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: Climate Change; Heat Waves;
Mains level: Impacts of Climate change;
Why in the News?
According to the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD), heatwave conditions are affecting either the smaller regions or the larger geographical areas in India at every 26 days of the month.
What are the Heat Waves?
The “World Meteorological Organization” defines a heat wave as five or more consecutive days during which the daily maximum temperature exceeds the average maximum temperature by five degrees Celsius.
If the maximum temperature of any place continues to be more than 45 Degree Celsius consecutively for two days, it is called a heat wave condition.
Heatwaves in India:
Regional Observations: A place with a normal temperature of 40°C in summer is not experiencing a heatwave at 42-43°C, but another location with a normal temperature of 27-28°C is in a heatwave at 35°C.
Heatwaves are common in northern, central, and eastern India during summer. Heatwaves are becoming more frequent, intense, and prolonged due to climate change.
In February 2023 (winter month for India), several regions experienced heatwaves with maximum temperatures 5 to 11 degrees higher than normal. (with a mean temperature 1.36°C higher than normal)
Predictions and Records: The outlook for heatwaves this year is grim, with predictions of prolonged heatwaves lasting 10 to 20 days in some areas, compared to the usual 4 to 8 days.
In April 2023, Odisha experienced an 18-day heatwave, the second-longest in the state’s history.
Gangetic West Bengal recorded the highest number of heatwave days in any month over the last 15 years. Eastern India recorded its warmest April ever.
Upcoming Heatwave: The India Meteorological Department (IMD) forecasted a fresh spell of heatwaves starting over northwest India.
Impact of Heatwaves:
Impact on Resource Availability:
Water Resources: It exacerbates water scarcity by drying up of water bodies, reducing water availability for agriculture and domestic use, and increasing competition for resources. This can lead to conflicts over water, affect irrigation practices, and impact water-dependent industries.
Energy Resources: It increases electricity demand for cooling purposes, leading to strain on power grids and potential blackouts. This can disrupt economic activities, affect productivity, and impact vulnerable populations.
Impact on Health:
Prolonged exposure to heat can lead to Dehydration and Cardiovascular and Respiratory diseases.
Rapid rises in heat gain can compromise the body’s ability to regulate temperature and can result in a cascade of illnesses, including heat cramps, heat exhaustion, heatstroke, and hyperthermia.
Health Ministry reported 264 heat-related deaths in the first six months of 2023. NCRB reported 730 heat-related deaths in the same year.
However, data collected and maintained by IMD and NDMA (National Disaster Management Authority) showed a sharp decline in heat-related deaths ever since state governments and district administrations began implementing heat action plans.
Mitigation of Heatwaves:
Need to establish an Early Warning System: The Inter-Agency Coordination needs to alert residents on predicted high and extreme temperatures. Who will do what, when, and how is made clear to individuals and units of key departments, especially for health.
Increase Public Awareness and Community Outreach: Disseminating public awareness messages on how to protect against the extreme heat – wave through social media and advertisements. Additionally, the government needs to aware the general public through Television programs the Do’s and Dont’s for heat-related illnesses.
Conclusion: Need to improve collaboration with Non-governmental organizations and Civil society organizations to improve public spaces wherever necessary, improve water delivery systems in public areas, and other innovative measures to tackle heatwave conditions.
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)
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Migration Pattern;
Mains level: Internal security issues; Changing Migration Pattern in India;
Why in the News?
The report by the Geneva-based Internal Displacement Monitoring Centre (IDMC) termed it the highest number of displacements in India triggered due to the conflict and violence in India since 2018.
Key highlights on Internal Displacement in India (2009-2023):
The above image shows the Internally Displaced People (IDP) currently living in India.
This term focuses on the individuals who have been displaced till the end of every year. At the end of 2023, there were 0.61 million such persons in India.
Globally, India was among the top five countries with the highest number of new internal displacements in 2022 due to disasters, with 2.5 million displacements.
Causes:
Natural: In 2023, India experienced over half a million internal displacements due to floods, storms, earthquakes, and other disasters.
Artificial: Over the past five years (2009-2023), the number of internally displaced people resulting from regionalconflict and land disputes has increased by 22.6 million, with the two biggest increases in 2022 and 2023.
Over 1/3rd of the displacements took place within Manipur, with almost a fifth moving to the neighboring state of Mizoram and smaller numbers to Nagaland and Assam.
Regional Scenario (2009-2023):
In 2023, conflict and violence triggered 69,000 displacements in South Asia, with Manipur violence alone accounting for 67,000, the highest number since 2018.
The violence erupted after a ‘Tribal Solidarity March’ was organized in Manipur’s hill districts to protest against the Meitei community’s demand for Scheduled Tribe (ST) status.
This led to ethnic clashes between the Meitei and Kuki communities even in bordering areas of Myanmar and Bangladesh.
Global Scenario (2009-2023):
The number of IDPs has grown by 50% in the last five years. The report said that 68.3 million people worldwide were displaced by conflict and violence as of 2023.
By the end of 2022, at least 8.7 million people in 88 countries and territories were internally displaced by disasters, with India being one of them.
Conflicts in Sudan, the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), and Palestine accounted for nearly two-thirds of new conflict movements in 2023
3.4 million new movements in the Gaza Strip in the last quarter of 2023, leaving 1.7 million internally displaced by the end of the year.
Way Forward:
Dialogue and Mediation: Facilitate dialogue between conflicting communities, such as the Meitei and Kuki, to address underlying issues like land disputes.
Legal Framework: Strengthen legal frameworks to protect minority rights and address grievances that may lead to violence.
Peacebuilding Initiatives: Implement peacebuilding programs that promote social cohesion and understanding among different ethnic and community groups.
Mains PYQ:
Q How far are India’s internal security challenges linked with border management particularly in view of the long porous borders with most countries of South Asia and Myanmar? (UPSC IAS/2013)
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Local Governance; Delhi Pollution;
Mains level: Delhi Pollution and Local Governance; Solid Waste Management;
Why in the News?
On May 13, the Supreme Court stated that addressing the “horrible” issue of 3,800 metric tonnes of untreated Municipal Solid Waste (MSW) accumulating daily in the national capital requires moving beyond party politics.
What is the status of Delhi’s SWM system?
Population Growth and Waste Generation:
According to the 2011 Census Data, New Delhi’s population was approximately 1.7 crore. However, this Population is expected to increase to around 2.32 crore.
This increase will lead to a significant rise in waste generation, estimated at approximately 13,000 tonnes per day (TPD), which equates to roughly 1,400 truckloads daily.
Presently, this daily waste generation accumulates to about 42 lakh tonnes per annum. The population is anticipated to reach 2.85 crore by 2031 due to which the waste generation could increase to 17,000 TPD.
Waste Collection: Around 90% of the waste generated in the city is collected by three municipal corporations:
Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD)
Delhi Cantonment Board
New Delhi Municipal Corporation
Waste Composition is of major types – Biodegradable Wet Waste (50-55%), Non-Biodegradable Dry Waste (around 35%), and Inert Waste (10% that does not decompose). The total collective capacity of these facilities is about 9,200 tonnes per day (TPD).
Issue of Unprocessed Waste Disposal:
The Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) is disposing of 3,800 TPD of unprocessed waste in landfills.
Designated Landfills (Gazipur, Bhalswa, and Okhla) are filled with unprocessed wet and dry waste, leading to significant environmental issues such as methane gas emissions, leachate production, and landfill fires.
The landfills have accumulated a total of 2.58 crore tonnes of legacy waste, covering 200 acres of land.
What are the challenges faced by MCD?
Lack of Waste Segregation at Source: Many households and commercial establishments do not segregate waste. Unprocessed mixed waste enters landfills as a result.
Land Availability for Waste Processing Plants: Waste processing plants require large land parcels (30-40 acres each). Securing such large tracts of land is challenging in Delhi.
Public Awareness and Practices: There is a lack of public awareness regarding proper waste management practices. This leads to littering and improper disposal habits. MCD’s focus shifts to clearing open points rather than processing wet waste.
Inadequate Waste Collection Services: Some areas suffer from irregular waste collection services. This contributes to waste buildup and increased littering.
Illegal Dumping: Waste is often illegally dumped in open areas and water bodies. This increases the pressure on the MCD and requires additional resources for cleanup.
What efforts need to be made by MCD?
