From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Mains level: Issues Associated with the Scheme
Why in the news?
Following the 2024 election results, NDA allies Janata Dal (United) and Lok Janshakti Party (Ram Vilas) raised concerns about the Agnipath scheme and called for discussions on the matter.
What is the Agnipath scheme?
The Agnipath scheme recruits soldiers, sailors, and airmen into the Indian armed forces for a four-year term, replacing the previous system of permanent recruitment. After completing their four-year tenure, up to 25% of Agniveers can be selected for permanent positions within the armed forces.
Agniveers can obtain educational certificates and skill certifications during their service. They receive a lump sum amount upon completing their tenure but are not eligible for a pension.
Issues Associated with the Scheme
Personnel Shortage: There is a significant shortage of personnel in the ‘below officer’s rank’ cadres, exacerbated by the recruitment freeze during the COVID-19 pandemic. The Army retires around 60,000 soldiers annually but only recruits 40,000, leading to a growing shortfall.
Low Conversion Rate: The 25% conversion rate from Agniveers to regular soldiers is considered insufficient to address the personnel shortage.
Compressed Training: The four-year tenure necessitates a shorter training period, which may impact the quality of training.
Political and Social Opposition: The scheme has faced political opposition and led to violent protests in some parts of the country. Critics argue for a clause-by-clause review or complete scrapping of the scheme.
Present Scenario
As the Agnipath scheme marks two years since its implementation, the Department of Military Affairs (DMA) in the Defence Ministry is reviewing the scheme based on feedback from the armed forces.
Feedback Compilation: The Navy and Air Force have compiled their feedback, while the Army is still in the process.
Recommendations: Suggestions include increasing the intake numbers, raising the permanent recruitment rate from 25% to at least 50%, and extending the age limit for technical recruits from 21 to 23 years.
Review Process: The DMA will compile all recommendations and submit them to the Defence Ministry for potential adjustments to the scheme.
Way forward:
Enhance Educational and Skill Development Opportunities: Partner with educational institutions to provide Agniveers with advanced degrees and certifications that are recognized nationwide. Offer vocational training and skill development programs that are aligned with industry standards, improving post-service employability.
Increase Permanent Induction Rate: Raise the conversion rate of Agniveers to permanent positions from 25% to at least 50% to address the personnel shortage effectively.
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Driest region in India
Mains level: Why do different regions of Maharashtra experience varied levels of water stress?
Why in the news?
After last year’s deficient monsoon, the Maharashtra government declared several parts of the state as drought-hit.
Why do different regions of Maharashtra experience varied levels of water stress?
Geographical Differences: Coastal areas receive excessive rainfall leading to flooding. Marathwada lies in the rain-shadow region, receiving significantly less rainfall (600-800 mm) compared to the western side of the Western Ghats (2,000-4,000 mm).
Topography and Soil: Marathwada has clayey black soil (regur) which retains moisture but has a low infiltration rate, leading to poor groundwater recharge. The region’s topography, with parallel tributaries and gently sloping hills, results in uneven water distribution, with valleys having perennial groundwater and upland areas facing acute water scarcity.
Impact of Climate Change: Increasing drought severity and frequency in central Maharashtra due to climate change, worsening water stress in regions like Marathwada and North Karnataka.
Why is sugarcane production not suited for regions with less rainfall?
High Water Requirement: Sugarcane needs 1,500-2,500 mm of water during its growing season, which is much higher than the annual rainfall in low-rainfall areas like Marathwada.
Irrigation Demands: Sugarcane requires almost daily irrigation, consuming 61% of the region’s irrigation water while occupying only 4% of the cropped area. This heavy water usage restricts the irrigation of other crops that are more suitable for the region’s climate, such as pulses and millet.
Government Policies: Long-standing government support for sugarcane pricing and sales has encouraged its cultivation in unsuitable regions. The recent promotion of sugarcane-juice-based ethanol production exacerbates the issue, diverting water resources away from more sustainable agricultural practices.
