Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: AIFs and their regulation; Benefits offered.
Why in the News?
In response to tightening regulations impacting operations, the RBI has recommended that investments exceeding 50% of Alternative Investment Funds (AIFs) units by a person resident outside India be treated as Indirect Foreign Investment.
BACK2BASICS:
What are Alternative Investment Funds (AIFs)?
- An Alternative Investment Fund or AIF is any fund established or incorporated in India that is a privately pooled investment vehicle that collects funds from sophisticated investors, for investing by a defined investment policy for the benefit of its investors.
- AIFs are regulated by the SEBI (Securities and Exchange Board of India).
- As per the SEBI (Alternative Investment Funds) Regulations, 2012, an AIF can be set up as a trust, a company, a limited liability partnership, or a corporate body.
Who can invest in an AIF?
- Indian Residents, NRIs (Non-Resident of India), and foreign nationals are eligible to invest in these funds.
- Joint investors can also invest in AIF. They can be spouse, parents, or children of investors.
- The minimum investment amount for investors is Rs1 crore for investors. For directors, employees, and fund managers, this limit is Rs 25 lakh.
- Most AIFs come with a minimum lock-in period of three years.
- The maximum number of investors in every scheme is capped at 1,000. However, in the case of angel fund, the cap is 49.
Categories of an applicant who can seek registration as an AIF:
- Category I and II AIFs are required to be close-ended and have a minimum tenure of three years. Category III AIFs may be open-ended or close-ended.
Note: Investment by an Indian company (which is owned or controlled by foreigners) into another Indian entity is considered as Indirect Foreign Investment (IFI). It is also known as downstream investment. |
Present Regulatory Landscape:
- Regulatory Ambiguity: Recent regulatory notes have instilled mistrust in the industry, particularly regarding Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) policy surrounding AIFs, spooking investors and prompting reconsideration of fund deployment strategies.
- Changing Stance: The regulatory stance has evolved, with amendments in 2015-16 allowing AIFs to attract foreign capital through the automatic route, promoting onshore management and incentivizing Indian fund managers to relocate to India.
Offshore Alternatives:
- Reason for Offshoring: Offshore funds benefit from a more stable regulatory environment, with considerations for tax implications necessitating careful structuring.
- Attractive Destination: Gujarat International Finance Tec-City (GIFT City) has emerged as an attractive alternative for managers due to regulatory stability, tax incentives, and proximity to India.
PYQ:
[2020] With reference to Foreign Direct Investment in India, which one of the following is considered its major characteristic?
(a) It is the investment through capital instruments essentially in a listed company.
(b) It is a largely non-debt-creating capital flow.
(c) It is the investment which involves debt-servicing.
(d) It is the investment foreign institutional investors make in Government securities. |
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Spices Board, CODEX, India’s Spice Trade
Why in the News?
- The Spices Board has proactively engaged with CODEX, the international food standards authority, to address the pressing issue of ethylene oxide (ETO) contamination in spices.
- This initiative follows recent recalls of certain branded spices exported from India to Hong Kong and Singapore due to concerns regarding ETO contamination.
- Concerns over spice quality have also been raised by countries like the US, New Zealand, and Australia, prompting ongoing evaluations of Indian Spice Imports.
Back2Basics: Spices Board of India
- The merger of the erstwhile Cardamom Board and Spices Export Promotion Council on 26th February 1987, under the Spices Board Act 1986 led to the formation of the Spice Board of India.
- The Board functions as an International link between the Indian exporters and the importers abroad with a Nodal Ministry of Commerce & Industry.
- Headquartered in Kochi, it has regional laboratories in Mumbai, Chennai, Delhi, Tuticorin, Kandla and Guntur.
- Main Functions:
- It promotes organic production, processing, and certification of spices.
- Responsible for the overall development of Cardamom.
- Focuses on post-harvest improvement programs for improving the quality of the 52 scheduled spices for export.
- These programs are included under the head ‘Export Oriented Production’.
About CODEX
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- The Codex Alimentarius Commission (CAC) is an inter-governmental food standards body established jointly by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) and the World Health Organization (WHO) in May 1963.
- Objective: Protecting consumer’s health and ensuring fair practices in food trade.
- The Agreement on Application of Sanitary and Phytosanitary Measures (SPS) of the World Trade Organization (WTO) recognizes Codex standards, guidelines, and recommendations as reference standards.
- Members:
- Currently, the CAC has 189 Codex Members made up of 188 Member Countries and the EU.
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- India became a member in 1964.
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CODEX Committee on Spices and Culinary Herbs
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- CODEX committee (CCSCH) was formed in 2013 with the support of more than a hundred countries with India as the host country and the Spices Board as the Secretariat for organizing the committee sessions.
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- To consult with other International Organisations for the standards development process in the spice market.
- To develop and expand worldwide standards.
- Since its inception, the CODEX Committee has been on a positive path in developing harmonized global standards for worldly herbs and spices.
India’s push for Permissible ETO Limits
- Advocacy for Limits: India has advocated for the establishment of limits for ETO usage, recognizing the variance in regulations across different countries.
- CODEX, thus far, has not prescribed any limit for ETO usage, and India has submitted a proposal for standardizing ETO testing protocols.
- Focus on Safety: While acknowledging the carcinogenic nature of ETO when used excessively, efforts to prevent contamination have been intensified.
- Notably, India’s sample failure rate in spices exports is less than 1% in major markets, underscoring the industry’s commitment to quality and safety standards.
Spice Market of India:
- Production:
- Major producing states: Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Gujarat, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Karnataka, Maharashtra, Assam, Orissa, Uttar Pradesh, West Bengal, Tamil Nadu and Kerala.
- The production of different spices has been growing rapidly over the last few years. During 2022-23, the export of spices from India stood at US$ 3.73 billion from US$ 3.46 billion in 2021-22.
- India produces about 75 of the 109 varieties which are listed by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO).
- Major Produced and Exported Spices by India: Pepper, cardamom, chili, ginger, turmeric, coriander, cumin, celery, fennel, fenugreek, garlic, nutmeg & mace, curry powder, spice oils, and oleoresins.
- Out of these spices, chili, cumin, turmeric, ginger, and coriander make up about 76% of the total production.
- Export: In 2023-24, India’s spice exports totaled $4.25 billion, accounting for a 12% share of the global spice exports. (till February 2024 data).
- India exported spices and spice products to 159 destinations worldwide as of 2023-24. The top destinations among them were China, the USA, Bangladesh, the UAE, Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia, the UK, and Sri Lanka. (which comprises more than 70% of the total exports).
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PYQ:
[2019] Among the agricultural commodities imported by India, which one of the following accounts for the highest imports in terms of value in the last five years?
(a) Spices
(b) Fresh fruits
(c) Pulses
(d) Vegetable oils |
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Emerging Technologies
Mains level: e-Governance; AI; Regulatory sandboxes;
Why in the News?
Regulatory sandboxes are now widely used in many countries because they allow new ideas to be tested in a controlled and supervised environment.
What are Regulatory Sandboxes?
- A regulatory sandbox is a tool allowing businesses to explore and experiment with new and innovative products, services, or businesses under a regulator’s supervision. They are introduced in highly regulated Finance and Energy industries.
- This is also related to specific spheres or regulations, such as AI or GDPR, to promote responsible innovation/and or competition, address regulatory barriers to innovation, and advance regulatory learning.
Regulatory Sandboxes in the World:
- According to a World Bank study, more than 50 countries are currently experimenting with fintech sandboxes.
