Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Mains level: Issues related to malnutrition in India;
Why in the News?
The 2024 Global Hunger Index (GHI) indicates that the number of undernourished people in India this year, approximately 200 million, would rank as the seventh largest population in the world, comparable to the size of Brazil’s population.
Why It Is a Matter of Concern:
- High Undernourishment Levels: India’s Global Hunger Index rank is 105 out of 127 countries, classified under the “serious” category with a score of 27.3. An estimated 200 million people, or roughly 14% of India’s population, are undernourished, a figure comparable to the population of Brazil.
- Child Malnutrition: India’s child stunting rate stands at 35.5%, and the child wasting rate is 18.7%, indicating widespread malnutrition. These rates reflect a failure in the healthcare and social safety net systems.
- Infant Mortality Rate: Although India’s infant mortality rate is slightly below the global average (26 per 1,000 live births compared to the global average of 28), it remains a significant issue.
- Impact of Food Inflation: Food inflation more than doubled between FY22 and FY24, increasing from 3.8% to 7.5%. This disproportionately affects low-income households, leading to reduced food accessibility.
What about India’s GDP growth?
- High Economic Growth Rate: India was the world’s fastest-growing economy in FY24, with a growth rate of 6.8% and a GDP nearing $4 trillion, ranking fifth globally.
- Low Per Capita Income: Despite rapid economic growth, India’s per capita income remains low at $2,485 in FY24, which is less than a fourth of the global average of $13,920 in FY22. This disparity suggests significant income inequality and limited improvement in living standards for many.
- Record Food Production vs. Hunger: In FY24, India achieved one of its highest food production levels at 332 million tonnes. However, the abundance in food production did not translate into improved food security due to distribution challenges, economic disparities, and climate-related impacts.
What is the debate about data collection methodology?
- Use of Sample Registration System (SRS) Data: The GHI uses data from India’s Sample Registration System (SRS), which is annually published by the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation. It provides statistics on births, deaths, infant mortality, and other vital indicators.
- Government’s Criticism of GHI Methodology: There has been ongoing criticism from the Indian government regarding the GHI’s methodology, particularly the reliance on survey data and subjective measurements for assessing hunger and malnutrition.
- The government argues that the GHI may not accurately reflect the improvements in nutrition and food distribution initiatives.
- Challenges in Addressing Undernutrition: Even with abundant food production, systemic issues such as poor nutrition programs, climate impacts on agricultural productivity, and socioeconomic factors continue to affect food security in India.
Way forward:
- Strengthen Nutrition and Social Safety Programs: India should enhance the effectiveness of nutrition programs, such as the Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS) and Mid-Day Meal Scheme, ensuring better coverage, quality, and targeting to reduce child malnutrition and undernourishment.
- Address Economic Inequality and Improve Food Access: Implement policies to reduce income disparities and make essential foods more affordable, such as expanding the Public Distribution System (PDS) to cover vulnerable groups affected by inflation and climate-related agricultural disruptions.
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Mains level: Impact of climate change;
Why in the News?
The rising demand for cooling is leading to increased fossil fuel consumption for electricity generation, which in turn contributes to climate change and gradually elevates atmospheric temperatures.
What are the primary impacts of climate change on human societies?
- Heat-Related Health Risks: Increased temperatures and more frequent heatwaves lead to higher incidences of heat-related illnesses and deaths. For instance, global heatwaves already result in approximately 12,000 fatalities annually.
- Threats to Food Security: Extreme temperatures and unstable weather patterns negatively impact agricultural productivity, affecting food quality and availability, and driving up prices.
- Access to Essential Services: Over 1.1 billion people face immediate risks due to inadequate access to cooling, impacting health services (like vaccine storage), food preservation, and economic productivity.
- Increased Mortality: By 2050, deaths from extreme heat are projected to surge, with the World Health Organization predicting up to 255,000 heat-related fatalities each year.
How Can Societies Effectively Adapt to the Ongoing Changes in Climate?
- Promoting Energy-Efficient Cooling: Improve the efficiency of cooling devices to reduce energy demand and mitigate climate impacts. This includes transitioning away from hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs) under international agreements like the Kigali amendment.
