Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Mains level: Issues related to criminal accusations;
Why in the News?
On November 13, 2024, the Supreme Court criticized states for using bulldozers to demolish homes of accused individuals, condemning it as a display of “might is right” that leaves families destitute.
What guidelines has the Supreme Court laid down to regulate future demolition actions?
- 15-Day Notice Requirement: The authorities must issue a prior notice of at least 15 days to the occupants of a property before demolition.
- The notice must include details of the unauthorized construction, violations, and grounds for demolition, providing the affected party an opportunity to challenge the action.
- Fair Opportunity to Contest: Occupants must be given a fair chance to contest the demolition before the designated authority. The authority must provide reasoned conclusions in its final order, ensuring transparency and accountability in the decision-making process.
- Videography of Demolitions: All demolitions must be videographed to ensure that the process is carried out lawfully and without excessive force. This acts as a safeguard against abuse of power.
- Penalty for Non-Compliance: Public officials who fail to comply with these guidelines will face contempt action and prosecution, with personal liability for restitution of demolished property.
- Exceptions: The guidelines do not apply in cases of encroachment on public property or where demolition is ordered by a court, ensuring that the ruling does not interfere with lawful orders.
What are the implications of the Supreme Court’s ruling on demolitions linked to criminal accusations?
- Protection of Fundamental Rights: The ruling safeguards individuals’ fundamental rights, particularly the right to life and property under Article 21 of the Constitution.
- The Court emphasized that an accused is presumed innocent until proven guilty and that demolishing a property without due process violates the constitutional guarantee of fair treatment.
- Accountability of Public Officials: The ruling holds public officials accountable for actions that undermine justice and fairness. Violations of the prescribed guidelines will result in contempt charges and personal liability for restitution, reinforcing the responsibility of the state to adhere to the rule of law.
- Prevention of Arbitrary Executive Action: By limiting the state’s power to demolish properties, the Court has curtailed arbitrary executive actions that could be seen as collective punishment. The executive must now act within the bounds of natural justice and due process.
How the Ruling Addresses Concerns About Selective Targeting and Discrimination in Demolitions?
- Addressing Communal Bias: The Court acknowledged concerns that demolitions were being carried out with a communal bias. By invoking Article 142 to issue binding directives, the Court seeks to curb discriminatory practices, ensuring that no group or individual is targeted based on religious, social, or other factors.
- Prevention of Selective Targeting: The Court emphasized that demolitions should not be selective or targeted. It pointed out that if one structure is chosen for demolition while similar structures remain untouched, it could indicate mala fide intent.
Way forward:
- Strengthen Oversight Mechanisms: Establish independent bodies to monitor demolition actions and ensure compliance with the Supreme Court’s guidelines, preventing misuse of power and ensuring transparency in the process.
- Ensure Comprehensive Legal Reforms: Advocate for legislative changes that reinforce the principles of due process, protecting individuals from arbitrary state actions and ensuring fair treatment for all, particularly marginalized communities.
Mains PYQ:
Q Examine the scope of Fundamental Rights in the light of the latest judgement of the Supreme Court on Right to Privacy. (UPSC IAS/2017)
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Mains level: Significance of PMUY;
Why in the News?
The International Energy Agency reports that 681 million people in India rely on solid fuels for cooking, causing health and environmental concerns. The Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana (PMUY) provides subsidized LPG connections to promote clean fuel adoption in Jammu and Kashmir.
What is Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana (PMUY)?
- The Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana (PMUY) is a government scheme aimed at providing subsidized LPG connections to poor households, promoting clean cooking fuel, improving health, and reducing dependence on solid fuels.
What specific benefits has the PMUY provided to households in Jammu and Kashmir?
- Increased LPG Adoption: The PMUY scheme has significantly increased the availability of LPG in rural areas of Jammu and Kashmir.
- Around 85.07% of households in rural areas now have official LPG connections, with 68% of them having obtained these connections through PMUY.
- Health Benefits: PMUY adoption has led to a marked reduction in respiratory problems, such as coughing, chest infections, and headaches, particularly among BPL and AAY households.
- Health improvements were more prominent in households with additional appliances like rice cookers and those with educated members.
- Reduction in Solid Fuel Usage: Although not completely eliminating the use of traditional fuels, the scheme has led to moderate reductions in the reliance on solid fuels like firewood. The average consumption of firewood per household was 226 kilograms over six months.
- Cultural and Health Improvements: For households that adopted LPG under PMUY, there was a noticeable reduction in indoor smoke exposure, leading to better health outcomes, especially for women who were primarily responsible for cooking.
How has the implementation of PMUY addressed local challenges related to fuel availability and usage?
- Enhanced Fuel Access: PMUY has addressed the issue of limited access to clean cooking fuel in rural areas by providing subsidized LPG connections. This has significantly reduced the reliance on harmful solid fuels, such as firewood, in many areas, particularly those with difficult topography like Rajouri.
- Dual-Fuel Usage and Financial Barriers: Despite increased LPG adoption, 85% of households still practice fuel stacking, using both LPG and traditional fuels. This is largely due to the high cost of refilling LPG cylinders. The scheme has not entirely solved financial barriers, which continue to force households to rely on cheaper, polluting fuels.
- Awareness and Education Gaps: One of the key challenges to exclusive LPG use is the lack of awareness about its health benefits. Nearly half of the surveyed households were unaware of the risks associated with solid fuel use. This barrier has been compounded by limited access to communication devices, such as televisions and mobile phones, particularly for women who are the primary cooks.
- Cultural Attachment to Traditional Cooking Methods: Despite the availability of LPG, traditional cooking methods (e.g., chulhas) continue to persist in the region due to cultural attachment. This presents a challenge in transitioning entirely to clean cooking fuels.
- However, the study found that households with educated members and modern appliances like rice cookers were more likely to use LPG exclusively.
Way forward:
- Targeted Awareness Campaigns: Launch region-specific awareness programs, particularly for women, highlighting the health benefits of LPG and addressing misconceptions, while utilizing mobile and community outreach for wider reach.
- Financial Support for LPG Refills: Introduce subsidies or microfinance schemes to ease the financial burden of LPG refills, encouraging exclusive use of clean fuels and reducing reliance on harmful solid fuels.
Mains PYQ:
Q Access to affordable, reliable, sustainable and modern energy is the sine qua non to achieve Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)”.Comment on the progress made in India in this regard. (UPSC IAS/2018)
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Article 6.4, ITMOs
Why in the News?