- Japan: Japan introduced in 2018 a sandbox regime open to organizations and companies including blockchain, AI, and the Internet of Things (IoT), as well as in fields such as financial services, healthcare, and transportation.
- UK: A sandbox has been set up to explore new technologies such as voice biometrics and facial recognition technology, and the related data protection issues.
Significance of Regulatory Sandboxes:
- Provides Empirical Evidence: Regulators can acquire a better understanding of innovative products, which allows them to develop adequate rule-making, supervision, and enforcement policies.
- For example, in the banking industry, the sandbox may result in amending the rules on identity verification without a face-to-face meeting in certain circumstances.
- Controlled Environment: Regulatory sandboxes help innovators to develop a better understanding of supervisory expectations. Moreover, for innovators, testing in a controlled environment also mitigates the risks and unintended consequences when bringing a new technology to market, and can potentially reduce the time-to-market cycle for new products.
- Provides high Insights: It promotes higher insights on technical experiments by closely monitoring and evaluating the performance of emerging technologies, and generating valuable empirical evidence.
- Promotes Collaboration: Regulatory sandboxes foster collaboration between innovators and regulators. This partnership helps ensure that the development of new technologies aligns with regulatory standards and public interests.
- Benefits to the end consumer: Consumers benefit from the introduction of new and potentially safer products, as regulatory sandboxes foster innovation and consumer choice in the long run.
- Regulatory sandboxes can enhance access to funding for businesses by reducing information imbalances and regulatory costs.
Need to find a Middle path:
- Balancing Regulation and Innovation: Regulatory sandboxes allow for a balanced approach, where innovation is encouraged without completely foregoing necessary regulatory oversight. This balance is crucial to prevent stifling innovation while ensuring safety towards data security and compliance.
- Risk Mitigation and Ethical Development: The features where regulatory sandboxes encourage responsible innovation by mandating risk assessments and implementing safeguards need to be used efficiently.
What approach does India need to keep?
- Multifaceted Approach: India’s strategy should encompass economic ambitions, ethical considerations, job creation, industrial transformation, and societal welfare. This holistic approach ensures that AI development aligns with the country’s broader goals.
- Regulatory Sandbox as a Preparatory Step: Rather than immediately imposing stringent regulations, India should use regulatory sandboxes as a preparatory measure. This allows for the testing of AI applications in a controlled environment, generating insights that inform future regulatory frameworks.
- Adaptable and Progressive Legislation: India’s AI regulations should be flexible and adaptable, capable of evolving with technological advancements. This can be achieved by initially using sandboxes to test and refine regulatory approaches before formalizing them.
- Ethical and Cultural Alignment: AI development in India should align with the country’s cultural and ethical values. This ensures that AI technologies are deployed responsibly and ethically, respecting societal norms and expectations.
Conclusion: The EU has come up with an AI Act, the U.S. has released a white paper on the AI Bill of Rights, and the U.K. has a national AI Strategy. China is trying to regulate various aspects of AI like generative AI while Singapore is following an innovation-friendly approach. Therefore, in a Global Competitive race, we too need some regulations to harness AI’s vast potential.
Mains PYQ:
Q The emergence of the Fourth Industrial Revolution (Digital Revolution) hasinitiated e-Governance as an integral part of government”. Discuss.(UPSC IAS/2020)
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: IMF; Debt-to-GDP ratio;
Mains level: International Market and Economy; Fiscal Issues;
Why in the News?
SRI Lanka’s Cabinet has approved a new economic law to stabilize its debt-to-GDP ratio that will cover key targets set by the International Monetary Fund (IMF).
- The debt-to-GDP ratio measures the proportion of a country’s national debt to its gross domestic product.
- According to the World Bank, the countries whose debt-to-GDP ratios exceed 77% for prolonged periods experience significant slowdowns in economic growth.
What are the IMF Targets?
-
- The IMF has various targets and initiatives aimed at achieving sustainable economic growth and prosperity for its member countries.
- It includes promoting financial stability, monetary cooperation, and transparency in economic policies to enhance productivity, job creation, and economic well-being.
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- India has not taken any financial assistance from the IMF since 1993.
- India’s current quota in the IMF is SDR (Special Drawing Rights) 5,821.5 million, making it the 13th largest quota-holding country at IMF and giving it shareholdings of 2.44%.
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- The IMF targets Sri Lanka to reduce its debt to gross domestic product (GDP) ratio to 95% by 2030.
- Another target set by the IMF is to reduce debt servicing costs to 4.5% of GDP. It means Sri Lanka needs to focus on managing the costs associated with servicing it’s debt obligations, aiming to make it more sustainable and manageable in the long term.
How will the debt-to-GDP ratio be reduced?
- Fiscal Discipline: Sri Lanka may need to implement measures to improve fiscal discipline, such as reducing government Expenditure, increasing Tax revenue, and narrowing Budget Deficits.
- Debt Restructuring: Sri Lanka can explore negotiating with creditors to extend debt maturities, reduce interest rates, or reprofile debt payments.
- Revenue Enhancement: The government could focus on enhancing revenue generation through tax reforms, improved tax administration, and efforts to broaden the tax base.
- Economic Growth: Promoting economic growth is essential for reducing the debt-to-GDP ratio over the long term. Sri Lanka could implement policies to stimulate investment, boost productivity, and enhance competitiveness, leading to higher GDP growth rates and a more sustainable debt trajectory.
What does India do presently to reduce its debt-to-GDP ratio?
- Targeted Reduction: According to a research paper by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI), the government aims to lower the general government debt-GDP ratio to 73.4% by 2030-31. This target is approximately 5% points lower than the trajectory projected by the IMF, indicating ambitious yet achievable goals.
- Promotes Fiscal Space: The Indian Central Bank – RBI emphasized reducing debt burdens to free up fiscal space for new investments, particularly in critical areas like the green transition. This suggests a strategic focus on investing in sustainable and environmentally friendly initiatives.
- Aligning with IMF: The IMF projects a positive trend in India’s debt reduction efforts, forecasting a decline in government debt from 81% of GDP in 2022 to 80.5% in 2028. This indicates that India’s debt reduction measures are consistent with international expectations and standards.
Conclusion: Focus on enhancing revenue generation through Comprehensive Tax reforms, improved tax compliance, and efforts to broaden the tax base is needed. Secondly, rationalizing Tax revenues can provide additional resources to finance government expenditures without relying heavily on borrowing, thus reducing the debt-to-GDP ratio.
Mains PYQ:
Q The World Bank and the IMF, collectively known as the Bretton Woods Institutions, are the two inter-governmental pillars supporting the structure of the world’s economic and financial order. Superficially, the World Bank and the IMF exhibit many common characteristics, yet their role, functions and mandates are distinctly different. Elucidate. (UPSC IAS/2013)
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: About NHRC;
Mains level: Human Rights; NHRC; Paris Principles;
Why in the News?
The National Human Rights Commission of India (NHRC) was formally informed late last week that the deferral of its status would continue for a year more.
- The deferral was put in place by the Sub-committee on Accreditation (SCA) of the Global Alliance of National Human Rights Institutions (GANHRI) for a year, in 2023.
About the National Human Rights Commission of India (NHRC)
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- The NHRC is a statutory body established under the Protection of Human Rights Act, of 1993.
- It is mandated to promote and protect Human Rights in India, investigate complaints of human rights violations, and take serious cognizance of human rights issues.
- The NHRC plays a crucial role in ensuring accountability and justice for victims of Human Rights abuses.