What is meant by the rain-shadow effect?
The rain-shadow effect occurs when moist winds from the Arabian Sea rise over the Western Ghats, causing heavy rainfall on the western side. By the time these winds descend on the eastern side (Western Maharashtra and Marathwada), they lose most of their moisture, resulting in significantly lower rainfall.
Impact on Marathwada: Marathwada, located in the rain-shadow region, receives only 600-800 mm of annual rainfall, contributing to its dry climate and water scarcity issues.
Note: Marathwada and North Karnataka have emerged as the second driest regions in India after Rajasthan.
How can supply-side solutions help the situation?
Watershed Management: Building water-conserving structures such as contour trenches, earthen bunds, and gully plugs to capture and store runoff. Designing silt-trapping mechanisms to prevent soil erosion and maintain water retention structures.
Rainwater Harvesting: Implementing measures to capture rainwater runoff from agricultural fields to recharge groundwater and reduce dependency on external water sources.
Utilizing Government Programs: Leveraging funds from the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme (MGNREGS) for watershed management projects and training farmers in water conservation techniques.
Promoting Water-Efficient Practices: Encouraging the use of water-efficient irrigation methods, such as drip irrigation, to optimize water usage. Shifting to drought-resistant crops and high-value, low-water-using crops to reduce water demand and improve agricultural sustainability.
Conclusion: The state government has announced a massive Rs 59,000 crore package to transform the Marathwada region, with a focus on tackling the water crisis. This includes reviving stalled irrigation projects worth Rs 13,677 crore to make the region drought-free through water linking and diverting floodwaters to the Godavari basin
Mains PYQ:
Q Elaborate the impact of National Watershed Project in increasing agricultural production from waterstressed areas. (UPSC IAS/2019)
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Mains level: Challenges Involved in the Near Future for the Indian Government
Why in the news?
The newly elected National Democratic Alliance government is confronted with several longstanding and complex national security issues.
Strategic Relations with the US and Competition with China:
China’s Multifaceted Challenges: China poses an unprecedented array of interconnected challenges, including a significant naval build-up, geoeconomic clout in South Asia, and leverage in global supply chains.
Strategic Relations with the US: India must navigate its strategic partnership with the United States while managing competition with China.
Global Conflicts Impact: Distant conflicts, such as those in Ukraine and Gaza, reveal new technologies and tactics of war that could spread to India’s neighbourhood, influencing its strategic relations and defence strategies.
Challenges Involved in the near future for the Indian Government:
Decisions on Military Investments: The government must decide on key defence projects, such as building another aircraft carrier and implementing theaterisation.
Holistic National Security: There is a need to step back and consider national security holistically, rather than making piecemeal decisions that could waste resources and undermine national goals.
Managing Strategic Risks: Addressing strategic risks like climate change, pandemics, and China’s growing influence requires coordinated, long-term policy efforts.
Synchronizing Efforts: Various arms of the government, including the military and national security agencies, need to synchronize their efforts more effectively.
Blueprint for Expanding Power:
Comprehensive Strategic Assessment: A National Security Strategy (NSS) would compel the government to thoroughly review threats, opportunities, and global security trends.
Framework for Long-Term Planning: An NSS would provide a coherent framework for long-term strategic planning, helping to allocate resources effectively and develop necessary military capabilities and international partnerships.
Signaling Intent to Allies and Adversaries: An NSS would clarify India’s strategic intent, signaling its role as a net security provider in the Indian Ocean and its stance on regional security issues.
Coordinated National Security Efforts: An NSS would align the efforts of different national security agencies and military branches, fostering better coordination and integration.
Issue of Accountability:
Transparency and Accountability: An NSS would serve as a tool to ensure that the government’s policies are transparent and accountable to Parliament and the citizens.
Adherence to Political Leadership’s Intent: It would help ensure that the bureaucracy adheres to the political leadership’s strategic direction.
