PYQ Relevance:
Q Despite comprehensive policies for equity and social justice, underprivileged sections are not yet getting the full benefits of affirmative action envisaged by the Constitution. Comment. (UPSC 2024)
Reason: This question relates to the broader issue of systemic barriers preventing marginalized groups from accessing their rights and benefits, which is relevant to the discriminatory impact of habitual offender laws. |
Mentor’s Comment: The Supreme Court’s questioning of habitual offender laws highlights their colonial origins and continued misuse against Denotified Tribes, raising concerns about constitutional validity and human rights. Despite the repeal of the Criminal Tribes Act in 1952, similar state laws persist, leading to discrimination. The UN and human rights bodies urge India to repeal them.
This issue is crucial for GS-2 (Governance & Social Justice), GS-3 (Internal Security), and Ethics, showcasing the need for legal reforms to balance security with civil liberties.
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Let’s learn!
Why in the News?
Recently, the Supreme Court of India has questioned the need for old laws that label some criminals as “habitual offenders.
What is “habitual offenders”?
A habitual offender is a person repeatedly convicted of crimes, often subject to stricter surveillance or penalties under special laws. In India, such classifications have historically targeted marginalized communities, including Denotified Tribes, leading to discrimination. The Supreme Court has questioned the constitutional validity of these laws, urging their review.
What is the origin of the ‘habitual offender’ classification?
- Colonial-Era Criminalization (1793-1871) – The process began with Regulation XXII of 1793, which allowed magistrates to imprison or put to work certain tribes based on suspicion. The Indian Penal Code (1860) and Criminal Procedure Code (1861) introduced a system for maintaining registers of “dacoits and thugs,” leading to the Criminal Tribes Act (CTA) of 1871, which officially labeled entire communities as “criminal tribes.”
- Post-Independence Repeal & Denotification (1949-1952) – The Criminal Tribes Act Enquiry Committee (1949-50) recommended repealing the CTA, leading to its abolition in 1952. Communities previously classified as criminal were denotified and categorized as Denotified, Nomadic, and Semi-Nomadic Tribes (DNT, NT, SNT).
- State-Level Habitual Offender Laws (1948-Present) – After CTA’s repeal, States enacted habitual offender laws, shifting the focus from communities to individuals with past convictions. However, the Lokur Committee (1965) continued to view denotified tribes as having an “anti-social heritage,” reinforcing stereotypes.
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What has the Supreme Court of India said about the classification of “habitual offenders”?
- Constitutional Suspect & Targeting of Denotified Tribes – In October 2023, the Supreme Court of India questioned the very basis of the “habitual offender” classification, calling it “constitutionally suspect” and stating that it was being used to target members of denotified tribes unfairly. Example: The SC pointed out that in states like Rajasthan, prison manuals explicitly referred to denotified tribes as “habitual offenders”, perpetuating historical discrimination.
- Whole Communities Cannot Be Criminalized – The Court emphasized that no entire community should be labeled as criminals, just as was done under the colonial-era Criminal Tribes Act (CTA) of 1871, which was repealed in 1952. Example: The SC noted that habitual offender laws essentially replaced the CTA, reinforcing stereotypes against denotified tribes and nomadic groups.
- Urged States to Review and Repeal the Laws – While deciding a case on caste discrimination in prisons, the SC urged state governments to review whether such laws were necessary and ensure that they are not used for social discrimination. Example: In response, Punjab and Odisha stated they had not implemented the law in over five years, and Andhra Pradesh reported that no prisoners were classified under it.
Why were certain communities historically criminalized under colonial laws like the Criminal Tribes Act of 1871?
- Colonial Control & Surveillance – The British classified certain nomadic and tribal communities as “criminal tribes” to maintain strict surveillance and control over mobile populations they saw as a threat to law and order. These groups did not conform to settled agricultural lifestyles, making them difficult to regulate. Example: The Lambada (Banjara) community, traditionally nomadic traders, were branded as criminals to restrict their movement.
- Perceived Threat to British Interests – Many of these communities had been warriors, rebels, or supporters of local rulers who resisted British rule. The British saw them as a security threat and sought to suppress their influence. Example: The Thuggee suppression campaign led to the criminalization of Thuggee gangs, whom the British accused of organized robbery and ritual killings, justifying mass arrests and executions.