- At the COP29 climate summit in Baku, Azerbaijan, the adoption of Article 6.4 of the Paris Agreement has paved the way for global carbon trading under UN supervision.
- This new development allows UN member countries to trade carbon credits globally.
What is Article 6.4?
- Article 6.4 of the Paris Agreement establishes a global carbon market to facilitate carbon credit trading between countries.
- It is part of Article 6, which outlines mechanisms for international cooperation in achieving net-zero emissions.
- Objective: Enable countries to offset their emissions by investing in emission reduction projects in other countries.
- It establishes a global carbon market overseen by a UNFCCC Supervisory Body.
- This body would develop rules, monitors credit issuance, and ensures compliance with international standards.
- It allows countries to generate and trade Emission Reduction Credits (ERCs), which represent reductions in CO₂ or equivalent greenhouse gases.
- Credits are earned from approved climate projects and can be traded globally.
- Through subsections like Article 6.2, countries can use ITMOs (Internationally Transferred Mitigation Outcomes) to meet their NDCs, which are tradeable units representing emissions reductions.
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Significance of Article 6.4
- Cost-Effective Climate Action: By enabling global carbon markets, Article 6.4 could save an estimated $250 billion annually in implementing climate plans, providing a cost-efficient path to emission reductions.
- Support for NDCs: The mechanism helps countries meet their NDC targets under the Paris Agreement, allowing more flexibility and incentivizing investments in green projects worldwide.
- Economic Growth and Climate Mitigation: Carbon markets foster investments in clean energy, create jobs in climate-focused sectors, and link economic growth with climate action.
- Encourages Sustainable Development: Article 6.4 incentivizes sustainable projects in developing countries, promoting green technology transfer and supporting local economies.
Types of Carbon Credit Projects under Article 6.4
- Emission Reduction Projects
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- Energy Efficiency Improvements: Reducing energy consumption (e.g., efficient lighting, better insulation).
- Renewable Energy: Replacing fossil fuels with solar, wind, or hydroelectric power.
- Emission Removal Projects
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- Reforestation and Afforestation: Increasing forest cover to absorb CO₂.
- Soil Carbon Sequestration: Storing carbon in soil through agricultural practices.
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- Geological Storage: Storing CO₂ in deep underground formations.
- Biochar Production: Locking carbon in biochar, enhancing soil fertility.
- Technological Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS)
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- Direct Air Capture: Capturing CO₂ from the air and storing it underground or using it industrially.
- Ocean-Based Solutions: Enhancing ocean CO₂ absorption, such as through algae cultivation.
Issues with Article 6.4
- Carbon Offsetting Criticisms: Critics argue that offsetting doesn’t reduce global emissions but shifts responsibility, allowing countries to continue emitting while claiming neutrality.
- Carbon Accounting Challenges: Unreliable carbon accounting can lead to “phantom credits,” where emissions reductions are overstated or inaccurately recorded, failing to match actual reductions.
- Greenwashing Risks: Some countries and companies may use carbon credits as a form of greenwashing, claiming carbon neutrality while continuing to pollute.
- Equity and Climate Justice Concerns: Developing nations, which contribute less to global emissions, are the most vulnerable to climate impacts.
- Potential for Reversal Risks: Projects that store carbon in natural reservoirs risk releasing it back into the atmosphere. Some standards allow projects to end monitoring if reversal risk is considered “negligible,” which remains undefined and problematic.
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PYQ:
[2011] Regarding “carbon credits”, which one of the following statements is not correct?
(a) The carbon credit system was ratified in conjunction with the Kyoto Protocol.
(b) Carbon credits are awarded to countries or groups that have reduced greenhouse gases below their emission quota.
(c) The goal of the carbon credit system is to limit the increase of carbon dioxide emission.
(d) Carbon credits are traded at a price fixed from time to time by the United Nations Environment Programme. |
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Indian Ocean Dialogue (IOD)
Why in the News?
India and the US are set to hold the first US-India Indian Ocean Dialogue on November 14 strengthening cooperation over the Indian Ocean Region (IOR).
About the Indian Ocean Dialogue:
- The Indian Ocean Dialogue (IOD) was established during the 13th Council of Ministers’ meeting in November 2013 in Perth, Australia, and is a flagship initiative of the Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA).
- It functions as a Track 1.5 discussion, combining officials and non-officials for a more inclusive dialogue, with the latest (9th edition) held in May 2023 at Zanzibar, Tanzania.
- Key areas discussed in 2024 Edition:
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- Strengthening Maritime Security: Enhances coordination on maritime freedom and security, crucial for trade routes and energy supply.
- Economic and Environmental Cooperation: Supports trade, blue economy, and addresses climate change impacts on the region.
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Significance in India-U.S. Relations
- Indo-Pacific Partnership: Reinforces Quad cooperation and aligns both nations’ strategic interests.
- Power Balance in the Region: Counters influence from other powers, fostering an open Indo-Pacific.
- Defense and Technology Collaboration: Expands ties in emerging tech and defense, enhancing India’s security role.
- Disaster Preparedness: Builds climate resilience and sustainable resource management efforts.
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?
(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: African Elephants
Why in the News?
Savanna elephants have experienced a significant population decline of around 70% across surveyed sites, primarily due to poaching and habitat loss.
Decline in African Elephants Population
- Researchers conducted a comprehensive assessment of these species using data from 475 sites in 37 countries between 1964 and 2016.
- Savanna Elephants: Populations declined by about 70% on average at surveyed sites.
- Forest Elephants: Populations fell by about 90% on average at surveyed sites.
- The total population of African elephants decreased by 77% on average at surveyed sites.
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Features of African Elephants:
- African elephants are the largest land animals on Earth, known for their size, intelligence, and complex social structures.
- They are divided into savanna (bush) elephants (larger, with bigger tusks and open grassland habitat) and forest elephants (smaller, with straighter tusks and dense forest habitats).
- Highly intelligent, African elephants display memory, empathy, and intricate social bonds within herds.
- Conservation status:
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- CITES: Appendix I
- IUCN: Savanna Elephants (Endangered); Forest Elephants (Critically Endangered)
Geographical Spread
- Savanna Elephants: Primarily in eastern and southern Africa, notably in Botswana, Zimbabwe, and Tanzania.
- Forest Elephants: Mainly in central and western Africa, including Gabon, the Democratic Republic of Congo, and parts of Cameroon.
