From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Location of Sedongpu Gully
Mains level: Cause of Mass Wasting Events;
Why in the News?
A recent study on frequent mass wasting in Sedongpu Gully and rapid warming raises concerns for India’s Northeast region.
About Sedongpu Gully:
The Sedongpu gully (29°47′7.20′′N, 94°55′24′′E) is in the large bend region of the Yarlung Tsangpo River, located in the southeastern Tibetan Plateau.
Debris flows have occurred in two adjacent gullies, namely Sedongpu Gully (SDP) and Zelongnong Gully (ZLN), since the 1950s.
Mass Wasting in the Gully: Stats and Reasons
Since 2017, over 700 million cubic meters of debris have been mobilized in the Sedongpu Gully catchment, with more than 68% of the total 19 identified mass-wasting events occurring in this period.
The events include ice-rock avalanches (IRAs), ice-moraine avalanches (IMAs), and glacier debris flows (GDFs).
Causes: The increased frequency of mass wasting is attributed to a combination of long-term warming and seismic activity.
The area rarely experienced temperatures above 0º C before 2012, but climate change has led to significant warming, destabilizing permafrost and increasing landslide activity.
The 6.4-magnitude Nyingchi earthquake in November 2017 also contributed to the destabilization of slopes.
Implications of sedimentation from mass wasting events:
River Choking and Flash Floods: The study warns that the increased sedimentation from mass wasting events could choke river channels, particularly affecting the Brahmaputra River system.
Hydropower Projects: China is planning to construct a massive 60-gigawatt hydropower project on the Tsangpo River, which could exacerbate sedimentation issues downstream.
This project is expected to have three times the capacity of the Three Gorges Dam, raising concerns about river management and flood risks in India and Bangladesh.
Historical Flood Events: Past incidents, like the 2000 floods in Arunachal Pradesh caused by landslides blocking the Tsangpo River, show how dangerous landslides can be for areas downstream.
The chance of similar disasters is higher now because of the ongoing geological instability in the Sedongpu Gully.
Way forward:
Bilateral and Multilateral Dialogues: India should intensify diplomatic efforts with China, advocating for shared water management strategies and transparency in hydropower projects on the Tsangpo River.
Real-Time Monitoring: Establish advanced real-time monitoring systems for the Brahmaputra River and its tributaries, using satellite imagery, remote sensing, and ground-based observations to track landslides, sedimentation, and water flow.
Mains question for practice:
Q Discuss the potential risks posed by the increasing frequency of mass wasting events in the Sedongpu Gully and the implications for India’s Northeast region. (150 words) 10M
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Mains level: Challenges Faced by Persons with Disabilities
Why in the News?
The recent film Srikanth depicts industrialist Srikanth Bolla’s triumph over visual impairment. It highlights societal stigma, marginalization, and the lack of support for Persons with Disabilities (PwDs).
Status of Education and Jobs for PwD’s in India:
Limited Employment Opportunities: A 2023 report indicates that only five out of 50 Nifty 50 companies employ more than 1% of persons with disabilities (PwDs), with most being public sector firms.
Gap in Accessibility and Supply: Less than 1% of educational institutions in India are disabled-friendly, highlighting a significant gap in accessibility and support for PwDs in both education and employment sectors.
Inadequate Infrastructure: Data shows that fewer than 40% of school buildings have ramps, and only about 17% have accessible restrooms.
Lack of effective implementation: Despite legislative provisions for reservations in government jobs under the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016, there is a lack of effective implementation, resulting in low participation of PwDs in the workforce.
Challenges Faced by Persons with Disabilities (PwD)
Social Stigma and Marginalization: PwDs face deep-rooted social stigma, which leads to discrimination and exclusion from various sectors, including education and employment.
Inaccessible Infrastructure: Many public and private spaces lack the necessary infrastructure to accommodate PwDs, such as ramps and accessible restrooms, which severely limits their mobility and independence. For example, Less than 40% of school buildings have ramps, and only about 17% have accessible restrooms.
Educational Barriers: Despite the Right to Education Act, many PwDs encounter barriers such as a lack of inclusive schools, trained teachers, and assistive technologies, leading to high illiteracy rates among disabled individuals.
Workplace Discrimination: PwDs often face discrimination in the workplace, including a lack of reasonable accommodations and societal prejudices that create a “glass ceiling” for their employment opportunities.
Erosion of Identity for PwDs
Negative Representation: The portrayal of PwDs in society often reduces them to objects of pity or ridicule. This negative representation contributes to a societal attitude that undermines their dignity and identity.
Perception as Burdens: Sociologists argue that PwDs are frequently seen as burdens on society, which affects their self-identity and societal participation. This perception is reinforced through media and public discourse.
Intersectionality of Disability: PwDs who also belong to marginalized castes or genders face compounded discrimination, creating a double or triple burden that further erodes their identity and social standing.
Social Exclusion: The stigma surrounding disabilities often leads to exclusion from social activities and relationships, reinforcing the idea that PwDs can only relate to one another, which diminishes their broader social identity.
Way forward:
Enhance Accessibility: Ensure that educational institutions and workplaces are fully accessible by upgrading infrastructure and implementing inclusive design standards.
