These Newscards correspond to the explained section of various newspapers. They become immensely important for both prelims and mains and special attention needs to be paid to them
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Who are Gig workers?
Mains level: Why are safeguards necessary for Gig workers?
Why in the News?
The Karnataka government released the draft of the Karnataka Platform-based Gig Workers (Social Security and Welfare) Bill, becoming the second Indian state to take such an initiative, following Rajasthan.
Who are the Gig workers?
Gig workers are independent contractors, freelancers, or temporary workers who are hired for specific projects or tasks, often through online platforms, rather than being employed in traditional long-term employer-employee relationships.
Key highlight of the Bill proposed for the welfare of gig workers:
Social Security and Welfare Fund: Establishment of a welfare boards, social security and welfare fund for gig workers, funded by a welfare fee on transactions or company turnover, and contributions from the Union and State governments.
Grievance Redressal Mechanism: Introduction of a two-level grievance redressal mechanism to address workers’ complaints and ensure transparency in the automated monitoring and decision-making systems used by platforms.
Fair Termination Procedures: Requirement for contracts to list exhaustive grounds for termination, with a 14-day prior notice and valid reasons in writing needed before terminating a worker.
Payment and Deductions: Mandate weekly payments to workers, with clear communication regarding any payment deductions, and the right for workers to refuse a specified number of gigs per week without adverse consequences.
Safe Working Conditions and Contract Transparency: Obligation for aggregators to provide reasonable and safe working conditions, registration of all gig workers, and contracts to be written in simple language with a 14-day notice for any changes, allowing workers to terminate the contract without losing existing entitlements.
What are the impacts of the labour market in a larger domain, and why are safeguards necessary?
Lack of Basic Rights and Social Security: Gig workers are often classified as “partners” rather than employees, leaving them security outside the purview of labour protection laws and without access to basic rights and social benefits.
Arbitrary Terminations and Lack of Grievance Redressal: Instances of arbitrary terminations, blacklisting, and dismissals without hearing the worker’s side are common in the absence of regulatory laws. Automated monitoring and decision-making systems often make these decisions, leaving no room for grievance redressal.
Reduced Payments and Exploitation: Over the years, gig workers have faced reduced payments, arbitrary deductions, and exploitation due to the lack of regulatory laws governing the gig economy.
The wide gap between the purchasing power of these workers and the affluent consumers they serve raises questions about the long-term sustainability of this model.
Need for Transparency and Fair Contracts: The absence of transparency in automated monitoring systems and decision-making by platforms, as well as the lack of fair contracts, has led to the exploitation of gig workers.
There is a need for the state to review contract templates and ensure fair contracts with gig workers.
Lack of Access to Credit and Skill Development: Gig workers often lack access to credit and skill development opportunities, hindering their growth and formalization.
There is a need for enabling platforms to provide these benefits to gig workers.
State-level and National level Initiatives taken previously:
Code on Social Security, 2020: At the national level, the Code on Social Security, 2020 recognized those who freelance or work under short-term contracts. It mandated employers to provide benefits similar to those of regular employees to gig workers.
Rajasthan Platform-Based Gig Workers (Registration and Welfare) Act: Rajasthan became the first state to introduce a bill for the welfare of gig workers in 2023.
The bill, which became an Act in September 2023, sought to establish a welfare board and fund for gig workers.
However, the Act has gone into cold storage after the changed government in November 2023.
Haryana Gig Workers Welfare Board Bill: The bill aims to establish a state-level board dedicated to the social and economic security of gig workers involved in delivering goods, services, and food at doorsteps.
Case study:
In California (USA), the Proposition 22 ballot measure allows app-based transportation and delivery companies to classify drivers as independent contractors while providing them with some benefits like a health insurance subsidy and minimum earnings guarantee.
New York City (USA) has passed legislation requiring food delivery apps to provide workers with benefits like paid sick leave and minimum pay.
Way forward:
Unified Legislation: Introduce a comprehensive national-level legal framework specifically addressing the rights and welfare of gig workers. This legislation should encompass social security, fair wages, occupational safety, and grievance redressal mechanisms.
Strict Enforcement: Ensure robust enforcement of these laws through dedicated government bodies and regular audits of gig economy platforms. Penalties for non-compliance should be substantial enough to deter exploitative practices.
Mains PYQ:
Q Examine the role of ‘Gig Economy’ in the process of empowerment of women in India. (UPSC IAS/2021)
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Constitutional Provisions
Mains level: Basic Structure and foundational principles should never be allowed to be eclipsed
Why in the news?
Voters have cleverly embraced the idea of constitutional principles to protect their freedoms. It’s now everyone’s responsibility, including elected officials, citizens, and the judiciary, to ensure that there’s no overreach.
Constitutional Provisions:
Article 99: Mandates that every member of Parliament must take an oath or affirmation to uphold the Constitution.
Third Schedule: Specifies the form of oath or affirmation that members of Parliament, judges of the Supreme Court, and High Courts must take.
Part III (Fundamental Rights): Guarantees civil liberties, such as the rights to equality, freedom of speech, and right to life.
Part IV (Directive Principles of State Policy): Provides guidelines for governance, directing the state in certain policy matters for the welfare of citizens.
Basic Structure and Foundational Principles:
Kesavananda Bharati Case (1973): Established the doctrine that certain features of the Constitution are beyond the amending power of Parliament if they violate its “Basic Structure”, ensuring that fundamental principles like democracy, secularism, judicial review, and federalism cannot be altered.
Foundational Principles: Include the rule of law, separation of powers, judicial independence, and protection of fundamental rights.
Basic Structure and foundational principles should never be allowed to be eclipsed
Protection of Fundamental Rights: The Basic Structure doctrine protects fundamental rights and core principles like democracy, secularism, judicial independence, and federalism in India.
Preservation of Constitutional Balance: Eclipsing the Basic Structure and foundational principles could upset the delicate balance of powers among the legislature, executive, and judiciary. These principles ensure that no single branch of government becomes disproportionately powerful, thereby maintaining the checks and balances essential for democratic governance.
Upholding the Rule of Law: The Basic Structure doctrine reinforces the supremacy of the Constitution as the supreme law of the land. By preventing its core principles from being undermined or diluted through constitutional amendments or legislative actions, it ensures that all state actions, including laws passed by Parliament, are consistent with constitutional norms and the rule of law.
Significance of “Judicial Overreach”:
Protection of Rights: Judicial overreach often arises when courts intervene to protect fundamental rights guaranteed by the Constitution, especially when legislative or executive actions are perceived to violate these rights.
Checks and Balances: It serves as a crucial check on the powers of the legislature and executive, ensuring that their actions conform to constitutional principles and do not exceed their authority.
Defending the Constitution: Courts may intervene to uphold the supremacy of the Constitution, ensuring that laws and actions comply with its provisions, including the Basic Structure doctrine established in the Kesavananda Bharati case.
Criticisms of judicial overreach:
Interference with the Separation of Powers: Critics argue that judicial overreach interferes with the constitutional principle of separation of powers.
Lack of Accountability: Another criticism of judicial overreach is that the judiciary is not accountable to the people in the same way that elected representatives are. Because Judges are appointed, not elected
Dilution of Democracy: Some critics argue that judicial overreach can undermine the democratic process by taking important decisions out of the hands of elected officials and placing them in the hands of judges.
Mains PYQ:
Q What was held in the Coelho case? In this context, can you say that judicial review is of key importance amongst the basic features of the Constitution? (UPSC IAS/2016)
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Fintech Sector
Mains level: Challenges and significance of the fintech sector,
Why in the news?
Despite achieving a significant milestone in H1 2024, the fintech sector has encountered notable funding difficulties.
What is the Fintech Sector?
The fintech sector encompasses technologies and innovations that aim to compete with traditional financial methods in the delivery of financial services. This includes a wide range of applications like mobile banking, online payments, digital lending, and blockchain technology.
Present Report Insights
Funding Decline: The Indian fintech sector recorded $795 million in funding in H1 2024, a decrease of 11% from H2 2023 and 59% from H1 2023.
Global Ranking: Despite the decline, the Indian fintech ecosystem ranked among the top three globally funded sectors alongside the US and UK in H1 2024.
Major Transactions: Only two funding rounds exceeded $100 million in 2024, with Perfios becoming the only unicorn. Bengaluru led the funding, followed by Mumbai and Pune.
