From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Bordering countries of Switzerland
Mains level: Why did India Refuse to sign the document?
Why in the news?
India emphasized that only proposals acceptable to both Russia and Ukraine can lead to peace as it decided to disassociate from the final document issued on June 16 at the conclusion of the Peace Summit in Switzerland.
What is a Joint Communique on a Peace Framework?
The Joint Communique on a Peace Framework is a formal document issued at the conclusion of the Peace Summit in Switzerland, held on June 16, 2024. This communique outlines the collective stance and proposed guidelines for achieving peace in the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict.
Key Highlights of the Ukraine Peace Summit in Switzerland
Attendance and Endorsement: More than 80 countries attended the summit and endorsed the “Joint Communique on a Peace Framework.” The communique emphasized the protection of Ukraine’s territorial integrity, based on Ukraine’s peace formula and the UN charter.
Non-Endorsing Countries: India, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, Thailand, Indonesia, Mexico, and the United Arab Emirates did not sign the communique. Brazil maintained an observer status, and China declined the invitation altogether.
India’s Participation and Stance: India attended the summit but chose not to endorse the final document. India’s stance is rooted in the belief that any peace proposal must be acceptable to both Russia and Ukraine for it to be sustainable. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) emphasized India’s commitment to understanding different perspectives to find a lasting resolution through dialogue and diplomacy.
Why did India Refuse?
Neutrality and Balanced Approach: India maintains a policy of neutrality and balanced diplomacy, avoiding taking sides in the Russia-Ukraine conflict to preserve its diplomatic relations with both nations.
Mutually Acceptable Solutions: India believes that any peace proposal must be acceptable to both Russia and Ukraine to be sustainable, emphasizing dialogue and practical engagement between the conflicting parties.
Strategic and Diplomatic Considerations: By not endorsing the communique, India retains its potential role as a trusted mediator, protecting its strategic ties with Russia and considering broader geopolitical concerns such as food and energy security.
Conclusion: India’s decision reflects its stance on neutrality, advocating for peace proposals acceptable to both Russia and Ukraine while preserving diplomatic relations and strategic interests amid global geopolitical dynamics.
Mains PYQ:
Q What is the significance of Indo-US defence deals over Indo-Russian defence deals? Discuss with reference to stability in the Indo-Pacific region.(UPSC IAS/2020)
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Global Gender Gap Report
Mains level: Significance of Low Gender Gap in Education Sector and Political Representation
Why in the news?
While global gender parity has improved to 68.5% in 2024 from 68.4% in 2023, progress remains slow. The World Economic Forum’s report indicates it will take 134 years to achieve full parity at this rate.
The Global Gender Gap Report 2024
It is released by the World Economic Forum (WEF), and highlights significant disparities in gender parity across various sectors.
Present Scenario:
Global Gender Gap Report 2024:
The global gender gap stands at 68.5% closed, indicating slow progress towards gender parity.
Iceland leads with over 90% closure, while India has slipped to 129th position out of 146 countries, with 64.1% closure.
India’s slight regression is attributed to declines in education and political empowerment indices.
Challenges in India:
Despite improvements in economic participation, India needs to bridge gaps in education and political representation.
The labour force participation rate for women is 45.9%, indicating significant untapped potential.
Gender disparity in literacy rates persists, with women lagging 17.2 percentage points behind men, impacting India’s global ranking.
Significance of Low Gender Gap in the Education Sector:
Bridging the gender gap in education is crucial for enhancing women’s economic opportunities.
Measures such as preventing dropout rates among girls, imparting job skills, and ensuring workplace safety are essential.
Improving literacy rates and educational attainment levels for women can lead to higher economic productivity and empowerment.
Significance of Low Gender Gap in Political Representation:
India shows low representation of women in political bodies despite some progress. Women constitute only 13.6% of the Lok Sabha members, reflecting inadequate political empowerment.
