Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Mains level: Issues related to family Planning;
Why in the News?
According to NFHS-5, 97% of women and 97.5% of men are aware of modern contraceptives, yet the burden primarily falls on women, with female sterilisation being the most prevalent.
What are the current trends in contraceptive decision-making among Indian couples?
- Dominance of Female Sterilization: As of the latest reports, female sterilisation accounts for 37.9% of total sterilizations, while male sterilisation through vasectomies remains critically low at just 0.3%.
- Decline in Male Sterilization: The use of male sterilization has been steadily decreasing over the past three decades.
- Data from the National Family Health Survey (NFHS) show that the percentage of vasectomies has remained stagnant at around 0.3% in both NFHS-4 (2015-16) and NFHS-5 (2019-20), reflecting a broader trend of declining male participation in family planning.
- Government Targets Not Met: The National Health Policy 2017 aimed to increase male sterilization to at least 30%, a target that remains unmet, indicating systemic issues within the family planning framework.
How does societal perception impact men’s involvement in family planning?
- Perception of Burden: Many men view vasectomy as an undue burden, fearing loss of wages and questioning their masculinity. Women often echo this sentiment, believing that men should not be “burdened” by sterilization responsibilities due to their economic roles.
- Lack of Awareness: There is a widespread lack of awareness regarding the benefits and safety of vasectomies, compounded by misconceptions about their effects on libido and masculinity. This misinformation contributes to low acceptance rates among men.
- Cultural Norms: Traditional gender roles reinforce the notion that women should handle family planning, leading to a lack of male engagement in reproductive health discussions.
What strategies can be implemented to promote shared responsibility in contraceptive use? (Way forward)
- Education and Awareness Campaigns: Initiatives should focus on educating both genders about reproductive health and shared responsibilities through school programs and community workshops. Early sensitization can help normalize discussions around male sterilization.
- Conditional Cash Incentives: Increasing financial incentives for men who opt for vasectomies can encourage participation. Evidence from Maharashtra suggests that cash incentives have led to higher rates of vasectomy acceptance among rural men.
- Training Healthcare Providers: Enhancing training for healthcare workers on no-scalpel vasectomies can improve service delivery, particularly in rural areas with limited access to skilled practitioners.
- Public Awareness Campaigns: Drawing lessons from countries like South Korea and Brazil, India can implement mass media campaigns to reshape societal attitudes towards male contraceptive responsibility, emphasising the safety and simplicity of vasectomies compared to female sterilization procedures.
- Policy Implementation with Concrete Steps: The government should ensure that policies are actionable, with clear steps outlined to achieve targets related to male participation in family planning efforts.
Mains PYQ:
Q Discuss the main objectives of Population Education and point out the measures to achieve them in India in detail. (UPSC IAS/2021)
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Mains level: Challenges due to wildfire;
Why in the News?
A study published in The Lancet revealed that pollution from landscape fires, including agricultural burning in northern India during winters, may have caused over 1.2 lakh deaths annually in India between 2000 and 2019.
What is Wildfire and Its Types?
- Wildfires are uncontrolled fires that burn in natural landscapes, including forests, grasslands, and savannas. They can occur due to natural causes, such as lightning strikes, or human activities, including agricultural burning and land clearing.
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- Forest Fires: These occur in wooded areas and can spread rapidly due to dry conditions and strong winds.
- Grassland Fires: Also known as prairie fires, these occur in grasslands and can be beneficial for ecosystem regeneration but are destructive if uncontrolled.
- Vegetation Fires: These include fires that burn through shrublands and other types of vegetation, often exacerbated by drought conditions.
- Agricultural Burning: A common practice in many regions, particularly in northern India during winters, where farmers burn crop stubble to clear fields for new planting. This practice significantly contributes to air pollution.
What are the Global and Local Impacts of Landscape Fire Pollution?
Global Impact:
- Death Toll: A recent study published in The Lancet estimates that globally, landscape fires are responsible for over 1.53 million deaths annually due to air pollution, with the majority occurring in low- and middle-income countries.
- Health Risks: The study highlights that approximately 450,000 deaths each year are linked to cardiovascular diseases and 220,000 to respiratory diseases caused by fine particulate matter (PM2.5) released from these fires.
- Geographical Disparities: The highest mortality rates from fire-related air pollution are found in countries like China, the Democratic Republic of Congo, India, Indonesia, and Nigeria.
Local Impact (India):
- Annual Deaths: In India alone, it is estimated that landscape fires contributed to about 2.55 million deaths from respiratory and cardiovascular diseases between 2000 and 2019, averaging over 120,000 deaths per year.
- Seasonal Pollution: During winter months (October to December), northern India experiences severe air quality issues due to agricultural burning combined with cooler temperatures that trap pollutants close to the ground.
- Socio-Economic Factors: The study indicates that deaths caused by wildfires are four times higher in low-income countries compared to high-income nations. Lower socio-economic regions face greater health risks from fire-related air pollution.
What are the steps taken by the Government to the wildfire?
- Forest Protection Division: Headed by the DIG of Forests, this division oversees forest fire management at the central level.
- Community Involvement: The government encourages active participation in forest fire management through mechanisms like Joint Forest Management Committees (JFMCs) and Eco-Development Committees (EDCs).
- National Action Plan for Forest Fires (NAPFF): Introduced in 2018, the plan focuses on reducing forest fires by fostering collaboration between forest communities and state forest departments.
- Forest Fire Prevention and Management Scheme (FPM): A government-sponsored initiative aimed at assisting states in effectively managing and preventing forest fires.
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Way forward:
- Strengthen Community-Based Management: Enhance capacity building, training, and incentivization for local communities through Joint Forest Management Committees (JFMCs) and Eco-Development Committees (EDCs) to actively prevent and manage wildfires.
- Leverage Technology and Research: Implement advanced monitoring systems like satellite-based fire detection and promote research on fire-resistant vegetation to mitigate the impact of wildfires and associated air pollution.
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: HIV/AIDS
Why in the News?
The stigma surrounding HIV/AIDS impacts not only those living with the virus but also affects healthcare practices as a whole. India needs policies that address both the medical treatment of HIV and the social issues that prevent effective healthcare.
Background:
- In 1983, Luc Montagnier and Robert Gallo identified the AIDS-causing virus. By the mid-1980s, HIV/AIDS symbolized fear, targeting immune cells and posing immense medical challenges without effective treatments.
- In August 1987, the U.S. beaches saw a disturbing “Syringe Tide,” with used syringes and medical waste washing ashore, alarming the public and creating a national outcry over health concerns.
