The Indian Army is conducting a high-intensity tri-services exercise named Poorvi Prahar from November 10 to 18 in Arunachal Pradesh’s forward areas.
About Exercise ‘Poorvi Prahar’
It is a joint effort of the Indian Army, Navy, and Air Force to improve combat effectiveness for Integrated Joint Operations in challenging mountainous terrain.
It features a broad range of advanced military platforms:
Aircraft and Helicopters: Includes fighter aircraft, reconnaissance platforms, Chinook helicopters, and the Advanced Light Helicopter (Rudra).
Artillery: Deployment of M777 Ultra-Light Howitzers.
Capabilities: These assets provide high mobility, firepower, and precision suited to the region’s tough terrain.
Significance:
It emphasizes the Indian Armed Forces’ readiness to conduct multi-domain operations across land, air, and sea, reinforcing India’s strategic deterrence capabilities in the region.
The delay in the 2021 Census and the upcoming Delimitation (2026), could widen representation gaps at all three layers of governance.
Most states in India (Maharashtra, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu) are formed based on language, and many have roots in ethnic or linguistic regions which is also becoming one of the major causes of layered discrimination.
What is Layered Discrimination?
Layered discrimination refers to the compounded and interconnected forms of discrimination that individuals or groups face due to multiple, overlapping identities, such as gender, race, class, or ethnicity.
What are the present causes behind the layered discrimination in India?
Central Governance: Since 1947, the population share of languages like Bengali, Kannada, Malayalam, Marathi, Odia, Punjabi, Tamil, and Telugu has dropped, while the proportion of Hindi speakers has risen significantly from 36% to nearly 43%.
This means that the regions with Linguistic and cultural dominance will gain more influence in the Parliament, while those that have controlled their population will have less say and will mainly contribute revenue.
This will also deepen the structural disparities between the different states affecting our federal structure.
State Governance: With longstanding differences wrt ‘Total Fertility Rates’ among different states (like Bihar vs. Kerala), lead to issues regarding resource allocation and policy formation remain unsettled.
For example, the decision of the 16th Finance Commission to include the 2011 Census instead of the 1971 Census to devolve funds to States will be even more discriminatory to developed States.
It reflects the continuation of the existing bias against the non-Hindi States.
What are the implications of layered discrimination on policy and legal frameworks?
Policy Impact: When policies, such as Delimitation, unintentionally favor certain regions or communities over others, it can reinforce inequalities.
In this case, non-Hindi-speaking states that have successfully controlled their populations and contribute a significant share of national revenue may face decreased representation in the Lok Sabha, reducing their influence on Union policy.
Legal Framework Impact: Layered discrimination underscores the need for legal frameworks that recognize regional disparities and protect equitable representation.
Legal principles such as “No taxation without representation” suggest the necessity for reforms that balance contribution with influence, ensuring that states contributing more to the GDP and population control policies do not lose their political voice.
Significant Potential of Delimitation in this Scenario:
Redistribution of Political Power: Delimitation could reshape the political landscape by adjusting Lok Sabha seat allocations based on population, potentially giving more representation to populous regions.
Incentivizing Population Control: By rewarding states with controlled population growth, delimitation could encourage better family planning policies and demographic balance.
Enhancing Representation: A fair delimitation process could lead to more accurate representation of the population, aligning political influence with current demographic realities.
Way forward:
Need to work on Intersectionality: The Intersectionality Framework in policy implementation reveals that individuals and groups experience discrimination based on multiple, overlapping identities such as gender, race, class, language, and region rather than a single factor.
It shows how various systems of power (like patriarchy, racism, and economic inequality) intersect and create unique challenges.
This approach helps us to understand how certain groups face compounded disadvantages due to intersecting social structures.
Balancing Delimitation and Decentralization: Implement delimitation reforms with careful consideration of regional contributions, ensuring equitable representation for both populous and less-populous states.
PYQ:
Mains:
Q Examine the need for electoral reforms as suggested by various committees with particular reference to “one nation-one election” principle. (2024)
Q What changes has the Union Government recently introduced in the domain of Centre-State relations? Suggest measures to be adopted to build trust between the Centre and the States and for strengthening federalism. (2024)
On November 13, 2024, the Supreme Court criticized states for using bulldozers to demolish homes of accused individuals, condemning it as a display of “might is right” that leaves families destitute.
What guidelines has the Supreme Court laid down to regulate future demolition actions?
15-Day Notice Requirement: The authorities must issue a prior notice of at least 15 days to the occupants of a property before demolition.
The notice must include details of the unauthorized construction, violations, and grounds for demolition, providing the affected party an opportunity to challenge the action.
Fair Opportunity to Contest: Occupants must be given a fair chance to contest the demolition before the designated authority. The authority must provide reasoned conclusions in its final order, ensuring transparency and accountability in the decision-making process.
Videography of Demolitions: All demolitions must be videographed to ensure that the process is carried out lawfully and without excessive force. This acts as a safeguard against abuse of power.
Penalty for Non-Compliance: Public officials who fail to comply with these guidelines will face contempt action and prosecution, with personal liability for restitution of demolished property.
Exceptions: The guidelines do not apply in cases of encroachment on public property or where demolition is ordered by a court, ensuring that the ruling does not interfere with lawful orders.
What are the implications of the Supreme Court’s ruling on demolitions linked to criminal accusations?
Protection of Fundamental Rights: The ruling safeguards individuals’ fundamental rights, particularly the right to life and property under Article 21 of the Constitution.
The Court emphasized that an accused is presumed innocent until proven guilty and that demolishing a property without due process violates the constitutional guarantee of fair treatment.
Accountability of Public Officials: The ruling holds public officials accountable for actions that undermine justice and fairness. Violations of the prescribed guidelines will result in contempt charges and personal liability for restitution, reinforcing the responsibility of the state to adhere to the rule of law.
Prevention of Arbitrary Executive Action: By limiting the state’s power to demolish properties, the Court has curtailed arbitrary executive actions that could be seen as collective punishment. The executive must now act within the bounds of natural justice and due process.
How the Ruling Addresses Concerns About Selective Targeting and Discrimination in Demolitions?
Addressing Communal Bias: The Court acknowledged concerns that demolitions were being carried out with a communal bias. By invoking Article 142 to issue binding directives, the Court seeks to curb discriminatory practices, ensuring that no group or individual is targeted based on religious, social, or other factors.
Prevention of Selective Targeting: The Court emphasized that demolitions should not be selective or targeted. It pointed out that if one structure is chosen for demolition while similar structures remain untouched, it could indicate mala fide intent.
Way forward:
Strengthen Oversight Mechanisms: Establish independent bodies to monitor demolition actions and ensure compliance with the Supreme Court’s guidelines, preventing misuse of power and ensuring transparency in the process.
Ensure Comprehensive Legal Reforms: Advocate for legislative changes that reinforce the principles of due process, protecting individuals from arbitrary state actions and ensuring fair treatment for all, particularly marginalized communities.
Mains PYQ:
Q Examine the scope of Fundamental Rights in the light of the latest judgement of the Supreme Court on Right to Privacy. (UPSC IAS/2017)
The International Energy Agency reports that 681 million people in India rely on solid fuels for cooking, causing health and environmental concerns. The Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana (PMUY) provides subsidized LPG connections to promote clean fuel adoption in Jammu and Kashmir.
What is Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana (PMUY)?
The Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana (PMUY) is a government scheme aimed at providing subsidized LPG connections to poor households, promoting clean cooking fuel, improving health, and reducing dependence on solid fuels.
What specific benefits has the PMUY provided to households in Jammu and Kashmir?
Increased LPG Adoption: The PMUY scheme has significantly increased the availability of LPG in rural areas of Jammu and Kashmir.
Around 85.07% of households in rural areas now have official LPG connections, with 68% of them having obtained these connections through PMUY.
Health Benefits: PMUY adoption has led to a marked reduction in respiratory problems, such as coughing, chest infections, and headaches, particularly among BPL and AAY households.
Health improvements were more prominent in households with additional appliances like rice cookers and those with educated members.
Reduction in Solid Fuel Usage: Although not completely eliminating the use of traditional fuels, the scheme has led to moderate reductions in the reliance on solid fuels like firewood. The average consumption of firewood per household was 226 kilograms over six months.
Cultural and Health Improvements: For households that adopted LPG under PMUY, there was a noticeable reduction in indoor smoke exposure, leading to better health outcomes, especially for women who were primarily responsible for cooking.
How has the implementation of PMUY addressed local challenges related to fuel availability and usage?
Enhanced Fuel Access: PMUY has addressed the issue of limited access to clean cooking fuel in rural areas by providing subsidized LPG connections. This has significantly reduced the reliance on harmful solid fuels, such as firewood, in many areas, particularly those with difficult topography like Rajouri.
Dual-Fuel Usage and Financial Barriers: Despite increased LPG adoption, 85% of households still practice fuel stacking, using both LPG and traditional fuels. This is largely due to the high cost of refilling LPG cylinders. The scheme has not entirely solved financial barriers, which continue to force households to rely on cheaper, polluting fuels.
Awareness and Education Gaps: One of the key challenges to exclusive LPG use is the lack of awareness about its health benefits. Nearly half of the surveyed households were unaware of the risks associated with solid fuel use. This barrier has been compounded by limited access to communication devices, such as televisions and mobile phones, particularly for women who are the primary cooks.
Cultural Attachment to Traditional Cooking Methods: Despite the availability of LPG, traditional cooking methods (e.g., chulhas) continue to persist in the region due to cultural attachment. This presents a challenge in transitioning entirely to clean cooking fuels.
However, the study found that households with educated members and modern appliances like rice cookers were more likely to use LPG exclusively.
Way forward:
Targeted Awareness Campaigns: Launch region-specific awareness programs, particularly for women, highlighting the health benefits of LPG and addressing misconceptions, while utilizing mobile and community outreach for wider reach.
Financial Support for LPG Refills: Introduce subsidies or microfinance schemes to ease the financial burden of LPG refills, encouraging exclusive use of clean fuels and reducing reliance on harmful solid fuels.
Mains PYQ:
Q Access to affordable, reliable, sustainable and modern energy is the sine qua non to achieve Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)”.Comment on the progress made in India in this regard. (UPSC IAS/2018)
At the COP29 climate summit in Baku, Azerbaijan, the adoption of Article 6.4 of the Paris Agreement has paved the way for global carbon trading under UN supervision.
This new development allows UN member countries to trade carbon credits globally.
What is Article 6.4?
Article 6.4 of the Paris Agreement establishes a global carbon market to facilitate carbon credit trading between countries.
It is part of Article 6, which outlines mechanisms for international cooperation in achieving net-zero emissions.
Objective: Enable countries to offset their emissions by investing in emission reduction projects in other countries.
It establishes a global carbon market overseen by a UNFCCC SupervisoryBody.
This body would develop rules, monitors credit issuance, and ensures compliance with international standards.
It allows countries to generate and trade Emission Reduction Credits (ERCs), which represent reductions in CO₂ or equivalent greenhouse gases.
Credits are earned from approved climate projects and can be traded globally.
Through subsections like Article 6.2, countries can use ITMOs (Internationally Transferred Mitigation Outcomes) to meet their NDCs, which are tradeable units representing emissions reductions.
Significance of Article 6.4
Cost-Effective Climate Action: By enabling global carbon markets, Article 6.4 could save an estimated $250 billion annually in implementing climate plans, providing a cost-efficient path to emission reductions.
Support for NDCs: The mechanism helps countries meet their NDC targets under the Paris Agreement, allowing more flexibility and incentivizing investments in green projects worldwide.
Economic Growth and Climate Mitigation: Carbon markets foster investments in clean energy, create jobs in climate-focused sectors, and link economic growth with climate action.
Encourages Sustainable Development: Article 6.4 incentivizes sustainable projects in developing countries, promoting green technology transfer and supporting local economies.
Types of Carbon Credit Projects under Article 6.4
Emission Reduction Projects
Energy Efficiency Improvements: Reducing energy consumption (e.g., efficient lighting, better insulation).
Renewable Energy: Replacing fossil fuels with solar, wind, or hydroelectric power.
Emission Removal Projects
Reforestation and Afforestation: Increasing forest cover to absorb CO₂.
Soil Carbon Sequestration: Storing carbon in soil through agricultural practices.
Carbon Storage Projects
Geological Storage: Storing CO₂ in deep underground formations.
Biochar Production: Locking carbon in biochar, enhancing soil fertility.
Technological Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS)
Direct Air Capture: Capturing CO₂ from the air and storing it underground or using it industrially.
Ocean-Based Solutions: Enhancing ocean CO₂ absorption, such as through algae cultivation.
Issues with Article 6.4
Carbon Offsetting Criticisms: Critics argue that offsetting doesn’t reduce global emissions but shifts responsibility, allowing countries to continue emitting while claiming neutrality.
Carbon Accounting Challenges: Unreliable carbon accounting can lead to “phantom credits,” where emissions reductions are overstated or inaccurately recorded, failing to match actual reductions.
Greenwashing Risks: Some countries and companies may use carbon credits as a form of greenwashing, claiming carbon neutrality while continuing to pollute.
Equity and Climate Justice Concerns: Developing nations, which contribute less to global emissions, are the most vulnerable to climate impacts.
Potential for Reversal Risks: Projects that store carbon in natural reservoirs risk releasing it back into the atmosphere. Some standards allow projects to end monitoring if reversal risk is considered “negligible,” which remains undefined and problematic.
PYQ:
[2011] Regarding “carbon credits”, which one of the following statements is not correct?
(a) The carbon credit system was ratified in conjunction with the Kyoto Protocol.
(b) Carbon credits are awarded to countries or groups that have reduced greenhouse gases below their emission quota.
(c) The goal of the carbon credit system is to limit the increase of carbon dioxide emission.
(d) Carbon credits are traded at a price fixed from time to time by the United Nations Environment Programme.
India and the US are set to hold the firstUS-India Indian Ocean Dialogue on November 14 strengthening cooperation over the Indian Ocean Region (IOR).
About theIndian Ocean Dialogue:
The Indian Ocean Dialogue (IOD) was established during the 13th Council of Ministers’ meeting in November 2013 in Perth, Australia, and is a flagship initiative of the Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA).
It functions as a Track 1.5 discussion, combining officials and non-officials for a more inclusive dialogue, with the latest (9th edition) held in May 2023 at Zanzibar, Tanzania.
Key areas discussed in 2024 Edition:
Strengthening Maritime Security: Enhances coordination on maritime freedom and security, crucial for trade routes and energy supply.
Economic and Environmental Cooperation: Supports trade, blue economy, and addresses climate change impacts on the region.
Significance in India-U.S. Relations
Indo-Pacific Partnership: Reinforces Quad cooperation and aligns both nations’ strategic interests.
Power Balance in the Region: Counters influence from other powers, fostering an open Indo-Pacific.
Defense and Technology Collaboration: Expands ties in emerging tech and defense, enhancing India’s security role.
Disaster Preparedness: Builds climate resilience and sustainable resource management efforts.
PYQ:
[2017] Consider the following in respect of Indian Ocean Naval Symposium (IONS):
1. Inaugural IONS was held in India in 2015 under the chairmanship of the Indian Navy.
2. IONS is a voluntary initiative that seeks to increase maritime co-operation among navies of the littoral states of the Indian Ocean Region.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
Savanna elephants have experienced a significant population decline of around 70% across surveyed sites, primarily due to poaching and habitat loss.
Decline in African Elephants Population
Researchers conducted a comprehensive assessment of these species using data from 475 sites in 37 countries between 1964 and 2016.
Savanna Elephants: Populations declined by about 70% on average at surveyed sites.
Forest Elephants: Populations fell by about 90% on average at surveyed sites.
The total population of African elephants decreased by 77% on average at surveyed sites.
Features of African Elephants:
African elephants are the largest land animals on Earth, known for their size, intelligence, and complex social structures.
They are divided into savanna (bush) elephants (larger, with bigger tusks and open grassland habitat) and forest elephants (smaller, with straighter tusks and dense forest habitats).
Highly intelligent, African elephants display memory, empathy, and intricate social bonds within herds.
20,000 pompano fingerlings were released into the sea off Vizhinjam as part of an artificial reef project aimed at replenishing marine fishery resources and promoting sustainable fishing.
About the Artificial Reef Project in Kerala:
Details
Location
• Covers 42 fishing villages in Thiruvananthapuram district, from Pozhiyoor to Varkala.
Aims and Objectives
• Enhance fish resources along Kerala’s coast.
• Support sustainable fishing and improve fishing community livelihoods.
• Implemented by KSCADC (Kerala State Coastal Area Development Corporation).
• Technical support from CMFRI (Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute).
Future Expansion Plans:
• Phase II: Proposed to cover 96 villages in Kollam, Alappuzha, Ernakulam, and Thrissur districts (₹29.76 crore).
• Phase III: Proposed to cover 96 villages in northern districts (₹25.82 crore).
Significance
• Boosts marine biodiversity.
• Increases fish stocks and supports breeding environments.
• Promotes sustainable fishing practices.
• Enhances livelihoods of local communities.
Q) Public health system has limitations in providing universal health coverage. Do you think that private sector can help in bridging the gap? What other viable alternatives do you suggest? (UPSC CSE 2015)
Q) The increase in life expectancy in the country has led to newer health challenges in the community. What are those challenges and what steps need to be taken to meet them? (UPSC CSE 2022)
India’s Public Health System needs to focus on preventing and controlling non-communicable diseases like hypertension, diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, stroke, and cancer. These diseases affect people of all income levels, but the poor and old aged population is the most vulnerable.
In this scenario, Health Longevity is an evidence-based approach to help countries define prioritized, costed interventions and policy changes to save and extend people’s lives. According to World Bank, investing in healthy longevity could save 150 million lives in low- and middle- income countries.
Today’s editorial emphasizes the issues related to the health sector in India especially with respect to Non-communicable diseases.
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Let’s learn!
Why in the News?
The World Bank publishes an important and forward-thinking report on a key issue affecting people’s well-being. The report is Unlocking the Power of Healthy Longevity: Demographic Change, Non-communicable Diseases, and Human Capital, released in Washington D.C. in September 2024.
Key Findings of the Report:
● Aging and NCD Burden: Global aging is accelerating, with non-communicable diseases (NCDs) causing over 70% of deaths, especially in low- and middle-income countries. ● Potential Life Savings: Investing in healthy longevity could save 150 million lives and significantly improve productivity and economic growth by 2050. ● Life-Course Health Investments: Addressing health from maternal to elderly care, with a focus on NCD prevention, is essential for promoting healthier aging populations. ● Gender and Social Equity: Women, who often bear caregiving responsibilities and live longer with NCDs, require targeted health and social protections to ensure equity in aging.
Issues related to the Elderly Population in India:
Size of Elderly Population: India has the second-largest elderly population in the world, with approximately 140 million people aged 60 years and above.
Growth Rate: The elderly population is growing at a rate nearly three times higher than India’s overall population growth, indicating a significant demographic shift.
Aging Population Challenge: This rapidly aging population places considerable pressure on health services, social systems, and the economy.
What are the Disease Concerns in India?
Rise in Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs): India is witnessing an increasing burden of NCDs, including heart disease, diabetes, cancer, and chronic respiratory diseases, which are now the leading causes of death.
Health Risks for the Elderly: As the elderly population grows, the prevalence of age-related diseases and NCDs is expected to surge, straining healthcare systems.
Impact on Public Health: The health challenges are compounded by the underdeveloped infrastructure for treating chronic diseases, particularly in rural areas.
Issues related to Hospital Expenses in India:
Rising Healthcare Costs: Medical expenses for elderly care, especially for chronic diseases and long-term care, are escalating. Private hospitals often charge exorbitantly, making healthcare unaffordable for many elderly individuals.
Inaccessibility of Healthcare: The elderly often face challenges in accessing healthcare facilities due to geographic and economic barriers, leading to delays in diagnosis and treatment.
Catastrophic Health Expenditure: Many elderly people, particularly in lower-income segments, face catastrophic health expenses that can push them into poverty. Even with government schemes, the out-of-pocket expenses remain high.
Steps taken by the Indian Government:
● National Programme for Health Care of the Elderly (NPHCE): This program aims to provide comprehensive healthcare services specifically tailored for older adults. ● National Social Assistance Programme (NSAP): Aimed at providing financial assistance to the elderly who are below the poverty line. ● Maintenance and Welfare of Senior Citizens Act, 2007: This act mandates maintenance and welfare provisions for senior citizens. ● Atal Vayo Abhyuday Yojana (AVYAY): A scheme focused on promoting the welfare of senior citizens through various support services. ● Elderline: A national helpline established to assist elderly individuals in accessing information and services related to their needs
Efficacy of Social Security Schemes:
Limited Coverage: India’s social security schemes, including pensions and health insurance, often do not adequately cover the elderly, especially those in lower income brackets or rural areas.
