From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: How much of India consumes liquor?
Mains level: Impact of liquor consumption over society
Why in the News?
Delhi, Karnataka, Haryana, Punjab, Tamil Nadu, Goa, and Kerala are considering or have considered allowing doorstep delivery of alcohol through platforms such as Swiggy, BigBasket, and Zomato.
Arguments in favour of Online Delivery of Alcohol:
Revenue Generation: Excise taxes on alcohol sales can help generate significant revenue for Central and State governments.
Reduce Drunk-Driving Incidents: Doorstep delivery can potentially reduce drunk-driving incidents and prevent road traffic crashes and injuries.
Access and Safety for Women: Doorstep delivery may reduce on-premise violence against women and allow women to access alcohol without facing social stigma.
Arguments against Online Delivery of Alcohol:
Economic Costs vs. Benefits: The costs due to alcohol use often exceed the economic benefits from alcohol sales.
Increased Consumption and Binge Drinking: The availability of alcohol on-demand can increase consumption, promote binge drinking, and lead to alcohol-related harms.
Public Health Concerns: Alcohol is associated with various health risks including cancers, mental illnesses, liver disease, and increased risk of inter-partner violence.
Consumption of Liquor in India:
India is the sixth-largest alcohol market worldwide with $52 billion in revenue.
Per capita alcohol consumption has increased from 1.6 litres in 2003-2005 to 5.5 litres in 2016-2018.
According to a 2019 survey, there were about 16 crore alcohol users in India in 2018.
Of these, 5.7 crore frequently consumed alcohol leading to social or interpersonal problems, and 2.9 crore were dependent users requiring therapeutic intervention.
Can such a system make it safer for women to access alcohol?
Doorstep delivery may help women access alcohol without dealing with social stigma.
There is some evidence that it could reduce on-premise violence against women, as seen in Kerala. However, domestic violence related to alcohol use is rampant, and the overall safety of women cannot be presumed.
How should governments regulate liquor consumption? (Way forward)
Restrict Availability and Marketing: Implement policies to limit the availability and marketing of alcohol.
Higher Taxes: Increase taxes on alcohol to deter consumption and generate revenue.
Enforce Drunk-Driving Laws: Strengthen the enforcement of drunk-driving laws with stringent penalties.
Invest in Treatment Programs: Allocate funds for psychosocial treatments of alcohol-use disorders and mental health initiatives.
Monitor and Evaluate Impact: Governments should work with health departments to monitor and evaluate the impact of doorstep delivery on alcohol consumption and revise policies if necessary.
Uniform Policy Standards: Develop more uniform policy standards and ensure better implementation grounded in public health priorities over revenue generation.
Mains question for practice:
Q Analyze the trends in alcohol consumption in India over the past two decades. How has this trend impacted public health and social dynamics? 10M
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: Articles 370 and 35(A)
Why in the News?
The Prime Minister recalled the Parliament’s 5-year-old decision to abrogate Articles 370 and 35(A), calling it a watershed moment.
About Articles 370 and 35(A) of the Indian Constitution
[1] Article 370:
Description
Provision
Grants special autonomous status to the state of Jammu and Kashmir.
Nature
Initially intended as a temporary provision, subject to eventual change or abrogation.
Powers of State
Allowed J&K to have its own Constitution and autonomyover internal matters except defense, foreign affairs, finance, and communications.
Presidential Order
President of India could extend or modify the application of Indian laws to J&K with the concurrence of the state government.
Autonomy Details
Provides a degree of autonomy to the state and permits the state to give some special privileges to its “permanent residents”.
Emergency Provisions
Emergency provisions are not applicable to the state on the grounds of “internal disturbance” without the concurrence of the State.
State Boundaries
Name and boundaries of the State cannot be alteredwithout the consent of its legislature.
Separate Institutions
State has its own constitution, a separate flag, and a separate penal code (Ranbir Penal Code).
Assembly Duration
Duration of the state’s Assembly is 6 years, unlike five in the rest of India.
Parliamentary Jurisdiction
Indian Parliament can pass laws regarding J&K in the matters of defense, external affairs, and communication only.
Any other law formed by Union will only be applicable in J&K by presidential order if it concurs with the state assembly.
Abolishment Condition
President may, by public notification, declare that this Article shall cease to be operative but only on the recommendation of the Constituent Assembly of the State.
Abolishment
In August 5, 2019, through a Presidential Order and a resolution passed by the Indian Parliament.
Impact of Abrogation
J&K’s special status was revoked.
It was reorganized into two Union Territories: Jammu and Kashmir, and Ladakh.
[2] Article 35A:
Description
Provision
Empowers the J&K legislature to define permanent residents of the state and provide them with special rights and privileges.
Insertion
Added to the Constitution through a Presidential Order in 1954.
Permanent Residents
Defined by the state as those who were state subjects on May 14, 1954, or have been residents for 10 years, and lawfully acquired immovable property.
Special Rights
Permanent residents were given exclusive rights to employment under the state government, acquisition of immovable property in the state, and scholarships.
Constitutionality Debate
Debated on the grounds that it was not added via an amendment procedure.
Criticism
Criticized for being discriminatory and creating a sense of separation from the rest of India.
Revocation
Along with Article 370, Article 35A was effectively nullified on August 5, 2019.
PYQ:
[2016] To what extent is Article 370 of the Indian Constitution, bearing marginal note “Temporary provision with respect to the State of Jammu and Kashmir”, temporary? Discuss The future prospects of this provision in the context of Indian polity.
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: National Coastal Mission Scheme (NCM)
Why in the News?
The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC) has expanded the National Coastal Mission Scheme (NCM) to address the challenges posed by rising sea levels.
About National Coastal Mission Scheme (NCM)
The NCM was launched in July 2014.
It aims to address the climate change impact on coastal areas and ensure sustainable development of coastal regions.
It is part of India’s National Action Plan on Climate Change (NAPCC), focusing on sustainable development and climate resilience in coastal areas.
Key Areas:
Coastal protection
Conservation of coastal ecosystems
Development of sustainable livelihoods
Enhancing climate resilience
The MoEFCC, Government of India, is responsible for implementing the scheme.
Key Strategies
Coastal Protection: Construction and maintenance of coastal protection infrastructure to prevent erosion and manage coastal disasters.
