PYQ Relevance:
Q “The states in India seem reluctant to empower urban local bodies both functionally as well as financially.” Comment. (2023)
Reason: It touches upon the broader theme of federalism and the distribution of power within the Indian political system, which is relevant to concerns about the Union government’s role and potential influence in the delimitation process. |
Mentor’s Comment: The ongoing debate on delimitation raises concerns about power imbalances, particularly for southern States. A democratic approach could freeze parliamentary seats while increasing Assembly seats in high-growth States. Strengthening zonal councils and reviving the dormant Inter-State Council (inactive since 2016) can ensure balanced representation, fostering cooperative federalism and addressing regional disparities effectively.
Today’s editorial highlights the debate on delimitation raises concerns about power imbalances, particularly for southern States. This content would help in GS paper 2 (representation in Parliament) and GS 3 ( Internal security issues arise due to it).
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Let’s learn!
Why in the News?
Another risk of delimitation is the division of electoral constituencies based on religion or community.
What are the risks of dividing electoral constituencies based on religion or community during delimitation?
- Gerrymandering to Favor Specific Communities: Delimitation can be used to redraw boundaries in a way that benefits certain religious or ethnic groups while marginalizing others. Example: In Jammu & Kashmir (2022), Hindu-majority areas in Jammu received more seats despite having a lower population compared to Muslim-majority Kashmir
| Note: Gerrymandering means changing the size and borders of an area for voting in order to give an unfair advantage to one party in an election |
- Reduced Political Representation for Minority Groups: If constituencies are redrawn to dilute minority votes, their political influence can weaken, leading to unfair representation. Example: In Assam (2023), boundary changes in Muslim-majority areas reportedly made it harder for their votes to impact election outcomes.
- Increased Social and Political Divisions: When constituencies are created along religious lines, it can deepen communal tensions and polarize elections. Example: In Uttar Pradesh, past constituency adjustments have led to concerns that Muslim-majority areas were fragmented to reduce their electoral strength.
What are the key concerns regarding the fresh delimitation of legislative constituencies in India?
- Population-Based Seat Allocation May Reduce Representation for Progressive States: Delimitation based on population growth would increase parliamentary seats for northern States (e.g., Uttar Pradesh, Bihar) while reducing influence for southern States (e.g., Tamil Nadu, Kerala), which have controlled population growth through successful policies.
- Risk of Communal Gerrymandering: Past delimitation exercises, such as in Jammu & Kashmir (2022) and Assam (2023), suggest that constituency boundaries may be redrawn to benefit certain religious or ethnic groups, marginalizing minorities.
- Disproportionate Voter Representation: Unequal constituency sizes create voter disparities. For instance, in Jammu & Kashmir, Hindu-majority seats had smaller electorates (as low as 50,000), while Muslim-majority seats had much larger voter populations (up to 1.92 lakh).
- Potential Weakening of Federalism: Southern States fear that increased parliamentary seats for northern States could shift national policymaking priorities away from their economic and developmental interests, reducing their influence in governance.
- Lack of Institutional Safeguards Against Political Manipulation: Bodies like the Inter-State Council (dormant since 2016) and Zonal Councils (irregular meetings) are weak, limiting their role in addressing regional concerns, leaving room for politically motivated delimitation decisions.
Why are the Southern States apprehensive about the potential power imbalance due to delimitation?
- Population Control Efforts Could Lead to Reduced Representation: Southern States like Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Karnataka, and Andhra Pradesh have successfully controlled population growth through better healthcare, education, and family planning. However, delimitation based on population increase would benefit northern States like Uttar Pradesh and Bihar, reducing the parliamentary strength of the South.
- Disproportionate Economic Contribution vs. Political Representation: Southern States contribute significantly to India’s GDP and tax revenues. For example, Tamil Nadu and Karnataka are among the top GST-contributing States. A shift in political representation favouring the North could mean economic policies are shaped without adequate input from these high-contributing regions.
- Risk of Policy Marginalization: More parliamentary seats for northern States could result in national policies that favour their interests (e.g., agricultural subsidies, welfare schemes) over industrialized and service-based economies in the South.
