Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: World Polio Day
Mains level: Polio Eradication
Why in the News?
October 24 is recognized as World Polio Day, a commemoration established by Rotary International to honor the birth of Jonas Salk, who spearheaded the development of the first vaccine against polio in the 1950s.
What key strategies contributed to the successful eradication of polio in India?
- Comprehensive Vaccination Campaigns: India implemented large-scale vaccination drives starting in 1972, which expanded under the Universal Immunisation Programme (UIP) in 1985.
- Community Engagement and Awareness: Targeted awareness campaigns were crucial, utilizing local health workers to administer oral polio drops, which made vaccination accessible.
- Effective Messaging: The slogan “do boond zindagi ki” (two drops of life) resonated well with the public. Utilizing celebrities like Amitabh Bachchan and integrating health messages into popular media further amplified awareness.
- Robust Surveillance System: A multilayered surveillance mechanism was developed to monitor acute flaccid paralysis (AFP) cases, enabling prompt immunisation of affected populations. This system involved local informers, including community health workers and doctors.
- Targeted Interventions for High-Risk Areas: By 2009, efforts were concentrated in specific regions, particularly in Uttar Pradesh and Bihar, where most cases were reported. This targeted approach was critical in reducing transmission rates.
- Collaboration with International Agencies: The eradication campaign was supported by various international bodies such as WHO, UNICEF, and the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, ensuring financial and logistical backing.
How did India address the challenges of vaccine hesitancy among specific communities?
- Engagement with Community Leaders: To address religious concerns and misinformation, influential figures such as imams and local leaders were involved. Their endorsements played a significant role in countering myths about the vaccine.
- Targeted Communication Strategies: Awareness efforts were tailored to specific communities, focusing on dispelling myths surrounding the vaccine, such as fears about impotence and cultural taboos against its ingredients.
- Culturally Sensitive Messaging: Messaging was crafted in local languages and through community-specific narratives, ensuring that it resonated with the cultural context of various groups.
What lessons can be learned from India’s polio eradication efforts for future public health campaigns?
- Importance of Community Involvement: Engaging local leaders and community members is vital for building trust and addressing vaccine hesitancy effectively.
- Flexibility in Implementation: Tailoring vaccination drives to accommodate local cultural practices, work schedules, and geographic challenges can enhance participation rates.
- Sustained Awareness Efforts: Continuous education and awareness campaigns are essential, especially in the face of evolving misinformation and cultural resistance.
- Data-Driven Decision Making: The use of robust surveillance systems and data analytics to identify and target high-risk areas can help streamline public health interventions.
- Collaboration with Multiple Stakeholders: Building partnerships between government agencies, international organizations, and local communities can strengthen public health responses and resource mobilization.
Conclusion: Need to establish sustainable platforms for continuous dialogue between healthcare providers and community leaders to address health concerns, build trust, and ensure community-specific health initiatives are effectively communicated and implemented.
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Mains level: Importance of Secularism in India; Education; Judiciary;
Why in the News?
The Supreme Court reserved its decision on appeals challenging the Allahabad HC’s verdict, which declared the Uttar Pradesh Board of Madarsa Education Act, 2004 as ‘Unconstitutional’.
What is the UP Madarsa Education Act of 2004?
- The UP Board of Madarsa Education Act, 2004, was enacted to establish a regulatory framework for madrasas in the state.
- Aim: To ensure the delivery of quality education in these institutions while aligning them with constitutional principles.
- Key Provisions: The Act set up the Uttar Pradesh Board of Madarsa Education, responsible for prescribing curricula, conducting examinations, and certifying students in registered madrasas.
- State Involvement: It allowed the government to provide grants, regulate the functioning of madrasas, and inspect their adherence to standards, ensuring uniformity and compliance with educational norms.
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On what grounds did the Allahabad HC declare the Madarsa Act as ‘Unconstitutional’?
- Violation of Secularism: The Allahabad High Court ruled that the Act violated the principle of secularism, which is a fundamental aspect of the Indian Constitution.
- The court held that the state’s direct involvement in the administration and funding of religious institutions like madrasas contradicted the secular character enshrined in the Constitution.
- Equality Before Law: The Act was also found to contravene Article 14, which ensures equality before the law.
- The court noted that providing special educational arrangements for madrasas amounted to favoring a particular religious community, which was deemed discriminatory against others.
What are the key arguments on the Constitutionality of the Madarsa Education Act before the SC?
- For the Act’s Constitutionality:
- Promoting Educational Rights: Petitioners argued that the Act was intended to improve the quality of education in madrasas by incorporating modern subjects, thereby fulfilling the state’s obligation under Article 21A (Right to Education).
- Minority Rights Protection: They contended that the Act safeguarded the rights of religious and linguistic minorities to establish and administer educational institutions of their choice under Article 30.
- Against the Act’s Constitutionality:
- State Involvement in Religious Education: Critics argued that the state’s involvement in regulating and funding madrasas blurred the line between state and religion, thus it leads to violating the secular framework.
- Discriminatory Approach: It was contended that the Act granted privileges to one community’s educational institutions, potentially discriminating against others.
- Alternative Educational Models: The state’s direct regulation of madrasas was seen as unnecessary when secular education could be provided through other existing educational frameworks.
What are the wider Implications of the SC’s decision on the Madarsa Education Act?
- Impact on Minority Educational Rights: If the Supreme Court upholds the Act, it may strengthen the right of minorities to receive state support for their educational institutions.
- Conversely, striking down the Act could set a precedent for limiting state involvement in religious institutions.
- Revisiting the Secularism Principle: The ruling could lead to a reassessment of how secularism is interpreted, particularly concerning state interactions with minority educational institutions.
- Implications for Other Religious Schools: The judgment could have broader ramifications for other religious institutions that receive government aid or regulation, potentially prompting similar legal challenges.
- Integration of Madrasas into Mainstream Education: If the Act is declared unconstitutional, the state may need to find alternative ways to integrate madrasa students into the formal educational system without compromising on their cultural and religious needs.
What reforms are necessary to modernize madrasa education and address public perceptions?
- Curriculum Integration: Need to introduce a balanced curriculum that combines religious studies with modern subjects like science, mathematics, and social studies to make madrasa education more holistic and aligned with mainstream education standards.
- Teacher Training and Certification: Ensure that madrasa teachers receive proper training in contemporary pedagogy and modern subjects.
- Infrastructure Development: Improve madrasa facilities to provide a conducive learning environment. This includes better classrooms, libraries, laboratories, and access to technology for digital learning.
- Monitoring and Evaluation: Establish a framework to regularly assess and monitor the quality of education in madrasas.
- Vocational and Skill-Based Training: Incorporate vocational courses and skill development programs to equip students with practical skills that can improve their employability.
- Awareness Programs: Need to run awareness campaigns to inform the community about the value of modernizing madrasa education.
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Way forward:
- Reform the Act to Align with Secular Principles: Amend the Act to focus on educational standards without direct state involvement in religious affairs, ensuring compliance with constitutional values of secularism and equality.
- Promote Inclusive Educational Models: Integrate madrasa education into the mainstream system by introducing modern subjects while respecting cultural and religious contexts, allowing students to benefit from both secular and religious education.
Back2Basics: Minority Educational Institutions in India:
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Details |
| Constitutional Provision |
Article 30(1) of the Constitution of India grants linguistic and religious minorities the right to establish and administer educational institutions of their choice. |
| Legislative Framework |
National Commission for Minority Educational Institutions Act, 2004 safeguards the educational rights of minorities as per Article 30(1). |
| Definition |
A “Minority Educational Institution” is defined as a college or institution established or maintained by a person or group from amongst the minorities (Section 2(g) of the Act). |
| Judicial Precedent |
In T.M.A. Pai Foundation vs. State of Karnataka (2002), the Supreme Court ruled that minority status is determined by state demographics, not national population. |
| Rights of Minority Institutions |
Article 29 protects the interests of minorities by allowing them to conserve their distinct language, script, or culture.