- In 1986, India passed the Environmental Protection Act, marking its first major step towards environmental protection. It also identified the first HIV case at Madras Medical College.
- Despite this progress, biomedical waste was not recognized as ‘hazardous waste’, and the 1989 Hazardous Waste Rules did not include biomedical waste, leaving its disposal to local bodies.
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Why did the USA pass the Medical Waste Tracking Act, of 1988?
- Public Health Crisis: The syringe tide incident, where used syringes and medical waste washed ashore, raised severe public health concerns, especially given the context of the HIV/AIDS epidemic. Many syringes found were reportedly HIV-positive, amplifying fears about contamination and disease transmission.
- Economic Impact: The tourism industry suffered significant losses, estimated at over $1 billion due to beach closures and public fear of contaminated shorelines. This economic fallout prompted a swift governmental response to restore public confidence and safety.
- Regulatory Framework: The Medical Waste Tracking Act of 1988 established a clear framework for monitoring and managing medical waste from its generation to disposal. This legislation recognized medical waste as a distinct category requiring specific handling procedures to prevent similar incidents in the future.
What are the new Biomedical Waste Regulations in India?
- Biomedical Waste (Management and Handling) Rules, introduced in 1998: It marked a significant step by formally recognizing hospital waste as hazardous. This legislation empowered Pollution Control Boards to oversee waste management practices.
- Biomedical Waste Management Rules (BMWM Rules)), 2016: It represents a comprehensive regulatory framework aimed at managing biomedical waste effectively.
- Initially, biomedical waste was categorized into ten different types. This was later simplified to four color-coded categories in the 2016 amendments, which aimed to streamline the segregation process
- Segregation and Treatment: Current regulations mandate that biomedical waste be segregated at the point of generation into specific categories (e.g., infectious, non-infectious) and treated accordingly before disposal.
- Yellow Bags: For human anatomical waste, soiled waste, expired medicines, and chemical waste. This waste is typically treated through incineration.
- Red Bags: For recyclable contaminated waste such as tubing and syringes (without needles), which undergo autoclaving before recycling.
- White Containers: For sharps like needles and blades, which are sterilized before disposal.
- Blue Boxes: For glassware that is disinfected or autoclaved.
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How do these regulations aim to address environmental concerns?
- The regulations aim to prevent environmental contamination by ensuring that biomedical waste is not mixed with general waste streams, thus reducing the risk of hazardous materials entering landfills or water bodies.
- By regulating how medical waste is handled and disposed of, these laws protect public health and the occupational safety of healthcare workers who may be exposed to hazardous materials during their work.
What challenges exist in implementing these biomedical waste regulations?
- Compliance Gaps: Despite established regulations, many healthcare facilities, particularly in rural areas, struggle with compliance due to a lack of resources, training, or awareness about proper waste management practices.
- Occupational Hazards: Healthcare professionals continue to face risks from improperly managed biomedical waste, which can lead to exposure to infectious materials and other hazardous substances.
- Infrastructure Limitations: Inadequate infrastructure for waste segregation and treatment remains a significant challenge in many regions of India, hindering the effective implementation of existing regulations.
Way forward:
- Strengthen Infrastructure and Training: Invest in modern waste treatment facilities and ensure regular training programs for healthcare workers, particularly in rural areas, to enhance compliance with biomedical waste regulations.
- Enforce Strict Monitoring and Penalties: Implement robust monitoring systems and impose penalties for non-compliance to ensure accountability and adherence to waste management standards across all healthcare facilities.
Mains PYQ:
Q What are the impediments in disposing of 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)
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Mains level: Governance Issues related to digital content;
Why in the News?
In the first half of 2024, the Asian News International (ANI) filed a defamation suit against Wikipedia Foundation and three Wikipedia administrators in the Delhi High Court, which ordered Wikipedia to disclose the administrators’ details.
What are the charges levelled by ANI in the defamation against Wikipedia?
- Defamatory Statements: ANI claims that its Wikipedia page contains false and misleading statements, including accusations of being a “propaganda tool” for the Indian government and distributing materials from fake news websites. They argue these claims tarnish their reputation and professional standing.
- Interference with Edits: ANI alleges that Wikipedia administrators have actively removed edits made by ANI-associated editors that sought to correct these statements, thereby violating their rights and obligations as an intermediary under Indian law.
Who is Allowed to Edit Wikipedia Pages?
- Any Member of the Wikipedia Community: Wikipedia allows any user to edit pages, provided they follow the platform’s guidelines. However, there are certain restrictions based on page status and the user’s account level.
- Extended Confirmed Users: Pages with a high risk of vandalism or controversial topics may be protected, meaning only editors with extended confirmed status (long-standing accounts and a minimum number of edits) can edit these pages.
- Administrators: These are experienced editors elected by the community who can make additional changes, including protecting pages, blocking users, and performing technical functions.
What are the Guidelines for Editing Wikipedia Pages?
- Reliability and Verifiability: All statements on Wikipedia must be backed by reliable, verifiable sources. Original research is not allowed, and editors are prohibited from publishing ideas or analyses not previously published elsewhere.
- Neutral Point of View (NPOV): Editors are required to maintain neutrality in writing articles. Content should not be biased or represent a particular viewpoint.
- Consensus and Collaboration: Wikipedia is a community-driven platform, and decisions about the content are made through consensus. Editors are encouraged to work together to resolve disputes.
- Page Protection: If a page is subject to frequent vandalism or disputes, it can be marked for protection, either for extended confirmed users or administrators only. This is done to maintain the integrity of the content.
Way forward:
- Strengthen Legal Framework for Online Defamation: The Indian government should create clear legal guidelines to address defamation issues related to online platforms, ensuring accountability for platforms like Wikimedia in cases of false or misleading content.
- Promote Digital Literacy and Content Regulation: The government should invest in promoting digital literacy to help users better understand and navigate online content, and ensure platforms like Wikipedia adhere to stricter content verification and neutrality standards.
Mains PYQ:
Q Major cities of India are becoming vulnerable to flood conditions. Discuss. (UPSC IAS/2016)
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From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Mains level: Women Workforce participation;
Why in the News?
Union Minister told the Rajya Sabha that more women are now working and looking for jobs. The percentage of women working has gone up from 22% in 2017-18 to 40.3% in 2023-24, and the percentage of women in the labor force has increased from 23.3% to 41.7% during the same period.
- Presently, India ranks 165th out of 187 countries in the world.
What factors have contributed to the doubling of the worker population?
