Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Mains level: Disaster Management;
Why in the News?
The Disaster Management (Amendment) Bill, 2024, raises serious concerns. Instead of addressing the shortcomings of the Disaster Management Act (DMA), 2005, the Bill reduces opportunities for participation, accountability, and efficient governance.
What are the lapses in the recent bill?
- Top-Down Terminology: The Bill employs terms like “monitor” and “guidelines,” which suggest a top-down approach, rather than fostering community engagement through terms like “supervision” and “direction.”
- This undermines trust between authorities and local communities, which are crucial in disaster response.
- Neglect of Local Roles: While the Bill defines critical concepts such as ‘hazard’, ‘resilience’, and ‘vulnerability’, it fails to recognise the essential roles of local communities, panchayats, and NGOs in disaster management.
- Lack of Intersectional Consideration: The Bill does not address intersectional discrimination affecting vulnerable groups like women, disabled individuals, lower castes, and LGBTQIA communities. Ignoring these factors limits the Bill’s inclusivity and effectiveness.
- Absence of Accountability Mechanisms: The omission of performance evaluations for district authorities raises concerns about accountability. Without mechanisms to assess preparedness and response effectiveness, there is a risk of shifting blame onto individual philanthropic efforts during disasters.
- Exclusion of Law and Order Issues: By stating that ‘man-made causes’ do not include law and order matters, the Bill complicates the role of police in disaster management while still involving them in executive committees.
- Removal of Relief Standards: Key provisions regarding minimum standards of relief for disaster victims have been omitted from the Bill. This includes special provisions for vulnerable populations such as widows and orphans, which diminishes the support system for those affected by disasters.
- Centralisation of Power: The Bill centralises decision-making by transferring responsibilities from local executive committees to national authorities, potentially leading to inefficiencies and delays in disaster response.
- Neglect of Animal Welfare: The Bill does not address the impact of disasters on animals or include provisions for their welfare, which is a significant oversight given the scale of animal casualties during disasters.
- Urban Disaster Management Authority (UDMA): The rationale behind establishing a separate UDMA is unclear, raising questions about its effectiveness given existing municipal structures that may not adequately address urban flooding issues caused by poor planning.
What are the lessons learnt from a spectrum of areas?
- Community Engagement: Successful disaster responses have historically relied on local knowledge and community action.
- For example, in Cyclone Aila (2009, Sundarbans): Local villagers and fisherfolk initiated rescue operations well before official disaster response teams could arrive, saving countless lives.
- Intersectionality Matters: Acknowledging diverse vulnerabilities ensures that disaster management strategies are comprehensive and equitable.
- For example, Kerala Floods (2018): Specific interventions for women and children in relief camps improved health and hygiene outcomes, showcasing the value of targeted measures.
- Accountability is Crucial: Clear accountability mechanisms are necessary to ensure that authorities fulfil their responsibilities effectively.
- For example, in Uttarakhand Flash Floods (2013): Lack of timely action by district authorities and poor preparedness exacerbated the disaster’s impact, underscoring the need for performance evaluations.
Can Regional collaboration work out?
Regional collaboration could significantly enhance disaster management efforts, particularly in South Asia where cross-border challenges are prevalent:
- Shared Resources and Knowledge: Collaborative frameworks among countries like SAARC, BIMSTEC, and BRICS could facilitate resource sharing and knowledge exchange during disasters.
- Joint Preparedness Plans: Developing regional action plans based on shared vulnerabilities can strengthen collective responses to disasters.
- Addressing Zoonotic Diseases: Given the increasing threat of zoonotic diseases, a coordinated regional approach could improve public health responses during disasters.
What is the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction?
- The Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction (2015-2030) is a comprehensive international agreement aimed at reducing disaster risks and enhancing resilience globally.
- It was adopted by UN member states during the Third UN World Conference on Disaster Risk Reduction held in Sendai, Japan, from March 14 to 18, 2015.
- India is a signatory to the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction (2015-2030).
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Way forward:
- Strengthen Community Participation and Inclusivity: Amend the Bill to explicitly involve local communities, panchayats, and NGOs in disaster management.
- Promote Accountability and Regional Cooperation: Introduce performance evaluations for district authorities to ensure preparedness and effective disaster responses.
Mains PYQ:
Q Describe various measures taken in India for Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) before and after signing ‘Sendai Framework for DRR (2015-2030)’. How is this framework different from ‘Hyogo Framework for Action, 2005’? (UPSC IAS/2018)
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Mains level: India- USA- China relation;
Why in the News?
Recently, China and the United States agreed to renew the Science and Technology Cooperation Agreement for an additional five years.
What new measures were added to the Agreement in 2024?
- Limited to basic research: The amended agreement explicitly limits cooperation to basic research and excludes any collaboration in critical and emerging technologies.