Implementation of the Women’s Reservation Bill, aimed at reserving one-third of seats in legislative bodies, remains crucial for enhancing women’s political participation and influence.
Way forward:
Enhancing Education Access and Quality: Implement targeted policies to reduce the gender gap in education, focusing on increasing girls’ enrollment and retention rates.
Promoting Women’s Political Empowerment: Implement initiatives to encourage women’s active participation in politics, such as leadership training programs, awareness campaigns, and support networks.
Mains PYQ:
Q Can the vicious cycle of gender inequality, poverty and malnutrition be broken through microfinancing of women SHGs? Explain with examples. (UPSC IAS/2021)
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Members of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC)
Mains level: Migrants' Rights in GCC countries
Why in the news?
Shortly after a fatal fire claimed the lives of 49 migrant workers, predominantly Indians, in the Mangaf area of Al Ahmadi municipality, Kuwait
About the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC)
It is a regional intergovernmental organization that aims to promote economic, political, and cultural cooperation among its member states.
The GCC was established in 1981 and currently consists of six Arab countries: Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates. The council’s main headquarters is located in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
What is the Kafala system?
The Kafala system is a sponsorship system used in several Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries, including Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Kuwait, Bahrain, Oman, and the United Arab Emirates. It governs the legal status of migrant workers, particularly those from other countries in Asia and Africa, who come to work in these countries. It binds migrant workers to a specific employer, known as the “kafeel,” who is responsible for the worker’s visa and legal status.
Note: sponsorship by local sponsor or employer in West Asian countries
Migrants’ Rights in GCC countries:
Vulnerabilities of Migrant Workers: Migrant workers in GCC countries face systemic vulnerabilities due to the Kafala system, tying their legal status to employers who control their accommodation, wages, and freedom of movement. Lack of independent legal status and dependency on employers make them susceptible to exploitation, poor living conditions, and arbitrary deportations.
Living Conditions and Safety: Many migrants live in crowded and substandard accommodations, which exacerbate risks during emergencies such as fires, as seen in the Mangaf tragedy. Safety standards in workplaces and living spaces often fall short, posing significant risks to migrants’ health and well-being.
Legal Protections and Access to Justice: Legal protections for migrant workers vary, with some categories like domestic workers often excluded from labor laws and protections. Limited access to justice and the ability to organize or unionize further restrict their ability to advocate for improved rights and conditions.
India’s Relationship with GCC Countries:
Economic Dependence and Migrant Workforce: India has a significant economic relationship with GCC countries, with millions of Indian migrants working across sectors such as construction, healthcare, and services. Remittances from GCC countries contribute significantly to India’s economy, highlighting the mutual economic interdependence.
Diplomatic and Policy Engagements: India engages diplomatically with GCC countries to safeguard the interests and welfare of its migrant workers, advocating for better working conditions, legal protections, and safety measures. Bilateral agreements and negotiations focus on labour rights, remittance flows, and crisis management during emergencies affecting Indian migrants.
What India can do? (Way forward)
Diplomatic Engagement and Advocacy: Strengthen diplomatic ties with GCC countries to advocate for better working conditions, legal protections, and safety measures for Indian migrants.
Consular Services and Support: Enhance consular services and support networks in GCC countries to provide timely assistance, legal aid, and emergency relief to Indian migrant workers.
Skill Development and Empowerment: Collaborate with GCC governments and employers to ensure skill development programs for Indian migrants, enhancing their employability and negotiating power.
Mains PYQ:
Q Indian Diaspora has an important role to play in South-East Asian countries’ economy and society. Appraise the role of the Indian Diaspora in South-East Asia in this context. (UPSC IAS/2017)
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Mains level: Implication of SWM Cess
Why in the News?
The Bruhat Bengaluru Mahangara Palike (BBMP)has proposed a Solid Waste Management (SWM) Cess of ₹100 per month for each household.
What is Cess?
A cess is a form of tax or levy imposed by governments to fund specific services or purposes, such as waste management or infrastructure development.