- It’s Deferral status:
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- The deferral of NHRC’s status means that its accreditation is temporarily postponed, pending improvements in its compliance with the Paris Principles.
- The Global Alliance of National Human Rights Institutions (GANHRI) accredits National Human Rights Institutions (NHRIs) based on compliance with the Paris Principles, a set of international standards for NHRIs.
About Global Alliance of National Human Rights Institutions (GANHRI):
- The GANHRI is an international network that brings together National Human Rights Institutions (NHRIs) from around the world.
- It was established in 1993 as the International Coordinating Committee (ICC) of National Institutions for the Promotion and Protection of Human Rights.
- In 2009, it was renamed GANHRI to better reflect its global scope and mission.
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How Indian NHRC is drifting away from the Paris Principles?
- Ideological Conflict: The mention of the ‘Manusmriti’ in the NHRC document sparked outrage among historically disadvantaged communities, who view it as a source of discrimination and violence they have endured during ancient times.
- The foundational values of ‘Equality’ in the Indian Constitution and Paris Principles conflict with Manusmriti’s ‘caste-division’ principles.
- In early 2017 also the NHRC was placed in the deferral category by the GANHRI, which was later lifted after a review.
- Significance of ‘A’ Status: NHRC had emphasized the significance of ‘A’ status accreditation in its public note on a previous occasion.
- ‘A’ status grants participation in the work and mechanisms of GANHRI, the Human Rights Council, and other UN mechanisms.
Way forward:
- Comprehensive Review: Conduct a thorough review of NHRC’s policies, practices, and organizational structure to identify areas of improvement and address deficiencies.
- Strengthen Compliance: Need to take proactive measures to ensure compliance with the Paris Principles, including enhancing autonomy, independence, and effectiveness in addressing human rights violations.
Mains PYQ:
Q Though the Human Rights Commissions have contributed immensely to the protection of human rights in India, yet they have failed to assert themselves against the mighty. Analysing their structural and practical limitations, suggest remedial measures. (UPSC IAS/2021)
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Diseases in the News;
Mains level: Health and Diseases in India;
Why in the News?
A tuberculosis patient receives treatment from a nurse (instead of a specialist) at a TB hospital in Guwahati.
What is meant by Pulmonary Tuberculosis (TB)?
- Pulmonary tuberculosis (TB) is a serious infection caused by the bacterium Mycobacterium tuberculosis (MTB) that involves the lungs but may spread to other organs where it destroys body tissue. TB is a contagious disease that can infect anyone exposed to MTB.
- It constitutes a significant portion of the TB burden in India, accounting for more than 20% of cases.
Present status of Extra-Pulmonary Tuberculosis (EPTB) in India:
According to the World Health Organization (WHO) reports, there are over 10 million new cases of TB every year and India alone accounts for 27% of the global TB burden. However, the burden of EPTB is hard to estimate. EPTB is often stain-negative, which means it is not detectable on regular TB stain tests. |
The twin challenges of the Knowledge Gap:
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- Among Physicians: Many healthcare providers are unaware that TB can affect organs other than the lungs, such as the eyes and other immune-privileged sites.
- Among Patients: Nearly 1/5th of TB patients have EPTB. Most of them go undiagnosed, and the few who are diagnosed cannot benefit from care unless they visit a few specialist health facilities.
- Lack of Accurate Diagnostic and Treatment Criteria: There is a lack of accurate diagnostic criteria for EPTB, making it challenging to identify the disease correctly. Treatment protocols for EPTB are not well-established or widely known, complicating effective management.
- Although guidelines like INDEX-TB (a set of guidelines by WHO for EPTB management in India) have been formulated, their implementation has remained dormant.
- The current system for collecting EPTB data is fragmented, with specialist departments maintaining diverse data practices.
- National Patient Management Portals, such as Ni-kshay in India, have incomplete and missing data on EPTB patients.
Need to Prioritize Research and Development (R&D) for EPTB:
- Need to understand the infection mechanism deeply: A troubling aspect of EPTB infection is the prolonged presence of disease markers even after the infection is resolved with treatment.
- This phenomenon causes a lot of misery to persons with EPTB and is an active area of research.
- Prioritize Advanced Immunological Tools: Advanced Immunological Tools such as single-cell RNA sequencing, will be able to uncover the immune mechanisms for the disease.
- This will also help physicians to understand the treatment better, instead of going for long-duration anti-TB therapy (sometimes for even two years or more).
Mains PYQ:
Q Can overuse and free availability of antibiotics without a Doctor’s prescription, be contributors to the emergence of drug-resistant diseases in India? What are the available mechanisms for monitoring and control? Critically discuss the various issues involved.
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: NISAR and its features
Mains level: NA
Why in the News?
The ISRO Chief has confirmed that the NISAR Satellite would be able to monitor the Tectonic Movements of Earth with high precision with a centimeter accuracy.
- Originally planned for July, the NISAR launch may be delayed to October-November due to issues on the U.S. spacecraft side.
About NISAR Satellite:
- NISAR (NASA-ISRO Synthetic Aperture Radar) is a joint satellite mission between NASA and ISRO.
- It would be a Low Earth Orbit observatory.
- This mission is aimed at enhancing our understanding of Earth’s natural processes and environmental changes.
Features of NISAR Satellite:
- L-band and S-band Radar Frequencies:
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- NASA is responsible for the L-band radar, while ISRO provides the S-band radar.
- This dual-band capability allows the satellite to monitor and measure Earth’s surface with high precision in all weather conditions and throughout both day and night.
- Large Deployable Antenna:
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- It is equipped with a large deployable antenna that measures 12 meters in diameter.
- This large antenna enhances the satellite’s ability to capture detailed radar images with high resolution.
- It will have a 39-foot stationary antenna reflector, made of a gold-plated wire mesh to focus radar signals emitted and received by the upward-facing feed on the instrument structure.
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- NISAR is designed to scan the entire Earth every 12 days.
- This rapid revisiting is crucial for observing and understanding temporal changes in the environment, such as shifting vegetation patterns, ice dynamics, and other critical parameters.
- Versatile Monitoring Capabilities:
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- It will monitor Earth’s ecosystems and dynamics, including forest biomass, ice sheet collapses, and natural hazards such as earthquakes, tsunamis, and volcanic eruptions.
- Its radar system can penetrate vegetation and soil to provide three-dimensional reconstructions of structures and changes.
PYQ:
[2015] The term ‘IndARC’ sometimes seen in the news, is the name of?
(a) An indigenously developed radar system inducted into Indian Defence.
(b) India’s satellite to provide services to the countries of Indian Ocean Rim.
(c) A scientific establishment set up by India in Antarctic region.
(d) India’s underwater observatory to scientifically study the Arctic region. |
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: IMEX-2024
Why in the News?
The Union Ministry of Tourism is actively engaging in IMEX, Frankfurt to position India as a premier MICE destination on the International stage.
Back2Basics: IMEX
- IMEX is an international trade show for the meetings, events, and incentive travel industry.
- It stands for “International Meeting Exchange” and is held annually in Frankfurt, Germany.
- It was established in the year 2001.
- IMEX provides a platform for professionals in the global events industry to network, conduct business, and gain insights into the latest trends and innovations in event planning and management.
- IMEX hosts two major annual events:
- IMEX America in Las Vegas and
- IMEX in Frankfurt, Germany.
- These events are significant for facilitating connections within the industry, offering extensive educational opportunities, and showcasing industry innovations.
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What is MICE Tourism?