- Increased Economic Engagement: The WPR for women rose from 22% in 2017-18 to 40.3% in 2023-24, indicating a substantial increase in women’s engagement in economic activities.
- Educational Advancements: There has been a notable rise in the employment of educated women. For instance, the employment rate for women with postgraduate education increased from 34.5% to 39.6% during the same period.
- Government Initiatives: Various government policies aimed at enhancing women’s employment opportunities and empowerment have played a crucial role in this increase.
- Rural Participation: A significant factor has been the rise in female labour force participation in rural areas, which jumped by 23 percentage points from 2017-18 to 2023-24.
How does the increase in women’s worker population ratio compare across different regions and sectors?
- Urban vs. Rural Participation: The increase in female labour force participation has been more pronounced in rural areas, from 24.6% to 47.6%. In contrast, urban participation saw a smaller increase from 20.4% to 23.8%.
- Sectoral Differences: Women are increasingly participating in various sectors, with significant improvements noted in agriculture and informal sectors, which traditionally employ many women.
What are the implications of economic growth and gender equality in India?
- Economic Growth: The rise in women’s workforce participation contributes positively to economic growth by increasing productivity and expanding the labour market. This shift is essential for achieving higher overall economic performance.
- Gender Equality: Enhanced participation of women in the workforce is a critical step toward achieving gender equality. As more women enter the labour force, it challenges traditional gender roles and promotes equal opportunities.
- Income Growth: With increased participation comes improved earnings for women across different employment categories, further contributing to household income and economic stability.
Way forward:
- Skill Development and Inclusive Policies: Expand skill training programs tailored to women’s needs, particularly in non-traditional and high-growth sectors like technology, finance, and entrepreneurship.
- Strengthening Rural and Informal Sector Opportunities: Invest in rural employment initiatives, such as MGNREGA, and formalize informal sector jobs by improving access to social security benefits, childcare support, and credit facilities for women entrepreneurs.
Mains PYQ:
Q ‘Women’s movement in India has not addressed the issues of women of lower social strata.’ Substantiate your view. (UPSC IAS/2016)
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Mains level: DPSP; Right to work; Labour Laws; MGNREGA;
Why in the News?
The implementation guidelines for MGNREGA are outlined in Master Circulars issued by the Ministry of Rural Development (MoRD) annually or biennially.
Mahatma Gandhi NREGA provides a number of legal entitlements to the job seekers through a series of provisions in the Act. While the Act makes provision for at least 100 days work per rural household in a year, it is the strong legal framework of rights and entitlements that come together to make the hundred days of work per year possible.
- Every household residing in any rural area is entitled to a Job Card which contains the names and photographs of all adult members of the household so that they can demand and receive work.
- According to the Master Circular for 2021-22, job cards can only be deleted under specific circumstances:
- when a household has permanently migrated
- if the job card is identified as a duplicate,
- if it was issued using forged documents.
- According to Chapter 4 (Schedule II) of the annual circular, “Every adult member of a registered household whose name appears in the job card shall be entitled to apply for unskilled manual work.
- The Ministry mandates the provision of an additional 50 days of wage employment (beyond the stipulated 100 days) to every Scheduled Tribe Household in a forest area, under the FRA Act, 2006.
- State Governments are mandated to put in place multiple mechanisms by which rural households can submit applications for demand for work at the Gram Panchayat (GP), Block and District levels.
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What were the reasons behind the decision to delete references to the ‘Right to work’ in recent legislation or policy?
- Administrative Efficiency: Governments may argue that streamlining policies and removing cumbersome regulations can enhance efficiency in employment programs.
- Aadhaar-Based Payment Systems (ABPS): The push for ABPS has led to increased deletions of job cards, as officials focus on compliance metrics rather than ensuring workers’ rights are upheld.
- Political and Economic Pressures: There may be external pressures to reduce welfare spending or adjust labour policies in response to economic conditions, leading to a perception that the ‘right to work’ is less critical.
What does the term ‘right to work’ entail, and why is it significant in the context of labor laws?
- The ‘right to work’ is a fundamental principle in labour laws that guarantees individuals the opportunity to engage in employment and earn a livelihood.
- In the context of the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA), specifically provides rural households with a legal entitlement to at least 100 days of wage employment per year.
- This right is significant because it aims to alleviate poverty, promote social justice, and ensure economic security for rural populations. The act also mandates due process in the deletion of workers from job cards, emphasising the importance of transparency and accountability in employment practices.
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How might the deletion of the ‘right to work’ impact workers, unions, and the broader labour market?
- Workers’ Rights: It undermines the legal protections afforded to workers, making it easier for authorities to arbitrarily delete job cards without proper verification or due process.
- Unions and Collective Bargaining: Unions may find it challenging to advocate for workers’ rights when legal entitlements are diminished, weakening their bargaining power.
- Labour Market Dynamics: A reduction in guaranteed employment can lead to increased unemployment and underemployment, exacerbating poverty and economic inequality among rural populations.
Way forward:
- Strengthen Oversight and Accountability: Implement independent audits, regular reviews, and grievance redress mechanisms to ensure adherence to due process in job card deletions, with active involvement of Gram Sabhas and worker representatives.
- Enhance Worker Protections: Reinforce legal safeguards for the ‘right to work’ by improving transparency in employment programs, ensuring compliance with MGNREGA mandates, and addressing systemic issues like ABPS-linked exclusions through inclusive digital solutions.
Mains PYQ:
Q An essential condition to eradicate poverty is to liberate the poor from the process of deprivation.” Substantiate this statement with suitable examples. (UPSC IAS/2016)
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From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Mains level: Trade; India USA relation;
Why in the News?
President-elect Donald Trump announced his intention to impose tariffs on the United States’ three largest trading partners—Canada, Mexico, and China—once he assumes office.
What specific tariffs is Trump proposing on imports from China, Canada, and Mexico?
- 25% Tariff on Imports: President-elect Donald Trump announced plans to impose a 25% tariff on imported goods from the United States’ three largest trading partners: Canada, Mexico, and China.
- Additional 10% Tariff on China: He also proposed an additional 10% tariff specifically targeting imports from China, citing the country’s failure to address the flow of fentanyl into the United States.
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What are the underlying reasons for these tariff increases?
- Trade Imbalance: The tariffs aim to address perceived trade imbalances and protect American manufacturing jobs.
- Fentanyl Crisis: The additional tariff on China is a direct response to the ongoing opioid crisis in the U.S., particularly related to fentanyl trafficking. Trump emphasized China’s lack of action in curbing the drug’s flow into the U.S. as a justification for the tariffs.