Public Document: A strong NSS should be a public document, endorsed by the Prime Minister, to synchronize efforts across the government and signal political intent both domestically and internationally.
Rational Decision-Making: An NSS would help identify trade-offs and opportunity costs, enabling political leaders to make informed, rational decisions for long-term national growth and security.
Conclusion: Develop a coherent strategic framework within the NSS that outlines India’s national security objectives, priorities, and methodologies for achieving them. This framework should guide decision-making on defense investments, international partnerships, and response strategies to global challenges like climate change and pandemics.
Mains PYQ:
Q What introduces friction into the ties between India and the United States is that Washington is still unable to find for India a position in its global strategy, which would satisfy India’s National self-esteem. (UPSC IAS/2019)
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: What is ICC?
Mains level: Does ICC have the power to prosecute Russia?
Why in the news?
On Monday, June 24, the International Criminal Court (ICC) issued arrest warrants for former Russian Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu and current Chief of Staff of the Armed Forces Valery Gerasimov for “alleged international crimes” related to the Ukraine war.
Who are the Russian leaders and what effect does the move have on them?
Sergei Shoigu: Former Russian Defence Minister, key ally of Putin, led the invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, removed from his post in May 2024.
Valery Gerasimov: Current Chief of Staff of the Armed Forces, Deputy Defence Minister since November 2012, seen as the most powerful man in the government after Putin and Shoigu.
Impact on Shoigu and Gerasimov: Both have suffered reputational damage since the war began, criticized by Russian nationalists for failing to swiftly win the war against Ukraine.
What do the ICC charges say?
Charges Against Shoigu and Gerasimov: Directing attacks at civilian objects, causing excessive incidental harm to civilians or damage to civilian objects.
Responsibility: The two officials bear individual criminal responsibility for their actions, ordering the commission of crimes, and failing to exercise proper control over their forces.
Specific Acts: Missile strikes against Ukrainian electric infrastructure, constituting multiple acts against a civilian population.
What is ICC?
Establishment: Headquartered in The Hague, Netherlands, established under the 1998 Rome Statute.
Purpose: Investigates and tries individuals charged with genocide, war crimes, crimes against humanity, and the crime of aggression.
Membership: 123 countries are party to the Rome Statute, including Britain, Japan, Afghanistan, and Germany. The USA, India, and China are not members.
Function: Prosecutes heinous offences when a country’s own legal system fails to act, unlike the ICJ which deals with inter-state disputes.
Jurisdiction: Limited to offences occurring after July 1, 2002, committed in a country that ratified the agreement or by a national of a ratifying country, or cases referred by the UN Security Council.
Does ICC have the power to prosecute Russia?
Russia’s Stance: Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov stated that any decision of the ICC was “null and void” due to Russia not being an ICC member.
Effect on Leaders: Putin and other leaders risk arrest if they travel to a state party to the ICC, which is obliged to arrest them under international law. This deepens Russia’s isolation from the West.
Ukraine’s Position: Ukraine is not a State Party to the Rome Statute but has accepted ICC’s jurisdiction over alleged crimes occurring on its territory under Article 12(3) of the Statute. This requires Ukraine to cooperate with the ICC without delay or exception.
Conclusion: The ICC’s charges against Russian leaders highlight significant legal and geopolitical challenges, deepening Russia’s isolation and emphasizing the need for global accountability in addressing war crimes and international conflicts.
Mains question for practice:
Q In light of the recent arrest warrants issued against Russian leaders, discuss the effectiveness and limitations of the ICC in prosecuting individuals from non-member states.15M
On June 25, Chang’e-6 became the world’s first spacecraft to bring back samples from the far side of the Moon.
Chang’e-6 successfully returned with samples from the lunar far side, making China the first country to achieve this feat.
About Chang’e-6 Mission
The mission lasted 53 days, starting with a launch on May 3, 2024, and ending with the return capsule landing on June 25, 2024.
The lander descended into the South Pole-Aitken basin, one of the largest impact basins in the solar system, believed to contain material from the lunar mantle.