Combat Stigma and Promote Inclusion: Launch targeted awareness campaigns to challenge negative perceptions of PwDs and promote their positive contributions.
Mains PYQ:
Q The Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016 remains only a legal document without intense sensitisation of government functionaries and citizens regarding disability. Comment. (2022)
Explained | 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 :
Mains level: Cross-Border Payments;
Why in the News?
Despite being worth $181.9 trillion in 2022, cross-border payments still have inefficiencies prompting the G-20 to focus on improving them for economic growth.
Present Status of the Global Cross-Border Payments Market
The cross-border payments market was valued at approximately $181.9 trillion in 2022 and is projected to reach $356.5 trillion by 2032, reflecting a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 7.3% from 2023 to 2032.
The growth is driven by increasing globalization, the rise of e-commerce, and technological innovations in the financial sector. The demand for faster, more secure, and transparent payment solutions is compelling banks and fintech companies to enhance their offerings.
The market includes various channels such as bank transfers, money transfer operators, and card payments, with a significant share coming from business-to-business (B2B) transactions.
Difference Between Old and New Systems
Cross-Border Payment
Features
Challenges
Old System
Cross-border payments relied on manual processes involving letters of credit, checks, and extensive documentation.
It faced challenges such as high transaction costs, slow processing times, and limited access due to regulatory burdens.
New System
Incorporates technological advancements such as blockchain, digital wallets, and instant payment systems.
Example:peer-to-peer transactions and interlinked payment infrastructures
challenges around scalability, security, regulation and standardization.
Challenges to Cross-Border Payments
High Costs: Transaction fees remain a significant barrier, with various financial institutions imposing different charges that complicate cost-effectiveness.
Low Speed: Processing times can vary greatly, often taking several days due to intermediary banks and regulatory checks, which can frustrate users seeking rapid transactions.
Limited Access: Many individuals and businesses still face obstacles in accessing cross-border payment services, particularly in underbanked regions.
Insufficient Transparency: Users often lack clarity regarding fees, processing times, and the overall transaction process, leading to mistrust and reluctance to engage in cross-border transactions.
Regulatory Compliance: Navigating diverse legal frameworks across jurisdictions complicates transactions, with anti-money laundering (AML) and counter-terrorist financing (CFT) regulations adding layers of complexity.
Way forward:
Adoption of Emerging Technologies: Leveraging blockchain, digital currencies, and AI can streamline processes, reduce transaction costs, and enhance transparency, making cross-border payments faster and more accessible.
Regulatory Harmonization and Collaboration: Promoting global regulatory alignment and fostering collaboration between financial institutions and governments can simplify compliance, improve transaction efficiency, and broaden access to underbanked regions.
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Unified Pension Scheme (UPS)
Why in the News?
The Union Cabinet approved the Unified Pension Scheme (UPS) for 23 lakh central government employees.
About Unified Pension Scheme (UPS):
Explanation
Implementation Date
Effective from April 1, 2025.
Eligibility
Central government employees with at least 10 years of service.
Assured Pension
50% of average basic pay over the last 12 months prior to retirement for employees with 25+ years of service.
Proportionate benefits for 10-25 years of service.
Assured Minimum Pension
₹10,000 per month for employees with at least 10 years of service.
Assured Family Pension
60% of the pension that the employee was drawing before their death.
Inflation Protection
Pensions indexed to inflation;
Dearness Relief (DR) based on the All India Consumer Price Index for Industrial Workers (AICPI-IW).
Government Contribution
18.5% of basic pay and DA, increased from 14% under the National Pension System (NPS).
Employee Contribution
10% of basic pay and DA (same as under NPS).
Lump Sum Payment on Superannuation
One-tenth of the last drawn monthly pay (including DA) for every 6 months of completed service, in addition to gratuity.
Option to Choose
Employees can choose between UPS and NPS starting from the upcoming financial year; the choice is final once made.
Beneficiaries
Initially benefits 23 lakh central government employees;
May extend to 90 lakh if adopted by state governments.
Difference from NPS
Unlike the market-dependent NPS, UPS provides a guaranteed pension amount, a minimum pension, increased government contribution, fixed family pension, and a lump sum payment at superannuation.
Significance of the UPS
Financial Security: Guarantees a pension and family pension for stable post-retirement income.
Minimum Pension: Ensures at least ₹10,000 per month for retirees, supporting lower-income employees.
Inflation Protection: Indexes pensions to inflation, maintaining purchasing power over time.
Increased Benefits: Raises government contribution to 18.5%, enhancing employee retirement benefits.
Flexibility: Allows choice between UPS and NPS based on personal financial needs.
Family Support: Provides 60% of the pension to the spouse if the employee passes away.
Employee Welfare: Aligns with government goals to improve employee welfare and post-retirement life quality.
PYQ:
[2017] Who among the following can join the National Pension System (NPS)?
(a) Resident Indian citizens only.
(b) Persons of age from 21 to 55 only.
(c) All State Government employees joining the services after the date of notification by the respective State Governments.