- Minority institutions do not have an absolute right to appoint staff;
- This was upheld in the context of the West Bengal Madrasah Service Commission Act, 2008.
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| Recognized Minority Communities |
Muslims, Sikhs, Christians, Buddhists, Jains, and Zoroastrians (Parsis) are recognized as minority communities under the National Commission for Minorities Act of 1992. |
| Significance |
Minority educational institutions play a crucial role in preserving the cultural and linguistic heritage of minority communities while providing access to education. |
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Mains PYQ:
Q National Education Policy 2020 conforms with the Sustainable Development Goal-4 (2030). It intends to restructure and reorient the education system in India. Critically examine the statement. (UPSC IAS/2020)
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Mains level: Climate change; COP 16;
Why in the News?
For the upcoming Annual Climate Change meeting set to take place in Baku (Azerbaijan), on November 11, countries are currently gathered in Cali, Colombia, for the biennial UN Biodiversity Conference.
What is the significance of COP16 in the context of Global biodiversity?
- Post-Kunming-Montreal Framework Implementation: COP16 is the first meeting after the adoption of the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (GBF) in 2022, which set ambitious targets for biodiversity conservation, including the 30 x 30 initiative (conserving 30% of lands and oceans by 2030).
- Elevated Focus on Biodiversity: The conference seeks to bring biodiversity discussions to the forefront, similar to climate change negotiations, acknowledging the interconnectedness of biodiversity and climate crises.
- Strengthening Global Commitments: COP16 aims to accelerate actions to halt biodiversity loss and set the stage for tracking the implementation of the GBF’s goals and targets, emphasizing the urgency of reversing ecosystem degradation.
Key Agendas for COP16:
- 30 x 30 Targets: A key focus will be expediting progress on the 30 x 30 goals, ensuring protected areas cover at least 30% of lands and oceans, and initiating restoration in at least 30% of degraded ecosystems.
- National Biodiversity Strategies and Action Plans (NBSAPs): Countries will discuss and submit their NBSAPs, outlining time-bound actions to achieve GBF targets. Only 32 out of 196 countries have submitted NBSAPs so far.
- Access and Benefit Sharing (Nagoya Protocol): Negotiations will continue on sharing the benefits from genetic resources, particularly the use of digital genetic information, ensuring fair distribution of profits, especially to indigenous communities.
- High Seas Treaty Alignment: Discussions will focus on the agreement for the conservation of marine biodiversity beyond national jurisdictions, including establishing protected marine areas and equitable sharing of resources.
- Financing Biodiversity Conservation: Mobilizing $200 billion per year by 2030, including $20-30 billion annually from developed to developing countries, will be a key topic.
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How will countries align their NBSAPs with the Global Biodiversity Framework?
- Time-Bound Action Plans: NBSAPs will mirror the approach of Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) under the Paris Agreement, setting national goals aligned with the GBF’s targets to halt and reverse biodiversity loss by 2030.
- Monitoring and Reporting: Countries will have to ensure that their NBSAPs reflect the GBF’s goals and include mechanisms for tracking progress, adapting strategies, and reporting regularly to the CBD Secretariat.
- Integrating Regional Priorities: The NBSAPs will need to account for country-specific biodiversity challenges and regional ecological characteristics while aligning with the global targets set under the Kunming-Montreal Framework.
What role do various stakeholders play in achieving the objectives set out at COP16?
- National Governments: Responsible for formulating and implementing NBSAPs, mobilizing financial resources, and creating policies that align with the GBF’s goals.
- Indigenous and Local Communities: Vital for implementing conservation initiatives, especially in biodiversity-rich areas, and ensuring the fair sharing of benefits derived from traditional knowledge and resources.
- Private Sector and Corporations: Expected to contribute to financing biodiversity conservation, adopt sustainable practices, and support the development of biodiversity credits and conservation-related projects.
- International Organizations and NGOs: Will play a role in monitoring progress, providing technical assistance, advocating for biodiversity-friendly policies, and raising awareness about the importance of biodiversity conservation.
- Scientific and Academic Institutions: Crucial for research, data collection, and providing evidence-based recommendations to guide biodiversity conservation strategies and the sustainable use of natural resources.
Way forward: India needs to enhance it’s regulatory frameworks and establish robust monitoring mechanisms to ensure the effective implementation of biodiversity conservation goals, including the 30 x 30 targets, and prevent the exploitation of ecosystems.
Previous Years Question:
Q). Describe the major outcomes of the 26th session of the Conference of the Parties (COP) to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC). What are the commitments made by India in this conference? (UPSC CSE 2021)
Q). Explain the purpose of the Green Grid Initiative launched at World Leaders Summit of the COP26 UN Climate Change Conference in Glasgow in November, 2021. When was this idea first floated in the International Solar Alliance (ISA)? (UPSC CSE 2021)
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Mains level: Federal Issues; Center vs state; Internal Security;
Why in the News?
A nine-judge Constitution Bench, with an 8:1 majority, affirmed the authority of State legislatures to regulate industrial alcohol.
What is the definition of “intoxicating liquor” with industrial alcohol?
- The SC’s ruling established that the term “intoxicating liquor” in Entry 8 of the State List should be interpreted broadly to include not only potable alcohol but also industrial alcohol, such as rectified spirit, extra neutral alcohol (ENA), and denatured spirit.
- This definition extends beyond the popular meaning of “intoxicating liquor” as alcoholic beverages meant for consumption.
- Public Health Consideration: The ruling emphasized that alcohol, in any form, is a noxious substance prone to misuse. Hence, industrial alcohol, which can potentially be diverted for the production of illicit or harmful alcoholic beverages, falls under the regulatory domain of the States to protect public health and safety.
- Legal Precedent: The Court cited previous decisions where the interpretation of “intoxicating liquor” was not confined to just alcoholic beverages but also included forms of alcohol that could be detrimental to health if used improperly.
How does this ruling impact the balance of power between state and central governments?
- Strengthening State Autonomy: The ruling affirms that States have the legislative competence to regulate industrial alcohol according to Entry 8 of the State List.
- By upholding the States’ right to regulate industrial alcohol, the judgment reinforces federalism and the autonomy of State legislatures in matters that fall within the ambit of their constitutional authority.
- This challenges the Centre’s claim to exclusive control over industrial alcohol under Entry 52 of the Union List, which pertains to industries regulated by the Union for public interest.
- Restriction on Centre’s Authority: The judgment limits the Union government’s power and clarifies that Parliament’s control over industries under Entry 52 is limited and does not extend to regulating industrial alcohol in its entirety.
How does it impact the state revenues and public health?
- State Revenues: The ruling potentially enhances States’ power to levy taxes and fees related to the production, manufacture, and sale of industrial alcohol. This could result in increased revenue generation from excise duties on alcohol-based products and licensing fees.
- Public Health Regulation: Having greater regulatory control over the production and distribution of industrial alcohol will help the states curb the misuse of substances like rectified spirit and ENA in the production of illicit liquor. This can improve public health outcomes by reducing instances of alcohol poisoning and illicit liquor-related deaths.
- Policy Formulation: The judgment may prompt States to strengthen policies and enforcement mechanisms regarding alcohol regulation, ensuring that industrial alcohol is not diverted for unauthorized uses.
Way forward:
- Strengthen Regulatory Framework: States should enhance monitoring and enforcement mechanisms to prevent the diversion of industrial alcohol for illicit uses, ensuring strict compliance with safety standards and public health protections.
- Collaborative Policy Development: The Centre and States should work together to harmonize regulations, balancing State autonomy with national interests, while focusing on safeguarding public health and optimizing revenue generation from alcohol-related activities.