PYQ:
[2020] With reference to Indian elephants, consider the following statements:
1. The leader of an elephant group is a female.
2. The maximum gestation period can be 22 months.
3. An elephant can normally go on calving till the age of 40 years only.
4. Among the States in India, the highest elephant population is in Kerala.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 2 and 4 only
(c) 3 only
(d) 1, 3 and 4 only |
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Artificial Reef
Why in the News?
20,000 pompano fingerlings were released into the sea off Vizhinjam as part of an artificial reef project aimed at replenishing marine fishery resources and promoting sustainable fishing.
About the Artificial Reef Project in Kerala:
| |
Details |
| Location |
• Covers 42 fishing villages in Thiruvananthapuram district, from Pozhiyoor to Varkala. |
| Aims and Objectives |
• Enhance fish resources along Kerala’s coast.
• Support sustainable fishing and improve fishing community livelihoods. |
| Structural Mandate and Implementation |
Funding:
• ₹13.02 crore project cost under Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY).
• ₹302 crore allocated for sustainable fisheries in Kerala.
Implementation:
• Implemented by KSCADC (Kerala State Coastal Area Development Corporation).
• Technical support from CMFRI (Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute).
Future Expansion Plans:
• Phase II: Proposed to cover 96 villages in Kollam, Alappuzha, Ernakulam, and Thrissur districts (₹29.76 crore).
• Phase III: Proposed to cover 96 villages in northern districts (₹25.82 crore). |
| Significance |
• Boosts marine biodiversity.
• Increases fish stocks and supports breeding environments.
• Promotes sustainable fishing practices.
• Enhances livelihoods of local communities. |
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Mains level: India and Indonesia relations;
Why in the News?
On October 20, Indonesia saw a big change in leadership. Nationalist Prabowo Subianto became president.
What are the implications of Indonesia’s new leadership for India-Indonesia relations?
- Increased Competition with China: Prabowo’s administration may lead to a more assertive Indonesian foreign policy that seeks to leverage its strategic position between China and India. However, the extent of this assertiveness will depend on how Indonesia navigates its growing economic reliance on China while maintaining its sovereignty.
- Potential for Enhanced Cooperation: Despite the challenges posed by China’s influence, India has an opportunity to deepen its engagement with Indonesia. This could involve collaborative efforts in sectors such as defence, maritime security, and trade, particularly given Indonesia’s strategic location and resource-rich economy.
How does Indonesia’s relationship with China impact its foreign policy choices?
- Strategic Balance: Prabowo’s decision to make China his first visit signals Indonesia’s pragmatic balancing between major powers. Despite concerns about China’s assertiveness in the Natuna Sea, Indonesia engages China for its economic clout and investments, especially in sectors like infrastructure and technology.
- Wariness Over Chinese Influence: Indonesia’s hesitance toward China’s extensive control over economic assets provides India an opportunity to position itself as a complementary partner that respects Indonesia’s sovereignty, especially given mutual interests in upholding maritime security in the Indo-Pacific.
- US-Indonesian Relations: Prabowo’s tenuous ties with the U.S. due to historical human rights allegations might encourage him to seek alternative partnerships, where India can play a constructive role in regional stability.
What opportunities exist for India to enhance its economic engagement with Indonesia?
- Energy and Mineral Resources: Indonesia’s rich reserves of coal, palm oil, nickel, and tin offer significant opportunities for India to secure its mineral and energy requirements, which aligns with India’s growing manufacturing and EV industries.
- Infrastructure and Maritime Cooperation: India’s existing partnerships in infrastructure, such as developing the Sabang port, can be expanded to reinforce connectivity and enhance trade routes between the Nicobar Islands and Indonesia.
- Services Sector Collaboration: India’s strength in IT and financial services can support Indonesia in reducing business costs and improving economic efficiency, particularly as it seeks to modernize and diversify its economy.
- Tourism and Cultural Exchange: Given Indonesia’s growing middle class and India’s appeal as a tourist destination, there is potential to expand tourism and cultural exchanges that celebrate shared heritage, including Hindu-Buddhist traditions.
Way forward:
- Strengthen Strategic and Economic Partnerships: India should actively engage Indonesia in joint initiatives across defense, maritime security, and infrastructure, leveraging Indonesia’s strategic location and resources to build a resilient Indo-Pacific framework that counters China’s regional influence.
- Deepen Cultural and Economic Ties: Expanding collaborations in sectors like IT, energy, and tourism, and celebrating shared heritage, will foster goodwill and position India as a trusted and complementary partner to Indonesia, reinforcing mutual growth and stability in the region.
Mains PYQ:
Q Indian Diaspora has an important role to play in South-East Asian countries’ economy and society. Appraise the role of Indian Diaspora in South- East Asia in this context. (UPSC IAS/2017)
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Mains level: Significance of IMEC;
Why in the News?
The India-Middle East-Europe Corridor (IMEC), announced at the 2023 G20 summit, aims to cut travel time by 40% and costs by 30%, which could transform global shipping once it’s up and running.
What is IMEC (India-Middle East-Europe Corridor)?
- The IMEC (India-Middle East-Europe Corridor) is a major trade route connecting India, the Middle East, and Europe to reduce transit times and transportation costs, launched in 2023 during the G20 Summit.
- It aims to strengthen regional partnerships through improved infrastructure, energy grids, and digital connectivity, providing an alternative to traditional maritime routes like the Suez Canal.
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What are the current challenges facing the IMEC initiative?
- Geopolitical Tensions: The Israel-Palestine conflict, which escalated in October 2023, has stalled progress on the IMEC’s western segment, with Saudi Arabia and Jordan delaying collaboration due to potential geopolitical and optics issues related to their interactions with Israel.
- Lack of Progress in West Asia: Due to the conflict, connectivity efforts in West Asia are moving slowly, affecting the northern part of the corridor, particularly the integration of infrastructure and trade processes with Israel and other stakeholders.
- Incomplete Development of Additional Infrastructure: Beyond basic connectivity, elements such as clean energy exports, undersea fiber-optic cables, and telecommunication linkages are delayed and are expected to proceed only once stability is restored in West Asia.
- Organizational and Logistical Framework: The absence of a central governing structure, like an IMEC secretariat, hinders streamlined cross-border trade processes and systematic project implementation, leading to coordination challenges among participating nations.
How IMEC Aims to Enhance Regional Cooperation and Economic Growth?
