Opposition Procedures: Adjustments have been made to the time frames for submitting recommendations by an Opposition Board and the response period for applicants in both pre-grant and post-grant opposition procedures.
What are Patents?
- A patent is a legal right granted by a government to an inventor or assignee, giving them exclusive rights to an invention for a limited period.
- It provides the inventor with the right to exclude others from making, using, selling, or importing the patented invention without their permission.
- In essence, a patent acts as a form of intellectual property protection for inventions, allowing inventors to control and commercialize their creations.
- Patents are territorial rights. In general, the exclusive rights are only applicable in the country or region in which a patent has been filed and granted.
Indian Patent Regime: A Backgrounder
- Indian patents are governed by the Indian Patent Act of 1970.
- India has gradually aligned itself with international regimes pertaining to intellectual property rights.
- In 1995, India became a party to the Trade-Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights (TRIPS) Agreement following its membership to the World Trade Organisation on January 1, 1995.
- An interesting point is that the original Indian Patents Act did NOT grant patent protection to pharmaceutical products to ensure that medicines were available at a low price.
- Patent protection of pharmaceuticals were re-introduced after the 2005 amendment to comply with TRIPS.
Filing a Patent: Key Terms
- Patentable Subject Matter: Under the Indian Patents Act, inventions related to products, processes, methods, and applications in all fields of technology are patentable, provided they are novel, involve an inventive step, and are capable of industrial application.
- Patent Office: The Indian Patent Office, under the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT), administers the patent system in India. It operates through four branches located in Kolkata, Mumbai, Delhi, and Chennai, with the Controller General of Patents, Designs & Trade Marks overseeing patent-related matters.
- 20-Year Validity: Patent protection is granted for a limited period, generally 20 years from the filing date of the application.
Various Agreements
India is also a signatory to several IPR-related conventions, including-
- Berne Convention (1886) The Berne Convention for the Protection of Literary and Artistic Works, established in 1886, is an international treaty governing copyright.
- Budapest Treaty (1977): It aims to facilitate the international recognition of patents relating to microorganisms by providing a centralized deposit system for the storage and distribution of biological materials.
- Paris Convention for the Protection of Industrial Property (1883): It aims to harmonize and standardize the protection of industrial property, including patents, trademarks, industrial designs, and trade secrets, among its member countries.
- Patent Cooperation Treaty (1970): It is an international treaty administered by the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) to simplify the process of filing patent applications in multiple countries by providing a unified procedure for filing an international patent application.
Back2Basics:
|
Patents |
Copyright |
Trade Secrets |
Legal Basis |
Patents Act, 1970 |
Copyright Act, 1957 |
Common law, contracts |
Duration of Protection |
20 years |
Author’s lifetime + 60 years |
Indefinite |
Nature of Protection |
Inventions, processes, methods |
Literary, artistic, musical works |
Confidential information |
Criteria for Protection |
Novelty, Inventiveness |
Originality, Fixation |
Confidentiality |
Registration Requirement |
Required |
Optional (automatic) |
None (advisable) |
Scope of Protection |
Technical aspects |
Expression of ideas |
Unauthorized use or disclosure |
Enforcement Mechanism |
Civil litigation |
Civil and criminal actions |
Civil litigation |
International Protection |
Patent protection can be sought internationally through the Patent Cooperation Treaty (PCT) and other international agreements |
Copyright protection is recognized internationally through the Berne Convention and other treaties |
Protection of trade secrets can vary internationally and may depend on the laws and regulations of individual countries |
Examples |
Inventions, software |
Books, music, software |
Formulas, processes |
PYQ:
2013: Bringing out the circumstances in 2005 which forced an amendment to section 3(d) in Indian Patent Law, 1970, discuss how it has been utilized by the Supreme Court in its judgement in rejecting Novartis’ patent application for ‘Glivec’. Discuss briefly the pros and cons of the decision. (200 words)
2014: In a globalized world, Intellectual Property Rights assume significance and are a source of litigation. Broadly distinguish between the terms—Copyrights, Patents and Trade Secrets.
