Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Mains level: Economic reforms;
Why in the News?
People around the world paid tribute to Dr. Manmohan Singh, known for opening up India’s economy and making it a global player, who passed away at the age of 92.
How did Manmohan Singh’s reforms transform India’s economic landscape?
- 1991 Economic Liberalization (LPG): He abolished the “License Raj,” which required businesses to seek government approvals for setting up industries.
- Example: The IT sector flourished, with companies like Infosys and Wipro gaining international prominence.
- Tax Reforms and Currency Devaluation: Singh’s government implemented substantial tax cuts and devalued the Indian rupee to enhance competitiveness.
- Example: Corporate tax was reduced from 50% (pre-1991) to around 35% by the mid-1990s, boosting business sentiment.
- Welfare Schemes: Alongside economic liberalisation, Singh’s administration introduced welfare initiatives aimed at sharing the benefits of growth with the rural poor, thereby addressing socio-economic disparities.
- Introduced schemes like MGNREGA (2005) and expanded rural credit, improving employment and poverty alleviation.
- Poverty rates dropped from 37.2% (2004-05) to 21.9% (2011-12), and India’s middle class expanded significantly due to higher income levels.
- Economy growth: As Finance Minister, in 1991 economic reforms addressed the balance-of-payments crisis by reducing the fiscal deficit from 8.4% of GDP (1991) to 5.7% (1993) and reviving GDP growth from 1.1% (1991-92) to 5.3% (1992-93) through measures such as dismantling industrial licensing, devaluing the rupee, and encouraging foreign investment.
How did he left a lasting imprint on external relations?
- US-India Civil Nuclear Deal (2008): He played a pivotal role in finalising the Civil Nuclear Agreement, which ended India’s nuclear isolation and strengthened strategic ties with the United States.
- It also marked a shift in global recognition of India as a responsible nuclear power.
- Strengthening India’s Strategic Partnerships: Deepened ties with major global powers, including the US, EU, Japan, and Russia, enhancing India’s diplomatic and economic engagement globally.
- Championing India’s Role in Global Governance: Advocated for reforms in international institutions like the UN, IMF, and World Bank to reflect the rising stature of emerging economies, particularly India.
- His leadership elevated India’s voice in global forums like G20 and BRICS.
- Focus on Regional and Economic Integration: Fostered closer economic and diplomatic ties with ASEAN, SAARC nations, and other Asian neighbours, reinforcing India’s position in regional trade and security frameworks.
- His outreach contributed to India’s Act East Policy and improved relations with key partners in the Indo-Pacific region.
Conclusion: The Indian government should embrace Dr. Manmohan Singh’s legacy by prioritizing bold economic reforms, fostering global partnerships, and championing inclusive growth. Emphasizing strategic investments in infrastructure, skilling, and technology while deepening ties with regional and global partners can sustain long-term growth, reduce disparities, and solidify India’s leadership in global governance.
Mains PYQ:
Q Has the Indian governmental system responded adequately to the demands of Liberalization, Privatization and Globalization started in 1991? What can the government do to be responsive to this important change? (UPSC IAS/2016)
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Mains level: Cybercrime;
Why in the News?
The US court ruling found the maker of Pegasus spyware guilty of hacking WhatsApp, while in India, the investigation ended quietly without any results.
What are the implications of the US court ruling against NSO Group?
- Legal Accountability Established: The US District Court’s ruling that NSO Group is liable for hacking WhatsApp users marks a significant legal precedent. It affirms that private companies engaged in illegal surveillance can be held accountable in a court of law, which may encourage other jurisdictions to take similar actions against such entities.
- Protection of Privacy Rights: The ruling underscores the importance of user privacy and proprietary technology protection. It emphasizes that courts can act decisively to safeguard individual rights against corporate malfeasance, setting a standard for privacy protection that could influence global norms.
- Pressure on NSO Group: The verdict amplifies economic and operational pressures on NSO Group, potentially leading to stricter regulations and oversight of surveillance technology firms worldwide. This could deter similar future actions by other companies in the industry.