How has the SWM cess fared so far?
Purpose of SWM Cess: SWM Cess is intended to cover a portion of the costs incurred by Urban Local Bodies (ULBs)in providing SWM services, which are resource-intensive and crucial for maintaining cleanliness and health standards in urban areas.
Legal Provisions: According to the Solid Waste Management Rules, 2016, ULBs are mandated to collect user fees/cess for SWM services. The proposed increase reflects the rising costs and challenges faced by ULBs in managing solid waste effectively.
Why has it hit the headlines suddenly?
Significant Increase in User Fee: The proposed SWM Cess represents a substantial increase from the previous user fees typically charged by ULBs (Urban Local Bodies) across India, which are generally in the range of ₹30-50 per month. Such a significant rise in fees has garnered attention and sparked debate among residents and stakeholders in Bengaluru.
Impact on Residents: The SWM Cess directly affects every household in Bengaluru, potentially adding financial burden on residents. This has led to widespread discussions and concerns among citizens about the affordability and justification of the proposed increase.
Present Status in Bengaluru:
Bengaluru faces significant challenges in solid waste management (SWM) due to its large population and high daily waste generation of approximately 5,000 tonnes. Managing such volumes requires extensive resources and infrastructure.
The Bruhat Bengaluru Mahangara Palike (BBMP) primarily focuses its SWM efforts on the collection and transportation of waste. These activities are labor-intensive and consume a major portion of BBMP’s budget allocated for SWM services.
SWM services constitute a substantial portion of BBMP’s budget, with limited revenue generated from these services. This financial strain necessitates the proposal of initiatives like the SWM Cess to bridge the funding gap and ensure sustainable service delivery.
What is about to change?
Proposed Changes: Going forward, Bengaluru plans to implement several changes in its SWM strategy.
These include revising user fees and potentially increasing charges on bulk waste generators to better cover operational costs and enhance service efficiency.
Strategies for Improvement: BBMP aims to enhance waste management practices through initiatives such as waste segregation at source, promoting decentralized composting centres, and launching public awareness campaigns. These efforts are aimed at optimizing resource utilization and improving overall SWM effectiveness in the city.
Mains PYQ:
Q What are the impediments in disposing of the huge quantities of discarded solid wastes which are continuously being generated? How do we remove safely the toxic wastes that have been accumulating in our habitable environment? (UPSC IAS/2018)
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: PM-KISAN, Rythu Bandhu Scheme
Why in the News?
The Prime Minister will release the 17th installment of the Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi (PM-KISAN), amounting to over ₹20,000 crore, for 92.6 million beneficiary farmers across the country.
About the PM-KISAN Scheme
The PM-KISAN is a Central Sector Scheme with 100% funding from the Government of India.
It is being implemented by the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmer’s Welfare.
Launched: In February 2019.
Aim: To help procure various inputs to ensure proper crop health and appropriate yields, commensurate with the anticipated farm income at the end of each crop cycle.
Objective: To provide eligible farmers with an annual financial assistance of ₹6,000.
This assistance is distributed in three equal instalments of ₹2,000 each every 4 months, via Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) into beneficiaries’ bank accounts.
Beneficiaries:
Farmer families that hold cultivable land can apply for the benefits of this plan.
Small and Marginal Farmers (SMFs) (a farmer who owns cultivable land up to 2 hectare as per land records of the concerned State/UT.).
The entire responsibility of identification of beneficiary farmer families rests with the State / UT Governments.
Do you know?
The PM-KISAN scheme was first conceived and implemented by the government of Telangana as the Rythu Bandhu scheme.
Rythu Bandhu Scheme
It is also known as the Farmer’s Investment Support Scheme (FISS).
It is a welfare programme for farmers started in 2018 by the Telangana government.
Under the scheme, the state government provided the 58 lakh farmers in Telangana with ₹5,000 per acre of their land as a farm investment for two crops.
There is no ceiling on the number of acres held by a farmer.