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Cost of Remittances, Remittances Inflows, WTO
Mains level: NA
What is the news-
- India is strongly pursuing its proposal for lowering the cost of cross-border remittances, which it presented at the WTO’s 13th Ministerial Conference in Abu Dhabi last month.
- It has now requested the WTO’s general council (GC) to initiate a work program to make recommendations for reducing remittance costs.
Why discuss this?
- In 2023, India witnessed the highest remittance inflows globally, amounting to USD 125 billion.
- Lowering the costs of remittances would primarily benefit low and middle-income countries, which accounted for 78% of remittances flow in 2023, according to estimates.
- India’s draft proposal at MC13 highlighted that the global average cost for sending remittances remained high at 6.18%, more than twice the SDG target.
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What is Cost of Remittances?
- Remittances are financial transfers sent by migrant workers to their families or relatives in their home countries.
- The cost of remittances refers to the expenses incurred by individuals or businesses when sending money from one location to another, typically across international borders.
- The cost components of cross-border payments can include:
- Bank fees,
- Intermediary fees,
- Compliance fees,
- Operational costs, and
- FX (foreign exchange) rate margin
- Innovative technologies like DeFi payment rails are emerging to reduce the total cost of payments for cross-border transactions.
About World Trade Organization (WTO)
|
Details |
Establishment |
1995, replacing GATT |
Objective |
To regulate international trade |
Headquarters |
Geneva, Switzerland |
Members |
- 164
- India is a Founding Member.
|
Objectives |
- Formulate rules for trade
- Negotiate further liberalization
- Settle disputes
- Assist developing countries
- Cooperate with major economic institutions
|
Principles |
- Non-Discrimination
- Most Favored Nation
- National Treatment
- Reciprocity
- Predictability through Binding Commitments
- Transparency
- Encourage Development and Reforms
|
Important Trade Agreements |
- Agreement on Agriculture (AoA),
- Agreement on TRIPS (Trade-Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights),
- Agreement on the Application of Sanitary and Phytosanitary Measures (SPS),
- Agreement on Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT),
- Agreement on Trade-Related Investment Measures (TRIMS),
- General Agreement on Trade in Services (GATS) etc.
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WTO Agreement on Agriculture (AoA) |
- Negotiated during Uruguay Round (1995)
- Aims to reform trade in agriculture
- Allows support for rural economies with fewer trade “distortions”
- Focuses on improving market access, reducing subsidies, and eliminating export subsidies
Subsidies Types:
- Green Box – No distortion in trade
- Amber Box – Can distort production and trade (subject to limits)
- Blue Box – Subsidies linked to production-limiting programs
|
Most Favoured Nation Clause |
- Ensures non-discriminatory trade
- Prevents discrimination among trade partners
- First clause in GATT
- Special trade statuses extended to all WTO members
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PYQ:
Q.The terms ‘Agreement on Agriculture’, ‘Agreement on the Application of Sanitary and Phytosanitary Measures’ and Peace Clause’ appear in the news frequently in the context of the affairs of the: (2015)
- Food and Agriculture Organization
- United Nations Framework Conference on Climate Change
- World Trade Organization
- United Nations Environment Programme
Q.Which of the following constitute Capital Account? (2013)
- Foreign Loans
- Foreign Direct Investment
- Private Remittances
- Portfolio Investment
Select the correct answer using the codes given below.
- 1, 2 and 3
- 1, 2 and 4
- 2, 3 and 4
- 1, 3 and 4
Practice MCQ:
Consider the following statements:
- India is the highest recipient of remittances globally.
- UAE is the largest source of remittances to India.
- The current cost of remittances meets the SDG target.
How many of the given statements is/are correct?
- One
- Two
- Three
- None
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Agri-Startups, NABARD
Mains level: NA
What is the news –
- The National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD) is set to launch a ₹1,000-crore fund to bolster technology-driven agri-startups and rural enterprises.
- NABARD has already established a ₹750-crore fund, which will be followed by another ₹1,000 crore, to support startups in this regard.
What are Agri-Startups?