Previous Year Question:
Q) It is a State where prohibition is in force. You are recently appointed as the Superintendent of Police of a district notorious for illicit distillation of liquor. The illicit liquor leads to many deaths, reported and unreported, and causes a major problem for the district authorities. The approach till now had been to view it as a law and order problem and tackle it accordingly. Raids, arrests, police cases, and criminal trials – all these had only limited impact. The problem remains as serious as ever. Your inspections show that the parts of the district where the distillation flourishes are economically, industrially, and educationally backward. Agriculture is badly affected by poor irrigation facilities. Frequent clashes among communities gave a boost to illicit distillation. No major initiatives had taken place in the past either from the government’s side or from social organizations to improve the lot of the people. Which new approach will you adopt to bring the problem under control? (UPSC CSE 2018)
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Why in the News?
On Monday, October 21, 2024, the Supreme Court affirmed that secularism is an integral and fundamental component of the Basic Structure of the Constitution.
Is Secularism an Unamendable Part of the Indian Constitution?
- Part of the Basic Structure: The Supreme Court has consistently held that secularism is an essential and indelible part of the Basic Structure of the Indian Constitution. This means that even though the Preamble was amended in 1976 to include the word “secular,” the principles of secularism were considered inherent in the Constitution from the start.
- Kesavananda Bharati Case (1973): The landmark judgment established the “Basic Structure Doctrine,” which states that certain fundamental features of the Constitution cannot be altered or destroyed through amendments. Secularism, along with democracy, rule of law, and judicial review, was deemed a part of this unamendable structure.
- Equality and Fraternity: The right to equality (Article 14) and the emphasis on fraternity in the Constitution have been interpreted by the judiciary to embody secularism as a core value, ensuring the protection of all religions and the principle of state neutrality in religious matters.
- Indira Gandhi’s 42nd Amendment (1976): The amendment officially added the term “secular” to the Preamble, though the court’s view is that secularism was always implicitly present in the spirit of the Constitution.
How Does Indian Secularism Differ from Western Models?
- Equal Respect for All Religions (Sarva Dharma Sambhava): Indian secularism emphasizes the equal respect and treatment of all religions, rather than the strict separation of religion and state seen in Western secular models.
- State Intervention for Social Reform: Unlike Western secularism, where religion is often seen as a strictly private affair, Indian secularism allows the state to engage with religious institutions to reform practices that may be discriminatory or harmful (e.g., abolition of untouchability or regulation of religious endowments).
What Implications Do Challenges to Secularism Have for Indian Democracy?
- Erosion of Minority Rights: The rise of majoritarian politics, fueled by Hindu nationalism, threatens minority rights and equality before the law, with accusations of fostering an environment where attacks on minorities are tolerated.
- Centralization of Power: The concentration of power has weakened institutional autonomy, curtailed civil liberties, and marginalized minority voices, impacting the democratic principles of secularism and dissent.
- Impact on Governance and International Relations: Religious considerations in policymaking can result in discriminatory practices, harm India’s international reputation regarding human rights, and attract global criticism.
Way forward:
- Strengthen Legal Safeguards: Reinforce constitutional provisions that protect secularism by ensuring strict enforcement of anti-discrimination laws and promoting inclusive policies that uphold the principles of equality, fraternity, and state neutrality in religious matters.
- Promote Civic Education on Secularism: Increase public awareness and education about the significance of secularism in India’s constitutional framework to foster social harmony and counter identity-based politics, reinforcing the values of pluralism and unity in diversity.
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Mains level: Maritime issues in international water;
Why in the News?
During coverage of the Russia-Ukraine conflict, many Western media outlets have referred to tanker ships transporting Russian crude oil or oil products to other countries as a “shadow fleet.”
What is shadow fleet?
- The “shadow fleet” refers to tanker ships transporting oil from sanctioned countries, using tactics like flag hopping, complex ownership structures, and cargo transfers at sea to evade detection and sanctions.
What are Flags of Convenience (FoCs)?
- Flags of Convenience (FoCs) refer to the practice of registering a ship in a country other than that of the ship’s owner. Ships then fly the flag of the country where they are registered, known as the “flag state.”
- Initially, FoCs emerged as a way for shipowners to minimize taxes and avoid stringent regulations. They allow shipowners to benefit from favorable regulatory environments, such as lower taxes, less stringent safety requirements, and more lenient labor laws.
- Examples: Common FoCs include Panama, Liberia, and the Marshall Islands. These nations have minimal regulations, making it easier for ships to operate with reduced scrutiny.
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How do corporations with large fleets obscure ownership and origin of cargo? (Challenges to find the origin country of the ship)
- Complex Ownership Structures: Corporations often create complex ownership arrangements to hide the true identity of shipowners. This may involve setting up multiple shell companies, where each company owns only one or two ships. The use of offshore accounts and subsidiaries further adds to the opacity.
- Frequent Changes in Ship Registration and Management: Ships frequently switch their flag state (known as “flag hopping”) to avoid detection and regulatory compliance.
- Renaming Vessels: Ships involved in activities that could trigger sanctions often change their names to avoid being traced back to previous sanctioned activities.
- Using FoCs and Non-Compliant Jurisdictions: Ships may be registered in countries that are not signatories to international regulatory frameworks, such as the International Maritime Organization (IMO).
- For instance, Eswatini has emerged as a FoC because it does not follow IMO guidelines, allowing for less regulatory oversight.
Why has India been accused of hosting a shadow fleet?
- Increased Russian Oil Shipments: Indian firms and Dubai-based entities with Indian ties have been involved in transporting Russian oil, raising suspicions of sanction evasion.
- Certification by Indian Register of Shipping (IRS): The IRS certified more ships linked to Russian oil post-sanctions, which some viewed as supporting “shadow fleet” operations.
- Use of Flags of Convenience: Ships connected to India often registered under foreign flags, obscuring their ownership and the origin of their cargo to bypass sanctions.
What are the different ways through which ships ensure they don’t lose their insurance?
- Switching Insurance Providers: If a ship loses its Protection and Indemnity (P&I) insurance cover due to violations of sanctions, the owner may shift the vessel’s management to a different company with valid P&I insurance.
- Changing Ship Management and Ownership: By changing the management entity or even the registered owner (via shell companies), ships can regain insurance cover without having to comply with the initial sanctions.
- Use of Different Flag States: Ships registered under FoCs or jurisdictions not compliant with international regulations face less scrutiny, which can help them maintain insurance coverage despite potentially violating sanctions.
- Renaming Vessels: This practice helps erase the association of the ship with any prior incidents or sanctions violations, allowing the ship to be insured under a different identity.
Way forward:
- Enhance Oversight and Transparency: India should tighten regulations on ship certification and ownership disclosure, ensuring compliance with international norms to prevent any association with sanction-evading activities.
- Strengthen International Coordination: India should collaborate with global maritime bodies to align its policies with international shipping standards, promoting responsible trade practices while safeguarding its economic interests.
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Mains level: Significance of Nature Restoration Law ;
Why in the News?
The urgent global issue of ecosystem degradation affects India significantly, with nearly 30% of its land degraded. India’s need for a comprehensive nature restoration law is critical, drawing inspiration from the EU’s NRL
Why does India need a Nature Restoration Law?
- High Land Degradation: Nearly 30% of India’s land is degraded, with areas like Gujarat, Karnataka, Maharashtra, and Rajasthan severely affected.
- Rising Desertification: The extent of desertification in India has increased significantly, impacting ecosystems and agricultural productivity.
- Biodiversity Loss: The degradation of natural habitats threatens India’s rich biodiversity and contributes to the global biodiversity crisis.
- Climate Change Mitigation: Degraded ecosystems lose their ability to act as carbon sinks, worsening climate change impacts.
- Economic Implications: Land degradation affects agriculture, water security, and livelihoods, necessitating legal intervention for sustainable management.
What should the Nature Restoration Law in India include?
- Legally Binding Restoration Targets: Similar to the EU’s NRL, set mandates to restore a specific percentage of land and water bodies by 2030 and 2050.
- Multi-Ecosystem Approach: Include provisions for forests, agricultural lands, rivers, wetlands, and urban areas to ensure comprehensive ecosystem restoration.