- Political Strategy: The tariffs may also serve as a political manoeuvre to reinforce Trump’s stance on trade issues and drug-related policies as he prepares to take office.
What potential economic impacts could arise in the Asian region (esp India) from these tariffs?
- Increased Costs for Importers: Indian companies that rely on imports from these countries may face higher costs due to increased tariffs, potentially leading to higher prices for consumers.
- Supply Chain Disruptions: The tariffs could disrupt existing supply chains, particularly in industries that rely on components from Canada, Mexico, and China, affecting production schedules and costs.
- Investment Shifts: Businesses might reconsider their investment strategies in light of new tariffs, potentially leading to a shift in manufacturing bases or sourcing strategies away from affected countries.
- Opportunities for Indian Manufacturers: Conversely, Indian manufacturers might find opportunities to fill gaps left by increased tariffs on imports, potentially boosting local production and employment.
Way forward:
- Strengthen Trade and Strategic Engagement with the U.S.: India should proactively address trade imbalances by diversifying imports from the U.S., aligning with American regulatory standards, and offering enhanced market access in key sectors like technology and defence.
- Position as a Reliable Alternative to China: Leverage initiatives like Make in India to attract U.S. investments, promote joint ventures, and emphasize India’s strategic importance as a trusted partner in global supply chains.
Mains PYQ:
Q What are the key areas of reform if the WTO has to survive in the present context of ‘Trade War’, especially keeping in mind the interest of India? (UPSC IAS/2018)
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From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Mains level: Preamble;
Why in the News?
Nearly 75 years after the adoption of the Constitution of India, the Supreme Court reaffirmed (on 25th Nov’ 24) the inclusion of the terms ‘socialist’ and ‘secular’ in the Preamble of the Constitution.
What historical context led to the insertion of the terms ‘socialist’ and ‘secular’ in the Preamble?
- The Objectives Resolution, introduced by Jawaharlal Nehru in 1946, laid foundational principles for the Constitution, emphasizing independence, equality, and minority rights, which set the stage for later amendments.
- Initial discussions around socialism and secularism occurred during the drafting of the Constitution, with early proposals to include these concepts being rejected. The debates highlighted differing views on the role of socialism and secularism in India’s governance.
- The terms ‘socialist’ and ‘secular’ were inserted into the Preamble during the Emergency (1975-1977) under the 42nd Amendment, a time characterized by significant political unrest and government overreach.
What was the SC’s reasoning for upholding these terms in the Preamble?
- Evolution of Meaning: The Supreme Court noted in 1973 () that the meanings of ‘socialism’ and ‘secularism’ have evolved over time within the Indian context.
- The court recognized that these terms now reflect principles of economic justice and religious neutrality rather than strict ideological definitions.
- Interpretation of Secularism: The court emphasized that India’s interpretation of secularism is unique, where the state neither endorses nor discriminates against any religion. This interpretation aligns with the Preamble’s ideals of fraternity and equality.
- Socialism as Economic Justice: The court defined socialism as ensuring economic and social justice, asserting that it does not impede private enterprise but rather supports state intervention to uplift marginalized communities.
How do ‘socialist’ and ‘secular’ reflect India’s Constitutional values and principles?
- Commitment to Justice: The inclusion of ‘socialist’ reflects a commitment to social and economic justice, aiming to reduce inequalities in society.
- Religious Neutrality: By incorporating ‘secular’, the Constitution underscores India’s commitment to religious pluralism and the protection of individual rights regardless of faith.
- Basic Structure Doctrine: The Supreme Court’s decision reinforces the idea that these terms are integral to the basic structure of the Constitution, which cannot be altered or removed without undermining India’s democratic framework.
What are the steps taken by the Government to implement the Socialist and Secular principles of the Preamble?
- Promoting Social Justice (Socialist): Welfare schemes like MNREGA, Ayushman Bharat, and PDS reduce poverty and ensure equitable access, while progressive taxation and affirmative action address economic disparities.
- Ensuring Religious Neutrality (Secular): Laws protecting religious freedom, minority rights (Articles 25–30), and institutions like the National Commission for Minorities promote interfaith harmony and safeguard pluralism.
- Strengthening Democracy and Equality: Free and fair elections by the Election Commission and rights-based laws like the RTE Act and the SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act ensure equality, fraternity, and justice for all.
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Way forward:
- Strengthening Constitutional Values: Enhance awareness of constitutional principles through education and public campaigns, ensuring adherence to secularism, socialism, and democratic ideals in policymaking.
- Inclusive Governance: Implement targeted programs to address socio-economic inequalities, promote interfaith dialogue, and uphold democratic rights, fostering harmony and justice in a diverse society.
Mains PYQ:
Q Discuss each adjective attached to the word ‘Republic’ in the preamble. Are they defendable in the present circumstances stances?. (UPSC IAS/2016)
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From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Natural Farming;
Mains level: Significance of Natural Farming; National Mission on Natural Farming (NMNF);
Why in the News?
Recently, the Union Cabinet approved the “National Mission on Natural Farming (NMNF)”, a Centrally Sponsored Scheme by the Agriculture Ministry to promote natural farming nationwide in mission mode.
What is Natural Farming?
- Natural farming is defined by the Agriculture Ministry as a chemical-free agricultural system that relies solely on inputs derived from livestock and plant resources. This approach emphasizes the use of local agroecological principles and traditional knowledge, integrating crops, trees, and livestock to enhance biodiversity and soil health.
- Aim: The goal is to rejuvenate soil quality while minimizing external inputs, thus reducing costs for farmers and promoting healthier food production.
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How is the NMNF Different from Earlier Interventions?
The NMNF represents an evolution of previous initiatives, particularly the Bhartiya Prakritik Krishi Paddhti (BPKP), which was launched in 2019.
- Higher Budgetary Outlay: The NMNF has a total financial outlay of ₹2,481 crore, with ₹1,584 crore from the central government and ₹897 crore from states until 2025-26.
- Targeting More Farmers: The mission aims to engage over one crore farmers, significantly expanding its reach compared to earlier efforts.
- Establishment of Standards: It seeks to create scientifically supported standards and streamlined certification processes for naturally grown produce, along with a national brand for such products.
Why is it Necessary to Diversify the Farming Basket?
- Environmental Sustainability: Reducing chemical inputs helps restore soil health and biodiversity, making agriculture more resilient to climate change.
- Economic Viability: By promoting local inputs and reducing dependency on purchased fertilizers, farmers can lower their costs and increase their profitability.
