From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Census of India
Mains level: Significance of Calculating Census;
Why in the News?
Despite growing concerns, India’s decadal Census has been delayed by over three years. In fact, there is an overwhelming misconception among officials about substituting the Census with alternative ways and means of counting the population.
Significance of Calculating Census
Comprehensive Population Data: The Census provides a detailed population count, which includes locational, familial, and individual information.
For instance, the Census can reveal insights into population density, age distribution, educational attainment, and employment status.
Foundation for Surveys and Indicators: The Census acts as a foundational frame for large-scale surveys like the National Family Health Survey (NFHS) and Periodic Labour Force Survey (PLFS).
Support for SDG Monitoring: In the context of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), Census data is crucial for generating accurate indicators, particularly those requiring disaggregated data below the sub-national level.
For instance, to monitor progress on goals related to poverty reduction, gender equality, and health, precise demographic data is necessary to identify disparities and target interventions effectively.
Demographic Transition Insights: The Census is vital for capturing changes in population composition, familial structures, and occupational distribution, especially during periods of rapid demographic transition.
Global Implications: Given India’s significant influence on global population trends, accurate Census data is crucial for global demographic studies and projections.
For example Global Health Security Index and Multidimensional Poverty Indices.
Changes to understand before taking Census Count
Population Dynamics: Since the last Census, significant changes in population count and composition must be understood, including shifts due to migration, fertility, and mortality rates.
For example: In India, the average annual growth rate of the population has slowed from 2.2% in 1971 to 1.1% in 2021, with projections indicating further declines to 0.58% by 2036.
Impact of COVID-19: The pandemic has had a profound impact on health, employment, and livelihoods, which need to be accurately captured in the Census.
For example, The Indian government reported over 500,000 COVID-19 related deaths, which have affected overall mortality statistics and health indicators.
Socio-economic Transformations: Changes in education, occupation, and employment patterns over the last decade are crucial to understanding current societal trends.
For example, The literacy rate in India has improved significantly, rising from 64.8% in 2001 to 77.7% in 2011, with further increases expected.
Infrastructure and Development Changes: The transformation in physical and digital infrastructure, as well as regional development patterns, must be considered to accurately reflect the current state of the nation.
For example, the COVID-19 pandemic accelerated the adoption of digital technologies, with a reported increase in internet users from 560 million in 2019 to over 800 million in 2022. This digital transformation has reshaped how people work and access services.
Demand for Caste Census in India
Political Motivations: The demand for a caste Census is largely driven by political interests, aiming to establish differential entitlements based on perceived representation and deprivation.
For instance, leaders from the Indian National Developmental Inclusive Alliance (INDIA) have emphasized the need for a caste Census
Historical Context: Caste auditing was part of earlier Census exercises but was discontinued for specific reasons.
For example, Caste auditing was part of earlier Census exercises, with the British-era Censuses from 1881 to 1931 enumerating all castes. However, after independence, the Government of India decided not to enumerate castes in the 1951 Census, except for Scheduled Castes (SC) and Scheduled Tribes (ST).
Assessment of Mobility: There is a lack of systematic assessment of social mobility in education and occupation across caste lines, despite decades of affirmative action. A caste Census could potentially address this gap but is viewed with skepticism.
For instance, while reservations exist for OBCs and SCs, the actual impact on social mobility remains unclear due to insufficient data.
Way forward:
Incorporation of Caste Data: Need to amend the Census Act of 1948 to mandate the enumeration of caste data alongside other demographic information. This would provide a legal framework for collecting comprehensive caste-wise data.
Independent Studies and Pilot Surveys: The government should conduct independent studies at district and state levels to gather data on castes and sub-castes.
Mains PYQ:
Q Has caste lost its relevance in understanding the multi-cultural Indian Society? Elaborate your answer with illustrations. (2020)
Prelims Only | Polity | Mains Paper 2: Indian Constitution - historical underpinnings, evolution, features, amendments, significant provisions and basic structure
Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: No-Confidence Motion
Why in the News?
