Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act;
Mains level: Internal Security; Security Issues in Northeast India; AFSPA;
Why in the News?
Eighteen months after ethnic violence began in Manipur, the Central government has reinstated the Disturbed Areas status under the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act (AFSPA) in six police station jurisdictions, including the affected area of Jiribam.
Present map
What is the historical background?
- The original ordinance (AFSPA) was a response to the challenges faced by the British during World War II, particularly by Indian Nationalists.
- After independence, Indian leaders retained and adapted this framework, facing their internal security challenges.
- PM Jawaharlal Nehru decided to continue with the law due to escalating insurgencies in regions like Assam and Manipur.
- The Armed Forces (Assam and Manipur) Special Powers Ordinance was promulgated on May 22, 1958, and subsequently replaced by the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act on September 11, 1958.
- Initially, AFSPA was applied to the Naga Hills and surrounding insurgent areas to empower armed forces to restore order in “disturbed areas”.
- Over the years, AFSPA has been extended to various other states facing similar issues, including Manipur, Assam, and parts of Jammu and Kashmir.
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What is the significance of the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act, of 1958?
- Extraordinary Powers: AFSPA grants armed forces significant powers, including the authority to arrest without a warrant, search premises, and use lethal force if deemed necessary. These powers are intended to facilitate military operations in volatile regions.
- Legal Immunity: The Act provides immunity from prosecution for armed forces personnel acting under its provisions unless sanctioned by the central government. This aspect has led to widespread criticism and allegations of human rights abuses.
- Controversy and Criticism: AFSPA has been a subject of intense debate due to its implications for civil liberties. Critics argue that it leads to extrajudicial killings and other human rights violations. High-profile incidents have fueled calls for its repeal or reform, with activists like Irom Sharmila famously protesting against it for years.
Which are the States where AFSPA is presently in effect?
The Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act (AFSPA) is currently in effect in several states across India, primarily in regions experiencing ongoing insurgency or civil unrest. These are Jammu and Kashmir, Nagaland (eight districts), Arunachal Pradesh (three districts), and parts of Assam, Manipur (excluding the Imphal municipal area). |
What is the present controversy around the provisions of AFSPA?
- Human Rights Violations: AFSPA has been associated with numerous human rights abuses, including extrajudicial killings, torture, and enforced disappearances.
- Reports indicate that over 1,500 extrajudicial killings occurred in Manipur alone between 2000 and 2012, often involving security forces acting with impunity due to the protections afforded by the Act.
- Impunity for Security Forces: This Act provides armed forces personnel with legal immunity for actions taken under its provisions, requiring prior approval from the central government for prosecution.
- This has led to a culture of impunity (exemption from punishment) where security personnel are rarely held accountable for their actions, exacerbating public distrust and resentment towards the military.
- Excessive Use of Force: AFSPA grants security forces broad powers to use lethal force against individuals deemed to be acting against the law.
- Critics argue that this provision leads to excessive and disproportionate responses, often resulting in civilian casualties and further violence in already tense regions.
- Lack of Accountability and Oversight: The absence of effective mechanisms for accountability regarding human rights violations under AFSPA has been a significant concern.
- Despite recommendations from various committees for reforms or repeal of the Act, the government has largely ignored these calls, perpetuating a cycle of abuse without adequate oversight.
- Political and Social Backlash: The ongoing application of AFSPA has sparked significant protests and activism, particularly in northeastern states like Manipur and Nagaland.
- Activists, including prominent figures like Irom Sharmila, have campaigned for its repeal, arguing that it fosters alienation among local populations and undermines democratic values in India.
Way forward:
- Balancing Security with Rights: Reform AFSPA to incorporate provisions ensuring accountability and oversight, such as independent inquiries into alleged violations and regular reviews of its application, while retaining necessary powers to address security challenges.
- Strengthening Local Governance: Enhance the capacity of state police and local administrations through training and resources, enabling them to manage law and order effectively, thereby reducing reliance on AFSPA over time.