- Economic & Labor Exploitation – By labeling entire communities as criminal, the British forced them into state surveillance systems, making it easier to recruit them for low-wage, bonded labor. Many were compelled to work under colonial infrastructure projects.Example: Members of the Domb and Kuruva communities were used for forced labor in road and railway construction.
- Social & Racial Stereotyping – The British imposed their own racial biases, believing certain castes and tribes were inherently criminal or “born criminals.” They institutionalized these stereotypes in official records, further marginalizing these groups. Example: The Sansis and Pardhis, historically hunter-gatherers, were deemed criminal simply because of their alternative livelihoods.
- Weakening Indigenous Resistance & Policing Society – The act helped British authorities justify mass surveillance, arrests, and forced resettlement, weakening traditional structures of self-governance and making people more dependent on the colonial system. Example: The Kolis in western India, once involved in anti-British uprisings, were listed as habitual offenders, stripping them of economic and political power.
Which states have repealed or discontinued the implementation of habitual offender laws?
- Haryana: The state has officially repealed its habitual offender laws, removing such legislation from its legal framework.
- Punjab: While the habitual offender law has not been formally repealed, Punjab has effectively discontinued its application. Over the past five years, the state has neither maintained registers of habitual offenders nor issued any related orders, indicating a de facto cessation of the law’s enforcement.
- Odisha: Similarly, Odisha has not registered any cases under its habitual offender law in the last five years, effectively discontinuing its implementation.
- Andhra Pradesh: The state has confirmed that no individuals are currently imprisoned under the habitual offender law, indicating its non-enforcement.
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How have international organizations like the United Nations responded to India’s habitual offender laws?
- UN Special Rapporteurs’ Criticism (2021-2022): UN Special Rapporteurs on Contemporary Forms of Racism and Minority Issues have criticized India’s habitual offender laws for disproportionately targeting certain marginalized communities, such as Denotified Tribes (DNTs).
- They have highlighted that these laws perpetuate colonial-era stigmatization and violate international human rights principles.
- Universal Periodic Review (UPR) at the UNHRC (2017, 2022): India’s Universal Periodic Review (UPR) at the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) has featured discussions on the criminalization of DNTs and the misuse of habitual offender laws.
- International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR) Concerns: The UN Human Rights Committee, which oversees compliance with the ICCPR, has expressed concerns that habitual offender laws violate fundamental rights, including protection from arbitrary detention (Article 9) and non-discrimination (Article 26).
- Example: The Committee has asked India to review laws that enable police to harass and surveil individuals based on past convictions rather than actual offenses.
- UN Committee on the Elimination of Racial Discrimination (CERD) Recommendations: The CERD has criticized habitual offender laws for reinforcing caste-based and ethnic discrimination, particularly against nomadic and semi-nomadic tribes.
- Example: The CERD has urged India to repeal these laws and introduce policies that protect the rights of Denotified Tribes instead of labeling them as criminals.
- Reports by UN Agencies and Human Rights Organizations: Reports by UNICEF and the OHCHR (Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights) have highlighted how habitual offender laws restrict freedom of movement and socio-economic opportunities for affected communities.
- Example: Human Rights Watch (HRW) and Amnesty International have also supported UN recommendations, calling for legal reforms to eliminate discrimination against DNTs and other marginalized groups.
Way forward:
- Legal Reforms & Repeal of Habitual Offender Laws: States should review and repeal habitual offender laws that disproportionately target Denotified Tribes (DNTs) and marginalized groups. The government should enact rehabilitation policies to ensure socio-economic inclusion instead of criminal surveillance.
- Human Rights-Based Approach & Community Integration: Need to Implement affirmative action programs for DNTs, including access to education, employment, and legal aid.
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Mains level: Issues related to multilateral institutions;
Why in the News?
The US’s independent actions could lead to global pushback, but they also create an opportunity for non-Western nations to step up as leaders.
What are the key multilateral institutions and agreements from which the U.S. has signalled withdrawal under the Trump administration?