So, a farmer who owns two acres of land would receive Rs 20,000 a year, whereas a farmer who owns 10 acres would receive Rs 1 lakh a year from the government.
This investment is made twice a year, once for the kharif harvest and once for the Rabi harvest.
It is the country’s first direct farmer investment support scheme where cash is paid directly to the beneficiary.
Impact of the Scheme
Beneficiaries outreach: Over 11 crore farmers (with more than 3 crore women farmers) across the country have availed of the PM-Kisan scheme, indicating its widespread reach and impact.
Financial Support: This financial aid helps farmers meet their agricultural expenses, purchase seeds, fertilizers, and other inputs, and support their families’ livelihoods.
Improved Agricultural Practices: This contributes to food security and boosts the agricultural sector’s growth.
Poverty Alleviation: The scheme plays a crucial role in alleviating poverty among small and marginal farmers by providing them with a steady source of income just like Universal Basic Income (UBI).
Enhanced Livelihoods: PM-Kisan supports farmers’ livelihoods, by providing a safety net during times of agricultural distress or economic uncertainties, ensuring a better quality of life for rural communities.
PYQ:
[2020] Under the Kisan Credit Card scheme, short-term credit support is given to farmers for which of the following purposes?
Working capital for maintenance of farm assets.
Purchase of combine harvesters, tractors and mini trucks.
Consumption requirements of farm households.
Post-harvest expenses.
Construction of family house and setting up of village cold storage facility.
Select the correct answer using the code given below:
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Exercise Tarang Shakti-2024, Red Flag Exercise
Why in the News?
The Indian Air Force’s first multinational air exercise, Tarang Shakti-2024, will be held in August.
It is inspired by the Red Flag exercise hosted by the US.
Tarang Shakti-2024
Originally planned for late 2023, the exercise was postponed.
The exercise will be conducted in two distinct phases:
Phase One: Scheduled in southern India during the first two weeks of August.
Phase Two: To be held in the western sector from late August to mid-September.
Some countries will partake in both phases, facilitating comprehensive training scenarios, while others will engage in specific phases based on operational objectives.
Confirmed Participants:
Australia, France, Germany, Japan, Spain, UAE, UK, USA, among others.
Red Flag Exercise
Hosted by USAF: The recently concluded Red Flag exercise at Eielson Air Force Base, Alaska, involved diverse international participation.
IAF Deployment: Deployed eight Rafale fighters, supported by IL-78 mid-air refuellers and C-17 Globemaster aircraft.
Combat Simulations: Included scenarios for air combat, with Red and Blue Forces simulating defensive and offensive roles respectively.
Significance of the Exercise
The exercise provides a platform to showcase advanced military technologies and capabilities, including fighter jets, transport aircraft, and aerial refuelling systems.
This enables participants to demonstrate their equipment’seffectiveness and interoperability in multinational settings.
It would enhance regional stability and promote collective security in the Indo-Pacific region.
It reinforces India’s role as a key partner in global security initiatives and strengthens diplomatic relations with participating countries.
PYQ:
[2024] Which of the following statements about the Exercise Mitra Shakti-2023 is/ are correct?
This was a joint military exercise between India and Bangladesh.
It commenced in Aundh (Pune).
Joint response during counter-terrorism operations was a goal of this operation.
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Electromagnetism, Faraday and his contributions
PC: The Hindu
Why in the News?
Recently Scientists have designed a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scanner that costs a fraction of existing machines, setting the stage for improving access to this widely used diagnostic tool. So we need to know about the Electromagnet.
What is an Electromagnet?
Invented in 1824 by William Sturgeon, electromagnets revolutionised technology.
Sturgeon was an English physicist and inventor who discovered that wrapping a coil of wire around a piece of iron and passing an electric current through the wire produced a magnetic field.
Electromagnets are used in Loudspeakers for sound reproduction, Motors for mechanical movement., and MRI machines for medical imaging, etc
How Electromagnets Work?