- Strengthening India-UAE Economic Relations: India and the UAE are advancing bilateral trade, leveraging frameworks like the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) and the Virtual Trade Corridor to standardize trade processes, reduce costs, and simplify logistics.
- Improving Connectivity in the East: Progress on the eastern segment, particularly between India and UAE, is increasing trade and setting a foundation for cooperation through standardized trade practices and growing non-oil trade, which diversifies exports and enhances India’s regional integration.
- Capacity Building: As the western segment awaits resolution of the regional conflict, eastern countries, especially India, are enhancing port infrastructure, digitalizing logistics, and developing economic zones to support connectivity and reduce trade barriers.
- Potential for Economic Integration: Once operational, IMEC can link South Asia, the Middle East, and Europe, encouraging deeper economic ties, lowering costs, and creating a stable trade pathway that could foster regional development and integration.
What are the implications of IMEC for global trade dynamics?
- Reduced Dependency on the Suez Canal: IMEC offers a strategic alternative to the Suez Canal, with an anticipated reduction in transit time by 40% and costs by 30%, which could significantly impact global trade routes by diversifying options and lowering shipping times and expenses.
- India’s Role as a Supply Chain Alternative: By leveraging IMEC, India can enhance its position in global value chains as an alternative supply chain hub, aligning with its manufacturing ambitions and increasing export competitiveness through improved infrastructure and reduced logistics costs.
- Reshaping Trade Infrastructure: The project introduces a new corridor that supports not only connectivity but also potentially includes energy infrastructure and digital linkages, providing a comprehensive trade infrastructure model that could influence future trade frameworks in the Indo-Pacific and beyond.
- Attracting Participation: The IMEC secretariat, once established, could guide strategic decision-making, build empirical support for trade benefits, and encourage more countries to join the corridor, potentially expanding IMEC’s impact on international trade and cooperation in regions connected to it.
Way forward:
- Strengthen Geopolitical Stability: Address regional tensions, especially in West Asia, to ensure smoother collaboration among stakeholders and accelerate the development of the western segment of the IMEC.
- Develop an IMEC Secretariat: Establish a central coordinating body to streamline operations, facilitate cross-border trade, and guide infrastructure projects, ensuring systematic progress and attracting further global participation.
Mains PYQ:
Q How will I2U2 (India, Israel, UAE and USA) grouping transform India’s position in global politics? (UPSC IAS/2022)
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: NISAR Satellite
Why in the News?
- The NISAR (NASA-ISRO Synthetic Aperture Radar) satellite is aimed at advancing our understanding of Earth’s natural processes and environmental changes.
- Set to be launched into Low Earth Orbit (LEO), NISAR will act as a comprehensive Earth observation observatory.
About NISAR Satellite:
|
Details |
| Collaboration |
• Joint mission between NASA (United States) and ISRO (India). |
| Purpose |
• Designed to monitor Earth’s natural processes and environmental changes, contributing to disaster preparedness, climate research, and sustainable management. |
| Launch Date |
• Planned for early 2025. |
| Launch Location |
• Satish Dhawan Space Centre, Andhra Pradesh, India. |
| Launch Vehicle |
• ISRO’s Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle Mark II (GSLV Mk II). |
| Orbit |
• Low Earth Orbit (LEO). |
| Dual-Band Radar System |
• L-band radar (provided by NASA): Penetrates dense vegetation and tracks ground motion.
• S-band radar (provided by ISRO): Enhances precision for surface monitoring. |
| Day and Night Functionality |
• Operates 24/7, unaffected by weather conditions. |
| Large Antenna |
• Diameter: 12 meters.
• Structure: 39-foot reflector made from gold-plated wire mesh to focus radar signals effectively. |
| Features |
• Scans Earth’s entire surface every 12 days.
• Measures surface changes with accuracy down to fractions of an inch.
• Can penetrate vegetation and soil layers, providing 3D reconstructions of subsurface structures. |
| Areas of Study |
• Ecosystems and Environmental Changes (forest biomass, deforestation, wetlands, agricultural lands, glaciers, and ice sheets).
• Natural Disasters (seismic shifts, volcanic bulging, landslides, and tsunamis). |
| Benefits and Applications |
• Disaster Preparedness: Early warning data for natural disasters.
• Infrastructure Monitoring: Tracks structural changes in critical infrastructure.
• Environmental and Climate Research: Studies carbon storage, vegetation dynamics, and climate change impacts. |
| Unique Advantages |
• Largest collaboration between NASA and ISRO.
• Successfully tested in thermal vacuum conditions in Bengaluru in 2023. |
PYQ:
[2015] The term ‘IndARC’ sometimes seen in the news, is the name of?
(a) An indigenously developed radar system inducted into Indian Defence.
(b) India’s satellite to provide services to the countries of Indian Ocean Rim.
(c) A scientific establishment set up by India in Antarctic region.
(d) India’s underwater observatory to scientifically study the Arctic region. |
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Inter-State Council and its functioning
Why in the News?
The Inter-State Council has been reconstituted with Prime Minister as its chairman, all CMs and 9 Union ministers as members and 13 Union ministers as permanent invitees.
About the Inter-State Council (ISC):
| |
Details |
| Formation |
- Established on May 28, 1990, by a presidential order following the Sarkaria Commission (1988) recommendations.
- Headquartered in New Delhi.
- The Council has met 12 times since its formation in 1990.
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| Constitutional Provisions |
- Not a permanent body nor a constitutional body;
- Created by the President under Article 263 of the Constitution.
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| Powers and Functions |
- Investigate and discuss subjects of common interest.
- Make recommendations for better coordination on subjects.
- Deliberate on matters referred by the Chairman.
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| Composition |
- PM as Chairman.
- Chief Ministers of all states and union territories with legislative assemblies.
- Lieutenant Governors/Administrators of union territories without assemblies.
- 6 Union Cabinet Ministers nominated by the Prime Minister.
- Governors of states under President’s rule.
Standing Committee:
- Union Home Minister as Chairman.
- 5 Union Cabinet Ministers and 9 Chief Ministers.
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| PYQ:
[2013] Which of the following bodies is/are not mentioned in the Indian Constitution?
1. National Development Council
2. Planning Commission
3. Zonal Councils
Select the correct answer using the codes given below:
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 2 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3 |
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Corpse flower
Why in the News?
The study of Corpse Flower’s (Amorphophallus titanum) heat generation and odor emission has revealed how it attracts pollinators through unique adaptations for reproduction.