- This change aims to mitigate fears that sensitive technologies could be exploited by China for military or competitive advantages.
- Enhanced Provisions for Researcher Safety: The agreement introduces measures to enhance the safety and security of researchers, ensuring that both parties adhere to standards that protect their respective research environments.
- Data Reciprocity and Transparency: New provisions have been established to ensure reciprocity and transparency in data sharing between the two countries, addressing previous concerns about intellectual property rights and data misuse.
- Dispute Resolution Mechanism: A mechanism has been included to resolve disputes should either party fail to adhere to the agreed terms, providing a structured approach to handle potential conflicts arising from collaborative projects.
- Termination Clause: The agreement includes a clause that allows for the cancellation of proposed projects in cases of “bad faith action,” further safeguarding against potential abuses of the cooperative framework.
What does this indicate about the evolving relationship between the U.S. and China?
The renewal and amendment of the STA reflect a complex relationship between the U.S. and China, characterized by both cooperation and competition:
- Affirmation of Cooperation: The extension signals a commitment from both nations to maintain dialogue and collaboration in scientific fields, despite rising tensions in other areas such as trade and technology.
- Strategic Guardrails: By implementing new restrictions and guardrails, the U.S. aims to protect its technological edge while still engaging with China in mutually beneficial research areas. This indicates a cautious approach to bilateral relations, balancing cooperation with national security concerns.
- Political Dynamics: The incoming administration under Donald Trump is expected to endorse this continuation but may impose additional conditions, reflecting ongoing political scrutiny regarding China’s technological advancements.
How has the U.S. benefited from its collaboration with China under this Agreement?
- Access to Chinese Research Ecosystem: The agreement has facilitated access for U.S. researchers to China’s burgeoning research environment, allowing for collaborative projects that leverage both countries’ strengths in various scientific fields.
- Increased R&D Investment: The collaboration has contributed to significant increases in research and development investment from both sides, with China’s R&D spending rising dramatically since the agreement’s inception in 1979.
- Joint Research Opportunities: The STA has enabled joint research initiatives that have led to advancements in areas such as agriculture, health, environmental science, and more, benefiting both nations through shared knowledge and innovation.
- Educational Exchanges: The agreement has promoted mobility for students and scientists between the two countries, fostering educational exchanges that enhance understanding and cooperation at multiple levels.
How will it impact India?
- Increased Competition in R&D: The strengthened U.S.-China collaboration, even with restrictions, reinforces China’s position as a global leader in science and technology which intensifies competition for India to keep pace in R&D and innovation.
- Geopolitical Leverage: India’s strategic partnerships with both the U.S. and other global powers may be recalibrated, as the U.S. balances its rivalry and cooperation with China, potentially affecting India’s diplomatic and technological engagements.
- Opportunity for Strategic Collaboration: India’s robust bilateral S&T agreements and growing research ecosystem could make it an alternative partner for the U.S. and other nations looking to diversify collaborations away from China, boosting India’s global scientific standing.
Way forward:
- Enhance R&D Capabilities: India should increase investments in research and development, particularly in emerging and critical technologies, to remain competitive globally and bridge the innovation gap with leading nations.
- Strengthen Strategic Partnerships: India should leverage its scientific and technological collaborations with the U.S. and other like-minded countries to position itself as a reliable partner and alternative to China in the global research ecosystem.
Mains PYQ:
Q The USA is facing an existential threat in the form of China, that is much more challenging than the erstwhile Soviet Union.” Explain. (UPSC IAS/2021)
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: NHRC, its Composition, Functions and Powers
Why in the News?
Justice (Retd.) V Ramasubramanian has been appointed as the new chairperson of the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC). Priyank Kanoongo (former NCPCR chief) and Dr. Justice Bidyut Ranjan Sarangi (Retd.) have been appointed as NHRC Members.
About National Human Rights Commission (NHRC)
| Overview |
A Statutory Body formed under the Protection of Human Rights Act (PHRA), 1993. |
| Composition and Membership |
Chairperson: Must be a former Supreme Court Justice or Chief Justice; appointed by the President.
Members:
- Four full-time members:
- 1 ex-SC Judge (Chairperson),
- 1 ex-SC Judge,
- 1 ex-Chief Justice of a High Court,
- 1 with knowledge/experience in human rights.
- At least one woman among the members.
- Seven ex-officio members: Chairpersons of National Commissions (e.g., SC/ST, Women, Minorities, etc.) + Chief Commissioner for Persons with Disabilities.
Appointment Process:
- The President appoints based on a recommendation committee (PM, Speaker of Lok Sabha, Home Minister, Leaders of Opposition, etc.).
- Judicial appointments: Consultation with the Chief Justice of India.
- Removal: By an order of the President, after consultation with the Supreme Court.
Terms of Office:
- 3-year term or until the age of 70.
- Eligible for reappointment, but not for other government jobs.