- MICE Tourism refers to “Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions,” representing a sector of the travel industry specializing in the planning and booking of logistics for large and small-scale corporate events.
- Meetings: Involves small to large gatherings where business topics and are organized to discuss and exchange information.
- Incentives: Involves company-organized trips as rewards or incentives to employees or partners to motivate them or reward them for their performance.
- Conferences: These are large gatherings focused on particular topics, where participants discuss issues of mutual interest.
- Exhibitions: Also known as expos, these events are where businesses showcase and demonstrate their new products and services.
- This sector is highly valued for its contribution to the economic development of a region by bringing in significant numbers of visitors, who then utilize various services such as hotels, restaurants, and other amenities.
India’s Focus on MICE Tourism:
- Addressing Seasonality: The Ministry of Tourism has identified MICE tourism as a niche sector to mitigate the issue of seasonality and promote India as a year-round destination for international travelers.
- Meet in India Initiative: Under the umbrella of the ‘Incredible India’ campaign, the Ministry has launched the ‘Meet in India’ sub-brand, aimed at showcasing India’s robust MICE infrastructure, connectivity, and diverse tourist attractions to a global audience.
Success Stories and Global Recognition:
- G20 Presidency Impact: India’s G20 Presidency witnessed over 200 meetings in 56 cities nationwide, showcasing the country’s strong MICE infrastructure and cultural heritage to the world.
- Enhanced Global Visibility: Through these initiatives, India has gained prominence as a premier global hub for MICE activities, attracting increased tourism and business opportunities both domestically and internationally.
- ICCA Ranking: India’s efforts have been recognized internationally, positioning the country at the 9th rank in the ICCA (International Congress and Convention Association) ranking of countries in the Asia Pacific region in 2022.
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PYQ:
[2017] The term ‘Digital Single Market Strategy’ seen in the news refers to-
(a) ASEAN
(b) BRICS
(c) EU
(d) G20 |
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From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Mahi River and its tributaries; its source, catchment area; dams
Mains level: NA
Why in the News?
Incidences of people drowning down into the Mahi River have become more frequent.
About Mahi River
- The Mahi River originates in the Vindhya Range of Madhya Pradesh (hot semi-arid and watershed region), near Dhar.
- It flows northward through Madhya Pradesh before turning westward upon entering Rajasthan. It then moves southwest, passing through Gujarat, and eventually empties into the Arabian Sea.
- The river stretches for about 580 kilometers.
- Soil Type: The Mahi River Basin consists of Deep Black soil (southern region) and Alluvial soil (northern region).
- Major Tributaries: the Som, the Anas, the Panam, and the Goma.
- Major Dams: Kadana Dam and the Mahi Bajaj Sagar (Banswara) Dam are significant hydroelectric and irrigation projects on the Mahi River.
- Biodiversity: Supports diverse flora and fauna, including endangered species like the Indian Skimmer and Gharial.
Key Features:
- It is surrounded by the Aravalli Hills to the north and northwest, the Malwa Plateau to the east, the Vindhyas to the south, and the Gulf of Khambhat to the west.
- One of the most notable features of the Mahi River is its crossing of the Tropic of Cancer twice; once in Madhya Pradesh and again near the Gujarat-Rajasthan border.
PYQ:
[2017] With reference to river Teesta, consider the following statements:
1. The source of river Teesta is the same as that of Brahmaputra but it flows through Sikkim.
2. River Rangeet originates in Sikkim and it is a tributary of river Teesta.
3. River Teesta falls into Bay of Bengal at the border of India and Bangladesh.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 and 3 only
(b) 2 only
(c) 2 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3 |
With inputs from: https://indiawris.gov.in/downloads/Mahi%20Basin.pdf
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Eminent Personalities; Rabindranath Tagore;
Mains level: NA
Why in the news?
The Conservation and Cultural Archives Division of Indira Gandhi National Centre for the Arts (IGNCA) hosted an exhibition and lecture celebrating Rabindranath Tagore’s birth anniversary in New Delhi.
Tagore’s Journey to France
- Tagore had visited the battlefields of the First World War, highlighting his deep humanity.
- The narrative includes mentions of Alexandra David Neel, who recommended Tagore during his European tours, and Victoria Ocampo, who taught French to Tagore, enhancing his connection with French culture and intellectual society.
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About Rabindranath Tagore
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Details |
| Birth and Early Life |
– Born on May 7, 1861, in Calcutta, India. |
| Literary Career |
– Published his first poems at age 16 under the pen-name ‘Bhanusimha’.
– Key works include “Gitanjali“, “Ghare-Baire“, “Gora“, and “Manasi“. |
| Music and Art |
– Composed over 2,000 songs known as ‘Rabindra Sangeet’.
– Our National Anthem was composed by him and it was first sung on 27 December 1911 at the Calcutta Session of INC.
– Created more than 2,000 paintings, influenced by European expressionism. |
| Education |
– Founded Visva-Bharati University in 1921, integrating Eastern and Western philosophies. |
| Political Views |
– He is said to have given the title of ‘Mahatma’ to Mohandas
– Renounced his ‘Knighthood’ (awarded to him in 1915 by the British King George V) in 1919 following the Jallianwala Bagh massacre. |
| Cultural Influence |
– Wrote the National Anthems of India (“Jana Gana Mana”) and Bangladesh (“Amar Sonar Bangla”).
– Inspired the national anthem of Sri Lanka through a student. |
| Awards and Recognition |
– Awarded the Nobel Prize in Literature in 1913 for “Gitanjali“, the first non-European to win.
– Awarded, and later renounced, a knighthood by British King George V in 1915. |
| Philosophical Contributions |
– Advocated for the incorporation of the best aspects of Western culture with Indian culture to achieve anti-colonialism. |
| Death |
– Passed away on August 7, 1941, in Calcutta. |
| Legacy |
– Revered as ‘Gurudev’, ‘Kabiguru’, and ‘Biswakabi’. Highly influential in introducing Indian culture to the West and reshaping Bengali literature and music. |
| Additional Contributions |
– Advocated for ‘Unity in Diversity’ and ‘National Integration’.
– Spoke at the World Parliament of Religions, Chicago in 1929 and 1937.
– Modernized Bengali prose and poetry, remembered for songs like ‘Ekla Chalo Re’ and his environmental efforts at Santiniketan. |
About Indira Gandhi National Centre for the Arts (IGNCA)
- The IGNCA, New Delhi is a premier government-funded arts organisation in India.
- It is an autonomous institute under the Union Ministry of Culture.
- It was established on 19 November 1985 by Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi.
- IGNCA is envisioned as a centre for the study and experience of arts in the field of:
- Creative literature – written and oral;
- Visual arts inclusive of architecture;
- Sculpture, painting and graphics to general material culture, photography and film; and
- Performing arts of music, dance and theatre.
PYQ:
[2019] Examine the linkages between the nineteenth century’s Indian Renaissance and the emergence of national identity.
[2021] Who among the following was associated as Secretary with Hindu Female School, later known as Bethune Female School?
(a) Annie Besant
(b) Debendranath Tagore
(c) Ishwar Chandra Vidyasagar
(d) Sarojini Naidu |
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Emerging Technologies; Deepfake Technology;
Why in the News?
During the General Elections 2024, the proliferation of AI-generated content (AIGC), including deepfake videos featuring prominent figures like Aamir Khan and Ranveer Singh, raised concerns about misinformation.
What is Deepfake Technology?
- It is a type of Artificial Intelligence used to create convincing images, audio and video hoaxes. Deepfakes often transform existing source content where one person is swapped for another.