Segment Performance: Alternative Lending, RegTech, and BankingTech were the top-performing segments, with Alternative Lending securing $646 million, making up 81% of the total funding.
Acquisitions and IPOs: There were six acquisitions and five IPOs in H1 2024, marking significant activity despite the overall funding challenges.
Significance of Fintech Sector
Financial Inclusion: Fintech innovations enhance financial inclusion by providing access to financial services to unbanked and underbanked populations.
Economic Growth: The sector contributes significantly to economic growth by fostering innovation, creating jobs, and boosting consumer spending.
Efficiency and Transparency: Fintech solutions improve efficiency and transparency in financial transactions, reducing costs and fraud.
Support for Startups: The sector offers numerous opportunities for startups, driving entrepreneurship and competition.
Challenges
Data Security: Fintech companies must implement strong security measures to protect sensitive customer data from cyber-attacks and data breaches. For example, Acko, a leading Indian fintech startup, has faced issues with data breaches in the past, highlighting the importance of robust data security protocols in the industry.
Regulatory Compliance: The fintech industry is highly regulated, requiring companies to stay updated on the latest government policies and ensure compliance to avoid penalties. For example, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has issued guidelines to protect consumers from predatory lending practices by digital lenders, underscoring the need for fintech firms to navigate the evolving regulatory landscape.
Customer Acquisition and Retention: Attracting and retaining customers is critical for fintech firms. For example, BharatPe, a prominent Indian fintech company, has faced challenges in customer retention due to its focus on merchant acquisition.
Funding and Investment: Securing adequate funding and investments remains a challenge for many fintech startups. For example, Paytm, one of India’s largest fintech companies, has faced scrutiny from investors due to its inability to achieve profitability
How India Can Improve Its Fintech Sector
Supportive Regulatory Environment: Create a regulatory framework that encourages innovation while ensuring consumer protection and systemic stability, facilitating a balanced growth of the fintech ecosystem.
Infrastructure Development: Invest in digital infrastructure, such as high-speed internet and mobile connectivity, to support the widespread adoption and efficient functioning of fintech applications across the country.
Focus on Cybersecurity: Ensure robust cybersecurity measures to protect against fraud and cyber-attacks, building trust among users and maintaining the integrity of fintech services.
Steps taken by the government:
Regulatory Sandbox: The Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) introduced a framework for regulatory sandbox in 2020 to allow fintech companies to experiment with new products and services in a controlled environment.
Digital Personal Data Protection Bill: Introduced in 2022, this bill aims to create a framework for the protection of personal data collected by fintech companies.
Guidelines on Digital Lending: In 2022, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) issued guidelines to protect consumers from predatory lending practices by digital lenders.
Promoting Financial Inclusion: The Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana (PMJDY) has helped in enrolling over 523.9 million beneficiaries for new bank accounts, enabling fintech startups to reach a large consumer base.
Aadhar and UPI: The unique biometric identification system Aadhar and the Unified Payments Interface (UPI) have improved transparency and delivery of financial service
Conclusion: Fintech companies in India face challenges including data security, regulatory compliance, customer acquisition, and securing investments. Addressing these ensures sustainable growth and trust in a competitive market environment.
Mains PYQ:
Q Has digital illiteracy, particularly in rural areas, coupled with a lack of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) accessibility hindered socio-economic development? Examine with justification. (UPSC IAS/2021)
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: What is Neofascism?
Mains level: Impact of Neofascism on Europe
Why in the news?
Before France’s UEFA Euro 2024 opener, Kylian Mbappé warned against extremist power, saying he doesn’t want to represent a country that opposes his values. Marcus Thuram urged against supporting Marine Le Pen’s party.
Who is Kylian Mbappé?
Kylian Mbappé is a French professional footballer who plays as a forward for Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) and the French national team.
Ultra-Right encompasses broader right-wing ideologies, focusing on nationalism, conservatism, and anti-immigration without necessarily adhering to fascist roots.
Neo-fascists often seek to mainstream their image, while ultra-right movements vary widely in intensity and focus on cultural and economic issues.
Key characteristics of Neofascism:
Ultra-nationalism: Extreme patriotism and loyalty to one’s country
Racial supremacy: Belief in the superiority of certain races over others
Populism: Appealing to the interests and concerns of ordinary people, especially against a perceived elite establishment
Authoritarianism: Favoring or enforcing strict obedience to authority at the expense of personal freedom
Nativism: Promoting the interests of native inhabitants against those of immigrants
Xenophobia: Intense or irrational dislike or fear of people from other countries
Opposition to liberal democracy: Rejecting the principles of liberal democracy such as individual rights, political pluralism and the rule of law
The spectre of the Ultra-Right and Neo-Fascism
Rise of the Ultra-Right in Europe: The ultra-right and neo-fascism are gaining significant traction across Europe. The recent European Union (EU) elections saw substantial gains for ultra-right parties, indicating a shift in political dynamics.
Impact on French Politics: Kylian Mbappé and Marcus Thuram’s comments highlight the concerns about the rise of extremist parties in France. Marine Le Pen’s National Rally (RN) party has seen increasing support, posing a challenge to traditional political structures. Emmanuel Macron called for a snap parliamentary election in response to RN’s success, hoping to rally moderate and progressive voters.
European Context: The spectre of nationalism and fascism is reminiscent of pre-World War II Europe. Timothy Garton Ash noted the irony of Europe celebrating liberation from fascism while facing a resurgence of similar ideologies.
Effect of the Growth of the Far Right Over the African and Asian Region
Anti-Immigration Sentiment: The far-right’s rise is partly driven by opposition to immigration from Africa and Asia. This sentiment is a legacy of colonialism and has been exacerbated by recent socio-economic challenges.
Integration Challenges: Prominent French footballers of African and Arab descent, like Kylian Mbappé and Karim Benzema, symbolize the integration issues within French society. Benzema’s quote, “If I score, I’m French… if I don’t, I’m an Arab,” underscores the conditional acceptance faced by immigrants and their descendants.
Policy Implications: Far-right governments may implement stricter immigration policies, affecting migrants and refugees from Africa and Asia. These policies could lead to increased xenophobia and social divisions.
How French Elections Could Turn Out to Be a Change Point in Both French and European History
Potential Shift in Political Power: The success of the RN in the French elections could signify a major shift in political power. If the RN wins the upcoming elections, it could lead to a reconfiguration of French politics, with far-reaching implications for Europe.
Influence on European Politics: A far-right victory in France could embolden similar movements across Europe. The trend seen in Italy, Sweden, Germany, Spain, and other countries suggests a broader European shift towards the far-right.
Long-Term Implications: The rise of the ultra-right could lead to significant changes in EU policies, particularly regarding immigration, national sovereignty, and international relations. Historical patterns suggest that while such political waves eventually stabilize, the impacts of this shift could be long-lasting and transformative for Europe.
Conclusion: Need to Implement policies to reduce socio-economic disparities, focusing on marginalized communities, and creating opportunities for employment, education, and social mobility. Invest in social welfare programs to alleviate poverty and economic insecurity, which are often exploited by far-right movements to garner support.
Mains PYQ:
Q ‘In the context of the neo-liberal paradigm of development planning, multi-level planning is expected to make operations cost-effective and remove many implementation blockages.” Discuss. (UPSC IAS/2019)
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: British Parliamentary system
Mains level: Impact on India-UK relations
Why in the news?
Keir Starmer is poised to become the next Prime Minister of the UK, following Labour’s landmark victory securing a substantial majority.
Labour Party Comes to Power after 14 Years of Conservative Rule:
Electoral Outcome: Labour secures a decisive victory in the UK elections, winning 412 seats in the House of Commons, ending 14 years of Conservative governance.
Majority: Labour has achieved the largest majority in British politics since the early 20th century, with over 290 seats ahead of the Tories.
Voter Sentiment: The election reflects a strong anti-conservative sentiment rather than a resounding endorsement of Labour, with significant losses in Conservative strongholds.
Strategic Shifts: Labour’s success is attributed to strategic moves to appeal to rural and traditionally Conservative areas, contrasting with losses in urban and progressive strongholds.
Left and Right Streams in the UK:
Left Stream (Labour Party):
Traditionally advocates for social justice, welfare state policies, and government intervention in the economy to reduce inequality.Strong support from urban areas, progressive voters, trade unions, and historically marginalised groups such as minorities and low-income earners.