Need for a Decentralized Approach: Given the challenges of identifying large land parcels, Delhi will need to partner with its neighboring States to set up a few of these composting plants.
Additionally, the market for organic compost produced from wet waste lies in the neighboring States of Haryana and Uttar Pradesh.
Need to work on Biodegradable Wet Waste: The design capacity for wet waste processing should be 9,000 TPD. This would require at least 18 composting or biogas plants (assuming each plant has a capacity of 500 TPD).
Significant efforts will be needed to identify land, establish composting facilities, and ensure their proper operation to prevent biodegradable waste from reaching landfills.
Need to work on Non-Biodegradable Dry Waste: Approximately 2% of dry waste is recyclable and should be sent to recycling facilities. The remaining 33% of non-recyclable dry waste (plastics, paper, textile waste) can be used as RDF for power generation in waste-to-energy projects.
Coordination Among Stakeholders: Improved coordination between various Municipal Corporations to streamline waste collection and segregation processes by collaborating with private companies and non-governmental organizations is needed to enhance waste segregation and processing efforts.
Conclusion: Already, Biomining Initiative was launched in 2019 by the MCD to reduce the amount of waste. The COVID-19 pandemic interrupted these efforts. Originally planned for completion by 2024, now expected to take an additional two to three years.
Mains PYQ:
Q What are the impediments in disposing the huge quantities of discarded solid wastes which are continuously being generated? How do we remove safely the toxic wastes that have been accumulating in our habitable environment? (UPSC IAS/2018)
Regulatory sandboxes are now widely used in many countries because they allow new ideas to be tested in a controlled and supervised environment.
What are Regulatory Sandboxes?
A regulatory sandbox is a tool allowing businesses to explore and experiment with new and innovative products, services, or businesses under a regulator’s supervision. They are introduced in highly regulated Finance and Energy industries.
This is also related to specific spheres or regulations, such as AI or GDPR, to promote responsible innovation/and or competition, address regulatory barriers to innovation, and advance regulatory learning.
Regulatory Sandboxes in the World:
According to a World Bank study, more than 50 countries are currently experimenting with fintech sandboxes.
Japan: Japan introduced in 2018 a sandbox regime open to organizations and companies including blockchain, AI, and the Internet of Things (IoT), as well as in fields such as financial services, healthcare, and transportation.
UK: A sandbox has been set up to explore new technologies such as voice biometrics and facial recognition technology, and the related data protection issues.
Significance of Regulatory Sandboxes:
Provides Empirical Evidence: Regulators can acquire a better understanding of innovative products, which allows them to develop adequate rule-making, supervision, and enforcement policies.
For example, in the banking industry, the sandbox may result in amending the rules on identity verification without a face-to-face meeting in certain circumstances.
Controlled Environment: Regulatory sandboxes help innovators to develop a better understanding of supervisory expectations. Moreover, for innovators, testing in a controlled environment also mitigates the risks and unintended consequences when bringing a new technology to market, and can potentially reduce the time-to-market cycle for new products.
Provides high Insights: It promotes higher insights on technical experiments by closely monitoring and evaluating the performance of emerging technologies, and generating valuable empirical evidence.
Promotes Collaboration: Regulatory sandboxes foster collaboration between innovators and regulators. This partnership helps ensure that the development of new technologies aligns with regulatory standards and public interests.
Benefits to the end consumer: Consumers benefit from the introduction of new and potentially safer products, as regulatory sandboxes foster innovation and consumer choice in the long run.
Regulatory sandboxes can enhance access to funding for businesses by reducing information imbalances and regulatory costs.
Need to find a Middle path:
Balancing Regulation and Innovation: Regulatory sandboxes allow for a balanced approach, where innovation is encouraged without completely foregoing necessary regulatory oversight. This balance is crucial to prevent stifling innovation while ensuring safety towards data security and compliance.
Risk Mitigation and Ethical Development: The features where regulatory sandboxes encourage responsible innovation by mandating risk assessments and implementing safeguards need to be used efficiently.
What approach does India need to keep?
Multifaceted Approach: India’s strategy should encompass economic ambitions, ethical considerations, job creation, industrial transformation, and societal welfare. This holistic approach ensures that AI development aligns with the country’s broader goals.
Regulatory Sandbox as a Preparatory Step: Rather than immediately imposing stringent regulations, India should use regulatory sandboxes as a preparatory measure. This allows for the testing of AI applications in a controlled environment, generating insights that inform future regulatory frameworks.
Adaptable and Progressive Legislation: India’s AI regulations should be flexible and adaptable, capable of evolving with technological advancements. This can be achieved by initially using sandboxes to test and refine regulatory approaches before formalizing them.
Ethical and Cultural Alignment: AI development in India should align with the country’s cultural and ethical values. This ensures that AI technologies are deployed responsibly and ethically, respecting societal norms and expectations.
Conclusion: The EU has come up with an AI Act, the U.S. has released a white paper on the AI Bill of Rights, and the U.K. has a national AI Strategy. China is trying to regulate various aspects of AI like generative AI while Singapore is following an innovation-friendly approach. Therefore, in a Global Competitive race, we too need some regulations to harness AI’s vast potential.
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: IMF; Debt-to-GDP ratio;
Mains level: International Market and Economy; Fiscal Issues;
Why in the News?
SRI Lanka’s Cabinet has approved a new economic law to stabilize its debt-to-GDP ratio that will cover key targets set by the International Monetary Fund (IMF).
The debt-to-GDP ratio measures the proportion of a country’s national debt to its gross domestic product.
According to the World Bank, the countries whose debt-to-GDP ratios exceed 77% for prolonged periods experience significant slowdowns in economic growth.
What are the IMF Targets?
The IMF has various targets and initiatives aimed at achieving sustainable economic growth and prosperity for its member countries.
It includes promoting financial stability, monetary cooperation, and transparency in economic policies to enhance productivity, job creation, and economic well-being.
Indian Scenario:
India has not taken any financial assistance from the IMF since 1993.
India’s current quota in the IMF is SDR (Special Drawing Rights) 5,821.5 million, making it the 13th largest quota-holding country at IMF and giving it shareholdings of 2.44%.
For Sri Lanka:
The IMF targets Sri Lanka to reduce its debt to gross domestic product (GDP) ratio to 95% by 2030.
Another target set by the IMF is to reduce debt servicing costs to 4.5% of GDP. It means Sri Lanka needs to focus on managing the costs associated with servicing it’s debt obligations, aiming to make it more sustainable and manageable in the long term.
How will the debt-to-GDP ratio be reduced?
Fiscal Discipline: Sri Lanka may need to implement measures to improve fiscal discipline, such as reducing government Expenditure, increasing Tax revenue, and narrowing Budget Deficits.
Debt Restructuring: Sri Lanka can explore negotiating with creditors to extend debt maturities, reduce interest rates, or reprofile debt payments.
Revenue Enhancement: The government could focus on enhancing revenue generation through tax reforms, improved tax administration, and efforts to broaden the tax base.
Economic Growth: Promoting economic growth is essential for reducing the debt-to-GDP ratio over the long term. Sri Lanka could implement policies to stimulate investment, boost productivity, and enhance competitiveness, leading to higher GDP growth rates and a more sustainable debt trajectory.
What does India do presently to reduce its debt-to-GDP ratio?
Targeted Reduction: According to a research paper by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI), the government aims to lower the general government debt-GDP ratio to 73.4% by 2030-31. This target is approximately 5% points lower than the trajectory projected by the IMF, indicating ambitious yet achievable goals.
Promotes Fiscal Space: The Indian Central Bank – RBI emphasized reducing debt burdens to free up fiscal space for new investments, particularly in critical areas like the green transition. This suggests a strategic focus on investing in sustainable and environmentally friendly initiatives.
Aligning with IMF: The IMF projects a positive trend in India’s debt reduction efforts, forecasting a decline in government debt from 81% of GDP in 2022 to 80.5% in 2028. This indicates that India’s debt reduction measures are consistent with international expectations and standards.
Conclusion: Focus on enhancing revenue generation through Comprehensive Tax reforms, improved tax compliance, and efforts to broaden the tax base is needed. Secondly, rationalizing Tax revenues can provide additional resources to finance government expenditures without relying heavily on borrowing, thus reducing the debt-to-GDP ratio.
