From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Mains level: Underrepresentation of SCs, STs and OBCs;
Why in the News?
On July 29, 2024, Rahul Gandhi (Leader of the opposition) pointed out the absence of SC/ST officers in framing the 2024 Budget.
Issue of Upper Caste Domination in Services:
Lack of Representation: During his parliamentary address, the Leader of the opposition (Rahul Gandhi) highlighted the absence of Scheduled Caste (SC) and Scheduled Tribe (ST) officers among the 20 officials involved in framing the 2024 Budget proposals. He pointed out that only one officer from the minorities and one from the Other Backward Classes (OBC) were included, underscoring a systemic lack of representation for marginalized communities in key government functions.
Upper Caste Dominance: The dominance of upper castes in senior civil service positions was confirmed by Minister of State (Jitendra Singh), who stated that out of 322 officers holding Joint Secretary and Secretary posts, 254 belonged to the general category, while only 16 were from SC, 13 from ST, and 39 from OBC categories. This indicates a significant underrepresentation of SC/ST officers in policy-making roles.
About Eligibility:
Age Limits: General category candidates can appear for the civil services examination between 21 and 32 years, with a maximum of six attempts.
SC/ST candidates can take the exam until 37 years of age with unlimited attempts.
While OBC candidates have an upper age limit of 35 years with nine attempts.
The upper age limit for Persons with Benchmark Disabilities (PwBD) is 42 years.
Reason behind the underrepresentation of SCs, STs and OBCs in upper posts of civil services:
Late Entry Disadvantage: SC/ST and PwBD candidates often join the civil services later in life and are unable to reach the highest positions due to retirement before attaining senior roles.
Cabinet Secretariat data (2nd ARC) from 2004 shows that on average, unreserved candidates enter the service at the age of 24.7 years, whereas SC, ST, and OBC members do so at 27.6 years, 26.9 years, and 27.1 years respectively.
The Solution Lies in Having a Fixed Tenure: (Way forward)
Fixed Tenure Proposal: To address the disparity, it is proposed that all civil servants, regardless of their age of entry, should have a fixed tenure of service, such as 35 years.
Retirement Age Adjustment: The retirement age limits could be adjusted to ensure all civil servants retire by around 67 years of age, with annual medical fitness checks after the age of 62.
Independent Committee Recommendation: It is suggested that an independent, multi-disciplinary committee with adequate SC/ST, OBC, and PwBD representation be established to examine this fixed tenure proposal to ensure social justice and broader representation at the highest levels of government.
Mains PYQ:
Q What are the two major legal initiatives by the state since Independence, addressing discrimination against Scheduled Tribes (ST)? (UPSC IAS/2017)
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Mains level: Key provisions of Surrogacy (Regulation) Act, 2021 ;
Why in the News?
On Tuesday, the Bombay High Court affirmed that sperm or egg donors cannot claim biological parenthood or legal rights over a child born using their gametes.
About the Present Case and Rival Contentions
Background of the Case: The Bombay High Court ruled on a custody dispute involving twin girls born through altruistic surrogacy. The mother, a 42-year-old woman, sought visitation rights after her estranged husband took the children to live with him and her younger sister, who was the egg donor.
Note: Altruistic surrogacy is a type of surrogacy arrangement where the surrogate mother carries a pregnancy for intended parents without receiving any monetary compensation for her services, aside from reimbursement for medical and pregnancy-related expenses.
Family Dynamics: The egg donor is the younger sister of the mother and had donated her eggs to help her sister and brother-in-law conceive. After the egg donation, the sister faced a tragic accident that resulted in the loss of her husband and daughter, complicating the family dynamics further.
Rival Claims: The mother argued that her daughters are legitimate children born within wedlock (being married), asserting her rights as the biological mother. In contrast, the estranged husband claimed that the egg donor had legitimate rights over the children, arguing that she should be recognized as a biological parent.
Legal Framework: The case was governed by the 2005 National Guidelines on Assisted Reproductive Technologies (ART) since the surrogacy agreement was signed before the enactment of the Surrogacy (Regulation) Act, 2021. The guidelines say that both the donor and surrogate give up all rights as parents.
Other key provisions of the Surrogacy (Regulation) Act, 2021:
The Surrogacy (Regulation) Act, 2021 permits only altruistic surrogacy in India, where the surrogate mother cannot receive any monetary compensation beyond reimbursement for medical expenses and insurance coverage.
Commercial surrogacy, which involves payment beyond medical costs, is strictly prohibited.
Eligibility Criteria: Intended parents must be a legally married couple, with the female partner aged between 23 and 50 years and the male partner between 26 and 55 years. They must not have any biological children from previous marriages or through surrogacy. The surrogate must be married and have at least one child of her own.