- Agri-startups are entrepreneurial ventures focused on innovating and revolutionizing various aspects of agriculture and allied sectors.
- These startups leverage technology, data, and modern farming practices to address challenges in the agricultural value chain and promote sustainable farming practices.
- They offer a wide range of products and services aimed at improving productivity, efficiency, and profitability for farmers, as well as enhancing food quality and safety for consumers.
Key areas of innovation in agri-startups include:
- Precision Agriculture: Utilizing data-driven technologies such as IoT, drones, and satellite imagery for precision farming, soil health monitoring, crop monitoring, and yield optimization.
- Agritech Solutions: Developing innovative technologies and tools for pest and disease management, water management, greenhouse farming, and hydroponics.
- Farm Management Software: Providing digital platforms and mobile applications for farm management, crop planning, inventory management, and market intelligence.
- Agri-Marketing Platforms: Connecting farmers directly with buyers, retailers, and consumers through online marketplaces, e-commerce platforms, and farm-to-fork initiatives.
- Supply Chain Management: Streamlining logistics, transportation, and warehousing operations to reduce post-harvest losses, improve market access, and ensure traceability and transparency in the supply chain.
- Food Processing: Developing value-added products, food processing technologies, and packaging solutions to enhance the shelf life, nutritional value, and marketability of agricultural produce.
About NABARD
- NABARD was established on July 12, 1982, by an Act of Parliament to promote sustainable rural development and agricultural growth in India.
- It operates as a statutory body under the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) Act, 1934, with its headquarters located in Mumbai, Maharashtra.
- It was established on the recommendation of the Sivaraman Committee and has its headquarters in Mumbai.
- Its primary mission is to facilitate credit flow for promotion and development of agriculture, small-scale industries, cottage and village industries, handicrafts, and other rural crafts.
- It is governed by a Board of Directors appointed by the GoI, with (1) representatives from the RBI, (2) central and state governments, and (3) experts in various fields related to rural development and finance.
Functions of NABARD:
- Refinance Support: NABARD provides refinance facilities to banks and financial institutions for agricultural and rural development activities, including crop loans and rural infrastructure projects.
- Direct Lending: It extends direct loans to institutions for specific rural development projects, such as agricultural production, rural infrastructure development, and agri-processing units.
- Research and Training: NABARD promotes research and development in agriculture, supports capacity building and training programs for rural stakeholders, and facilitates technology transfer initiatives.
- Scheme Implementation: The organization administers government schemes and funds like Rural Infrastructure Development Fund (RIDF), Watershed Development Fund (WDF) to finance rural infrastructure projects and watershed development activities.
- Credit Planning: NABARD collaborates with central and state governments, RBI, and other stakeholders to formulate credit policies and plans for agriculture and rural sectors.
- Financial Inclusion: It promotes financial inclusion by expanding banking services in rural areas, supporting SHGs, FPOs, and MFIs, and facilitating access to credit for rural communities.
- Priority Sector Lending: NABARD plays a crucial role in channelling credit to priority sectors such as agriculture, small-scale industries, and rural infrastructure, in alignment with the Reserve Bank of India’s priority sector lending guidelines.
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About the Blended Fund for Agri-Startups
- In the budget for FY23, plans for a blended capital fund were announced for ‘Sunrise Sectors’ to finance startups for agriculture and rural enterprises.
- The fund aims to support startups facing challenges in scaling up their operations due to limited access to equity and debt instruments.
- It also seeks to foster new linkages in the rural ecosystem, both forward and backwards.
Other Schemes for Agri-Startups in India
- Agriculture Accelerator Fund (2023): It was announced by Finance Minister in the union budget for 2023-24, as a significant initiative designed to support agritech startups and young entrepreneurs hailing from rural areas.