- World Health Organization (WHO): The U.S. announced withdrawal in 2020, accusing WHO of mishandling the COVID-19 pandemic and being overly influenced by China.
- United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC): The U.S. exited in 2018, citing alleged bias against Israel and ineffective handling of human rights abuses.
- Paris Climate Agreement: The U.S. formally withdrew in 2020, arguing that the agreement unfairly burdened its economy while benefiting competitors like China and India. Example: The withdrawal slowed global climate efforts, as the U.S. is one of the largest carbon emitters.
- International Criminal Court (ICC): The U.S. imposed sanctions on ICC officials in 2020, rejecting its authority over American troops and allies. Example: Sanctions were placed on ICC officials investigating alleged U.S. war crimes in Afghanistan.
- World Trade Organization (WTO): The U.S. blocked appointments to the WTO Appellate Body, crippling its ability to resolve trade disputes. Example: This led to a breakdown in the global trade dispute resolution system, impacting countries like India and China.
What is the DEFUND Act?
The Disengaging Entirely from the United Nations Debacle (DEFUND) Act is a proposed U.S. legislation introduced by Senator Mike Lee. It seeks to completely withdraw the U.S. from the United Nations (UN), repeal key participation laws, cut all funding, and revoke diplomatic immunity for UN officials within the U.S. |
Why does the proposed DEFUND Act pose a threat to the legitimacy of the United Nations?
- Financial Crisis for the UN: The U.S. is the largest financial contributor to the UN, funding around 22% of its budget. The DEFUND Act would halt all U.S. contributions, severely affecting UN operations. Example: The UN’s peacekeeping missions and humanitarian aid programs in conflict zones like Syria and Yemen would face funding shortages.
- Weakening of Multilateral Cooperation: The Act would repeal key legislation like the United Nations Participation Act of 1945, severing U.S. engagement with the UN. This could encourage other nations to follow suit, undermining the UN’s credibility. Example: Without U.S. involvement, the UN Security Council may struggle to enforce resolutions, reducing its effectiveness in global crisis management.
- Legal and Diplomatic Challenges: The Act would revoke the diplomatic immunity of UN officials in the U.S., disrupting UN functions and diplomatic activities. Example: The UN Headquarters in New York might face operational difficulties, making it harder to conduct international negotiations.
How has the U.S. administration’s stance on the International Criminal Court (ICC) impacted global accountability for human rights violations?
- Undermining International Justice Mechanisms: The U.S. imposed sanctions on ICC officials in 2020, accusing the court of targeting American personnel and allies. This weakened the ICC’s ability to investigate war crimes and crimes against humanity, particularly in conflict zones like Afghanistan and Palestine.
- Encouraging Non-Cooperation with the ICC: The U.S.’s non-recognition of the ICC has emboldened other nations to ignore its rulings, reducing its global influence. Countries under investigation may refuse cooperation, limiting the court’s effectiveness in ensuring accountability.
- Example: Israel rejected ICC jurisdiction in its war crimes probe in Palestinian territories, citing U.S. opposition to the investigation.
- Weakening the Principle of Universal Justice: By discrediting the ICC and blocking investigations, the U.S. has set a precedent for selective justice, where powerful nations can evade accountability while weaker states remain subject to scrutiny.
- Example: The ICC struggles to prosecute major powers like China or Russia, as the U.S.’s stance encourages a lack of enforcement in high-stakes human rights cases.
What are the chances for non-Western nations to assume global leadership roles?
- Expanding Economic and Political Influence – Emerging economies like China, India, and Brazil are increasing their global footprint through trade, technology, and strategic alliances.
Example: China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) enhances its economic influence across Asia, Africa, and Europe.
- Strengthening Regional and Multilateral Institutions – Non-Western nations are actively shaping global governance through regional organizations and alternative institutions.
Example: The BRICS bloc (Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa) launched the New Development Bank (NDB) as an alternative to Western-led financial institutions.
- Leadership in Global Crisis Management – Developing nations are taking initiative in addressing global challenges like climate change, health crises, and digital transformation.
Example: India’s Vaccine Maitri initiative supplied COVID-19 vaccines to over 100 countries, reinforcing its role in global health diplomacy.