- Nature-Based Solutions: Implement alternatives to mechanical cooling, such as planting shade trees and using smart building designs to naturally regulate temperatures.
- Policy and Technological Innovations: Governments should enforce strict compliance with energy efficiency standards for cooling equipment and incentivize the development of sustainable cooling technologies.
What Role Does International Cooperation Play in Addressing Climate Change?
- Global Agreements: Initiatives like the Paris Agreement and the Kigali amendment to the Montreal Protocol emphasize the need for unified international action to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and promote sustainable development goals.
- Shared Resources and Technology Transfer: International efforts, such as those led by Rwanda and the African Group, advocate for access to energy-efficient technologies, particularly for developing nations.
- Enhancing Compliance and Monitoring: Countries are urged to strictly adhere to global agreements, such as phasing down HFCs, to achieve climate targets and protect vulnerable populations.
Way Forward:
- Accelerate the Transition to Energy-Efficient Cooling: Enhance international efforts to double the average energy efficiency of cooling devices and support the shift to climate-friendly refrigerants.
- Integrate Cooling Solutions into Climate and Development Policies: Recognize cooling as a development issue and address its critical role in poverty alleviation and achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Mains level: Importance of SCO for India;
Why in the News?
External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar informally interacted with Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar during the SCO summit’s concluding lunch in Islamabad.
About SCO:
- The SCO was established in 2001 to promote regional cooperation in security, economic development, and cultural exchange among its member states, which include China, India, Russia, Pakistan, and several Central Asian countries.
- The organization represents around 40% of the global population, making it one of the largest regional groups. Its influence spans economic, political, and security dimensions.
- The SCO focuses on combating terrorism, separatism, and extremism (the “three evils”), enhancing regional security, and fostering economic collaboration among member states.
- The SCO holds annual summits, rotating between member countries, to discuss various topics ranging from economic cooperation to regional security challenges.
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What were the major insights during SCO 2024 summit?
- Diplomatic Engagement: The informal interaction between India’s External Affairs Minister and Pakistan’s leadership marked a notable shift in diplomatic engagement, highlighting a more constructive tone compared to previous meetings.
- Avoidance of Contentious Issues: Both India and Pakistan’s leaders refrained from discussing sensitive topics such as Kashmir, indicating a focus on cooperation rather than conflict during this summit.
- Collective Responsibility: The Indian foreign minister emphasized the need for an “honest conversation” about trust and cooperation in the SCO region, highlighting the importance of addressing concerns over terrorism and separatism in fostering trade and connectivity.
- Positive Outcomes: The summit resulted in the signing of eight documents, including proposals for economic dialogue, cooperation in the creative economy, and strategies for addressing challenges in areas like green development and digital economy.
- Future Cooperation: The joint statement from the summit emphasized optimizing the region’s potential in various sectors such as trade, innovation, and climate change, indicating a commitment to collaborative economic growth.
Challenges for India:
- India-Pakistan Relations: Pakistan’s membership complicates India’s position within the SCO. The rivalry between India and Pakistan can hinder India’s ability to assert its interests effectively, especially since China and Russia are influential players in the organization.
- Balancing Relations: India’s participation in the SCO necessitates a delicate balancing act between its traditional ties with Russia and its growing partnerships with Western nations. This is particularly challenging given the SCO’s often anti-Western posture.
Way forward:
- Strengthen Regional Cooperation: India should prioritize common interests within the SCO, such as counter-terrorism, economic development, and connectivity, while using diplomatic channels to reduce tensions with Pakistan and maintain constructive dialogue.
- Strategic Balancing: India can pursue a balanced approach by aligning its SCO engagements with its broader foreign policy goals, leveraging partnerships with Russia and Central Asia while carefully managing its ties with Western nations.
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Mains level: Inclusive Economy; Inclusive institutions; Nobel Prize;
Why in the News?
- This year’s Nobel Prize in Economics, officially known as the Sveriges Riksbank Prize in Economic Sciences, was awarded to Daron Acemoglu, Simon Johnson, and James Robinson (AJR).