- Creating such content involves a technique known as Generative Adversarial Networks (GANs), comprising Artificial Neural Networks.
Legal Safeguards in India:
- The regulations under the IT Act of 2000 and 2021 requires social media intermediaries to promptly remove deepfake content. Failure to do so may result in imprisonment or fines.
- Section 66D: It penalizes individuals for cheating through personation using communication devices or computer resources. (Imprisonment for up to 3 yrs and a fine of up to 1 lakh rupees)
- Rule 3(1)(b)(vii): This rule mandates that social media intermediaries prevent the hosting of content impersonating others.
- Rule 3(2)(b): This rule requires social media platforms to remove such content within 24 hours of receiving a complaint.
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Significance of Deepfake Technology:
- Promotes Right to Expression: Deepfakes amplify voices of marginalised individuals, enabling them to share important messages. Recently, a video was created to deliver the final message of a journalist killed by the Saudi government, calling for justice.
- Can contribute to the Education System: Online educators use deepfakes to bring historical figures to life for engaging lessons. For example, a video of Abraham Lincoln delivering his Gettysburg.
- Provides Autonomy: Deepfakes empower individuals to control their digital identity and explore new forms of self-expression. For instance, the Reface App.
- Provides a realistic experience: Artists leverage deepfakes for creative expression and collaboration, as seen in Salvador Dali’s interactive museum promotion. Deepfake tech enables realistic lip-syncing for actors speaking different languages, enhancing global accessibility and immersion in films.
- Renovating old memories: Deepfakes aid in restoring old photos, enhancing low-quality footage, and creating realistic training materials for public safety.
What are the limitations of Deepfake Technology?
- Spreading False Information: Deepfakes can purposefully spread misinformation, influencing public opinion or elections, like the videos of politicians/celebrities can manipulate viewers and create confusion about important issues.
- Frauds: Deepfake technology enables impersonation for financial frauds, tricking individuals into revealing sensitive information. They can also fuel harassment, especially targeting women, and lead to psychological distress.
- Accuracy: While no AI detector guarantees 100% accuracy, tools like Originality.ai boast a 99% true positive rate. Detection models report probability scores, allowing for nuanced assessments despite inherent uncertainties.
Future Scope:
- Adversarial AI: Keeping pace with evolving generative AI models poses a significant challenge for content detectors.
- Accessibility and Cost: With increased adoption and advancements, the accessibility and affordability of detection tools are expected to improve.
PYQ:
With the present state of development, Artificial Intelligence can effectively do which of the following? (2020)
1. Bring down electricity consumption in industrial units
2. Create meaningful short stories and songs
3. Disease diagnosis
4. Text-to-Speech Conversion
5. Wireless transmission of electrical energy
Select the correct answer using the code given below:
(a) 1, 2, 3 and 5 only
(b) 1, 3 and 4 only
(c) 2, 4 and 5 only
(d) 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5 |
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Emerging Tecnologies; GPT-4o;
Why in the News?
- OpenAI has launched GPT-4o- a version of the GPT-4 model which powers its ChatGPT.
- It offers enhanced speed, intelligence, and efficiency across text, vision, and audio, revolutionizing human-to-machine interaction and opening up new possibilities for users worldwide.
About GPT-4o:
- GPT-4o offers GPT- 4 level intelligence with improved speed and efficiency, making human-to-machine interaction more natural and seamless.(focuses on emotional aspects)
- It integrates transcription, intelligence, and text-to-speech functionalities seamlessly, eliminating latency and enhancing voice mode capabilities.
Features of GPT-4o
- Free Access for All: Previously available only to paid users, GPT-4o now provides advanced tools to all users, unlocking over a million GPTs from the GPT store and expanding possibilities for developers.
- Multilingual and Vision Capabilities: GPT-4o supports over 50 languages and includes vision capabilities, enabling users to upload photos, documents, and access real-time information during conversations.
- Real-time Conversations: It is able to understand user emotions and provide emotive styles of conversation in real-time.
- Vision and Coding Support: GPT-4o can solve complex math problems, assist with coding queries, interpret complex charts, and analyze facial expressions in real-time.
- Translation and Efficiency: GPT-4o offers live real-time translation capabilities and is two times faster, 50% cheaper, and offers 5 times higher rate limits compared to GPT-4 Turbo.
PYQ:
[2020] With the present state of development, Artificial Intelligence can effectively do which of the following?
- Bring down electricity consumption in industrial units
- Create meaningful short stories and songs
- Disease diagnosis
- Text-to-Speech Conversion
- Wireless transmission of electrical energy
Select the correct answer using the code given below:
(a) 1, 2, 3 and 5 only
(b) 1, 3 and 4 only
(c) 2, 4 and 5 only
(d) 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5 |
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Data related to inequality and poverty
Mains level: Measurement issues regarding poverty lines and consumption expenditure
Why in the News?
The National Sample Survey Organization’s and Household Consumption Expenditure Survey (2022-23) prompted researchers to estimate Poverty and Inequality trends, highlighting data comparability and measurement issues.
Present trends of Poverty and Inequality in Indian Society:
1. Poverty Declined:
- Poverty ratios declined from 29.5% in 2011-12 to 10% in 2022-23 (1.77% points per year) based on the Rangarajan Committee’s poverty lines.
- Poverty ratios declined from 21.9% in 2011-12 to 3% in 2022-23 (1.72% points per year) based on the Tendulkar Committee’s poverty lines. Earlier period estimates showed a decline from 37.2% in 2004-05 to 21.9% in 2011-12 (2.18 percentage points per year).
2. Inequality Declined :
- Subramanian’s estimates indicate the Gini coefficient declined from 0.278 to 0.269 for rural areas and from 0.358 to 0.318 for urban areas between 2011-12 and 2022-23.
- The Gini coefficient measures the inequality among the values of a frequency distribution, such as levels of income.
- Bansal et al show similar trends: Gini coefficient for rural areas declined from 0.284 to 0.266, and for urban areas from 0.363 to 0.315 over the same period. (significant decline in urban inequality compared to rural areas between 2011-12 and 2022-23)
Back2Basics:
Lakdawala Committee (1993):
- It disaggregated poverty lines into state-specific poverty lines.
- Poverty lines: same as Alagh’s committee of 1979. (2400 kcal per capita per day for rural areas and 2100 kcal per capita per day in urban areas.)
- Poverty lines were updated using the Consumer Price Index of Industrial Workers (CPI-IW) in urban areas and the Consumer Price Index of Agricultural Labour (CPI-AL) in rural areas rather than using National Accounts Statistics.
- Estimates of poverty: 54.9% (All India)
Tendulkar Committee (2009):
- Constituted: In 2005
- Submitted report: 2009.
- Recommendations:
- Firstly, the incorporation of private expenditure on health and education while estimating poverty.
- Secondly, to shift away from two separate poverty line baskets (PLBs) (for rural and Urban) towards a uniform all-India PLB.
- Thirdly, to shift away from Uniform Reference Period (URP) based estimates towards Mixed Reference Period (MRP) based estimates.
- Fourthly, A change in the price adjustment procedure to correct spatial (across regions) and temporal (across time) issues with price adjustment.
- It concluded that India’s poverty line was Rs. 446.68 per capita per month in rural areas and Rs. 578.80 per capita per month in urban areas in 2004-05.
- Estimates of poverty: 37.2 % (All India)
C. Rangarajan Committee (2014):
- Constituted: 2012
- Submitted report: 2014.
- Used a method of calculating urban and rural poverty separately (similar to the Lakdawala committee).