What would be the impact on India?
- Challenges to Multilateralism and Global Governance: The U.S. exit from key institutions like the UN, WHO, and WTO weakens the global rules-based order, making international cooperation more fragmented. India, which strongly supports multilateral diplomacy, may face difficulties in global negotiations, including trade, climate change, and security.
- Example: The U.S. withdrawal from the Paris Climate Agreement (2017) reduced global climate finance commitments, impacting India’s renewable energy goals.
- Opportunity for India to Assume Leadership: As the U.S. retreats, India can play a more prominent role in shaping multilateral decision-making, advocating for reforms in the UNSC and WTO, and positioning itself as a bridge between developing and developed nations.
- Example: During the G-20 Foreign Ministers’ Meeting (2025), India emphasized the need for inclusive multilateralism, strengthening its diplomatic standing.
Way forward:
- Strengthen Multilateral Leadership – India should actively engage in UN reforms, WTO negotiations, and climate diplomacy, positioning itself as a stabilizing force in global governance.
- Diversify Strategic Alliances – India must deepen partnerships with EU, ASEAN, and African nations, enhancing trade, security, and diplomatic ties to counterbalance U.S. disengagement.
Mains PYQ:
Q “Critically examine the role of WHO in providing global health security during the Covid-19 pandemic. (UPSC 2020)
Reason: The World Health Organization (WHO) has faced calls for withdrawal by certain nations, highlighting a challenge to multilateral institutions. This PYQ directly assesses the role and, by extension, the relevance and effectiveness of the WHO in a global crisis, which is pertinent to discussions on the assault on multilateralism.
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Mains level: Digital Market challenges;
Why in the News?
On November 18, 2024, the Competition Commission of India (CCI) imposed a fine of ₹213.14 crore on Meta Platforms, Inc., for abusing its dominant position through WhatsApp’s 2021 Privacy Policy. This landmark decision underscores the growing intersection of competition law and data privacy, marking a significant step in regulating digital markets in India.
What were the key findings of the Competition Commission of India (CCI)?
- Abuse of Dominant Position in OTT Messaging & Online Advertising: CCI found that WhatsApp’s 2021 privacy policy update forced users to mandatorily consent to data sharing with Meta (Facebook, Instagram), strengthening WhatsApp’s dominance.
- Unfair Data Collection & Competitive Advantage: Meta leveraged WhatsApp’s vast user base to collect personal data, creating an unfair advantage in digital advertising by refining targeted ads.
- Potential Harm to Consumer Privacy & Competition: The policy update allowed cross-platform data sharing, which CCI considered an unfair trade practice that compromised user privacy and created barriers for rival messaging apps.
- Violation of Fair Market Practices & Entry Barriers: The data-sharing policy made it difficult for new entrants to compete, as they lacked access to similar user insights, reinforcing Meta’s market position. Example: Startups like Telegram faced challenges in growing due to WhatsApp’s entrenched market power and data-driven network effects.
- Imposition of Fine & Behavioral Remedies: CCI fined Meta ₹213.14 crore and imposed a five-year ban on sharing WhatsApp user data with Facebook and Instagram for advertising purposes. Example: This aimed to limit Meta’s ability to exploit its dominant position and create a level playing field in India’s digital ecosystem.
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Why did the National Company Law Appellate Tribunal (NCLAT) grant a stay on CCI’s five-year ban and penalty imposed on Meta?
- Prima Facie Case for Meta: NCLAT found grounds to review CCI’s decision, indicating that Meta’s appeal had merit and required further examination. Example: Meta argued that its privacy policy update did not force users but offered them a choice, which needed deeper legal scrutiny.
- Irreparable Harm to Meta’s Business: The five-year ban on sharing WhatsApp user data with Facebook and Instagram could cause significant financial and operational disruption to Meta’s business. Example: Meta claimed that restricting data integration would affect its targeted advertising model, reducing its revenue from India.
- Dominance and anti-competitive effects: NCLAT noted that CCI’s conclusions on abuse of dominance and anti-competitive effects required further legal and economic analysis before enforcement. Example: The tribunal wanted to assess whether the policy update genuinely harmed consumers or merely provided better services through personalized ads.