Mains PYQ:
Q Human rights activists constantly highlight the fact that the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act, 1958 (AFSPA) is a draconian act leading to cases of human rights abuses by security forces. What sections of AFSPA are opposed by the activists? Critically evaluate the requirement regarding the view held by the Apex Court. (UPSC IAS/2015)
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Mains level: Public Education and Governance Issues; sIssues related to Public Policy and Institutions;
Why in the News?
India, the world’s largest democracy, still doesn’t have a top-tier public educational policy institution like those in the United States and Europe.
What are the gaps between public policy education and job market demands?
- Mismatch of Skills and Employability: According to the India Skills Report 2024, only 51.8% of fresh graduates meet industry employability standards, with the employability rate for individuals aged 22-25 at 58.6%.
- This indicates that many graduates, including those from public policy programs, lack the skills required by employers.
- Limited Policy-Specific Job Opportunities: Despite approximately 130 institutions offering public policy courses in India, there are few dedicated policy-specific jobs available.
- Graduates often compete for roles in think tanks and NGOs, where job openings are limited, leading to intense competition and underemployment in their field.
- High Unemployment Among Educated Youth: The India Employment Report 2024 shows that educated youth (with secondary or higher education) account for 65.7% of the total unemployed youth, a significant increase from 35.2% in 2000.
- The unemployment rate for graduates is reported at 29.1%, highlighting a disconnect between educational attainment and job availability.
- Theoretical Focus Over Practical Experience: Many public policy programs primarily emphasize theoretical knowledge rather than practical skills.
- A report from the National Institute of Public Finance and Policy notes that these programs often lack hands-on training opportunities, limiting students’ ability to apply academic concepts to real-world situations.
- Barriers to Government Employment: Access to government jobs remains limited compared to countries like the U.S., where structured recruitment routes exist for public policy graduates.
- In India, there are no dedicated pathways for these graduates to enter government service, restricting their career options and diminishing the effectiveness of public policy education.
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How can India bridge the gap between public policy education and job market demands?
- Curriculum Alignment: Public policy institutions must develop curricula that align closely with the needs of the job market, emphasizing practical skills alongside theoretical knowledge. This includes training in data analysis, policy evaluation, and understanding local governance dynamics.
- Internship and Field Experience: Integrating mandatory internships and fieldwork into public policy programs can provide students with real-world experience and enhance their employability.
- Focus on Local Contexts: Training should include a focus on India’s unique political dynamics, informal power structures, and socio-economic challenges to prepare graduates for effective policy-making in the Indian context.
- Continuous Learning and Adaptability: Encouraging a culture of lifelong learning among students will equip them to adapt to evolving job market demands. This could involve offering short courses or certifications in emerging areas of public policy.
What structural changes are necessary to improve Public Policy Education?
- Decentralization of Power: Reforming the decision-making structure within public policy institutions to allow greater input from diverse stakeholders, including civil society and academia, can enhance the relevance and impact of policy education.
- Interdisciplinary Approach: Incorporating interdisciplinary studies that combine economics, sociology, political science, and environmental studies can provide a holistic understanding of public policy issues.
- Strengthening Research Capabilities: Investing in research facilities and encouraging academic contributions to policy debates can help bridge the gap between theory and practice, making institutions more influential in shaping policies.
- Creating Non-Partisan Spaces: Establishing independent platforms for dialogue among various political factions can foster a more inclusive environment for policy discussions, reducing sycophancy and promoting evidence-based policymaking.
- Partnerships with Global Institutions: Collaborating with established international public policy schools can enhance curriculum development and provide exposure to global best practices in governance and policy analysis.
How can India establish itself as a global leader?
- Promoting Innovation in Policy Making: Encouraging innovative approaches to problem-solving within public policy education can position India as a leader in addressing complex global challenges such as climate change, health crises, and economic inequality.
- The Indian government has to set a target to increase public investment in education to 6% of GDP, aligning with the recommendations of the Kothari Commission.
- Investment in Human Capital: Prioritizing education and skill development across sectors will create a knowledgeable workforce capable of contributing to both national development and global governance.