Ecosystem Conservation: Conservation and restoration of mangroves, coral reefs, and other critical coastal ecosystems.
Sustainable Livelihoods: Promotion of sustainable livelihoods for coastal communities through skill development and capacity building.
Climate Resilience: Improving the resilience of coastal communities and infrastructure to climate change impacts.
Major Initiatives:
Management Action Plan on Conservation of Mangroves and Coral Reefs
Research & Development in Marine and Coastal ecosystem
Sustainable Development of Beaches under Beach Environment & Aesthetic Management Service
Capacity Building / Outreach Programme of Coastal States/UTs on conservation of marine and coastal ecosystem including beach cleaning drive.
PYQ:
[2022] Explain the causes and effects of coastal erosion in India. What are the available coastal management techniques for combating the hazard?
[2011] The 2004 Tsunami made people realize that mangroves can serve as a reliable safety hedge against coastal calamities. How do mangroves function as a safety hedge?
(a) The mangrove swamps separate the human settlements from the sea by a wide zone in which people neither live nor venture out.
(b) The mangroves provide both food and medicines which people are in need of after any natural disaster.
(c) The mangrove trees are tall with dense canopies and serve as an excellent shelter during a cyclone or tsunami.
(d) The mangrove trees do not get uprooted by storms and tides because of their extensive roots.
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Bhoj Wetland
Why in the News?
The Madhya Pradesh State Wetland Authority has reported that Bhoj Wetland in Bhopal is not at risk of being removed from the Ramsar Convention List of important international wetlands.
About Bhoj Wetland
Bhoj Wetland is located in the center of Bhopal district in Madhya Pradesh.
The wetland includes two man-made lakes: the upper lake and the lower lake.
Since August 2002, they have been recognized as a wetland of international importance under the Ramsar Convention.
The upper lake, created by King Bhoj in the 11th century, is one of the oldest large man-made lakes in central India.
It was formed by building an earthen dam across the Kolans River, which used to be a tributary of the HalaliRiver.
Now, the upper part of the Kolans River and the Bhojtal drain into the Kaliasot River through a diversion channel.
Bhadbhada Dam, built in 1965, controls the outflow to the Kaliasot River.
The lower lake was created in 1794 by Nawab ChhoteKhan to beautify the city.
It also has an earthen dam and drains into the Halali River through the lower part of the Kolans River, now called the Patra Drain.
Both the Kaliasot and Halali Rivers flow into the Betwa River.
Significance of Bhoj Wetland
The upper lake provides 40% of Bhopal’s drinking water, while the lower lake supplies raw water and enhances the city’s beauty.
It supports over 700 species of plants and animals, including zooplankton and phytoplankton.
Both lakes are rich in biodiversity, supporting various fish species, birds, insects, reptiles, and amphibians.
PYQ:
[2018] Which one of the following is an artificial lake?
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 :
Prelims level: About Business Responsibility and Sustainability Report (BRSR)
Mains level: Key Features of the BRSR Framework
Why in the News?
In 2023, the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) introduced an updated framework for corporate sustainability reporting.
The revised Business Responsibility and Sustainability Report (BRSR) framework mandates that companies assess and disclose the environmental impact of their entire value chain.
Business Responsibility and Sustainability Report (BRSR)
In 2021, the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) introduced the Business Responsibility and Sustainability Report (BRSR) framework, mandating that the top 1,000 listed companies in India disclose their performance on environmental, social, and governance (ESG) parameters.
This initiative aimed to enhance transparency and encourage responsible business practices, building on the earlier Business Responsibility Report (BRR) introduced in 2012.
Key Features of the BRSR Framework
Expanded Reporting Requirements: The BRSR Core builds upon the initial Business Responsibility and Sustainability Report (BRSR) introduced in 2021, which mandated the top 1,000 listed companies in India to disclose their ESG performance.
Mandatory Assurance: Starting from FY 2023-24, the BRSR Core mandates that the top 150 companies obtain reasonable assurance on their ESG disclosures. This requirement aims to improve the credibility of the reported data and combat greenwashing, ensuring that companies provide reliable information about their sustainability practices.
Nine ESG Attributes: The framework is structured around nine critical ESG attributes, which include greenhouse gas emissions, water usage, energy consumption, and employee well-being.
Comply or Explain Principle: SEBI has adopted a “comply or explain” approach, allowing companies to either adhere to the specified reporting requirements or provide valid reasons for non-compliance.
Alignment with International Standards: The BRSR Core is aligned with several internationally recognized frameworks, such as the EU Taxonomy and the Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) standards.
Focus on Value Chain: A significant aspect of the BRSR Core is its emphasis on assessing the ESG impacts of a company’s supply chain.
For India, every economic sector must contribute to greener means of production
For India to achieve its sustainability goals and contribute effectively to greener means of production, every economic sector must play a vital role.
Importance of Sectoral Contribution to Sustainability
Diverse Economic Sectors: The key sectors such as agriculture, construction, power, manufacturing, transport, and tourism are crucial for transitioning to a green economy. For example, electric transport and eco-tourism.
Government Initiatives: The Indian government is actively promoting green growth through investments in priority sectors, which include manufacturing, renewable energy, and electric mobility. For example, An allocation of ₹19,700 crore for the production of green hydrogen.
Green Manufacturing: The manufacturing sector is a significant focus for greening efforts, with studies indicating that sustainable manufacturing practices can lead to substantial reductions in greenhouse gas emissions. For example, the (Zero Defect Zero Effect) ZED initiative aims to create a competitive, qualitative, and clean manufacturing ecosystem.
Renewable Energy Commitment: India has set ambitious targets for increasing its non-fossil energy capacity to 500 gigawatts by 2030.
Collaboration and Policy Frameworks: Initiatives like the Partnership for Action on Green Economy (PAGE) and various policy dialogues aim to facilitate collaboration among sectors to promote inclusive and sustainable economic growth.
Way forward:
Enhanced Accountability: Ensure stricter enforcement of the BRSR and BRSR Core frameworks, expanding the scope to cover more companies and sectors beyond the top 1,000 listed companies.
Capacity Building: Provide training and resources to companies, especially small and medium enterprises (SMEs), to improve their ESG reporting capabilities and integrate sustainability into their core operations.