- For instance, the 15th Finance Commission’s devolution formula already reduced allocations to progressive States like Kerala due to their lower population growth.
- Federalism and Autonomy at Risk: Southern States emphasize federalism and regional autonomy, and a population-based delimitation could further centralize power in the hands of the Hindi-speaking belt, reducing the political influence of non-Hindi-speaking States.
- Precedents of Unequal Representation in Recent Delimitations: The Jammu & Kashmir (2022) and Assam (2023) delimitations have shown how constituency boundaries can be redrawn in ways that favour certain regions or communities. Southern States fear similar political maneuvering could reduce their legislative influence in the future.
How did the recent delimitation exercises in Jammu & Kashmir and Assam impact electoral representation?
- Disproportionate Seat Allocation Between Jammu and Kashmir: Jammu was given six additional Assembly seats, while Kashmir, despite having a larger population, received only one additional seat. Example: Before delimitation, Kashmir had 46 seats and Jammu had 37. After delimitation, Kashmir got 47, while Jammu increased to 43, altering the political balance in favor of Jammu.
- Gerrymandering Along Communal and Regional Lines: Constituency boundaries were redrawn in a way that seemed to favor Hindu-majority areas, potentially benefitting the BJP. Example: The Muslim-majority Kishtwar district saw boundary changes that made it more Hindu-dominated. Similarly, Rajouri and Poonch (Jammu) were merged with Anantnag (Kashmir) in a new Lok Sabha seat, despite geographical and cultural differences.
- Unequal Representation in Terms of Voter Population: Some Muslim-majority constituencies in Kashmir had more than 1.5 lakh voters, while many new Jammu seats had significantly fewer voters, making votes in Jammu more influential. Example: Dooru (1.92 lakh voters) and Surankote (1.77 lakh voters) had much larger populations than new seats in Jammu with 50,000–60,000 voters.
- Weakened Political Representation for Kashmiri Parties: The changes were seen as reducing the influence of Kashmiri-based parties like the National Conference (NC) and PDP, while consolidating the BJP’s hold in Jammu. Example: The BJP has never won a seat in Kashmir. By increasing Jammu’s seats, it has improved its chances of influencing J&K’s electoral outcomes.
- First-Time Reservation for Scheduled Tribes (STs): The delimitation reserved 9 Assembly seats for Scheduled Tribes, mostly benefiting Gujjar and Bakarwal communities in Jammu. Example: The new ST-reserved seats include Rajouri, Mendhar, and Surankote, marking the first time STs have been granted separate representation.
What are zonal councils and Inter-State Council (inactive since 2016)?
- Zonal Councils, established under the States Reorganisation Act, 1956, promote regional cooperation among States in five zones.
- The Inter-State Council, set up under Article 263 of the Constitution, facilitates Centre-State and inter-State coordination.
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How can strengthening zonal councils and reviving the dormant Inter-State Council (inactive since 2016) help ensure balanced representation in India?
- Addressing Regional Imbalances in Representation: By ensuring regular meetings of zonal councils, States across different regions can voice concerns regarding political representation and economic disparities. Example: If southern States lose parliamentary seats due to population-based delimitation, zonal councils can advocate for compensatory measures like additional Rajya Sabha representation.
- Enhancing Cooperative Federalism: The Inter-State Council can serve as a platform to mediate Centre-State and inter-State disputes, ensuring all regions get equitable political influence. Example: Resolving issues like tax devolution, resource allocation, and governance models that disproportionately impact southern States due to shifting parliamentary strength.
- Strengthening Policy Coordination Among States: Zonal councils can facilitate coordinated development policies, ensuring that national decisions reflect regional concerns, especially in underrepresented areas. Example: The Southern Zonal Council could push for greater investment in infrastructure and technology sectors, ensuring economic contributions translate into policy influence.
Way forward:
- Balanced Representation Through a Hybrid Formula: Instead of relying solely on population-based delimitation, a hybrid model considering factors like economic contribution, governance efficiency, and demographic stability should be adopted.