Why has India’s inquiry into the Pegasus allegations been ineffective?
- Government Evasion: The Indian government’s refusal to confirm or deny the use of Pegasus spyware has significantly hampered any meaningful investigation. This silence has been framed as a matter of national security but is perceived as a deliberate evasion of accountability.
- Lack of Cooperation: The Supreme Court’s appointed committee faced challenges due to the government’s lack of cooperation.
- Key stakeholders like WhatsApp and Apple were not compelled to provide evidence or testimony, limiting the committee’s ability to draw conclusive findings.
- Judicial Delays and Inaction: India’s judicial system is plagued by delays and inefficiencies, which have further stalled inquiries into Pegasus. Parliamentary debates have devolved into unproductive exchanges, failing to generate actionable outcomes.
What are the legislations related to spyware attacks in India?
- Information Technology Act, 2000 (IT Act):
- Section 43: Criminalizes unauthorized access to computer systems and networks, making hacking a punishable offense.
- Section 66: Addresses cybercrime and provides penalties for violations of computer-related laws.
- Section 69: Allows government agencies to intercept data on grounds of national security but does not authorize the installation of spyware like Pegasus on devices without proper oversight.
- Information Technology (Procedure and Safeguards for Interception, Monitoring and Decryption of Information) Rules, 2009: These rules require that no interception can occur without the direction and approval of a competent authority, aiming to provide some level of oversight.
- Digital Personal Data Protection Act (DPDPA): Recently passed in 2023, this act has faced criticism for allegedly providing legal cover for state surveillance while lacking robust protections for individual privacy rights. Critics argue that its vague language allows for arbitrary government.
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What should be the next steps for Indian authorities following the US verdict? (Way forward)
- Reinitiate Investigations: Indian authorities should consider reopening investigations into Pegasus with renewed vigour, leveraging insights from the US court ruling. This includes calling for transparency from technology companies involved in the case.
- Engage with Stakeholders: Authorities should actively engage with WhatsApp, Apple, and other relevant parties to gather comprehensive evidence regarding the spyware’s use in India. This collaboration is crucial for establishing accountability.
- Legislative Reforms: There is an urgent need for systemic reforms in surveillance laws and practices in India. Authorities should work towards creating robust frameworks that protect citizens’ privacy rights and establish clear guidelines for state surveillance activities.
- Public Disclosure: To rebuild public trust, it is essential for the government to disclose findings from previous inquiries and commit to transparency moving forward. This includes making reports from technical committees publicly available
Mains PYQ:
Q Discuss different types of cyber crimes and measures required to be taken to fight the menace. (UPSC IAS/2020)
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Communist Party of India (CPI) and its contributions
Why in the News?
December 26, 2024, marks the 100th foundation day of the Communist Party of India (CPI). The CPI has played a pivotal role in India’s freedom struggle, social reforms, and political evolution.
About the Communist Party of India (CPI)
- Reasons for Formation:
- Founded on December 26, 1925, at the Kanpur Conference, inspired by the 1917 Russian Revolution.
- Earlier efforts included the Tashkent group (1920) led by M.N. Roy and Abani Mukherji, supported by the Comintern (Communist International).
- Faced early repression through cases like:
- Kanpur Bolshevik Conspiracy Case (1924).
- Meerut Conspiracy Case (1929–1933).
- Dissatisfaction with Gandhian methods and moderate nationalism.
- Inspiration from the Soviet Revolution (1917) and global socialist movements.
- Split (1964):
- Ideological rift during the Cold War over alignment with the Soviet Union or China.
- Led to the creation of the Communist Party of India (Marxist) or CPI(M).
Prominent Leaders and Key Contributions
- Prominent Leaders:
- M.N. Roy (1920s): Founder of the Tashkent group; advocated socialism and anti-colonialism.
- Abani Mukherji (1920s): Drafted the Indian Communist Manifesto.
- S.A. Dange (1924): Founding CPI member; labour leader implicated in the Kanpur Conspiracy Case.