- Food Security: A diverse agricultural system can lead to improved food quality and nutritional security for communities.
Why a Mission on Natural Farming is Needed?
- Excessive Fertilizer Use: The initiative targets districts with high fertiliser consumption, aiming to shift practices towards more sustainable methods that rejuvenate soil health and reduce environmental degradation.
- Health Risks: By eliminating synthetic chemicals from farming, the mission aims to lower health risks associated with pesticide exposure for both farmers and consumers.
- Climate Resilience: Natural farming practices enhance resilience against climate-related challenges such as droughts and floods by improving soil structure and water retention capabilities.
Way forward:
- Policy and Infrastructure Support: Strengthen institutional frameworks by expanding Bio-input Resource Centres (BRCs), offering financial incentives, and ensuring easy access to natural farming resources and certification systems.
- Awareness and Capacity Building: Conduct large-scale training programs for farmers on natural farming practices, promote successful models through Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs), and foster collaborations with agricultural universities for research and innovation.
Mains PYQ:
Q What is an Integrated Farming System? How is it helpful to small and marginal farmers in India? (UPSC IAS/2022)
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From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Mains level: Challenges related to Egalitarian Social Order;
Why in the News?
On November 26, 2024, India celebrated 75 years of its Constitution, honouring how leaders from different viewpoints worked together in the Constituent Assembly to build a nation that respects the rights and interests of all cultural groups.
Why Did Constitution Makers Agree to Create a Liberal Political State in India?
- Emphasis on Liberty: The Constitution-makers embraced liberalism, which prioritizes individual freedom and the belief that citizens should operate without state interference. This was seen as essential for realizing human potential in intellectual, moral, and physical dimensions.
- Positive State Role: Recognizing the severe social and economic inequalities at Independence, the framers concluded that a purely liberal approach without state intervention would exacerbate these disparities. Thus, they envisioned a state that actively works to reduce inequality through affirmative action and policies designed to uplift marginalized groups.
- Egalitarian Vision: The Constitution reflects principles of egalitarian liberalism, aiming to create an inclusive society where equal opportunities are available to all. This is evident in the Fundamental Rights and Directive Principles of State Policy (DPSP), which advocate for reducing inequalities and ensuring fair access to resources.
How Does the Neoliberal Ideological Order Shadow the Constitutional Vision of Creating an Egalitarian Social Order in India?
- Concentration of Wealth: The neoliberal agenda has facilitated wealth concentration among a small elite, undermining constitutional provisions intended to prevent such disparities.
- The report that indicates that by 2022-23, 90% of billionaire wealth was held by upper castes in India is titled “Towards Tax Justice and Wealth Redistribution in India” (2024), prepared by the World Inequality Lab at the Paris School of Economics.
- Shift in Economic Focus: Since the adoption of neoliberal reforms in the 1990s, there has been a marked shift towards prioritizing private capital investment over welfare state interventions.
- Rising Inequality: Research indicates that income inequality has surged post-reforms, with the top 1% of earners capturing an increasing share of total income rising from 6% in the 1980s to approximately 22% by 2022-23.
What Policy Measures Can Be Implemented to Address Inequality Effectively? (Way forward)
- Strengthening Welfare Policies: Reinvigorating welfare state mechanisms to ensure basic needs are met for all citizens can help bridge the gap between different socio-economic groups. This includes enhancing social security systems and public health initiatives.
- Affirmative Action: Expanding affirmative action policies can help uplift marginalized communities by ensuring their representation in education, employment, and political spheres.
- Progressive Taxation: Implementing a more progressive tax system can redistribute wealth more equitably. Higher taxes on the wealthy can be used to fund social programs aimed at reducing poverty and improving access to education and healthcare.
- Community Resource Management: Encouraging community-based management of resources can empower local populations and ensure equitable distribution of wealth generated from local economies.
- Regulatory Frameworks: Establishing robust regulatory frameworks that prevent monopolistic practices and ensure fair competition can help mitigate wealth concentration and promote economic equity.
Mains PYQ:
Q COVID-19 pandemic accelerated class inequalities and poverty in India. Comment. (UPSC IAS/2020)
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From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Mains level: Constitutional Principles and Morality;
Why in the News?
Referring to the framers of India’s Constitution solely as “founding fathers” reflects patriarchal bias, overlooking the pivotal contributions of the “founding mothers” who co-authored its progressive vision like UCC (Uniform Civil Code).
What are the implications of the UCC for women’s rights in a diverse society?
- Equality Across Personal Laws: The UCC aims to replace personal laws based on the scriptures and customs of each major religious community in India with a common set governing every citizen.
- Legal Protection Against Patriarchal Religious Law: By establishing a uniform framework, the UCC could provide women with equal rights in matters traditionally dominated by patriarchal interpretations of religious laws.
- Cultural Resistance: The implementation of the UCC faces resistance due to India’s diverse cultural landscape. Many communities view it as an infringement on their religious freedoms.
How does feminist constitutionalism challenge traditional interpretations of the Indian Constitution?
- Challenging Patriarchal Narratives: Feminist constitutionalism critiques traditional interpretations that often marginalise women’s contributions and rights.
- For example, while the Indian Constitution guarantees equality, its application has frequently been undermined by personal laws that perpetuate women’s subordination.
- Reinterpreting Constitutional Provisions: Feminist legal theorists argue for a reinterpretation of constitutional provisions to ensure they align with contemporary understandings of gender equality.
- Historical background of the Constitution: The historical context of the Constitution’s framing reveals that while women like Amrit Kaur and Hansa Mehta fought for equal rights, their efforts were often compromised by the need to secure broader political consensus.
- For example, Hansa Mehta and Amrit Kaur strongly advocated for the inclusion of the UCC under the Fundamental Rights to ensure gender equality in personal laws.
What role does historical context play in shaping contemporary gender jurisprudence in India?
- Legacy of Founding Mothers: The contributions of women in the Constituent Assembly have been historically overlooked, yet their advocacy for fundamental rights laid a foundation for future gender jurisprudence.
- Impact on Contemporary Legislation: Historical struggles against patriarchal norms inform today’s feminist movements and legal battles. The ongoing discourse around the UCC is rooted in these historical contexts, highlighting both progress made and obstacles remaining in achieving true gender equality.
- Intersectionality: The intersectional experiences of women from diverse backgrounds during the Constitution’s framing underscore the need for inclusive legal frameworks that address not only gender but also caste, class, and community-specific issues.