- AJR have highlighted the importance of institutions in development, but critics argue that this approach tends to favour Western liberal models over other institutional frameworks.
Why Do Some Nations Succeed While Others Fail?
- Role of Institutions: The economic success or failure of nations can often be traced back to the nature of their institutions.
- Inclusive institutions encourage economic activity by providing secure property rights, legal frameworks, and political systems that incentivize growth.
- In contrast, extractive institutions concentrate wealth and power in the hands of a few, leading to economic stagnation and social inequality.
- Historical Path Dependence: Countries that experienced inclusive economic institutions early in their development tend to be more prosperous, while those with a history of extractive institutions face significant barriers to growth. Historical events shape the trajectory of institutional development and influence current outcomes.
What Is the Impact of Historical Institutions on Current Economic Outcomes?
- Colonial Legacy: Institutions established during colonialism, especially extractive ones, have long-lasting impacts. Areas with landlord-based land tenure systems or direct colonial rule have struggled with lower agricultural productivity, fewer social services, and weaker infrastructure.
- Natural Experiment Evidence: AJR’s research used historical data, such as differences in settler mortality, to show that regions colonized by Europeans with high mortality rates ended up with extractive institutions that still negatively affect growth today.
- Long-Term Development Patterns: The effects of historical institutions persist, shaping economic development, social structures, and governance even after countries gain independence or transition to new political systems.
Why do critics argue that this approach tends to favour Western liberal models over other institutional frameworks?
- Historical Bias: Critics argue that AJR’s approach overlooks the diverse paths of development, favoring Western institutions while underestimating non-Western experiences and historical complexities.
- Western Norms as Universal: The framework tends to present Western liberal institutions as ideal models, disregarding how other systems might effectively function in different cultural and socio-political contexts.
Why Are Inclusive Institutions Not More Widely Adopted?
- Conflict of Interests: Powerful groups with control over resources have incentives to maintain extractive institutions to protect their wealth and power, resisting changes that would lead to a fairer distribution of economic benefits.
- Collective Action Challenges: Reforming extractive institutions requires solving collective action problems where diverse groups must agree on new rules that may threaten the established elite’s interests.
- Path Dependency: Historical conditions can create institutional inertia, making it challenging to shift from extractive to inclusive frameworks due to deep-rooted social, political, and economic norms.
Way forward:
- Strengthen Inclusive Institutions: Focus on legal and policy reforms that secure property rights, ensure fair governance, and promote transparent decision-making, encouraging broad-based economic participation and growth.
- Empower Marginalized Groups: Implement policies that reduce power concentration by supporting grassroots movements, enhancing education access, and providing economic opportunities to disadvantaged communities to overcome historical inequalities.
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: HAL, Maharatna Status
Why in the News?
The Centre has upgraded the status of PSU Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd (HAL) as Maharatna Company (from earlier Navratna Status).
About Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL): Key Facts
- HAL was founded in 1940 in Bangalore as Hindustan Aircraft Limited, merging with Aeronautics India Limited in 1964 to become HAL.
- It is a state-owned company under the Ministry of Defence.
- Headquarters are in Bengaluru, Karnataka.
- Operates 20 production and R&D centers across India, including Bangalore, Nashik, Koraput, and Lucknow.
- Focuses on design, development, manufacture, and maintenance of aircraft, helicopters, engines, avionics, and aerospace equipment.
- Produces fighter aircraft like Tejas LCA, Sukhoi Su-30MKI, Jaguar, and Hawk.
- Manufactures helicopters including Dhruv ALH, Rudra, Cheetah, Chetak, and LCH.
- Collaborates with Boeing, Airbus, Rosoboronexport, and Safran on aircraft production and tech transfer.
- Listed on BSE and NSE in 2018, allowing public investment.
- Expanded exports, supplying aircraft and helicopter parts to countries like Vietnam, Mauritius, and Ecuador.
- Recent projects include AMCA, IMRH, and Tejas Mk2, boosting India’s indigenous defense capabilities.