About the Corpse Flower (Titan Arum):
|
Details |
| Scientific Name |
Amorphophallus titanum |
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| Habitat |
Rainforests of western Sumatra, Indonesia |
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| Features |
- Grows up to 10-12 feet in height.
- Blooms once every 5-10 years; bloom lasts 24-48 hours.
- Carrion-feeding insects (flies, beetles) are attracted by smell and heat.
- Strong smell of rotting flesh to attract pollinators;
- Smells like cheese, garlic, decaying fish, sweaty socks, and feces
- Odor Compounds: Dimethyl trisulfide, trimethylamine, isovaleric acid, indole, putrescine
- Produces around 400 red-orange fruits, each containing two seeds
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| Structure |
- Spadix: Central phallic structure; grows up to 12 feet tall
- Spathe: Large, dark red petal-like structure around the spadix
- Corm: Underground energy storage; can weigh up to 45 kg
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| Conservation Status |
Endangered; fewer than 1,000 individuals left in the wild |
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PYQ:
[2018] Why is a plant called Prosopis juliflora often mentioned in news?
(a) Its extract is widely used in cosmetics.
(b) It tends to reduce the biodiversity in the area in which it grows.
(c) Its extract is used in the synthesis of pesticides.
(d) None of the above |
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Gotti Koya Tribals
Why in the News?
The National Commission for Scheduled Tribes has asked the Union Home Ministry and the states of Chhattisgarh, Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh, and Odisha to submit a detailed report on the condition of Gotti Koya tribals.
Why did the NCST urge the Centre and States?
- An estimated 50,000 Gotti Koya tribals were displaced due to Left-Wing Extremism and now live in 248 settlements across Odisha, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, and Maharashtra.
- Reports indicate that Telangana has reclaimed land from internally displaced persons (IDPs) in 75 settlements, impacting the tribals’ livelihoods and increasing their vulnerability.
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About the Gotti Koya Tribe:
|
Details |
| Location |
- Multi-racial and multi-lingual communities found in the forests, plains, and valleys on both sides of the Godavari River in AP, Telangana, Chhattisgarh, and Odisha.
- Migrated from Bastar, northern India.
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| Society and Culture |
- Koya language (Koyi) is a Dravidian language related to Gondi and influenced by Telugu.
- Most speak Gondi or Telugu alongside Koyi.
- Divided into five subdivisions (gotrams).
- Patrilineal and patrilocal family structure, with a focus on monogamous, nuclear family.
- Worship their own ethnic religion alongside Hindu gods, with Mother Earth being a significant deity.
- Burial or cremation of the dead, with the erection of menhirs in memory.
- Pastoralists and shifting cultivators (Podu), are now engaged in settled cultivation, animal husbandry, and seasonal forest collection.
- Grow Jowar, Ragi, Bajra, and other millets.
- Maintain community funds and grain banks for food security.
|
| Festivals |
- Vijji Pandum (Seeds charming festival) and KondalaKolupu (Festival to appease hill deities).
- Perform the Permakok (Bison horn dance) during festivals and marriages.
- Sammakka Saralamma Jatra, held once every two years on the full moon day of Magha Masam (January/February) at Medaram village, Warangal district.
|
| Challenges Faced |
- Many fled to Andhra Pradesh (now Telangana) in the mid-2000s due to violent conflicts between Maoist insurgents and Salwa Judum (Govt backed tribal militia).
- Salwa Judum was later banned by the Supreme Court of India in 2011.
|
PYQ:
[2014] Every year, a month long ecologically important campaign/festival is held during which certain communities/tribes plant saplings of fruit-bearing trees. Which of the following are such communities/ tribes?
(a) Bhutia and Lepcha
(b) Gond and Korku
(c) Irula and Toda
(d) Sahariya and Agariya |
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Mains level: Caste-based discrimination;
Why in the News?
On October 3, the Supreme Court in Sukanya Shantha v. Union of India (2024) struck down caste-based segregation in prisons, deeming it discriminatory and a violation of prisoners’ fundamental rights to equality.
What are the key findings regarding caste-based discrimination in Indian prisons?
- Prevalence of Caste-based Roles: The recent Supreme Court decision in Sukanya Shantha v. Union of India (2024) highlighted discriminatory practices based on caste within Indian prisons.
- Specifically, prisoners from marginalized castes were relegated to menial labour like cleaning, while other prisoners were assigned tasks such as cooking. This segregation was rooted in prison manuals that cited traditional caste roles.
- Violation of Fundamental Rights: The Supreme Court ruled that such caste-based segregation violates Articles 14 (Right to Equality) and 15 (Prohibition of Discrimination) of the Indian Constitution. The Court noted that assigning prison labour based solely on caste perpetuates harmful caste hierarchies and obstructs prisoners’ equal rights to reform and rehabilitation.
- Historical Precedents: Previous cases like Prem Shankar Shukla v. Delhi Administration (1980) and Inacio Manuel Miranda v. State (1988) also struck down irrational classifications within prison rules that discriminated based on economic or social status, reiterating that discrimination in any form within prisons is unconstitutional.
What actions has the Supreme Court mandated to combat this discrimination?
- Abolition of Caste-based Job Assignments: The Supreme Court directed that prison rules segregating labour assignments based on caste be abolished. It ordered that job assignments within prisons must reflect prisoners’ individual abilities and should not perpetuate caste stereotypes.
- Amendment of State Prison Rules: The Court instructed state governments to review and amend existing prison rules that institutionalize caste-based roles, ensuring that prisons become more inclusive and non-discriminatory spaces.
What challenges remain in implementing these reforms effectively?
- Resistance to Cultural Change: Prison administrations may resist or be slow in adapting to changes in labour assignments and other reforms, given the deeply ingrained social norms and bureaucratic rigidity.
- Lack of Resources and Training: Ensuring non-discriminatory job assignments will require retraining prison staff to implement reforms sensitively. Resource limitations and an undertrained workforce can impede effective reform.
- Need for Comprehensive Prison Reforms: While the Court’s decision targets caste-based discrimination, broader systemic reforms are needed, such as improving prison conditions, expanding prisoner rights to amenities, and aligning all states with the Model Prison Manual 2016 for consistent standards across India.
Way forward:
- Comprehensive Training and Monitoring: Implement mandatory training for prison staff on anti-discrimination practices, coupled with regular monitoring to ensure caste-neutral job assignments and adherence to reformed rules.