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 mandates are distinctly different. Elucidate. (UPSC IAS/2013)
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: About NHRC;
Mains level: Human Rights; NHRC; Paris Principles;
Why in the News?
The National Human Rights Commission of India (NHRC) was formally informed late last week that the deferral of its status would continue for a year more.
The deferral was put in place by the Sub-committee on Accreditation (SCA) of the Global Alliance of National Human Rights Institutions (GANHRI) for a year, in 2023.
About the National Human Rights Commission of India (NHRC)
The NHRC is a statutory body established under the Protection of Human Rights Act, of 1993.
It is mandated to promote and protect Human Rights in India, investigate complaints of human rights violations, and take serious cognizance of human rights issues.
The NHRC plays a crucial role in ensuring accountability and justice for victims of Human Rights abuses.
It’s Deferral status:
The deferral of NHRC’s status means that its accreditation is temporarily postponed, pending improvements in its compliance with the Paris Principles.
The Global Alliance of National Human Rights Institutions (GANHRI) accredits National Human Rights Institutions (NHRIs) based on compliance with the Paris Principles, a set of international standards for NHRIs.
About Global Alliance of National Human Rights Institutions (GANHRI):
The GANHRI is an international network that brings together National Human Rights Institutions (NHRIs) from around the world.
It was established in 1993 as the International Coordinating Committee (ICC) of National Institutions for the Promotion and Protection of Human Rights.
In 2009, it was renamed GANHRI to better reflect its global scope and mission.
How Indian NHRC is drifting away from the Paris Principles?
Ideological Conflict: The mention of the ‘Manusmriti’ in the NHRC document sparked outrage among historically disadvantaged communities, who view it as a source of discrimination and violence they have endured during ancient times.
The foundational values of ‘Equality’ in the Indian Constitution and Paris Principles conflict with Manusmriti’s ‘caste-division’ principles.
In early 2017 also the NHRC was placed in the deferral category by the GANHRI, which was later lifted after a review.
Significance of ‘A’ Status: NHRC had emphasized the significance of ‘A’ status accreditation in its public note on a previous occasion.
‘A’ status grants participation in the work and mechanisms of GANHRI, the Human Rights Council, and other UN mechanisms.
Way forward:
Comprehensive Review: Conduct a thorough review of NHRC’s policies, practices, and organizational structure to identify areas of improvement and address deficiencies.
Strengthen Compliance: Need to take proactive measures to ensure compliance with the Paris Principles, including enhancing autonomy, independence, and effectiveness in addressing human rights violations.
Mains PYQ:
Q Though the Human Rights Commissions have contributed immensely to the protection of human rights in India, yet they have failed to assert themselves against the mighty. Analysing their structural and practical limitations, suggest remedial measures. (UPSC IAS/2021)
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Diseases in the News;
Mains level: Health and Diseases in India;
Why in the News?
A tuberculosis patient receives treatment from a nurse (instead of a specialist) at a TB hospital in Guwahati.
What is meant by Pulmonary Tuberculosis (TB)?
Pulmonary tuberculosis (TB) is a serious infection caused by the bacterium Mycobacterium tuberculosis (MTB) that involves the lungs but may spread to other organs where it destroys body tissue. TB is a contagious disease that can infect anyone exposed to MTB.
It constitutes a significant portion of the TB burden in India, accounting for more than 20% of cases.
Present status of Extra-Pulmonary Tuberculosis (EPTB) in India:
According to the World Health Organization (WHO) reports, there are over 10 million new cases of TB every year and India alone accounts for 27% of the global TB burden. However, the burden of EPTB is hard to estimate. EPTB is often stain-negative, which means it is not detectable on regular TB stain tests.
The twin challenges of the Knowledge Gap:
Lack of awareness:
Among Physicians: Many healthcare providers are unaware that TB can affect organs other than the lungs, such as the eyes and other immune-privileged sites.
Among Patients: Nearly 1/5th of TB patients have EPTB. Most of them go undiagnosed, and the few who are diagnosed cannot benefit from care unless they visit a few specialist health facilities.
Lack of Accurate Diagnostic and Treatment Criteria: There is a lack of accurate diagnostic criteria for EPTB, making it challenging to identify the disease correctly. Treatment protocols for EPTB are not well-established or widely known, complicating effective management.
Although guidelines like INDEX-TB (a set of guidelines by WHO for EPTB management in India) have been formulated, their implementation has remained dormant.
The current system for collecting EPTB data is fragmented, with specialist departments maintaining diverse data practices.
National Patient Management Portals, such as Ni-kshay in India, have incomplete and missing data on EPTB patients.
Need to Prioritize Research and Development (R&D) for EPTB:
Need to understand the infection mechanism deeply: A troubling aspect of EPTB infection is the prolonged presence of disease markers even after the infection is resolved with treatment.
This phenomenon causes a lot of misery to persons with EPTB and is an active area of research.
Prioritize Advanced Immunological Tools: Advanced Immunological Tools such as single-cell RNA sequencing, will be able to uncover the immune mechanisms for the disease.
This will also help physicians to understand the treatment better, instead of going for long-duration anti-TB therapy (sometimes for even two years or more).
Mains PYQ:
Q Can overuse and free availability of antibiotics without a Doctor’s prescription, be contributors to the emergence of drug-resistant diseases in India? What are the available mechanisms for monitoring and control? Critically discuss the various issues involved.
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Data related to inequality and poverty
Mains level: Measurement issues regarding poverty lines and consumption expenditure
Why in the News?
The National Sample Survey Organization’s and Household Consumption Expenditure Survey (2022-23)prompted researchers to estimate Poverty and Inequality trends, highlighting data comparability and measurement issues.
Present trends of Poverty and Inequality in Indian Society:
1. Poverty Declined:
Poverty ratios declined from 29.5% in 2011-12 to 10% in 2022-23 (1.77% points per year) based on the Rangarajan Committee’spoverty lines.
Poverty ratios declined from 21.9% in 2011-12 to 3% in 2022-23 (1.72% points per year) based on the Tendulkar Committee’s poverty lines. Earlier period estimates showed a decline from 37.2% in 2004-05 to 21.9% in 2011-12 (2.18 percentage points per year).
2. Inequality Declined :
Subramanian’s estimates indicate the Gini coefficientdeclined from 0.278 to 0.269 for rural areas and from 0.358 to 0.318 for urban areas between 2011-12 and 2022-23.
The Gini coefficient measures the inequality among the values of a frequency distribution, such as levels of income.
Bansal et al show similar trends: Gini coefficient for rural areas declined from 0.284 to 0.266, and for urban areas from 0.363 to 0.315 over the same period. (significant decline in urban inequality compared to rural areas between 2011-12 and 2022-23)
Back2Basics:
Lakdawala Committee (1993):
It disaggregated poverty lines into state-specific poverty lines.
Poverty lines: same as Alagh’s committee of 1979. (2400 kcal per capita per day for rural areas and 2100 kcal per capita per day in urban areas.)
Poverty lines were updated using the Consumer Price Index of Industrial Workers (CPI-IW) in urban areas and the Consumer Price Index of Agricultural Labour (CPI-AL)in rural areas rather than using National Accounts Statistics.
Estimates of poverty: 54.9% (All India)
Tendulkar Committee (2009):
Constituted: In 2005
Submitted report: 2009.
Recommendations:
Firstly, the incorporation of private expenditure on health and education while estimating poverty.
Secondly, to shift away from two separate poverty line baskets (PLBs) (for rural and Urban) towards a uniform all-India PLB.
Thirdly, to shift away from Uniform Reference Period (URP) based estimates towards Mixed Reference Period (MRP) based estimates.
Fourthly, A change in the price adjustment procedure to correct spatial (across regions) and temporal (across time) issues with price adjustment.
It concluded that India’s poverty line was Rs. 446.68 per capita per month in rural areas and Rs. 578.80 per capita per month in urban areas in 2004-05.
Estimates of poverty: 37.2 % (All India)
C. Rangarajan Committee (2014):
Constituted: 2012
Submitted report: 2014.
Used a method of calculating urban and rural poverty separately (similar to the Lakdawala committee).
Took into account both food and non-food itemsof expenditure.
Used the MMRP method instead of MRP.
Poverty was estimated on monthly expenditure of a family of five (and not individual as in case of the Tendulkar committee). All three, i.e., Calorie + protein + Fat intake values were taken into account to estimate poverty.