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In what ways can feminist legal theory contribute to redefining concepts of justice and equality in India? (Way forward)
- Redefining Justice and Equality: Feminist legal theory advocates for a broader understanding of justice that encompasses social, economic, and cultural dimensions rather than merely legalistic definitions. This perspective encourages policies that address systemic inequalities faced by women.
- Promoting Inclusive Dialogue: By emphasizing women’s voices and experiences in legal discourses, feminist theory fosters inclusive dialogue about rights and justice, challenging dominant narratives that often exclude marginalized groups.
- Encouraging Legislative Reforms: Feminist legal scholars push for legislative reforms that reflect an understanding of gender as a social construct influenced by cultural norms, thereby advocating for laws that protect women’s rights comprehensively across all spheres.
Mains PYQ:
Q Discuss the possible factors that inhibit India from enacting for its citizen a uniform civil code as provided for in the Directive Principles of State Policy. (UPSC IAS/2015)
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From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Mains level: Population Issues; Religious challenges in India; Places of Worship Act, 1991;
Why in the News?
The petition in Sambhal is like those filed for Varanasi’s Gyanvapi Mosque and Mathura’s Shahi Idgah. The main issue is how the law – ‘Places of Worship Act, 1991’, is understood.
What were the causes of the strikes?
- The district court in Sambhal ordered a survey of the Shahi Jama Masjid based on a plea claiming it was built on a Hindu temple site. This order led to protests from local Muslim residents who viewed it as an attack on their religious rights and heritage.
- Protests escalated into violence when a large crowd gathered to oppose the survey. Reports indicate that protesters clashed with police, resulting in injuries and fatalities among both protesters and law enforcement officials.
- The ongoing disputes over religious sites in India, particularly those involving claims of historical conversions, have heightened communal sensitivities.
- Similar cases in Varanasi and Mathura have set precedents that contribute to public unrest when surveys or legal actions are perceived as threatening the status quo of religious sites.
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What Does the Law Say About the Petitioners’ Claim?
- Civil Suit Framework: The petitioners filed a civil suit seeking to establish their claim over the mosque site. In civil suits, initial claims are generally accepted at face value (prima facie), allowing for further evidence to be presented later if the suit is deemed maintainable.
- Challenges Under Places of Worship Act: However, any claim that seeks to alter the religious character of a place of worship is barred under the Places of Worship Act, 1991.
- This Act aims to maintain the status quo of religious sites as they existed on August 15, 1947.
What Does the Places of Worship Act, 1991 Say?
- Preservation of Religious Character: The Act prohibits any conversion of places of worship and mandates that their religious character must remain as it was on August 15, 1947. Specifically, Section 3 bars any conversion in full or part into a place of worship of a different denomination or sect.
- Legal Proceedings: Section 4 states that any legal proceedings regarding changes to a place’s religious character that existed on that date are abated (terminated), preventing new suits from being filed regarding such conversions.
- Exemptions: Notably, the Act does not apply to disputes already sub-judice at its enactment, such as the Babri Masjid-Ram Janmabhoomi case, which has complicated its application in contemporary disputes.
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How have Courts allowed these Title Suits?
- Judicial Interpretations: Despite the provisions of the Places of Worship Act, courts have allowed title suits related to places like Gyanvapi and Mathura by ruling them maintainable. This has occurred even while constitutional challenges to the Act are pending before higher courts.
- Supreme Court Observations: A significant observation by the Supreme Court indicated that while changing a place’s religious nature is prohibited under the Act, inquiries into its historical character may still be permissible. This interpretation has provided grounds for district courts to entertain such petitions without directly contravening the Act’s intent.
- Sambhal Case Specifics: In Sambhal’s case, the court ordered a survey before determining whether the civil suit was maintainable. This ex-parte decision (made without hearing both sides) has led to further disputes regarding its legality and fairness.
Way forward:
- Strict Adherence to the Places of Worship Act: Courts must uphold the intent of the 1991 Act by ensuring that disputes challenging the religious character of sites as of August 15, 1947, are dismissed, avoiding unnecessary surveys or actions that could inflame communal tensions.
- Fostering Interfaith Dialogue: Governments and local authorities should facilitate interfaith discussions to address historical grievances peacefully and promote mutual understanding, reducing the risk of violent clashes and fostering communal harmony.
Mains PYQ:
[2019] What are the challenges to our cultural practices in the name of Secularism?
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From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Mains level: Health Issues; Challenges faced by society due to NCDs;
Why in the News?
On International Diabetes Day (November 14), the Lancet shared a global study showing over 800 million adults have diabetes, and more than half aren’t receiving proper treatment.
What is the controversy over the numbers and the difference in Testing Methodology?
- The Lancet study reported that diabetes was significantly higher in number than the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) estimates (just over 100 million). This stark contrast raises questions about the accuracy and methodology used in both studies.
- The primary reason for the discrepancy lies in the methodologies used to measure blood sugar levels:
- The Lancet study utilized various methods including fasting glucose and HbA1C (a three-month glycated hemoglobin average) from data across 200 countries.
- The ICMR study relied on fasting and two-hour post-prandial blood sugar tests using an Oral Glucose Tolerance Test (OGTT), which is considered the gold standard in India.
- Experts argue that using HbA1C can lead to inflated numbers due to its sensitivity to factors like age and anemia.
- For instance, a person without diabetes might still show elevated HbA1C levels based on their physiological characteristics, which can skew prevalence estimates.
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What are the issues raised in the Lancet study?
- Global Inequalities in Treatment: The study highlighted significant disparities in diabetes treatment access, particularly in low- and middle-income countries where treatment rates are stagnating despite rising diabetes cases. This raises concerns about long-term health complications for untreated individuals.
- Rising Rates of Diabetes: The findings underscore that diabetes rates have increased dramatically, especially Type 2 diabetes, which poses a growing public health challenge. This trend is alarming given that many affected individuals are younger and at risk for severe complications.
- Complications and Healthcare Burden: With a large number of individuals requiring treatment, there is a looming healthcare crisis regarding complications such as kidney failure, heart disease, and vision loss, which could overwhelm healthcare systems.
What steps need to be taken? (Way forward)
- Enhanced Awareness and Education: There is a pressing need for widespread education on diabetes prevention through nutrition and physical activity. Public health campaigns should focus on promoting healthy lifestyles to mitigate risk factors associated with diabetes.
- Policy Changes: Governments must implement policies that restrict unhealthy food options while making healthy foods more affordable. This includes subsidies for nutritious foods and initiatives to create safe spaces for physical activity.