- Example: The Finance Commission’s tax devolution formula considers multiple parameters beyond population; a similar approach can be applied to delimitation to ensure fair representation for both high-growth and high-population States.
- Independent and Transparent Delimitation Process: Strengthening constitutional bodies like the Delimitation Commission and Election Commission with greater transparency and public participation to prevent gerrymandering or political bias.
- Example: Implementing real-time public consultations and Supreme Court oversight in delimitation decisions can help address regional concerns and ensure fairness.
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Mains level: Data protection;
Why in the News?
In early January this year, the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) published the draft Digital Personal Data Protection Rules, 2025 under the Digital Personal Data Protection Act, 2023.
What are the key criticisms of the draft Digital Personal Data Protection Rules, 2025?
- Lack of Independence in the Data Protection Board (DPB): The Union government has full discretion in appointing DPB members, raising concerns about executive overreach and lack of independent oversight. Example: Since the DPB has quasi-judicial functions, government control over appointments could compromise its impartiality in handling data protection disputes.
- Inefficiency in the Appellate Mechanism: Appeals from DPB decisions will be heard by the Telecom Disputes Settlement and Appellate Tribunal (TDSAT), which is already overburdened with cases. Example: As of early 2025, 3,448 cases were pending in TDSAT, making it unrealistic to resolve data protection appeals within the required six-month timeline.
- Weak Digital Infrastructure for Appeals: The draft Rules require appeals to be filed digitally, but TDSAT’s website and case management systems lack efficiency and transparency. Example: The TRAI Annual Report (2023) mentioned a new legal case management system, but its effectiveness and implementation status remain unclear.
What is the Telecom Disputes Settlement and Appellate Tribunal (TDSAT)?
- The Telecom Disputes Settlement and Appellate Tribunal (TDSAT) is a quasi-judicial body in India established in 2000 under the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) Act, 1997.
- It resolves disputes related to telecommunications, broadcasting, and information technology and also serves as an appellate body for regulatory decisions.
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Why is the appointment of a technical member with expertise in data protection considered necessary for the TDSAT?
- Complexity of Data Protection Issues: Data protection cases involve legal principles like consent, data processing, storage, and unauthorized use, which differ from telecom disputes. Example: A case involving unauthorized data sharing by a tech company requires expertise in privacy laws, which a telecom specialist may not possess.
- Mismatch Between Existing Expertise and New Responsibilities: Section 14C of the TRAI Act, 1997 allows TDSAT members with expertise in telecommunications, technology, commerce, or administration, but not in data protection. Example: TDSAT is well-equipped for telecom disputes (e.g., spectrum allocation cases) but lacks specialists to handle data privacy violations under the DPDP Act, 2023.
- Need for a Legal Amendment to Ensure Specialization: Amending Section 14C of the TRAI Act to include data protection as a required expertise will help TDSAT make informed decisions. Example: If a social media platform misuses personal data, a technical member with privacy law knowledge can ensure proper adjudication.
How does the increasing caseload of the TDSAT impact its ability to handle appeals from the DPB within the stipulated six-month timeline?
- High Pending Case Load: As of early 2025, 3,448 cases remain unresolved in TDSAT, making it difficult to accommodate additional data protection appeals. Example: If a major data breach case is filed, it may face delays due to the backlog of telecom and broadcasting disputes.
- Burden of New Telecommunications Act Cases: The recently enacted Telecommunications Act, 2023 will increase TDSAT’s caseload, further stretching its resources. Example: Disputes over telecom licensing and spectrum allocation could slow down hearings on personal data protection violations.
- Limited Judicial and Technical Expertise: In January 2025, TDSAT had only one technical member and no judicial member, raising concerns about fair adjudication. Example: Without a judicial expert, appeals related to data misuse by companies may not receive proper legal scrutiny.
- Structural Capacity Constraints: TDSAT has a single bench, making it impossible to efficiently handle multiple categories of appeals simultaneously. Example: A delay in telecom tariff disputes could push back hearings on privacy-related cases filed under the DPDP Act, 2023.