Estimates of poverty: 29.5%
Poverty lines: Rural- Rs. 32; Urban- Rs.47
Methods to Estimate Absolute Poverty by NSSO:
Poverty estimation in India is now carried out by NITI Aayog’s task force through the calculation of poverty line based on the data captured by the NSSO under the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MOSPI). It uses the following 3 methods:
Uniform Recall (reference) Period (URP): Under URP, consumption data for all items are collected for a 30-day recall period. When URP is applied, the households are surveyed about their consumption in the last 30 days preceding the date of the survey.
Until 1993-94, the poverty line estimated by NSSO was based on URP.
Mixed Recall (reference) Period (MRP): MRP takes into account consumption expenditure for five non-food items (clothing, footwear, durable goods, education, and institutional medical expenses) for a 365-day recall period, and consumption data for the remaining items are collected for a 30-day recall period.
Modified mixed reference period (MMRP): The Rangarajan Committee in its 2014 report recommended MMRP as a more suitable method to measure poverty as compared to URP and MRP methods. The World Bank in 2015 also supported the idea of shifting from MRP to MMRP. Under MMRP there are 3 reference periods as follows:
The 365-dayrecall period is used for clothing, footwear, education, institutional medical care, and durable goods.
The 7-dayrecall period for edible oil, egg, fish and meat, vegetables, fruits, spices, beverages, refreshments, processed food, paan, tobacco and intoxicants and
The 30-day recall period for the remaining food items, fuel, and light, miscellaneous
good and services including non-institutional medical, rents, and taxes.
Measurement issues regarding Poverty Lines and Consumption Expenditure:
Shift Away from Calorie Norm-based Poverty Line: The Tendulkar Committee recognized the inadequacy of a calorie norm-based poverty line. Instead, the Tendulkar Committee indirectly utilized calorie norms by adopting the urban poverty line based on the Lakdawala Committee’s methodology, which included calorie norms.
Need for new Consumption Basket: The Rangarajan Group emphasized the need for a new consumption basket that addresses both adequate nourishment and essential non-food items, alongside behaviorally determined non-food expenditure.
Estimating this new poverty basket required a fresh approach rather than simply updating an old basket with new prices.
Incomplete Capture of Public Expenditure: Despite efforts to impute values for public expenditure items, the imputation process captured only a fraction of the total public expenditure on subsidized or free items.
Complexity in Poverty Measurement: There is no universally agreed-upon method for measuring poverty, leading to variability in estimates.
Constitutional provisions related to eliminating inequalities:
i. [Article 38 (2) ]: Obligation of the State ‘to endeavour to eliminate inequalities in status, facilities and opportunities’ amongst individuals and groups of people residing in different areas or engaged in different vocations. ii. [Article 46]: Obligation of State ‘to promote with special care’ the educational and economic interests of ‘the weaker sections of the people’ (besides Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes).
Conclusion: Given the inadequacy of calorie norm-based poverty lines, as recognized by the Tendulkar Committee, there is a need to adopt more effective and real-time approaches that will consider evolving consumption patterns.
Mains PYQ:
Q “The incidence and intensity of poverty are more important in determining poverty based on income alone”. In this context analyse the latest United Nations Multidimensional Poverty Index Report.(UPSC IAS/2020)
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: About Measles Vaccination
Mains level: Global Immunisation Efforts and Current Observations
Why in the News?
On the occasion of World Immunisation Week observed from 24th to 30th April, the Indian Academy of Paediatricshas launched a campaign to focus on routine immunization as the ‘Birth Right’ of a Child.
About Measles Vaccination
This vaccine protects against 3 diseases: Measles, Mumps, and Rubella (MMR).
Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)recommends children get two doses of MMR vaccine, starting with the first dose at 12 -15 monthsof age, and the second dose at 4-6 years of age. Teens and adults should also be up to date on their MMR vaccination.
Indian Government Initiatives:
World Immunization Week: The Indian Academy of Paediatrics (IAP) launched a campaign during World Immunisation Week (April 24-30) focusing on routine immunization as a fundamental right of every child. IAP urged the government to expedite the introduction of the HPV vaccine and typhoid conjugate vaccine to address significant public health burdens.
Vaccination made within the country:
DTP Vaccine: 93% of surviving infants received the third dose of the DTP vaccine.
Measles Vaccine: 90% of infants received the second dose of the measles vaccine. The measles vaccine has been the most significant in reducing infant mortality, accounting for 60% of lives saved through immunisation since 1974.
Present issues include inequitable distribution of vaccines, inability to reach 90% coverage, human resource gaps, and financing problems. In 2022, 33 million children missed a measles vaccine dose, with 22 million missing the first dose and 11 million missing the second dose.
Impacts of Immunisation Globally:
Lives Saved: Immunisation efforts have saved an estimated 154 million lives globally over the past 50 years, equating to six lives every minute of every year.
Infant Mortality Reduction: 101 million of the lives saved were infants. Vaccination against 14 diseases has reduced infant deaths by 40% globally and by over 50% in Africa.
Diseases Targeted: Vaccines have contributed to reducing deaths from diseases like Diphtheria, Haemophilus Influenzae Type B, Hepatitis B, Japanese Encephalitis, Measles, Meningitis A, Pertussis, invasive Pneumococcal disease, Polio, Rotavirus, Rubella, Tetanus, Tuberculosis, and Yellow fever.
Conclusion: Immunisation saves lives, reduces infant mortality, and prevents outbreaks by protecting against infectious diseases, ensuring healthier communities, and securing a better future for children worldwide.
Mains PYQ:
Q What is the basic principle behind vaccine development? How do vaccines work? What approaches were adopted by the Indian vaccine manufacturers to produce COVID-19 vaccines? (UPSC IAS/2022)
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: The Mediation Act, 2023
Mains level: Need to address flaws wrt Mediation Act, 2023
Why in the news?
The Mediation Act, of 2023, formalizes diverse mediation forms, promotes amicable settlements and also addresses the judicial backlog. However, Chief Justice Chandrachud emphasized recently that we need a “mediate, not litigate” directive.
What is Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR)?
ADR refers to the methods of resolving a dispute, which are alternatives for litigation in Courts. Generally, it uses a neutral third party who helps the parties to communicate, discuss the differences, and resolve the dispute (civil disputes).
The Malimath Committee Report (1989-90) underlined the need for ADR mechanisms as a viable alternative to conventional court litigation.
Important Provisions Related To ADR:
Section 89 of the Civil Procedure Code, 1908: Provides that opportunity to the people, if it appears to court there exist elements of settlement outside the court then the court formulates the terms of the possible settlement and refer the same for ADRs.
Legal provisions dealing with the ADR mechanism in India are the Legal Services Authority Act, 1987 (established Lok Adalat System) and the Arbitration and Conciliation Act, 1996.
Significance of ADR:
Speedy Justice: It is a well-known fact that the present Judicial System is extremely expensive and delaying. ADR methods typically resolve disputes faster than traditional court processes, which is crucial in reducing judicial backlog and providing timely justice.
Cost-Effectiveness: ADR is generally less expensive than litigation, as it avoids the high costs associated with court fees, prolonged legal procedures, and extensive discovery processes.
Confidentiality: Unlike public court proceedings, ADR processes are usually private, protecting the confidentiality of the parties and the details of the dispute.
Preservation of Relationships: ADR methods, particularly mediation and conciliation, emphasize collaborative problem-solving and communication, helping to preserve or even improve relationships between parties.
Key provisions of the Mediation Act, 2023:
It defines ‘Mediation’ and also expands the scope of mediation to statutorily recognize pre-litigation mediation, online mediation, community mediation and conciliation under the definition.
Section 5 provides that the disputing parties, before filing any civil or commercial suit in any court, may “voluntarily and with mutual consent” take steps to settle the disputes by pre-litigation mediation.
It is in line with the international practice of using the terms ‘mediation’ and ‘conciliation’ as declared by the UNCITRAL and as done previously by the Supreme Court of India in many of its judgments (Perry Kansagra vs. Smriti Madan Kansagra, 2019 and Amardeep Singh vs. Harveen Kaur, 2017).
Need to address flaws wrt Mediation Act, 2023:
Experience Requirement for Mediators: Aspiring mediators must have 15 years of professional experience before qualifying to practice. This requirement might be too stringent and could limit the pool of potential mediators, hindering the growth of mediation as a viable dispute-resolution method.