As many as 50 Opposition MPs have reportedly signed a resolution to bring a no-confidence motion against Vice-President (Rajya Sabha Chairman) Jagdeep Dhankhar.
No-Confidence Motionagainst Vice President of India
Details
Provision
Article 67(b) of the Indian Constitution
Who Can Initiate
Can only be introduced in the Rajya Sabha, not the Lok Sabha.
Notice Requirement
At least 14 days’ advance notice must be given before moving the resolution.
Voting in Rajya Sabha
Requires an effective majority (majority of all members present and voting) in the Rajya Sabha.
Voting in Lok Sabha
Requires a simple majority (more than 50% of members present and voting) in the Lok Sabha.
Grounds for Removal
Constitution does not specify any grounds or justifications for the removal of the Vice President.
Temporary Vacancy
If the Vice President is removed -> Deputy Chairman of the Rajya Sabha assumes the role of Chairman.
Historical Context
No Vice President has ever been removed under this Article in Indian parliamentary history.
PYQ:
[2013] Consider the following statements:
1. The Chairman and the Deputy Chairman of the Rajya Sabha are not the members of that House.
2. While the nominated members of the two Houses of the Parliament have no voting right in the
Presidential election, they have the right to vote in the election of the Vice President.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: BPaL Regimen
Why in the News?
India is preparing to introduce the BPaL (bedaquiline, pretomanid, and linezolid)regimenfor all patients with multi/extensively drug-resistant tuberculosis (M/XDR-TB).
What is BPaL Regimen?
Details
Purpose
Treatment for multi-drug resistant (MDR) and extensively drug-resistant (XDR) tuberculosis (TB).
Provides a potent, shorter, and more effective treatment option for patients resistant to standard TB drugs.
Components of the regimen
Bedaquiline (Bdq):
Targets ATP synthase enzyme in Mycobacterium tuberculosis, disrupting energy production.
Key drug in combating drug-resistant TB.
Pretomanid (Pa):
Inhibits bacterial cell wall synthesis and kills bacteria under anaerobic conditions.
Enhances effectiveness when combined with other TB drugs.
Linezolid (Lzd):
Inhibits protein synthesis, stopping bacterial growth.
Effective against MDR and XDR TB strains.
Significance of BPaL Regimen
Studies and trials have shown that the BPaL regimen has higher success rates in treating MDR and XDR TB compared to older regimens.
It reduces treatment duration for MDR/XDR-TB from the traditional 18-24 months to 6 months approx.
It is entirely oral with NO injectable, making it easier for patients to adhere to the treatment.
It reduces number of drugs patients need to take daily from up to 14 to just 3.
PYQ:
[2014] Can overuse and free availability of antibiotics without 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.
The opposition has submitted a notice in the Rajya Sabha to initiate privilege proceedings against Union Education Minister.
It is alleged that the Minister ‘misled’ the House regarding the issue of the Preamble to the Constitution being ‘dropped’ from certain NCERT textbooks.
What is a Privilege Motion?
Details
What is it?
A formal notice by an MP when rights or privileges of Parliament or its members are breached.
Parliamentary privilege refers to the right and immunity enjoyed by legislatures (Article 105).
Who can move such motion?
Any Member of Parliament (MP) from Lok Sabha or Rajya Sabha.
Governing Rules
Lok Sabha Rule book: Rule 222, Chapter 20
Rajya Sabha Rule book: Rule 187, Chapter 16
Procedure
Requires consent from Speaker/Chairperson;
Notice must concern a recent incident needing House intervention.
Role of Speaker/Chairperson
First level of scrutiny;
Can decide on the motion or refer it to the Privileges Committee.
Privileges Committee
Lok Sabha: 15 members, nominated by Speaker
Rajya Sabha: 10 members, headed by Deputy Chairperson
Outcome
Committee submits a report;
House may debate and pass a resolution based on the report.
Historical Example
1978: Privilege motion against Indira Gandhi, leading to her expulsion from the Lok Sabha.
Legal Implications
If a breach of privilege is established, the Parliament has the authority to impose penalties.