What the Bombay High Court Ruled
No Parental Rights for Egg Donors: The Bombay High Court ruled that an egg donor does not have legal rights as a biological parent. The court emphasised that while the egg donor may be considered a genetic mother, she cannot claim parental rights over the children born through surrogacy.
Recognition of Legal Parents: The court affirmed that the twin girls are the daughters of the petitioner (the mother) and her estranged husband, as they were born from their wedlock with their consent. The ruling highlighted that the couple signed the surrogacy agreement, establishing them as the intending parents.
Legal Precedent: The ruling clarified the legal standing of sperm and egg donors in surrogacy arrangements, reinforcing that they do not retain any parental rights or duties in relation to the child, as per the existing guidelines.
Conclusion: The Bombay High Court confirmed that egg donors have no parental rights. The ruling reaffirmed that legal parentage lies with the intending parents as per surrogacy guidelines and existing laws.
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: About the Aravalli Range;
Mains level: Changes in Aravali range due to mining;
Why in the News?
The Aravalli range is facing severe threats from illegal mining, deforestation, and encroachments which causing environmental degradation.
About the Aravalli Range:
The Aravalli Range is one of the oldest mountain ranges in the world, stretching from Gujarat to Delhi through Rajasthan.
It acts as a natural green wall in the northwestern part of India, forming an ecotone zone between the Thar Desert and the Gangetic Plain in a semi-arid environment.
The range spans 692 km in length and varies in width from 10 km to 120 km, with over 500 hillocks. The highest peak is Guru Shikhar in Mount Abu, which is 1,722 meters above sea level.
Rajasthan contains 80% of the range, while the remaining 20% is shared by Haryana, Delhi, and Gujarat.
Change in Forest Area and High Rates of Carbon Influx:
Reduction of forest cover: The Aravalli range has experienced a significant reduction in forest cover, with a 0.9% decrease from 1999 to 2019. The forest area decreased from 29,915 sq. km in 1999 to 29,210 sq. km in 2019.
Increased Human settlement and reduced water bodies: Human settlements in the region increased from 4.5% in 1975 to 13.3% in 2019, while waterbodies initially increased and then began to reduce over time.
Expansion of mining activities: Mining activities have expanded, particularly in districts like Jaipur, Sikar, Alwar, Ajmer, Bhilwara, Chittorgarh, and Rajsamand.
High rate of carbon influx: The study identified regions in the upper and lower Aravalli range with high positive rates of carbon flux due to high rainfall and protected areas. In contrast, areas near the Thar Desert in the main middle range showed negative rates of carbon flux, indicating a decline in carbon sequestration.
How Drone Survey Can Help:
Use of LiDAR technology: A comprehensive drone survey using Light Detection and Ranging (LiDAR) technology is recommended to assess the Aravalli region’s surface and objects in 3D dimensions.
The LiDAR survey can help identify and mitigate illegal mining activities by providing detailed information on the surface structure which will allow authorities to take prompt enforcement actions.
Establishment of Independent Body: The establishment of an independent Aravali Development Authority, including experts from various fields, is suggested to devise and implement strategies for the sustainable preservation of the hill ecosystem.
Steps taken:
The Indian government has enacted various legal measures to protect the Aravalli Range.
In 1992, parts of the hills were designated as Ecologically Sensitive Areas, and in 2003, the central government prohibited mining operations in these regions.
The Supreme Court of India further reinforced these protections by banning mining in notified areas of the Aravalli Range in 2004 and extending this ban in 2009 to cover 448 km² across Haryana’s Faridabad, Gurgaon, and Mewat districts.
Conclusion: Need to engage local communities in conservation efforts and promote sustainable land-use practices. Establish the proposed Aravali Development Authority to coordinate and implement long-term strategies for ecological restoration and biodiversity preservation.
Mains PYQ:
Q Briefly mention the alignment of major mountain ranges of the world and explain their impact on local weather conditions, with examples. (UPSC IAS/2021)
Prelims Only | Economics | Mains Paper 3: Effects Of Liberalization On The Economy, Changes In Industrial Policy and their effects on Industrial Growth
Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
The Finance Ministry has issued a notification amending the Foreign Exchange Management (Non-debt Instruments) Rules, 2019, to simplify Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) rules.
Key amendments made by the Finance Ministry:
Details
Cross-Border Share Swaps
Simplifies the process for Indian companies to engage in cross-border share swaps with foreign companies.
Clarity on Downstream Investments
Provides clearer guidelines on the treatment of downstream investments by OCI-owned entities on a non-repatriation basis, aligning them with NRI-owned entities.
FDI in White Label ATMs (WLAs)
Allows FDI in White Label ATMs to increase the geographical spread of ATMs, particularly in semi-urban and rural areas.
Standardization of ‘Control’ Definition
Standardizes the definition of ‘control’ to ensure consistency with other Acts and laws.