- Took into account both food and non-food items of expenditure.
- Used the MMRP method instead of MRP.
- Poverty was estimated on monthly expenditure of a family of five (and not individual as in case of the Tendulkar committee). All three, i.e., Calorie + protein + Fat intake values were taken into account to estimate poverty.
- Estimates of poverty: 29.5%
- Poverty lines: Rural- Rs. 32; Urban- Rs.47
Methods to Estimate Absolute Poverty by NSSO:
Poverty estimation in India is now carried out by NITI Aayog’s task force through the calculation of poverty line based on the data captured by the NSSO under the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MOSPI). It uses the following 3 methods:
- Uniform Recall (reference) Period (URP): Under URP, consumption data for all items are collected for a 30-day recall period. When URP is applied, the households are surveyed about their consumption in the last 30 days preceding the date of the survey.
- Until 1993-94, the poverty line estimated by NSSO was based on URP.
- Mixed Recall (reference) Period (MRP): MRP takes into account consumption expenditure for five non-food items (clothing, footwear, durable goods, education, and institutional medical expenses) for a 365-day recall period, and consumption data for the remaining items are collected for a 30-day recall period.
- Modified mixed reference period (MMRP): The Rangarajan Committee in its 2014 report recommended MMRP as a more suitable method to measure poverty as compared to URP and MRP methods. The World Bank in 2015 also supported the idea of shifting from MRP to MMRP. Under MMRP there are 3 reference periods as follows:
- The 365-day recall period is used for clothing, footwear, education, institutional medical care, and durable goods.
- The 7-day recall period for edible oil, egg, fish and meat, vegetables, fruits, spices, beverages, refreshments, processed food, paan, tobacco and intoxicants and
- The 30-day recall period for the remaining food items, fuel, and light, miscellaneous
good and services including non-institutional medical, rents, and taxes.
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Measurement issues regarding Poverty Lines and Consumption Expenditure:
- Shift Away from Calorie Norm-based Poverty Line: The Tendulkar Committee recognized the inadequacy of a calorie norm-based poverty line. Instead, the Tendulkar Committee indirectly utilized calorie norms by adopting the urban poverty line based on the Lakdawala Committee’s methodology, which included calorie norms.
- Need for new Consumption Basket: The Rangarajan Group emphasized the need for a new consumption basket that addresses both adequate nourishment and essential non-food items, alongside behaviorally determined non-food expenditure.
- Estimating this new poverty basket required a fresh approach rather than simply updating an old basket with new prices.
- Incomplete Capture of Public Expenditure: Despite efforts to impute values for public expenditure items, the imputation process captured only a fraction of the total public expenditure on subsidized or free items.
- Complexity in Poverty Measurement: There is no universally agreed-upon method for measuring poverty, leading to variability in estimates.
Constitutional provisions related to eliminating inequalities:
i. [Article 38 (2) ]: Obligation of the State ‘to endeavour to eliminate inequalities in status, facilities and opportunities’ amongst individuals and groups of people residing in different areas or engaged in different vocations.
ii. [Article 46]: Obligation of State ‘to promote with special care’ the educational and economic interests of ‘the weaker sections of the people’ (besides Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes).
Conclusion: Given the inadequacy of calorie norm-based poverty lines, as recognized by the Tendulkar Committee, there is a need to adopt more effective and real-time approaches that will consider evolving consumption patterns.
Mains PYQ:
Q “The incidence and intensity of poverty are more important in determining poverty based on income alone”. In this context analyse the latest United Nations Multidimensional Poverty Index Report.(UPSC IAS/2020)
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: About Measles Vaccination
Mains level: Global Immunisation Efforts and Current Observations
Why in the News?
On the occasion of World Immunisation Week observed from 24th to 30th April, the Indian Academy of Paediatrics has launched a campaign to focus on routine immunization as the ‘Birth Right’ of a Child.
About Measles Vaccination
- This vaccine protects against 3 diseases: Measles, Mumps, and Rubella (MMR).
- Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends children get two doses of MMR vaccine, starting with the first dose at 12 -15 months of age, and the second dose at 4-6 years of age. Teens and adults should also be up to date on their MMR vaccination.
Indian Government Initiatives:
- World Immunization Week: The Indian Academy of Paediatrics (IAP) launched a campaign during World Immunisation Week (April 24-30) focusing on routine immunization as a fundamental right of every child. IAP urged the government to expedite the introduction of the HPV vaccine and typhoid conjugate vaccine to address significant public health burdens.
- Vaccination made within the country:
- DTP Vaccine: 93% of surviving infants received the third dose of the DTP vaccine.
- Measles Vaccine: 90% of infants received the second dose of the measles vaccine. The measles vaccine has been the most significant in reducing infant mortality, accounting for 60% of lives saved through immunisation since 1974.
- Present issues include inequitable distribution of vaccines, inability to reach 90% coverage, human resource gaps, and financing problems. In 2022, 33 million children missed a measles vaccine dose, with 22 million missing the first dose and 11 million missing the second dose.
Impacts of Immunisation Globally:
- Lives Saved: Immunisation efforts have saved an estimated 154 million lives globally over the past 50 years, equating to six lives every minute of every year.
- Infant Mortality Reduction: 101 million of the lives saved were infants. Vaccination against 14 diseases has reduced infant deaths by 40% globally and by over 50% in Africa.
- Diseases Targeted: Vaccines have contributed to reducing deaths from diseases like Diphtheria, Haemophilus Influenzae Type B, Hepatitis B, Japanese Encephalitis, Measles, Meningitis A, Pertussis, invasive Pneumococcal disease, Polio, Rotavirus, Rubella, Tetanus, Tuberculosis, and Yellow fever.
Conclusion: Immunisation saves lives, reduces infant mortality, and prevents outbreaks by protecting against infectious diseases, ensuring healthier communities, and securing a better future for children worldwide.
Mains PYQ:
Q What is the basic principle behind vaccine development? How do vaccines work? What approaches were adopted by the Indian vaccine manufacturers to produce COVID-19 vaccines? (UPSC IAS/2022)
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: The Mediation Act, 2023
Mains level: Need to address flaws wrt Mediation Act, 2023
Why in the news?
The Mediation Act, of 2023, formalizes diverse mediation forms, promotes amicable settlements and also addresses the judicial backlog. However, Chief Justice Chandrachud emphasized recently that we need a “mediate, not litigate” directive.
What is Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR)?
- ADR refers to the methods of resolving a dispute, which are alternatives for litigation in Courts. Generally, it uses a neutral third party who helps the parties to communicate, discuss the differences, and resolve the dispute (civil disputes).
- The Malimath Committee Report (1989-90) underlined the need for ADR mechanisms as a viable alternative to conventional court litigation.
Important Provisions Related To ADR:
- Section 89 of the Civil Procedure Code, 1908: Provides that opportunity to the people, if it appears to court there exist elements of settlement outside the court then the court formulates the terms of the possible settlement and refer the same for ADRs.
- Legal provisions dealing with the ADR mechanism in India are the Legal Services Authority Act, 1987 (established Lok Adalat System) and the Arbitration and Conciliation Act, 1996.
Significance of ADR:
- Speedy Justice: It is a well-known fact that the present Judicial System is extremely expensive and delaying. ADR methods typically resolve disputes faster than traditional court processes, which is crucial in reducing judicial backlog and providing timely justice.
- Cost-Effectiveness: ADR is generally less expensive than litigation, as it avoids the high costs associated with court fees, prolonged legal procedures, and extensive discovery processes.