Under Keir Starmer, Labour has moved towards the centre, focusing on appealing to more rural and traditionally Conservative constituencies.
Right Stream (Conservative Party):
Favors free-market policies, limited government intervention, and emphasises individual responsibility and economic freedom. Strong support from affluent voters, business interests, rural communities, and traditionally conservative values such as patriotism and national sovereignty.
The Conservative Party has faced challenges with internal divisions over Brexit and criticism for austerity measures implemented during previous administrations.
Impact on India:
India-UK FTA: The Labour Party has maintained its commitment to completing the FTA, though the timelines will remain uncertain for some time. Key sticking points include India’s demand for greater access for its skilled professionals in the UK market and the UK’s push for lower import duties on goods like Scotch whisky and electric vehicles.
Defence and Security Cooperation: The India-UK defence and security partnership is likely to continue strengthening, building on recent momentum from the 2+2 mechanism and Defence Minister Rajnath Singh’s visit in early 2024. The UK is expected to maintain its support for a rules-based order and continue working with India to promote a “free and open Indo-Pacific”.
Visa Rules: India has been in talks with the UK for the past few years to relax visa rules for its citizens. With the Labour Party coming into power, there might be some uncertainty around the progress of these discussions.
Carbon Tax: While the FTA might reduce or eliminate tariffs, Indian exports could still face hefty carbon taxes, unlike UK exports to India. The Labour Party has always been in favour of imposing a carbon tax, which could impact Indian industries
Conclusion: India should leverage diplomatic channels to strengthen economic cooperation with the UK under Keir Starmer’s leadership. This could include negotiating bilateral trade agreements, promoting investment opportunities, and collaborating on emerging sectors like technology and renewable energy.
Mains question for practice:
Q Discuss the potential implications of Keir Starmer’s ascension to UK Prime Minister on India-UK relations. 10M
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Geographical features of UK
Mains level: India UK Relation
Why in the news?
New Delhi and London have been engaged in negotiations for over two years to discuss a proposed free trade agreement (FTA) aimed at enhancing bilateral trade between the two nations.
What does the agreement could result?
Mutual Tariff Reductions: Both countries may agree to lower tariffs on a wide range of goods, including automobiles, textiles, alcoholic beverages, and medical instruments, facilitating increased trade flows.
Market Access: Improved market access could benefit industries in both countries, particularly India’s IT and services sectors, which are seeking expanded opportunities in the UK market.
Economic Growth: The FTA aims to stimulate economic growth by promoting trade and investment, potentially boosting employment and productivity in relevant sectors.
Political Relations: Strengthening economic ties could lead to closer political cooperation between India and the UK, influencing bilateral relations on international platforms.
Impact on Global Geopolitics and Indian Scenario
Global Trade Alliances: Strengthening economic ties between India and the UK could enhance their geopolitical influence, potentially shaping global trade alliances and partnerships in the Asia-Pacific region and beyond.
Diversification of Trade Partnerships: For India, the FTA represents a strategic move to diversify its trade partnerships beyond traditional allies, thereby reducing dependency and enhancing economic resilience.
Improve Bilateral Relations: Improved economic cooperation could foster closer political relations between India and the UK, influencing diplomatic engagements and collaboration on global issues such as climate change and security.
Regional Economic Impact: The agreement may spur economic growth in India, particularly benefiting sectors like IT and services, while also contributing to the UK’s post-Brexit economic strategy and trade diversification efforts.
Influence the Environmental and Regulatory Standards: Negotiations over environmental standards, including India’s concerns over carbon taxes and the UK’s climate goals, highlight the FTA’s potential to influence global environmental policies and regulatory frameworks.
India-UK Relation:
Strong historical ties: India and the UK share deep historical and cultural connections dating back to the colonial era. The UK has a large Indian diaspora of over 1.5 million people.
Strategic partnership: In 2004, India and the UK upgraded their relationship to a Strategic Partnership. This was further strengthened by the ‘2030 Roadmap for India-UK Future Relations’ agreed in 2021, which outlined cooperation across 5 pillars- people-to-people ties, trade, defence and security, climate change, and health.
Growing trade and investment: The UK is one of India’s major trading partners. Bilateral trade reached £38.1bn in the year to Q3 2023, making India the UK’s 12th largest trading partner. India is the 3rd largest foreign investor in the UK. Both countries are negotiating an India-UK Free Trade Agreement to further boost economic ties.
Cooperation in new frontiers: India and the UK are collaborating in emerging areas like fintech, green finance, cyber security, and critical technologies. They plan to hold the first Strategic Tech Dialogue to deepen cooperation in areas like semiconductors, 5G, and AI.
Shared global outlook: India and the UK have convergent views on many global issues and support a rules-based international order. The UK supports India’s permanent membership of the UN Security Council. They also cooperate closely on maritime security in the Indo-Pacific
Way forward:
Addressing Key Negotiation Points: Focus on resolving critical issues such as tariff reductions, market access for IT and services sectors, and alignment on environmental standards to expedite FTA conclusion.
Enhancing Strategic Partnerships: Strengthen bilateral economic and political cooperation through sustained dialogue and proactive engagement, aiming to maximize mutual benefits and ensure the long-term sustainability of the FTA.
Mains PYQ:
Q The judicial systems in India and the UK seem to be converging as well as diverging in recent times. Highlight the key points of convergence and divergence between the two nations in terms of their judicial practices. (UPSC IAS/2020)
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Bordering countries of the USA and compare length of border
Mains level: American Revolution
Why in the news?
July 4 commemorates the 248th Independence Day of the United States, celebrating the signing of the Declaration of Independence, the foundational document that established the US as a union of states freed from British rule.
Why did the colonists want Independence from Britain?
Lack of Representation: Colonists were discontented with British policies that imposed taxes and laws without colonial representation in the British Parliament, which they viewed as unjust and oppressive.
Policy Shifts: After the French and Indian War, Britain ended its policy of salutary neglect and imposed stricter controls on the colonies, including prohibitions on westward expansion and new taxes through acts like the Stamp Act and Tea Act.
Ideas of Freedom: Influenced by Enlightenment ideals of liberty and equality, colonists began to articulate grievances against monarchical rule and asserted their natural rights to self-governance.
Resistance Movements: Events like the Boston Tea Party symbolized widespread resistance to British taxation and policies, galvanizing colonial unity and determination for independence.
Armed Conflict: The escalation from protests and boycotts to armed conflict (beginning in 1775) underscored the colonies’ resolve to break away from British control and establish their own governance.
What happened in the lead up to American independence?
Formation of Continental Congress: Colonists formed the Continental Congress to coordinate resistance efforts and explore avenues for negotiation with Britain, which ultimately failed due to British refusal to grant representation.
Boycotts and Protests: Colonists attempted economic boycotts of British goods and engaged in protests against oppressive British policies, marking a period of growing dissent and opposition.
Outbreak of War: By 1775, clashes between colonial militias and British troops erupted into open warfare, solidifying the shift from grievances to armed struggle for independence.
Declaration of Independence: The Continental Congress formally declared the colonies’ independence on July 2, 1776, followed by the adoption and signing of the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776.
Continental Army and Allies: The colonies secured military support and alliances, crucially from France, which helped sustain their war effort against British forces.
How was the Declaration of Independence formulated?
Committee of Five: A committee including Thomas Jefferson, John Adams, Benjamin Franklin, Roger Sherman, and Robert R. Livingston was appointed to draft the Declaration of Independence.
Thomas Jefferson’s Role: Jefferson, primarily responsible for drafting, drew on Enlightenment philosophy and his earlier writings to articulate the principles of natural rights and grievances against British tyranny.
Drafting Process: The committee reviewed Jefferson’s draft, incorporating edits and revisions suggested by Adams, Franklin, and others before presenting the final version to the Continental Congress.
Adoption and Signing: On July 4, 1776, the Continental Congress formally adopted the Declaration of Independence, which was signed by 56 delegates representing the thirteen colonies, solidifying their break from British rule.
Legacy of equality and rights as a foundation: The Declaration’s proclamation of equality and rights laid the foundation for American ideals of democracy and independence, shaping the course of American history and inspiring similar movements worldwide.