- Innovation and Agri-Entrepreneurship Development Program (2018-19): To increase farmers’ income, GOI started this Program under the umbrella of Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana (2007). Startups receive financial assistance at different stages, with Rs. 5.00 lakh at the idea/pre-seed stage and Rs. 25 lakh at the seed stage.
|
PYQ:
Q.Priority Sector Lending by banks in India constitutes the lending to: (2012)
- Agriculture
- Micro and small enterprises
- Weaker sections
- All of the above
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: BhashaNet Portal, Universal Acceptance Principle
Mains level: NA
What is the news-
- The National Internet Exchange of India (NIXI) is proud to announce the launch of the BhashaNet portal for the upcoming Universal Acceptance (UA) Day.
Universal Acceptance is the principle that all domain names and email addresses should be treated equally, regardless of the characters used in them. |
What is BhashaNet Portal?
- The Bhasha-Net Portal is a digital platform launched by NIXI, aimed at promoting Universal Acceptance (UA).
- The portal specifically focuses on ensuring that individuals, regardless of the language or script they use, can fully participate in the digital world.
- The portal is designed to provide resources, tools, and information to support the integration of diverse languages and scripts into online platforms, websites, and applications.
Objectives:
- To provide a truly multilingual internet, where local language website name and local language email id, work everywhere seamlessly.
- To foster digital inclusivity by addressing linguistic barriers and promoting the use of local languages and scripts in digital communication.
About National Internet Exchange of India (NIXI)
- Established on June 19, 2003, the NIXI is a not-for-profit organization under the auspices of MeitY.
- NIXI is dedicated to enhancing internet penetration and adoption in India by facilitating essential infrastructure and services.
- It plays a crucial role in enabling the internet ecosystem to be accessible and utilized by the masses, thereby promoting digital empowerment and inclusion nationwide.
Four key services include-
1. Setting up Internet Exchange Points,
2. Managing the .IN Registry,
3. Promoting IPv4 and IPv6 address adoption through IRINN, and
4. Offering data center services under NIXI-CSC. |
Back2Basics:
|
IPv4 |
IPv6 |
Address Format |
32-bit address format (e.g., 192.0.2.1) |
128-bit address format (e.g., 2001:0db8:85a3:0000:0000:8a2e:0370:7334) |
Address Representation |
Decimal dotted notation (e.g., 192.0.2.1) |
Hexadecimal colon-hex notation (e.g., 2001:0db8:85a3:0000:0000:8a2e:0370:7334) |
Address Space |
Limited address space (~4.3 billion addresses) |
Vast address space (approximately 3.4×10^38 addresses) |
Header Length |
Fixed-length header (20 bytes) |
Variable-length header (40 bytes or more) |
Header Options |
Limited options |
Expanded options for quality of service, security, and mobility |
Broadcast |
Uses broadcast addresses for network discovery and ARP (Address Resolution Protocol) |
Uses multicast addressing for efficient communication |
Security |
Limited built-in security features |
Built-in IPsec (Internet Protocol Security) support for end-to-end encryption and authentication |
Adoption Status |
Widely deployed and used |
Increasing adoption but not yet fully ubiquitous |
PYQ:
2011: What is “Virtual Private Network”?
- It is a private computer network of an organization where the remote users can transmit encrypted information through the server of the organization
- It is a computer network across a public internet that provides users access to their organization’s network while maintaining the security of the information transmitted
- It is a computer network in which users can access a shared pool of computing resources through a service provider
- None of the statements (A), (B) and (C) given above is a correct description of Virtual Private Network
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Central Public Sector Enterprise (CPSE) and their Categorization
Mains level: NA
What is the news-
- Grid Controller of India Limited (GRID-INDIA) reached a significant milestone as it was honored with the prestigious status of Miniratna Category-I Central Public Sector Enterprise (CPSE) by the Ministry of Power.
About Grid Controller of India Limited (GRID-INDIA)
- Founding: Established in 2009, GRID-INDIA plays a vital role in ensuring the smooth operation of the Indian Power System.
- Mandate: GRID-INDIA is tasked with overseeing the seamless transfer of electric power within and across regions, facilitating transnational power exchanges, and ensuring reliability, economy, and sustainability in the power sector.
- Regional Load Despatch Centres (RLDCs) and NLDC: GRID-INDIA comprises five RLDCs and the National Load Despatch Centre (NLDC), collectively managing the All India synchronous grid.