- For example, schools like the Harvard Kennedy School in the U.S. and the London School of Economics train leaders who influence both National and Global politics.
- Fostering Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs): India can bridge the gap in public policy education by aligning curricula with job market needs, promoting internships, and fostering global partnerships. This aligns with SDG Goal 4 (Quality Education) and Goal 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth), ensuring skilled and employable graduates.
Mains PYQ:
Q National Education Policy 2020 is in conformity with the Sustainable Development Goal-4 (2030). It intends to restructure and reorient the education system in India. Critically examine the statement. (UPSC IAS/2020)
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Bose-Einstein Statistics
Why in the News?
The Union Ministry of Science and Technology has inaugurated the centenary celebrations of Bose-Einstein Statistics at the S.N. Bose National Centre for Basic Sciences.
Bose-Einstein Statistics
- Bose-Einstein statistics describe how certain particles called bosons (like photons and helium-4 atoms) behave, especially at low temperatures.
- This concept was developed by Satyendra Nath Bose and Albert Einstein.
- It explains the behavior of bosons, which are particles that can exist in the same state as others.
- Unlike other particles, bosons can “share” a quantum state, meaning multiple bosons can exist in the same place with the same energy.
- It is used to understand particles that don’t follow the Pauli Exclusion Principle (which states that two fermions, like electrons, cannot occupy the same state).
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Bose-Einstein Condensate (BEC)
- A BEC is a special state of matter formed when bosons are cooled down to almost absolute zero (-273°C). In this state, the particles behave as one single quantum entity.
- Bosons, when cooled to near absolute zero, lose their individual properties and combine to form a single quantum state.
- It was achieved in 1995 by Eric Cornell and Carl Wieman using rubidium atoms.
- This discovery earned them the Nobel Prize in Physics.
- BECs exhibit unique quantum behaviors like zero viscosity (flow without friction) and act as a “super atom” that is extremely sensitive to any outside influence.
Significance of Bose-Einstein Statistics
- Bose-Einstein statistics are essential for understanding quantum mechanics, particularly the behavior of particles in quantum states.
- These statistics led to the discovery of Bose-Einstein Condensates, which have unique properties not seen in normal states of matter.
- BECs are useful in atomic clocks, superconductors, and quantum computing due to their sensitivity and unique quantum properties.
- Bose’s work was crucial in explaining light’s particle nature (photons), which helped develop the concept of wave-particle duality in quantum theory.
- Bose-Einstein statistics paved the way for studying low-temperature physics, allowing scientists to observe quantum effects in larger systems.
- These statistics and the discovery of BECs continue to inspire new fields of research, including quantum fluids and quantum phase transitions.
PYQ:
[2018] Discuss the work of ‘Bose-Einstein Statistics’ done by Prof. Satyendra Nath Bose and show how it revolutionised the field of Physics. |
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Domestic Systemically Important Banks (D-SIBs)
Why in the News?
The RBI designated SBI, HDFC Bank, and ICICI Bank as Domestic Systemically Important Banks (D-SIBs) for 2024.
Current D-SIBs in India:
- As of 2024, the State Bank of India (SBI), HDFC Bank, and ICICI Bank are classified as D-SIBs.
- SBI was classified as a D-SIB in 2015, ICICI Bank in 2016, and HDFC Bank in 2017.
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What are Domestic Systemically Important Banks (D-SIBs)?
- D-SIBs are banks that are critical to the stability of a country’s financial system.
- They are often termed “Too Big To Fail” (TBTF) because their failure could lead to significant disruptions in the economy.
- The RBI identifies D-SIBs annually.
- The framework for recognizing these banks was issued in July 2014.
- The RBI has been publishing an annual list of D-SIBs since 2015.
D-SIBs are placed in different buckets based on systemic importance scores. Higher bucket rankings require greater capital requirements to absorb losses.
- SBI is in Bucket 4.
- HDFC Bank is in Bucket 3.
- ICICI Bank is in Bucket 1.
D-SIBs must maintain additional Common Equity Tier 1 (CET1) capital based on their bucket.