Conclusion: The Declaration of Independence, adopted on July 4, 1776, marked a pivotal moment as the American colonies asserted their sovereignty, based on Enlightenment ideals, igniting a global pursuit of liberty and democratic principles.
Mains PYQ:
Q American Revolution was an economic revolt against mercantilism. Substantiate. (UPSC IAS/2013)
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: JP Morgan index
Mains level: Benefits of Higher Inflows from the Inclusion of Indian Government Bonds in JP Morgan’s Emerging Markets Bond Indices
Why in the news?
JP Morgan is including Indian Government Bonds in its emerging markets bond indices starting June 28. This move is expected to attract significant foreign investment, boosting India’s bond market and economic stability.
What would be India’s weight in the index?
India is poised to achieve a maximum weighting of 10% in the GBI-EM Global Diversified Index. This increased allocation is anticipated to attract greater investment from global investors into Indian debt, with analysts projecting monthly inflows of $2-3 billion.
Benefits of Higher Inflows from the Inclusion of Indian Government Bonds in JP Morgan’s Emerging Markets Bond Indices
Increase in Foreign Exchange Reserves: The inflows from foreign investments will directly boost India’s foreign exchange reserves, providing a stronger buffer against external economic shocks.
Strengthening the Rupee: The surge in foreign investment will enhance demand for the rupee, leading to its appreciation and contributing to a more stable and robust currency.
Enhanced External Financial Management: With increased foreign exchange reserves, India will have greater flexibility and resilience in managing its external financial obligations and mitigating balance of payment issues.
Reduction in Borrowing Costs: Higher reserves and a stronger rupee can lead to improved credit ratings and reduced risk premiums, lowering borrowing costs for the government and corporates.
Promotion of Economic Confidence: The inflows signify international investor confidence in India’s economic prospects, boosting overall economic sentiment and encouraging further investments.
What about the impact on inflation as RBI mops up the dollars and releases an equivalent amount in rupees?
Liquidity Injection: When the RBI mops up dollars from the market, it releases an equivalent amount of rupees into the financial system. This injection of liquidity can potentially increase the supply of money circulating in the economy.
Demand-Pull Inflation: Increased liquidity can stimulate demand for goods and services, potentially leading to demand-pull inflation if the production capacity of the economy does not keep pace with the increased demand.
Asset Price Inflation: The influx of liquidity can also inflate asset prices such as real estate and stocks, impacting affordability and potentially creating asset price inflation.
Exchange Rate Stability: On the flip side, mopping up dollars can help stabilize the exchange rate by reducing downward pressure on the rupee due to excessive inflows.
RBI’s Policy Response: The RBI has various monetary policy tools, such as open market operations, repo rates, and reserve requirements, to manage liquidity and inflationary pressures arising from such inflows. It may use these tools to absorb excess liquidity and stabilize inflation.
Way forward:
Prudent Monetary Policy Management: The RBI should continue to employ effective monetary policy measures, such as open market operations and repo rate adjustments, to carefully manage liquidity and inflationary pressures stemming from increased foreign inflows.
Enhanced Economic Diversification: India should use the influx of foreign investment to diversify its economy further, focusing on infrastructure development, technological advancements, and sustainable growth initiatives to bolster long-term economic resilience and stability.
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Observation by National Family Health Surveys (NFHS)
Mains level: Challenges faced by deprived section of the society
Why in the news?
India’s current population of 1.4 billion is projected to peak at 1.7 billion by 2064, then stabilize at 1.53 billion by 2100, as fertility rates decline below replacement level.
What does the United Nations speak on Indian demographics?
India overtook China as the world’s most populous country. UN estimates project India’s population to peak at 1.7 billion around 2064, then settle at 1.53 billion by 2100.
Population growth is slowing, with the total fertility rate dipping below the replacement level of 2.1.
What do the National Family Health Surveys (NFHS) observed recently?
Association with Education: There is a significant correlation between levels of education and unmet needs for family planning among married women in India, highlighting the importance of education in addressing reproductive health issues.
High Demand for Family Planning: There remains a notable demand for family planning services, particularly among young women aged 15-24, indicating ongoing challenges in meeting reproductive health needs effectively across different age groups.
Challenges faced by a deprived section of society
Limited Access to Family Planning Services: Women from disadvantaged backgrounds often face barriers in accessing contraceptives and family planning services due to social norms, lack of education, and cultural taboos surrounding contraception.
Teenage Pregnancies and Early Marriages: High rates of teenage pregnancies and early marriages contribute to health risks for young women, exacerbated by limited awareness about sexual and reproductive health rights and options.
Social Stigma and Cultural Norms: Deep-rooted societal attitudes and stigmas surrounding sexual activity, contraception, and abortion hinder open discussions and access to comprehensive sexual education and healthcare services, particularly for unmarried individuals.
What can India do to improve social conditions?
Enhancing Education and Awareness: Increase access to comprehensive sex education in schools and communities to empower young people with knowledge about contraception, family planning, and reproductive health rights.
Addressing Cultural Norms and Stigma: Challenge societal taboos and misconceptions surrounding contraception and sexual activity through culturally sensitive communication and advocacy efforts.
Expanding Healthcare Access: Ensure equitable access to affordable and quality healthcare services, including reproductive health services, particularly in rural and underserved areas.
Reforming Legal Frameworks: Reform laws and policies related to reproductive rights and access to safe abortion services to ensure women have autonomy over their reproductive decisions and can access safe and legal abortion services without unnecessary restrictions.
Steps taken by the government related to health:
Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB PM-JAY): This scheme aims to provide health coverage to over 500 million people, offering a cover of Rs. 5 lakh per family per year for secondary and tertiary care hospitalization. Over 4.68 crore cards have been issued under the scheme.
Comprehensive Primary Health Care (CPHC) through Ayushman Bharat-Health and Wellness Centres (HWCs): Launched in February 2018, this initiative aims to provide an expanded range of services closer to the community, including care for non-communicable diseases, palliative and rehabilitative care, oral, eye and ENT care, and mental health services.
Pradhan Mantri Swasthya Suraksha Yojana (PMSSY): This scheme, launched in 2003, aims to correct regional imbalances in the availability of affordable/reliable tertiary healthcare services and also to augment facilities for quality medical education in the country. Under this, new AIIMS are being set up and existing medical colleges are being upgraded
Way forward:
Integrated Approach to Education and Healthcare: Implement integrated programs that combine comprehensive sex education in schools with improved access to healthcare services, ensuring young people are empowered with knowledge and resources for reproductive health.
Community Engagement and Advocacy: Foster community dialogues and advocacy campaigns to challenge cultural norms and stigma around reproductive health, promoting open discussions and awareness-building initiatives across all demographics.
Mains PYQ:
Q Demographic Dividend in India will remain only theoretical unless our manpower becomes more educated, aware, skilled and creative.” What measures have been taken by the government to enhance the capacity of our population to be more productive and employable? (UPSC IAS/2016)
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Initiative related to climate change
Mains level: Role of Federal Entities in Enhancing Climate Action
Why in the news?
The new government’s climate actions will impact all sectors, shaping India’s sustainable economic path, global leadership, and fight for climate finance and justice.
Initiatives Taken by the Indian Government in the Last Decade and Their Significant Results
International Solar Alliance (ISA): Promotes the widespread adoption of solar energy, enhancing global cooperation in renewable energy.
Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure (CDRI): Focuses on building resilient infrastructure to withstand climate-induced disasters.
Net-Zero by 2070: India’s commitment to achieve net-zero emissions by 2070 marks a significant shift towards absolute emission reductions.
Enhanced Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs): Setting ambitious targets for reducing emissions intensity and increasing renewable energy capacity.
Indian Emissions Carbon Trading Scheme: Establishing a carbon trading system to incentivize emission reductions and support sustainable economic growth.
Significant Growth in Renewable Energy Capacity: Rapid expansion in solar and wind energy installations, contributing to India’s international non-fossil fuel energy targets.
Green Development Pact under G-20 Presidency: Integrating green development principles into global economic practices, showcasing India’s leadership in sustainable development.
How India can enhance it’s Global negotiations wrt Climate change?
Hosting International Climate Summits: India should aim to host a major international climate summit like the United Nations Conference of Parties (COP) in 2028. This would provide a platform to showcase its climate leadership and set ambitious global climate agendas. Successful hosting, akin to its G-20 Presidency, would strengthen India’s influence in global climate policy.