- Functions: Managing one of the world’s largest and most intricate power systems, GRID-INDIA handles diverse challenges arising from the integration of power systems, rising energy demands, and the proliferation of Renewable Energy (RE) sources.
What are Central Public Sector Enterprises (CPSEs)?
- CPSEs are companies in which the central government holds a majority stake (usually more than 51%).
- These enterprises operate across various sectors, including manufacturing, infrastructure, energy, telecommunications, and financial services.
- CPSEs are governed by the Department of Public Enterprises (DPE) under the Ministry of Heavy Industries and Public Enterprises.
Within the CPSEs, there are further classifications based on their financial performance, operational autonomy, and strategic importance:
|
Maharatna Companies |
Navratna Companies |
Miniratna Companies |
Categories |
Single category |
Single category |
Two categories (Category-I and Category-II) based on the Autonomy |
Eligibility Criteria |
Annual turnover of ₹25,000 crore, net worth of ₹15,000 crore, and net profit of ₹5,000 crore over the last three years |
A composite score of at least 60% based on various parameters such as net profit, net worth, total manpower cost, cost of production, PBDIT (Profit Before Depreciation, Interest, and Taxes) to turnover ratio, and other operational and financial parameters. |
Satisfactory operational and financial performance, as per government guidelines |
Operational Autonomy |
High degree of operational autonomy and financial powers |
Moderate degree of operational autonomy and financial powers |
Limited operational autonomy and financial powers |
Investment Authority |
Authority to make strategic investments, undertake mergers and acquisitions, and form joint ventures or collaborations without seeking government approval |
Authority to undertake investment decisions, execute projects, and form joint ventures or subsidiaries within prescribed limits without seeking government approval |
Authority to make certain investment decisions, incur capital expenditure and undertake expansion projects within prescribed limits without seeking government approval |
Number of Companies |
Limited number of companies (currently 10 Maharatna companies) |
Limited number of companies (currently 14 Navratna companies) |
Larger number of companies (over 70 Miniratna companies) |
Examples |
Oil and Natural Gas Corporation (ONGC), Indian Oil Corporation (IOC), NTPC Limited |
Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL), Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited (BPCL) |
Container Corporation of India (CONCOR), National Aluminium Company Limited (NALCO), Power Grid Corporation of India Limited (POWERGRID) |
PYQ:
2011: Why is the Government of India disinvesting its equity in the Central Public Sector Enterprises (CPSEs)?
- The Government intends to use the revenue earned from the disinvestment mainly to pay back the external debt.
- The Government no longer intends to retain the management control of the CPSEs.
Which of the statements given above is/ are correct?
- 1 only
- 2 only
- Both 1 and 2
- Neither 1 nor 2
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Tobacco Board, Tobacco Crop, Flue-cured Virginia (FCV) tobacco
Mains level: NA
Why in the news?
- The Tobacco Board has authorised a crop size of 100 million kg for Karnataka during the year 2024-25.
Tobacco in Indian Economy
- It is a drought tolerant, hardy and short duration crop which can be grown on soils where other crops cannot be cultivated profitably.
- In India, Tobacco crop is grown in an area of 0.45 M ha (0.27% of the net cultivated area) producing ~ 750 M kg of tobacco leaf.
- India is the 2nd largest producer and exporter after China and Brazil respectively.
- The production of flue-cured Virginia (FCV) tobacco is about 300 million kg from an area of 0.20 M ha while 450 M kg non-FCV tobacco is produced from an area of 0.25 M ha.
- In the global scenario, Indian tobacco accounts for 10% of the area and 9% of the total production.
|
About Tobacco Board
- The Tobacco Board was constituted as a Statutory Body on 1st January, 1976 under Section (4) of the Tobacco Board Act, 1975.
- It operates under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry.
- It is headquartered in Guntur, Andhra Pradesh.
The primary objective of the Tobacco Board is-
- To promote the orderly development of the tobacco industry in India, particularly in the states of Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, and Tamil Nadu, which are the major tobacco-growing regions in the country.