- Balance of Convenience: The tribunal ruled that temporarily halting the penalty and data-sharing ban would not cause immediate harm to consumers but would protect Meta from disproportionate damages while the case was under review. Example: If Meta had to immediately comply but later won the appeal, reversing the business impact would be difficult.
- Conditional Relief with Partial Penalty Payment: NCLAT granted the stay but directed Meta to deposit 50% of the ₹213.14 crore penalty, ensuring some accountability while legal proceedings continued. Example: This allowed Meta to continue operations without full compliance but ensured it remained engaged in the legal process.
How does data play a role in creating and sustaining dominance in digital markets?
- Data-Driven Network Effects: More users generate more data, which improves algorithms and services, attracting even more users, creating a self-reinforcing loop. Example: Google’s search engine improves as more users search, making its results better than competitors, reinforcing its market dominance.
- Competitive Barrier Through Data Aggregation: Large tech firms collect massive user data across multiple services, making it hard for new entrants to compete due to a lack of comparable datasets. Example: Meta collects data from Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp, allowing it to offer highly personalized ads, making it difficult for smaller ad platforms to compete.
- Monetization & Market Lock-In: Companies use vast data pools to refine targeted advertising, personalize user experiences, and create dependencies, discouraging users from switching. Example: Amazon leverages consumer purchase data to optimize product recommendations, making it harder for new e-commerce platforms to attract customers.
Which global regulatory actions have been taken against Meta and Google for their anti-competitive practices?
- Heavy Antitrust Fines: Governments have imposed billions in fines on Meta and Google for abusing their market dominance. Example: The European Commission fined Google €8 billion across three cases, including unfair dominance in mobile operating systems (Android) and online advertising.
- Similarly, the Bundeskartellamt (Germany’s Federal Cartel Office) found Meta guilty of merging user data without consent, violating EU competition law and GDPR.
- Structural and Behavioral Restrictions: Authorities have enforced regulatory measures like breaking up monopolistic control, imposing interoperability, and preventing self-preferencing. Example: The U.S. Federal Trade Commission (FTC) filed a lawsuit against Meta for acquiring Instagram and WhatsApp to eliminate competition.
- The Digital Markets Act (DMA) in the EU now mandates that dominant firms like Meta and Google ensure fair access to platforms, prevent self-preferencing, and allow third-party data-sharing.
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What should be amendments in India’s Competition Act, 2002 to address data-centric monopolies? (Way forward)
- Recognizing “Data Monopolization” as a Form of Market Power: The Act should explicitly define data dominance as a key factor in determining market power and abuse of dominance.
- Example: The EU’s Digital Markets Act (DMA) considers large data control a sign of dominance. India could adopt similar provisions to regulate companies like Meta and Google that leverage massive user data to eliminate competition.
- Mandatory Interoperability and Data-Sharing Regulations: The Act should mandate interoperability and restrict exclusive data-sharing agreements that create entry barriers for competitors.
- Example: In Germany, Meta was restricted from combining user data across platforms without explicit consent. Similarly, India could prevent dominant firms from self-preferencing their services and enforce data portability rules to promote fair competition.
Mains PYQ:
Q How have digital initiatives in India contributed to the functioning of the educational system in the country? Elaborate your answer.” (UPSC 2020)
Reason: This question underscores the significant impact of digital platforms on key sectors. The influence of digital giants extends to education (e.g., online learning platforms, content distribution), highlighting their pervasive role and the need for understanding and potentially regulating their impact.
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Sonic Weapon
Why in the News?
It is alleged that Serbian Police used a banned sonic weapon to disperse protesters in Belgrade.
What are Sonic Weapons?
- Sonic or acoustic weapons are devices designed to emit loud sounds over long distances, including both audible and inaudible sound waves.
- These waves can cause pain, discomfort, or disorientation.
- While sound amplifiers have been used for centuries, sonic weapons began being used for crowd control in the 1990s, with their first military use in Iraq in 2004.
- Working Mechanism: Sonic weapons use modern transducers to convert energy into concentrated sound, which can be controlled in terms of frequency, level, and duration.
Types of Sonic Weapons:
- Long-Range Acoustic Device (LRAD):
- Range: Up to 8,900 meters for intelligible speech.
- Sound Level: Can reach up to 160 dB, causing pain and potential hearing damage.
- Mosquito:
- Target Audience: Emits high-pitched sounds painful to younger people (teenagers and those in their twenties). Adults above 30 typically cannot hear it due to age-related hearing loss.
- Infrasonic Weapon:
- Sound Type: Delivers inaudible low-frequency sounds that cause pain and disorientation.
- Development: Still in early stages, with ongoing research into its full potential.
Health Implications:
- Short-Term exposure can cause tinnitus, headaches, nausea, and vertigo.
- Prolonged exposure may lead to permanent hearing damage, and symptoms like tinnitus can last for days.
PYQ:
[UPSC 2023] Consider the following statements regarding Agni-V and BrahMos Missiles:
1. Agni-V is a medium-range supersonic cruise missile, and BrahMos is a solid-fuelled intercontinental ballistic missile.
2. Both the missiles are developed under the Integrated Guided Missile Development Programme.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 only, (b) 2 only, (c) Both 1 and 2, (d) Neither 1 nor 2 |
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Spring Equinox
Why in the News?
March 20 marks the arrival of the vernal equinox in the Northern Hemisphere, signaling the beginning of the spring season.
What are Equinoxes?
- An equinox occurs when the Earth’s axis is not tilted toward or away from the Sun, resulting in equal length of day and night across the planet.
- Equinoxes occur twice a year:
- Vernal Equinox: Around March 20-21, marking the beginning of spring in the Northern Hemisphere and fall in the Southern Hemisphere.
- Autumnal Equinox: Around September 22-23, marking the beginning of fall in the Northern Hemisphere and spring in the Southern Hemisphere.
- On an equinox, the Sun is directly above the Equator, leading to almost equal distribution of sunlight between the Northern and Southern Hemispheres.
- The equal length of day and night is observed, with each lasting approximately 12 hours.
What are Solstices?
- A solstice occurs when the Earth’s tilt is most extreme either towards or away from the Sun. This results in the longest or shortest day of the year in each hemisphere.
- Solstices occur twice a year:
- Summer Solstice (Northern Hemisphere): Around June 20-22, marking the longest day and shortest night of the year, as the Northern Hemisphere is tilted toward the Sun.
- Winter Solstice (Northern Hemisphere): Around December 20-23, marking the shortest day and longest night of the year, as the Northern Hemisphere is tilted away from the Sun.
- Solstices create unequal distribution of sunlight, with one hemisphere receiving significantly more or less sunlight than the other.
Cultural Significance of the Equinox:
- Nowruz, celebrated on the vernal equinox, marks the beginning of the Persian New Year.
- The festival has been celebrated for over 3,000 years by the Zoroastrian community, including the Parsi community in India.
- Vernal Equinox Day is a national holiday in Japan, celebrating the arrival of spring.
- Easter, one of the most significant days in Christianity, is determined based on the first Sunday after the first full moon following the vernal equinox.
- Passover, the Jewish festival, begins on the first full moon after the vernal equinox.
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PYQ:
[UPSC 2019] On 21st June, the Sun
(a) does not set below the horizon at the Arctic Circle
(b) does not set below the horizon at Antarctic Circle
(c) shines vertically overhead at noon on the Equator
(d) shines vertically overhead at the Tropic of Capricorn |
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Health Expenditure Share of GDP
Why in the News?
The Union government has steadily increased its spending on healthcare, with the expenditure rising to 1.84% of GDP in 2021-22, up from 1.15% in 2013-14.
Overview of India’s Health Expenditure
- India has shown a consistent increase in government spending on healthcare, reflecting a growing commitment to improving the public healthcare system.
- As of 2021-22, government health expenditure (GHE) rose to 1.84% of GDP, up from 1.15% in 2013-14, and is on track to meet the National Health Policy 2017 target of 2.5% of GDP by 2025.
- The rise in health expenditure has been particularly significant post–COVID-19, with a 37% increase in government spending from 2020-21 to 2021-22.