- Muzaffar Ahmed (1920s): Mobilized workers and peasants; key figure in AITUC (1920).
- Shaukat Usmani (1920s–1930s) and M. Singaravelu (1925): Early CPI activists.
- Key Contributions:
- Demand for Poorna Swaraj (1927):
- Advocated for complete independence, influencing the Indian National Congress (INC).
- Workers and Peasants Movements (1920s–1950s):
- Mobilized workers through AITUC (1920) and peasants through All India Kisan Sabha (1936).
- Led uprisings like the Telangana Rebellion (1946–1951).
- Opposition to British Rule (1920s–1947):
- Organized strikes and protests during the Quit India Movement (1942).
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- In the First Lok Sabha (1952–57), CPI was the single largest opposition party.
- In 1957, CPI won the state elections in Kerala, becoming the first democratically elected communist government in independent India.
| Note: The All India Trade Union Congress (AITUC), India’s oldest trade union federation, was founded in 1920 by Lala Lajpat Rai and others in Bombay to represent India at the ILO (International Labour Organisation). |
PYQ:
[2018] Consider the following events:
- The first democratically elected communist party government was formed in a State in India.
- India’s then largest bank, ‘Imperial Bank of India’, was renamed ‘State Bank of India’.
- Air India was nationalised and became the national carrier.
- Goa became a part of independent India.
Which of the following is the correct chronological sequence of the above events?
(a) 4 – 1 – 2 – 3
(b) 3 – 2 – 1 – 4
(c) 4 – 2 – 1 – 3
(d) 3 – 1 – 2 – 4 |
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: UNDOF
Why in the News?
UN Secretary-General paid tribute to Brigadier General Amitabh Jha of India, who died serving with the United Nations Disengagement Observer Force (UNDOF) in the Golan Heights.
About United Nations Disengagement Observer Force (UNDOF)
- The UNDOF is a peacekeeping mission established by the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) to oversee the implementation of a ceasefire agreement between Israel and Syria following the 1973 Yom Kippur War.
- The Yom Kippur War (October 6-24, 1973) was fought between Egypt and Israel (in the Sinai) and Israel and Syria (in the Golan Heights).
- It operates in the Golan Heights, a region of strategic importance and long-standing contention.
- The UNSC formally established UNDOF under Resolution 350 to:
- Maintain the ceasefire.
- Supervise the disengagement of forces.
- Monitor the separation zones established by the agreement.
- UNDOF became operational on June 6, 1974, with an initial deployment of approximately 1,200 personnel.
- Its mandate is renewed every 6 months by the UNSC, emphasizing its ongoing role in maintaining stability.
Structural Mandate and Functions
UNDOF’s core responsibilities include:
- Ceasefire Maintenance:
- Monitor and ensure adherence to the ceasefire agreement between Israel and Syria.
- Supervision of Disengagement:
- Oversee the withdrawal of forces to their respective areas as per the 1974 Agreement on Disengagement.
- Monitoring Areas of Separation and Limitation:
- Area of Separation (AOS):
- A demilitarized zone controlled by UNDOF, where no military activity is permitted.
- Approx. 80 km long, ranging from 200 m to 8 km wide.
- Marked by barrel lines for identification on the ground.
- Areas of Limitation:
- Zones on both Israeli and Syrian sides where the number of troops and types of weapons are restricted.
Functions:
- Observation and Reporting:
- Monitor troop movements and ensure no violations of the agreement occur.
- Regularly report to the UN Secretary-General and the UNSC on ground conditions.
- Civilian Assistance: Facilitate the return of Syrian civilians to their homes in the AOS under the agreement.
- Verification of Compliance: Conduct inspections to ensure adherence to restrictions in Areas of Limitation.
- Confidence-Building Measures: Act as a neutral party to reduce tensions between Israel and Syria.
- Liaison Services: Maintain open communication channels between Israeli and Syrian forces to prevent misunderstandings or escalation.
PYQ:
[2015] The area known as ‘Golan Heights’ sometimes appears in the news in the context of the events is related to:
(a) Central Asia
(b) Middle East
(c) South-East Asia
(d) Central Africa |
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Matsya Seva Kendras
Why in the News?