Key Functions and Responsibilities
- Regulation and Control: The Tobacco Board regulates the production, curing, grading, and marketing of Virginia tobacco, which includes Flue-Cured Virginia (FCV) and Burley tobacco varieties.
- Licensing and Registration: It monitors and issues licenses and registrations to tobacco growers, manufacturers, exporters, and dealers involved in various stages of the tobacco supply chain.
- Research and Development: It collaborates with agricultural research institutes, universities, and industry stakeholders to introduce new technologies, best practices, and crop varieties to enhance the productivity and profitability of tobacco farming.
- Market Promotion: It promotes Indian tobacco products in domestic and international markets through trade fairs, exhibitions, buyer-seller meets, and promotional campaigns.
- Price Stabilization: It intervenes in the market to stabilize prices, mitigate price fluctuations, and protect the interests of farmers against adverse market conditions.
- Quality Control and Grading: It operates grading centers and quality testing laboratories to assess the quality characteristics of tobacco and facilitate fair trade practices in the industry.
PYQ:
Q.With reference to the “Tea Board” in India, consider the following statements:
- The Tea Board is a statutory body.
- It is a regulatory body attached to the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare.
- The Tea Board’s Head Office is situated in Bengaluru.
- The Board has overseas offices at Dubai and Moscow.
Which of the statements given above are correct? (2022)
- 1 and 3
- 2 and 4
- 3 and 4
- 1 and 4
Practice MCQ:
Consider the following statements regarding the cultivation of Tobacco in India:
- Tobacco is a drought tolerant, hardy and short duration crop.
- India is the 2nd largest producer and exporter after China and Brazil respectively
- In the global scenario, Indian tobacco accounts for 10% of the area and 9% of the total production.
How many of the given statements is/are correct?
- One
- Two
- Three
- None
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: State of the Climate Report, 2023, Key Highlights
Mains level: Surging impact of Climate Change
What is the news-
- The World Meteorological Organization’s (WMO) recent State of the Climate report highlights unprecedented climatic shifts, with numerous indicators reaching record levels.
About World Meteorological Organization
- It is an intergovernmental organization and a specialized agency of the UN for meteorology (weather and climate), operational hydrology and related geophysical sciences.
- It was established in 1950 and is headquartered in Geneva, Switzerland.
- It origin traces to the International Meteorological Organization (IMO), which was founded in 1873.
- Currently it has a membership of 191 countries. India is also a member.
Key Highlights of the State of the Climate Report, 2023
[1] Greenhouse Gases (GHGs)
- Record-High Concentrations: GHGs like carbon dioxide, methane, and nitrous oxide reached record levels in 2022, contributing to global warming. The concentration of GHGs observed in 2022 is the latest year for which consolidated global values are available (1984–2022).
- Long-term Trend: The rise in GHG concentrations underscores the urgent need for concerted efforts to mitigate their impact.
[2] Surface Temperature
- Historic Spike: Global surface temperatures in 2023 surged to 1.45 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels, marking the highest recorded temperature. This temperature rise is attributed to the combined effects of rising GHG concentrations and the onset of El Nino in 2023.
- El Nino Influence: The onset of El Nino exacerbated temperature extremes globally, amplifying the impacts of climate change.
[3] Ocean Heat Content (OHC)
- Unprecedented Heat: Ocean heat content reached its highest level in the observational record of 2023. The ocean heat content (OHC) refers to the total amount of heat the oceans store.
- Long-term Trend: The continual increase in OHC underscores the ongoing challenge of ocean warming and its implications for marine ecosystems.
[4] Marine Heat Waves (MHWs)
- Widespread Occurrence: The global ocean experienced a significant increase in marine heatwave (MHW) coverage in 2023. The average daily marine heatwave coverage reached 32%, surpassing previous records set in 2016.
- Duration and Intensity: Prolonged MHWs pose threats to marine biodiversity, ecosystems, and fisheries, highlighting the urgency of climate action.