Advocacy and Consensus Building: India should start early to build consensus on critical climate issues, such as ending new investments in oil and gas post-2030 and securing significant commitments for adaptation finance. Proactively engaging in dialogues, forming alliances, and addressing concerns of other nations will help India lead negotiations and drive meaningful outcomes.
Promoting Equity and Climate Finance: India should continue to emphasize equity in climate action and finance in international forums. Advocating for fair treatment of developing countries and pushing for enhanced climate finance mechanisms will strengthen India’s position as a leader of the Global South.
Role of Federal Entities in Enhancing Climate Action
Collaboration on Long-Term Climate Strategies: Federal entities can work with state governments to develop and implement long-term climate and energy models. Examples include supporting states like Tamil Nadu and Bihar in crafting their net-zero plans.
Enhanced Coordination and Policy Alignment: Forming a Centre-State coordination group can ensure better synchronization of climate actions across states. This group can facilitate regular communication and policy alignment while respecting the autonomy of each state.
Financial Incentives through the Sixteenth Finance Commission: Federal entities can use financial mechanisms like the Finance Commission to incentivize states for their climate initiatives. This can include grants or additional funding for states that demonstrate significant progress in climate action.
Integration of Scientific Capabilities in Policymaking: Encouraging states to incorporate scientific modelling and data analysis into their climate policies. Federal support can enhance the technical capabilities of states, ensuring data-driven and effective climate strategies.
Consistent and Accurate Climate Data Management: Developing a unified MRV architecture at the state level to standardize data collection and reporting. This system can help track progress, ensure accountability, and facilitate better policy adjustments based on reliable data.
The Indian government has taken several initiatives to address climate change, but their effectiveness is still being evaluated:
National Action Plan on Climate Change (NAPCC): Launched in 2008, the NAPCC identified eight national missions to promote understanding of climate change, adaptation and mitigation, energy efficiency, and natural resource conservation. While these missions have led to some progress, such as the ambitious targets set under the National Solar Mission, their overall impact is still being assessed.
State Action Plans on Climate Change (SAPCCs): Under the NAPCC, states are required to develop their own action plans. As of 2022, 33 states and union territories have prepared their SAPCCs. However, the implementation and monitoring of these plans remain a challenge.
Climate change research and knowledge networks: The government has supported various research initiatives and knowledge networks to enhance understanding of climate change impacts and responses. These include the National Network Programmes on Climate Change Modelling, Aerosols, and Coastal Vulnerability. While these networks have generated valuable knowledge, their ability to inform policy and action is still being evaluated
Conclusion: India should expand its climate targets beyond the power sector to include other key areas such as transportation, industry, and agriculture. Clear and ambitious targets for zero-carbon two- and four-wheelers, as well as other sectors, will drive comprehensive decarbonization efforts.
Mains PYQ:
Q Explain the purpose of the Green Grid Initiative launched at World Leaders Summit of the COP26 UN Climate Change Conference in Glasgow in November 2021. When was this idea first floated in the International Solar Alliance (ISA)? (UPSC IAS/2021)
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: What is a Stampede and cases related to Stampede
Mains level: Preventive Measures to avoid stampedes
Why in the news?
On Tuesday, July 2, a stampede during a religious gathering in Uttar Pradesh’s Hathras district resulted in the tragic deaths of at least 121 individuals, predominantly women.
What is a Stampede?
A stampede is an impulsive mass movement of a crowd that often results in injuries and deaths.It disrupts the orderly movement of crowds, leading to injuries and fatalities, often triggered by panic, perceived danger, or the pursuit of something gratifying.
Why do Stampedes Kill?
Primary Cause: Most stampede casualties result from traumatic asphyxia, where external compression of the chest or abdomen restricts breathing.
Other Causes: Include myocardial infarction (heart attacks), direct crushing injuries, head injuries, and neck compression.
How Does Human Psychology Lead to Stampedes?
Panic and lacking in Cooperation: In panic-inducing situations, cooperative behavior is initially beneficial, but if disrupted, can lead to chaotic actions like pushing and shoving.
Positive Wish-Fulfillment Beliefs: A collective belief, rational or irrational, can mobilize large groups into actions that may compromise individual safety.
How Does the Physical Organization of Spaces Contribute to Stampedes?
Factors Contributing to Stampede Risks: Lack of light, poor crowd flow management, structural collapses, blocked exits, and inadequate design of hardware (like doors and barriers) increase stampede risks.
Crowd Density: High density can lead to prolonged evacuation times and increased panic.
How to Better Prevent or Mitigate Stampedes?
Planning and Design: Ensure adequate exit points relative to crowd size, improve crowd flow management, and use technologies for real-time crowd monitoring.
Communication and Coordination: Effective communication between organizers and attendees is crucial for issuing warnings and managing crowd movements.
Notable Deadly Stampedes and Their Causes:
Moscow, Russia (1896): Rumors of souvenir shortages led to a deadly surge.
Allahabad, India (1954): Lack of crowd control and barriers led to a surge at the Kumbh Mela.
Lima, Peru (1963): Tear gas used during a football match triggered panic in enclosed spaces.
Wai, India (2005): Slippery steps during a pilgrimage resulted in a tragic stampede.
Way forward:
Crowd Monitoring Systems: Implement technologies such as CCTV cameras, crowd density sensors, and real-time monitoring software to detect and respond to overcrowding or sudden surges in crowd movement.
Communication Systems: Establish robust communication networks between event organizers, security personnel, and attendees. Use public address systems and mobile alerts to convey emergency instructions and warnings promptly.
Emergency Response Plans: Develop and rehearse comprehensive emergency response plans that include rapid evacuation procedures, medical assistance points, and coordination with local emergency services.
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Government steps taken to deal with fatal industrial accidents
Mains level: Causes of the fatal industrial accidents
Why in the news?
In May 2024, an explosion at a reactor in a chemical factory within the Dombivli Maharashtra Industrial Development Corporation (MIDC) area caused fatalities and injuries among workers and local residents.
Present Scenario in India
India continues to witness frequent fatal industrial accidents, often due to non-compliance with safety regulations, inadequate inspections, and compromised safety practices.
Recent incidents, such as the Dombivli MIDC chemical factory explosion, highlight the recurring nature of these accidents and their devastating impact on lives and infrastructure.
There is a significant disparity between the number of registered factories and the inspection rates across states like Maharashtra, Gujarat, and Tamil Nadu.
Causes of fatal industrial accidents
Non-compliance with Safety Regulations: Many industrial accidents occur due to the failure of companies to adhere to mandated safety regulations and standards. Examples include improper maintenance of machinery, lack of safety equipment, and inadequate training of personnel in handling hazardous materials.
Inadequate Maintenance and Inspection Practices: Poor maintenance of industrial equipment and facilities can lead to malfunctions and accidents. Insufficient or irregular inspection practices contribute to undetected hazards and safety violations that increase the risk of accidents.
Human Error and Unsafe Practices: Accidents often result from human errors such as negligence, fatigue, or lack of training. Unsafe work practices, including shortcuts taken to save time or reduce costs, can compromise safety standards and escalate the likelihood of accidents.
Need for the right reforms
Strengthening Regulatory Framework: Reforms should focus on updating and strengthening safety regulations to align with international standards and best practices. There is a need to close loopholes and ambiguities in existing laws to enhance clarity and enforceability.
Improving Inspection and Enforcement: Enhancing the capacity and effectiveness of regulatory bodies responsible for inspecting industrial facilities. Increasing the number of qualified inspectors, improving their training, and implementing advanced inspection techniques like digital monitoring and real-time compliance checks.
Promoting Transparency and Accountability: Establishing transparent mechanisms for reporting and investigating industrial accidents to identify root causes and prevent recurrence.
What can be the solution? (Way forward)
Enhanced Regulatory Oversight: Strengthening and strictly enforcing safety regulations and standards across all industries. Regular updates to ensure regulations are comprehensive, up-to-date with technological advancements, and aligned with international best practices.
Improving Inspection and Compliance: Increasing the number of qualified inspectors and improving their training and capabilities.Implementing regular and surprise inspections using modern technologies such as digital monitoring and remote sensing to ensure compliance with safety standards.