Mains question for practice:
Q Discuss the significance of the Business Responsibility and Sustainability Report (BRSR) framework introduced by the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) in promoting sustainable business practices among Indian corporations. 15M
Explained | 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 :
Mains level: Why did the Supreme Court Overrule a Five-Judge Decision of 2004 related to the subcategorisation of SC?
Why in the News?
A seven-judge Bench of the Supreme Court has ruled that States can subdivide Scheduled Castes (SC) into groups to allocate sub-quotas within the Dalit reservation.
Will the Weaker Among Dalits Get Representation from Further Sub-Classification?
The Supreme Court’s ruling allows states to create sub-classifications within the SC category, which is expected to enable states to earmark sub-quotas for the most marginalized sections of Dalits.
This decision aims to ensure better representation for weaker groups within the SC community who have historically been underrepresented and have not benefitted adequately from existing reservations.
The ruling emphasizes that treating SC communities as a homogeneous group undermines the objective of reservations, as there are significant differences in advancement and discrimination among various SC communities.
Why Did the Supreme Court Overrule a Five-Judge Decision of 2004?
The 2004 judgment in E.V. Chinnaiah vs. State of Andhra Pradesh held that SCs constitute a single homogeneous class and that any sub-classification was unconstitutional, as it violated Article 341, which empowers the President to notify the list of SCs.
The recent seven-judge Bench, led by Chief Justice D.Y. Chandrachud, found this ruling to be incorrect, stating that SC communities are not homogeneous and that there are inter se differences among them.
The majority opinion argued that the act of notifying a list of SCs does not create a uniform class, and sub-classification is permissible based on “intelligible differentia” and should have a rational nexus to the purpose of doing it.
What are the views on Creamy layer exclusion?
The concept of the creamy layer, which excludes more advanced members of a community from benefiting from affirmative action, is currently applicable only to Other Backward Classes (OBCs) and has not been extended to Dalit communities.
Justice B.R. Gavai, in a separate opinion, emphasized the need to identify and exclude the more advanced among SCs from affirmative action benefits, arguing that treating all members equally disregards the principle of equality.
The opinions regarding creamy layer exclusion do not constitute a directive for the government to implement this concept for SCs, as the issue was not directly addressed in the current case.
Do the Judges’ Opinions on this Constitute a Direction to the Government?
The judges’ opinions on sub-classification and creamy layer exclusion provide a legal framework for states to follow but do not serve as a direct mandate for the government to implement changes.
The ruling establishes that states have the authority to sub-classify SCs for the purpose of extending reservation benefits, but the specific implementation details and parameters for creamy layer exclusion remain open for further consideration and do not compel immediate action from the government.
Way forward:
Implementation Framework for Sub-Classification: The government should establish a comprehensive framework that outlines the criteria and process for sub-classification of SCs.
Addressing Creamy Layer Exclusion: The government should consider developing specific criteria for identifying the “creamy layer” within SCs, similar to the criteria used for OBCs.
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: About the Dotson Ice Shelf (DIS) in the Amundsen Sea
Mains level: Reasons behind ocean warming
Why in the News?
New research has documented previously unseen shapes at the base of a West Antarctic ice shelf.
Base of a West Antarctic Ice Shelf
Basal Melt Dynamics: The base of West Antarctic ice shelves, including the Dotson Ice Shelf, experiences basal melt driven by warm ocean water. This process leads to thinning and hollows out cavities beneath the ice, reducing structural support for the grounded ice above.
Autonomous Underwater Vehicle (AUV) Research: Recent research utilized an AUV equipped with multibeam sonar to explore the topography of the basal melt cavity beneath the Dotson Ice Shelf, revealing previously unquantified melt mechanisms and unique formations at the ice shelf’s base.
Warm salty water, which is transported through ocean currents, significantly contributes to the melting of ice shelves. This bottom-up melting is critical to understanding the dynamics of ice loss and its implications for global sea level rise.
The AUV discovered tear-shaped indents and other unique shapes at the base of the ice shelf, indicating diverse melting patterns influenced by the flow of warm water.
About the Dotson Ice Shelf (DIS) in Amundsen Sea
Dotson Ice Shelf is part of the West Antarctic ice sheet and is located next to Thwaites Glacier in the Amundsen Sea.
Thwaites Glacier is considered to have a potentially large impact on future sea level rise due to its size and location.
Reasons behind ocean warming
Greenhouse Gas Emissions: Since the Industrial Revolution, human activities such as burning fossil fuels have significantly increased greenhouse gas (GHG) concentrations in the atmosphere, including carbon dioxide, methane, and nitrous oxide. These gases trap heat, leading to global warming.
Heat Absorption: The oceans have absorbed more than 93% of the excess heat from greenhouse gas emissions since the 1970s. This resulted in an average increase in ocean temperature of about 1°F (0.6°C) over the past century.
Impact of El Niño: The El Niño weather pattern, characterized by the abnormal warming of surface waters in the equatorial Pacific Ocean, contributes to both ocean warming and rising global surface temperatures.
International Efforts and Agreements
The United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) was signed by 166 countries in 1992, acknowledging humanity’s role in climate change.
The Paris Agreement, adopted in 2015, sets the international community the goal of limiting global warming to “well below” 2°C in this century.
The Green Climate Fund, established in 2010, aims to help developing countries adopt initiatives to combat climate change and deforestation
Way forward:
Enhanced Global Commitments: Nations need to reinforce their commitments under international agreements like the Paris Agreement. This includes setting more ambitious targets for reducing greenhouse gas emissions and adhering to these goals through stringent policies and regulations.
Funding and Technology Transfer: Developed countries should increase financial contributions to climate funds such as the Green Climate Fund to support mitigation and adaptation efforts in developing countries.
Mains Question for practice:
Q Bring out the relationship between the shrinking Himalayan glaciers and the symptoms of climate change in the Indian sub-continent. (2014)
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Mains level: Concerns about the sidelining of basic research and stagnation in research funding
Why in the News?
Modi’s government launched advanced tech missions and boosted private space participation, achieving a moon landing, amid concerns over basic research neglect and stagnant research funding.
Priority areas – productivity and resilience in agriculture, energy security, and manufacturing and services:
Productivity and Resilience in Agriculture
The Union Budget emphasizes transforming agricultural research to enhance productivity and climate resilience.