Way forward:
- Strengthening TDSAT’s Capacity: Increase the number of benches and appoint members with expertise in data protection and privacy laws to handle DPB appeals efficiently. Example: Amending Section 14C of the TRAI Act, 1997 to include data protection specialists can ensure proper adjudication.
- Independent and Efficient DPB: Ensure autonomy in DPB appointments and establish a dedicated appellate body for data protection cases to reduce TDSAT’s burden. Example: Setting up a Data Protection Appellate Tribunal (DPAT) with specialized judges and technical members can improve efficiency.
Mains PYQ:
Q Critically examine the Supreme Court’s judgement on ‘National Judicial Appointments Commission Act, 2014’ with reference to appointment of judges of higher judiciary in India. (2017)
Reason: It touches upon the importance of the structure and appointment processes within judicial bodies, which is a relevant underlying theme also present in the discussion about the need for a data protection expert within the TDSAT.
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Mains level: Migration; Remittances;
Why in the News?
Recent data show a decline in remittances from Gulf countries to India, while contributions from advanced economies have grown.
Why has the share of remittances from Gulf countries to India declined while contributions from advanced economies have increased?
- Wage Stagnation and Cost of Living in the Gulf: Wages in Gulf countries have remained relatively stagnant, while the cost of living has increased, reducing the savings and ability to send money home of Indian workers. Example: The UAE introduced a Value Added Tax (VAT) in 2018, increasing living costs for migrant workers.
- Shift in Migration Patterns Toward High-Income Countries: More Indian professionals and skilled workers are migrating to advanced economies like the U.S., Canada, and the U.K., where salaries are higher. Example: The number of Indian students and skilled workers in Canada has surged, contributing to rising remittances from the country.
- Stringent Localization Policies in the Gulf: Gulf nations have implemented employment nationalization policies that push for localization in jobs (e.g., Saudization in Saudi Arabia, Nitaqat in UAE), shrinking opportunities for foreign workers, including Indians.
- Depreciation of Gulf Currencies Against the U.S. Dollar: The exchange rates of Gulf currencies, which are tied to U.S. dollar, have not appreciated significantly, while the Indian rupee has remained relatively stable. Example: A stronger U.S. dollar means remittances from the U.S. convert to more Indian rupees compared to Gulf remittances.
- Expansion of India’s IT and Healthcare Workforce Abroad: Skilled professionals in IT, healthcare, and finance are securing jobs in developed countries, leading to increased remittances from these sectors. Example: Indian tech workers in the U.S. under the H-1B visa program send substantial remittances back home, contributing to the U.S.’s growing share.
| Global Migration & Remittance Shifts: How India Compares with Other Nations |
Traditional Remittance Sources |
New Migration Trends |
Key Drivers of Change |
| India |
Gulf countries (UAE, Saudi Arabia, Qatar) |
U.S., Canada, U.K., Germany |
Wage stagnation in the Gulf, rise in high-skilled migration, better job opportunities in advanced economies |
| Philippines |
Middle East, Southeast Asia |
U.S., Canada, Australia |
Strong demand for healthcare workers, education-driven migration, better worker rights in Western nations |
| Vietnam |
Japan, South Korea, Taiwan |
U.S., Europe, Australia |
Economic ties with Western economies, investment in skilled workforce |
| Mexico |
U.S. |
Europe, South America |
Stricter U.S. immigration policies, expansion of trade ties with Spain and Latin America |
| Bangladesh |
Gulf countries, Malaysia |
Limited shift; still Gulf-dependent |
Fewer high-skilled migration pathways, reliance on traditional labor jobs |
| Pakistan |
Saudi Arabia, UAE |
Minimal change; remains Gulf-dependent |
Economic constraints, limited alternative migration routes |
What are the reasons behind the decline in the number of blue-collar workers emigrating from the Southern States to the Gulf?
- Improved Employment Opportunities in India: Economic growth and industrial expansion in southern states have created more local job opportunities, reducing the need for migration. Example: Tamil Nadu and Telangana have seen growth in manufacturing (automobiles, electronics) and IT sectors, offering better wages compared to low-paying Gulf jobs.