The lander used robotic scoops and drills to collect about 2 kilograms of lunar material, including both surface soil and subsurface samples.
Components of Chang’e-6
Lander: Equipped with drills and scoops for sample collection.
Ascender: Transported samples from the lunar surface to lunar orbit.
Orbiter: Carried the samples from lunar orbit back to Earth.
Returner: Brought the samples safely back to Earth.
Collaboration and Payloads
The mission carried instruments from international partners, including:
French DORN: Studied lunar dust and volatiles.
Italian INRRI: Measured distances using a retroreflector.
Swedish NILS: Detected negative ions on the lunar surface.
Pakistani ICUBE-Q CubeSat: Imaged the lunar surface and obtained magnetic field data.
Scientific Goals
Sample Analysis: Scientists aim to learn more about the Moon’s internal structure and the differences between its near and far sides.
China’s Lunar Exploration Program
Chang’e-6 follows previous missions under China’s Lunar Exploration Program, marking the next step in incremental technological advancements.
Phases of Exploration: The program has four phases:
First Phase: Reaching lunar orbit, completed by Chang’e 1 (2007) and Chang’e 2 (2010).
Second Phase: Landing and roving, achieved by Chang’e 3 (2013) and Chang’e 4 (2019).
Third Phase: Sample collection and return, accomplished by Chang’e 5 (2020) and Chang’e 6 (2024).
Fourth Phase: Developing a robotic research station near the Moon’s South Pole, aiming for crewed lunar landings in the 2030s.
Previous Lunar Sample Missions
Apollo 11 Mission (1969): The US mission brought 22 kg of lunar material, including 50 rocks.
Luna 16 Mission (1970): Soviet robotic mission brought lunar samples to Earth.
Chang’e-5 Mission (2020): Predecessor to Chang’e-6, returned 2 kg of lunar soil from the near side.
Significance of Sample Return Missions
Laboratory Analysis: Allows the use of sophisticated instruments to study the chemical, isotopic, mineralogical, structural, and physical properties of samples.
Long-term Preservation: Samples can be preserved and re-examined by future generations with advanced technology.
Technological Feat: Recovering samples from the far side is a significant technological achievement.
Step Towards Human Exploration: Success of Chang’e-6 is seen as a step towards China’s goal of landing astronauts on the Moon by 2030.
Launch Pad for Deep Space: The Moon could serve as a base for future deep space missions and extraterrestrial exploration.
Outcome: New Lunar Race
Global Participation: India, China, Japan, the US, and Russia launched lunar missions in 2023.
Future Missions: Over 100 Moon missions by governments and private companies are expected by 2030.
Long-term Goals: Unlike the 20th-century space race, today’s missions aim to establish a long-term presence and use lunar resources.
India’s Chandrayaan-4 Mission
Chandrayaan-4, under development by ISRO, will also be a sample return mission to be launched tentatively by 2028.
Chandrayaan-3 landed near the Moon’s South Pole last year, about 600 km from the target area for Chandrayaan-4.
PYQ:
[2016] Discuss India’s achievements in the field of Space Science and Technology. How the application of this technology helped India in its socio-economic development?
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: K-Shape Recovery and its Features.
Why in the News?
India is experiencing a K-shaped recovery, with uneven growth patterns. This recovery is causing divergent inflation trends, with food and rural prices rising faster than other goods and services, and urban inflation.
What is K-Shaped Recovery?
A K-shaped recovery is an economic scenario in which different sectors, industries, or groups within an economy recover from a recession at markedly different rates.
This results in a divergent economic recovery pattern, with some parts of the economy experiencing robust growth and others continuing to struggle or even decline.
Features of K-Shaped Recovery
Divergent Recovery Rates: Certain sectors, such as technology and finance, may recover quickly and strongly. Other sectors, like hospitality and retail, may continue to struggle or recover much more slowly.
Income Inequality: High-income individuals and businesses may see significant improvements in their financial situations. Low-income individuals and small businesses may face prolonged financial hardships.