For example: Public health schemes like Ayushman Bharat aim to provide health insurance to underprivileged populations, but the coverage and access remain limited for the elderly.
Vulnerable Groups: The elderly in India, particularly those without formal employment or savings, remain highly vulnerable to financial distress from healthcare expenses and lack sufficient social security support.
Way forward:
Enhance and Expand Social Security Coverage: Strengthen existing social security schemes like Ayushman Bharat to ensure comprehensive health insurance and pension coverage for elderly populations, particularly in rural and low-income areas. This can help alleviate financial strain from healthcare costs.
Invest in Geriatric Healthcare Infrastructure: Improve healthcare facilities and services for the elderly, focusing on chronic disease management and accessible healthcare, especially in rural areas. This includes training healthcare workers in geriatric care and increasing the availability of affordable long-term care options.
On October 20, Indonesia saw a big change in leadership. Nationalist Prabowo Subianto became president.
What are the implications of Indonesia’s new leadership for India-Indonesia relations?
Increased Competition with China: Prabowo’s administration may lead to a more assertive Indonesian foreign policy that seeks to leverage its strategic position between China and India. However, the extent of this assertiveness will depend on how Indonesia navigates its growing economic reliance on China while maintaining its sovereignty.
Potential for Enhanced Cooperation: Despite the challenges posed by China’s influence, India has an opportunity to deepen its engagement with Indonesia. This could involve collaborative efforts in sectors such as defence, maritime security, and trade, particularly given Indonesia’s strategic location and resource-rich economy.
How does Indonesia’s relationship with China impact its foreign policy choices?
Strategic Balance: Prabowo’s decision to make China his first visit signals Indonesia’s pragmatic balancing between major powers. Despite concerns about China’s assertiveness in the Natuna Sea, Indonesia engages China for its economic clout and investments, especially in sectors like infrastructure and technology.
Wariness Over Chinese Influence: Indonesia’s hesitance toward China’s extensive control over economic assets provides India an opportunity to position itself as a complementary partner that respects Indonesia’s sovereignty, especially given mutual interests in upholding maritime security in the Indo-Pacific.
US-Indonesian Relations: Prabowo’s tenuous ties with the U.S. due to historical human rights allegations might encourage him to seek alternative partnerships, where India can play a constructive role in regional stability.
What opportunities exist for India to enhance its economic engagement with Indonesia?
Energy and Mineral Resources: Indonesia’s rich reserves of coal, palm oil, nickel, and tin offer significant opportunities for India to secure its mineral and energy requirements, which aligns with India’s growing manufacturing and EV industries.
Infrastructure and Maritime Cooperation: India’s existing partnerships in infrastructure, such as developing the Sabang port, can be expanded to reinforce connectivity and enhance trade routes between the Nicobar Islands and Indonesia.
Services Sector Collaboration: India’s strength in IT and financial services can support Indonesia in reducing business costs and improving economic efficiency, particularly as it seeks to modernize and diversify its economy.
Tourism and Cultural Exchange: Given Indonesia’s growing middle class and India’s appeal as a tourist destination, there is potential to expand tourism and cultural exchanges that celebrate shared heritage, including Hindu-Buddhist traditions.
Way forward:
Strengthen Strategic and Economic Partnerships: India should actively engage Indonesia in joint initiatives across defense, maritime security, and infrastructure, leveraging Indonesia’s strategic location and resources to build a resilient Indo-Pacific framework that counters China’s regional influence.
Deepen Cultural and Economic Ties: Expanding collaborations in sectors like IT, energy, and tourism, and celebrating shared heritage, will foster goodwill and position India as a trusted and complementary partner to Indonesia, reinforcing mutual growth and stability in the region.
Mains PYQ:
Q Indian Diaspora has an important role to play in South-East Asian countries’ economy and society. Appraise the role of Indian Diaspora in South- East Asia in this context. (UPSC IAS/2017)