[5] Antarctic Sea-Ice Extent
- Record Low: Antarctic sea-ice extent plummeted to 1.79 million km2 in February 2023, the lowest since satellite observations began in 1979. The extent remained below average throughout the year, signalling ongoing trends of sea-ice loss in the Antarctic region.
- Persistent Decline: The continued decline in Antarctic sea-ice extent underscores the vulnerability of Polar Regions to climate change.
[6] Glacier Mass Balance
- Unprecedented Loss: Glaciers worldwide experienced the largest annual loss of ice on record in 2022-2023. The annual mass balance, which measures the amount of mass gained or lost by glaciers, dropped to a new low of ‘–1.2 metre water equivalent’.
- Regional Disparities: Glacial mass balance varied across regions, with North American and European glaciers particularly affected by ice loss.
Significance of the report
- The figures presented in the WMO report underscore the magnitude of climate change impacts on various Earth systems.
- Urgent action is needed to address rising GHG emissions, mitigate temperature extremes, protect marine environments, and preserve critical cryospheric regions.
PYQ:
2018: “Momentum for Change: Climate Neutral Now” is an initiative launched by
- The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change
- The UNEP Secretariat
- The UNFCCC Secretariat
- The World Meteorological Organisation
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Fact Check Unit (FCU) and its Functions
Mains level: Not Much
Why in the news-
- Weeks ahead of the election, the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology on Wednesday notified the Press Information Bureau’s Fact Check Unit (FCU) as the designated body to flag misinformation about Central government departments to social media platforms.
Why PIB?
- Under the GoI (Allocation of Business) Rules, 1961, the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting (MIB) is entrusted with the responsibility of disseminating information about government policies, schemes, and programs through various mediums of communication.
- In fulfilling its role, the Ministry publicizes the policies, initiatives, schemes, and programs of the Government of India through press releases, press conferences, webinars, publication of books, etc.
- To carry out this crucial function, the Ministry has several attached and subordinate offices, including the Press Information Bureau (PIB).
|
What is Fact Check Unit (FCU)?
- The Fact Check Unit’s mandate arises from the IT Rules, 2021, which stipulate that social media platforms risk losing legal liability protections if they fail to address notified misinformation promptly.
- The unit verifies claims about government policies, regulations, announcements and measures.
- Through an established rigorous fact-checking procedure, the PIB Fact Check Unit helps in dispelling myths, rumours and false claims, and provides accurate and reliable information to the public.
Operational Framework
- The FCU, led by senior DG/ADG level officer of the Indian Information Service (IIS), operates under the supervision of the Principal Director General of PIB.
- Its mandate includes verifying claims related to government policies, regulations, and announcements through a rigorous fact-checking process.
- The Unit reports to the Principal Director General, PIB who functions as the Principal Spokesperson of the Government of India.
Fact-Check Mechanism
- Query Handling: Users submit requests via WhatsApp, email, or a web portal, which are processed as ‘Queries’ by the Unit.
- Verification Process: Actionable Queries relevant to the Government of India undergo thorough verification using official sources and technological tools.
- Publication of Fact Checks: Verified information is categorized as Fake, Misleading, or True, and published on the Unit’s social media platforms for public awareness.
Categories of Fact-Checked Content
- Fake: Factually incorrect information intentionally or unintentionally disseminated to deceive or manipulate the audience.
- Misleading: Information presented with partial truths, selective facts, or distortion to mislead recipients.
- True: Information verified to be factually accurate after rigorous investigation.
PYQ:
2017: Democracy’s superior virtue lies in the fact that it calls into activity-
- The intelligence and character of ordinary men and women.
- The methods for strengthening executive leadership.
- A superior individual with dynamism and vision.
- A band of dedicated party workers.
Practice MCQ:
The centre has recently established the Fact Check Unit (FCU) as a designated body to flag misinformation in India. In this regard, consider the following statements:
- Establishment of FCU is mandated under the Right to Information (RTI) Act, 2005.
- The FCU is led by an officer of the Indian Audit and Accounts Service (IAAS).
Which of the given statements is/are correct?