- Targeted Interventions for Vulnerable Populations: Special attention should be directed towards vulnerable groups, particularly women who may be at higher risk post-pregnancy or during menopause. Tailored interventions can help address specific risk factors prevalent in these populations.
- Investment in Healthcare Infrastructure: To effectively manage the rising burden of diabetes, there must be significant investment in healthcare infrastructure, especially in low- and middle-income countries where resources are limited.
- Long-Term Strategic Planning: A comprehensive long-term strategy is essential to combat the growing diabetes epidemic, requiring collaboration between governments, healthcare providers, and communities to ensure sustainable health outcomes.
Mains PYQ:
Q Appropriate local community-level healthcare intervention is a prerequisite to achieve ‘Health for All’ in India. Explain. (UPSC IAS/2018)
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From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Mains level: Global Conventions on War Crimes;
Why in the News?
UNGA committee approved a resolution to initiate negotiations for the first-ever treaty to prevent and punish crimes against humanity after Russia withdrew potentially obstructive amendments.
What are the present laws governing the conflict?
- The 1949 Geneva Conventions provide the foundational legal framework for humanitarian protection during armed conflicts. These treaties outline the responsibilities of states to protect civilians and ensure humane treatment for non-combatants.
- While the International Criminal Court (ICC) addresses war crimes and genocide, there is currently no specific treaty that comprehensively covers crimes against humanity. The ICC recognizes crimes against humanity as acts committed as part of a widespread or systematic attack against civilians, which include offenses such as murder, torture, and sexual violence.
- The ICC operates as a court of last resort, intervening only when national courts are unable or unwilling to prosecute these crimes
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Why there is a need for a treaty dealing with the Crimes Against Humanity Treaty?
- Legal Gaps: Existing international treaties cover war crimes and genocide but do not specifically address crimes against humanity. This lack creates a legal void that allows perpetrators to evade accountability for serious offenses committed against civilian populations.
- Increasing Incidence of Crimes: There has been a notable rise in crimes against humanity globally, with reports of such offenses in countries like Ethiopia, Sudan, Ukraine, and Myanmar. A dedicated treaty would facilitate international cooperation in prosecuting these crimes and provide a framework for justice.
- Strengthening International Law: A new treaty would reinforce the international justice framework by imposing obligations on states to prevent and punish these crimes, thereby enhancing global standards for human rights protection.
What would be the step towards a Crimes Against Humanity Treaty?
- Preparatory Sessions: Scheduled for 2026 and 2027, these sessions will prepare the groundwork for formal discussions on the treaty.
- Formal Negotiating Sessions: Three-week sessions are planned for 2028 and 2029 to finalize the treaty’s text.
- Broad International Support: The initiative is backed by Mexico, Gambia, and 96 other countries, indicating a strong international commitment to addressing these serious human rights violations
Way forward:
- Adopt a Survivor-Centric and Inclusive Approach: Ensure the treaty prioritizes the rights of victims, incorporates survivor input, and mandates comprehensive support mechanisms while maintaining a robust, enforceable legal framework.
- Strengthen Global Collaboration: Mobilize international cooperation, with developed nations providing financial and technical assistance, to build national capacities for prosecuting crimes against humanity and preventing impunity.
Mains PYQ:
Q At the international level, the bilateral relations between most nations are governed on the policy of promoting one’s own national interest without any regard for the interest of other nations. This leads to conflicts and tensions between the nations. How can ethical consideration help resolve such tensions? Discuss with specific examples. (UPSC IAS/2015)
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From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Mains level: Pollution; Plastic waste;
Why in the News?
Over 170 countries will meet in Busan, South Korea, starting for the fifth and final round of negotiations on a legally binding global treaty to combat plastic and marine pollution by 2024.
Why is a Global Plastic Treaty required?
- Massive Increase in Plastic Production: Global plastic production has rapidly increased from 234 million tonnes in 2000 to 460 million tonnes in 2019, with expectations to reach 700 million tonnes by 2040. Asia is the largest producer, contributing nearly half of global plastic production.
- Environmental and Health Impact: Plastic takes 20 to 500 years to decompose, and less than 10% is recycled. Around 400 million tonnes of plastic waste are generated annually, which is expected to rise by 62% by 2050. Much of this waste enters rivers and oceans, breaking down into microplastics that harm marine and terrestrial ecosystems.
- Human Health Risks: Chemicals in plastics can disrupt hormones and cause diseases like cancer, diabetes, reproductive disorders, and neurodevelopmental impairments.
- Contribution to Climate Change: Plastic production generates 3.6% of global greenhouse gas emissions, with most emissions coming from the production process, which relies on fossil fuels.
- Global Plastic Pollution: India contributes significantly to global plastic pollution, accounting for 20% of the world’s total plastic waste, with emissions of 9.3 million tonnes.
What is on the Negotiating table?
- Comprehensive Global Rules: The primary goal is to develop a legally binding global treaty to address plastic pollution throughout its life cycle, including its production from fossil fuels, waste management, and disposal.
- Production and Waste Management Caps: Countries are debating the introduction of production caps, which have been opposed by oil-rich and plastic-producing nations, including India.
- Types of Plastic and Chemical Additives: Discussions are ongoing regarding banning specific types of plastic, plastic products, and harmful chemical additives used in their production.
- Recycling and Content Targets: The treaty might include legally binding targets for recycling and recycled content in consumer goods.
- Just Transition for Affected Communities: There will be talks on supporting workers and communities whose livelihoods depend on plastic production and industries, ensuring a fair transition.
- Financial and Technical Assistance: A key agenda item is how to mobilize private and public funding to meet the treaty’s goals, especially for developing countries.
What is India’s position?
- India does not support caps on plastic production, arguing that such measures go beyond the scope of the UNEA resolution adopted in 2022. India insists that the treaty must include provisions for financial and technical support, including technology transfer for developing countries.
- India maintains that decisions regarding harmful chemicals in plastic production should be based on scientific studies and that regulation should be handled at the National level.
- India has banned 19 categories of single-use plastics domestically but insists that decisions on banning other plastic products should be “pragmatic” and consider national circumstances.
- India advocates for the establishment of a mechanism to assess the infrastructure needs and financial resources required for safe and scientific waste management.
- It also emphasizes the need for adequate, timely, and predictable financial resources to support waste management and other treaty objectives.
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Way forward:
- Global Collaboration with National Flexibility: The treaty should foster global collaboration on plastic pollution while allowing flexibility for countries to implement solutions based on their unique socio-economic contexts and developmental priorities.