- This has led to better healthcare accessibility, reduced financial burden on individuals, and greater focus on strengthening healthcare infrastructure.
What is Total Health Expenditure?
- Total Health Expenditure (THE) refers to the sum of all current and capital expenditures incurred by the government, private sector, and external sources for healthcare purposes in a given period.
- This includes:
- Current Health Expenditure (CHE): Ongoing spending on healthcare services, such as hospitals, doctor visits, and medical supplies.
- Capital Expenditure: Investments in healthcare infrastructure, such as building hospitals or purchasing medical equipment.
- In 2020-21, India’s THE was estimated at ₹7,39,327 crores, constituting 3.73% of GDP, with a per capita expenditure of ₹5,436.
- In 2021-22, this figure increased to ₹9,04,461 crores, representing 3.83% of GDP, reflecting a proactive government response to healthcare challenges and pandemic management.
Reasons for Reduced Out-of-Pocket Expenditure (OOPE)
The reduction in OOPE can be attributed to:
- Increased government health spending, making healthcare more affordable.
- Expansion of public health services, including vaccination and preventive care.
- Growth in government-funded health insurance and social security programs, reducing reliance on personal funds.
- Health initiatives like Ayushman Bharat have eased the financial burden.
- Improved public healthcare access and financial protection have reduced hardship for low- and middle-income families.
PYQ:
[2021] “Besides being a moral imperative of a Welfare State, primary health structure is a necessary precondition for sustainable development.” Analyse. |
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Potteries in Ancient India
Why in the News?
This newscard is an excerpt and extension of the original article published in the Indian Express.
Types of Potteries in Ancient India:
- Neolithic Age (10000 BCE): Pottery in this period was handmade, with rough, unglazed surfaces. Later, the footwheel was introduced, making pottery shaping more refined. Materials like clay, mica, and sand were used.
- Chalcolithic Age (4500-2000 BCE): The main pottery types during this era were Black-and-Red Ware, Black-on-Red Ware, and Ochre Colored Pottery (OCP). These were seen in cultures like Ahar-Banas and Jorwe, often featuring geometric designs.
- Indus Valley Civilization (3300-1500 BCE): Pottery was wheel-thrown, with both polished and unpolished varieties. Common pottery types included Black-and-Red Ware and Painted Grey Ware, adorned with geometric patterns and depictions of animals and plants.
- Vedic Era (1500-500 BCE): During this period, Painted Grey Ware (PGW) became prominent, characterized by fine grey pottery with black geometric patterns. Northern Black Polished Ware (NBPW) emerged, glossy and associated with the elite for its fine finish.
- Mauryan and Gupta Periods: The Mauryan period continued the use of NBPW, while the Gupta period introduced redware pottery. The Kushana period added red polished ware with stamped designs.
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Rise in Mercantile Activities and Evolution of Pottery Styles:
- The Vedic period saw the emergence of Painted Grey Ware (PGW), often linked with the Mahabharata and Ramayana.
- With the rise of Buddhism, Jainism, and urbanization, NBPW emerged during the Mahajanapada period.
- Glazed porcelain was introduced around 1000 AD through trade with China and Muslim traders, significantly influencing India’s pottery tradition.
How Pots are integral to understanding Culture?
- Material Culture: Pottery is a direct reflection of daily life and technological expertise. It reveals how ancient societies lived, worked, and expressed their culture through artistic and functional objects.
- Socio-Economic Indicators: The types of pottery indicate economic status. Luxury pottery like NBPW was reserved for the elite, while more common pottery suggests the everyday life of the broader society.
- Cultural and Religious Practices: Pottery had significant ritualistic and symbolic importance, used in religious ceremonies and burial rituals. Specific pots represented deities or were filled with sacred items like coconuts, bananas, and flowers.
- Technological and Artistic Development: The evolution of pottery-making, from handmade to wheel-thrown pottery, marks the increasing technological and artistic sophistication of ancient civilizations, highlighting advancements in both craftsmanship and creativity.
- Chronological Understanding: Pottery helps date ancient sites, providing key insights into the timeline of cultural and technological progress. It allows historians to map out the development of civilizations and better understand their historical context.
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