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About Maharatna Companies
|
Details |
| What is it? |
• Recognition granted to select Public Sector Undertakings (PSUs) in India.
• Provides greater financial and operational autonomy compared to Navratna and Miniratna PSUs. |
| Eligibility |
• Annual Turnover: Over ₹25,000 crore in the last three years.
• Net Worth: More than ₹15,000 crore over the last three years.
• Net Profit: Minimum of ₹5,000 crore for three consecutive years.
• Must have significant global operations or international presence. |
| Autonomy |
• Can invest up to ₹5,000 crore or 15% of their net worth in a single project without government approval.
• Authorized to make equity investments for strategic resources or collaborations in India and abroad. |
| Purpose |
• Aims to foster more flexibility in operations and encourage expansion, especially in international markets.
• Helps companies to become global players. |
| Examples |
• Indian Oil Corporation (IOC)
• Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited (BPCL)
• Steel Authority of India Limited (SAIL)
• Oil and Natural Gas Corporation (ONGC) |
| Significance |
• Enhances the ability of PSUs to compete globally.
• Allows quicker decision-making and reduces bureaucratic hurdles.
• Promotes growth and competitiveness in the international arena. |
Benefits of Maharatna Status for HAL
- HAL can now invest up to ₹5,000 crore (from earlier ₹1000 cr) or 15% of its net worth (whichever is applicable) in a single project without needing government approval.
- As a Maharatna company, HAL has the freedom to engage in mergers, acquisitions, and strategic investments, both domestically and internationally.
PYQ:
[2011] Why is the Government of India disinvesting its equity in the Central Public Sector Enterprises (CPSEs)?
1. The Government intends to use the revenue earned from the disinvestment mainly to pay back the external debt.
2. The Government no longer intends to retain the management control of the CPSEs.
Which of the statements given above is/ are correct?
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2 |
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Abhidhamma Divas
Why in the News?
PM has participated in the celebration of International Abhidhamma Divas and recognition of Pali as a classical language.
What is Abhidhamma?
- Abhidhamma means “Higher Teaching” or “Special Teaching” in Pali, one of the three main divisions of the Tripitaka (Abhidhamma Pitaka) of Theravada Buddhism.
- It offers a systematic and analytical exploration of mind and matter, delving deeper into Buddhist philosophy than the Sutta Pitaka.
- The Abhidhamma explores mental states, consciousness, and psychological processes, providing a framework for understanding reality.
- It is known for its technical and specialized vocabulary in Pali, such as:
- Chitta (consciousness)
- Chetasika (mental factors)
- Rupa (materiality)
- Nibbana (final liberation).
- Abhidhamma Pitaka contains seven treatises, with Pannhana being one of the most notable for its analysis of causal relationships.
- Traditionally, Buddha is believed to have taught the Abhidhamma to the gods in the Tavatimsa heaven, later sharing the teachings with his disciple Sariputta.
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About International Abhidhamma Divas
- It is celebrated Ashwin Purnima (Full Moon), to commemorate Buddha’s descent from Tavatimsa-devaloka (a celestial realm) to Sankassiya (Sankisa Basantapur, UP).
- It actually marks the conclusion of a 3-month rain retreat, known as Varsavasa or Vasa, during which monks remain in a single location for meditation and prayer.
- The celebration involves Dhamma discourses, academic sessions, and exhibitions that connect ancient wisdom with modern spiritual practices.
- Vigyan Bhavan, New Delhi, hosts the event, organized by the Ministry of Culture in collaboration with the International Buddhist Confederation (IBC).
Teachings of Abhidhamma
- The Abhidhamma provides a detailed framework for understanding the mind, matter, and existence.
- It addresses complex concepts like birth, death, and mental phenomena in a precise and abstract manner.
- Abhidhamma is known for its analytical approach:
- It categorizes mental states and emotions.
- It explains causal relationships that determine mental and material phenomena.
- The teachings cover topics like:
- Moral and mental states
- Aggregates (components of existence)
- Causal links
- Path to enlightenment.
Historical Background and Significance
- Abhidhamma Divas commemorates the day when Lord Buddha returned to earth after teaching the Abhidhamma in the Tavatimsa realm.