- Salaries: Determined by the Central Government.
- Reporting: Submits reports to the Centre and concerned states; these are tabled before legislatures with an action-taken report.
Limitations:
- No inquiry after one year from the alleged violation.
- Functions are recommendatory; no direct power to punish or award relief.
- Limited role in armed forces cases.
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| Powers and Functions |
Functions:
- Inquire into alleged human rights violations.
- Recommend interim relief to victims or families.
- Intervene in court proceedings on human rights matters.
- Review constitutional/legal safeguards for human rights.
- Study international human rights instruments.
- Promote human rights literacy.
- Support NGOs in human rights work.
Powers:
- Can regulate its own procedure.
- Has all powers of a civil court, with judicial character.
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PYQ:
[2020] Other than the Fundamental Rights, which of the following parts of the Constitution of India reflect/reflects the principles and provisions of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (1948)?
- Preamble
- Directive Principles of State Policy
- Fundamental Duties
Select the correct answer using the code given below:
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 2 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
[2021] Though the Human Rights Commissions have contributed immensely to the protection of human rights in India, yet they have failed to assert themselves against the mighty and powerful. Analysing their structural and practical limitations, suggest remedial measures. |
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: SVAMITVA Scheme
Why in the News?
Over 58 lakh property cards will be issued to owners in approximately 50,000 villages across 12 States/UTs through a virtual event addressed by PM Modi under the SVAMITVA Scheme.
About SVAMITVA Scheme:
|
Details |
| About |
- Full Form: Survey of Villages and Mapping with Improvised Technology in Village Areas.
- Launched on 24th April 2020 (National Panchayati Raj Day) by the Ministry of Panchayati Raj.
- Objective: Provide an integrated property validation solution for rural India, issuing Record of Rights to households in inhabited rural areas (village abadi areas).
- Central Sector Scheme: Fully funded by the Central Government, implemented in collaboration with States/UTs and the Survey of India.
Primary Goals:
1. Demarcation of inhabited areas using drone technology.
2. Creation of property cards (Record of Rights).
3. Formalizing ownership to reduce disputes and enable financial asset use. |
| Structural Mandate |
Implementing Agencies:
- Ministry of Panchayati Raj at the national level.
- State Revenue Department/Land Records Department at the state level.
- Survey of India (as the technology partner).
Coverage:
- The scheme is being implemented in phases from 2020-2024.
- Initially covered 6.62 lakh villages in Uttar Pradesh, Haryana, Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, Uttarakhand, and Karnataka, including a few border villages of Punjab and Rajasthan.
- West Bengal, Bihar, Nagaland, and Meghalaya have not joined the scheme yet.
- Nomenclature: Title Deed in Haryana, Rural Property Ownership Records (RPOR) in Karnataka, Adhikar Abhilekh in Madhya Pradesh, Sannad in Maharashtra, Svamitva Abhilekh in Uttarakhand, and Gharauni in Uttar Pradesh.
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| Key Features and Significance |
- Use of Drone Survey Technology: Drones capture high-resolution images for accurate mapping of village abadi lands.
- Issuance of Property Cards: Known by various names (e.g., ‘Gharauni’ in UP). Serves as legal proof of ownership.
- Phased Implementation (2020–2024): Began in select states (UP, Haryana, Maharashtra, MP, Uttarakhand, Karnataka, plus border villages in Punjab/Rajasthan), expanding nationwide.
- Continuous Operating Reference System (CORS): Network stations for precise drone-based surveys in pilot-phase states.
- Stakeholder Collaboration: Ministry of Panchayati Raj, State Revenue/Land Records Depts, Survey of India, etc.
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| Progress Made So Far |
- Drone Surveys & Mapping: 92% of targeted drone mapping completed across 3.17 lakh villages; full targets likely by 2026.
- Issuance of Property Cards: Over 2.19 crore property cards finalized; latest distribution covered 58 lakh cards in 50,000 villages across 12 States/UTs.
- Phased Rollout: Successful pilots led to larger-scale implementation.
- Collaborative Efforts: Coordination among Panchayati Raj Ministry, Survey of India, and state-level agencies; financial support from the Centre.
- Recognition of Success: Regarded as a landmark initiative for minimizing litigation, enhancing rural governance, and clarifying property rights.
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PYQ:
[2019] With reference to land reforms in independent India, which one of the following statements is correct?
(a) The ceiling laws were aimed at family holdings and not individual holdings.
(b) The major aim of land reforms was providing agricultural land to all the landless.
(c) It resulted in cultivation of cash crops as a predominant form of cultivation.
(d) Land reforms permitted no exemptions to the ceiling limits. |
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Ken-Betwa Link Project
Why in the News?
PM Modi laid the foundation stone of the Ken-Betwa River Linking National Project, the first project under the National Perspective Plan (NPP) for interlinking rivers, conceptualized in 1980. The project would submerge over 10 per cent of the core area of the Panna Tiger Reserve.
