Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Mains level: Inter-state water dispute; Resource distribution;
Why in the News?
The Biju Janata Dal (BJD) has restarted its protest against the Polavaram multipurpose project in Andhra Pradesh, claiming it will flood large areas in Malkangiri, Odisha, displacing many tribal communities.
What were the recommendations by the Godavari Water Disputes Tribunal (GWDT) 1969?
The Godavari Water Disputes Tribunal (GWDT), was established to resolve water-sharing disputes concerning Godavari River water among the states of Andhra Pradesh, Maharashtra, and Madhya Pradesh (now Chhattisgarh). It made several key recommendations regarding the utilization of Godavari River water. Notable points include:
- Water Allocation: The Tribunal allowed Andhra Pradesh to divert 80 TMC (thousand million cubic feet) of Godavari water at 75% dependability for irrigation and other uses, which could also substitute releases from the Nagarjunasagar project for the Krishna delta.
- Inter-State Agreements: The Tribunal recognized various inter-state agreements that specified how water from the Godavari and its tributaries could be utilised, ensuring equitable distribution among the states involved.
- Project Approvals: The GWDT endorsed the construction of projects like Polavaram, provided they adhered to specified Full Reservoir Levels (FRL) and operational guidelines.
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What are the social and environmental impacts of the Polavaram Project?
- Social Impact: The project is expected to displace over 150,000 people across approximately 276 villages, with many of these being tribal communities. For every five acres irrigated, one tribal family is projected to lose their land.
- Infrastructure Strain: The project has faced funding challenges for rehabilitation efforts, leading to halted work on necessary infrastructure like canals, which could exacerbate social tensions among displaced populations.
- Environmental Impact: The dam’s backwaters will submerge an estimated 3,731 hectares of forest land. The environmental impact assessments have raised concerns about ecosystem disruption, including increased vulnerability to erosion and regional landslides.
How is the project being managed politically and administratively?
- National Project Status: Declared a national project under the Andhra Pradesh Reorganisation Act of 2014, the Central Government is responsible for executing the project while ensuring compliance with environmental and rehabilitation norms.
- Polavaram Project Authority: A governing body has been established to oversee project execution, comprising representatives from both state and central governments. This authority is tasked with ensuring timely execution and adherence to regulatory requirements.
- Political Dynamics: The project has become a focal point for regional politics, particularly as parties like the BJD leverage opposition against it to bolster their regional identity amidst changing political landscapes in states like Odisha.
What are the legal and regulatory challenges faced by the Polavaram Project?
- Ongoing Litigation: Multiple states have challenged the project in court on grounds of inadequate environmental assessments and potential adverse impacts on their territories. Legal disputes have persisted since at least 2011, complicating project timelines.
- Regulatory Compliance Issues: Environmental clearances for the project have been contentious, particularly following changes in flood situation estimates that were not incorporated into updated designs. This has raised questions about compliance with earlier environmental impact assessments conducted in 2005.
- Funding Challenges: Financial constraints have hindered progress on rehabilitation efforts for displaced populations, leading to further legal scrutiny regarding compliance with social justice norms and commitments made during project approval processes.
Way forward:
- Comprehensive Impact Assessment and Mitigation: Conduct updated environmental and social impact assessments, including backwater studies, and implement robust mitigation measures for displaced populations, ensuring compliance with legal and regulatory frameworks.
- Strengthen Inter-State Collaboration: Establish a transparent and inclusive mechanism involving all affected states to address concerns, promote equitable resource sharing, and expedite the resolution of legal and administrative challenges.
Mains PYQ:
Q Constitutional mechanisms to resolve the inter-state water disputes have failed to address and solve the problems. Is the failure due to structural or process inadequacy or both? Discuss. (UPSC IAS/2013)
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Mains level: Challenges related manufacturing sector;
Why in the News?
Manufacturing output grew by 21.5% in 2022-23, but the GVA (Gross value addition) only grew by 7.3%. This is because input costs increased sharply by 24.4%, making production more expensive. As a result, even though industries produced more, their profits and value-added were reduced.
Note: GVA represents the value added by industries, while manufacturing output refers to total production. GVA reflects the economic contribution, factoring in costs like inputs.
What is the present scenario of India’s manufacturing sector?
- Growth Momentum: India’s manufacturing sector is experiencing significant growth, with a reported output increase of 21.5% in 2022-23, as indicated by the Annual Survey of Industries (ASI).
- This growth is attributed largely to the Production Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme, which has played a crucial role in boosting production across various sectors, including electronics, pharmaceuticals, and automobiles.
- Sectoral Contributions: Key sectors benefiting from the PLI scheme, such as basic metals and motor vehicles, collectively contributed 58% to total manufacturing output, showcasing robust performance driven by these incentives.
- Positive Economic Indicators: The gross value added (GVA) from manufacturing grew by 7.3%, highlighting an overall recovery in the sector post-COVID-19 disruptions.
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What are the current challenges facing the manufacturing sector?