These can range from a reprimand to expulsion from the House, depending on the severity of the breach.
PYQ:
[2014] Consider the following statements regarding a No-Confidence Motion in India:
1. There is no mention of a No-Confidence Motion in the Constitution of India.
2. A Motion of No-Confidence can be introduced in the Lok Sabha only.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Clean Plant Programme
Why in the News?
The Union Cabinet has approved the Clean Plant Programme (CPP) proposed by the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare.
What is the Clean Plant Programme (CPP)?
Details
Objective
To providevirus-free, high-quality planting material to farmers, enhancing the quality, productivity, and sustainability of fruit crops across India.
Aligns with Mission LiFE and One Health initiatives, promoting sustainable practices and reducing dependence on imported planting materials.
Key Features
Virus-Free Planting Material: Ensures availability of high-quality, virus-free planting material.
All-inclusivity: Accessible to all farmers, with emphasis on women’s participation.
Region-Specific Approaches: Tailored strategies for diverse agro-climatic conditions across India.
Core
Components
Clean Plant Centers (CPCs): Nine state-of-the-art CPCs equipped with advanced diagnostics and tissue culture labs will be established across India. These include:
These centers will produce and maintain virus-free planting material for large-scale propagation.
Certification and Legal Framework: Under the Seeds Act of 1966.
Nursery Infrastructure: Support for large-scale nurseries to multiply clean planting materials.
Key Benefits
For Farmers: Increased crop yields, improved income opportunities, and economic stability through access to virus-free, high-quality planting materials.
ForConsumers: Access to superior quality, virus-free fruits, resulting in better taste, appearance, and nutritional value.
For nation: Strengthened position in global fruit trade through the production of higher-quality, disease-free fruits.
PYQ:
[2013] Fruits stored in a cold chamber exhibit longer storage life because:
(a) Exposure to sunlight is prevented
(b) Concentration of carbon dioxide in the environment is increased
(c) Rate of respiration is decreased
(d) There is an increase in humidity
[2018] Assess the role of National Horticulture Mission (NHM) in boosting the production, productivity and income of horticulture farms. How far has it succeeded in increasing the income of farmers?
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Silicosis and its health implications
Why in the News?
UK researchers suggest stricter daily silica dust exposure limits in industries could save 13,000 lives as per British Medical Journal Thorax.
What is Silicosis?
Silicosis is a lung disease that results in the hardening of the lungs. It is caused by inhaling silica dust or crystals, commonly found in soil, sand, concrete, mortar, granite, and artificial stone.
Silicosis is a chronic disease that develops slowly, often after 10 to 20 years of exposure.
Silicosis can lead to other severe conditions, including lung cancer, tuberculosis, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
Note: Silicosis is a recognized disease under the Mines Act (1952) and the Factories Act (1948).
Causes of Silicosis:
Workers in industries such as construction, mining, oil and gas extraction, kitchen engineering, dentistry, pottery, and sculpting are at high risk.
The cutting, drilling, or breaking down of materials containing silica releases fine dust into the air.
As per National Programme on Elimination of Silicosis in India
Remedies for Silicosis:
Currently, there is no cure for silicosis, and treatment focuses on managing symptoms and preventing complications.
Preventive measures:
Water Suppression Techniques: Using water or foam to suppress dust at the source.
Proper Ventilation: Ensuring adequate airflow in work environments to reduce dust accumulation.
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): Providing workers with masks and respirators that filter out fine particles.
Regular Monitoring: Implementing regular health checks for workers and monitoring air quality in workplaces.
Case study related to reducing Silica Dust Exposure
United States: Implemented stricter regulations on silica dust, resulting in a significant reduction in silicosis cases.
Australia: Banned the use of engineered stone due to its propensity to release high levels of silica dust when cut or drilled.
PYQ:
[2019] Why is there a great concern about the ‘microbeads’ that are released into environment?
(a) They are considered harmful to marine ecosystems.
(b) They are considered to cause skin cancer in children.
(c) They are small enough to be absorbed by crop plants in irrigated fields.
(d) They are often found to be used as food adulterants.