About the Ken-Betwa Link Project (KBLP):
| About |
- Objective: Transfer water from the Ken River to the Betwa River, both tributaries of the Yamuna.
- Ken-Betwa Canal: Envisages a 221 km canal (including a 2-km tunnel) for water diversion.
- Submergence area: Jhansi, Banda, Lalitpur and Mahoba districts of UP and Tikamgarh, Panna and Chhatarpur districts of MP.
- It’s the first interlinking project under the National Perspective Plan (1980).
- Targeted completion within 8 years, as per the Ministry of Jal Shakti.
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| Key Components |
- It will irrigate 10.62 lakh ha (8.11 lakh ha in MP and 2.51 lakh ha in UP) and provide drinking water to ~62 lakh people.
- Power Generation: Aims for 103 MW of hydropower and 27 MW of solar power.
Phases:
- Phase-I: Construction of Daudhan Dam, related tunnels, canal, and powerhouses.
- Phase-II: Building of Lower Orr Dam, Bina Complex Project, and Kotha Barrage.
Daudhan Dam:
-
- Foundation stone laid in December 2024 by PM Narendra Modi.
- 2,031 m in length and 77 m in height, submerging ~9,000 ha across 10 villages.
- Construction contract awarded to NCC Ltd.
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| Geographical Features of Ken and Betwa River |
Ken River: Rises near Ahirgawan in Madhya Pradesh, flows through Bundelkhand, joins the Yamuna near Chilla village in UP.
Betwa River: Originates in the Vindhya Range (near Hoshangabad, MP), also flows through Bundelkhand, and meets the Yamuna at Hamirpur (UP).
- Both rivers traverse hilly and plateau regions of Bundelkhand, often facing drought-like conditions.
- Both are highly seasonal; flows depend largely on monsoon rainfall.
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| Significance |
- Water Scarcity Mitigation: Aims to alleviate drought-like conditions in Bundelkhand by ensuring year-round irrigation.
- Enhanced Agriculture: 10.62 lakh ha of farmland to benefit, improving crop yields and farm income.
- Drinking Water Supply: Targets ~62 lakh people in MP and UP, improving public health.
- Energy Generation: A total of 130 MW (103 MW hydropower + 27 MW solar), boosting renewable energy capacity in rural areas.
- Bundelkhand Development: Expected to spur socio-economic growth, reduce rural distress and migration, and aid industrial expansion.
- Template for Future Projects: As the first interlinking project under the National Perspective Plan, its success could pave the way for additional river-linking schemes nationwide.
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PYQ:
[2020] The interlinking of rivers can provide viable solutions to the multi-dimensional inter-related problems of droughts, floods, and interrupted navigation. Critically examine. |
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: AIMC system and its features
Why in the News?
- The Ministry of Road Transport & Highways (MoRTH) is moving toward large-scale use of Automated & Intelligent Machine-aided Construction (AIMC) for National Highway projects.
- AIMC will provide real-time data at each stage of road construction, which will be sent directly to stakeholders, including MoRTH.
About Automated & Intelligent Machine-aided Construction (AIMC) System
|
Details |
| What is it? |
- A technology-driven approach for road and infrastructure projects, employing advanced machinery (GPS, sensors, real-time data tools) to automate and monitor construction tasks.
- Integrates machine automation, real-time data reporting, and precision engineering to enhance quality and speed of highway construction.
- In India, explored by the Ministry of Road Transport & Highways (MoRTH) to reduce project delays and ensure consistent construction quality.
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| Features of the System |
- GPS-Aided Equipment: Motor graders, intelligent compactors, and stringless pavers use GPS/digital designs for precise alignment and compaction.
- Automated Surveys: Drones or sensor-fitted machinery capture topographical data, enabling continuous verification of design parameters.
- Real-Time Documentation: Every stage (embankment, subgrade, sub-base, paving) is monitored and instantly shared with stakeholders.
- Integrated Software Platforms: Centralized software creates a digital twin of the site for analytics and alerts.
- Adaptive Workflows: Machines can operate 24/7, guided by digital models and real-time data.
- Precision & Safety Controls: AI-driven predictive maintenance and automated tasks reduce worker risk.
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| Significance of the System |
- Faster Project Completion: Real-time monitoring cuts down manual checks and paperwork, expediting construction.
- Improved Quality & Precision: Sensor-based feedback loops align construction closely with design specifications.
- Real-Time Data Sharing: Construction progress and quality metrics are instantly communicated, enabling immediate corrective actions.
- Reduced Human Error: Automated machinery limits inconsistencies from manual oversight.
- Better Accountability: Detailed digital records promote transparency and performance tracking.
- Cost-Efficiency: Minimizes delays and rework, lowering overall project expenses.
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