Initiatives such as “speed breeding platforms” have been established to accelerate the development of climate-resilient crop varieties, allowing multiple generations of crops to be grown in a single year.
Energy Security
The budget prioritizes energy security with a focus on research and development of small and modular nuclear reactors and advanced thermal power plants.
The proposed “Critical Minerals Mission” is expected to enhance research in critical minerals essential for clean energy technologies.
Manufacturing and Services
The budget highlights the importance of enhancing domestic manufacturing capabilities and attracting foreign investment through initiatives like the Production Linked Incentive (PLI) schemes.
Plans for “plug and play” industrial parks in 100 cities are expected to facilitate the uptake of indigenous technologies and boost manufacturing output.
The focus on commercializing technologies with private sector involvement aims to strengthen the manufacturing sector’s contribution to the economy.
Concerns about the sidelining of basic research and stagnation in research funding
Sidelining of Basic Research
Focus on Advanced Technology: The previous two terms of the Indian government emphasized advanced technology missions (e.g., supercomputing, quantum technologies), which raised concerns that basic research was being neglected.
Limited Funding for Basic Research: The establishment of the Anusandhan National Research Fund (ANRF) aims to prioritize basic research, but there are concerns that the emphasis on “prototype development” alongside basic research may indicate a shift towards translational research, potentially sidelining pure scientific inquiry.
Disparity in Funding Distribution: Currently, about 65% of research funding is allocated to premier institutions like IITs, while state-run universities receive only about 11% of the funds provided by the Department of Science and Technology (DST). This disparity hampers the growth of basic research across a broader range of institutions.
Stagnation in Research Funding
Actual Expenditure vs. Allocation: Concerns were raised that the actual expenditure on science and technology and higher education in 2023-2024 was much less than the initial allocation for that year.
Demand for Increased Funding: The scientific community has long demanded higher government funding for basic research, as the private sector has shown limited interest in investing in this area.
Impact of Inflation: The nominal increases in budget allocations for research may not be sufficient to counteract inflation, leading to a real decrease in available funding for research activities.
Way forward:
Increase Research Funding: Need to boost the overall research funding as a percentage of GDP to ensure adequate resources for both basic and applied research. This includes adjusting allocations to counteract the effects of inflation.
Equitable Distribution: The government should ensure a more balanced distribution of funds across premier institutions and state-run universities to foster a broader base of scientific inquiry and innovation.
The Central government is considering the legality of declaring the landslide a national disaster.
Wayanad Landslide: Destruction and Casualties
The landslide, triggered by heavy rain, devastated at least three villages.
Kerala’s official death toll stands at 221, with over 200 people still missing.
Rescue workers continue to retrieve bodies and body parts from the mud and debris.
Approximately 9,000 people displaced by the disaster have taken refuge in government-run relief camps in Wayanad.
Defining a Disaster:
A naturaldisaster includes natural events like earthquakes, floods, landslides, cyclones, tsunamis, urban floods, and heatwaves.
Man-made disasters can include nuclear, biological, and chemical incidents.
According to the Disaster Management Act, 2005, a disaster is defined as:
A catastrophe, mishap, calamity, or grave occurrence in any area arising from natural or man-made causes.
It results in substantial loss of life or human suffering, damage to or destruction of property, or environmental degradation.
The damage must be of such a nature or magnitude that it is beyond the coping capacity of the affected community.
Is there any provision to declare a ‘National Disaster/Calamity’?
There is NO provision under the existing guidelines to declare any disaster, including floods, as a national calamity.
The guidelinesdo NOT contemplate declaring a disaster as a National Calamity.
Attempts to Define National Calamity:
National Committee (2001):
Chaired by the then Prime Minister, the committee was tasked with defining parameters for a national calamity.
The committee did not suggest any fixed criteria for such a declaration.
10th Finance Commission (1995-2000):
It proposed that a disaster be termed “a national calamity of rarest severity” if it affects one-third of a state’s population.
It did not define “calamity of rare severity” but suggested that each case be adjudged individually.
Response to such calamities in India
When a calamity is declared as such, support is provided at the national level.
The Centre considers additional assistance from the NDRF.
A Calamity Relief Fund (CRF) is established, with the corpus shared 3:1 between the Centre and the state.
If resources in the CRF are insufficient, additional assistance is considered from the National Calamity Contingency Fund (NCCF), funded entirely by the Centre.
Relief measures can include the repayment of loans or the provision of fresh loans to affected individuals on concessional terms.
PYQ:
[2020] Discuss the recent measures initiated in disaster management by the Government of India departing from the earlier reactive approach.
[2019] Vulnerability is an essential element for defining disaster impacts and its threat to people. How and in what ways can vulnerability to disasters be characterized? Discuss different types of vulnerability with reference to disasters.
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: INS SHALKI
Why in the News?
Indian Navy’s submarine INS Shalki, recently docked at Colombo Port on its two day visit to Sri Lanka.
This visit comes against the backdrop of China’s persistent attempts to enhance its strategic and military influence over the island nation.
About INS SHALKI
INS Shalki is a Shishumar classdiesel-electric submarine, commissioned into the Indian Navy on 07 Feb 1992.
Shishumar class submarines are an Indian variant of the Type 209 submarines developed by the German yard Howaldtswerke-Deutsche Werft under the internal designation “Type 1500”.
This is the first ever submarine to be built in India.
It was constructed under licence by the Mazgaon Dock Limited, Mumbai.
Significance of Sri Lanka Visit
India sends submarines to a handful of countries with whom it has close defence and strategic ties.
This is the third submarine to visit SriLanka after the visit of INS Vagir and INS Karanj in June 2023 and February 2024, respectively.
India has been expanding its defence and strategic ties with Sri Lanka amid concerns over China’s attempts to increase its military presence in the Indian Ocean.
Countering Chinese presence:
The docking of the Chinese missile and satellite tracking ship ‘Yuan Wang’ at Hambantota port in August 2022 had triggered a diplomatic row between India and Sri Lanka.
Another Chinese warship docked at the Colombo port in August last year.
PYQ:
[2017] Consider the following in respect of Indian Ocean Naval Symposium (IONS):
1. Inaugural IONS was held in India in 2015 under the chairmanship of the Indian Navy.
2. IONS is a voluntary initiative that seeks to increase maritime co-operation among navies of the littoral states of the Indian Ocean Region.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Alzheimer’s Disease (AD), PrecivityAD2 Test
Why in the News?
Researchers in Sweden have developed a new blood test, PrecivityAD2, which is about 90% accurate in identifying Alzheimer’s Disease (AD) in people experiencing cognitive symptoms.
What is Alzheimer’s Disease (AD)?
Alzheimer’s disease is the most common type of dementia (loss of memory and cognitive abilities).
It is a progressive disease beginning with mild memory loss and possibly leading to loss of the ability to carry on a conversation and respond to the environment.
Alzheimer’s disease involves parts of the brain that control thought, memory, and language.
Brain cell connections and the cells themselves degenerate and die, eventually destroying memory and other important mental functions.
Memory loss and confusion are the main symptoms.
No cure exists, but medication and management strategies may temporarily improve symptoms.
How PrecivityAD2 Testworks?
The test measures a combination of two ratios within a blood sample:
Plasma Phosphorylated-tau217 (p-tau217) to Not-Phosphorylated-tau21: The test measures the ratio of p-tau217 to non-phosphorylated tau21. Tau proteins are associated with the formation of neurofibrillary tangles in the brain, a hallmark of AD.
Amyloid-beta (AB42 and AB40): The test also measures the ratio of two types of amyloid-beta proteins, AB42 and AB40. Amyloid plaques are another key pathological feature of AD.
Both tau and amyloid-beta proteins are considered pathological hallmarksof AD.
Benefits of PrecivityAD2
Early Detection: PrecivityAD2 can diagnose AD at the early stage of mild cognitive impairment, enabling timely intervention and management.
Accurate Identification: With an accuracy rate of around 90%, the test provides reliable results, reducing the chances of misdiagnosis.
Non-Invasive: Unlike current diagnostic methods that involve complex PET scans or lumbar punctures, PrecivityAD2 requires only a simple blood draw.
Cost-Effective: The test is expected to be more affordable compared to expensive PET scans and cerebrospinal fluid analysis, making AD diagnosis more accessible.
Ease of Use: The blood test simplifies the diagnostic process, making it easier for primary care physicians to screen for AD.
Wider Reach: By reducing the complexity and cost of diagnosis, more patients can be tested, particularly in resource-limited settings.
Significance of the Test
Standard of Care: PrecivityAD2 has the potential to become the standard first-line test for AD diagnosis, replacing more invasive and costly methods.
Support for Early Intervention: Early and accurate diagnosis allows for timely intervention, which is crucial for managing AD and improving patient outcomes.
Reduction in Misdiagnosis: The test’s high accuracy rate can help reduce the rates of misdiagnosis, particularly in primary care settings.
Prevalence of Alzheimer’s Disease in India:
Alzheimer’s disease and dementia are significant public health concerns in India with a rapidly increasing prevalence rate.
According to CSIR-NIScPR, in 2019, there were 37 lakhactive cases of Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias.
By 2050, dementia cases in India could exceed 11 crore as per projections from the Global Burden of Disease Study (GBDS).
The burden of non-communicable neurological disorders, including Alzheimer’s, more than doubled between 1990 and 2019.
Feasibility for India:
In India, the current diagnostic tools for Alzheimer’s disease primarily include MRI and regular PET scans.
Advanced diagnostic tools like amyloid or Tau PET scans are not yet commercially available.
The introduction of PrecivityAD2 in India will require approval from the Drug Controller General of India (DCGI) and other relevant regulatory bodies.
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: CIL ASHIS Scheme; CSR Initiatives
Why in the News?
Coal India Limited (CIL) has launched a CSR initiative named CIL ASHIS to provide scholarships to children who lost their parents to COVID-19 and were unable to continue their studies.
What is CIL ASHIS Scheme?
The CIL ASHIS Scheme, launched by Coal India Limited (CIL), stands for Ayushman Shiksha Sahayata.
The scheme aims to provide financial support for the education of children who lost their parents to COVID-19, ensuring they can continue their studies and achieve their dreams.
Features of the CIL ASHIS Scheme
Each eligible child receives a scholarship worth ₹45,000 per year.
The scholarship is provided for a period of 4 years.
The scheme targets 1,645 children who have been identified as needing assistance.
Compassionate Appointment for:
Dependents of CIL employees who lost their lives while in service.
Beneficiaries need to apply for compassionate appointments through CIL’s established procedures.
PYQ:
[2024] With reference to Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) rules in India, consider the following statements:
CSR rules specify that expenditures that benefit the company directly or its employees will not be considered as CSR activities.
CSR rules do not specify minimum spending on CSR activities.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: About Employment Linked Incentives (ELI)
Why in the news?
The introduction of the new ELI scheme for corporates by the Narendra Modi government acknowledges the disconnect between GDP growth and job creation.
About Employment Linked Incentives (ELI)
The ELI scheme aims to encourage companies to hire more employees by providing financial incentives for each new hire.
Target Sectors: The scheme is expected to focus on labour-intensive sectors such as toys, textiles, apparel, furniture, tourism, and logistics, which have significant potential for job creation.
Incentives Offered: Financial incentives may include tax relief and wage subsidies for new jobs created, along with non-financial incentives like reduced regulatory burdens and support for skill development programs.
Government’s Failure of Initiatives
Previous Economic Strategies: Over the past decade, the Indian government relied on traditional economic models, such as the trickle-down approach and production-linked incentives (PLI), which did not yield the expected job growth.
Initiatives like “Make in India” and corporate tax cuts aimed to stimulate investment but failed to translate into significant employment opportunities.
Jobless Growth: Despite policies designed to boost production, employment growth has been stagnant, with a study indicating a negligible employment growth rate of just 0.01%.
Issue of Job and Ideas Deficit
Jobs Deficit: The lack of job creation has prompted proposals like reserving jobs for locals, reflecting political pressures in a democracy where job scarcity is prevalent.
Ideas Deficit: Economists often suggest reforms in labour, education, and business practices as solutions to job creation, but these are complex and difficult to implement.
Unemployment Trends: The unemployment rate has shown fluctuations, with a reported decline from 6.0% in 2017-18 to 3.2% in 2022-23.