- Monitoring and Reporting Mechanisms: Establish a framework for monitoring progress, conducting periodic reviews, and reporting on restoration outcomes.
- Funding and Incentive Mechanisms: Provide financial support and incentives for states, communities, and private entities engaging in restoration projects.
- Integration with Existing Programs: Align with ongoing initiatives like the Green India Mission and watershed programs for enhanced effectiveness.
What are the potential benefits of implementing such a law?
- Environmental: Restoring degraded lands can enhance biodiversity, improve soil health, and increase carbon sequestration, aiding climate resilience.
- Economic: Could generate economic returns through improved agricultural productivity, job creation, and enhanced water security.
- Social: Restoration projects can create rural employment opportunities and support sustainable livelihoods, especially in degraded areas.
- Alignment with International Commitments: Helps India achieve its Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), especially Goal 15, and meet Paris Agreement targets.
Way forward:
- Adopt a Comprehensive Restoration Framework: India should enact a Nature Restoration Law with legally binding targets, integrating multi-ecosystem restoration approaches and aligning with existing environmental programs.
- Strengthen Monitoring and Funding Mechanisms: Establish robust monitoring frameworks for progress evaluation and provide financial incentives for restoration efforts, ensuring effective implementation and long-term sustainability.
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Mains level: India china relations;
Why in the News?
India and China announced an agreement on patrolling arrangements, resolving the military standoff along the Line of Actual Control (LAC), as per government officials.
What are the key components of the agreement between India and China?
- Patrolling Arrangements: The agreement includes the resumption of patrolling along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) in previously disputed areas, where patrolling had been stopped since 2020.
- Disengagement and Buffer Zones: The agreement aims to complete the disengagement process by restoring the situation to pre-2020 levels, including addressing issues at friction points like Demchok and Depsang.
- The existence or adjustment of buffer zones, which were established to prevent clashes, remains undisclosed.
- Diplomatic and Military Dialogue: The resolution is a result of multiple high-level meetings and negotiations, involving Foreign Ministers, the Working Mechanism for Consultation and Coordination (WMCC), and military commanders from both sides.
- Return to Pre-2020 Status: Indian officials have indicated that the situation at the LAC will revert to what it was before 2020, although further steps like deinduction and demobilization of troops still need to be undertaken.
How does this agreement impact the broader geopolitical landscape in the region?
- Regional Stability: The agreement could contribute to stability along the India-China border and help reduce military tensions in the region, especially at sensitive points like the Galwan Valley, where past clashes occurred.
- Influence on China-India Relations: It marks a potential thaw in India-China relations, creating a conducive atmosphere for high-level diplomatic engagements, possibly including a meeting between Prime Minister Modi and President Xi Jinping during the BRICS summit.
- Implications for Multilateral Forums: The agreement preceding the BRICS summit indicates a strategic effort to avoid bilateral friction overshadowing multilateral diplomacy. A peaceful resolution along the border could bolster cooperation within BRICS and other regional platforms.
- Signal to Neighboring Countries: The resolution may influence the perception of China’s border policies among other neighboring countries in Asia, possibly setting a precedent for dispute resolution.
What are the implications for India’s national security strategy?
- Shift Towards Dialogue and Diplomacy: The agreement underscores India’s willingness to resolve border issues through diplomatic means while maintaining a strong defense posture.
- Strategic Focus on LAC Management: Although disengagement is underway, continued monitoring and readiness at the LAC will remain crucial. The agreement may lead to a recalibration of India’s military deployments and infrastructure development along the border.
- Enhanced Security Coordination: With border tensions easing, India can refocus on comprehensive security strategies involving cooperation with allies and partners in the Indo-Pacific region, addressing broader challenges such as maritime security and countering China’s influence.
- Preparedness for Future Contingencies: The completion of disengagement does not eliminate future risks. India will likely continue to strengthen its border infrastructure and military capabilities as a precaution against any future incursions.
Way forward:
- Strengthen Diplomatic Engagements: India should prioritize continuous diplomatic dialogues with China to solidify the agreements reached and prevent future misunderstandings.
- Enhance Border Infrastructure and Defense Preparedness: India should invest in improving border infrastructure and logistics to support troop mobility and supply lines.
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Mains level: Citizenship of India;
Why in the News?
On October 17, 2024, political parties widely welcomed the Supreme Court’s decision upholding Section 6A of the Citizenship Act, addressing citizenship under the Assam Accord.
What is Section 6A?
- Section 6A of the Citizenship Act, added in 1985, grants citizenship to immigrants in Assam who entered between January 1, 1966, and March 25, 1971, under the Assam Accord provisions.
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What are the implications of upholding Section 6A for citizenship in Assam?
- Legal Recognition of the Assam Accord: The verdict reinforces the Assam Accord’s legal status, acknowledging the cut-off date of March 25, 1971, for granting citizenship to immigrants. This solidifies the Accord’s role as a foundational legal document addressing the state’s citizenship issues.
- Clarifying Citizenship Status: The ruling provides legal clarity on the citizenship status of individuals who entered Assam between January 1, 1966, and March 25, 1971. They are granted citizenship if they comply with specific conditions, while those arriving post-1971 are deemed illegal immigrants.
- Impact on the NRC Process: The decision may influence the National Register of Citizens (NRC) process in Assam by determining who is eligible for inclusion. The cut-off date could guide the verification of citizenship claims, potentially affecting those at risk of being declared stateless.
How does this ruling interact with existing immigration laws and policies?
- Consistency with the Foreigners Act: The ruling aligns with existing immigration policies under the Foreigners Act, where illegal immigrants are identified and potentially deported.
- Implications for Deportation and Detection: The verdict mandates continued efforts to detect and deport illegal immigrants who arrived post-March 25, 1971.
- This may intensify identification and deportation processes, requiring robust legal and administrative mechanisms.
- Role in NRC and Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) Debate: The ruling interacts with ongoing discussions about the CAA, which grants citizenship to non-Muslim migrants from neighboring countries who entered before December 31, 2014.
What are the broader constitutional implications of this decision?
- Federalism and Regional Autonomy: The judgment upholds Assam’s unique historical and cultural context, recognizing the state’s special legal provisions under the Assam Accord.
- Right to Equality and Non-discrimination: By validating different cut-off dates for citizenship determination in Assam compared to the rest of India, the ruling raises questions about equal treatment and the uniformity of laws across the country.
- Judicial Endorsement of Accord-based Legislation: The ruling sets a precedent for upholding legislation based on historical accords or regional agreements.
Way forward:
- Full Implementation of the Assam Accord: Ensure the complete execution of all clauses of the Accord, including detecting, deleting, and deporting illegal immigrants, while providing support to those recognized as citizens to integrate smoothly into society.
- Strengthen Legal and Administrative Frameworks: Enhance the infrastructure for the NRC process, deportation mechanisms, and border management to maintain consistency in immigration policies, while addressing humanitarian concerns for affected individuals.
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Mains level: Impact of Climate Change on Agriculture;
Why in the News?
On October 16, 2024, the FAO said that poor households around the world lose 5% of their income each year due to heat stress and 4.4% due to floods.
About FAO:
- The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) is indeed a specialized agency of the United Nations (UN), established to lead international efforts aimed at combating hunger and improving food security and nutrition globally.
- It founded on October 16, 1945, FAO operates from its headquarters in Rome, Italy, and comprises 195 members, including 194 countries and the European Union.
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Key Objectives of the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO):
- Eradicate Hunger and Malnutrition: The FAO aims to eliminate hunger, food insecurity, and malnutrition worldwide by promoting sustainable agricultural practices and increasing food availability.
- Promote Sustainable Agriculture: The organization encourages sustainable management of natural resources and resilient agricultural systems to combat climate change and preserve biodiversity.
- Reduce Rural Poverty: FAO works to improve the livelihoods of rural populations through economic development, social protection measures, and improved access to markets.
- Enhance Food Systems: It focuses on improving food production, distribution, and consumption to ensure the global population has access to nutritious, safe, and affordable food.
- Respond to Crises: The FAO assists countries in addressing food-related emergencies and building resilience against future shocks, such as natural disasters and conflicts.
Key Highlights of the Present Report by FAO:
- Economic Losses from Climate Stress: The report highlighted that poor households globally lose 5% of their income due to heat stress and 4.4% due to floods annually, compared to better-off households.
- Impact on Rural Poor in India: It found that rural poor households in India are affected by climate stress differently, with reduced off-farm employment opportunities during droughts, forcing them to allocate more resources to agriculture.
- Structural Inequalities: The report noted that poor households’ vulnerability to climate stressors is rooted in structural inequalities, calling for policy measures such as expanding social security.
- Recommendations for Livelihood Support: Suggested scaling up anticipatory social protection programs and improving off-farm employment opportunities to reduce reliance on negative coping strategies.
- Gender and Employment Barriers: The report urged addressing gender disparities in non-farm employment through gender-transformative approaches to tackle discriminatory norms.
What is NITI Aayog’s Response?
- Efforts to Combat Climate Change: NITI Aayog highlighted India’s proactive measures, such as the National Innovations on Climate Resilient Agriculture (NICRA) project, which supports farmers’ adaptation to severe climate conditions.
- Social Safety Nets: Emphasized India’s implementation of a nationwide employment guarantee scheme and extensive food distribution efforts during the pandemic as evidence of social protection measures.
- Women’s Workforce Participation: Cited data from the Periodic Labour Force Surveys showing increased female participation in the workforce, indicating progress in addressing gender issues.
- Open to FAO Suggestions: Acknowledged the value of considering the FAO’s recommendations for further policy improvement while emphasizing India’s existing initiatives.
Way forward:
- Strengthen Social Protection: Expand anticipatory social protection programs and climate-resilient agricultural practices to support vulnerable households, reducing income losses from climate stress.
- Address Structural Inequalities: Enhance off-farm employment opportunities, tackle gender disparities, and implement policies targeting the root causes of vulnerability to climate-related risks.
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From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Mains level: Key initiatives to achieve SDG;
Why in the News?
On September 9-10, 2023, New Delhi hosted the G-20 Summit, where participants committed to enhancing the implementation of the UN Agenda 2030 for Sustainable Development.
How effectively is India progressing towards achieving the SDGs by 2030?
- Current Status: India is classified in the “medium human development” category, with an HDI value of 0.644 and a rank of 134 out of 193 countries.
- Improvement Over Time: India saw an increase of 48.4% in HDI value from 1990 (0.434) to 2022 (0.644), indicating positive long-term trends despite recent stagnation and slight declines due to factors such as the COVID-19 pandemic.
- SDG Interconnections: India’s HDI dimensions directly align with several SDGs, including SDG-3 (good health), SDG-4 (quality education), and SDG-5 (gender equality). Progress in these areas is critical for achieving broader SDG targets.
- Rank Improvements: From 2015 to 2022, India improved its HDI ranking by four places, while neighboring countries such as Bangladesh and Bhutan improved their rankings by 12 and 10 places, respectively, highlighting the need for India to enhance its efforts.
What are the key human development challenges that India faces?
- Gender Inequality: India has one of the largest gender gaps in the Labor Force Participation Rate (LFPR), with a stark difference of 47.8 percentage points between women (28.3%) and men (76.1%). The GDI indicates significant disparities in HDI achievements between genders, which undermines development.
- Income Inequality: India experiences high income inequality, with the richest 1% holding 21.7% of total income, significantly higher than many neighboring countries and above global averages. This poses a barrier to sustainable development and equitable growth.
- Education and Health: The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic has negatively affected education and health sectors, leading to increased vulnerabilities among poorer and marginalized populations.
- Urban-Rural Divide: There is a notable disparity in female labour force participation between rural (41.5%) and urban areas (25.4%), suggesting that urban policy initiatives may not adequately support women’s employment.
What strategies can be implemented? (Way forward)
- Strengthening Gender Equality: Implement gender-transformative approaches to enhance women’s participation in the labour force and address systemic barriers. This includes policies promoting work-life balance, flexible work arrangements, and targeted skill development programs.
- Enhancing Education and Skill Development: Invest in quality education, vocational training, and lifelong learning opportunities that cater to both genders, particularly in rural areas.
- Promoting Social Protection: Expand social safety nets and anticipatory social protection programs that target vulnerable populations, particularly women and marginalized groups.
- Reducing Income Inequality: Implement progressive taxation and wealth redistribution policies to address the concentration of income.
- Multi-Stakeholder Engagement: Foster collaboration between government, civil society, and the private sector to implement sustainable development initiatives.
Mains PYQ:
Q National Education Policy 2020 isin conformity with the Sustainable Development Goal-4 (2030). It intends to restructure and reorient education system in India. Critically examine the statement. (UPSC IAS/2020)
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From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Mains level: Issues related to malnutrition in India;
Why in the News?
The 2024 Global Hunger Index (GHI) indicates that the number of undernourished people in India this year, approximately 200 million, would rank as the seventh largest population in the world, comparable to the size of Brazil’s population.
Why it is a matter of concern?
- High Undernourishment Levels: India’s Global Hunger Index rank is 105 out of 127 countries, classified under the “serious” category with a score of 27.3. An estimated 200 million people, or roughly 14% of India’s population, are undernourished, a figure comparable to the population of Brazil.
- Child Malnutrition: India’s child stunting rate stands at 35.5%, and the child wasting rate is 18.7%, indicating widespread malnutrition. These rates reflect a failure in the healthcare and social safety net systems.
- Infant Mortality Rate: Although India’s infant mortality rate is slightly below the global average (26 per 1,000 live births compared to the global average of 28), it remains a significant issue.
- Impact of Food Inflation: Food inflation more than doubled between FY22 and FY24, increasing from 3.8% to 7.5%. This disproportionately affects low-income households, leading to reduced food accessibility.
What about India’s GDP growth?
- High Economic Growth Rate: India was the world’s fastest-growing economy in FY24, with a growth rate of 6.8% and a GDP nearing $4 trillion, ranking fifth globally.
- Low Per Capita Income: Despite rapid economic growth, India’s per capita income remains low at $2,485 in FY24, which is less than a fourth of the global average of $13,920 in FY22. This disparity suggests significant income inequality and limited improvement in living standards for many.
- Record Food Production vs. Hunger: In FY24, India achieved one of its highest food production levels at 332 million tonnes. However, the abundance in food production did not translate into improved food security due to distribution challenges, economic disparities, and climate-related impacts.
What is the debate about data collection methodology?
- Use of Sample Registration System (SRS) Data: The GHI uses data from India’s Sample Registration System (SRS), which is annually published by the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation. It provides statistics on births, deaths, infant mortality, and other vital indicators.
- Government’s Criticism of GHI Methodology: There has been ongoing criticism from the Indian government regarding the GHI’s methodology, particularly the reliance on survey data and subjective measurements for assessing hunger and malnutrition.
- The government argues that the GHI may not accurately reflect the improvements in nutrition and food distribution initiatives.
- Challenges in Addressing Undernutrition: Even with abundant food production, systemic issues such as poor nutrition programs, climate impacts on agricultural productivity, and socioeconomic factors continue to affect food security in India.
Way forward:
- Strengthen Nutrition and Social Safety Programs: India should enhance the effectiveness of nutrition programs, such as the Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS) and Mid-Day Meal Scheme, ensuring better coverage, quality, and targeting to reduce child malnutrition and undernourishment.
- Address Economic Inequality and Improve Food Access: Implement policies to reduce income disparities and make essential foods more affordable, such as expanding the Public Distribution System (PDS) to cover vulnerable groups affected by inflation and climate-related agricultural disruptions.