Disconnect in Legal Education: The current legal education and practice emphasize advocacy, which contrasts sharply with the neutrality required in mediation. This creates a disconnect as legal professionals need to unlearn and relearn skills when transitioning between roles, making the process inefficient.
How can we foster the next generation of Mediators?
Integrated Approach: To bridge the gap between advocacy and mediation, there should be continuous, integrated learning. Legal professionals should be trained to switch roles seamlessly, maintaining and enhancing their skills in both areas throughout their careers.
Innovative Training Methods: Co-mediation pairs novice mediators with experienced counterparts, allowing them to gain practical experience in real mediation sessions.
Structured Mediation Training: Embedding mediation training within the law school curriculum can ignite early interest and equip students with essential dispute-resolution skills.
Amendments: Revising the experience requirement to allow younger professionals to become mediators sooner could expand the pool of qualified mediators and accelerate the adoption of mediation practices.
Conclusion: According to CJI an “active effort must be taken by courts to make negotiations and mediation mandatory as part of case management and with adequate cooperation from all stakeholders, ADR can emerge as a tool of social justice in the country.
Mains PYQ:
Q What are the major changes brought in the Arbitration and Conciliation Act, of 1966 through the recent ordinance promulgated by the President? How far will it improve India’s dispute resolution mechanism? Discuss. (UPSC IAS/2015)
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Smart Cities Mission
Mains level: Why is the Smart Cities Mission (SCM) considered exclusionary to many?
Why in the news?
The Smart Cities Mission (SCM), a key initiative of the previous NDA-1 government, has received less emphasis in this year’s lineup of electoral pledges and accomplishments.
How are smart cities defined by the government?
Since 2009, following the significant financial crash, the term ‘Smart City’ has gained widespread usage.
Urban practitioners have defined smart cities as innovative urban hubs akin to new Silicon Valleys, characterized by robust integration of transportation networks, including airports, highways, and various communication infrastructures, thereby fostering intellectual environments enhanced by advanced information and communication technologies (ICT).
The Smart Cities Mission is a key urban renewal and retrofitting program launched by the Government of India in 2015 to develop 100 cities across the country, making them citizen-friendly and sustainable.
The Smart Cities Mission (SCM) comprises two primary components:
Area-Based Development:
This aspect focuses on three components:
Redevelopment (city renewal): Revitalizing existing urban areas to improve infrastructure, amenities, and quality of life.
Retrofitting (city improvement): Upgrading infrastructure and services in already developed areas to meet contemporary urban needs and standards.
Greenfield projects (city extension): Developing new urban areas or expanding existing cities with sustainable and modern infrastructure.
Pan-City Solutions based on ICT:
This facet involves implementing integrated solutions across various sectors using Information and Communication Technology (ICT). These solutions typically fall under six categories:
E-governance: Utilizing digital platforms for efficient and transparent governance processes.
Waste management: Implementing systems for effective waste collection, segregation, and disposal.
Water management: Enhancing water supply infrastructure and promoting conservation measures.
Energy management: Implementing energy-efficient technologies and promoting renewable energy sources.
Urban mobility: Improving transportation systems to enhance connectivity and reduce congestion.
Skill development: Promoting programs to enhance the skills and employability of the urban workforce.
Why is the Smart Cities Mission (SCM) considered exclusionary to many?
Limited Geographical Scope: Only a small portion of a city’s area, often not more than 1%, was selected for development under the SCM. For example, in Chandigarh, the funds were concentrated in sector 43, focusing on projects like smart water meters and Wi-Fi zones, leaving other areas untouched.
Mismatch with Urban Realities: The competitive selection process did not account for the diverse and dynamic nature of urbanization in India. The approach was more suitable for static urban environments found in the West, not the evolving urban landscapes of Indian cities.
Displacement and Disruption: Implementation of smart city projects often led to the displacement of people living in poorer localities and street vendors.
Inadequate Funding: The total funding allocated for the SCM was significantly less than the estimated requirement for making Indian cities livable. Reports suggested a capital expenditure need of $1.2 trillion by 2030, while the SCM’s allocation was less than $20 billion over nine years.
Did the SCM override the 74th Constitutional Amendment?
Reduced Role of Elected Councils: The governance structure under the SCM limited the role of elected municipal councils.This was seen as bypassing the decentralized, participatory governance model envisaged by the 74th Constitutional Amendment, which aimed to empower local urban bodies.
Top-Down Approach: Critics argued that the SCM’s design was too top-down, not aligning with the bottom-up approach promoted by the 74th Constitutional Amendment.
Way forward:
Contextual Planning: Develop flexible and adaptive plans that consider the unique and dynamic nature of Indian urbanization, rather than applying a one-size-fits-all model.
Community Involvement: Engage local communities in the planning process to ensure that projects reflect the needs and realities of different urban areas.
Mains PYQ:
Q What are ‘Smart Cities’? examine their relevance for urban development in India. Will it increase rural-urban differences? Give arguments for ‘Smart Villages’ in the light of PURA and RURBAN Mission. (UPSC IAS/2016)
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Population Trends; NFHS Report (2019-21);
Mains level: Religion and Demographics in India;
Why in the News?
Once again, the Muslim population has become a point of discussion. Last month, PM Narendra Modi referred Muslims in India, suggesting they have a higher birth rate.
Trends of Muslim Population as per Data Point (NFHS-5 2019-21) published on April 23:
Population Trends: The Economic Advisory Council to the Prime Minister noted a Muslims in the total population increased by 43.15% between 1950 and 2015, the share of Hindus decreased by 7.82% between 1950 and 2015.
The fertility rate of Muslims was 2.36 in 2019-21, much closer to the replacement level. The fertility rate is the average number of children a woman is expected to have in her lifetime. A rate of 2.1 (the ‘replacement level’) means that the population is stable.
Factors behind the High Population Growth of Muslims:
Socio-economic Factors: Socio-economic factors, rather than religion, significantly influence fertility rates. Educating girls, delaying marriage, promoting family planning awareness, and ensuring access to family planning measures are crucial in reducing fertility levels.
Regional Variations: Fertility rates among Muslim women vary regionally, influenced by the social and economic development of states.
Early Marriage and Literacy: There’s a positive correlation between higher fertility rates and early marriage among women aged 20-24. Conversely, a negative correlation exists between literacy rates among women and fertility rates.
Lack of Awareness: Lack of awareness about family planning remains a concern, with a significant portion of women reporting never hearing or seeing family planning messages.
Unmet Demand for Family Planning: Many women, particularly Muslims in certain states, have an unmet demand for family planning due to various factors, including lack of access to contraceptive measures.
Government Intervention: Increasing awareness about contraceptives, improving access to family planning measures, educating girls, and preventing child marriages are essential government functions to reduce fertility rates across religious groups.
Need for Coercive Measures:
Comprehensive Education and Awareness Programs: Implement educational campaigns that promote family planning, gender equality, and reproductive health awareness, targeting both men and women in communities across the country.
Access to Family Planning Services: Ensure easy access to a wide range of family planning methods and contraceptives, including in remote and underserved areas, through government health facilities and community outreach programs.
Mains PYQ:
Q Critically examine whether growing population is the cause of poverty OR poverty is the mains cause of population increase in India. (UPSC IAS/2015)
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Judiciary;
Mains level: Judicial interventions;
Why in the News?
On May 7, a Bench comprising Justices Surya Kant and K V Viswanathan warned against the presence of “unfair, prejudicial, and atrocious mindsets” that perpetuate and validate caste prejudices.
It also directed all states and union territories to ensure that the ‘history sheets‘ maintained by their police forces are free from ‘caste biases’.
The Bench was adjudicating a petition filed by AAP MLA Amanatullah Khan, contesting a history sheet initiated against him and a proposal to designate him as a ‘bad character’ by registering his name in the surveillance register at Delhi’s Jamia Nagar police station.
Did you know about the ‘History sheets’?
The term “history sheet” first appeared in the Punjab Police Rules of 1934.
These rules authorized the opening of a history sheet against individuals reasonably believed to be habitually addicted to crime or aiding and abetting criminal activities, regardless of whether they have been convicted.
How was the process of ‘history sheeting’ initiated?
The process of opening a history sheet is governed by police rules specific to each state, such as it is applicable in Punjab, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, Delhi, and Chandigarh.