Promoting Safety Culture: Encouraging a proactive safety culture within industries through training, awareness programs, and incentives for compliance.
Mains PYQ:
Q What is the significance of Industrial Corridors in India? Identifying industrial corridors, explain their main characteristics. (UPSC IAS/2018)
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Election of French President
Mains level: Impact of French on India
Why in the news?
On June 30, during the first phase of the French elections called after President Emmanuel Macron unexpectedly dissolved parliament, the far-right National Rally (RN) and its allies emerged as frontrunners with a 33% vote share.
Why did French President Emmanuel Macron decide to dissolve parliament and call for snap elections?
Strategic Decision: Macron dissolved parliament three years early to seek a clear majority for governance. His centrist bloc suffered a major defeat in the European Parliament elections against the RN. The decision aimed to consolidate votes against the rising far-right influence.
Low Approval Ratings: Macron’s approval ratings plummeted to 36%. The snap election was seen as a gamble to prevent the RN from gaining more power.
How did the far-right National Rally become so popular?
Rebranding and Policy Changes: Under Marine Le Pen, the RN rebranded from the National Front (FN). The party softened its stance on extreme policies, like leaving the EU.
Response to Societal Issues: Capitalized on fears of cultural clashes, cost-of-living crises, and dissatisfaction with Macron’s policies. Opposed immigration and advocated for ‘national priority’ policies favoring French citizens in social services.
Political Strategy: Increased its presence in provincial towns and among blue-collar workers. Rose from 7 seats to 89 in the French parliament in 2022, aiming for 240-300 seats now.
How are the two rounds of elections conducted in France?
First Phase: Equivalent to a qualifying round where candidates need at least 12.5% of locally registered votes.Candidates who get more than half the votes win outright.
Second Phase: Candidates meeting the qualifying criteria move to the second round. Common practice of ‘horse-trading’ where parties form alliances to avoid splitting votes.
Overall Structure:577 seats in the French parliament. A party needs 289 seats for an absolute majority.
Why have left-wing parties also formed a bloc?
Republican Front Strategy: Centrist and left-wing parties team up to prevent right-wing parties from gaining power.Formation of the New Popular Front is a reference to the 1936 alliance against far-right rioters.
Electoral Tactics: Over 200 candidates from centre and left alliances have dropped out to consolidate votes against the RN. Aimed at countering the RN’s rise and preventing fragmentation of the anti-RN vote.
Challenges and Unity: Presence of controversial leftist figures like Jean-Luc Mélenchon has made the unity fragile.Despite internal differences, the bloc aims to present a united front against the far-right surge.
Conclusion: The rise of the far-right National Rally in France may lead to stricter immigration policies, affecting Indian students, workers, and diaspora. Economic relations could face uncertainties, impacting trade and bilateral cooperation. So,India’s diplomatic strategies may need adjustments to navigate the changing political landscape in France.
Mains PYQ:
Q Critically examine the procedures through which the Presidents of India and France are elected. (UPSC IAS/2022)
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: SEBI Function and Power
Mains level: Challenges related to the Capital Market
Why in the news?
Hindenburg Research received a SEBI show cause notice for short-selling Adani Enterprises Ltd stock before and after their report accusing Adani of fraud.
What is the Hindenburg Report on Adani?
On January 24, 2023, the New York-based Hindenburg Research accused the Adani Group of “brazen stock manipulation and accounting fraud scheme over the course of decades.”
The report led to a significant drop in the shares of Adani companies and the calling off of Adani Enterprises Ltd’s Rs 20,000-crore follow-on Public Offer (FPO). Adani Group denied all allegations, claiming the report was a “calculated attack on India.”
What is SEBI’s show cause notice about?
Hindenburg received a show-cause notice from SEBI on June 27, 2024.SEBI alleged that Hindenburg colluded with certain entities to use non-public information to short-sell Adani Enterprises Ltd (AEL) stock before and after the release of its report, making profits.
The notice named Hindenburg, its founder Nathan Anderson, investor Mark Kingdon, and related entities, accusing them of sharing the report draft and building short positions in AEL futures.
How has Hindenburg responded to the show cause notice?
Hindenburg dismissed the notice as an attempt to silence those exposing corruption. They stated their investment stance was legal and disclosed, and criticized SEBI for targeting them instead of investigating the Adani Group’s alleged malpractices.
Accusations: Hindenburg accused SEBI of pressuring brokers to close short positions in Adani stocks to protect the stock prices.
Where does Kotak come into this picture?
Involvement of Kotak: SEBI’s notice did not name Kotak Bank, which Hindenburg claims created the offshore fund structure used for shorting Adani stocks.
Response: Kotak Mahindra Bank stated that Hindenburg has never been a client and that their KYC procedures were followed with regard to clients, with investments made by Kingdon as a principal.
How much profit did Hindenburg earn by short selling Adani stocks?
Revenue: Hindenburg earned approximately $4.1 million in gross revenue through gains related to Adani shorts from its investor relationship.
Own Short Position: Hindenburg made about $31,000 from their short of Adani US bonds.After legal and research expenses, Hindenburg indicated they might only slightly come out ahead of break-even on their Adani short.
Way forward:
Conduct Investigation: SEBI should initiate an independent, comprehensive investigation into the allegations against both Adani Group and Hindenburg Research. This investigation should be conducted by a neutral third party to ensure impartiality and transparency.
Policy Review: SEBI could review and possibly update its regulations on short-selling and market manipulation to prevent similar incidents in the future. This could include stricter disclosure requirements for short sellers and enhanced monitoring of market activities.
Mains PYQ:
Q The product diversification of financial institutions and insurance companies, resulting in overlapping of products and services strengthens the case for the merger of the two regulatory agencies, namely SEBI and IRDA. Justify.(UPSC IAS/2013)
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Bordering countries of North Korea
Mains level: Geopolitical Implications on the Indo-Pacific Region
Why in the news?
North Korea has announced that it has successfully tested a new tactical ballistic missile designed to carry a “super-large warhead”.
About the Recent Hwasongpho-11 Da-4.5 Test
North Korea announced the successful test of a new tactical ballistic missile, Hwasongpho-11 Da-4.5, capable of carrying a “super-large warhead.”The test was conducted with a simulated heavy warhead to verify flight stability and accuracy.
The test violates UN prohibitions on North Korea testing ballistic projectiles and is part of their ongoing efforts to advance nuclear capabilities. North Korea’s military plans another launch of the same missile type in July to test the “explosion power” of the super-large warhead.
South Korea’s Reaction
Dismissal as Deception: South Korea’s Joint Chiefs of Staff spokesperson, Colonel Lee Sung-jun, dismissed the test as likely “deception,” questioning the success of the inland test-fire.
Artillery Drills: South Korea’s military conducted artillery drills near the Military Demarcation Line in response.
Military Pact Suspension: These drills resumed following North Korea’s launch of balloons carrying garbage into South Korea, which led to the suspension of a military pact with Pyongyang.
Concerns Over Russia Ties: South Korea is increasingly worried about North Korea’s warming relations with Russia, suspecting North Korea of supplying ballistic missiles and artillery shells to Russia, despite both countries denying these allegations.
Geopolitical Implications on the Indo-Pacific Region
Increased Tensions: North Korea’s missile tests exacerbate tensions in the Indo-Pacific region, raising security concerns among neighbouring countries and global powers.
Regional Arms Race: The tests could prompt an arms race, with countries like South Korea and Japan potentially enhancing their military capabilities in response.
US and Allies’ Response: The United States and its allies in the region may increase military presence and conduct joint exercises to counter North Korea’s missile advancements.
Impact on Diplomacy: The tests complicate diplomatic efforts to denuclearize the Korean Peninsula and might lead to further sanctions and isolation of North Korea.
China’s Role: China’s influence in the region and its relationship with North Korea could be pivotal in addressing the security challenges posed by these missile tests.
Way forward ( What can India do?)
Strengthen Regional Alliances and Diplomatic Engagements: India should enhance its collaboration with key regional players like Japan, South Korea, and ASEAN countries to ensure collective security and stability in the Indo-Pacific region.
Enhance National Defense Capabilities: India should focus on bolstering its own defense infrastructure and capabilities to prepare for any potential threats arising from the increased militarization in the region.