(d) All Central Government employees including those of Armed Forces joining the services on or after 1st April, 2004.
Pali, Persian, Prakrit, and Farsi (Persian) as per the National Education Policy-2020.
Criteria for Classical Language Status
– High Antiquity: Recorded history of 1500-2000 years.
– Valuable Heritage: Possesses ancient literature and texts.
– Originality: Unique literary tradition, not borrowed from other languages.
– Distinctness: Language and literature distinct from modern forms.
Promotion of Classical Languages
– International Awards: Two major awards for scholars in classical Indian languages.
– Centre of Excellence: For studies in classical languages.
– Professional Chairs: UGC requested to create chairs in Central Universities.
The Eighth Schedule
Lists 22 official languages, governed by Articles 344(1) and 351 of the Constitution. Includes Assamese, Bengali, Bodo, Dogri, Gujarati, Hindi, Kannada, Kashmiri, Konkani, Maithili, Malayalam, Manipuri, Marathi, Nepali, Odia, Punjabi, Sanskrit, Santali, Sindhi, Tamil, Telugu, and Urdu.
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Verma Committee Recommendations
Why in the News?
The recent brutal rape and murder case in Kolkata has sparked widespread calls for the death penalty for the accused.
The Justice J.S. Verma Committee, formed in response to the 2012 Delhi gang rape, recommended against the death penalty for rape, even in the rarest of rare cases, arguing that it would be a regressive step.
About Justice J.S. Verma Committee Recommendations
Recommendations on
Explanation
Rape
• It recognized rape as a Crime of Power, not just passion.
• Expand definition to include all forms of non-consensual penetration.
• Remove marital rape exception; marriage should not imply automatic consent. (European Commission of Human Rights in C.R. vs U.K)
Sexual Assault
• Broaden definition to include all non-consensual, non-penetrative sexual acts.
• Penalty: Up to 5 years of imprisonment or fines.
Verbal Sexual Assault
• Criminalize unwelcome sexual threats.
• Punishable by up to 1 year in prison or fines.
Sexual Harassment at Workplace
• Include domestic workers under protections.
• Replace internal complaint committees with Employment Tribunals.
• Employers to compensate victims of sexual harassment.
Acid Attacks
• Propose a 10-year minimum punishment, separate from grievous hurt.
• Establish a compensation fund for victims.
Women in Conflict Areas
• Review AFSPA; exclude government sanction for prosecuting sexual offenses by armed forces.
• Appoint special commissioners to monitor offenses.
Trafficking
• Comprehensive anti-trafficking laws beyond prostitution.
• Protective homes for women and juveniles overseen by High Courts.
Child Sexual Abuse
• Define ‘harm’ and ‘health’ in the Juvenile Justice Act to include both physical and mental aspects.
Death Penalty
• Opposed chemical castration and death penalty for rape.
• Recommend life imprisonment.
Medical Examination of Rape Victims
• Ban the two-finger test; victim’s past sexual history should not influence the case.
Reforms in Case Management
• Set up Rape Crisis Cells, increase police accountability, allow online FIR filing.
• Encourage community policing and increase police personnel.
Union Cabinet’s Decision on the Death Penalty
The Union Cabinet, while clearing an ordinance on sexual assault in 2013, chose NOT to adopt the committee’s recommendation against the death penalty.
Key amendments included:
Section 376A: Death penalty for rape leading to the death of the victim or reducing her to a persistent vegetative state.
Section 376E: Death penalty for repeat offenders.
2018 Amendments: Death penalty for gang rape of a victim under 12 years (Section 376DB) and life imprisonment for rape of a victim under 16 years (Section 376DA).
The Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) includes similar provisions for rape, with specific sections detailing the punishment, including the death penalty for certain cases.
PYQ:
[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.
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Sonoluminescence
Why in the News?
Recent studies have provided deeper insights into the mechanics of Sonoluminescence, particularly the conditions under which light is emitted from collapsing bubbles in liquids.
What is Sonoluminescence?
Sonoluminescence is a phenomenon in which small gas bubblesin a liquid emit short bursts of light when exposed to intense sound waves.
The light is produced when thebubble undergoes rapid compression and expansion.
This is due to the alternating high- and low-pressure phasesof the sound waves, causing the gas inside to heat up and emit light.
This phenomenon was discovered in 1934 by two German engineers while they were studying sonar technology, which uses sound waves to detect objects underwater.
They noticed that when a tiny bubble in a liquid was hit by strong sound waves, it emitted a brief flash of light.
Mystery behind Sonoluminescence
Although the general mechanism is understood, the exact details of how the light is produced remain a mystery.
Scientists are still exploring the precise processes that cause the gases inside the bubble to ionize and emit light at such high temperatures.
Examples of Sonoluminescence
Controlled Experiments: In laboratory settings, scientists create sonoluminescence by trapping a bubble in a liquid and subjecting it to high-frequency sound waves.
Pistol Shrimp: When the shrimp (marine creature with a specialized claw) snaps its claw shut, it shoots out a jet of water that moves so fast it creates a low-pressure bubble. The bubble then collapses, producing a loud sound, intense heat, and sometimes a brief flash of light.