The initiation typically begins when the Station House Officer (SHO), who is the head of the police station, takes notice of an individual proven guilty in multiple cases or found to be consistently engaged in criminal activities.
Details included in the history sheet(Acc. Punjab Police Rules, 1934):
A history sheet must contain a detailed description of the individual, paying special attention to any peculiarities of appearance that can aid in identification.
It mentions the relations and connections of the individual. This provides clues regarding persons with whom the criminal is likely to associate.
It holds the details about any property owned by the criminal, as well as their mode of earning a livelihood, should be included.
About Amanatullah Khan’s plea in the Supreme Court:
On May 13, 2022, the Station House Officer (SHO) of Jamia Nagar had submitted a dossier to the Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) and Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) proposing to open a history sheet and label him as a “Bad Character” in police records.
The proposal was accompanied by a list of 18 pending cases against Khan, including offenses such as intimidation, threatening, and riots. Khan claimed that he had been discharged, acquitted, or had the FIRs quashed in 14 of these cases.
Legal Battles:
In January 2023, the Delhi HC dismissed Khan’s plea against the opening of the history sheet and the “Bad Character” tag, stating that the Delhi Police had followed due procedure and complied with the Punjab Police Rules, 1934.
Khan’s appeal to the SC was rejected, but the SC directed the police to ensure that details of his minor children and wife were not reflected in the history sheet.
Khan’s plea focused on protecting the dignity, self-respect, and privacy of his innocent family members, including minor relatives, from being compromised by inclusion in the history sheet.
Revisiting Police Procedures: The Delhi Police submitted that they would revisit the format for history sheets to ensure that the details of innocent family members are not compromised.
A Standing Order issued by the Delhi Police Commissioner on March 21, 2024, stated that details of minor relatives should not be included in the history sheet.
BACK2BASICS
Constitutional and Legal Provisions for accused person in India:
Article 20: This right protects against arbitrary and excessive punishment of an accused person, whether a citizen, a foreigner, or a legal person like a company or a corporation, etc.
Article 21: This right declares that no person shall be deprived of his life or personal liberty except according to the procedure established by law. This right is available to both citizens and non-citizens.
Section 50(1) of the CrPC: As per this section, every arrested person has the right to be treated with dignity and respect during detention.
This section ensures that individuals, including the accused, are not subjected to any form of physical or mental abuse while in custody, upholding the basic human rights of the accused.
Way Forward:
Review and Revise Police Procedures: States and Union Territories should conduct a comprehensive review of their police procedures related to maintaining history sheets to ensure they are free from caste biases.
Training and Sensitization: Police personnel should undergo regular training and sensitization programs to raise awareness about caste biases and the importance of impartiality in law enforcement.
Mains PYQ:
Q The jurisdiction of the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) regarding lodging an FIR and conducting probe within a particular State is being questioned by various States. However, the power of the States to withhold consent to the CBI is not absolute. Explain with special reference to the federal character of India.
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Article 371A; Nagaland;
Mains level: State Elections; Nagaland; Urban Local Bodies;
Why in the News?
For the first time (since 2004), Nagaland is scheduled to conduct Urban Local Body elections.
Context:
The state cabinet approved on April 26 for conducting Urban Local Body polls for Nagaland’s 3 Municipal Councils and 36 Town Councils.
Further, the State Election Commission (SEC) released the election schedule, with voting slated for June 26.
BACK2BASICS: Constitutional Provisions for Urban Local Body Elections:
The 74th Constitutional Amendment bars the interference by courts in the electoral matters of municipalities.
Article 243U mandates a five-year tenure for urban local governments.
The superintendence, direction and control of the preparation of the electoral rolls for, and the conduct of, all elections to the panchayats and municipalities shall be vested in the State Election Commission (SEC).
Article 371 (A)- It makes the special provisions for Nagaland in such a way that the Acts of Parliament would not apply to Nagaland unless the State Legislature Assembly so decides especially in terms of the Religious or social practices of the Naga.
What does the Janaagraha Survey say about the status of Municipal Elections in India?
According to the annual survey made by Janaagraha (a non-profit institution), over 1,400 municipalities in India did not have elected councils in place as of September 2021.
According to the Comptroller and Auditor-General of India (CAG), between 2015 and 2021, over 1,500 municipalities didn’t have elected councils. Major cities like Chennai, Delhi, Mumbai, and Bengaluru faced delays ranging from months to years in holding elections.
The story behind the contention surrounding the Urban Local Body polls in Nagaland:
The Nagaland Municipal Act of 2001 was amended in 2006 to introduce a 33% reservation for women in local bodies, by constitutional amendments.
However, this amendment became a subject of controversy due to opposition from tribal bodies, citing conflicts with Naga customary laws.
These laws under Article 371(A) of the Constitution violated Naga customary practices where women have traditionally not been part of decision-making bodies.
In 2009, the state government deferred municipal elections scheduled for the following year due to the controversy surrounding the Act.
Despite opposition, advocacy groups such as the Naga Mothers’ Association (NMA) fought for the implementation of women’s reservations.
In 2011, the NMA petitioned the Gauhati High Court, which directed the Nagaland government to hold local body elections.
In 2012, the state assembly passed a resolution rejecting women’s reservations in the polls, leading to further legal battles. The NMA filed a special leave petition in the SC, which in 2017 directed the government to hold the polls.
When the government moved to conduct the elections as per the Supreme Court directive, violent protests erupted, resulting in casualties. Under mounting pressure, then Chief Minister T R Zeliang resigned from his position.
In November, during a special emergency session, the assembly passed the Nagaland Municipal Bill, 2023.
This new legislation retains the 33% reservation for women in urban local bodies, aligning with constitutional amendments, but removes provisions such as reservation for the post of chairperson and taxes on immovable property.
Conclusion: Nagaland needs to foster community engagement and participation in the electoral process by promoting inclusive governance structures that involve diverse community members, including women, youth, and marginalized groups.
Mains PYQ:
Q Recent directives from Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas are perceived by the ‘Nagas’ as a threat to override the exceptional status enjoyed by the State. Discuss in light of Article 371A of the Indian Constitution.(UPSC IAS/2013)
Explained | Economics | Mains Paper 3: Effects Of Liberalization On The Economy, Changes In Industrial Policy and their effects on Industrial Growth
Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Trends in Indian Foreign Trades; Free Trade Agreement Policy;
Mains level: Trends in Indian Foreign Trades; Free Trade Agreement Policy;
Why in the News?
India needs a clear Free Trade Agreement policy, especially in dealing with International Trade and Foreign Investment Laws.
About Free Trade Agreement:
A Free Trade Agreement between two or more countries aims to reduce or eliminate barriers to trade, such as tariffs, quotas, and other restrictions, to facilitate the flow of goods and services across borders.
Its significance for India: It can increase market access for Indian goods and services, boost exports, attract foreign investment, stimulate economic growth, create employment opportunities, and enhance competitiveness through exposure to international markets and technologies.
Present status of India’s Involvement in FTA:
India is involved in various free trade arrangements, including the South Asian Free Trade Area (SAFTA), the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Free Trade Area, the India-Japan Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA), and negotiations with the European Union for a free trade agreement, among others.
Negotiations for India’s FTAs with countries like the United Kingdom and the European Union (EU) appear to have stalled amidst the current parliamentary elections in India.
Why does India need to rebuild its Free Trade Agreement policy?
For Comprehensive Economic Treaties: Combining trade and investment negotiations provides India with clear negotiating leverage to strike beneficial deals.
It allows India to leverage concessions in trade for advancements in investment, and vice versa. This approach enhances India’s bargaining power in FTA negotiations.
For Scope Expansion: India should expand the scope of investment issues by incorporating provisions for protecting foreign investors under international law, ensuring their confidence in investing in India.
It will help India to establish an efficacious dispute settlement mechanism under international law to resolve investment disputes effectively.
Providing enforceable legal protection to foreign investors is crucial for boosting their confidence, especially amidst declining foreign direct investment levels in India.
For addressing the drop in FDI Levels: The policy should address the decline in foreign direct investment levels in India by instilling confidence among foreign investors through robust legal protection and dispute resolution mechanisms.
Investment lessons from the India-EFTA Trade deal:
The India-EFTA FTA includes a comprehensive investment chapter, which is missing in recent Indian FTAs with countries like Australia, UAE, and Mauritius.