Mains PYQ:
Q The new tri-nation partnership AUKUS is aimed at countering China’s ambitions in the Indo-Pacific region. Is it going to supersede the existing partnerships in the region? Discuss the strength and impact of AUKUS in the present scenario. (UPSC IAS/2021)
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Reason behind the heavy rain
Mains level: Principal Reasons Behind Chronic Urban Flooding in Delhi
Why in the news?
Heavy rain brought Delhi and NCR to a standstill, causing severe water-logging, traffic snarls, power cuts, property damage, and 11 deaths from structural collapses and electrocution.
Climate change and rising temperatures have intensified the overflow of rivers and lakes, snowmelt, storm surges (such as hurricanes and cyclones), and abnormally heavy rains. This, coupled with locational vulnerabilities, has resulted in increased instances of urban flooding.
Principal Reasons Behind Chronic Urban Flooding in Delhi
Unchecked Urban Expansion: Rapid, ill-planned urban growth without considering natural topography and drainage patterns.
Inadequate Drainage Systems: Existing drainage systems are unable to handle high-intensity rainfall, leading to significant runoff.
Concrete Overdevelopment: Excessive construction on low-lying areas and flood plains, leaving little room for water absorption.
Destruction of Water Bodies: Reduction of water bodies that could manage floodwaters, with many converted into real estate.
Neglect of Water in Urban Planning: Lack of a comprehensive water masterplan that integrates water management into urban development.
Present Scenario of Rapid Urbanization in Delhi NCR
Fastest Urban Expansion: Delhi is one of the fastest-growing cities globally, with its geographic size almost doubling between 1991 and 2011.
Population Growth: Predicted to overtake Tokyo as the world’s most populous city by 2030, with an estimated population of 39 million.
Urban Sprawl: Expansion primarily on the peripheries, converting rural areas into urban zones, and rapid urbanization in NCR cities like Ghaziabad, Faridabad, Noida, and Gurugram.
Challenges and Limitations
Topographical Neglect: Building in low-lying areas and on flood plains, disrupting natural drainage and increasing flood risks.
Inadequate Infrastructure: Insufficient desilting of drains, inadequate stormwater management systems, and improper solid waste management.
Lack of a Water Masterplan: Absence of comprehensive planning for clean and wastewater flows, leading to issues like the flooding of new infrastructures like the Pragati Maidan Tunnel.
Reduction of green space and water bodies: Conversion of green spaces and water bodies into concrete developments, further aggravating flood situations.
Inconsistent Urban Planning: No systematic approach to integrating natural water flows and gradients into urban development plans.
Recommendations (Way Forward)
Integrated Urban Planning: Develop a water masterplan that prioritizes water management in urban development.
Protection of Water Bodies: Preserve and restore existing water bodies to manage floodwaters effectively.
Sustainable Development: Implement policies to prevent construction in low-lying and flood-prone areas.
Infrastructure Improvement: Enhance drainage systems, desilting processes, and solid waste management to reduce water logging.
Public Awareness: Increase awareness about the importance of sustainable urban planning and the risks of unchecked urbanization.
Case study: Copenhagen, Denmark has an excellent “Five Finger Plan” that integrates urban infrastructure, transport, and green spaces. The city emphasizes sustainability, public life, and sensitive development. Indian Government can consider this plane.
Mains PYQ:
Q Account for the huge flooding of million cities in India including the smart ones like Hyderabad and Pune. Suggest lasting remedial measures. (UPSC IAS/2020)
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Bordering countries of France
Mains level: How France is India’s steadfast partner in achieving its sustainability goals?
Why in the news?
On July 14, 2023, in Paris, President Emmanuel Macron and Prime Minister Narendra Modi elevated the ‘Partnership for the Planet’ to one of the three central pillars of the Indo-French Horizon 2047 Roadmap.
Indo-French Horizon 2047 Roadmap are:
Strategic Partnership: Enhancing defense, security, and geopolitical ties.
Economic Partnership: Promoting trade, investments, and sustainable development.
Partnership for the Planet: Focusing on environmental sustainability and green technologies.
India- France Bilateral Ties
Strategic Partnership: India and France established a strategic partnership in 1998, which covers cooperation in defense, civil nuclear energy, space, and security. This partnership is considered a cornerstone of their bilateral ties.
High-Level Exchanges: There have been frequent high-level exchanges between the leaders of both countries, including state visits and participation in each other’s national events like the Republic Day parade. This demonstrates the close political ties.
Defense Cooperation: Defense is a major pillar of the India-France partnership. The two countries conduct joint military exercises, collaborate on defense equipment manufacturing, and have an “intelligence and information exchange” mechanism.
Space Cooperation: India and France have robust space cooperation, including co-development and launch of satellites, research on new launch technologies, and connecting startups. They recently launched a Strategic Space Dialogue to guide their space partnership.
Convergence on Indo-Pacific: Both countries share concerns over China’s assertiveness in the Indo-Pacific region. They have agreed to intensify cooperation in the strategically important Southwest Indian Ocean and work with other like-minded countries to address regional security challenges.
How France is India’s steadfast partner to achieve its sustainability goals?
Financial Support: France, through the French Development Agency (AFD) and Proparco, has committed substantial financial resources to India. This includes over €4 billion since 2008 for nearly 100 projects, with a significant focus on climate change mitigation and adaptation.
Strategic Focus Areas: Cooperation spans key sectors like energy transition, sustainable urban development, biodiversity conservation, resilience of territories, and reduction of inequalities. These efforts contribute directly to India’s sustainable development agenda.
Project Implementation: AFD’s involvement in projects such as metro systems in Pune and Nagpur, forest conservation in Rajasthan, and urban water management across 20 cities demonstrates tangible contributions to India’s environmental and social sustainability.
Partnership in Innovation: Collaborative initiatives underpinning innovation, including the Indo-French Year of Innovation in 2026, aimed at fostering solutions that integrate social inclusion with environmental sustainability.
Indo-Pacific Engagement: Strengthening bilateral ties with an Indo-Pacific dimension, focusing on initiatives like the Indo-Pacific Parks Partnership and joint funds for scaling up green technologies, showcasing France’s commitment to regional sustainability efforts.
Private sector-led projects
Investment in Agriculture: Proparco’s €11.2 million investment in Sahyadri, supports farmer-led initiatives to reduce farm losses, pesticide and fertilizer use, and enhance yields and produce quality.
Healthcare Investments: Proparco’s €33 million equity investment in Quadria, aimed at improving access to affordable quality healthcare in underserved regions of India and Southeast Asia.
Innovation and Sustainability: Emphasis on innovative solutions blending social inclusion with sustainability, such as through the Indo-French Year of Innovation in 2026 and joint efforts to scale up green technologies in the Indo-Pacific region.
Way forward:
Strengthen bilateral agreements to facilitate smoother cooperation and ensure compliance with international sustainability standards.
Foster deeper public-private partnerships to leverage expertise, funding, and innovation for sustainable development projects.
Promote continuous high-level dialogues and joint initiatives to address global challenges, enhance regional security, and drive economic growth and environmental sustainability.
Mains PYQ:
Q What were the events that led to the Suez Crisis in 1956? How did it deal a final blow to Britain’s self-image as a world power? (UPSC IAS/2014)
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: What is Generative AI?
Mains level: Persistent and Contentious Issues in Internet Governance
Why in the news?
Generative AI’s transformative potential challenges existing legal frameworks and judicial precedents, which are inadequate for effectively governing this rapidly-evolving technology designed for a pre-AI world.
What is Generative AI?
Generative AI refers to artificial intelligence models that can generate original content like text, images, videos, and audio in response to prompts or requests.
These models learn patterns from large datasets and use that knowledge to create new content that resembles the training data.
Persistent and Contentious Issues in Internet Governance
Safe Harbour and Liability Fixation:
The Shreya Singhal judgment upholds Section 79 of the IT Act, granting intermediaries ‘safe harbour’ protection against liability for hosted content, contingent upon meeting due diligence requirements.
Challenges arise in applying these provisions to GAI tools, with debates on whether they should be classified as intermediaries, conduits, or active creators.
The Delhi High Court’s ruling in the Christian Louboutin Sas vs Nakul Bajaj and Ors (2018) case limited safe harbour protection to “passive” intermediaries.
The classification of GAI tools complicates the assignment of liability, especially in cases of user reposts.