- Input Cost Surge: A significant challenge is the rising input prices, which increased by 24.4% in 2022-23. This surge has created a gap between manufacturing output growth and GVA growth, indicating that while production volumes are increasing, profitability is being squeezed due to higher costs.
- Regional Imbalance: Manufacturing activity is heavily concentrated in a few states—Maharashtra, Gujarat, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, and Uttar Pradesh—accounting for over 54% of total manufacturing GVA. This concentration limits equitable development across the country.
- Skill Development Needs: There is a pressing need for skill enhancement to meet the demands of evolving manufacturing technologies and processes.
How can digital transformation contribute to the future of manufacturing?
- Adoption of Advanced Technologies: Digital transformation can enhance manufacturing efficiency through automation, data analytics, and IoT (Internet of Things) integration. This can lead to improved productivity and reduced operational costs.
- Supply Chain Optimization: Digital tools can streamline supply chain management, making it more resilient to disruptions and better able to respond to global demand fluctuations.
- Enhanced R&D Capabilities: Investing in digital technologies can foster innovation in product development and advanced manufacturing techniques, positioning India as a leader in high-tech manufacturing sectors.
What strategies can be implemented to stimulate growth in manufacturing? (Way forward)
- Expand PLI Scheme Scope: To further stimulate growth, the PLI scheme should be extended to include labour-intensive sectors such as apparel and furniture, as well as emerging industries like aerospace and space technology. This could unlock new growth opportunities and reduce import dependency.
- Streamline Import Regime: Implementing a simplified three-tier tariff system for imports—0–2.5% for raw materials, 2.5%–5% for intermediates, and 5%–7.5% for finished goods—could help lower input costs and enhance competitiveness.
- Focus on MSMEs: Tailoring PLI incentives for micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) by lowering capital investment thresholds could empower these businesses to scale up and innovate.
Mains PYQ:
Q Can the strategy of regional-resource-based manufacturing help in promoting employment in India? (UPSC IAS/2019)
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Pradhan Mantri Kisan Maan Dhan Yojana
Why in the News?
- The Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare has provided state-wise details of farmers registered under the Pradhan Mantri Kisan Maan Dhan Yojana (PMKMY).
- Top Three States: Haryana (5,74,467), Bihar (3,45,038), Chhattisgarh (2,02,734).
- Bottom Three States/UT: Lakshadweep (72), Ladakh (114), Goa (150).
- Recently, the PMKMY (launched on 12th September 2019) has completed 5 successful years.
About Pradhan Mantri Kisan Maan Dhan Yojana (PMKMY)
| Details |
Type: Central Sector Scheme
Objective: To provide a voluntary, contributory pension scheme for farmers aged 18–40 years, ensuring ₹3,000/month pension after they turn 60 years of age. |
| Implementation & Structural Mandate |
Implemented by: Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare
Pension Fund Manager: Life Insurance Corporation (LIC) of India
State-wise Registration: Registered farmers are managed by the respective state governments in collaboration with LIC. The scheme encourages a structured approach involving the collection of contributions and government matching funds.
Contribution: Farmers contribute between ₹55 and ₹200 per month, depending on their entry age. |
| Beneficiaries & Benefits |
Beneficiaries: Farmers aged 18–40 years.
Benefits: Assured pension of ₹3,000 per month post-60 years, matching contribution by the Government of India, administered by LIC.
Exclusions: Income taxpayers, members of government pension schemes, and those already enrolled in other pension schemes. |
PYQ:
[2020] In India, which of the following can be considered as public investment in agriculture? (2020)
- Fixing Minimum Support Price for agricultural produce of all crops
- Computerization of Primary Agricultural Credit Societies
- Social Capital development
- Free electricity supply to farmers
- Waiver of agricultural loans by the banking system
- Setting up of cold storage facilities by the governments
Select the correct answer using the code given below:
(a) 1, 2 and 5 only
(b) 1, 3, 4 and 5 only
(c) 2, 3 and 6 only
(d) 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6 |
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: CAR-T Cell Therapy
Why in the News?
The Department of Biotechnology (DBT) has been a key supporter of research projects focusing on CAR T-cell therapies for cancers.
About CAR T-Cell Therapy:
| What is it? |
- Acronym for Chimeric Antigen Receptor T–Cell Therapy;
- Innovative immunotherapy in which T-cells (a type of white blood cell) are genetically modified to express a receptor (CAR) that targets specific proteins on cancer cells.
- T-cells are part of the immune system and help identify and eliminate infected or cancerous cells.
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| Objective of the Therapy |
- To treat blood cancers, especially B Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (B-ALL) and Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma (B-NHL).
- Aimed at patients whose disease relapsed or was resistant to conventional treatments (chemotherapy, radiation).
- Specifically targets CD19, a protein found on the surface of B-cells, which includes cancerous B-cells.
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| Implementation and Structural Mandate |
- Developed jointly by Indian Institute of Technology (IIT-Bombay) and Tata Memorial Center (TMC), Mumbai since 2015.
- Approved by DCGI (Drug Controller General of India) in March 2021 for Phase 1 trials in children and adults with relapsed B-ALL and B-NHL.