Sectoral Disparities: Industries that can adapt to remote work or have online business models (e.g., tech, e-commerce) thrive.
Indian Context: Consumption Patterns Post-Pandemic
High-End Goods Demand: Post-pandemic recovery is driven by increased demand for higher-end goods and services.
Mass Consumption Items: Lower-income households’ consumption of mass-market items remains relatively subdued.
Contrast Inflation Rate:
Rural vs. Urban Inflation: Rural inflation is outpacing urban inflation.
Food Prices vs. Other Goods: Food price inflation is higher compared to inflation in other goods and services.
Goods vs. Services Inflation: Goods inflation is higher than services inflation.
Input vs. Output Prices: Input prices are rising faster than output prices.
Policy Implications
Sensitive Policymaking: Government policies need to be sensitive to the impact on different groups affected by supply-side shocks.
Careful Planning: Reforms should be carefully explained and planned to mitigate adverse impacts.
PYQ:
[2021] Do you agree that the Indian economy has recently experienced V-shaped recovery? Give reasons in support of your answer.
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: SVOM Satellite, Gamma Rays Bursts.
Why in the News?
The Space Variable Objects Monitor (SVOM) satellite jointly developed by China and France was launched from the Xichang Satellite Launch Center.
About Space Variable Objects Monitor (SVOM)
The SVOM is designed to study gamma-ray bursts (GRBs) resulting from explosive cosmic events like black hole births and neutron star collisions.
It is the first astronomy satellite developed jointly by China and France, following their collaboration on an oceanographic satellite launched in 2018.
Importance of Studying Gamma-Ray Bursts (GRBs)
GRBs are highly energetic bursts of gamma rays, lasting from less than a second to several minutes, occurring in distant parts of the universe.GRBs can erupt with a luminosity a quintillion times that of the Sun.
Types of GRBs:
Short GRBs: Result from collisions of neutron stars or a neutron star with a black hole, lasting less than two seconds, often followed by kilonovas.
Long GRBs: Result from the explosive deaths of massive stars, lasting two seconds or longer.
Mission and Objectives of SVOM
Primary Objective: To search for and study GRBs across the universe.
Data Collection: Measure and analyze electromagnetic radiation properties of GRBs.
Scientific Goals: Unlock mysteries about the universe’s evolution and gravitational waves, which are often associated with neutron star collisions.
Real-time Detection: Transmit GRB data to ground control within about one minute, enabling coordinated observations with ground-based stations globally.
Features and Capabilities of SVOM
Satellite Specifications: Weighs 930 kg and is equipped with four payloads, two developed by France and two by China.
French Contributions: ECLAIRs and MXT telescopes to detect and capture GRBs.
Chinese Contributions:
Gamma Ray Burst Monitor (GRM): Measures the spectrum of GRBs.
Visible Telescope (VT): Detects and observes visible emissions immediately after a GRB.
Orbit Details: Placed in a low Earth orbit at an altitude of 625 km, with an orbital period of 96 minutes.
Significance of SVOM’s Findings
Early Universe Insights: Aim to detect the earliest GRBs, providing information on the universe’s early stages and evolution.
Kilonova Detection: Capability to search for kilonovas, enhancing understanding of stellar evolution and the origin of heavy elements like gold and silver in the universe.
PYQ:
[2019] Recently, scientists observed the merger of giant ‘blackholes’ billions of light-years away from the Earth. What is the significance of this observation?
(a) ‘Higgs boson particles’ were detected.
(b) ‘Gravitational waves’ were detected.
(c) Possibility of inter-galactic space travel through ‘wormhole’ was confirmed.
(d) It enabled the scientists to understand ‘singularity’.
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Wild Boars, Vermins under Schedule V.
Why in the News?
The Tamil Nadu government has approved the controlled hunting of wild boars causing distress to farmers near forest areas.
Presently, Wild boars are NOT listed as Vermin under the Schedule V of the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972.