Harmonization of ‘Startup Company’ Definition
Aligns the definition of ‘startup company’ with the Government of India’s notification G.S.R. 127 (E) dated February 19, 2019.
About The Foreign Exchange Management (Non-debt Instruments) Rules, 2019
These rules govern foreign investment in India in non-debt instruments like equity shares, mutual funds, and real estate (excluding agricultural land).
These rules, effective from October 17, 2019, were issued under FEMA, 1999 (Foreign Exchange Management Act).
It covers the following key aspects:
FDI Regulation: Specifies guidelines for foreign direct investment (FDI) in various sectors, including sectoral caps and conditions.
Investment Vehicles: Allows investment through entities like Alternative Investment Funds (AIFs), Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs), and mutual funds.
Repatriation: Provides a framework for repatriation of profits, dividends, and capital by foreign investors.
Reporting: Mandates detailed reporting for companies receiving foreign investments.
Sectoral Caps and Conditions: Sets sectoral limits and approval requirements for foreign investment, with some sectors requiring government approval.
Prohibited Sectors: Prohibits foreign investment in sectors like lottery, gambling, chit funds, and agricultural land.
Transfer of Shares: Outlines guidelines for share transfer between residents and non-residents, ensuring compliance with regulatory conditions.
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 made by foreign institutional investors in the Government securities.
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Nord Stream Gas Pipeline
Why in the News?
The Wall Street Journal has reported that a group of Ukrainian patriots carried out the sabotage of the undersea pipelines(Nord Stream pipelines) in sep,2022 that supplied gas from Russia to Europe.
AboutNord Stream Pipeline:
Details
Overview
Natural gas pipeline under the Baltic Sea.
Connects Russia and Germany.
Purpose
Built to transport natural gas from Russia to Europe, bypassing traditional transit countries like Ukraine.
Completion
Nord Stream 1: Completed in 2011, 1,224 km long, running from Vyborg, Russia to Lubmin, Germany.
Nord Stream 2: Completed in 2012, running from Ust-Luga, Russia to Lubmin, Germany, with a capacity of 55 billion cubic meters per year.
Significance of the Pipelines
(A) For Europe:
Provides a steady and cost-effective supply of natural gas, essential for heating, power, and industry which ensures stable gas prices. If reduced supply from Russia could lead to price hikes and domestic unrest in europe.
(B) For Russia:
Revenue: Critical for Russia, with around 40% of its budget coming from gas and oil sales.
Geopolitical Influence: Strengthens Russia’s influence over Europe’s energy markets by securing its position as a major gas supplier.
Prelims Only | Economics | Mains Paper 3: Effects Of Liberalization On The Economy, Changes In Industrial Policy and their effects on Industrial Growth
Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Oeko-Tex Certification, Eri Silk
Why in the News?
The North Eastern Handicrafts and Handlooms Development Corporation (NEHHDC), under the Ministry of Development of North Eastern Region (DoNER), has achieved the prestigious Oeko-Tex certification for its Eri Silk.
What isOeko-Tex Certification?
Details
Establishment
Founded in 1992 by the Oeko-Tex Association.
Comprises 18 independent textile research and testing institutes.
Certification System
Independent testing and certification for textile safety and environmental standards.
Key Standards
– STANDARD 100: Tests textiles for harmful substances.
– MADE IN GREEN: Ensures environmentally friendly and socially responsible production.
– LEATHER STANDARD: For leather products, free from harmful chemicals.
– STeP: Certification for sustainable textile production facilities.
– ECO PASSPORT: Certifies safe chemicals used in textiles.
– DETOX TO ZERO: Supports elimination of hazardous chemicals in production.
Testing Process
Products tested for harmful substances like heavy metals, formaldehyde, azo dyes, etc.
Global Recognition
Trusted worldwide for ensuring product safety, environmental friendliness, and social responsibility.
Benefits
– Consumers: Assurance of safe, chemical-free products.
– Manufacturers: Access to global markets, improved brand reputation.
– Environment: Promotes sustainable and eco-friendly production.
Usage
Found on clothing, home textiles, bedding, footwear, and more.
About Eri Silk
Eri Silk is the world’s only vegan silk, where the moth naturally exits the cocoon, making it cruelty-free.
Unlike conventional silk production, where cocoons are boiled to extract the silk filament.
It is also known as Ahimsa Silk.
It is primarily produced in the North-Eastern states of India, especially Assam; also found in Meghalaya, Nagaland, Manipur, and other states.
Its production is deeply rooted in the traditions of tribal communities in Assam and adjacent hill areas.
Significant Features of Eri Silk:
Production Process: Known as Ericulture; involves rearing silkworms on castor plants; the silk is spun rather than reeled due to the naturally pierced cocoons.