- Standardized Prison Reform Across States: Uniformly adopt the Model Prison Manual 2016 nationwide, with added emphasis on equality and dignity for all prisoners, ensuring consistent and humane treatment across all states.
Mains PYQ:
Q “Caste system is assuming new identities and associational forms. Hence, caste system cannot be eradicated in India.” Comment. (UPSC IAS/2018)
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Mains level: Role of AI in infrastructure;
Why in the News?
With 270 million people set to move to Indian cities in the next 20 years, rapid urbanization will bring major challenges. AI can help tackle these by improving data handling and coordination, supporting India’s vision for a developed nation by 2047.
How can AI technologies be effectively integrated into India’s sustainable development strategies?
- AI-Driven Decision Support: AI systems, such as decision support models, can assess impacts of policy decisions (e.g., zoning changes) by simulating various outcomes. This aids urban planning by providing insights into environmental and economic effects.
- Enhancing Urban Infrastructure: AI can improve last-mile connectivity for public transport, making it more efficient and accessible by continuously analyzing data on transit needs and traffic patterns.
- Multimodal Urban Transit Systems: AI can support seamless integration of multiple forms of urban transport, allowing coordinated planning for buses, trains, and other transit modes on a digital platform.
- Digital Twins for Municipal Governance: AI-based digital twins of cities can assist municipal governments in monitoring and predicting urban needs, streamlining operations, and making governance more responsive and data-driven.
- Energy Distribution and Environmental Monitoring: AI technologies can optimize energy distribution networks, as seen in partnerships like Airawat and Adani, and enable high-precision air and water quality monitoring for real-time governance action.
What ethical and regulatory frameworks are necessary to ensure responsible AI deployment?
- Data Privacy and Security: With the vast data required for AI in urban planning, robust data privacy laws are essential to protect individual and community information.
- Transparency and Accountability: AI decisions, especially those affecting urban infrastructure and environmental policies, should be transparent. Regulatory bodies should ensure AI-driven decisions can be audited, and stakeholders are accountable for outcomes.
- Equity and Inclusivity: AI systems must avoid biases that could disadvantage marginalized communities. Regulations should mandate fairness, requiring AI models to consider equitable access and outcomes for all socioeconomic groups.
- Environmental Sustainability Mandates: Given India’s resource constraints, frameworks should prioritize energy-efficient and environmentally conscious AI deployments. Environmental impact assessments should be integrated into the approval process for new AI systems.
What collaborative efforts are required among stakeholders to maximize AI’s impact on sustainable development?
- Public-Private Partnerships (PPP): Effective collaboration between government, industry, and research institutions, as demonstrated by Airawat’s partnerships with Adani and TCS, can drive advancements in sustainable energy and urban management systems.
- Government Oversight and Support: Ministries like the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs (MOHUA) play an essential role in offering guidance and oversight, ensuring AI initiatives align with national sustainability objectives and regulations.
- Research and Academic Collaboration: Involvement of academic institutions such as IITs, as seen with Airawat, brings research rigor and technical expertise to AI solutions, fostering innovation tailored to India’s unique needs.
- Community Engagement: Collaborating with local communities ensures that AI solutions are grounded in real needs, enhancing acceptance and the relevance of AI in addressing local sustainability challenges.
- Standardized AI Governance Platforms: Partnerships, such as those with eGovernance Foundation’s DIGIT platform, are essential to create uniform AI governance tools that can be scaled across multiple cities, promoting a cohesive approach to sustainable development across India.
Mains PYQ:
Q Major cities of India are becoming vulnerable to flood conditions. Discuss. (UPSC IAS/2016)
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Mains level: Renewable energy;
Why in the News?
Tamil Nadu, a leader in wind energy with turbines over 30 years old, introduced a new policy for upgrading old windmills in August 2024. However, wind energy producers opposed it, took the issue to the Madras High Court, and obtained a stay.
What is Tamil Nadu’s wind power capacity?
- Installed Capacity: As of November 2023, Tamil Nadu has an installed wind energy capacity of approximately 10,377.97 MW, making it the second-largest wind energy producer in India after Gujarat. This represents about 23% of India’s total installed wind capacity.
- Age of Turbines: Many turbines in Tamil Nadu are over 30 years old, which raises concerns about efficiency and technological advancements5.
- Potential for Repowering: The state has a repowering potential of over 7,387 MW, which could significantly enhance its energy generation capabilities if older turbines are replaced or refurbished.
What about national wind energy capacity?
- Total Potential: The National Institute of Wind Energy (NIWE) estimates that India has a wind power potential of 1,163.86 GW at a height of 150 meters, ranking fourth globally for installed capacity.
- Current Utilization: At 120 meters (the standard height for modern turbines), India’s potential is around 695.51 GW, with only about 6.5% currently utilized nationally and nearly 15% in Tamil Nadu.
- Leading States: The states contributing most to India’s wind power include Gujarat, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Maharashtra, Rajasthan, and Andhra Pradesh, which collectively account for approximately 93.37% of the country’s installed capacity.
What does the repowering and refurbishing of wind turbines mean?
- Repowering involves replacing old turbines with new ones to enhance efficiency and output. Refurbishing includes upgrading components like gearboxes and blades to improve performance without complete replacement.
- Regulatory Framework: The Tamil Nadu government introduced a new policy aimed at facilitating these processes. However, generators argue that the policy lacks provisions that effectively promote wind energy generation and financial viability.
Why are wind energy generators opposing the new policy of the TN government?
- Concerns from Generators: Wind energy generators have opposed the new “Tamil Nadu Repowering, Refurbishment and Life Extension Policy for Wind Power Projects – 2024”, claiming it does not adequately support the promotion of wind energy generation. They have approached the Madras High Court and received a stay on the policy implementation.
- Financial Viability Issues: The opposition stems from concerns that repowered turbines will be treated as new installations without banking facilities for generated energy, impacting financial returns on investments.
- Generators emphasize that without a commercially beneficial framework, investments in repowering will decline.
Way forward:
- Revise the Policy to Ensure Financial Viability: The Tamil Nadu government should amend the policy to provide incentives like banking facilities for energy generated from repowered turbines, making the projects financially viable for investors.
- Promote Technological Advancements and Infrastructure Upgrades: The policy should focus on facilitating the replacement of old turbines with modern, high-capacity ones and improving wind energy transmission infrastructure to harness the full potential of Tamil Nadu’s wind resources.