- Supported by academic grants from Department of Biotechnology and government agencies.
- Trials were conducted at Tata Memorial Center (TMC), and other hospitals.
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| Future Scope for Phase II |
- Phase 1 Trials: Conducted from 2021 to 2023 on children and adolescents with B-ALL and adults with B-NHL, with promising results matching international standards in terms of efficacy and safety.
- Phase 2 Trials: Have been approved and are currently ongoing. These trials will expand on the efficacy and long-term safety of the therapy, including larger cohorts of patients.
Future Scope: Holds the potential for expanding to other cancers, such as Multiple Myeloma, Glioblastoma, and Hepatocellular Carcinomas, based on continued research and results from Phase II trials. |
PYQ:
[2022] Which one of the following statements best describes the role of B cells and T cells in the human body?
(a) They protect the environmental allergens body.
(b) They alleviate the body’s pain and inflammation.
(c) They act as immuno-suppressants in the body.
(d) They protect the body from diseases caused by pathogens. |
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: National TB Elimination Programme (NTEP)
Why in the News?
The Union Ministry of Health has re-strategized the National Tuberculosis Elimination Programme (NTEP) under the 100-Day TB Elimination Campaign to reduce TB cases and mortality through targeted interventions and a multi-pronged approach.
Menace of TB in India:
- According to the World Health Organization (WHO), India accounted for 26% of global TB cases and deaths in 2023.
- The Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) conducted a National TB Prevalence Survey in 20 states, reporting 312 TB cases per lakh population.
- The TB incidence rate decreased by 17.7%, from 237 per 100,000 in 2015 to 195 per 100,000 in 2023.
- Similarly, TB-related deaths have declined by 21.4%, from 28 per lakh population in 2015 to 22 per lakh population in 2023.
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About the National TB Elimination Programme (NTEP):
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Details |
| About |
- Former Name: Revised National Tuberculosis Control Programme (RNTCP)
- Objective: To eliminate tuberculosis (TB) as a public health issue in India by 2025, as per PM Modi’s 2018 target.
- Focus Areas: Early detection, complete treatment, prevention, and strengthening TB care and control services.
Key Components of NTEP:
- Universal Drug Susceptibility Testing (UDST): Early detection of drug-resistant TB.
- Free Diagnosis and Treatment: Provided for all TB patients across India.
- Nikshay: A case-based web-enabled TB information system for monitoring and case management.
- Private Sector Engagement: Involving private healthcare providers for standardized care.
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| Objectives under the National Strategic Plan |
100-Day TB Elimination Campaign is an intensified effort launched to fast-track the detection and treatment of tuberculosis (TB) cases across the country.
- Eliminate TB as a public health problem by 2025.
- Achieve Universal Access to quality TB care.
- Prevent the emergence of drug-resistant TB through early diagnosis and appropriate treatment.
- Reduce the burden of TB through preventive interventions and awareness campaigns.
- Ensure better case management through Nikshay, a case-based monitoring system.
- 6. Engage with the private sector to ensure standardized and quality TB care.
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| Steps taken by Govt |
- Universal Drug Susceptibility Testing (UDST): Early detection of drug-resistant TB.
- Free Diagnosis and Treatment: Provided for all TB patients.
- Nikshay System: Web-enabled case-based monitoring and management system for TB patients.
- Private Sector Engagement: Ensuring standardized TB care by involving private healthcare providers.
- National TB Prevalence Survey: Conducted to assess the TB burden in 20 states.
- Enhanced Diagnostic Facilities: Including genetic and molecular tests for early detection.
- Targeted Interventions for Vulnerable Populations: Focus on high-risk groups, including children and marginalized populations.
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: INS TUSHIL
Why in the News?
INS Tushil, a multi-role stealth guided missile frigate, is set to be commissioned by the Indian Navy at Kaliningrad, Russia.
About INS Tushil:
| Details |
- INS Tushil is a multi-role stealth guided missile frigate, part of the Krivak III class (Project 1135.6).
- It is the seventh in the series of Krivak III frigates, following the Talwar-class ships (three built at Baltiysky Shipyard in St. Petersburg) and the Teg-class ships (three built at Yantar Shipyard in Kaliningrad).
Development of INS Tushil:
- Built at Yantar Shipyard in Kaliningrad, Russia.
- Contract signed in Oct 2016 between Indian Navy, JSC Rosoboronexport, and Government of India.
- Indian team of specialists from the Warship Overseeing Team monitored the construction.
- Extensive trials, including Factory Sea Trials, State Committee Trials, and Delivery Acceptance Trials, were conducted in 2024.
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| Special Features |
- Speed of over 30 knots
- Stealth design with advanced radar-absorbing features.
- Equipped with guided missiles, advanced weapon systems, and radars.
- Enhanced combat capabilities with a focus on anti-surface and anti-air warfare.
- Helicopter deck for operations.
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| Significance |
- Boosts India’s naval capabilities in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR).
- Part of an ongoing effort to modernize the fleet with advanced technologies.
- Strengthens India-Russia defence ties.
- Will be key in maritime security and regional defense, especially in contested waters.
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