- Stringent Gulf Employment Policies & Localization Programs: Gulf nations have implemented policies like Saudization and Emiratization, prioritizing local workers over foreign laborers, reducing demand for Indian blue-collar workers. Example: Saudi Arabia’s Nitaqat system has restricted Indian employment in sectors like retail and construction.
- Higher Migration Costs and Reduced Financial Returns: The cost of migration, including visa fees, recruitment charges, and living expenses, has risen, while wages in the Gulf have remained stagnant, making migration less attractive. Example: In Kerala, many workers are opting for European destinations (e.g., Italy, Germany) instead of the Gulf due to better wages and worker rights.
How has the shift in migration patterns impacted States like Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, and West Bengal in terms of remittance inflows?
- Slower Growth in Remittance Inflows: These states still send large numbers of workers to the Gulf, where wages and remittances are lower compared to advanced economies. Example: Despite high migration from Uttar Pradesh and Bihar, their share in India’s total remittances remains low (around 3%), while Kerala and Maharashtra, with migrants in high-income countries, receive a higher share.
- Limited Economic Upliftment Due to Lower Earnings: Since Gulf remittances have lower financial returns, households in these states see limited improvements in savings and investments. Example: While Tamil Nadu and Kerala benefit from higher wages in the U.S. and the U.K., families in Rajasthan and West Bengal largely rely on low-wage Gulf jobs, leading to slower economic mobility.
- Higher Economic Vulnerability and Migration Dependency: With fewer alternative employment opportunities, many continue to migrate to the Gulf despite lower wages, reinforcing economic dependence on remittances. Example: Unlike Punjab, where migration to Canada has increased financial stability, states like Bihar still rely on remittances from Gulf labor, leaving them more vulnerable to economic downturns in the region.
Which factors contribute to the continued high migration from northern and eastern States to the Gulf despite lower financial returns?
- Skill Development and Certification Programs: Initiatives like the Pravasi Kaushal Vikas Yojana (PKVY) aim to enhance the skills of Indian workers, making them eligible for higher-paying jobs abroad. Example: The program aligns skill training with international standards, increasing employment prospects in advanced economies.
- Bilateral Agreements and Labour Welfare Measures: India has signed labor agreements with Gulf countries to ensure better working conditions, fair wages, and legal protection for migrant workers. Example: The India-UAE MoU on Labor Cooperation provides safeguards against exploitation and ensures wage protection.
Way forward:
- Enhancing High-Skilled Migration Pathways: The government should strengthen bilateral agreements with high-income countries to facilitate the migration of skilled professionals, particularly in IT, healthcare, and engineering.
- Expanding initiatives like the India-Germany Skilled Workers Pact and negotiating better visa policies with the U.S., Canada, and the U.K. will ensure higher remittance inflows.
- Skill Development and Certification for Diversified Destinations: To reduce dependence on Gulf remittances, India should invest in internationally recognized skill training through programs like Pravasi Kaushal Vikas Yojana (PKVY) and collaborate with European and East Asian countries for labor mobility agreements.
Mains PYQ:
Q Discuss the changes in the trends of labour migration within and outside India in the last four decades. (2015)
Reason: This PYQ asks for a discussion of changes in labour migration trends over a significant historical period (the last four decades) and across both internal and external migration.
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Free Speech Index
Why in the News?
A global survey by The Future of Free Speech, a US -based think tank, has ranked India 24th out of 33 countries in terms of support for free speech.
| The right to freedom of speech and expression is guaranteed under Article 19(1)(a) of the Indian Constitution, allowing citizens to express their opinions freely. This right includes various forms of expression like speech, writing, art, and digital media, RTI, and even the right not to speak. However, it is subject to reasonable restrictions as outlined in Article 19(2), including security, public order, and decency. |
About the Free Speech Index
- The Future of Free Speech, an independent U.S.-based think tank released this report titled ‘Who in the World Supports Free Speech?’.
- It evaluates public attitudes towards free speech across 33 countries, highlighting trends, regional variations, and challenges to freedom of expression worldwide.
- It emphasized the decline in support for protecting controversial speech, despite strong abstract support for free speech in many countries.