- Confidentiality: Unlike public court proceedings, ADR processes are usually private, protecting the confidentiality of the parties and the details of the dispute.
- Preservation of Relationships: ADR methods, particularly mediation and conciliation, emphasize collaborative problem-solving and communication, helping to preserve or even improve relationships between parties.
Key provisions of the Mediation Act, 2023:
- It defines ‘Mediation’ and also expands the scope of mediation to statutorily recognize pre-litigation mediation, online mediation, community mediation and conciliation under the definition.
- Section 5 provides that the disputing parties, before filing any civil or commercial suit in any court, may “voluntarily and with mutual consent” take steps to settle the disputes by pre-litigation mediation.
- It is in line with the international practice of using the terms ‘mediation’ and ‘conciliation’ as declared by the UNCITRAL and as done previously by the Supreme Court of India in many of its judgments (Perry Kansagra vs. Smriti Madan Kansagra, 2019 and Amardeep Singh vs. Harveen Kaur, 2017).
Need to address flaws wrt Mediation Act, 2023:
- Experience Requirement for Mediators: Aspiring mediators must have 15 years of professional experience before qualifying to practice. This requirement might be too stringent and could limit the pool of potential mediators, hindering the growth of mediation as a viable dispute-resolution method.
- Disconnect in Legal Education: The current legal education and practice emphasize advocacy, which contrasts sharply with the neutrality required in mediation. This creates a disconnect as legal professionals need to unlearn and relearn skills when transitioning between roles, making the process inefficient.
How can we foster the next generation of Mediators?
- Integrated Approach: To bridge the gap between advocacy and mediation, there should be continuous, integrated learning. Legal professionals should be trained to switch roles seamlessly, maintaining and enhancing their skills in both areas throughout their careers.
- Innovative Training Methods: Co-mediation pairs novice mediators with experienced counterparts, allowing them to gain practical experience in real mediation sessions.
- Structured Mediation Training: Embedding mediation training within the law school curriculum can ignite early interest and equip students with essential dispute-resolution skills.
- Amendments: Revising the experience requirement to allow younger professionals to become mediators sooner could expand the pool of qualified mediators and accelerate the adoption of mediation practices.
Conclusion: According to CJI an “active effort must be taken by courts to make negotiations and mediation mandatory as part of case management and with adequate cooperation from all stakeholders, ADR can emerge as a tool of social justice in the country.
Mains PYQ:
Q What are the major changes brought in the Arbitration and Conciliation Act, of 1966 through the recent ordinance promulgated by the President? How far will it improve India’s dispute resolution mechanism? Discuss. (UPSC IAS/2015)
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Smart Cities Mission
Mains level: Why is the Smart Cities Mission (SCM) considered exclusionary to many?
Why in the news?
The Smart Cities Mission (SCM), a key initiative of the previous NDA-1 government, has received less emphasis in this year’s lineup of electoral pledges and accomplishments.
How are smart cities defined by the government?
- Since 2009, following the significant financial crash, the term ‘Smart City’ has gained widespread usage.
- Urban practitioners have defined smart cities as innovative urban hubs akin to new Silicon Valleys, characterized by robust integration of transportation networks, including airports, highways, and various communication infrastructures, thereby fostering intellectual environments enhanced by advanced information and communication technologies (ICT).
- The Smart Cities Mission is a key urban renewal and retrofitting program launched by the Government of India in 2015 to develop 100 cities across the country, making them citizen-friendly and sustainable.
The Smart Cities Mission (SCM) comprises two primary components:
- Area-Based Development:
This aspect focuses on three components:
- Redevelopment (city renewal): Revitalizing existing urban areas to improve infrastructure, amenities, and quality of life.
- Retrofitting (city improvement): Upgrading infrastructure and services in already developed areas to meet contemporary urban needs and standards.
- Greenfield projects (city extension): Developing new urban areas or expanding existing cities with sustainable and modern infrastructure.
- Pan-City Solutions based on ICT:
This facet involves implementing integrated solutions across various sectors using Information and Communication Technology (ICT). These solutions typically fall under six categories:
- E-governance: Utilizing digital platforms for efficient and transparent governance processes.
- Waste management: Implementing systems for effective waste collection, segregation, and disposal.
- Water management: Enhancing water supply infrastructure and promoting conservation measures.
- Energy management: Implementing energy-efficient technologies and promoting renewable energy sources.
- Urban mobility: Improving transportation systems to enhance connectivity and reduce congestion.
- Skill development: Promoting programs to enhance the skills and employability of the urban workforce.
Why is the Smart Cities Mission (SCM) considered exclusionary to many?
- Limited Geographical Scope: Only a small portion of a city’s area, often not more than 1%, was selected for development under the SCM. For example, in Chandigarh, the funds were concentrated in sector 43, focusing on projects like smart water meters and Wi-Fi zones, leaving other areas untouched.
- Mismatch with Urban Realities: The competitive selection process did not account for the diverse and dynamic nature of urbanization in India. The approach was more suitable for static urban environments found in the West, not the evolving urban landscapes of Indian cities.
- Displacement and Disruption: Implementation of smart city projects often led to the displacement of people living in poorer localities and street vendors.
- Inadequate Funding: The total funding allocated for the SCM was significantly less than the estimated requirement for making Indian cities livable. Reports suggested a capital expenditure need of $1.2 trillion by 2030, while the SCM’s allocation was less than $20 billion over nine years.
Did the SCM override the 74th Constitutional Amendment?
- Reduced Role of Elected Councils: The governance structure under the SCM limited the role of elected municipal councils.This was seen as bypassing the decentralized, participatory governance model envisaged by the 74th Constitutional Amendment, which aimed to empower local urban bodies.
- Top-Down Approach: Critics argued that the SCM’s design was too top-down, not aligning with the bottom-up approach promoted by the 74th Constitutional Amendment.
Way forward:
- Contextual Planning: Develop flexible and adaptive plans that consider the unique and dynamic nature of Indian urbanization, rather than applying a one-size-fits-all model.
- Community Involvement: Engage local communities in the planning process to ensure that projects reflect the needs and realities of different urban areas.
Mains PYQ:
Q What are ‘Smart Cities’? examine their relevance for urban development in India. Will it increase rural-urban differences? Give arguments for ‘Smart Villages’ in the light of PURA and RURBAN Mission. (UPSC IAS/2016)
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Semal Trees and its habitat
Mains level: NA
Why in the News?
Despite its ecological importance, rampant harvesting of Semal Trees for bonfires poses a grave threat to their existence, undermining biodiversity and cultural heritage alike.
About Semal/ Silk Cotton Trees
- The Semal tree, scientifically known as Bombax ceiba, is a deciduous tropical tree.
- It is native to India, South-East Asia, and Northern Australia.
- It can grow up to 60 meters tall. It has a distinctive straight trunk, often with spiky thorns, and a wide, spreading canopy.
- It produces vivid red flowers that are large and attractive, making it quite conspicuous when in bloom.
- The fruit of the Semal tree is a capsule that contains several seeds surrounded by a fibrous, cotton-like substance which is wind-dispersed.
Commercial Uses
- The fibers extracted from the fruit, known as kapok, are used for stuffing pillows, mattresses, and life jackets due to their buoyancy and insulating properties.
- The wood is soft and is often used for making paper, while in rural areas, it is used as fuelwood and for making cheap furniture.
Ecological Significance
- Members of tribal communities consume the tree’s reddish root for food during the monsoons.