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From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Mains level: Impact of climate change;
Why in the News?
The rising demand for cooling is leading to increased fossil fuel consumption for electricity generation, which in turn contributes to climate change and gradually elevates atmospheric temperatures.
What are the primary impacts of climate change on human societies?
- Heat-Related Health Risks: Increased temperatures and more frequent heatwaves lead to higher incidences of heat-related illnesses and deaths. For instance, global heatwaves already result in approximately 12,000 fatalities annually.
- Threats to Food Security: Extreme temperatures and unstable weather patterns negatively impact agricultural productivity, affecting food quality and availability, and driving up prices.
- Access to Essential Services: Over 1.1 billion people face immediate risks due to inadequate access to cooling, impacting health services (like vaccine storage), food preservation, and economic productivity.
- Increased Mortality: By 2050, deaths from extreme heat are projected to surge, with the World Health Organization predicting up to 255,000 heat-related fatalities each year.
How Can Societies Effectively Adapt to the Ongoing Changes in Climate?
- Promoting Energy-Efficient Cooling: Improve the efficiency of cooling devices to reduce energy demand and mitigate climate impacts. This includes transitioning away from hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs) under international agreements like the Kigali amendment.
- Nature-Based Solutions: Implement alternatives to mechanical cooling, such as planting shade trees and using smart building designs to naturally regulate temperatures.
- Policy and Technological Innovations: Governments should enforce strict compliance with energy efficiency standards for cooling equipment and incentivize the development of sustainable cooling technologies.
What Role Does International Cooperation Play in Addressing Climate Change?
- Global Agreements: Initiatives like the Paris Agreement and the Kigali amendment to the Montreal Protocol emphasize the need for unified international action to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and promote sustainable development goals.
- Shared Resources and Technology Transfer: International efforts, such as those led by Rwanda and the African Group, advocate for access to energy-efficient technologies, particularly for developing nations.
- Enhancing Compliance and Monitoring: Countries are urged to strictly adhere to global agreements, such as phasing down HFCs, to achieve climate targets and protect vulnerable populations.
Way Forward:
- Accelerate the Transition to Energy-Efficient Cooling: Enhance international efforts to double the average energy efficiency of cooling devices and support the shift to climate-friendly refrigerants.
- Integrate Cooling Solutions into Climate and Development Policies: Recognize cooling as a development issue and address its critical role in poverty alleviation and achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
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From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Mains level: Importance of SCO for India;
Why in the News?
External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar informally interacted with Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar during the SCO summit’s concluding lunch in Islamabad.
About SCO:
- The SCO was established in 2001 to promote regional cooperation in security, economic development, and cultural exchange among its member states, which include China, India, Russia, Pakistan, and several Central Asian countries.
- The organization represents around 40% of the global population, making it one of the largest regional groups. Its influence spans economic, political, and security dimensions.
- The SCO focuses on combating terrorism, separatism, and extremism (the “three evils”), enhancing regional security, and fostering economic collaboration among member states.
- The SCO holds annual summits, rotating between member countries, to discuss various topics ranging from economic cooperation to regional security challenges.
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What were the major insights during SCO 2024 summit?
- Diplomatic Engagement: The informal interaction between India’s External Affairs Minister and Pakistan’s leadership marked a notable shift in diplomatic engagement, highlighting a more constructive tone compared to previous meetings.
- Avoidance of Contentious Issues: Both India and Pakistan’s leaders refrained from discussing sensitive topics such as Kashmir, indicating a focus on cooperation rather than conflict during this summit.
- Collective Responsibility: The Indian foreign minister emphasized the need for an “honest conversation” about trust and cooperation in the SCO region, highlighting the importance of addressing concerns over terrorism and separatism in fostering trade and connectivity.
- Positive Outcomes: The summit resulted in the signing of eight documents, including proposals for economic dialogue, cooperation in the creative economy, and strategies for addressing challenges in areas like green development and digital economy.
- Future Cooperation: The joint statement from the summit emphasized optimizing the region’s potential in various sectors such as trade, innovation, and climate change, indicating a commitment to collaborative economic growth.
Challenges for India:
- India-Pakistan Relations: Pakistan’s membership complicates India’s position within the SCO. The rivalry between India and Pakistan can hinder India’s ability to assert its interests effectively, especially since China and Russia are influential players in the organization.
- Balancing Relations: India’s participation in the SCO necessitates a delicate balancing act between its traditional ties with Russia and its growing partnerships with Western nations. This is particularly challenging given the SCO’s often anti-Western posture.
Way forward:
- Strengthen Regional Cooperation: India should prioritize common interests within the SCO, such as counter-terrorism, economic development, and connectivity, while using diplomatic channels to reduce tensions with Pakistan and maintain constructive dialogue.
- Strategic Balancing: India can pursue a balanced approach by aligning its SCO engagements with its broader foreign policy goals, leveraging partnerships with Russia and Central Asia while carefully managing its ties with Western nations.
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From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Mains level: Inclusive Economy; Inclusive institutions; Nobel Prize;
Why in the News?
- This year’s Nobel Prize in Economics, officially known as the Sveriges Riksbank Prize in Economic Sciences, was awarded to Daron Acemoglu, Simon Johnson, and James Robinson (AJR).
- AJR have highlighted the importance of institutions in development, but critics argue that this approach tends to favour Western liberal models over other institutional frameworks.
Why Do Some Nations Succeed While Others Fail?
- Role of Institutions: The economic success or failure of nations can often be traced back to the nature of their institutions.
- Inclusive institutions encourage economic activity by providing secure property rights, legal frameworks, and political systems that incentivize growth.
- In contrast, extractive institutions concentrate wealth and power in the hands of a few, leading to economic stagnation and social inequality.
- Historical Path Dependence: Countries that experienced inclusive economic institutions early in their development tend to be more prosperous, while those with a history of extractive institutions face significant barriers to growth. Historical events shape the trajectory of institutional development and influence current outcomes.
What Is the Impact of Historical Institutions on Current Economic Outcomes?
- Colonial Legacy: Institutions established during colonialism, especially extractive ones, have long-lasting impacts. Areas with landlord-based land tenure systems or direct colonial rule have struggled with lower agricultural productivity, fewer social services, and weaker infrastructure.
- Natural Experiment Evidence: AJR’s research used historical data, such as differences in settler mortality, to show that regions colonized by Europeans with high mortality rates ended up with extractive institutions that still negatively affect growth today.
- Long-Term Development Patterns: The effects of historical institutions persist, shaping economic development, social structures, and governance even after countries gain independence or transition to new political systems.
Why do critics argue that this approach tends to favour Western liberal models over other institutional frameworks?
- Historical Bias: Critics argue that AJR’s approach overlooks the diverse paths of development, favoring Western institutions while underestimating non-Western experiences and historical complexities.
- Western Norms as Universal: The framework tends to present Western liberal institutions as ideal models, disregarding how other systems might effectively function in different cultural and socio-political contexts.
Why Are Inclusive Institutions Not More Widely Adopted?
- Conflict of Interests: Powerful groups with control over resources have incentives to maintain extractive institutions to protect their wealth and power, resisting changes that would lead to a fairer distribution of economic benefits.
- Collective Action Challenges: Reforming extractive institutions requires solving collective action problems where diverse groups must agree on new rules that may threaten the established elite’s interests.
- Path Dependency: Historical conditions can create institutional inertia, making it challenging to shift from extractive to inclusive frameworks due to deep-rooted social, political, and economic norms.
Way forward:
- Strengthen Inclusive Institutions: Focus on legal and policy reforms that secure property rights, ensure fair governance, and promote transparent decision-making, encouraging broad-based economic participation and growth.
- Empower Marginalized Groups: Implement policies that reduce power concentration by supporting grassroots movements, enhancing education access, and providing economic opportunities to disadvantaged communities to overcome historical inequalities.
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Mains level: India-Canada Relations;
Why in the News?
India-Canada relations have reached a historic low after Justin Trudeau’s government accused Indian officials of being involved in “activities that pose a significant threat to public safety,” claims that New Delhi has strongly rejected as “preposterous.”
What specific allegations has Canada made against Indian diplomats?
- Violent Extremism: Canadian authorities claim that agents of the Government of India have been involved in violent extremist activities affecting both countries.
- Involvement in Criminal Activity: The Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) have accused Indian diplomats and consular officials of being linked to homicides, acts of violence, and the use of organized crime to create a sense of insecurity among the South Asian community in Canada.
- Foreign Interference: Investigations suggest Indian officials leveraged their positions to collect information on certain individuals or groups in Canada, either directly or through proxies. This intelligence was allegedly shared with the Research and Analysis Wing (RAW) in India.
- Threats and Coercion: The allegations include coercion tactics where individuals in Canada were reportedly threatened regarding their immigration status or faced risks to their family members in India.
- Connections with Organized Crime: There are claims that Indian intelligence conveyed information to criminal networks in India, allegedly linked to gangster Lawrence Bishnoi, who is in custody in India. These networks are suspected of intimidating or targeting Canadians of South Asian descent.
- Involvement in Assassinations: The controversy began with the assassination of Khalistani activist Hardeep Singh Nijjar in Surrey, and was further linked to the killing of Sukhdool Singh Gill in Winnipeg. Both incidents allegedly have ties to Indian government directives.
How has India responded to Canada’s accusations?
- Denial of Allegations: India has categorically dismissed the allegations as “absurd” and “preposterous.” Indian authorities have rejected claims of any involvement in criminal activities in Canada or targeting the Sikh community.
- Accusations of Canadian Tolerance for Extremism: New Delhi has countered by accusing Canada of allowing anti-India elements and Khalistani separatist groups to operate freely, impacting India’s sovereignty and security.
- Denial of Diplomatic Cooperation: Reports suggest that while India initially agreed to cooperate with the Canadian investigation, it later denied visas to RCMP officials who intended to share evidence with Indian counterparts.
What actions have both countries taken in retaliation?
- Expulsion of Diplomats: Following Canada’s expulsion of an Indian diplomat, India retaliated by expelling a senior Canadian diplomat, escalating the diplomatic dispute.
- Visa Suspension: In response to the diplomatic tensions, India suspended visa services for Canadian citizens, citing security concerns for Indian diplomatic personnel in Canada.
- Reduced Diplomatic Presence: The crisis has resulted in both nations significantly scaling back their diplomatic staff, affecting consular services and visa issuance.
- Diplomatic Disengagement: India’s foreign minister has hinted at limiting diplomatic interactions with Canada, reflecting the deterioration in bilateral ties.
What are the potential implications of this diplomatic crisis for both sides?
- Bilateral Relations: The row represents a historic low in India-Canada relations. Both nations may experience prolonged diplomatic disengagement, adversely affecting cooperation in trade, education, and defence.
- Economic Impacts: Canada is a significant partner for Indian students and the Punjabi diaspora, which could face disruptions in visa issuance, immigration processes, and consular services.
- Geopolitical Ramifications: The dispute may strain India’s relations with Western allies, including the United States, which has strong ties with both India and Canada.
- Division in Diaspora Communities: The Sikh community in Canada could be further divided, with escalating tensions around pro-Khalistan activities. Allegations against Indian officials may also increase anti-India sentiments among diaspora groups.
Way forward:
- Diplomatic Engagement and De-escalation: Both countries should prioritize diplomatic channels to de-escalate tensions, perhaps through neutral intermediaries or international platforms, ensuring that the crisis does not further damage long-term relations, trade, and people-to-people ties.
- Focused Cooperation on Extremism and Criminal Activity: A joint task force or collaborative investigation involving both nations could be set up to address concerns about violent extremism and criminal activity, fostering transparency and trust, while respecting sovereignty and legal frameworks.
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Mains level: Issues related to agricultural productivity;
Why in the News?
Government must embrace a new approach where the success of agriculture is defined by its capacity to nourish people, support livelihoods, and safeguard our planet for future generations.
What are the limitations of using yield as the sole indicator of agricultural success?
- Nutritional Quality Neglect as per ICAR (Indian Council for Agricultural Research): Focusing on yield has led to a decline in the nutritional profile of crops. High-yielding varieties often have lower micronutrient densities, as seen in reduced zinc and iron levels in rice and wheat.
- Increased Input Costs: Higher yield does not always correlate with increased farmer income. The cost of achieving additional yield may be high, especially as the response to fertilizers has declined significantly since the 1970s.
- Biodiversity Loss: The emphasis on a few high-yielding varieties leads to the loss of diverse, local crop varieties. For example, India has lost around 104,000 rice varieties since the Green Revolution.
- Environmental Impact: Intensive farming to maximize yield can degrade soil health, reduce water availability, and harm the ecosystem, making agriculture less sustainable.
- Reduced Resilience: The prioritization of yield over other factors makes crops less resilient to extreme weather events such as floods, droughts, and heatwaves.
How do other indicators complement yield in assessing agricultural sustainability?
- Nutritional Output Per Hectare: This indicator measures not just the quantity but the quality of the food produced, addressing nutritional security.
- Soil Health Metrics: Including soil biological activity and soil organic carbon in evaluations helps ensure long-term soil fertility and productivity.
- Water-Use Efficiency: Metrics like water-use efficiency track the amount of water required to produce crops, promoting conservation.
- Farm Biodiversity: Assessing crop diversity at the farm and regional levels (Landscape Diversity Score) improves resilience to pests, diseases, and climate variability.
- Economic Resilience Metrics: Indicators such as income diversification (through intercropping, livestock rearing, etc.) can help measure farmers’ economic stability.
- Environmental Impact Measures: Tracking parameters like carbon footprint and ecosystem services evaluates the broader impact of agricultural practices.
What practices can farmers adopt to improve sustainability beyond just increasing yield? (Way forward)
- Intercropping: Growing multiple crops together (e.g., sugarcane with vegetables) can provide year-round income and enhance soil health.
- Agroecological Approaches: Practices such as crop rotation, organic farming, and reduced pesticide use help maintain biodiversity and soil fertility.
- Water Management Techniques: Using methods like drip irrigation and AI-powered tools for optimal irrigation ensures better water use.
- Integrated Pest Management (IPM): Combining biological, mechanical, and chemical control methods reduces reliance on harmful pesticides.
- Conservation Agriculture: Techniques such as no-till farming and mulching help improve soil structure and retain moisture.
- Adopting Climate-Resilient Varieties: Growing drought-tolerant or flood-resistant crop varieties helps mitigate the impacts of climate change.
Mains PYQ:
Q Discuss the various economic and socio-cultural forces that are driving increasing feminization of agriculture in India. (UPSC IAS/2014)
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From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Mains level: Shortcomings of AMRUT;
Why in the News?
U.S. economists Daron Acemoglu, Simon Johnson, and James A. Robinson won the 2024 Economics Nobel for their research on how the formation of institutions influences a nation’s prosperity and economic success.
What are the key factors that explain why some nations are rich while others are poor?
- Quality of Institutions: According to the 2024 Nobel laureates, the primary determinant of economic success is the quality of a country’s institutions. Inclusive institutions, which ensure secure property rights, political freedoms, and economic opportunities, tend to promote growth.
- Rule of Law and Property Rights: When laws protect private property and are enforced impartially, individuals are incentivized to invest and engage in economic activities. Weak or corrupt legal systems can deter investments and slow growth.
- Political Stability and Governance: Countries with stable, democratic governance structures often provide a conducive environment for economic activities. In contrast, political instability and authoritarianism can hinder development.
- Geography and Natural Resources: Some scholars argue that geographic factors, such as access to trade routes and natural resource endowment, play a role in shaping a nation’s wealth. However, resource-rich nations can still struggle if their institutions are weak (resource curse).
- Human Capital and Education: Nations that invest in education and healthcare build a skilled and productive workforce, which can drive long-term economic growth.
- Technological and Industrial Development: The ability to adopt and innovate technologies is crucial for economic advancement, which historically facilitated the “Great Divergence” during the Industrial Revolution.
How do historical contexts and colonial legacies impact current economic outcomes?
- Colonial Institution Setup: Colonizers often set up institutions based on their motivations and local conditions. In places with harsh climates or high disease rates, extractive institutions were established to exploit resources quickly.
- Impact of Extractive Institutions: In countries where extractive institutions were set up, economic policies often focused on resource extraction and wealth concentration, which led to long-term stagnation. For instance, regions in Africa and South Asia that experienced extractive colonial policies face lasting developmental challenges.
- Path Dependence: Colonial institutions created trajectories that persisted even after independence. Post-colonial governments often inherited the same extractive structures, leading to continued corruption, inequality, and weak rule of law.
- Unequal Development: Colonialism exacerbated regional disparities by favouring some areas (urban centres, resource-rich regions) over others, affecting infrastructure development and economic integration.
What criticisms exist regarding the theories proposed by the Nobel laureates?
- Oversimplification of Institutional Role: Critics argue that attributing economic success primarily to institutions might ignore other important factors, such as culture, geography, and international trade dynamics, which also significantly shape economic outcomes.
- Neglect of Global Power Structures: Some scholars believe that focusing on domestic institutions alone overlooks the influence of global economic structures and the power imbalances that exist between countries, which can perpetuate inequality.
- Limited Consideration of Economic Policies: Critics point out that macroeconomic policies, market dynamics, and state-led development strategies also play a crucial role in determining economic trajectories, beyond institutional quality alone.
- Debate Over Inclusiveness of “Inclusive Institutions”: Some argue that even countries with ostensibly inclusive institutions (e.g., Western democracies) can exhibit extractive practices, such as unequal wealth distribution, labor exploitation, and environmental degradation.
Way forward:
- Strengthen Institutions with Reforms: Focus on reforming political and economic institutions to promote inclusiveness, transparency, and rule of law, ensuring secure property rights and equal opportunities for all citizens.
- Address Global Inequities and Support Development: International efforts should aim to reduce global economic disparities by promoting fair trade, debt relief, and development aid.
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Haber-Bosch process
Mains level: Issues related to fertilizer;
Why in the News?
One hundred million tonnes of nitrogen are extracted from the atmosphere and transformed into fertilizer through the Haber-Bosch process, adding 165 million tonnes of reactive nitrogen to the soil.
What is the Nitrogen molecule and how is it availed in Nature?
- The nitrogen molecule (N2) consists of two nitrogen atoms joined by a triple bond, sharing three pairs of electrons. This triple bond makes the molecule extremely stable and nearly inert, requiring a significant amount of energy (946 kJ/mol) to break.
- When the triple bond is broken, nitrogen atoms can form reactive nitrogen compounds like ammonia (NH3), ammonium (NH4+), or nitrates (NO3–).
- These compounds are essential for plant growth as they help synthesize enzymes, proteins, and amino acids.
- Lightning generates enough energy to break the N2 triple bond, producing nitrogen oxides (NO and NO2) that can combine with water vapor to form nitric and nitrous acids. These acids add reactive nitrogen to the soil through rainfall.
- Certain bacteria, such as Azotobacter and Rhizobia, fix atmospheric nitrogen through biological processes.
- Rhizobia forms symbiotic relationships with legumes, while Azolla, an aquatic fern, also fixes nitrogen via its symbiotic cyanobacterium.
What is the Haber-Bosch process?
- The Haber-Bosch process synthesizes ammonia by reacting nitrogen (N2) with hydrogen (H2) under high pressure (200 atm) and moderate temperature (200°C), using a catalyst (typically iron oxides).
- The process was developed by Fritz Haber, who found that high pressure and a suitable catalyst were key to converting nitrogen to ammonia efficiently. The setup was scaled up by Carl Bosch, leading to the first ammonia production plant in 1913.
What are the downsides of fertilizers?
- Environmental Impact: While synthetic nitrogen fertilizers have significantly increased food production, they have also led to negative environmental effects:
- Over-fertilization: Excess nitrogen application results in reactive nitrogen being released into the atmosphere, contributing to acid rain and soil degradation.
- Water Pollution: Nitrogen runoff from agricultural fields enters freshwater and coastal ecosystems, leading to eutrophication, which causes oxygen depletion and harms aquatic life.
- Human Health Concerns: High nitrogen levels in drinking water can pose health risks.
- Socio-Economic Challenges: Despite increased food production, issues such as starvation, malnutrition, and unequal food distribution persist, highlighting that technological solutions like fertilisers are insufficient; social and political action is also needed.
Way forward:
- Promote Sustainable Fertilizer Use: Encourage the adoption of precision agriculture techniques, such as soil testing and site-specific nutrient management, to optimize fertilizer application. This approach minimizes over-fertilization, reduces nitrogen runoff, and mitigates environmental damage.
- Strengthen Policy and Regulatory Frameworks: Governments should implement and enforce policies to regulate nitrogen fertilizer use, ensuring that environmental safety standards are met.
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Mains level: Issues related to posthumous assisted reproduction;
Why in the News?
The Delhi High Court recently permitted a couple in their sixties to access their late son’s sperm sample, thus opening the door for posthumous assisted reproduction.
About the Present Case:
- The Delhi HC allowed a couple in their sixties to access their deceased son’s sperm sample for posthumous assisted reproduction, marking a significant legal ruling.
- The son, who passed away from cancer in 2020, had cryopreserved his sperm at a hospital. The hospital refused to release the sample without a court order since there were no guidelines for cases without a surviving spouse.
- The parents sought court intervention to carry on their son’s legacy, with the assurance that they would take full responsibility for any child born through surrogacy using the sperm sample.
What is the ART Act?
- The Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART) Act, 2021 regulates fertility treatments and artificial insemination procedures in India.
- It provides guidelines for posthumous retrieval of sperm but is limited to cases where the deceased is married, allowing the surviving partner to seek sperm retrieval.
- The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare stated that the current legislation does not account for “postmortem grandparenthood” cases, where grandparents seek to use a deceased individual’s sperm.
What are present International practices?
- Uruguay: Allows posthumous reproduction with written consent valid for one year.
- Belgium: Permits posthumous reproduction after a six-month waiting period following death, and the request must be made within two years.
- Victoria, Australia: Requires written or oral consent before witnesses, approval from a “patient review panel,” and counseling for the parent.
- Canada and the UK: Both require written consent for posthumous reproduction.
- Israel: Limits the use of a deceased individual’s sperm to the female partner, with some exceptions allowing parents to use it. The Delhi High Court ruling referenced a similar case in Israel involving a 19-year-old soldier.
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Precedents and Concerns:
- Legal Precedent for Non-Spousal Claims: The Delhi High Court’s ruling sets a precedent where parties other than a spouse, such as parents, can claim the right to access a deceased individual’s cryopreserved reproductive material.
- This expands the legal interpretation beyond the scope typically covered by existing laws, which usually prioritize the spouse’s consent.
- Ethical and Consent Issues: Posthumous reproduction raises ethical concerns, particularly regarding the presumed consent of the deceased individual.
- Determining whether the deceased intended for their reproductive material to be used after death can be complex, especially when explicit written consent is not available.
- Child Welfare Considerations: The ruling highlights concerns about the future child’s welfare, who would grow up without one genetic parent.
Way forward:
- Establish Clear Legal Guidelines: Develop comprehensive legal frameworks for posthumous reproduction, addressing scenarios beyond spousal claims and ensuring explicit consent requirements to guide such cases.
- Prioritize Child Welfare and Ethical Considerations: Implement safeguards like mandatory counseling, ethical review panels, and consideration of the child’s best interests in decisions involving posthumous assisted reproduction.
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