The agreement includes provisions wherein EFTA countries commit to making honest endeavors to increase FDI to India and facilitate job generation, codifying an obligation of conduct rather than an obligation of result.
Economic theory highlights the close linkage between trade and investment. While earlier Indian FTAs included both binding trade rules and investment protection, recent ones decoupled international trade law from international investment law.
The India-EFTA FTA, emphasizes combining trade and investment negotiations in one comprehensive economic treaty, that is ‘FTA 3.0 Approach’, which represents a departure from the decoupling approach seen in recent FTAs.
Way Forward:
Capacity Building: Enhance the capacity of Indian negotiators and policymakers to understand complex trade and investment issues, including legal frameworks, dispute resolution mechanisms, and international best practices.
Integrated Negotiation Approach: Adopt an integrated approach to FTA negotiations, wherein trade and investment aspects are negotiated together within a single agreement, ensuring coherence and synergy between the two.
Mains PYQ:
Q Quadrilateral Security Dialogue (Quad) is transforming itself into a trade bloc from a military alliance, in present times Discuss.
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: 3D Printing; PS4 Engine
Why in the news?
The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) successfully tested a liquid rocket engine made with the help of additive manufacturing technology — commonly known as 3D printing.
The engine, PS4, which is used as the engine for the fourth stage of the Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV), was redesigned by ISRO for production using 3D printing.
3D Printed PS4 Engine
The technology helped ISRO bring down the number of parts in the engine from 14 to a single piece.
ISRO was able to eliminate 19 weld joints and saved 97% of raw material.
It also reduced the overall production time by 60%.
What is 3D printing?
3D printing is a process that uses computer-created design to make three-dimensional objects layer by layer.
It is an additive process, in which layers of a material like plastic, composites or bio-materials are built up to construct objects that range in shape, size, rigidity, and colour.
Common 3D Printing materials include Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene (ABS), Carbon Fiber Filaments, Conductive Filaments, Metal Filaments etc.
How is 3D printing done?
To carry out 3D printing, one needs a personal computer connected to a 3D printer.
All they need to do is design a 3D model of the required object on computer-aid design (CAD) software and press ‘print’.
The 3D printer does the rest of the job.
3D printers construct the desired object by using a layering method, which is the complete opposite of the subtractive manufacturing processes.
Benefits offered:
3D printing offers several key advantages over traditional manufacturing, including:
Complexity without Extra Cost: Allows for intricate designs without increasing production costs.
Rapid Prototyping: Speeds up the development process by quickly producing prototypes from digital designs.
Customization: Ideal for producing customized or bespoke items in small quantities.
Reduced Waste: Generates minimal waste compared to traditional subtractive methods, making it more sustainable.
Cost-Effective for Low Volumes: Avoids the need for expensive tooling and molds, beneficial for small production runs.
PYQ:
[2018] “3D printing” has applications in which of the following?
Preparation of confectionery items
Manufacture of bionic ears
Automotive industry
Reconstructive surgeries
Data processing technologies
Select the correct answer using the code given below:
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Bilateral Relations; Neighbouring countries; India and Nepal;
Mains level: Neighbouring countries; India and Nepal; Border issues with Nepal;
Why in the News?
Nepal’s Cabinet last week decided to put a map on its Rs 100 currency note showing certain areas administered by India in Uttarakhand as part of its territory.
India’s External Affairs Ministry said that such “unilateral measures” by Kathmandu would not change the reality on the ground.
Genesis of the issue:
Territorial dispute: The territorial dispute is about a 372-sq-km area that includes Limpiadhura, Lipulekh, and Kalapani at the India-Nepal-China trijunction in Uttarakhand’s Pithoragarh district. Nepal has claimed for long that these areas belong to it both historically and evidently.
Treaty of Sugauli (1815-16): This treaty marked the end of the Anglo-Nepalese War and resulted in Nepal ceding significant territories to the British East India Company, including lands east of the Kali River. Article 5 of the treaty delineated the boundary along the river, thereby affecting Nepal’s jurisdiction over the area.
Historical division: Maps issued by the British Surveyor General of India in the 19th and early 20th centuries depicted the Kali River as originating from Limpiadhura. These maps served as crucial references for defining territorial boundaries between Nepal and British India.
Depiction of Kali River: Maps from different periods showed variations in the depiction of the Kali River, with some using the name “Kuti Yangti” and others referring to it as the Kali River. Additionally, discrepancies emerged regarding the river’s exact origin point, with some maps showing different sources.
Map issued by Britisher (1947): The last map issued by the British before they left India in 1947 reverted to showing the initial position of the Kali River originating in Limpiadhura, indicating a reaffirmation of the historical boundary according to British cartographic records.
Argument given by Nepal to claim land:
According to Shrestha, villages in this area — Gunji, Nabhi, Kuti, and Kalapani, also known as Tulsi Nyurang and Nabhidang — were covered by the Nepal government census until 1962, and the people paid land revenue to the government in Kathmandu.
However, the situation changed after the war between India and China in 1962.
Nepal also says that then Indian PM Jawaharlal Nehru approached King Mahendra of Nepal asking for permission to use Kalapani, which was strategically located close to the trijunction, as a base for the Indian Army.
Prominent personalities representing Nepal in bilateral talks have claimed that India has made assurances regarding the resolution of border disputes if Nepal could provide evidence for its claims.
Despite assurances and agreements to expedite the resolution process, progress has been slow or stalled.
Frictions in Bilateral Ties:
From 2005-2014: The period from 2005 to 2014 saw India mediating Nepal’s transition from a Hindu Kingdom to a secular federal republic.
However, tensions arose in 2015 when Nepal’s Maoist Party rejected India’s suggestion to delay the adoption of a new constitution until the concerns of the Terai parties were addressed.
The subsequent 134-day blockade by India in September 2015 exacerbated distrust and led Nepal to seek alternative trade routes, including agreements with China.
During 2020: Nepal’s inclusion of disputed territories, such as the 372 square kilometres in Uttarakhand, in its new map in 2020 escalated tensions with India. While Nepal aimed to assert sovereignty over these areas, India condemned the move as “cartographic aggression.”
Despite India’s stance that the issue should be resolved diplomatically based on evidence, no concrete steps have been taken to address the dispute.
During 2024: The decision by Nepal’s cabinet to include the new map on its currency notes in 2024 has reignited tensions between the two countries.
India-Nepal Border Dispute
Way Forward:
Need for Dialogue: While both India and Nepal agree on the need to resolve territorial disputes through dialogue and evidence-based discussions, there has been no concrete progress in scheduling meetings or setting a timeframe for resolution.
Need for Dispute settlement: Nepal has successfully resolved boundary issues with China in the past through bilateral meetings of the boundary commission. However, the unresolved disputes with India highlight the importance of timely and effective diplomatic engagement to prevent future complications and ensure peaceful coexistence between the two neighbours.
Joint Border Commission: Establishing a joint border commission comprising representatives from both countries can facilitate a systematic review of historical documents, maps, and evidence related to territorial claims.
Mains PYQ:
Q Border management is a complex task due to difficult terrain and hostile relations with some countries. Elucidate the challenges and strategies for effective border management.
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Climatization of Forests;
Mains level: Climate change; International Institution on Biodiversity and Conservation;
Why in the news?
Recently, during the 19th Session (10th May 2024) of the United Nations Forum on Forests (UNFF19) in New York, a significant report titled “International Forest Governance” was published.
About International Forest Governance:
The report “Critical Review of Trends, Drawbacks, and New Approaches” authored by the Science-Policy Programme (SciPol) of the International Union of Forest Research Organizations (IUFRO) was released.
It marked the first global synthesis on international forest governance in 14 years.
The report exposes the rising trend of ‘Climatization’ of forests:
AboutClimatization of forests:
Shift in Emphasis: The trend involves a notable shift in focus towards valuing forests primarily as carbon sinks, rather than recognizing their essential ecological and social functions.
Carbon Sequestration Priority: Political and financial orientations have increasingly prioritized carbon sequestration in forests as a means to address climate change issues. This emphasis often leads to the overshadowing of other aspects of forest management.
Neglect of Long-Term Sustainability: The emphasis on carbon sequestration may result in neglecting the long-term sustainability of forests. Forest management strategies that prioritize carbon storage may not necessarily align with broader ecological and social sustainability goals.