India’s Ranking:
- India is ranked 24th out of 33 countries in the 2024 Global Free Speech Index, with a score of 62.6.
- While Indians generally consider free speech important, 37% of respondents support restrictions on criticizing government policies, which is the highest percentage among the surveyed countries.
- India is an exception to the general trend, as public support for free speech does not align with actual protections, pointing to increasing government restrictions on expression.
Global Highlights:
- Norway (87.9) and Denmark (87.0) lead the rankings, demonstrating strong commitment to free speech and dissent.
- Indonesia (56.8), Malaysia (55.4), and Pakistan (57.0) showed the biggest improvements, although they still ranked lower on the scale.
- Several democratic nations, including the US, Israel, and Japan, have seen a decline in free speech support since 2021.
- Countries like Hungary (85.5) and Venezuela (81.8) scored high, indicating a disconnect between government-imposed restrictions and public attitudes towards free speech.
PYQ:
[UPSC 2014] What do you understand by the concept of “freedom of speech and expression”? Does it cover hate speech also? Why do films in India stand on a slightly different plane from other forms of expression? Discuss.
[2018] Right to Privacy is protected as an intrinsic part of Right to Life and Personal Liberty. Which of the following in the Constitution of India correctly and appropriately imply the above statement?
(a) Article 14 and the provisions under the 42nd Amendment to the Constitution.
(b) Article 17 and the Directive Principles of State Policy in Part IV.
(c) Article 21 and the freedoms guaranteed in Part III.
(d) Article 24 and the provisions under the 44th Amendment to the Constitution. |
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Muzhara Movement
Why in the News?
On March 19, the anniversary of the Muzhara movement is observed, marking a significant chapter in Punjab’s agrarian struggles.
About Muzhara Movement
- Muzharas were farmers who worked the land but had no ownership rights.
- They were part of a larger class of landless peasants in Punjab, facing oppressive feudal systems.
- The biswedars (landlords), who took one-third of the produce, controlled the land.
- This system led to economic exploitation, with a significant portion of the produce and profits going to the feudal landlords and, ultimately, the British colonial rulers.
- The muzharas were seeking ownership of the land they had tilled for generations, asserting their right to the land in opposition to both the feudal and colonial systems.
- In March 1949, when the biswedars tried to reclaim land from the muzharas, Kishangarh village became the epicentre of the struggle.
- A violent standoff between the muzharas and the Patiala police ensued, which resulted in the death of a police officer on March 17.
- The army intervened on March 19, leading to four muzharas being killed in the ensuing confrontation.
Other Contemporary Peasant’s Movements
|
Details |
| Champaran Satyagraha (1917) |
- Led by Mahatma Gandhi in Bihar against the tinkathia system, where peasants were forced to grow indigo on part of their land.
- Resulted in the Champaran Agrarian Act (1918), which abolished oppressive practices.
|
| Kheda Satyagraha (1918) |
- Organized in Gujarat after crop failures when the government refused to remit land revenue.
- Gandhi and Sardar Patel supported peasants in withholding revenue payments until demands were met.
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| Bardoli Satyagraha (1928) |
- Led by Vallabhbhai Patel in Gujarat against a 30% hike in land revenue.
- The movement succeeded, and Patel earned the title “Sardar” for his leadership.
|
| Tebhaga Movement (1946-47) |
- Initiated by the Kisan Sabha in Bengal, demanding a two-thirds share of produce for tenants instead of the customary half.
- Despite being suppressed violently, it highlighted peasant rights.
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| Telangana Movement (1946-51) |
- A communist-led peasant guerrilla struggle in Andhra Pradesh against feudal landlords and the Nizam’s oppressive regime.
- Achieved redistribution of land and improved
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PYQ:
[UPSC 2013] The demand for the Tebhaga Peasant Movement in Bengal was for:
(a) the reduction of the share of the landlords from one-half of the crop to one-third,
(b) the grant of ownership of land to peasants as they were the actual cultivators of the land,
(c) the uprooting of Zamindari system and the end of serfdom,
(d) writing off all peasant debts |
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: National Program for Dairy Development (NPDD)
Why in the News?