Mains PYQ:
Q Do you think India will meet 50 percent of its energy needs from renewable energy by 2030? Justify your answer. How will the shift of subsidies from fossil fuels to renewables help achieve the above bjective? Explain. (UPSC IAS/2022)
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: NHA estimates
Why in the News?
National Health Accounts (NHA) data for 2021-22 shows a decline in Out-of-Pocket Expenditure (OOPE) on healthcare due to increased government health expenditure (GHE) and an enhanced public healthcare framework.
What are NHA estimates?
- The NHA estimates are based on the globally accepted framework of ‘A System of Health Accounts (SHA), 2011’ which facilitates inter-country comparisons.
- This report provides a systematic description of the financial flows in India’s health system by different sources, how the money is spent, how healthcare is provided, and the nature of healthcare services that are used.
|
Key Observations from the NHA 2021-22 Data:
|
Details |
| Decline in Out-of-Pocket Expenditure (OOPE) |
OOPE has decreased due to increased government investment and improved public healthcare infrastructure, making healthcare more accessible and affordable. |
| Rise in Government Health Expenditure (GHE) |
GHE as a percentage of GDP rose from 1.13% in 2014-15 to 1.84% in 2021-22. GHE’s share of overall government spending increased from 3.94% to 6.12%, reflecting the government’s commitment to public healthcare. |
| Increase in Per Capita Health Spending |
Per capita health spending tripled from ₹1,108 in 2014-15 to ₹3,169 in 2021-22, allowing for more investment in infrastructure, workforce, and services. |
| Expansion of Social Security Expenditure (SSE) |
SSE on healthcare grew from 5.7% to 8.7% of Total Health Expenditure (THE), helping protect individuals from catastrophic health expenses and reducing OOPE. |
| Growth of Government-Funded Insurance Schemes |
Programs like Ayushman Bharat and state-level health insurance schemes increased healthcare access for economically vulnerable populations, reducing reliance on personal funds. |
| Foundation for Universal Health Coverage (UHC) |
The decline in OOPE and increased public health spending are integral to achieving UHC, aiming for equitable healthcare access for all citizens. |
PYQ:
[2021] “Besides being a moral imperative of a Welfare State, primary health structure is a necessary precondition for sustainable development.” Analyse.
[2019] In India, the term “Public Key Infrastructure” is used in the context of:
(a) Digital security infrastructure
(b) Food security infrastructure
(c) Health care and education infrastructure
(d) Telecommunication and transportation infrastructure |
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Amchang Wildlife Sanctuary
Why in the News?
A decomposed carcass of an elephant was discovered in the Khanapara range of the Amchang Wildlife Sanctuary.
About Amchang Wildlife Sanctuary:
| |
Details |
| Location |
Eastern fringe of Guwahati, Assam.
Extends from the Brahmaputra River in the north to the hilly forests of Meghalaya in the south. |
| Formation |
Established in 2004 by combining Amchang, South Amchang, and Khanapara reserved forests |
| Flora and Fauna |
Tropical moist deciduous forest, with semi-evergreen areas in valleys and river depressions.
- Fauna: Asiatic elephants, Chinese pangolin, slow loris, Assamese macaque, rhesus monkey, hoolock gibbon, leopard, Leopard cat, jungle cat, sambar, barking deer, red serow, Malayan giant squirrel, Himalayan porcupine.
- Vultures and raptors: White-backed vulture, Slender-billed vulture, White-cheeked hill partridge, Grey peacock pheasant,
- Birds: Kaleej pheasant, Greater adjutant stork, Great pied hornbill, Oriental pied hornbill, Green imperial pigeon.
|
| Conservation Status |
Recognized as an Important Bird & Biodiversity Area (IBA). |
PYQ:
[2018] In which one of the following States is Pakhui Wildlife Sanctuary located?
(a) Arunachal Pradesh
(b) Manipur
(c) Meghalaya
(d) Nagaland |
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Flashpoint Reef
Why in the News?
China reasserted its claim over Flashpoint Reef (the Scarborough Shoal) in the South China Sea following Philippines’ establishment of defined sea boundaries.
Do you know?
- Fiery Cross Reef is a rock located in the Spratly Islands. China first took possession of the feature in 1988.
- Mischief Reef is a Low-Tide Elevation (LTE) within the Philippines’ EEZ. It is part of the submerged continental shelf of the adjacent coastal state, which is the Philippines.
|
About the Flashpoint Reef
- It generally refers to Scarborough Shoal, a contested reef in the South China Sea.
- Known as Huangyan Dao in China, this reef has become a focal point of territorial disputes between China and the Philippines.
- It lies close to the Philippines’ Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) but is also claimed by China, which asserts control over nearly the entire South China Sea under its nine-dash line claim.
- China took control of the shoal in 2012 after a standoff with the Philippines, despite an international tribunal ruling in 2016 that invalidated China’s claims.
Its significance in the South China Sea
- It is strategically located near key shipping lanes that are essential for global trade, with about one-third of global shipping passing through the South China Sea.
- Its proximity to the Philippines, Vietnam, and China makes it an ideal location for military outposts, providing control over surrounding waters and a base for monitoring activities in the region.
- Control over Scarborough Shoal could allow China to extend its air and naval reach, reinforcing its influence and deterrence capabilities over other Southeast Asian nations.
- The South China Sea, including Scarborough Shoal, is believed to hold vast reserves of oil and natural gas—up to 11 billion barrels of oil and 190 trillion cubic feet of natural gas.
- This reef is strategically important due to its proximity to rich fishing grounds and potential undersea mineral resources.
PYQ:
[2011] Southeast Asia has captivated the attention of global community over space and time as a geostrategically significant region. Which among the following is the most convincing explanation for this global perspective?
(a) It was the hot theatre during the Second World War
(b) Its location between the Asian powers of China and India
(c) It was the arena of superpower confrontation during the Cold War period
(d) Its location between the Pacific and Indian oceans and its preeminent maritime character |
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: QS Asia University Rankings; India's progress
Why in the News?
India made impressive gains, with 2 institutions in the top 50 and 7 in the top 100 of the QS Asia Rankings 2025.