Electric current flowing through a wire generates a magnetic field around the wire.
Coiling the wire enhances this magnetic field by concentrating it within the coil’s core.
This configuration creates an electromagnet, where the strength of the magnetic field is directly proportional to the current flowing through the coil.
The magnetic fluxdensity so generated is measured in ‘Tesla’.
Enhancing Magnetic Strength with a Core
Coiling the wire around a magnetic material (core), such as iron or steel:
Amplifies the magnetic field produced by the electric current.
Ferromagnetic materials like iron align their internal magnetic domains with the external magnetic field generated by the coil.
This alignment significantly increases the overall magnetic strength of the electromagnet compared to a non-magnetic core.
Persistence of Magnetization
It refers to the property of a material to retain a certain amount of magnetization even after the removal of an external magnetic field.
Certain core materials exhibit retained magnetization even after the current ceases.
This residual magnetism is useful in applications requiring sustained magnetic fields, such as:
Superconducting electromagnets used in MRI machines, are capable of producing magnetic fields up to 30 Tesla.
Research electromagnets like those used in particle physics, which require stable and powerful magnetic fields.
Who was Michael Faraday (1791-1867)?
Michael Faraday was a pioneering English scientist and physicist who made substantial contributions to the fields of electromagnetism and electrochemistry.
Faraday is best known for his experiments and discoveries in electromagnetism, which laid the groundwork for the principles of electromagnetic induction and the laws of electrolysis.
Key achievements of Michael Faraday include:
Electromagnetic Induction: He discovered electromagnetic induction in 1831, showing that a changing magnetic field induces an electric current in a nearby conductor.
Electrochemistry: Faraday formulated the laws of electrolysis, which describe the quantitative relationship between the amount of material produced or consumed during electrolysis and the amount of electricity passed through the electrolyte.
Faraday’s Laws of Electromagnetic Induction: These laws describe the fundamental principles of generating electricity using magnetic fields, forming the basis for the development of electric generators and transformers.
Faraday Cage: He invented the Faraday cage, a device used to block electromagnetic fields.
PYQ:
[2011] Microbial fuel cells are considered a source of sustainable energy. Why?
They use living organisms as catalysts to generate electricity from certain substrates.
They use a variety of inorganic materials as substrates.
They can be installed in wastewater treatment plants to cleanse water and produce electricity.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Right to Report, POSH Act ,2013
Why in the News?
Madras HC upheld the ‘Right to Report’ serious incidents of sexual harassment a time, rejecting the 3-month deadline under the Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition, and Redressal) Act (POSH), 2013.
Long-term emotional and psychological damage on victims underscored the need for a broader application of the law.
Right to Report under POSH Act, 2013
Case Background: The decision came while addressing a police officer’s petition to quash an enquiry report for alleged sexual assault against a female colleague.
Madras HC Reasoning: Serious allegations leading to “grave mental trauma” and “stress” constitute a “continuing offence” under POSH, allowing victims to report and investigate at any time.
Notable Observations: the Madras HC distinguished between isolated incidents and serious allegations like assault or molestation.
Isolated Incidents: Must adhere to strict deadlines under POSH.
Serious Allegations: Treated as continuous misconduct until addressed, allowing flexibility in reporting timelines due to fear of victimisation.
What is the POSH Act?
The Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal) Act was passed in 2013.
It defined sexual harassment, laid down the procedures for a complaint and inquiry, and the action to be taken.
It broadened the Vishakha Guidelines, which were already in place.
The POSH Act broadened these guidelines:
It mandated that every employer must constitute an Internal Complaints Committee (ICC) at each office or branch with 10 or more employees.
It lays down procedures and defines various aspects of sexual harassment, including the aggrieved victim, who could be a woman “of any age whether employed or not”, who “alleges to have been subjected to any act of sexual harassment”.
This meant that the rights of all women working or visiting any workplace, in any capacity, were protected under the Act.