Eco-Friendly: Requires minimal chemicals and water; only 20 litters of water needed toconvert 1 kg of raw Eri fiber into yarn.
Unique Properties: Isothermal (temperature-regulating), anti-fungal, washable, durable, and less shiny than other silks.
PYQ:
[2013] What is an FRP composite material? How are they manufactured? Discuss their application in aviation and automobile industries. (100 words)
This marks the third and final development flight of the SSLV.
AboutEOS-08 Satellite:
Details
Type
Earth Observation Satellite (EOS)
Design Platform
Built on ISRO’s Microsat/IMS-1 bus, known for its compact and efficient design.
Orbit
Operates in a Circular Low Earth Orbit (LEO) at an altitude of 475 km with an inclination of 37.4°.
Mission Life
1 year
Payloads
– Electro Optical Infrared Payload (EOIR): Captures images in MIR and LWIR bands for surveillance, disaster monitoring, and environmental assessments.
– Global Navigation Satellite System-Reflectometry (GNSS-R) Payload: Monitors ocean surface winds, soil moisture, and inland water bodies using GNSS-R-based remote sensing.
– SiC UV Dosimeter: Monitors UV irradiance, particularly for ISRO’s Gaganyaan Mission, ensuring safety against UV radiation.
Technological Innovations
– Integrated Avionics System: Combines Communication, Baseband, Storage, and Positioning (CBSP) functions into one system.
– Embedded Technologies: Includes a Structural Panel Embedded with PCB, Embedded Battery, enhancing structural efficiency and power reliability.
– Advanced Antennas: Micro-DGA (Dual Gimbal Antenna) and M-PAA (Phased Array Antenna) for precise control and enhanced signal transmission.
– Flexible Solar Panels & Nano Star Sensor: Improves energy efficiency and satellite orientation in space.
Back2Basics: Small Satellite Launch Vehicle (SSLV)-D3
SSLV is designed to launch Mini, Micro, orNanosatellites (10 to 500 kg) into a 500 km planar orbit.
SSLV is a 3-stage launch vehicle with all solid propulsion stages and a liquid propulsion-based Velocity Trimming Module (VTM) as the terminal stage.
SSLV is designed for low cost and low turn-around time.
The vehicle offers flexibility in accommodating multiple satellites and is capable of launch-on-demand.
SSLV requires minimal launch infrastructure, making it a versatile option for satellite deployment.
PYQ:
[2018] With reference to India’s satellite launch vehicles, consider the following statements:
PSLVs launch the satellites useful for Earth resources monitoring whereas GSLVs are designed mainly to launch communication satellites.
Satellites launched by PSLV appear to remain permanently fixed in the same position in the sky, as viewed from a particular location on Earth.
GSLV Mk III is a four-stage launch l vehicle with the first and third stages l using solid rocket motors; and the second and fourth stages using liquid rocket engines.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Green Tug Transition Program (GTTP)
Why in the News?
The Union Minister of Port Shipping and Waterways has launched the standard operating procedures for Green Tug Transition Program (GTTP).
What is the Green Tug Transition Program (GTTP)?
The GTTP aims to transition conventional fuel-based harbour tugs to greener, more sustainable alternatives.
The program is a part of India’s broader efforts to decarbonize maritime operations and promote environmental sustainability in the maritime sector.
The GTTP is also aligned with the ‘Panch Karma Sankalp,’ a strategic framework for enhancing India’s commitment to a greener and more sustainable maritime industry.
Key Features:
(1) Decarbonization of Maritime Operations
Objective: Replace conventional tugs with green tugs powered by cleaner fuels like battery-electric, hybrid, methanol, and green hydrogen.
Impact: Significant reduction in greenhouse gas emissions in Indian ports.
(2) Phased Implementation
Phase 1 (2024-2027): Four Major Ports (Jawaharlal Nehru, Deendayal, Paradip, and V.O. Chidambaranar) will each procure or charter two green tugs.
Technology: Initial tugs will be battery-electric with provisions for adopting newer technologies.
(3) Standardization and Compliance
ASTDS-GTTP Standards: By 2040, all tugs in Indian Major Ports will comply with green standards, ensuring an eco-friendly fleet.
(4) Alignment with National Visions
Maritime India Vision 2030: Supports goals like sourcing 60% of port power from renewable energy and reducing carbon emissions by 30% per ton of cargo by 2030.
Maritime Amrit Kaal Vision 2047: Aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from port vessels by 30% by 2030.
PYQ:
[2023] Consider the following pairs:
Port
Well known as
1. Kamarajar Port
First major port in India registered as a company
2. Mundra Port
Largest privately owned port in India
3. Visakhapatnam Port
Largest container port in India
How many of the above pairs are correctly matched?
(a) Only one pair
(b) Only two pairs
(c) All three pairs
(d) None of the pairs