The Union Cabinet has approved the Revised National Programme for Dairy Development (NPDD), enhancing its scope and funding to modernize and expand the dairy sector across India.
About the National Programme for Dairy Development (NPDD)
- It is implemented by the Department of Animal Husbandry & Dairying (DAHD).
- The scheme has been operational since February 2014, initially targeting the development of dairy cooperatives and expanding infrastructure to support dairy activities.
- In July 2021, the scheme was restructured to align with the goals of the 15th Finance Commission cycle (2021-2026), to run from 2021 to 2026 with an enhanced budget.
- It focuses on providing technical and financial assistance to improve the dairy infrastructure in India, including enhancing milk procurement, processing, and marketing capabilities.
- It also aims to provide training facilities for dairy farmers, improving their skills and fostering rural development.
Revised Components of NPDD Scheme:
The Revised NPDD, a Central Sector Scheme, is designed with two primary components that focus on dairy infrastructure development and cooperative strengthening:
Component A: Dairy Infrastructure Improvement
- This component focuses on improving essential dairy infrastructure, such as the installation of milk chilling plants, advanced milk testing laboratories, and certification systems for quality assurance.
- Special attention is given to the North Eastern Region (NER), hilly areas, and Union Territories (UTs), where support is provided for the formation of new dairy cooperative societies and the strengthening of milk procurement and processing systems.
- Grant support will be provided for the formation of 2 Milk Producer Companies, ensuring a more efficient procurement system.
Component B: Dairying through Cooperatives (DTC)
- This component focuses on fostering dairy development through cooperative models in partnership with the Government of Japan and Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA).
- It aims to sustainably develop dairy cooperatives, improve production, processing, and marketing infrastructure in 9 key states: Andhra Pradesh, Bihar, Madhya Pradesh, Punjab, Rajasthan, Telangana, Uttarakhand, Uttar Pradesh, and West Bengal.
- This component seeks to introduce international best practices in cooperative management and dairy technologies.
PYQ:
[UPSC 2013] Which of the following grants direct credit assistance to the households?
1. Regional Rural Banks
2. National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development
3. Land Development Banks
Select the correct answer using 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: Indo-Pacific Oceans Initiative (IPOI)
Why in the News?
New Zealand has expressed its willingness to join the Indo-Pacific Oceans Initiative (IPOI).
About Indo-Pacific Oceans Initiative (IPOI)
- India launched the IPOI at the East Asia Summit in November 2019 to promote cooperation for a free, open, and rules-based Indo-Pacific.
- The initiative aims to strengthen maritime security, stability, and development in the region by fostering multilateral engagement among Indo-Pacific nations.
- It builds on India’s Security and Growth for All in the Region (SAGAR) vision, which emphasizes the importance of collaborative efforts in regional maritime governance.
- The IPOI operates as a voluntary, non-treaty-based arrangement, relying on existing frameworks like the EAS mechanism, ensuring flexibility and adaptability in cooperation.
- The IPOI is structured around 7 key pillars, with specific countries taking the lead in each area:
- Maritime Security: UK and India
- Maritime Ecology: Australia and Thailand
- Maritime Resources: France and Indonesia
- Capacity Building and Resource Sharing: Germany
- Disaster Risk Reduction and Management: India and Bangladesh
- Science, Technology, and Academic Cooperation: Italy and Singapore
- Trade, Connectivity, and Maritime Transport: Japan and the US
Mandate of IPOI:
- The IPOI seeks to establish a rules-based regional order in the Indo-Pacific, facilitating the free movement of goods, services, and people while respecting the sovereignty of nations.
- The initiative enhances regional maritime security by fostering cooperation among countries to tackle shared challenges such as piracy, illegal fishing, smuggling, and other maritime crimes.
- IPOI aims to boost regional capacity for disaster risk reduction and management, encouraging collaboration on disaster preparedness and response, thus minimizing the effects of natural disasters.
- As a non-treaty, voluntary initiative, IPOI offers flexibility, allowing nations to participate according to common interests without adding new institutional responsibilities.
PYQ:
[UPSC 2011] The strategic significance of South-East Asia lies in its:
(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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