Definition of Sexual Harassment
Under the 2013 law, sexual harassment includes “any one or more” of the following “unwelcome acts or behaviour” committed directly or by implication:
Physical contact and advances
A demand or request for sexual favours
Sexually coloured remarks
Showing pornography
Any other unwelcome physical, verbal or non-verbal conduct of a sexual nature.
The Ministry of Women & Child Development has published a Handbook on Sexual Harassment of Women at the Workplace with more detailed instances of behaviour that constitutes sexual harassment at the workplace. These include, broadly:
Sexually suggestive remarks or innuendos; serious or repeated offensive remarks; inappropriate questions or remarks about a person’s sex life
Display of sexist or offensive pictures, posters, MMS, SMS, WhatsApp, or emails
Intimidation, threats, blackmail around sexual favours; also, threats, intimidation or retaliation against an employee who speaks up about these
Unwelcome social invitations with sexual overtones, commonly seen as flirting
Unwelcome sexual advances.
Unwelcome behaviour
The Handbook says “unwelcome behaviour” is experienced when the victim feels bad or powerless; it causes anger/sadness or negative self-esteem.
It adds unwelcome behaviour is one which is “illegal, demeaning, invading, one-sided and power based”.
Circumstances amounting to SHW
The Act mentions five circumstances that amount to sexual harassment implied or explicit:
The promise of preferential treatment in her employment
The threat of detrimental treatment
Threat about her present or future employment status
Interference with her work or creating an offensive or hostile work environment
Humiliating treatment likely to affect her health or safety
Procedure for complaint
Description
Filing a complaint
The aggrieved victim has the option to file a complaint with the ICC, but it is not compulsory for the ICC to act.
Assistance in filing a complaint
Any member of the ICC must provide reasonable assistance to the victim in filing a written complaint.
Filing a complaint on behalf of the victim
If the victim is unable to file a complaint due to incapacity, death, or other reasons, her legal heir may file it on her behalf.
The time limit for filing a complaint
The complaint must be made within 3 months from the date of the incident
Extension of time limit
ICC has the authority
Monetary settlement and conciliation
Yes. It is possible.
Forwarding complaint or initiating an inquiry
Must be completed within 90 days.
Confidentiality of information
The act ensures the confidentiality of the woman’s identity, respondent’s identity, inquiry details, recommendations, and actions taken
Requirements imposed on employers
Description
Internal Complaints Committee (ICC)
Employers with more than 10 employees must establish an ICC to address sexual harassment complaints.
Composition of ICC
The ICC must include women employees, another employee, and a third-party member familiar with sexual harassment issues.
Local Committee (LC) for smaller organizations
Organizations with fewer than 10 employees must create an LC to receive complaints from the informal sector.
Complaint filing process
Women can file written complaints to either the ICC or LC within three to six months of the incident.
Resolution methods
The Act provides two resolution methods: conciliation between the parties involved or conducting an inquiry by the committee.
Annual audit report
Employers must file an annual audit report on sexual harassment complaints and take responsibility for conducting workshops, awareness programs, and orientation for ICC members.
Non-compliance penalties
Non-compliance with the Act can result in penalties, including fines.
PYQ:
[2019] What are the continued challenges for Women in India against time and space?
[2014] We are witnessing increasing instances of sexual violence against women in the country. Despite existing legal provisions against it, the number of such incidences is on the rise. Suggest some innovative measures to tackle this menace.
[2010] Two of the schemes launched by the Government of India for Women’s development are Swadhar and Swayam Siddha. As regards the difference between them, consider the following statements:
Swayam Siddha is meant for those in difficult circumstances such as women survivors of natural disasters or terrorism, women prisoners released from jails, mentally challenged women etc.,whereas Swadhar is meant for holistic empowerment of women through Self Help Groups.
Swayam Siddha is implemented through Local Self Government bodies or reputed Voluntary Organizations whereas Swadhar is implemented through the ICDS units set up in the states.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2