About the Farmers’ Conflict Resolution Committee
The Committee includes representatives from the Departments of Forest, Revenue, Agriculture, and Horticulture, along with scientific experts and wildlife enthusiasts.
Objective: The committee was formed to study the impact of raids by elephants and wild pigs on agricultural crops.
Implementation Protocol:
Approval Process: The culling will require approval from a local three-member checking body.
Composition of the Checking Body: The body will include a forester or forest guard, the Village Administrative Officer, and the ward member.
Supervision: Culling operations must be conducted in the presence of these three members.
Zoning for Culling Operations
Areas adjacent to reserve forests will be divided into three zones:
Zone A: Within one kilometre from forest limits.
Zone B: One to five kilometres from forest limits.
Zone C: Beyond five kilometres from forest limits.
Restrictions: Shooting of wild pigs is prohibited within five kilometres of the reserve forest (Zones A and B).
Scientific Approach to Culling:
Scientific Methodology: The shooting of wild boars must adhere to a scientific approach, considering the intensity and frequency of conflict incidents.
Expert Concerns: Experts highlight the ecological role of wild boars and caution against indiscriminate killing.
About Indian Wild Boar
Details
Scientific Name
Sus scrofa cristatus
Habitat and Distribution
High grass, bushes, forests, high crops, dense forests, grasslands, scrublands, agricultural areas; Indian subcontinent, various altitudes from sea level to mountains
Gestation: around four months; Litter size: multiple piglets
Ecological Role
Seed dispersal aiding plant propagation;
Important prey species maintaining predator-prey balance in the ecosystem
Conservation Status
IUCN Red List: Least Concern
Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972: Schedule III
Proposed reclassification to Schedule V (vermin) due to agricultural damage.
Present Culling
Section 11-B (1) of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972 allows the Chief Wildlife Warden to issue special orders to kill dangerous wild animals.
Back2Basics: Schedule III of WPA, 1972
Protection Level: Lesser degree of protection compared to Schedule I and II.
Prohibition: Hunting of these species is prohibited except under special circumstances defined by the Act.
Penalties: Violations related to these species attract penalties, though they are less stringent than those for higher schedules.
Species Listed in Schedule III: As per the latest available data, the following are examples of species listed under Schedule III of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972:
Chinkara (Gazella bennettii): Also known as the Indian Gazelle, found in various parts of India.
Blackbuck (Antilope cervicapra): A species of antelope native to India.
Blue Bull (Boselaphus tragocamelus): Also known as the Nilgai, the largest Asian antelope.
Indian Wild Boar (Sus scrofa cristatus): A subspecies of the wild boar native to the Indian subcontinent.
Sambar (Rusa unicolor): A large deer native to the Indian subcontinent.
Legal Provisions:
Hunting Prohibition: Hunting any animal listed under Schedule III is prohibited except for purposes like scientific research, education, and when permitted by the authorities under specific conditions.
Penalties: The penalties for offenses involving Schedule III animals include imprisonment up to three years, or a fine up to Rs. 25,000, or both.
PYQ:
[2017] In India, if a species of tortoise is declared protected under Schedule I of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972, what does it imply?
(a) It enjoys the same level of protection as the tiger.
(b) It no longer exists in the wild, a few individuals are under captive protection; and now it is impossible to prevent its extinction.
(c) It is endemic to a particular region of India.
(d) Both B and C stated above are correct in this context.
It was first issued in 1917 by the Dogra Maharaja of J&K, the ordinance remains in effect.
The ordinance mandates death or rigorous imprisonment for life, or imprisonment up to 10 years with a fine for aiding the enemy or engaging in actions detrimental to Indian military operations.
Its Evolution:
Post-Partition Incorporation: The ordinance was retained as a law in J&K post-1947 and amended over time.
Changes Post-2019: Following the repeal of Article 370, the Jammu and Kashmir Reorganisation Act retained the Enemy Agents Ordinance and other security laws while replacing many state laws with Indian laws, such as the Indian Penal Code.