Generative AI and Legal Conflicts:
GAI outputs have led to legal conflicts, such as a lawsuit in the U.S. against OpenAI for defamation by ChatGPT.
Ambiguities in classifying GAI tools complicate legal decisions regarding liability.
What Does the Indian Copyright Act 1957 Say?
Section 16 specifies that copyright protection is granted only under the provisions of the Act, with reluctance globally to extend protection to AI-generated works.
Critical questions include whether existing copyright laws should be revised for AI, the need for co-authorship with humans, and the responsibility for copyright infringement by AI tools.
The 161st Parliamentary Standing Committee Report highlights the inadequacy of the Copyright Act to facilitate AI authorship and ownership.
Current Indian law allows copyright owners to take legal action against infringement, but liability for AI-generated content remains unclear.
Steps to Pursue (Way forward)
Learning by Doing: Implement a sandbox approach, granting temporary immunity from liability to GAI platforms for responsible development and data gathering to inform future regulations.
Data Rights and Responsibilities: Overhaul the data acquisition process for GAI training, ensuring legal compliance, proper licensing, and compensation for intellectual property used in training models. Potential solutions include revenue-sharing or licensing agreements with data owners.
Simplify the Licensing: Licensing data for GAI is complex due to the lack of a centralized licensing body for web data. The creation of centralized platforms, similar to stock photo websites, can simplify licensing, streamline access to data, and ensure data integrity against bias and discrimination.
Government and Judicial Approach to maximize the benefits of GAI: A comprehensive re-evaluation of existing digital jurisprudence is needed, requiring a holistic, government-wide approach and judicious interpretations by constitutional courts. The aim is to maximize the benefits of GAI while safeguarding individual rights and protecting against unwelcome harm.
Mains PYQ:
Q The emergence of the Fourth Industrial Revolution (Digital Revolution) hasinitiated e-Governance as an integral part of government”. Discuss. (UPSC IAS/2020)
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: What is a middle-mile network?
Mains level: What impedes rural connectivity?
Why in the news?
On June 6, IEEE endorsed a wireless network structure aimed at providing economical broadband access in rural areas, formulated at IIT Bombay.
About the latest Telecom Subscription Data
Urban Tele-density: Urban tele-density in India is 127%, indicating that on average, each urban user has more than one mobile connection.
Rural Tele-density: Rural tele-density is significantly lower at 58%, meaning only about one in two rural residents has a mobile connection.
Urban-Rural Digital Divide: The data highlights a stark contrast between urban and rural areas, with urban areas having much higher mobile connectivity compared to rural regions, reflecting a significant digital divide.
What are access and core networks?
Access Network (AN): The AN consists of base stations that provide wireless connectivity to mobile devices within a limited geographical area. It interfaces directly with mobile devices, facilitating communication and data transfer between devices and the wider network.
Core Network (CN): The CN comprises centralized network equipment that manages and directs data traffic between the access network, other networks (like the Internet), and service providers. It handles tasks such as routing, switching, and managing connectivity across the broader network infrastructure.
What impedes rural connectivity?
Affordability: Lower income levels in rural areas make mobile services relatively expensive, limiting access for many rural residents.
Cost of Infrastructure: Installing and maintaining network infrastructure like fibre optics in remote rural areas is costly and may not be economically viable for service providers.
Low Population Density: Rural areas often have sparse populations spread over large geographic areas, making it less profitable for network operators to invest in infrastructure deployment.
Geographical Barriers: Difficult terrains and remote locations further complicate the installation of base stations and backhaul infrastructure necessary for robust network coverage.
Urban Bias in Technology: Most advancements in cellular networks, such as 5G, prioritize high data rates and low latency suitable for urban environments, neglecting the unique challenges of rural areas.
Limited Research: There has been insufficient research focused on developing cost-effective solutions that can efficiently cover large rural areas with adequate connectivity.
What is the IEEE 2061-2024 standard? (Its working and architecture)
IEEE 2061-2024 aims to establish a standardized wireless network architecture for affordable broadband access in rural areas.
It defines a heterogeneous Access Network (AN) comprising macro base stations (Macro-BS) and Wi-Fi base stations, integrated with a flexible Core Network (CN) bypass capability.
Architecture:
Heterogeneous AN: Includes Macro-BS covering large areas with potentially lower data rates, complemented by Wi-Fi base stations deployed within villages for high-speed connectivity.
CN Bypass: Allows direct Internet access from the AN, bypassing the centralized Core Network for certain communications. This enhances efficiency and reduces latency, catering to stationary users common in rural settings.
Middle-Mile Connectivity: Utilizes multi-hop wireless networks (e.g., satellites, long-range Wi-Fi) to extend connectivity over long distances where optical fibre deployment is impractical or costly.
What is a middle-mile network?
A middle-mile network refers to the infrastructure that connects core network hubs to local access points, spanning intermediate distances. It uses technologies like fibre optics, microwave links, or satellites to transport data between central and regional locations, facilitating efficient connectivity over longer distances without the need for direct local access networks.
Conclude: To bridge the urban-rural digital divide in telecom, measures should focus on affordability through subsidized services, incentivizing infrastructure investment in rural areas, promoting research on rural-specific technologies, and ensuring equitable access to advanced wireless standards like IEEE 2061-2024.
Mains PYQ:
Q Has digital illiteracy, particularly in rural areas, coupled with a lack of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) accessibility hindered socio-economic development? Examine with justification. (UPSC IAS/2021)
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Difference between a hurricane and a tropical storm
Mains level: What are hurricanes and how do they form?
Why in the news?
Due to Hurricane Beryl sweeping through the Windward Islands, the Indian Men’s cricket team, victorious in the T20 World Cup, finds itself stranded in Barbados.
What do we know about Hurricane Beryl?
Early Category 4 Storm: Hurricane Beryl is the earliest category 4 storm of the Atlantic hurricane season, sustaining winds of at least 130 miles per hour (209 kilometres per hour).
Location and Impact: It is currently affecting the Windward Islands in the southern part of the Lesser Antilles, including Barbados, Grenada, and Trinidad and Tobago.
Forecast: The National Hurricane Centre has issued warnings for life-threatening winds and storm surges in the affected islands, with the potential for violent winds and flash flooding.
Preparations: Local authorities in Barbados have suspended school classes and taken other precautions, such as shutting down the water supply, in anticipation of the hurricane’s impact.
Historical Context: Hurricane Beryl is noted as the strongest storm to impact the Windward Islands since Hurricane Ivan in September 2004.
What are hurricanes and how do they form?
Formation: Hurricanes form over warm ocean waters near the equator where warm, moist air rises from the ocean’s surface, creating low air pressure.
Fuel: They are fueled by the heat and moisture evaporating from the ocean, forming clouds and spinning due to the Earth’s rotation.
Eye Formation: As the storm system intensifies, an eye forms at its centre, with storms rotating counterclockwise north of the equator and clockwise south of it.
Impact of Warming World: Warmer sea surface temperatures due to climate change may lead to slower decay of hurricanes upon landfall, potentially increasing their severity.
Are hurricanes becoming more severe now?
Research Findings: Studies suggest that warmer sea surface temperatures contribute to the slower decay of hurricanes, potentially prolonging their destructive impacts inland.
Record-Breaking Seasons: The 2020 Atlantic Hurricane season has seen a record number of named storms, indicating a trend towards more frequent and intense hurricane activity.
What is the difference between a hurricane and a tropical storm?
No Fundamental Difference: Hurricanes, typhoons, and cyclones are all types of tropical cyclones, named differently based on their location:
Hurricanes: Form over the Atlantic Ocean and the eastern Pacific Ocean.
Typhoons: Form in the Northwest Pacific Ocean.
Cyclones: Form in the Bay of Bengal and the Arabian Sea.
Naming Conventions: The different names signify regional differences but refer to the same meteorological phenomenon of tropical cyclones.
Way forward:
Implementation of Advanced Forecasting Technologies: Invest in state-of-the-art meteorological tools and satellite technology to enhance the accuracy and lead time of hurricane forecasts.
Community Preparedness Programs: Establish comprehensive community outreach programs to educate residents about hurricane risks, evacuation procedures, and emergency shelter locations.
Mains PYQ:
Q Discuss the meaning of colour-coded weather warnings for cyclone prone areas given by India Meteorological Department. (UPSC IAS/2014)