India’s fisheries sector, contributing to the livelihoods of over 3 crore fishers and producing a record 175 lakh tons of fish in 2022-23, is being strengthened through initiatives like Matsya Seva Kendras.
About Matsya Seva Kendra (MSK)
- MSKs are one-stop centers established under the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY) to support fishers and fish farmers.
- They provide a wide range of technical, advisory, and capacity-building services aimed at modernizing the fisheries sector and ensuring sustainable practices.
- Role of MSKs:
- Offer water, soil, and microbial analysis to address disease management and improve aquaculture productivity.
- Conduct capacity-building programs for fishers, focusing on sustainable practices and advanced aquaculture techniques.
- Empower women and weaker sections with 60% financial assistance for setting up MSKs.
- Mobilize start-ups, cooperatives, and fish farmer producer organizations to share best practices.
- Promote regenerative and conservation practices to tackle challenges posed by climate change.
About Pradhan Mantri Matsya Samapada Yojana (PMMSY):
- The scheme aims to bring about a Blue Revolution through sustainable and responsible development of India’s fisheries sector.
- It was launched as part of the ‘Atma Nirbhar Bharat’ package with an investment of ₹20,050 crore, the highest-ever allocation for the fisheries sector.
- It is implemented across all States and Union Territories from FY 2020-21 to FY 2024-25.
- It provides insurance coverage, financial assistance, and Kisan Credit Card (KCC) facilities to fishers.
- It is implemented as an umbrella scheme with two components:
- Central Sector Scheme: Entirely funded by the Central Government.
- Centrally Sponsored Scheme: Cost shared between the Centre and States/UTs.
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How Do Sagar Mitras Support Fishers?
- Sagar Mitras act as a vital link between the government and sea-borne fishers, facilitating access to information and resources in coastal regions.
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- Collect data on marine catch, price trends, and market requirements.
- Provide updates on local regulations, weather conditions, and potential fishing zones.
- Educate fishers on hygienic fish handling, sustainable fishing techniques, and compliance with regulatory measures.
- Act as a key contact during emergencies, offering information on natural calamities and safety protocols.
PYQ:
[2018] Defining the Blue Revolution, explain the problems and strategies of fisheries in India. |
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: African Wild Cat (Leptailurus serval)
Why in the News?
The Border Security Force (BSF) has rescued a Serval, the African wild cat (Leptailurus serval) from an alleged wildlife smuggling attempt along the India-Bangladesh border.
About African Wild Cat (Leptailurus serval):
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Details |
| About |
- Scientific Name: Leptailurus serval
- Common Name: African Wild Cat, Serval
- Family: Felidae
- Physical Description: Medium-sized wild cat with a slim, long-legged body, tawny coat with black spots and stripes, and large rounded ears. Can leap 3 meters (10 feet) vertically.
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| Habitat and Features |
- Found across Sub-Saharan Africa.
- Preferred Habitats: Savannahs, grasslands, and wetlands; avoids arid regions and dense forests.
- Diet: Carnivorous, feeding on small mammals, birds, reptiles, and insects. Uses acute hearing to hunt.
- Behavior: Solitary, nocturnal or crepuscular, and communicates through vocalizations and scent-marking.
- Reproduction: Breeds year-round, with 2–3 kittens per litter; gestation period is 74 days.
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| Conservation Status |
- IUCN Red List: Listed as Least Concern.
- CITES: Included in Appendix II to regulate trade.
Threats: Habitat loss, illegal hunting for fur, and conflicts with humans (e.g., poultry attacks). |
PYQ:
[2015] With reference to the International Union for Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources (IUCN) and the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES), which of the following statements is/are correct?
- IUCN is an organ of the United Nations and CITES is an international agreement between governments.
- IUCN runs thousands of field projects around the world to better manage natural environments.
- CITES is legally binding on the States that have joined it, but this Convention does not take the place of national laws.
Select the correct answer using the code given below:
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3 |
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