Risks and their impacts:
Ongoing Crises: Despite efforts to reduce deforestation, significant challenges persist, including climate change, biodiversity loss, and socio-economic inequalities. These crises pose substantial threats to global sustainability and well-being.
Commodification Risks: The commodification of forests for carbon capture introduces risks that may exacerbate existing inequalities and hinder effective forest management practices.
Market-based Versus Non-market Approaches:
Market-Based Solutions: There has been significant traction in market-based solutions such as forest carbon trading and zero-deforestation supply chains. These approaches aim to incentivize sustainable forest management practices through economic mechanisms.
Exacerbation of Inequities: Despite their popularity, market-based solutions may exacerbate existing inequities within forest governance systems. Certain stakeholders or regions may benefit disproportionately, while others may be marginalized or disadvantaged.
Non-market mechanisms: As an alternative, non-market mechanisms, including state regulation and community-led initiatives, are suggested to offer more just and effective pathways for forest governance.
Policy recommendations as per the Report:
Holistic Valuation of Forests: Policymakers should reevaluate forests beyond their role as carbon sinks, recognizing their multifaceted ecological, social, and economic values.
Equitable Governance: Policymakers should prioritize inclusive decision-making processes that ensure the voices of marginalized groups, such as indigenous and local communities, are heard and respected.
Protection of Rights and Livelihoods: Policies should prioritize the protection of the rights and livelihoods of resource-dependent communities.
Way Forward:
Integrated Forest Management: Governments and international organizations should adopt integrated approaches to forest management that recognize and balance the ecological, social, and economic values of forests.
Strengthening Governance Structures: Policymakers should work to strengthen governance structures at local, national, and international levels to ensure more equitable decision-making processes.
Mains PYQ:
Q Examine the status of forest resources of India and its resultant impact on climate change. (UPSC 2020)
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Articles 15 and 16;
Mains level: Reservation and Sub-categorization;
Why in the news?
There’s a big argument between political parties about reservation. The BJP said some exaggerated things about the Congress wanting a caste census, suggesting it’s connected to religion.
Current debates on Reservation and Sub-categorization:
Constitutional Provisions: The Constituent Assembly opposed reservation solely based on religion, and the Constitution guarantees prohibition of discrimination based on religion under Articles 15 and 16.
History of Sub-categorization in Karnataka: In Karnataka, all Muslim communities are included within the OBC quota, forming the basis for the BJP’s current campaign.
Sub-categorization for Muslims within the OBC quota has existed in Karnataka since 1995.
The H. D. Deve Gowda-led government introduced it but was later removed by the Basavaraj Bommai-led government. However, the status quo continues after court observation.
Reservation for Muslim and Christian Communities: Socially and educationally backward Muslim and Christian communities are provided reservations under the OBC/MBC category in various states, including Karnataka, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, and Andhra Pradesh.
Constitutional Language and SC/ST Communities: The Constitution specifies that for SCs, the person should profess Hinduism, Sikhism, or Buddhism, but no such requirement exists for STs.
Congress Manifesto Promise: The Congress has promised in its manifesto to work towards removing the 50% cap placed on reservations, suggesting a potential shift in reservation policy if they come into power.
Affirmative action as per Constitution:
Constitutional Provisions: Articles 15 and 16 of the Constitution ensure equality to all citizens in actions by the state, including admissions to educational institutions and public employment.
They also enable the state to make special provisions for advancing socially and educationally backward classes, including OBC, SC, and ST.
Classification of Backward Classes: OBC is a collective term for socially and educationally backward castes, with some states also classifying certain castes as Most Backward Classes (MBC). Reservation percentages vary from state to state.
Indra Sawhney Case (1992): Supreme Court upheld 27% reservation for OBC. Caste is considered a determinant of class in the Indian context, and backwardness cannot be determined solely on economic criteria.
A cap of 50% was fixed for reservations unless there were exceptional circumstances.
Total reservation stood at 49.5% for OBC (27%), SC (15%), and ST (7.5%)—creamy layer exclusion from OBC reservation, with an income limit currently at ₹8 lakhs per annum.
Exclusion of children of certain government officials from the reservation.
Janhit Abhiyan Case (2022): The court upheld the constitutional validity of the reservation for Economically Weaker Sections (EWS). Economic criteria could be a reservation basis, according to the court’s majority opinion.
Affirmative Actions Globally:
In the U.S., there is ‘affirmative action’ that consists of government-approved and voluntary private programs granting special consideration to racial minorities like African Americans and Latin Americans.
In Fair Admissions vs Harvard case (2023), the U.S. Supreme Court, however, ruled that race-based affirmative action programs in college admissions violate the equal protection clause of the U.S. Constitution.
In the U.K., the law enables voluntary ‘positive action’ which allows employers to combat the under-representation of disadvantaged groups.
France does not have any affirmative action based on race or ethnicity. It provides educational measures designed to increase opportunities for low-income students.
Way Forward:
Need for Sub-categorization: The Rohini Commission was set up to provide recommendations on sub-categorization among OBC castes, as a significant portion of reserved jobs and seats have been garnered by a small percentage of OBC castes/sub-castes. Similar issues of concentration of benefits persist in the SC and ST categories.
Inclusion of Dalit Christians and Muslims: Dalit Christians and Muslims also suffer from discrimination and lack of opportunities. There is a need to extend reservation benefits to these communities and address their marginalization.
Mains PYQ:
Q Whether National Commission for Scheduled Castes (NCSC) can enforce the implementation of constitutional reservation for the Scheduled Castes in the religious minority institutions? Examine.(UPSC IAS/2018)
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Ayushman Bharat Scheme
Mains level: Reason behind the 'huge gap' in cancer screening at Ayushman Bharat Health and Wellness Centres (HWCs)
Why in the news?
Ayushman Bharat insurance scheme reached 5.47 crore users, but cancer screening at Health and Wellness Centers (HWCs) faces significant gaps, reports NITI Aayog.
Objective of Ayushman Bharat Scheme:
Besides providing a Rs 5-lakh insurance cover, the scheme aimed to upgrade primary health centers to HWCs, offering annual screening for Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs) including oral, breast, and cervical cancers for individuals aged 30 years or older.
Coverage of Ayushman Bharat Scheme:
Over 5.47 crore users have utilized the Ayushman Bharat insurance scheme, making it the world’s largest medical insurance scheme.
The ‘huge gap’ in cancer screening at Ayushman Bharat Health and Wellness Centres (HWCs):
NITI Aayog Report Findings: A report from NITI Aayog, based on visits to HWCs in 13 states, highlights a significant gap in cancer screening services.
Limited NCD Screening: Although NCD screening is underway in most HWCs, yearly screening is largely absent, with less than 10% of facilities completing a single round of NCD screening.
Reason behind the ‘huge gap’ in cancer screening at Ayushman Bharat Health and Wellness Centres (HWCs):
Methods of Screening: Official protocol mandates distinct screening methods for oral, cervical, and breast cancers. However, implementation of these methods faces challenges.
Lack of Awareness and Capacities: The gap in cancer screening is attributed to low awareness levels and lack of capacities among healthcare providers.
Implementation fell short: Auxiliary Nurse and Midwife (ANMs), medical officers, and staff nurses were supposed to be trained in cancer screening methods, but implementation fell short.
Suboptimal Screening Activities: Screening for breast cancer relies on beneficiary education for self-examination, while cervical cancer screening remains to be operationalized. Oral cancer screening is performed on a case-by-case basis.
Infrastructure and Basic Devices: HWCs generally adhere to infrastructure standards, with basic devices and medicines available free-of-cost. However, the focus remains on improving cancer screening services to align with the government’s prevention and early detection efforts.
Way forward:
Awareness Campaigns: Launch comprehensive awareness campaigns to educate the public about the importance of cancer screening and early detection. This can involve community outreach programs, workshops, and informational sessions.
Utilize Technology: Integrate technology solutions such as telemedicine and mobile applications to facilitate easier access to screening services, especially in remote areas. Digital platforms can also aid in data management and monitoring of screening activities.
Performance Monitoring: Implement robust monitoring and evaluation mechanisms to track the implementation of cancer screening programs at HWCs.
Mains PYQ:
Q Appropriate local community level healthcare intervention is a prerequisite to achieve ‘Health for All’ in India. Explain.