- Larvae of the moth Bucculatrix crateracma feed on its leaves.
- The golden-crowned sparrow weaves the lining of its nests with white cotton from its seeds.
Felling of a Semal Tree: Which laws are violated?
- Rajasthan Forest Act 1953: This act prohibits various activities in reserved forests without prior permission. Specifically, it bars any unauthorized person from felling, uprooting, damaging, or otherwise harming trees. Violating these prohibitions can lead to penalties including imprisonment, fines, or both, depending on the severity of the offence. Semal tree is not recorded in the state’s list of ‘rare, threatened, and endangered’ species. (Trees on this list enjoy priority conservation efforts.) (Indian Kanoon)
- Forest (Conservation) Act 1980: This act is more comprehensive at the national level and was enacted to provide for the conservation of forests and to regulate deforestation. It requires that any non-forest use of forest land must have prior approval from the Central Government. This includes clearances for felling trees, which are only granted under specific conditions that ensure the conservation and sustainable use of forest resources. (UNEPLawEnvAssistantPlat)
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PYQ:
[2015] In India, in which one of the following types of forests is teak a dominant tree species?
(a) Tropical moist deciduous forest
(b) Tropical rainforest
(c) Tropical thorn scrub forest
(d) Temperate forest with grasslands |
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Chabahar Port, Persian Gulf Mapping
Mains level: NA
Why in the news?
- India and Iran signed a 10-year agreement for the operation of the Chabahar port, marking a significant milestone in their cooperation.
Back2Basics: Chabahar Port
- The port is located in southeastern Iran in the Sistan-Baluchistan province, on the Gulf of Oman and at the mouth of the Strait of Hormuz.
- It is called the “Golden Gate” to Central Asian land-locked countries of Afghanistan, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan.
- It serves as Iran’s only oceanic port and consists of two separate ports named Shahid Kalantari and Shahid Beheshti.
- It is only about 170 km west of the Gwadar port if Pakistan.
- The development of Chabahar port was initiated by India with a MoU in 2015 and executed in 2016 during PM Narendra Modi’s visit to Iran.
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About the Agreement
The contract, signed between Indian Ports Global Ltd. (IPGL) and Port and Maritime Organisation (PMO) of Iran, involves substantial investment and development initiatives.
- IPGL will invest approximately $120 million in equipping the Shahid-Behesti terminal, enhancing the port’s efficiency and capacity.
- India has extended a credit window of $250 million for mutually identified projects aimed at improving Chabahar-related infrastructure, emphasizing its commitment to regional development.
Strategic Importance of Chabahar Port to India
- Chabahar port will boost India’s access to Iran, the key gateway to the International North-South Transport Corridor that has sea, rail and road routes between India, Russia, Iran, Europe and Central Asia.
- Chabahar port will be beneficial to India in countering Chinese presence in the Arabian Sea which China is trying to ensure by helping Pakistan develop the Gwadar port.
- India can bypass Pakistan in transporting goods to Afghanistan.
Economic Significance
- Chabahar Port is at an important point on the Arabian Sea, with easy access from India’s west coast.
- Kandla port in Gujarat is the closest port at 550 nautical miles, while the distance between Chabahar and Mumbai is 786 nautical miles.
- Since 2019, the port has handled more than 80,000 twenty-foot equivalent units (TEUs) of container traffic and more than 8 million tonnes of bulk and general cargo.
- The port also offers an alternative route from the Strait of Hormuz for cargo traffic between Central Asian countries and Afghanistan.
PYQ:
[2017] What is the importance of developing Chabahar Port by India?
(a) India’s trade with African countries will enormously increase.
(b) India’s relations with oil-producing Arab countries will be strengthened.
(c) India will not depend on Pakistan to access Afghanistan and Central Asia.
(d) Pakistan will facilitate and protect the gas pipeline installation between Iraq and India. |
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Exercise SHakti and another bilateral exercise between India and France
Mains level: NA
Why in the news?
The 7th edition of the India-France Joint Military Exercise SHAKTI begins at Umroi, Meghalaya, signalling the start of a biennial training event aimed at enhancing bilateral military cooperation.
About Exercise Shakti
- Shakti Exercise is a joint military exercise between the armies of India and France.
- It is a biennial training event conducted alternatively in India and France
- It started in 2011, and since then, the armies of both countries have undertaken it to promote defence cooperation and interoperability.
- Objectives:
- To bolster joint military capabilities for multi-domain operations in a sub-conventional scenario under Chapter VII of the United Nations Mandate.
- To operate in semi-urban and mountainous terrain, focusing on achieving a high degree of physical fitness and refining tactical drills.
Major Defence Exercise between India and France:
- Garuda: It is the joint air exercise between the Indian Air Force and the French Air and Space Force.
- Varuna: It is the joint naval exercise between the Indian Navy and the French Navy.
- Desert Knight-21: It was a bilateral air exercise conducted by the Indian Air Force and the French Air and Space Force at Air Force Station Jodhpur from January 20-24, 2021. It was unique as it involved the fielding of Rafale aircraft by both sides.
- FRINJEX: It was the maiden joint military exercise between the Indian Army and the French Army conducted at Pangode Military Station, Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala on March 7-8, 2023.
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Various Defence Exercises in News
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: MOW register, ramcharitmanas, Panchatantra, and Sahrdayāloka-Locana
Mains level: NA
Why in the news?
The Ramcharitmanas, Panchatantra and Sahrdayaloka-Locana have been included in ‘UNESCO’s Memory of the World Asia-Pacific regional register’.
About UNESCO’s ‘Memory of the World (MOW) Asia-Pacific regional register’
|
Details |
| History and Establishment |
Initiated in 1992 by UNESCO.
Asia-Pacific Regional Committee (MOWCAP) was set up in 1998. |
| Parent Organization |
Overseen by UNESCO (United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization). |
| Objective |
To safeguard, preserve, facilitate access to, and increase awareness of documentary heritage. Focuses specifically on the Asia-Pacific region. |
| Examples of Inscribed Items |
Includes items like Japan’s “Sugihara’s Visas for Life”, Australia’s “Mabo Case Manuscripts”, and Vietnam’s “Ba Chuc Massacre Archives”. |
| Impact and Outreach |
Supports preservation, digitization, accessibility of documents; provides grants and organizes workshops, meetings, and exhibitions to promote knowledge sharing. |
Reference
About the Texts
- Written by Tulsidas in the 16th century, the Ramcharitmanas is an epic poem in Awadhi, a dialect of Hindi, and is a retelling of the Sanskrit epic Ramayana.
- It narrates the life of Lord Rama, his virtues, the ideals of Dharma, and his reign during Ram Rajya.
- Hanuman Chalisa is a combination of 40 verses from the same epic.
- The Panchatantra is a collection of ancient Indian animal fables that dates back to at least the 3rd century BCE.
- Originally written in Sanskrit by Vishnu Sharma.
- Its stories are crafted as simple yet vibrant narratives that aim to impart practical life lessons through the interactions of anthropomorphized animals.
- The Sahrdayaloka-Locana is a Sanskrit treatise on poetics written by Jagannatha Paṇḍitaraja in the 17th century.
- It is considered one of the most important works of Sanskrit literary criticism.
- The text discusses the concept of “Sahrdaya“, which refers to a sensitive or discerning reader or critic.
PYQ:
[2016] With reference to the cultural history of India, the memorising of chronicles, dynastic histories and epic tales was the profession of who among the following?
(a) Shramana
(b) Parivraajaka
(c) Agrahaarika
(d) Maagadha |
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