About QS University Rankings:
|
Details |
| Overview |
Annual ranking of global universities, published by Quacquarelli Symonds (QS). |
| Criteria |
– Academic Reputation: 40%
– Employer Reputation: 10%
– Faculty/Student Ratio: 20%
– International Ratios: 5%
– Citations per Faculty: 20% |
| Coverage |
Ranks over 1,300 institutions across 100+ countries. |
| Key Indicators |
– Academic Reputation (survey of academic experts)
– Employer Reputation (survey of employers)
– Citations per Faculty (research influence) |
| Regional Rankings |
Includes regional rankings for Asia, Latin America, Europe, etc. |
| Annual Release |
Published annually, typically in June. |
Key Insights from QS Asia Rankings 2025
The 2025 rankings cover 984 institutions across 25 countries in Eastern, Southern, South-Eastern, and Central Asia, offering a detailed comparison of institutional performance in the region.
- India made impressive gains, with 2 institutions in the top 50 and seven in the top 100 of the QS Asia Rankings 2025.
- India has the highest number of ranked institutions, dominating the top 10 universities in Southern Asia with seven Indian institutions.
- Top Rankings for India:
- Top 50: IIT Delhi (44th) and IIT Bombay (48th).
- Top 100: Includes IIT Madras (56), IIT Kharagpur (60), Indian Institute of Science (62), IIT Kanpur (67), and University of Delhi (81).
- Top 150: Features IIT Guwahati, IIT Roorkee, JNU, Chandigarh University (120), UPES (148), and Vellore Institute of Technology (150).
- IIT Delhi achieved India’s highest rank at 44th with a 99% employer reputation score, while IIT Bombay follows with 99.5% employer reputation and 96.6% academic reputation.
- University of Delhi improved its ranking from 94th to 81st, with a high score of 96.4% in the International Research Network indicator.
- Anna University scored a perfect 100 in Papers per Faculty, highlighting its strong research output.
- 15 universities scored over 99% in the Staff with PhD indicator, reflecting India’s focus on qualified faculty and teaching quality.
- North Eastern Hill University and University of Agricultural Sciences, Bangalore, both scored 100 in faculty-student ratio, indicating top-tier academic credibility.
PYQ:
[2014] Should the premier institutes like IITs/IIMs be allowed to retain premier status, allowed more academic independence in designing courses and also decide mode/criteria of selection of students. Discuss in light of the growing challenges. |
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Mains level: Demographic dividend in the context of Indian economy;
Why in the News?
Since liberalization opened up new opportunities, there has been a lot of excitement about India’s demographic dividend, which is the advantage of having a large working-age population but there are major challenges like the middle-income trap.
Can India leverage its sustained economic growth?
- Harnessing the Demographic Dividend: With a large working-age population, India has a potential advantage, but it must ensure that this workforce is employed in productive sectors, particularly by shifting labor from low-productivity agriculture to higher-productivity manufacturing and services.
- Strengthening the Manufacturing Sector: The manufacturing sector, especially labor-intensive industries like textiles, has the potential to create millions of jobs. By addressing barriers such as complex regulations, high tariffs, and infrastructure constraints, India can boost manufacturing growth, empower women, and drive economic mobility.
- Reforming Infrastructure and Business Environment: Improving ease of doing business, simplifying trade and labor regulations, and increasing investment in infrastructure are critical for unlocking India’s potential for sustained growth. These reforms will enable large-scale job creation and enhance India’s global competitiveness.
Challenges arising due to the middle-income trap
- Declining Demographic Dividend: The proportion of working-age individuals in India’s population is set to decline in the coming decade, marking the potential end of the demographic dividend. Fertility rates have dropped across various states, which means India may face an aging population sooner than expected.
- Stagnation in Key Sectors: India has struggled to reduce its agricultural workforce in the same way China did after liberalisation, making it harder to transition people to higher-productivity industries. Despite some growth in the services sector, manufacturing has stagnated and failed to generate the necessary number of jobs, especially in labor-intensive industries.
- Limited Economic Mobility: High levels of youth unemployment and the lack of opportunities for individuals to move up the economic ladder have hindered India’s economic progress. The country’s labor force participation rate (LFPR) remains low, particularly among women, and urban job creation has not been sufficient to absorb the growing population.
- Infrastructure and Regulatory Bottlenecks: The business environment is constrained by complex regulations, high tariffs, cumbersome licensing procedures, and a lack of access to land, all of which prevent the manufacturing sector from thriving. India’s slow regulatory reforms have stifled growth in manufacturing, which is essential for absorbing the workforce.
How the Manufacturing sector can help India grow?
- Job Creation: Manufacturing, especially in labour-intensive sectors like textiles and apparel, can create large numbers of jobs. This is vital for absorbing the surplus labour from agriculture and providing employment opportunities for the youth.
- For example, the textile and apparel industry employs 45 million people compared to just 5.5 million in IT-BPM, highlighting its potential for mass employment.
- Women’s Empowerment: Manufacturing, particularly industries like textiles, offers significant employment to women (60-70% of factory workers), helping reduce gender disparities in the labour force.
- Economic Mobility: By creating better job opportunities, manufacturing helps people transition from low-productivity agricultural jobs to higher-wage, more stable positions in the industrial and service sectors. This transition is key to achieving sustained economic growth and avoiding the middle-income trap.
- Global Competitiveness: Reducing barriers to manufacturing — such as simplifying business licensing, lowering tariffs on inputs, improving access to land, and streamlining trade regulations — can help India increase its competitiveness globally. Expanding market access through free trade agreements and making the business environment more conducive to manufacturing can unlock the potential of this sector.
Steps taken by the government:
- “Make in India” Initiative: Launched in 2014, this initiative aims to transform India into a global manufacturing hub by promoting domestic production, reducing regulatory hurdles, and attracting foreign direct investment (FDI) in key manufacturing sectors such as electronics, textiles, and automobiles.
- Atmanirbhar Bharat (Self-reliant India): This program focuses on reducing dependence on imports by boosting local manufacturing, especially in strategic sectors like defense, electronics, and pharmaceuticals.
- It includes initiatives such as the Production-Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme, which offers incentives for manufacturing and exporting specific products like electronics, textiles, and solar panels.
Way forward:
- Enhance Skill Development and Workforce Transition: India must invest in targeted skill development programs to equip its labor force, particularly those transitioning from agriculture, with the necessary skills for higher-productivity manufacturing and services sectors.
- Accelerate Regulatory and Infrastructure Reforms: To unlock the full potential of the manufacturing sector, India should expedite regulatory reforms, simplify land acquisition processes, and enhance infrastructure.
Mains PYQ:
Q Can the strategy of regional-resource-based manufacturing help in promoting employment in India? (UPSC IAS/2019)
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