- Only 1
- Only 2
- Both 1 and 2
- Neither 1 nor 2
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Thorium-based Reactors
Mains level: Nuclear Energy, Government Initiatives
Why in the News?
Recently, at the start of March 2024, our 500-MWe Prototype Fast Breeder Reactor (PFBR) began fuel-loading, marking the successful completion of commissioning trials and rectification of a range of first-of-its-kind equipment in the fast breeder reactor technology.
Context:
- Homi Bhabha’s spirit of self-reliance has enabled the autonomous pursuit of ‘Thorium Goals’.
- His proposed three-stage strategy aims to develop critical nuclear technologies, starting with modest uranium resources, and achieve a large-scale thorium-based energy program.
- The largest contributor to the climate change-related existential threat we face has created an immediate demand for large-scale deployment of nuclear power plants.
- BHAVINI, Indira Gandhi Centre for Atomic Research (IGCAR), and the Bhabha Atomic Research Centre (BARC) are responsible for building and operating the PFBR.
What is the significance of thorium in making India energy self-sufficiency?
- Boosting Domestic Market:
-
-
- Given the size of India’s population and its economy, its energy demands would lead to serious challenges to energy security.
- For ‘Vikasit Bharat’, India needs around three-and-a-half times more energy, which can come only from nuclear energy, specifically thorium.
- Reducing Imports:
- India has been dependent on energy imports all along. Thorium presents us with a unique opportunity to become energy self-sufficient.
- Renewable energy, including large hydropower projects, can, at best, meet current energy needs.
- Building Global Perspective:
- India’s long-term Energy security:
- Looking towards India’s level of nuclear energy deployment will, the PFBR is expected to become operational, paving India into the second stage of its three-stage nuclear power programme.
- It works as the gateway for meeting the country’s energy needs for a long time into the future, leveraging India’s vast thorium resources, which are the largest in the world.
- Further, there is no other clean energy source available on the Indian landmass that can cope with India’s energy needs.
Future Scope:
- Transitioning to Better Fuel:
-
-
- A high-assay, low-enriched uranium (LEU) and thorium fuel capable of delivering a seven-times larger fuel burn-up in the PHWR design is needed.
- ANEEL fuel has been designed and will be available shortly. The ANEEL fuel concept could also bring the Advanced Heavy Water Reactor (AHWR300-LEU), a fully developed design immune to any severe accident-related anxiety, to reality.
- Concurrent fuel Recycling Processes:
-
-
- A Fast Reactor Fuel Cycle Facility (FRFCF) that would work alongside the PFBR is coming up.
- Once a sizeable inventory of uranium-233 accumulates, we must bring in reactors specifically designed for thorium and the related fuel-cycle facilities, constituting the third stage of our nuclear power program.
- Advancement in Fast Reactor Technology:
-
-
- The rapid deployment of PHWRs based on imported uranium allows for the advancement of thorium utilization in PHWRs, facilitating the deployment of third-stage thorium reactor systems, reducing spent fuel inventory, and proliferation resistance, and enhancing safety and economy.
- The fast reactor systems with faster growth based on inherently better breeding performance are needed.
- More reactors on the PFBR model must be constructed to consolidate sodium-cooled fast reactor technology, a key feature of the second stage of the nuclear program.
- High-temperature reactor:
-
- Thorium utilization can be improved in high-temperature reactors to produce low-cost hydrogen with minimal carbon footprint.
- Direct hydrogen production without electricity would make hydrogen production cheaper and less dependent on hydrogen electrolyzers.
Conclusion: The beginning of fuel-loading in PFBR is a significant step that must be celebrated to motivate our scientists and prepare them for the bigger tasks ahead. Sustained encouragement backed up by a demanding but conducive framework around them is the need of the hour. One must move on the thorium path, though it has no parallel anywhere else in the world.
Mains PYQ:
- With growing energy needs should India keep on expanding its nuclear energy programme? Discuss the facts and fears associated with nuclear energy. (UPSC 2018)
- Give an account of the growth and development of nuclear science and technology in India. What is the advantage of a fast breeder reactor program in India? (UPSC 2017)
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