- SBI: 0.80% of Risk Weighted Assets (RWAs).
- HDFC Bank: 0.40%
- ICICI Bank: 0.20%
Global Systemically Important Banks (G-SIBs):
- On the global stage, G-SIBs are designated by the Financial Stability Board (FSB).
- G-SIBs include large international banks such as JP Morgan Chase and HSBC.
- Foreign banks in India that qualify as G-SIBs are required to hold additional CET1 capital in India, proportional to their global risk-weighted assets.
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Benefits of D-SIB Classification
- It ensures financial stability by requiring additional capital buffers for resilience during economic stress.
- It increases public confidence through enhanced monitoring and regulation.
- It receives improved supervisory attention, leading to better governance and controls.
- It prepares D-SIBs for financial shocks with additional CET1 and stress-testing requirements.
- It often benefits from higher credit ratings, lowering borrowing costs and improving access to capital.
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: ADB
Why in the News?
The Asian Development Bank (ADB) will boost climate-related lending by up to $7.2 billion following an agreement by the United States and Japan to provide risk guarantees for some existing loans.
- This marks the first-ever use of sovereign guarantees for climate finance.
ASIAN DEVELOPMENT BANK
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| About |
ADB was founded in 1966 following the Conference on Asian Economic Cooperation organized by the United Nations Economic Commission for Asia and the Far East.
- Headquarters: Located in Manila, Philippines.
- Status: Official UN Observer.
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| Aims and Objectives |
- Reducing poverty in Asia and the Pacific region.
- Provide Program Assistance that provides loans (hard/soft), technical assistance, and grants.
- Enhances effectiveness through policy dialogues, advisory services, and co-financing to mobilize additional financial resources.
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| Goals and Targets |
- ADB raises funds primarily through bond issues on global capital markets.
- The ADB has set a climate finance target of $100 billion from 2019 to 2030. The U.S. will guarantee $1 billion of existing ADB loans, while Japan will underwrite $600 million.
Advantages of the Guarantee Structure:
- Expands ADB’s lending capacity.
- Lending space will be used over 5 years, while the guarantees will last for 25 years.
- Example: A sustainable aviation fuel initiative in Pakistan using cooking oil, with ADB covering about half of the $90 million cost.
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| Membership |
- Total Members: 67 countries, with 48 from Asia and the Pacific.
- Membership Eligibility: Includes members of the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (UNESCAP) and non-regional developed countries.
- Major Shareholders: Japan and the United States (Each hold 15.607% of shares), China ( 6.444%), India (6.331%), Australia (5.786%).
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Barak River
Why in the News?
Police found dead bodies floating in the Barak River (inflicted due to Manipur Violence).
About the Barak River:
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Details |
| Geographical Location |
• Originates from Japvo mountain in Manipur hills at 3,015 m altitude.
• Flows south, forming the border between Assam and Manipur up to Jirimat.
• Flows for 524 km in India, and then enters Bangladesh as Surma and Kushiyara, later becoming Meghna River.• The river is navigable in parts, with National Waterway 6 (121 km). |
| Physical Features |
• Length: 564 km in total, with 524 km in India.
• Drainage area in India: 41,157 sq. km (1.38% of India’s total area).
• Tributaries: Jiri, Dhaleswari, Singla, Longai, Sonai, and Katakhal. |
| Flora and Fauna/Important Sites |
• Fauna: Home to over 2,000 species of fish and rare creatures like the Siamese crocodile, susu dolphin, smooth-coated otter, and black mugger crocodile.
• Flora: Includes Varzea forest, Los llamjao, tidal forests (mangroves), Pats (flat-topped table mountains), and large tropical swamps.
• Wetlands support farming and biodiversity.
• Hydropower projects: Tipaimukh Dam, Tista Champamati, Dhansiri Barrages.
• Affected by flooding and soil erosion, especially during monsoon. |
PYQ:
[2014] Consider the following rivers:
1. Barak
2. Lohit
3. Subansiri
Which of the above flows/flow through Arunachal Pradesh?
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3 |
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