Trial Procedures under the Ordinance
Special Judge Appointment: Trials are conducted by a special judge appointed by the government in consultation with the High Court.
Legal Representation: Accused individuals can only engage a lawyer if permitted by the court.
No Appeal Provision: Verdicts can only be reviewed by a High Court judge chosen by the government, with the decision being final.
Publication Bar: Unauthorized disclosure or publication of trial information is punishable by imprisonment up to two years, fine, or both.
Notable Application of the Ordinance
Notable Cases: Many Kashmiris have been tried under the ordinance, including Maqbool Bhat, the founder of Jammu Kashmir Liberation Front, who was hanged in Tihar Jail in 1984.
Current Context: The Enemy Agents Ordinance continues to be a critical tool in addressing militant assistance in J&K, reflecting the stringent legal measures in place to maintain security.
PYQ:
[2019] The banning of ‘Jamaat-e-Islami’ in Jammu and Kashmir brought into focus the role of over-ground workers (OGWs) in assisting terrorist organizations. Examine the role played by OGWs in assisting terrorist organizations in insurgency affected areas. Discuss measures to neutralize the influence of OGWs.
[2019] Indian government has recently strengthen the anti-terrorism laws by amending the unlawful activities (Prevention) Act, (UAPA), 1967 and the NIA Act. Analyze the changes in the context of prevailing security environment while discussing scope and reasons for opposing the UAPA by human rights organisations.
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Sucheta Kripalani
Why in the News?
June 25 is the birth anniversary of “Sucheta Kripalani”,India’s first woman Chief Minister.
Who wasSucheta Kripalani?
Sucheta Kripalani was born on June 25, 1908, in Ambala, Punjab. Daughter of S. N. Majumdar, a government surgeon. She studied at Indraprastha College for Women and St. Stephen’s College, University of Delhi.
She married J. B. Kripalani, a former Congress president and Gandhian, in April 1936 against familial and Mahatma Gandhi’s wishes.
Political Journey and Chief Ministership
Early Career: Joined BHU to teach Constitutional History in 1929, participated in Satyagraha, and was imprisoned in 1940.
Congress Role: Organized the foreign affairs wing of AICC and later founded the All India Mahila Congress.
She won by a margin of 99 votes over Kamalapati Tripathi and was sworn in as CM on October 2, 1963.
Contributions and Achievements
Educational Reforms: Waived school fees for girls up to Class 10 from January 1965. Established Meerut University and Kanpur University.
Social Reforms: Increased reservation for SCs in government jobs to 24% in Group C and 45% in Group D until the 18% target was achieved.
Infrastructure Developments: Established a Sainik School in Ghorakhal, a new medical college in Meerut, and the UP Awas Vikas Parishad. She created the post of agriculture production commissioner.
Crime Control: Neutralized many dacoits in the Chambal Valley with the help of the Police Radio Unit.
Anti-Corruption Stance: Emphasized the need to tackle growing corruption in public services, supporting the Union government’s initiative to appoint a vigilance commission.
Multifaceted Contributions: Involved in relief activities for the 1934 Bihar earthquake, Noakhali riots, Tibetan refugee rehabilitation, and the Indo-Pak War of 1971.
Criticism and Response: Faced criticism for being influenced by English, despite being a staunch supporter of Hindi. Advocated for creating an atmosphere for Hindi in governance.
Later Life and Legacy
Post-CM Career: Served as Lok Sabha MP until 1971.
Impact: Her tenure as CM and various social contributions left a lasting impact on Indian politics and society, especially in terms of women’s leadership and social reforms.
PYQ:
[2011] With reference to the Indian freedom struggle, Usha Mehta is well-known for:
(a) Running the secret Congress Radio in the wake of the Quit India Movement
(b) Participating in the Second Round Table Conference
(c) Leading a contingent of the Indian National Army
(d) Assisting in the formation of Interim Government under Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru
