From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Standing Committee on Statistics (SCoS)
Mains level: SCoS and Steering Committee;
Why in the News?
The Union Ministry dissolved the Standing Committee on Statistics (SCoS) headed by eminent economist and former chief statistician of the country Pronab Sen citing overlapping roles with the Steering Committee.
Why was the SCoS dissolved?
Overlapping Responsibilities: The primary reason cited for the dissolution of the SCoS was that its functions overlapped with those of the newly formed Steering Committee for National Sample Surveys.
Concerns Raised by Members: Members of the SCoS had consistently questioned the delay in conducting the census, which has been a critical source of data for policymakers.
Lack of Communication: Dr. Pronab Sen, the chair of the SCoS, noted that members were not provided with a specific reason for the committee’s dissolution, which raised concerns about transparency in the decision-making process.
What are the main roles of the new Steering Committee?
Advisory Role: The Steering Committee will advise the Ministry on survey methodologies, including aspects like sampling frames, design, and survey instruments, similar to the SCoS.
Finalizing Tabulation Plans: This will play a crucial role in finalizing the tabulation plans for various national sample surveys, ensuring that the data collected is organized and presented effectively.
Reviewing Methodologies: The committee will review subject results, methodologies, and questionnaires related to national sample surveys, maintaining the continuity of statistical rigor established by the SCoS.
Tenure and Composition: The Steering Committee consists of 17 members, including at least four members retained from the SCoS, and will serve a tenure of two years.
How do the SCoS and the Steering Committee differ?
Composition: The Steering Committee has a higher number of official members compared to the SCoS, which includes several non-official members. This shift may influence the dynamics and perspectives within the committee.
Mandate Overlap: While both committees have similar mandates regarding survey methodologies and data collection, the Steering Committee is positioned to focus more on the operational aspects of national sample surveys, potentially leading to a more streamlined approach.
Response to Criticism: The formation of the Steering Committee appears to be a response to criticisms of the statistical system in India, aiming to address survey-related issues more effectively than the SCoS could.
How does the SCoS’s dissolution impact statistical data quality?
Delay in Census Data: The dissolution of the SCoS amid ongoing delays in conducting the census raises concerns about the availability of reliable and updated data. The last census was conducted in 2011, and reliance on outdated data can negatively affect policy-making and the distribution of welfare benefits.
Quality of Administrative Data: Critics argue that administrative data, which the government has been relying on, may not accurately reflect the employment scenario, as it is often threshold-based and susceptible to manipulation. This could lead to a distorted view of the economic situation.
Need for Comprehensive Data: The census is crucial for providing comprehensive demographic, economic, and social data, which is essential for effective policy formulation. The absence of updated census data can hinder the government’s ability to address issues like employment, poverty, and social welfare effectively.
Way forward:
Reinstate Independent Oversight: Establish an independent statistical body with clear roles to ensure transparency, timely data collection, and oversight of key surveys like the census, addressing concerns of data reliability.
Modernize Data Collection: Leverage technology to streamline and accelerate the census and national surveys, ensuring that updated and accurate data is available for policy-making and welfare distribution.
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Mains level: Impact of automation on the Indian economy;
Why in the News?
The rise in jobless growth, driven by automation and AI, has led to growing inequality, prompting discussions on implementing Universal Basic Income (UBI) in many countries.
What does the ILO say on Inflation and unemployment in India?
The ILO reports that 83% of the unemployed population in India are youth, due to the rapidly changing economy influenced by automation and AI.
This trend has exacerbated income inequality, with a 1.6% drop in global labour income share between 2004 and 2024, significantly affecting developing nations like India.
The report indicates that persistent inflation and geopolitical tensions have led to aggressive monetary policies, which could further strain the labor market.
The ILO anticipates a slight increase in global unemployment in 2024, reflecting ongoing structural issues in labor markets.
What will be its implications on Indian growth and development?
Social Implications: Falling living standards and weak productivity due to automation could lead to greater inequality, undermining social justice efforts in India.
The ILO suggests that increasing unemployment and inflation could result in social unrest and political instability without effective social safety nets.
Political Implications: It makes it difficult for the decision making and governance due to the drop in global labour income, prompting India to increase budget allocations for welfare programs.
Economic Implications: The emphasis on generating employment in labor-intensive sectors is crucial. The government policies should prioritize job creation to counteract the effects of automation and ensure that growth benefits a broader segment of the population.
What are the safety nets for India?
Cash Transfer Schemes: Programs targeting farmers and women, as well as cash transfers for unemployed youth, represent existing safety nets that provide some level of income support.
Employment Guarantee Schemes: Initiatives like the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA) aim to provide employment and income security to rural households, although funding and implementation have faced challenges.
Universal Basic Social Safety Nets: Experts suggest that rather than a full UBI, India should focus on enhancing existing social safety nets to ensure they are more universal and effective in addressing the needs of the unemployed and underemployed populations.
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Stupa of Sanchi
Why in the News?
External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar visited the replica of the East Gate of Sanchi’s Great Stupa in Berlin.
Aboutthe Great Stupa of Sanchi
Details
Establishment
Commissioned by Emperor Ashoka in the 3rd century BCE.
UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Purpose
Built to enshrine the relics of Buddha and symbolise the Buddhist faith.
Construction
Overseen by Ashoka’s wife, Devi, from Vidisha.
Stupa is a simple hemispherical structure crowned by a chhatra (parasol), symbolizing high rank.
Development of the Sanchi complex was supported by the mercantile community of Vidisha.
Design
Follows a simple hemispherical dome structure.
Later, in the 1st century BCE, under the Satavahana dynasty, 4 ornamental gateways (toranas) were added in four cardinal directions.
Toranas (Gateways)
Each torana consists of 2 pillars supporting 3 architraves, adorned with bas-reliefs depicting scenes from Buddha’s life, Jataka tales, and Buddhist symbols.
Artistic Features
The toranas are famous for their intricate carvings, depicting elephants, winged lions, peacocks, and shalabhanjikas (fertility symbols).
Symbolism
Upper architrave shows seven Manushi Buddhas (previous Buddhas), the middle depicts the Great Departure of Prince Siddhartha, and the lower shows Ashoka’s visit to the Bodhi tree.
Restoration
Rediscovered in 1818 by British officer Henry Taylor and restored by John Marshall (ASI director) in the early 1900s with financial aid from the Begums of Bhopal.
Replica of East Gate
A plaster cast of the East Gate was made in the 1860s by Henry Hardy Cole for the Victoria and Albert Museum.
A replica now stands in front of the Humboldt Forum Museum in Berlin.
PYQ:
[2013] Consider the following historical places:
1. Ajanta Caves
2. Lepakshi Temple
3. Sanchi Stupa
Which of the above places is / are also known for mural paintings?
(a) 1 only
(b) 1 and 2 only
(c) 1, 2 and 3
(d) None
[2016] Early Buddhist Stupa-art, while depicting folk motifs and narratives successfully expounds Buddhist ideals. Elucidate.
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Battle of Saragarhi
Why in the News?
127th Anniversary of the Battle of Saragarhi was observed on September 12.
About the Battle of Saragarhi
The Battle of Saragarhi occurred on September 12, 1897, between 21 Sikh soldiers of the then 36th Sikh Regiment and around 8,000 Afridi and Orakzai tribals.
The soldiers defended a communication post at Saragarhi, connecting Fort Lockhart and Fort Gulistan in the North West Frontier Province (now Pakistan).
Led by Havildar Ishar Singh, the Sikhs fought to the last man, marking one of the greatest last stands in military history.
Despite their bravery, the soldiers were eventually outnumbered and killed.
Their sacrifice gave the British time to strengthen positions at Fort Lockhart and Gulistan, halting enemy advances.
Implication of the Battle
The Sikh soldiers showed extraordinary courage, fighting against overwhelming odds.
The 21 soldiers killed around 200 militants and injured 600, holding the enemy for seven hours.
The British Government posthumously awarded all 21 soldiers the Indian Order of Merit.
The battle highlighted the importance of discipline, leadership, and sacrifice, and underscored the role of Sikh regiments in the British Indian Army.
PYQ:
[2020] Wellesley established the Fort William College at Calcutta because:
(a) He was asked by the Board of Directors at London to do so
(b) He wanted to revive interest in oriental learning in India
(c) He wanted to provide William Carey and his associates with employment
(d) He wanted to train British civilians for administrative purpose in India
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: International Big Cat Alliance (IBCA)
Why in the News?
Natural geographic separation is happening among Asiatic lion populations in Gujarat, and there is no immediate need to relocate them, says the director general of the International Big Cat Alliance.
About Asiatic Lion
Asiatic Lion, part of the Panthera Leo Leo subspecies, is found only in India, with a distinct belly skin fold.
Once spread across West Asia and India, now limited to Gir National Park, where the population increased in 2020.
Asiatic lions face threats from diseases, natural disasters, poaching and retaliation for livestock attacks.
They are classified as Endangered(IUCN), listed in CITESAppendix I, and protected under Schedule I of the Wildlife Protection Act.
The Asiatic Lion Conservation Project (2018-2021) aims for scientific management and community involvement.
About International Big Cat Alliance (IBCA)
Details
Objective
Protect and conserve 7 big cats: tiger, lion, leopard, snow leopard, puma, jaguar, and cheetah.
Initial Funding
₹150 crore from the Government of India for five years, with additional funding from global agencies.
Membership
Open to 96 range countries with natural big cat habitats.
Key Activities
Advocacy, knowledge sharing, capacity building, eco-tourism promotion, and resource mobilization.
Governance
General Assembly, elected Council, and Secretariat. Secretary General appointed by the Assembly.
Governance Framework
Based on the International Solar Alliance (ISA); finalized by the International Steering Committee.
India’s Role
India is home to 5 of the 7 big cats: tiger, lion, leopard, snow leopard, and cheetah.
India hosts about 70% of the world’s tiger population and has seen steady growth in its Asiatic lion population.
PYQ:
[2012] Consider the following:
Black-necked crane
Cheetah
Flying squirrel
Snow leopard
Which of the above are naturally found in India?
(a) 1, 2 and 3 only
(b) 1, 3 and 4 only
(c) 2 and 4 only
(d) 1, 2, 3 and 4
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: European Hydrogen Week
Why in the News?
India will be the exclusive partner for European Hydrogen Week in November 2024.
About European Hydrogen Week
European Hydrogen Week is an annual event organized by the European Commission, Hydrogen Europe, and others.
It serves as a platform to discuss the future of hydrogen technologies, policy developments, and their role in decarbonizing Europe’s economy.
It features conferences, exhibitions, and networking opportunities.
It focuses on the development, deployment, and scaling of green hydrogen as part of the European Green Deal and the EU’s climate-neutrality targets for 2050.
Significance of India’s Partnership
Strengthening Green Energy Goals: Aligns India with global initiatives in decarbonizing industries and energy systems, advancing its commitment to the Paris Agreement and Net Zero 2070 target.
Access to Advanced Hydrogen Technologies: Provides India with cutting-edge hydrogen technologies from Europe, enhancing production, storage, and transportation capabilities for Green Hydrogen.
Boosting Technological Innovation: Facilitates collaborative research and development, allowing India to create cost-effective hydrogen solutions and drive domestic innovation in clean energy.
Building Global Leadership: Establishes India as a global leader in the Green Hydrogen sector, reinforcing its commitment to climate change mitigation and sustainable development.
PYQ:
[2019] In the context of proposals to the use of hydrogen-enriched CNG (H-CNG) as fuel for buses in public transport, consider the following statements:
1. The main advantage of the use of H-CNG is the elimination of carbon monoxide emissions
2. H-CNG as fuel reduces carbon dioxide and hydrocarbon emissions.
3. Hydrogen up to one-fifth by volume can be blended with CNG as fuel for buses.
4. H-CNG makes the fuel less expensive than CNG.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
Schemes | 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: PM E-Drive Scheme
Why in the News?
The Union Cabinet approved the PM Electric Drive Revolution in Innovative Vehicle Enhancement (PM E-Drive) Scheme with an outlay of ₹10,900 crore over two years.
About PM E-DRIVE Scheme:
Details
Name
PM Electric Drive Revolution in Innovative Vehicle Enhancement (PM E-DRIVE) Scheme
Total Outlay
₹10,900 crore for two years
Goal
Promote electric mobility, reduce pollution, and enhance fuel security
Reduce range anxiety by providing charging infrastructure in cities and highways.
Incentives
Direct subsidies for e-2Ws, e-3Ws, e-buses, e-ambulances, and e-trucks
Key Components
₹3,679 crore for demand incentives for e-2Ws, e-3Ws, e-ambulances, and e-trucks.
₹500 crore for e-ambulances.
₹4,391 crore for e-buses.
Other components:
E-Vouchers
Aadhaar-authenticated e-voucher for EV buyers;
Signed by both buyer and dealer for claiming incentives.
E-Bus Procurement
₹4,391 crore for 14,028 e-buses in 9 major cities (Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, Chennai, Ahmedabad, Surat, Bangalore, Pune, Hyderabad)
Charging Infrastructure
₹2,000 crore for 72,300 public EV charging stations, including fast chargers for e-4Ws, e-buses, e-2Ws, and e-3Ws
Incentivizing E-Trucks
₹500 crore tied to scrapping certificates from MoRTH-approved scrapping centres
Testing and Upgradation
₹780 crore for upgradation of MHI’s test agencies for green mobility technologies
PYQ:
[2019] How is efficient and affordable urban mass transport key to the rapid economic development in India?