What can be done?
Policy Shift: The ELI scheme represents a significant policy shift towards prioritizing job creation over mere economic output. By encouraging firms to hire rather than invest solely in automation, it aims to address the capital-labour imbalance in the economy.
Support for MSMEs: Special focus on micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) is crucial, as they employ a substantial portion of the workforce.
Alignment of Goals: Need to Collaborate among various ministries, particularly finance, skill development, and labour, is essential to ensure that skill development aligns with industry needs, enhancing employability and job creation
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Lightning strikes in India
Mains level: NDMA Guidelines for Lightning
Why in the news?
In July, the Odisha government approved a proposal to plant 1.9 million palm trees to mitigate deaths caused by lightning strikes, which were declared a state-specific disaster in 2015.
How many people have lost their lives to lightning in Odisha?
Over the last 11 years, a total of 3,790 people have lost their lives due to lightning strikes in Odisha.
In the previous three fiscal years, 791 fatalities were reported, indicating an increasing frequency of lightning strikes.
On September 2, 2023, Odisha recorded 61,000 lightning strikes in a two-hour period, resulting in the deaths of at least 12 people.
Why are Lightning strikes of particular concern in Odisha?
Odisha is located in a tropical zone and experiences a hot, dry climate that creates ideal conditions for lightning strikes.
The state has the highest number of cloud-to-ground lightning strikes in eastern and central India. The Annual Lightning Report 2023-2024 indicates a significant concentration of lightning activity in this region.
Research indicates that climate change exacerbates lightning activity, with a 10% increase in lightning occurrences for every degree Celsius of warming. This is particularly relevant in Odisha, where climatic factors contribute to frequent lightning events.
With 96% of lightning strikes occurring in rural areas, the most affected populations include farmers and daily wage earners who work outdoors, making them particularly vulnerable during peak agricultural seasons.
How can Odisha defend Itself against lightning strikes?
Planting Palm Trees: The Odisha government has approved a proposal to plant 19 lakh palm trees as a natural defense against lightning strikes. Palm trees are considered effective conductors of lightning due to their height and moisture content, which can absorb lightning and mitigate its impact on the ground.
Financial Commitment: The state has allocated Rs 7 crore for the palm tree plantation initiative and has banned the felling of existing palm trees to enhance this strategy.
Public Awareness and Early Warning Systems: While the state has implemented early warning systems to forecast lightning strikes, experts emphasize the need for widespread public education on safety measures during lightning events.
Concerns: Experts have raised concerns about the effectiveness of palm trees as a long-term solution, noting that it takes 15 to 20 years for them to reach a height where they can effectively mitigate lightning strikes.
NDMA Guidelines for Lightning
Preparation and Awareness: The Local government should educate the communities about lightning safety and the risks associated with thunderstorms.
Seek Shelter: During a thunderstorm, individuals should seek shelter in a fully enclosed building or a hard-topped metal vehicle. Open vehicles and structures such as metal sheds or under-construction buildings are unsafe.
Avoid Trees: Taking shelter under trees is discouraged, as they can attract lightning. If in a wooded area, find the shortest trees for shelter.
Crouching Position: If no shelter is available, crouch down with heels touching and head between the knees to minimize height and reduce risk.
30-30 Rule: After seeing lightning, start counting to 30. If you hear thunder before reaching 30, go indoors. This rule helps assess the distance of the storm.
Way forward:
Installation of Lightning Rods and Conductors: The government should invest in the widespread installation of lightning rods and conductors in rural and vulnerable areas. These devices can provide immediate protection to critical infrastructure, homes, and open fields where farmers and workers are most at risk.
Advanced Early Warning Systems: Need to enhance the existing early warning systems with more accurate, real-time data and ensure these warnings are disseminated quickly through multiple channels, including mobile alerts, community announcements, and local radio.
Main PYQ:
Q Explain the mechanism and occurrence of cloudburst in the context of the Indian subcontinent. Discuss two recent examples. (2022)
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Mains level: The idea of Constitutional Democracy
Why in the news?
The government’s recent decision to lift the ban on government employees participating in RSS activities threatens to undermine the remnants of a free and fair bureaucracy.
Whether or not civil servants are banned from joining RSS
Lifting the Ban: The Central government has lifted a 58-year ban on government servants joining the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS). This ban was originally imposed in 1966 due to concerns about the organization’s political activities.
Government Justification: The government stated that the activities of the RSS are no longer deemed incompatible with civil service conduct rules, suggesting that the organization has been wrongly categorized as a banned entity.
Judicial Commentary: The Madhya Pradesh High Court remarked that it took nearly five decades for the government to recognize its mistake in banning civil servants from joining the RSS, indicating a shift in perception regarding the organization.
Political Reactions: The decision has sparked controversy, with opposition parties criticizing it as a threat to India’s secular fabric and accusing the government of politicizing the civil service. Critics argue that the RSS’s ideology conflicts with the principles of a secular state.
Support from RSS: The RSS welcomed the decision, asserting that it strengthens India’s democratic system and has historically contributed to national unity and social service.
The idea of Constitutional Democracy
Constitutional democracy is a system of government that combines the principles of democracy with a constitution that limits the powers of the state and protects the rights of citizens.
The people are the ultimate source of power, and the government derives its authority from their consent. The constitution places restrictions on the government’s actions and establishes the structure of the government.
There is a separation of powers between the legislature, executive, and judiciary, with each acting as a check on the others. The rule of law applies equally to all citizens and the government itself.
Minority rights are protected, and the will of the majority is balanced against the rights of individuals and minority groups. Constitutional democracy guarantees some rights to everyone, irrespective of their status as a minority or majority.
The origins of constitutional democracy can be traced back to Enlightenment ideas of natural rights, social contract theory, and the separation of powers. The United States Constitution, adopted in 1787, was a pioneering example of a written constitution establishing a federal system of government with a separation of powers
RSS Ideology vs Constitutional Democracy
Conflict of Ideologies: The lifting of the ban raises questions about the relationship between the RSS’s ideology and the constitutional framework of India. The RSS promotes a vision of a Hindu nation, which may conflict with the secular and pluralistic ideals enshrined in the Constitution.
Constitutional Morality: The Constitution aims to create a society that respects diverse religions and cultures, contrasting with the RSS’s focus on a singular religious identity. This juxtaposition presents challenges to the commitment of civil servants to uphold constitutional values.
Historical background of the Constitution: The Constitution was designed to restructure Indian society post-independence, ensuring inclusivity and rejecting the idea of a state aligned with a single religious community. The RSS’s ideology, which criticizes the post-1947 restructuring, poses a fundamental challenge to this vision.
Democratic Challenges: The existence of non-democratic and exclusionary ideas within a democratic framework complicates governance. The rise of Hindutva politics, which emphasizes majoritarianism and exclusion, threatens the principles of constitutional democracy.
Need for Reinforcement: To counter the influence of ideologies that contradict constitutional morality, there is a pressing need to reinvigorate the commitment to constitutional democracy among civil servants and the broader public.
Conclusion: To uphold constitutional democracy, it is crucial to reinforce the commitment to secularism, inclusivity, and the rule of law among civil servants and the broader public amidst ideological challenges.
Mains PYQ:
Q To enhance the quality of democracy in India the Election Commission of India has proposed electoral reforms in 2016. What are the suggested reforms and how far are they significant to make democracy successful? (2017)
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Ecologically Sensitive Areas (ESAs)
Mains level: Reason behind the designation of Western Ghat as an ESA
Why in the news?
On Friday, the Central government released the sixth draft notification, designating 56,825.7 square kilometre of the Western Ghats as an ecologically sensitive area (ESA) across the states of Gujarat, Maharashtra, Goa, Karnataka, Kerala, and Tamil Nadu.
Recommendations of the Gadgil and Kasturirangan Committees
Gadgil Committee: Recommended that 75% of the Western Ghats (129,037 sq km) be designated as ecologically sensitive areas (ESAs) with restrictions on development activities.
Kasturirangan Committee: Notified only 37% of the Western Ghats as ESAs, reducing the extent compared to the Gadgil report. It split the region into cultural (human settlements) and natural (non-human settlements) zones.
Ecologically Sensitive Areas (ESAs)
ESAs are regions recognized for their environmental significance, where human activities are regulated to protect biodiversity, ecosystems, and natural habitats. These areas are often home to endemic species of plants and animals and are crucial for maintaining ecological balance.
The Environment (Protection) Act of 1986 allows the Central Government to restrict industrial activities in these sensitive areas to safeguard their ecological integrity. Although the term “Eco-Sensitive Zones” is not explicitly mentioned in the Act, provisions exist to prohibit or regulate activities based on biodiversity and environmental considerations.
The reason behind it:
Biodiversity Hotspot: The Western Ghats is recognized as one of the world’s eight “hottest hotspots” of biological diversity and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is home to numerous endemic species and globally threatened flora and fauna, making its protection crucial for conserving biodiversity.
Recent Natural Disasters: The draft notification follows severe landslides in Wayanad, Kerala, which resulted in significant loss of life and property. These events underscored the vulnerability of the region to ecological disasters, highlighting the need for protective measures to prevent further environmental degradation
Opposition from States
State governments, including Kerala, have opposed the proposals in the draft notifications for declaring ESAs along the Western Ghats.
The Kerala government want to reduce the ESA to 9,993.7 sq km from the Kasturirangan committee’s recommendation of 13,108 sq km.
The then Kerala government led by Oommen Chandy opposed the Gadgil report and appointed another panel to come up with an independent report.
New Panel Formed by the Government
In April 2022, the Centre formed another panel to “re-examine suggestions by these six state governments while keeping in view the conservation aspects of the disaster-prone pristine ecosystem, as well as rights, privileges, needs and developmental aspirations of the region”.
The Centre and expert panel held 10 meetings with states having Western Ghats to discuss the fifth draft notification at various forums.
The sixth draft notification, issued on Friday, declared 56,825.7 sq km of the Western Ghats as ESAs in the states of Gujarat, Maharashtra, Goa, Karnataka, Kerala and Tamil Nadu
Way forward:
Integrated Management Plans: The Government should develop and implement integrated management plans that balance ecological conservation with the developmental needs of the region.
Enhanced Monitoring and Enforcement: There is a need to strengthen the regulatory framework by enhancing monitoring mechanisms and enforcing existing environmental laws more stringently.
Mains PYQ:
Q Differentiate the causes of landslides in the Himalayan region and Western Ghats. (2021)
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Axiom-4 Mission
Why in the News?
ISRO has announced the names of Indian astronauts for the upcoming Axiom-4 (Ax-4) manned mission to the International Space Station (ISS).
Indian Crew in Ax-4:
The National Mission Assignment Board has recommended two Gaganyatris (astronauts) as prime and backup Mission Pilot for this mission:
Prime Mission Pilot: Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla
Backup Mission Pilot: Group Captain Prasanth Balakrishnan Nair
Note: Shukla will be the second Indian to go to space. So far, Wing Commander (Retired) Rakesh Sharma is the only Indian to go to space in 1984.
Objectives:
The recommended Gaganyatris will commence their training for the mission from the 1st week of August 2024. During the mission, the Gaganyatri will:
Undertake selected scientific research.
Conduct technology demonstration experiments on board the ISS.
Engage in space outreach activities.
About Axiom-4 Mission
Axiom Mission 4 (Ax-4) is a private spaceflight organized by Axiom Space.
It aims to transport a crew to the International Space Station (ISS) for a 14-day mission.
This will be Axiom Space’s fourth mission to the ISS, following their previous missions (Ax-1, Ax-2, and Ax-3).
The mission will launch from the Kennedy Space Center in Florida using SpaceX’s Falcon 9 rocket.
The spacecraft for this mission is a SpaceX Crew Dragon, known for its advanced technology and safety features.
This mission is organized in collaboration with NASA, highlighting a strong partnership between private space companies and government space agencies to further space exploration and research.
Crew:
Peggy Whitson: A veteran astronaut with extensive experience, having completed multiple missions to the ISS.
Sławosz Uznanski: A Polish astronaut joining the mission, marking a significant milestone for Poland in space exploration.
Tibor Kapu: A Hungarian astronaut, adding to the diversity of the mission crew.
Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla: An Indian astronaut, making headlines as part of this international crew.
Back2Basics: International Space Station (ISS)
The ISS, orbiting 430 kilometers above Earth, completes 16 orbits daily, witnessing 16 sunrises and sunsets.
The ISS orbits Earth every 90 minutes at 8 km per second.
Spanning 109 meters, it’s almost as long as an American football field.
The ISS includes 6 sleeping areas, 2 bathrooms, a gym, and a panoramic view bay window.
Its solar array wingspan is 109 meters, and the station houses about 13 km of electrical wiring.
The ISS’s journey began on November 20, 1998, with Russia’s Zarya Control Module.
The US added the Unity Node 1 module on December 4, 1998, marking the start of a functional space lab.
The station evolved into its current form after 42 assembly flights.
PYQ:
[2019] What is India’s plan to have its own space station and how will it benefit our space programme?
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Features of the Pradhan Mantri Surakshit Matritva Abhiyan (PMSMA)
Why in the News?
An Extended Pradhan Mantri Surakshit Matritva Abhiyan (E-PMSMA) strategy was launched to ensure quality Antenatal Care (ANC) for pregnant women.
The strategy focuses on individual tracking of high-risk pregnancies (HRP) and provision of additionalPMSMA sessions beyond the 9th of every month.
AboutHigh-Risk Pregnancy:
A high-risk pregnancy involves greater risk of health complications for the mother, the foetus, or both, due to pre-existing medical conditions, conditions that develop during pregnancy, or foetal issues.
Common Factors:
Maternal Health Conditions: Pre-existing diabetes, hypertension, HIV, kidney disease, or conditions arising during pregnancy like gestational diabetes and preeclampsia.
Obstetric Factors: Previous caesarean section, history of preterm labor, multiple pregnancies, and congenital malformations.
About Pradhan Mantri Surakshit Matritva Abhiyan (PMSMA)
Details
About
An initiative to provide quality antenatal care (ANC) to all pregnant women.
Launch
October 2016
Target Group
All pregnant women, especially those in their second and third trimesters.
Frequency
Services provided on the 9th of every month at government health facilities.
Objective
Ensure safe motherhood by providing comprehensive and quality antenatal care universally.
Key Functions
General Check-Up: Physical and clinical examinations by medical professionals.
Laboratory Investigations: Routine blood tests, urine tests, and other necessary laboratory investigations.
Ultrasound: Ultrasound examination to monitor foetal growth and development.
Counseling: Nutritional and lifestyle counseling to ensure a healthy pregnancy.
High-Risk Identification: Screening and identification of high-risk pregnancies and appropriate referrals for specialized care.
Key Features
Free of Cost: All services under PMSMA are provided free of cost.
Fixed Day ANC Services: Antenatal care services are provided on a fixed day every month.
Lab Investigations: Basic investigations like Hb, urine albumin, RBS, malaria test, VDRL test, blood grouping, CBC, ESR, and USG.
Public-Private Partnership: Encourages participation of private sector healthcare providers in providing ANC services.
Incentives: Incentives for healthcare providers who participate in the program.
Categorization of Pregnant Women
Green Sticker – for women with no risk factor detected
Red Sticker – for women with high risk pregnancy
BlueSticker – for women with Pregnancy Induced Hypertension
YellowSticker – pregnancy with co-morbid conditions such as diabetes, hypothyroidism, STIs
Benefits
Improved Maternal Health: Regular and comprehensive ANC helps in early detection and management of complications, improving maternal health outcomes.
Reduced Mortality Rates: Timely and quality care reduces maternal and infant mortality rates.
Health Education: Provides health education and counseling to pregnant women, promoting better health practices.
High-Risk Management: Identifies and manages high-risk pregnancies effectively, ensuring specialized care for those who need it.
PYQ:
[2024] With reference to the ‘Pradhan Mantri Surakshit Matritva Abhiyan’, consider the following statements:
1. This scheme guarantees a minimum package of antenatal care services to women in their second and third trimesters of pregnancy and six months post-delivery health care service in any government health facility.
2. Under this scheme, private sector health care providers of certain specialities can volunteer to provide services at nearby government health facilities.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Schemes mentioned in the newscard
Mains level: NA
Why in the News?
For better implementation and efficient monitoring, all schemes implemented by the Ministry for the betterment of children have been consolidated into 3 verticals:
These verticals aim to improve nutrition and health indicators, ensure safety and empowerment of women, and provide protection and welfare for children in difficult circumstances.
The Anganwadi Services Scheme, POSHAN Abhiyaan, and Scheme for Adolescent Girls have been reorganized into three primary sub-verticals:
Nutrition Support: For POSHAN and Adolescent Girls.
Early Childhood Care and Education: Targeting children aged 3-6 years.
Anganwadi Infrastructure: Upgrading and modernizing Saksham Anganwadis.
Key Features:
Fortified rice supplied to Anganwadi Centres to meet micronutrient requirements and control anemia among children.
Emphasis on the use of millets for Hot Cooked Meals at least once a week and Take Home Ration (THR) at Anganwadi centers.
[2] Mission Shakti
Sambal: Focuses on the safety and security of women.
Includes schemes like One Stop Centres (OSC), Women Helpline (181-WHL), and Beti Bachao Beti Padhao (BBBP).
Samarthya: Aims at the empowerment of women.
Encompasses schemes like Pradhan Mantri Matru Vandana Yojana (PMMVY), Ujjwala, Swadhar Greh (renamed as Shakti Sadan), Working Women Hostel (renamed as Sakhi Niwas), National Hub for Empowerment of Women (NHEW), and National Creche Scheme (renamed as Palna).
[3] Mission Vatsalya
Objective: To provide better outreach and protection for children in need of care in a mission mode.
Goals:
Support and sustain children in difficult circumstances.
Develop context-based solutions for the holistic development of children from varied backgrounds.
Encourage innovative solutions through green field projects.
Facilitate convergent action by gap funding if required.
PYQ:
[2016] Which of the following are the objectives of ‘National Nutrition Mission’?
1. To create awareness relating to malnutrition among pregnant women and lactating mothers.
2. To reduce the incidence of anaemia among young children, adolescent girls and women.
3. To promote the consumption of millets, coarse cereals and unpolished rice.
4. To promote the consumption of poultry eggs.
Select the correct answer using the code given below:
