Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: NA
Mains level: What India can learn from Taiwan?
Why in the news?
On April 3, Taiwan was struck by an earthquake of 7.4 magnitude. This was strongest in last 25 years.
Reason behind the earthquake in Taiwan
- In the Taiwan region, the Philippine Sea plate is moving northwest towards the Eurasian plate at a velocity of about 7.8 cm per year, which is faster than the motion of the Indian plate.
- Lying 160 km off the coast of China, Taiwan was formed at a convergent boundary of the Philippine and Eurasian plates in the western Pacific Ocean. It is a country of strong earthquakes.
Why other countries should take lesson from Taiwan in quake resilience?
- In 1999, the Chi-Chi earthquake of magnitude 7.7 occurred in the central part of Taiwan and impacted the western region. It killed more than 2,430 people and left 11,305 wounded. It caused more than 50,000 buildings to collapse and partially damaged as many.
- In 2024, Hualien earthquake killed at least 13 people and injured about 1,000. Most of the deaths were caused by earthquake-triggered rockfalls and not by toppled buildings. Despite being of nearly comparable magnitude, the 2024 earthquake has caused minimal damage compared to the 1999 earthquake.
Taiwan’s earthquake preparedness
- Advanced Monitoring and Early Warning Systems: Taiwan boasts the most advanced earthquake-monitoring network and early warning systems, allowing for quick detection and alerting of seismic activity.
- Public Awareness Campaigns and Drills: Widespread awareness campaigns and regular drills on earthquake safety have significantly improved the public’s understanding of earthquake risks and proper safety protocols.
- Government Regulations and Incentives: The government constantly updates earthquake safety requirements for both new and existing buildings. Additionally, incentives such as subsidies are offered to residents to improve the quake resistance of buildings, encouraging compliance with safety standards.
- Scientific Judgments for Seismic Risk: Utilizing knowledge of earthquake frequency and severity in different areas, Taiwan is able to make sound scientific judgments regarding seismic risk.
- Utilization of New Technologies: Taiwan employs cutting-edge technologies such as seismic dampers and base isolation systems to enhance building resilience. For example, Taipei 101, the nation’s iconic building, features a tuned mass damper—a massive steel sphere suspended by cables within the tower—which acts as a pendulum to counteract building motion during earthquakes.
What India can learn from Taiwan?
- Importance of Seismic Safety Regulations: India, especially in tectonically unstable regions like the Himalayas, must prioritize seismic safety regulations in all infrastructure projects.
- Customized Seismic Codes: Similar to Taiwan, India should develop seismic codes tailored to specific regions based on local earthquake activity, building types, and construction materials. These customized codes can better address the unique seismic risks faced by different parts of the country.
- Utilization of Traditional Architectural Styles: In some parts of India, traditional architectural styles may possess inherent earthquake resistivity. By rediscovering and encouraging the use of these traditional techniques, India can promote earthquake-resistant building practices that are culturally and environmentally sustainable.
- Integration of Seismic Zonation Maps: Indian code IS 1893 already specifies seismic designs based on seismic zonation maps. It’s crucial for India to integrate these maps effectively into urban planning and construction practices to ensure that buildings are designed and located in accordance with seismic risk assessments.
Conclusion
Earthquakes is natural disasters with unpredictable occurrences, can have devastating effects on society. However, their impact can be mitigated through preventive measures such as early warning systems, construction regulations, and raising awareness about earthquake preparedness.
Mains PYQ
Q Discuss about the vulnerability of India to earthquake related hazards. Give examples including the salient features of major disasters caused by earthquakes in different parts of India during the last three decades.(UPSC IAS/2021)
Mains question for practice
Q Analyzing Taiwan’s earthquake preparedness following the April 3rd 7.4 magnitude earthquake, explore lessons for India’s earthquake resilience strategy.
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Medical Termination of Pregnancy (MTP) Act 2020 and Article 142
Mains level: Distinctive features of Article 142
Why in the news?
The Supreme Court on Monday used its extraordinary powers under Article 142 of the Constitution to do “complete justice” to permit the medical termination of pregnancy of a 14- year-old rape.Her pregnancy is nearing 30 weeks. The minor became aware of her condition only at a very late stage.
Article 142
- Article 142 of the Indian Constitution grants extraordinary powers to the Supreme Court of India to deliver complete justice. It empowers the Supreme Court to pass any order or issue any writ necessary for doing “complete justice” in any cause or matter pending before it, even if the case does not fall directly within its jurisdiction.
Distinctive features of Article 142:
- Extraordinary Powers: Article 142 grants the Supreme Court of India extraordinary powers to deliver complete justice. These powers are exceptional and not restricted by the ordinary limitations of jurisdiction or procedure.
- Wide Discretion: The provision grants the Supreme Court wide discretion in passing orders or issuing writs to achieve complete justice.
- Non-obstante Clause: Article 142 begins with a non-obstante clause, which means that the powers conferred by this article prevail over any other provision of the Constitution or law. This underscores the supremacy of the Supreme Court’s authority in exercising these powers.
- Judicial Activism: Article 142 is often invoked to enable the judiciary to intervene in matters where existing laws or legal provisions are inadequate or where there are gaps in the law. This enables the court to play an active role in shaping legal principles and addressing societal concerns.
Medical Termination of Pregnancy (MTP) Act 2020
- Gestation Limits: The Act allows for the termination of pregnancy up to 20 weeks with the opinion of one registered medical practitioner.
- For termination between 20 to 24 weeks, the opinion of two registered medical practitioners is required.
- The upper gestation limit has been increased from 20 to 24 weeks for special categories of women, including survivors of rape, victims of incest, differently-abled women, and minors.
- Medical Board: In cases of substantial foetal abnormalities diagnosed by a Medical Board, the upper gestation limit does not apply.
- The Medical Board consists of a gynaecologist, a paediatrician, a radiologist or sonologist, and other notified members.
- Privacy Protection: The Act ensures the protection of privacy for women who have terminated their pregnancy. The name and other details of the woman are not to be revealed except to authorized individuals.
Conclusion:
Need to take Measures to prevent rape in society by providing education on consent, promoting gender equality, ensuring swift and awareness about severe punishment for perpetrators, enhancing support for survivors, and fostering a culture of respect.
Mains PYQ
Q ‘Constitutional Morality’ is rooted in the Constitution itself and is founded on its essential facets. Explain the doctrine of ‘Constitutional Morality’ with the help of relevant judicial decisions.
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Bordering countries of israel and Iran
Mains level: Impact of the Iran-Israel conflict on India
Why in the news?
The turmoil resulting from the Iran-Israel conflict poses a threat to the security of the extensive Indian diaspora residing in the Gulf region, with an added risk of piracy and hostage situations.
The conflict between Israel and Iran:
- Historical Context: The roots of the conflict can be traced back to the Islamic Revolution in 1979 when Iran rejected Israel’s existence and vowed to undermine it. Iran has supported anti-Israeli militant groups like Hezbollah and Hamas and pursued a nuclear program, which Israel sees as a threat
- Recent Escalation: Recent events, such as the unprecedented missile and drone assault on Israel originating from Iran, have raised concerns about a potential all-out war between the two nations. Israel successfully intercepted most of the attacks, but the implications of this escalation are significant
- Israel’s Response Options: Israel faces decisions on how to respond to Iran, with options including retaliation by proxy, assassinations, cyberattacks, or direct attacks. Each option carries risks of escalation and broader regional consequences
- The nuclear issue: The long history of animosity and confrontation between the sides has now erupted in direct attacks. Israel is believed to be nuclear-capable and Iran’s desired programmes for nuclear capability have been in the spotlight
Impact of the Iran-Israel conflict on India:
- Economic Interests: India has significant economic ties in the Middle East, including trade, investment, and energy imports. Any escalation of conflict in the region threatens India’s economic interests, potentially leading to disruptions in trade routes and increased oil prices.
- Security of Indian Diaspora: The Middle East hosts a large Indian diaspora, particularly in the Gulf region. Turmoil and conflict pose risks to their safety and security, with concerns about piracy, hostage-taking, and general instability.
- Instability in Global south Governance : India recognizes the importance of stability in the Middle East for global south governance and stability. Instability in the region affects not only regional dynamics but also has broader implications for international security and cooperation.
Diplomatic solution for this conflict:
- India advocates for diplomatic solutions to conflicts in the Middle East and supports initiatives for peace and stability, including the two-state solution for the Israel-Palestine conflict. India’s historical and cultural ties with the region position it as a potential mediator and facilitator for dialogue.
Way forward:
- Restraint and De-escalation: Call upon both parties to exercise restraint and avoid actions that could escalate the conflict further.
- Regional Cooperation: Encourage regional actors, including neighboring countries to work together to promote stability and security in the Middle East.
- International Support: Seek support from the international community, including major powers and multilateral organizations, to pressure Iran and Israel to pursue peaceful resolutions.
Mains PYQ:
Q How will I2U2 (India, Israel, UAE and USA) grouping transform India’s position in global politics?
Mains question for practice:
Q The turmoil resulting from the Iran-Israel conflict poses a threat to the security of the Indian diaspora residing in the Gulf region. Discuss the Impact of the Iran-Israel conflict on India and suggest the solution.
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Article 1, Article 3; Finance Commission; NITI Aayog; Federal Ssytem; Emergency Provisions;
Mains level: Issues related to Federalism in India;
Why in the News?
In recent times, the Central government has exerted significant political and financial control over the regional states.
What is Federalism?
- Federalism is a system of government in which power is divided and shared between a central authority (usually a national government) and constituent political units (such as states or provinces).
- Both levels of government have their spheres of authority, and they coexist within the same political framework.
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Indian Federalism:
- India opted for a federal form of government because of linguistic and regional diversity. It has dual objectives, to safeguard and promote the unity, and to accommodate regional diversity.
- However, Indian Federalism has been described as quasi-federal since it contains major federation and union features (Article 1 says, “India that is ‘Bharat’, shall be the Union of the states”).
- The central government has more authority, especially in fiscal matters (due to which it is sometimes called “asymmetrical federalism”).
- Federalism is part of the basic structure which cannot be altered or destroyed under the constituent powers of the Parliament without undergoing judicial review by the Supreme Court.
Federal Features
Non-federal features
The Present Political Federal Issues in India:
- Centralization of Power: Certain propositions laid down in the Supreme Court’s judgment, have upheld the prospects of Federalism in India
- For example, the abrogation of Article 370 concerning Jammu and Kashmir’s special status by the central government without adequate consultation with the state government was seen as a move towards the Centralization of power.
- Reorganization of States: The provision under Article 3 of the Constitution states that the President shall refer the Bill for the reorganization of any State to the legislature of the State concerned to elicit its opinion.
- The recent SC’s verdict that dismissed the challenges to the abrogation of Article 370 led to a serious undermining of federalism and the rights of the elected State legislatures.
- Lack of clarity in Division of Powers: Although the subjects are enlisted in the Seventh Schedule and Emergency Provisions of the Constitution, the distribution of power between the Central government and the states lacks clarity and equity.
- For example, internal security assumes utmost importance with the Maoist challenge and cross-border terrorism, which threaten all the states across the country.
- The Constitution does not refer either to ‘security’ or ‘internal security’ anywhere. However, it mentions five related terms namely ‘pubic order’ (List II, Entry 2), ‘war’ (Article 352), ‘external aggression’ (Article 352), ‘armed rebellion’ (Article 352), and ‘internal disturbance’ (Article 355).
- Further, the imposition of President’s Rule in states under Article 356 has been recently criticized for being used arbitrarily by the central government.
- Unequal Representation in Rajya Sabha: The representation of states in Parliament and other federal institutions does not accurately reflect their population, size, or contributions. Some states are over-represented while others are under-represented.
- For example, the allocation of 80 Lok Sabha seats to Uttar Pradesh and only one to Sikkim results in unequal representation, impacting resource distribution and decision-making.
- Simultaneous Elections: Measures discussed and recommended like the “One Nation One Election” undermined India’s federal structure and conflated the different priorities voters had for National, State, and “Panchayati raj” institutions, degrading each one’s different sphere of responsibility.
The Present Fiscal Federal issues in India:
- Fiscal Divisible Pool: The states often face financial constraints due to their dependence on the central government for funds. The unequal distribution of resources can exacerbate disparities among states.
- For example, states like Bihar and Uttar Pradesh receive more funds from the central government under various schemes. However, recently the Kerala government faced serious financial crunches due to a lack of funds.
- Implementation of Goods and Services Tax (GST): GST’s implementation has raised issues related to fiscal autonomy. States have voiced concerns about the loss of their taxation powers and uncertainties regarding compensation from the central government for revenue losses.
Bodies related to the Federal System in India:
- The Inter-State Council: It was constituted under Article 263 of the Constitution, and serves as a constitutional entity aimed at fostering coordination and collaboration between the Central government and the states regarding shared interests and issues of significance.
- The Finance Commission: It is a Constitutional Body established under Article 280 of the Constitution to recommend the distribution of revenues between the Centre and the states.
- The NITI Aayog: Established in 2015 to replace the Planning Commission. It fosters cooperative federalism by involving states in policy formulation and implementation.
Committee Recommendation:
- Sarkaria Commission (1983):
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- Balanced Distribution of Powers: Recommended a balanced distribution of powers between the central government and states, ensuring that each level of government has adequate authority to perform its functions.
- Cooperative Federalism: Emphasized the need for cooperative federalism, where the central and state governments work together in the spirit of partnership and collaboration.
- Punchhi Commission (2007):
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- Strengthening Inter-State Council: Recommended strengthening the Inter-State Council, an institution tasked with promoting cooperation among states and between the center and states.
- Revisiting Center-State Relations: Suggested revisiting and updating the provisions related to center-state relations to address contemporary challenges and promote cooperative federalism.
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Way Forward: The Centre cannot afford to ignore the importance of states to effectively respond to the Federal issues:
- Empowerment of State Governments: Strengthen the powers and autonomy of state governments in decision-making processes, allowing them greater authority over issues within their jurisdiction, and revenue management is necessary.
- Promoting Co-operative Federalism: Enhance the effectiveness of the Inter-State Council as a forum for dialogue and cooperation between the Centre and states on matters of common interest, ensuring meaningful participation of state leaders in decision-making processes.
- Need a Balanced Approach: First, the government needs to review and make necessary amendments to clarify the distribution of powers, ensuring a more balanced and transparent framework for political governance. Second, implement a balanced system of grants where states with weaker fiscal capacities receive adequate support to address developmental disparities.
- Bringing Clarity: Clearly define revenue-sharing boundaries and internal security mechanisms between the Centre and states to ensure equitable distribution of resources.
Prelims PYQ
Q) Which one of the following is not a feature of Indian federalism? (UPSC IAS/2017)
- a) There is an independent judiciary in India.
- b) Powers have been clearly divided between the Centre and the States.
- c) The federating units have been given unequal representation in the Rajya Sabha.
- d) It is the result of an agreement among the federating units.
Q) Consider the following statements: (UPSC IAS/2020)
1) The Consititution of India defines its ‘basic structure’ in terms of federalism, secularism, fundamental rights and democracy.
2) The Constitution of India provides for ‘judical review to safeguard the citizens’ liberties and to preserve the ideals on which the Constitution is based.
Which of the Statement given above is/are correct?
- a) 1 only
- b) 2 only
- c) Both 1 and 2
- d) Neither 1 nor 2
Mains PYQ
Q1 How far do you think cooperation, competition and confrontation have shaped the nature of federation in India? Cite some recent examples to validate your answer. (UPSC IAS/2020)
Q2 The concept of cooperative federalism has been increasingly emphasised in recent years. Highlight the drawbacks in the existing structure and the extent to which cooperative federalism would answer the shortcomings.
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Global Financial Stability Report
Mains level: What does it mean for India?
Why in the news?
The International Monetary Fund (IMF) released its latest Global Financial Stability Report warning about the risks to the Global Financial System.
What is the IMF’s worry about Inflation?
- Premature Investor Enthusiasm: The IMF believes that investors may be overly optimistic about the end of high inflation and the subsequent lowering of interest rates by central banks. This enthusiasm could be premature.
- Stalled Inflation: The IMF highlights that inflation may have stalled in some major advanced and emerging economies. Core inflation in the most recent three months has been higher than in the previous three months, indicating a potential slowdown in the decline of inflation.
- Geopolitical Risks: The IMF warns that geopolitical risks, such as ongoing conflicts in West Asia and Ukraine, could disrupt aggregate supply and lead to higher prices. This could counteract efforts to lower inflation and deter central banks from lowering interest rates.
- Potential Impact on Central Bank Action: The IMF suggests that if these risks persist, central banks may delay or refrain from lowering interest rates as expected by investors, which could have consequences for asset prices and investor losses.
How it will impact the Indian Market?
- Strong Fund Flows: Emerging markets like India have experienced strong inflows of foreign capital, driven by optimism surrounding potential interest rate cuts by central banks.
- Vulnerability: If central banks in Western countries signal a prolonged period of high interest rates, investors may withdraw funds from emerging markets like India, putting pressure on their currencies.
- Depreciation of the Indian Rupee: The Indian rupee has already been depreciating, reaching a new low against the U.S. dollar. This trend could continue if capital outflows accelerate.
- In response to currency depreciation and capital outflows, the RBI may intervene by curbing liquidity and raising interest rates. However, this could slow down the economy.
- Potential Effects on Financial System: A severe outflow of capital could have implications for India’s financial system, potentially exacerbating the depreciation of the rupee and causing instability.
Private Credit Market Scenario:
- The private credit market globally grew to $2.1 trillion last year, indicating its significant size and importance in the financial landscape.
- The IMF is concerned about the unregulated private credit market, where non-bank financial institutions lend to corporate borrowers. Troubles in this market could potentially affect the broader financial system.
- India has also witnessed the growth of a small private credit market, particularly with the rise of Alternative Investment Funds (AIFs).
Conclusion: The IMF’s concerns over premature investor optimism on inflation and risks from geopolitical tensions highlight potential challenges for India’s financial stability. Vigilance over capital flows and regulation of the private credit market are essential safeguards.
Mains PYQ:
Q The World Bank and the IMF, collectively known as the Bretton Woods Institutions, are the two inter-governmental pillars supporting the structure of the world’s economic and financial order. Superficially, the World Bank and the IMF exhibit many common characteristics, yet their role, functions and mandate are distinctly different. Elucidate.
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Green Credit Programme;
Mains level: Sustainable Growth; GCP stoked controversy;
Why in the news?
On April 12, the Environment Ministry issued further guidelines on its Green Credit Programme (GCP)
What is the Green Credit Programme?
- The Green Credit Programme is a new market-based instrument in India designed to incentivize individuals, industries, and local bodies for their voluntary environmental actions across different sectors.
- It is included under the government’s ‘Lifestyle for Environment’ or ‘LiFE’ movement and is a domestic voluntary market mechanism where green credit serves as a singular unit of credit provided for each specified activity.
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Features of the Green Credit Programme:
- Open-Platform: Participants, including individuals, organizations, and both public and private companies, can invest in these environmental initiatives and receive ‘green credits’ in return. These credits are earned based on the environmental impact of the invested activities.
- Public sector companies such as Indian Oil, Power Grid Corporation of India, National Thermal Power Corporation, Oil India, Coal India, and National Hydropower Corporation have reportedly registered to invest in the GCP.
- Set with Priority: The Ministry has prescribed rules for the first initiative under the GCP, focusing on afforestation. Participants can pay for afforestation projects in degraded forest and wasteland areas, with tree planting conducted by State forest departments.
- The Indian Council of Forestry Research and Education (ICFRE), an autonomous body of the Environment Ministry, is responsible for administering the GCP. They define methodologies to calculate green credits and manage a trading platform for credit exchange.
- Regional Participation: Thirteen state forest departments have offered 387 land parcels totaling nearly 10,983 hectares of degraded forest land for afforestation projects under the GCP.
- Enhanced Decision-Making: Successful participants will receive estimates of the costs involved in their chosen afforestation projects, facilitating informed decision-making and planning.
Why has the GCP stoked controversy?
- Commodification of Environmental Conservation: Critics argue that the GCP turns environmental conservation into a commodity, potentially undermining the spirit of India’s forest conservation laws.
- Forest Diversion Concerns: The GCP’s provision for companies to “exchange” green credits for complying with compensatory afforestation requirements raises concerns that it could be exploited by industries seeking to ease forest diversion requirements, particularly in sectors like mining and infrastructure.
- Ecological Impact: Planting trees as a part of afforestation efforts does not guarantee ecosystem improvement. India’s diverse forest types require specific approaches, and planting the wrong types of trees could lead to the proliferation of invasive species or disrupt sustainable ecosystems.
- Monoculture Threat: There’s a risk that the GCP may promote the replacement of natural forests with invasive monocultures, potentially harming biodiversity and ecological balance.
- Carbon Trading Controversy: The GCP allows green credits resulting from carbon storage (e.g., tree planting) to be used for carbon trading. However, the methodology for equating these activities is unclear, raising doubts about the effectiveness and legitimacy of such carbon trading schemes.
Conclusion: The Green Credit Programme in India, faces criticism for potentially commodifying conservation, raising forest diversion concerns, posing ecological risks like monoculture, and lacking clarity in carbon trading methodologies. So there is a need for rigorous oversight and adaptation.
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)?
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: NA
Mains level: Climate Change;
Why in the news?
The women from a Self-Help Group in Kanker district (Chhattisgarh), have spared 10 decimals of land for multi-layer farming to mitigate land degradation and under-nutrition, and to secure round-the-year incomes.
How does the relationship between Climate Change and Nutrition result in Food insecurity?
- Impact on Food Chain: Climate change affects food value chains, agricultural yields, nutritional quality, food access, and energy-intensive processes, exacerbating existing challenges in food security and nutrition.
- Lack of Access: The Rome Declaration on Nutrition highlights the global challenges in providing sufficient, safe, diverse, and nutrient-rich food for everyone, with approximately 800 million people lacking reliable access to food and two billion suffering from iron and zinc deficiencies.
- Disparities in Diets: Disparities in production systems and individual dietary choices lead to populations being unable to maintain balanced diets, contributing to malnutrition and the prevalence of non-communicable diseases.
- Results into Gender Disparities: Women are disproportionately affected by climate change and poor nutrition, but gender-just food systems, where women have equal rights and access to resources, contribute to resilience against shocks like drought.
Suggestive measures for reducing Emissions
- Plant-Based Diet: A diet higher in plant-based foods is more environmentally sustainable than one with more animal foods. Substituting animal products with plant-based meats and dairy alternatives can lower emissions.
- Mitigating CO2 Concentration: Higher atmospheric CO2 concentrations can lead to lower concentrations of protein, iron, and zinc in crops, highlighting the need to mitigate climate change impacts on food nutrition.
- Value-Chain Approach: Adopting a value-chain approach can optimize dietary choices while lowering emissions, benefiting communities at the household level.
- For Example, Initiatives like the Millet Mission in Chhattisgarh aim to promote millet cultivation, showcasing its nutritional value, low water footprint, climate resilience, and potential to address both nutritional and environmental concerns.
- Scaling up diversified Food Production: Scaling up and decentralizing diversified food production systems can reduce emissions by promoting underutilized indigenous foods and improving resilience to climate change.
- Monitoring Emissions: Continuous and extensive monitoring of emissions linked to food production and distribution is necessary, with accessible assessment tools for local communities to actively participate in emission reduction efforts.
Conclusion: Crops grown in regenerative and sustainable systems tend to have higher levels of vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and other beneficial phytochemicals compared to conventionally grown counterparts. By prioritizing soil health and biodiversity, regenerative and sustainable agriculture systems government and farmers can collaboratively promote nutrient-dense foods that nourish our bodies and support overall health and well-being.
Mains PYQ:
Q Climate change’ is a global problem. How India will be affected by climate change? How Himalayan and coastal states of India will be affected by climate change? (UPSC IAS/2017)
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: National Income; Household Savings;
Mains level: NA
Why in the news?
The sharp reduction in Household Net Financial Savings and the rise in Household Debt burden are a cause for concern for growth and economic stability.
BACK2BASICS:
What are household financial savings?
- Household financial savings refer to currency, bank deposits, debt securities, mutual funds, pension funds, insurance, and investments in small savings schemes. The total of these savings is referred to as gross household financial savings.
What is Household Debt?
- Household debt is all household liabilities (including non-profit institutions serving households) that require payments of interest or principal by households to creditors at a fixed date in the future.
- Debt is calculated as the sum of the following liability categories: loans (primarily mortgage loans and consumer credit) and other accounts payable.
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What are the present reasons behind the Lower Financial savings?
- Increased borrowing or reduced gross financial savings are the primary drivers of lower net financial savings.
- Lower net financial savings due to increased borrowing for consumption or investment can stimulate aggregate demand and output.
- Higher interest rates can lead to increased interest payments by households, reducing their net financial savings.
Implication of Higher Debt Burden on the Indian Market: The rise in household debt burden has two concerns for the macroeconomy.
- Debt Repayment and Financial Fragility: Household debt sustainability depends on the gap between the interest rate and income growth rate.
- Suppose households fail to meet their debt repayment commitments. In that case, it reduces the income of the financial sector and deteriorates their balance sheets, which in turn can have a cascading effect on the macroeconomy.
- Scheduled Commercial Banks Lending vs. Growth Rate of GNS: The weighted average lending rate registered a sharp rise in the last two years, particularly due to the tight monetary policy stance of the RBI and the sharp rise in the call money rate during this period.
- Impact on Consumption Demand: Reducing household wealth can lead to lower consumption expenditure as households may attempt to preserve their wealth by increasing their savings.
- Reduced Higher household debt: Higher household debt can also reduce consumption expenditure in at least two ways.
- If higher household leverage is perceived as an indicator of higher default risk, then it may induce banks to indulge in credit rationing and reduce credit disbursement. The consequent reduction in credit disbursement can adversely affect consumption.
- Higher debt can reduce consumption expenditure by increasing the interest burden, not to mention the effect of higher interest rates on consumption expenditure.
- Low household Financial wealth: Recent trends in the Indian economy indicate a decline in household financial wealth relative to GDP, alongside an increase in household leverage (debt to net worth ratio).
- The financial wealth/net worth of the household is the difference between the stock of financial assets and liabilities.
Macroeconomic Implication:
- Implications of the Procyclical Leverage: Given that both the flow indicator of liabilities to disposable income and the debt to net worth show an increasing trend, where households are vulnerable.
- Fall in the Household Savings: The policy mantra of higher interest rates to counter inflation by reducing macroeconomic output and employment can leave households with an increasing level of debt in their balance sheets and potentially push the households into a debt trap.
- The implications of high-interest rates on debt burden can hurt the consumption of the households and consequently aggregate demand.
Suggestive measures:
- Promote sustainable borrowing: Policymakers need to address the growing vulnerabilities of households by implementing measures to promote sustainable borrowing practices and reduce reliance on debt.
- Prioritizes production and employment: Additionally, the policies aimed at fostering a more balanced economy that prioritizes production and employment alongside financial activities may be necessary to ensure long-term economic stability and growth.
Conclusion: The change in the composition of the asset side of the household balance sheet towards financial assets indicates some degree of financialization of the economy which moves from a production-based economy to a monetary or financial exchange-based economy making the 5 trillion dollar economy both jobless and fragile.
Mains PYQ:
Q The public expenditure management is a challenge to the Government of India in the context of budgetmaking during the post-liberalization period. Clarify it.(UPSC IAS/2019)
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: NA
Mains level: Why Israel position is so strong in conflict?
Why in the news?
Writings and statements from Israel give us an understanding of what “a Jewish national home” means and the ongoing conflict it involves.
Historical origins and evolution of the concept of a Jewish national home
- Historical and Religious Context: The concept of a Promised Land for the Jewish people dates back to biblical times, with references in the Hebrew Bible (Old Testament) to the land of Canaan as a homeland promised to the descendants of Abraham. The idea of returning to this ancestral homeland remained significant in Jewish religious and cultural traditions throughout centuries of diaspora.
- Zionism: The modern movement for Jewish nationalism, known as Zionism, gained momentum in the late 19th century. Zionist thinkers and leaders, such as Theodor Herzl, envisioned the establishment of a Jewish homeland in Palestine.
- Theodor Herzl and the First Zionist Congress: The publication of Herzl’s book “Der Judenstaat” (“The Jewish State”) in 1896 is often considered the starting point of modern political Zionism.
- British Mandate for Palestine: During World War I, the British government issued the Balfour Declaration in 1917, expressing support for the establishment of a national home for the Jewish people in Palestine.
- Settlement and Immigration: Jewish immigration to Palestine increased significantly during the early 20th century, as Jewish communities sought to establish settlements and build infrastructure in the region.
- United Nations Partition Plan: In 1947, the United Nations proposed a partition plan for Palestine, which would have divided the territory into separate Jewish and Arab states, along with an internationalized Jerusalem. While Jewish leaders accepted the plan, Arab leaders rejected it, leading to the Arab-Israeli War of 1948 and the establishment of the State of Israel.
Continue Struggle after Arab-Israeli War 1948
- International Response and Recognition after 1967 war: UN Security Council resolutions 242 (1967) and 338 (1973) addressed the aftermath of the 1967 war. The Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO) was recognized by the Arab League and the UN General Assembly as the legitimate representative of the Palestinian people. The Arab League Declaration/Initiative of 2002 and the Palestinian Non-Paper outlined visions for a solution, including reference to the 1967 Armistice Line as a border.
- Annexation of West Bank Settlements: In 2018, Israel’s ruling Likud Party unanimously endorsed a resolution calling for the annexation of West Bank settlements, indicating a hardline stance on territorial claims.
Why Israel’s position is so strong in conflict?
- Military Might: The military success of Israel in the 1967 war shifted the dynamics of the Arab-Israeli conflict, convincing Arab states that they could not achieve victory through military means. However, it did not lead to a recommendation for a political settlement based on compromise.
- Madrid Conference of 1991: The Madrid Conference was a significant event in the peace process, though the phrase “territories for peace” was not explicitly mentioned in the invitation letters. It marked a diplomatic effort to address the conflict.
- American Support : The United States has provided unprecedented support to Israel, both diplomatically and militarily.And Israel’s conduct and efforts to shape the post-war situation have been growing.
Conclusion: The idea of a Jewish national home emerged from historical and religious roots, gained momentum through Zionism, and was furthered by international recognition. Resolution requires diplomacy, acknowledgment of historical grievances, and genuine efforts towards mutual understanding and compromise to stabalise the situation.
Mains PYQ
Q “India’s relations with Israel have, of late, acquired a depth and diversity, which cannot be rolled back.” Discuss (UPSC IAS/2018)
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: ribal Leaders in the Freedom Struggle
Mains level: Contributions of Tribal Leaders in the Freedom Struggle
Why in the news?
President of India Droupadi Murmu was being presented a book, Contributions of Tribal Leaders in the Freedom Struggle, at a National Commission for Scheduled Tribes (NCST) event.
Contributions of Tribal Leaders in the Freedom Struggle
- Santhal Revolution: Led by Buddhu Bhagat, Joa Bhagat, and Madara Mahato, the Santhal Revolution was a significant tribal uprising against British colonial rule in 1855. The Kols were joined by other tribes like the Hos, Mundas, and Oraons in this struggle
- Paika Rebellion: The Paika Rebellion in 1817 was a tribal uprising against the British in Odisha. The Paikas were a warrior class who were fighting for their rights and against the exploitation by the British
- Kol Revolt: The Kol Revolt of 1831-32 was a tribal uprising against the British in Chhattisgarh. The Kols were fighting for their rights over the land and against the exploitation by the British
- Birsa Munda: Birsa Munda was a tribal leader from Jharkhand who led the Millenarian Movement against the British in the late 19th century. He mobilized the tribal community against the British and forced them to introduce laws protecting the land rights of tribals
- Rani Gaidinliu: Rani Gaidinliu was a tribal leader from Nagaland who led a revolt against the British in the early 20th century. She was a spiritual leader who fought for the rights of the Nagas and against the exploitation by the British
- Laxman Naik: Laxman Naik was a tribal leader from Odisha who led a revolt against the British in the early 20th century. He was a farmer who fought for the rights of the farmers and against the exploitation by the British
Impact of Tribal Revolts during Freedom Struggle:
- The tribal revolts during the freedom struggle contributed to the very beginning of the aggression for British Raj. They revolted not against the British but their policy for Indians which were imposed on them without even knowing their culture and its significance. Later this led to the revolt of 1857, which took attention of all over the country
Conclusion: President Droupadi Murmu received the book “Contributions of Tribal Leaders in the Freedom Struggle” at an NCST event, highlighting significant uprisings like the Santhal, Paika, and Kol revolts, emphasizing tribal resistance against British exploitation, influencing broader Indian agitation.
Mains PYQ
Q Several foreigners made India their homeland and participated in various movements. Analyze their role in the Indian struggle for freedom.(UPSC IAS/2013)
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: NA
Mains level: Factors behind the concerning current geopolitical landscape
Why in the news?
Factors such as the lack of globally influential leaders, evolving alliances, economic challenges, and advancements in technology contribute to the current geopolitical landscape.
Factors behind the concerning current geopolitical landscape
Growing chaos, an absent leadership
- Decline of the rules-based international order: The traditional Western-led global order is perceived as dead, leading to increased geopolitical disarray.
- Rise of new alliance patterns: With the weakening of the West and the ascent of China, new alliances have emerged, but none possess enough strength to maintain global peace.
- Lack of influential leaders: Leaders like Xi Jinping, Vladimir Putin, and Joe Biden are seen as lacking the ability to sustain peace globally, with many other Western leaders deemed inadequate for the task.
- Potential for conflict escalation: While shooting wars are limited to certain regions like Ukraine and Gaza, there’s concern about the absence of leaders capable of resolving conflicts peacefully.
- Stalemate in Ukraine: The situation in Ukraine remains deadlocked, with leaders unwilling to compromise, raising concerns about the possibility of the use of battlefield nuclear weapons.
- Escalating tensions in West Asia: Israel’s actions, described as those of a “wounded tiger,” are leading to increased casualties in Gaza, while Iran poses a direct threat to Israel, potentially leading to a broader conflict with dire implications.
- Potential leadership shift in militant Jihadism: There are indications that a resurgent Iran could take over the leadership of militant Jihadism against the West and other perceived “infidels,” further complicating the geopolitical landscape.
A new set of alliances
- Great power rivalry appears diminished: The rivalry between the U.S. and China is described as a “shadow play” with little significance beyond proxy conflicts.
- U.S. setbacks and diminished superpower status: The U.S. is perceived as grappling with hubris following setbacks since Afghanistan in 2020, which has diminished its status as a superpower.
- Europe’s reliance on NATO and limited influence: Europe’s reliance on NATO for protection from Russia has not translated into significant influence in conflicts like Ukraine, despite significant costs.
- Emerging China-Russia-Iran axis: The alliance between China, Russia, and Iran poses a challenge to U.S. and Western influence in West Asia, raising questions about their tactics in the region.
Economic challenges
- Geopolitics of oil: The China-Russia-Iran axis signals a significant shift in the politics of oil, which is likely to have far-reaching consequences for global stability.
- Diminished effectiveness of sanctions: Sanctions are seen as losing their impact in the face of changing geopolitical dynamics, potentially leading to a major economic slowdown.
Advancements in technology
- Technology as a disruptor: National security efforts are increasingly focused on protecting vital technologies, with artificial intelligence emerging as a major disruptor in conventional warfare.
- Rise of smaller nations leveraging AI: Smaller nations are leveraging artificial intelligence to challenge the military dominance of larger powers like the U.S. and China, potentially leveling the playing field.
- Impact of ISR revolution in warfare: The military intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) revolution, enabled by drones, aircraft, and space assets, is transforming the battlefield, posing new challenges for military strategies.
- Nuclear arms race and arms control fraying: Arms control agreements are deteriorating, leading to the development of new nuclear warheads and cruise missiles, raising concerns about a nuclear makeover and potential use of nuclear weapons.
Conclusion: The breakdown of the rules-based order, inadequate leadership, and the formation of volatile alliances contribute to geopolitical turmoil. Need of robust leadership and coherent strategiesto avoid the conflict escalation in the world.
Mains PYQ
Q (UPSC IAS/2022) (a): Russia and Ukraine war has been going on for the last seven months. Different countries have taken independent stands and actions keeping in view their own national interests. We are all aware that war has its own impact on the different aspects of society, including human tragedy. What are those ethical issues that are crucial to be considered while launching the war and its continuation so far? lllustrate with justification the ethical issues involved in the given state of affairs.
(b): Write short notes on the following in 30 words each:
(i) Constitutional morality
(ii) Conflict of interest
(iii) Probity in public life
(iv) Challanges of digitalization
(v) Devotion to duty
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Gross Fixed Capital Formation (GFCF)
Mains level: Why has private investment fallen?
Why in the news?
The failure of private investment, as measured by private Gross Fixed Capital Formation (GFCF) as a percentage of gross domestic product (GDP) at current prices, to pick up pace has been one of the major issues plaguing the Indian economy.
What is GFCF?
- GFCF refers to the growth in the size of fixed capital in an economy.
- Fixed capital refers to things such as buildings and machinery, for instance, which require investment to be created.
- So private GFCF can serve as a rough indicator of how much the private sector in an economy is willing to invest.
- Overall GFCF also includes capital formation as a result of investment by the government.
Why does it matter?
- GFCF matters because fixed capital, by helping workers produce a greater amount of goods and services each year, helps to boost economic growth and improve living standards.
- In other words, fixed capital is what largely determines the overall output of an economy.
What is the trend seen in private investment in India?
- Pre-liberalization (1950s to early 1990s): Private investment remained relatively stable, hovering around or slightly above 10% of GDP. Public investment, however, steadily increased during this period.
- Liberalization (early 1990s onwards): Economic reforms in the early 1990s improved private sector confidence, leading to a significant uptick in private investment. Public investment, although still significant, began to decline relative to private investment.
- Post-global financial crisis (late 2000s to present): Private investment continued to grow until the global financial crisis of 2007-08, reaching around 27% of GDP. However, from around 2011-12 onwards, private investment began to decline, hitting a low of 19.6% of GDP in 2020-21.
Why has private investment fallen?
- Low private consumption expenditure: Some economists attribute the decline in private investment to low private consumption expenditure. They argue that businesses need confidence in future demand to invest in fixed capital, and boosting consumption expenditure can help stimulate private investment.
- Structural problems and policy uncertainty: Other economists argue that structural issues and policy uncertainty are core reasons behind the fall in private investment. They point to unfavourable government policies and policy uncertainty as major factors affecting private investment.
Conclusion: To address the decline in private investment, India needs policies promoting consumer confidence and stable, conducive business environments. Balancing pro-growth fiscal measures with structural reforms can stimulate investment, fostering economic growth and prosperity.
Mains PYQ
Q Explain the meaning of investment in an economy in terms of capital formation. Discuss the factors to be considered while designing a concession agreement between a public entity and private entity.(UPSC IAS/2020)
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: NA
Mains level: How could Middle East tensions impact the Indian economy?
Why in the news?
Iran’s attack on Israel earlier this week has sparked tensions in the Middle East and beyond. India, which has friendly ties with both the countries, has expressed “serious concerns” about escalation of hostilities.
India-Israel trade has doubled in the last five years
- India established diplomatic relations with Israel in 1992. Since then, trade between two countries has been rising significantly, from around $200 million in 1992 (comprising primarily of diamonds), to $10.7 billion (excluding defence) in the Financial Year 2022-23.
What are the main components of India’s trade with Israel?
- Based on India’s 8-digit Harmonized System code, under which trade items are classified, the most valued items exported by India to Israel included diesel, diamonds, aviation turbine fuel, radar apparatus, Basmati rice, T-shirts, and wheat.
Value of India-Iran trade came down in the last five years
- India’s trade with Iran has seen a contraction in recent years, before an uptick in the FY 2022-23. It increased by 21.77 per cent — from $1.94 billion in 2021-22 to $2.33 billion in 2022-23.
Israel and Iran do not have significant FDI in India
- Israel’s FDI in India: Israel’s contribution to Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) in India is relatively low, accounting for just 0.4% of the total FDI inflows between April 2000 and December 2023. FDI from Israel to India amounted to $288 million during this period.
- Indian Investment in Israel: Conversely, Indian firms have invested more in Israel, with cumulative Overseas Direct Investment (ODI) reaching around US$ 383 million from April 2000 to May 2023.
- India’s Investment in Iran: India is involved in developing the first phase of the Shahid Beheshti Port at Chabahar in Iran. This initiative aims to enhance India’s connectivity and trade relations with the Middle East and Central Asia.
How could Middle East tensions impact the Indian economy?
- Impact on Trade Routes: Tensions in the Middle East, particularly in the Red Sea region, could disrupt crucial trade routes connecting Europe and Asia. Roughly 12 percent of global trade depends on this route, potentially affecting India’s trade.
- Shipping Disruptions: Yemen-based militants, known as the Houthis, have targeted ships passing through the Red Sea since November 2023, leading to shipping disruptions. This could exacerbate India’s trade problems.
- Stability Concerns in West Asia: The conflict between Iran and Israel adds to the instability in West Asia, potentially delaying projects like the Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC).
- Impact on Petroleum Prices: While the ongoing conflict may not significantly disrupt crude oil and gas production, shipping disruptions in the Red Sea could lead to higher oil and gas prices. However, the impact on Indian consumers may be minimal as the government could offset price increases by reducing taxes.
Conclusion: India’s friendly ties with both Israel and Iran provide an opportunity for diplomatic engagement to mitigate the escalation of hostilities in the region. By actively participating in diplomatic efforts to de-escalate tensions and promote dialogue, India can contribute to regional stability and safeguard its economic interests.
Mains PYQ
Q There arose a serious challenge to the Democratic State System between the two World Wars.” Evaluate the statement. (UPSC IAS/2021)
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: NA
Mains level: Key challenges in Dalit politics today
Why in the news?
Organising grand events and celebrations in April to commemorate Babasaheb Ambedkar’s birth anniversary has become a national ritual now.
Ambedkar’s Vision for Dalit Political Power
- Ambedkar envisioned the Dalit-Bahujan mass as the prime claimant of state power, aiming to form a greater social alliance with Adivasis, poor working classes, and agrarian laborers against exploitative orders.
Historical Significance of Dalit Political Movements
- The mid-1990s saw the emergence of powerful Dalit political leadership, such as the Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) under Kanshi Ram and Mayawati in Uttar Pradesh, as well as leaders like Prakash Ambedkar and Ramdas Athawale in Maharashtra.
Limitation in Dalit politics today
- Fragmentation in Dalit Political Legacy: Despite the unity seen in commemorations, there is a growing splintering in Ambedkar’s political legacies, resulting in Dalit political parties becoming passive and relegated forces.
- Disintegration of Contemporary Ambedkarite Dalit Politics: Current Dalit politics lacks visionary leadership, a strong social base, and effective political strategies to emerge as a crucial player in democratic battles. It has disintegrated into segments.
- Political Alliances and Vacillations: Dalit parties have sometimes formed alliances with parties like the BJP, despite Ambedkar’s ideologies being fundamentally opposed to Brahmanical and exploitative orders. This has led to criticism and accusations of abandoning core principles.
Way Forward
- Building Stronger Intra-Dalit Unity: Encourage dialogue and collaboration among different Dalit political factions to foster a sense of unity and common purpose.
- Investing in Leadership Development: Support initiatives aimed at nurturing visionary leadership within the Dalit community.
- Strengthening Grassroots Mobilization: Focus on building a strong social base by actively engaging with Dalit communities at the grassroots level.
Mains PYQ
Q Debate the issue whether and how contemporary movements for assertion of Dalit identity work towards annihilation of caste.(UPSC IAS/2015)
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Climatology; Heatwave;
Mains level: Heat Action Plans (HAPs) ;
Why in the news?
Come summer, we are used to seeing heat alerts from the India Meteorological Department (IMD) for various parts of India. This year, these alerts began in February itself.
What is a heatwave?
- According to the IMD, the definition of a heatwave depends on the physiography of regions.
- The IMD will declare a heatwave if the maximum temperature recorded at a station is 40 degrees Celsius or more in the plains, 37 degrees Celsius or more in the coast, and 30 degrees Celsius or more in the hills.
Heat Action Plans (HAPs) to tackle heatwave
- Aim: HAPs aim to increase preparedness and lower the adverse impacts of extreme heat by outlining strategies and measures to prepare for, address, and recover from heat waves.
- The National Disaster Management Authority and IMD are reported to be working with 23 States to develop HAPs.
- Issue with Database: There is no centralized database on HAPs, but at least 23 HAPs exist at the State and city level, with a few States, such as Odisha and Maharashtra, laying out district-level HAPs.
Key components of Heat Action Plans (HAPs)
Limitation
- Challenges related to Determining Heatwaves: While a national threshold is currently used to determine heatwaves, determining them at smaller scales such as states, districts, and cities poses a challenge due to variations in local factors like the urban heat island effect, type of roofing, and proximity to water or green bodies, as well as humidity.
- Inconsistent Methods and Vulnerability Assessments: The methods used for vulnerability assessments in HAPs are inconsistent because of the diverse physiography of regions
- Addressing Vulnerable Populations: While HAPs prioritize protecting vulnerable populations, targeted interventions often fail to account for varying needs based on local socio-economic and demographic factors.
- Resource Allocation and Financing: Implementation of HAPs varies depending on local government priorities and available capacities because at the local level Fund crunch.
- Integration and Collaboration: HAPs are currently standalone plans with limited finance, highlighting the need for integration with broader action plans promoting urban resilience and climate adaptation to pool resources effectively.
Way Forward:
- Determination at Local Scales: Invest in local monitoring systems that capture variations in temperature, humidity, and other relevant factors.
- Standardizing Methods: Establish guidelines for conducting vulnerability assessments that account for diverse physiography and local context.
- Tailoring Interventions: Conduct comprehensive community consultations to understand the unique needs of vulnerable populations in different localities.
- Funding and Resources: Advocate for increased funding for HAPs at the national and local levels through budget allocations, grants, and public-private partnerships.
- Integration and Collaboration: Establish inter-agency task forces or committees to coordinate HAPs with other relevant initiatives, such as urban planning, public health, and disaster management.
Mains PYQ
Q Climate change’ is a global problem. How India will be affected by climate change? How Himalayan and coastal states of India will be affected by climate change? (UPSC IAS/2017)
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: NA
Mains level: Religious Issues;
Why in the news?
On 12 March 2024, in a first for Uttar Pradesh, a trial court in Hapur awarded life imprisonment in a case of cow protection-related lynching of a Muslim person.
- Six years earlier, in June 2018, Qasim Qureshi was lynched to death, and Samiuddin was brutally assaulted, by a Hindu group in the Bajhera Khurd village, under the false accusation of cow slaughter.
| Mob lynching is an act of premeditated extrajudicial killing by a group of people, often targeted against a particular individual or group. Mob lynching is based on some false information, unconfirmed rumours etc. |
Key issues in the investigation as per judgment:
- Police Fabrication and Accountability: The court censures the police for fabricating the FIR, creating an alternative narrative of the incident, and failing to collect witness statements and conduct proper investigations. This raises questions about police accountability and their collusion with the accused.
- Intent and Collusion: The judgment questions the police’s intent and alleges collusion of police personnel and investigating officers in protecting the accused. There are allegations of damaging video evidence and neglecting forensic investigations, highlighting potential corruption or bias within the police force.
- Failure in Investigation: Despite eyewitnesses approaching officers, the police did not conduct an official identification parade, which aided the accused in securing bail. This failure indicates potential attempts by the police to misdirect the investigation.
- State’s Role and Vigilante Violence: The conviction highlights the state’s role as not only a participant but also an enabler in the violence. It demonstrates how the state delegates illegal policing to vigilantes, with convictions having little material impact on the state’s involvement.
Way forward
- Need Accountability: Implement strict protocols for filing FIRs and conducting investigations to prevent fabrication of evidence.
- Need for Fast-track courts: The lynching cases should be tried by fast-track courts with day-to-day hearings. It is important to punish the culprit with stringent punishment and conclusion of the cases within 6 months.
- Enhancing Investigation: Mandate the conduct of official identification parades in all cases involving serious crimes to facilitate accurate witness identification.
- Addressing State Complicity: Strengthen legal frameworks to hold state authorities accountable for their role in enabling or condoning vigilante violence.
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: VVPATs, EVM
Mains level: Limitation and significance of EVM
Why in the news?
The Supreme Court has decided to hear petitions seeking 100% cross-verification of the Voter Verifiable Paper Audit Trail (VVPAT) slips with the vote count as per Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs).
What is the history of the Voting Process?
- First two General Elections: In the Elections of 1952 and 1957, a separate box was placed for each candidate with their election symbol. Voters had to drop a blank ballot paper into the box of the candidate whom they wanted to vote for.
- Third Election: In the third election, the ballot paper with names of candidates and their symbols was introduced with voters putting a stamp on the candidate of their choice.
- Introduction of EVM in Lok Sabha Elections: In the 2004 general elections to the Lok Sabha, EVMs were used in all 543 constituencies.
- Global Scenario:
- Many Western democracies, including England, France, The Netherlands, and the United States, have opted to continue using paper ballots for their National or Federal Elections instead of Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs).
- Some countries have discontinued the use of EVMs after trials over the past two decades. For example, Germany’s Supreme Court declared the use of EVMs in elections unconstitutional in 2009.
Significance of EVM:
- Prevention of Booth Capturing: EVMs have significantly reduced the likelihood of booth capturing, a practice where unauthorized individuals seize control of polling booths to manipulate votes.
- Elimination of Invalid Votes: EVMs have effectively eliminated invalid votes, which were a common issue with paper ballots.
- Environmental Sustainability: With a large electorate size like India’s, which is close to one billion, the use of EVMs contributes to environmental sustainability by reducing the consumption of paper.
- Administrative Convenience: EVMs provide administrative convenience for polling officers on the day of the poll. They simplify the voting process, making it easier for voters to cast their ballots and for officials to manage polling stations efficiently.
Limitations on using EVM:
- Susceptibility to Hacking Allegations: Despite assurances from electoral authorities, doubts have been raised about the security of EVMs, with concerns that they may be vulnerable to hacking due to their electronic nature.
- Limited Sample Size for VVPAT Verification: The current practice of verifying the EVM count with Voter Verifiable Paper Audit Trail (VVPAT) slips has a small sample size of only five per assembly constituency/segment.
- Identification of Polling Behavior: The process of matching EVM counts with VVPAT slips at the booth level allows for the identification of polling behavior by various political parties. This information could potentially be used for profiling voters and intimidation, undermining the secrecy and fairness of the electoral process.
Way Forward:
- Enhancing Transparency and Comprehensibility: In a transparent democracy, citizens should be able to understand and verify the election process without requiring specialized technical knowledge.
- Scientific Sampling for EVM-VVPAT Matching: Rather than a 100% match, the sample for matching the EVM count with VVPAT slips should be determined scientifically, possibly by dividing each state into large regions as suggested by experts.
- Error Resolution: In case any error is detected, the VVPAT slips for the concerned region should be fully counted, forming the basis for results. This would instill statistically significant confidence in the counting process.
Mains PYQ
Q In the light of recent controversy regarding the use of Electronic Voting Machines (EVM), what are the challenges before the Election Commission of India to ensure the trustworthiness of elections in India?
Q To enhance the quality of democracy in India the Election Commission of India has proposed electoral reforms in 2016. What are the suggested reforms and how far are they significant to make democracy successful?
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Status of Gas based plants in India; Section 11 (Electricity Act, 2003);
Mains level: Significance of Gas-Based Plants;
Why in the News?
- The Central government has issued directives under Section 11 of the Electricity Act, of 2003 to all gas-based generating stations to ensure Maximum Power Generation.
- This section empowers the Central/state government to specify the operation of generating stations in extraordinary circumstances.
Why India Needs Gas-based Plants?
- Electricity Demand in India: India faces a surge in electricity demand, especially during the upcoming summer season. The government has instructed gas-based power plants to commence operations to address this demand surge.
- Optimizing Power Availability: The directive aims to optimize power availability from gas-based generating stations during the anticipated high-demand period, similar to measures taken for imported-coal-based power plants.
- Ideal Transitioning Fuel: Gas-based power plants can be an ideal transition fuel for the shift from coal-based generation to renewable energy in the Indian power sector. They can provide the necessary flexibility and reliability to the grid as the share of renewable energy increases.
- Targets: The Indian government has set a target of increasing the share of non-fossil fuel, especially renewables, in power generation to 50% by 2030, and gas-based power plants can play a crucial role in achieving this target.
Challenges in building Gas-based Infrastructure:
- Underutilized Capacity: Despite having considerable capacity, gas-based generating stations remain underutilized, primarily due to commercial considerations.
- Non-availability of Affordable Fuel: India’s gas-based power plants are either stranded or operating at sub-optimal levels due to the non-availability of affordable fuel
- Lack of Domestic Gas Supply: The limited domestic gas supply has forced gas-based power producers to depend on LNG to meet their fuel needs, but the high cost of LNG has increased the variable cost of power, making it difficult to schedule in merit order dispatch
- Dependence on Imports: With barely half of the current gas consumption coming from local production, dependence on gas-based power plants can only be interim and not a long-term solution.
Initiatives taken by the Government:
- Setting up biogas plants: The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy, Government of India, launched the Biogas program to set up biogas plants for various applications, including power generation.
- Use of gas-based power for peaking and balancing: The government will use some gas-based power to meet the country’s peaking and balancing needs during the summer of 2024.
- Increasing gas-based power generation: The government wants the share of gas-based power to rise to 15% of India’s total installed power generation capacity.
Way forward:
- Diversification of fuel sources: Encourage the exploration and development of domestic gas reserves to reduce reliance on imported gas and mitigate price volatility.
- Investment in infrastructure: Develop infrastructure for transporting gas efficiently across the country to ensure a steady and reliable supply to power plants.
- Policy support: Provide long-term policy certainty and incentives for investment in gas-based power generation, including tax breaks, subsidies, and assured purchase agreements.
Mains PYQ
Q Environmental Impact Assessment studies are increasingly undertaken before a project is cleared by the Government. Discuss the environmental impacts of coal-fired thermal plants located at coal pitheads. (UPSC IAS/2014)
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Green Bond;
Mains level: FIIs; Green Bonds; Sovereign Green Bonds Framework (2022);
Why in the News?
On April 5 the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) greenlighted investments in the country’s Sovereign Green Bonds (SGrBs) by Foreign Institutional Investors (FIIS).
- These are the investors such as insurance companies, pension funds, and nation-states’ sovereign wealth funds.
What is the Sovereign Green Bond?
- It is a type of bond issued by a government to finance projects and expenditures that have a positive environmental impact and are aligned with sustainability goals.
- These bonds are specifically earmarked for funding green projects, assets, and expenditures that contribute to environmental sustainability and climate objectives.
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Why has India allowed FIIs to invest in its Green Bonds?
- For attracting Foreign Investments: By allowing FIIs to invest in green bonds, India attracts foreign capital into its green projects.
- For Widening the Pool of Capital: Allowing FIIs to invest in India’s green projects expands the sources of funding available for the country’s ambitious climate goals, including achieving net zero emissions by 2070 and increasing the share of non-fossil fuel-based energy sources to 50%.
- For Meeting Climate Commitments: Prime Minister Narendra Modi pledged at COP26 in Glasgow in 2021 to reduce India’s carbon emission by 45% and increase the share of renewable energy in the country’s energy mix.
- For Diversification of Investments: FIIs are looking to diversify their portfolios and seek opportunities in green investments due to regulatory support, particularly in developed countries.
- India’s Sovereign Green Bonds Framework (2022), addresses concerns about greenwashing by providing a credible framework for green investments.
Limitation For Govt. of India:
- Limited credibility of projects: The absence of specific regulations for green bonds leaves investors unable to assess the financial risk associated with the projects.
- Higher costs of issuing: The high cost of issuing green bonds in India poses a challenge for the market. Green bonds are initially costly but provide long-term cost savings.
- Greenwashing may not be resolved: Greenwashing, which is the deceptive promotion of a company’s eco-friendly image, is prevalent in the green bond industry. Some bonds are labeled as “green” despite not meeting the specified criteria.
Way Forward:
- Establish Clear Regulations: The government should establish clear and stringent regulations for green bonds, outlining specific criteria for eligible projects.
- Enhance Project Credibility: Implement mechanisms for independent verification and certification of green projects to ensure their credibility.
- Lower Issuance Costs: Explore options to reduce the issuance costs of green bonds, such as providing incentives or subsidies to issuers.
BACK2BASICS:
About India’s Sovereign Green Bonds Framework:
- It was first announced in the Union Budget 2022-23, where the proceeds of these green bonds will be issued for mobilizing resources for green infrastructure.
- It was aimed to mobilize Rs 16,000 crore through the issuance of Green Bonds in the fiscal ending of March 2023.
How they are issued?
- The Finance Ministry will, each year, inform the RBI about spending on green projects for which the funds raised through these bonds will be used.
- Green Bonds will be issued through a Uniform Price Auction (a public sale in which a fixed number of similar things are sold at the same price).
What is the Eligibility for Repurchase Transactions (Repo)?
- SGrBs will be eligible for Repurchase Transactions (Repo).
- SGrBs will also be reckoned as eligible investments for Statutory Liquidity Ratio (SLR)
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Mains PYQ
Q Explain the purpose of the Green Grid Initiative launched at the 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)?
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Arctic Region
Mains level: Distribution of resources; Arctic Region;
Why in the news?
The Indian government appears interested in capitalizing on seabed mining and resource exploitation in the Arctic
About Artice Region:
- The Arctic region is rich in energy resources, including oil, natural gas, and renewable energy sources such as wind, solar, hydro, geothermal, and tidal power.
- The Arctic covers an area of approximately 8 million square kilometers, with interests belonging to Denmark, Canada, Iceland, Finland, Russia, Norway, Sweden, and the United States
The reason behind the growing interest in the Arctic Region:
- Climate Change Concerns: India’s increased interest in the Arctic stems from scientific data revealing accelerated warming in the region.
- Trade Route Opportunities: India seeks to capitalize on the opening up of Arctic sea routes, particularly the Northern Sea Route, to enhance its trade efficiency.
- Geopolitical Considerations: India’s focus on the Arctic is also driven by geopolitical factors, including concerns over China’s expanding presence and Russia’s decisions regarding access to Arctic routes.
- Historical Engagement: India’s involvement in the Arctic dates back to 1920 with the signing of the Svalbard Treaty.
Indian Initiatives:
- Arctic Council: As an Observer in the Arctic Council, India actively participates in various working groups and expert meetings. India’s involvement in these discussions helps in understanding Arctic governance issues and contributes to the development of sustainable policies for the region.
- INS Himadri: In 2019, India launched its first scientific expedition to the Arctic with the INS Himadri, an ice-class research vessel. The expedition aimed to study climate change, oceanography, and marine biodiversity, furthering India’s expertise in polar research.
- PAME: India’s commitment to sustainable development in the Arctic is reflected in its engagement with Arctic Council initiatives like the ‘Protection of the Arctic Marine Environment’ (PAME).
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Way Forward – Potential for Collaboration:
- Green Energy and Clean Industries: India’s current policy emphasizes cooperation with Arctic countries, particularly Norway, in green energy and clean industries. This aligns with India’s goal of positioning itself as a responsible stakeholder in global environmental initiatives.
- Transformational Partnership: Collaboration with Norway could be transformative for India, offering opportunities for increased participation in Arctic Council working groups
- Scientific Research and Environmental Protection: A partnership with Norway is expected to focus on scientific research, climate, and environmental protection. These areas align with India’s Arctic Policy pillars, emphasizing the importance of addressing environmental challenges through research and cooperation.
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