- The descent is marked by the Ashokan Elephant Pillar at Sankassiya, highlighting its historical significance.
- The celebration coincides with the end of the Rainy Retreat (Vassa), a period of monastic seclusion, and the Pavarana festival, a time of mutual reflection among monks.
Classical Status to Pali Language
- In 2024, the event holds special significance due to the recognition of Pali as a Classical Language by the Indian government.
- Pali is the ancient language in which much of Buddhist canonical literature is written, including the Tipitaka.
- Recognized as a Classical Language by the Government of India in 2024, alongside Marathi, Prakrit, Assamese, and Bengali.
- Pali’s significance lies in its role as the medium for delivering Buddha’s teachings, especially the Sutta Pitaka, Vinaya Pitaka, and Abhidhamma Pitaka.
- The Tipitaka is composed of:
- Vinaya Pitaka: Ethical rules for monks and nuns.
- Sutta Pitaka: Discourses and teachings of Buddha.
- Abhidhamma Pitaka: Detailed analysis of mental and physical phenomena.
- Pali has a rich tradition of commentaries such as Atthasalini and Sammohavinodani, which aid in understanding Abhidhamma concepts.
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PYQ:
[2020] With reference to the religious history of India, consider the following statements:
- Sthaviravadins belong to Mahayana Buddhism.
- Lokottaravadin sect was an offshoot of Mahasanghika sect of Buddhism.
- The deification of Buddha by Mahasanghikas fostered the Mahayana Buddhism.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
[2016] With reference to the religious history of India, consider the following statements:
- The concept of Bodhisattva is central to Hinayana sect of Buddhism.
- Bodhisattva is a compassionate one on his way to Enlightenment.
- Bodhisattva delays achieving his own salvation to help all sentient beings on their path to it.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 2 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3 |
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Karakoram Wildlife Sanctuary
Why in the News?
- The National Board for Wildlife (NBWL) has approved 5 crucial roads, including 4 that pass through the Karakoram Wildlife Sanctuary near the Line of Actual Control (LAC).
- These include a route to Daulat Beg Oldie (DBO), India’s northernmost military outpost in Ladakh, which also houses the country’s highest airstrip.
About Karakoram Wildlife Sanctuary:
|
Details |
| Location |
Ladakh, India, situated in the eastern part of the Karakoram Range. |
| Area |
5,000 sq km (approximately), making it one of the largest high-altitude protected areas in India. |
| Altitude Range |
Ranges from about 4,200m to over 7,500m at the peak of Saltoro Kangri. |
| Climate |
- Characterized by a cold desert climate, with harsh winters, low temperatures, and limited vegetation.
- The region experiences snowfall during winter and temperatures can drop below -20°C (-4°F).
- Summer temperatures are also low, typically ranging between 5°C to 20°C (41°F to 68°F).
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| Biodiversity |
Home to species like the snow leopard, Tibetan antelope (chiru), Tibetan wild ass (kiang), ibex, and blue sheep (Bharal). The sanctuary also supports migratory bird species during certain times of the year. |
| Flora |
Sparse vegetation, with cold desert flora, including hardy grasses, shrubs, and medicinal plants. |
| Rivers |
Shyok and Nubra Rivers flow through the Ladakh region, providing crucial water sources for the sanctuary. |
| Significance |
Part of the larger trans-Himalayan ecosystem, offering a habitat for some of the rarest and most endangered species in the world. |
| Conservation Challenges |
Harsh climatic conditions, limited accessibility, and poaching threats to species like the chiru, whose undercoat is highly prized. |
| Tourism and Access |
Restricted due to its proximity to the international border with China. Special permits are required for researchers and travelers. |
PYQ:
[2020] Which one of the following protected areas is well-known for the conservation of a sub-species of the Indian swamp deer (Barasingha) that thrives well on hard ground and is exclusively graminivorous?
(a) Kanha National Park
(b) Manas National Park
(c) Mudumalai Wildlife Sanctuary
(d) Tal Chhapar Wildlife Sanctuary |
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