- Enhanced Financial and Technological Support: Developed countries must provide financial and technological assistance to developing nations to ensure equitable implementation of the treaty’s provisions, especially for waste management infrastructure and transitioning away from plastic reliance.
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)
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From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Poverty and Hunger;
Why in the News?
The recent G20 Leaders’ Summit in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, featured the official launch of the Global Alliance Against Hunger and Poverty (referred to as “the Alliance”).
What are the primary objectives of the Global Alliance?
- Eradication of Hunger and Poverty: The Alliance aims to eliminate hunger and poverty by 2030, aligning with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
- Support for Vulnerable Populations: It focuses on providing targeted assistance to vulnerable groups through various initiatives, including cash transfers and school meal programs.
- Resource Mobilization: The initiative emphasizes large-scale resource mobilisation to support its objectives, aiming to reach 500 million people through income distribution programs by 2030.
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Who are the key stakeholders involved in this initiative?
- The Alliance has 148 founding members, including 82 countries such as India, Brazil, and Bangladesh.
- It includes participation from 26 international organizations, such as the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) and UNICEF.
- Nine financial institutions and 31 philanthropic foundations and non-governmental organizations are also involved in supporting the Alliance’s goals.
How will Alliance function?
- The Alliance serves as a platform for countries to share best practices and access technical expertise or financial support from other member nations.
- It offers more than 50 evidence-based policy instruments that member countries can utilize to develop their national strategies against hunger and poverty.
- Unlike traditional funding bodies, the Alliance does not have an exclusive fund but acts as a matchmaking entity connecting countries in need with donors and technical support providers. Its operational costs are estimated at $2-3 million annually, funded by member contributions.
What challenges does the Global Alliance aim to address in combating hunger and poverty?
- Impact of COVID-19: The pandemic has exacerbated issues of hunger and poverty, reversing progress made toward the SDGs. The Alliance aims to counteract these setbacks by fostering international cooperation.
- Global Inequalities: It addresses deepening social, racial, and gender inequalities that have been intensified by recent global crises.
- Food Insecurity Projections: Current trends suggest that without intervention, millions will continue to live in extreme poverty and hunger by 2030—double the target levels set in the SDGs. The Alliance seeks to reverse these projections through coordinated action.
Conclusion: The Global Alliance Against Hunger and Poverty aligns with SDGs 1 (No Poverty) and SDG 2 (Zero Hunger) by mobilizing resources, fostering collaboration, and implementing targeted interventions to combat hunger, poverty, and inequalities, ensuring a sustainable and inclusive future.
Mains PYQ:
Q Poverty and malnutrition create a vicious cycle, adversely affecting human capital formation. What steps can be taken to break the cycle? (UPSC IAS/2024)
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From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Mains level: Challenges related to AI;
Why in the News?
Policymakers globally are addressing Big Tech’s dominance in AI by investing in sovereign cloud infrastructure, open data platforms, and supporting start-ups, yet these measures may inadvertently reinforce Big Tech’s control.
How can we ensure that AI is implemented in a way that upholds democratic values?
- It promotes Open Data Initiatives: While open data can enhance AI systems, it must be safeguarded against commercial capture by larger entities. Initiatives should focus on making data accessible and usable for smaller players without allowing Big Tech to monopolize it.
- It invests in Public Compute Infrastructure: Establishing public computing resources can provide alternatives to private cloud services dominated by Big Tech. However, these resources must be competitive in terms of cost and functionality to be effective.
- It fosters Smaller AI Models: Shifting focus from large-scale deep learning models to smaller, theory-driven AI models can democratize development. This approach emphasizes domain expertise and lived experiences over sheer data volume, which aligns better with democratic values.
What role should public participation play?
- Engagement in Policy Development: Involving diverse stakeholders, including community representatives and industry experts, can help create policies that reflect a broader range of interests and concerns regarding AI deployment.
- Transparency and Accountability: Mechanisms should be established to ensure transparency in AI decision-making processes. Public oversight can help hold organizations accountable for their AI practices, particularly regarding data usage and algorithmic biases.
- Community-Centric AI Solutions: Encouraging local communities to participate in the design and implementation of AI solutions can lead to more equitable outcomes. This involvement ensures that AI applications address specific community needs rather than serving corporate interests alone.
What are the risks associated with technocratic governance?
- Concentration of Power: The dominance of Big Tech can lead to a concentration of power where a few entities dictate the terms of AI development and deployment. This scenario risks sidelining smaller players and reducing diversity in innovation.
- Surveillance and Privacy Concerns: The use of AI for surveillance by powerful corporations can threaten individual privacy rights. Policymakers must carefully consider the implications of deploying AI technologies that could exacerbate existing inequalities or infringe on civil liberties.
- Erosion of Public Trust: If the public perceives that AI governance is primarily driven by technocratic elites without adequate input from citizens, trust in these systems may erode. This distrust can hinder the effective implementation of AI technologies that could otherwise benefit society.
Way forward:
- Establish Inclusive AI Governance: Create multi-stakeholder frameworks involving governments, communities, and smaller players to ensure transparency, accountability, and equitable access to AI resources, safeguarding against monopolistic practices.
- Prioritize Ethical, Small-Scale AI Development: Shift focus from large-scale deep learning models to theory-driven, domain-specific AI solutions that respect privacy, foster community involvement, and address localized needs, promoting democratic values in AI deployment.
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)
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From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Mains level: India-UAE relations;
Why in the News?
The bilateral investment treaty (BIT) between India and the United Arab Emirates (UAE), signed earlier this year, has recently been made public. This new treaty will replace the 2014 India-UAE investment agreement and holds significant importance.
What is the Bilateral Investment Treaty (BIT) for investors?
- The Model BIT is a framework established by India to guide negotiations for bilateral investment treaties, aiming to protect foreign investments while balancing the state’s regulatory rights.
- It emphasizes clear definitions, local remedies, and limits on investor-state dispute settlement (ISDS) claims.
Background of 2024 BIT:
- The 2014 India-UAE investment treaty, formally known as the Bilateral Investment Promotion and Protection Agreement (BIPPA), was established to enhance economic cooperation and protect investments between India and the United Arab Emirates.
- This treaty aimed to create a stable and predictable investment climate for investors from both countries, facilitating foreign direct investment (FDI) flows.
- The 2014 BIPPA was replaced by a new Bilateral Investment Treaty (BIT) signed in February 2024, which came into effect in August 2024.
- This new BIT introduces several changes aimed at improving investment protection and reducing arbitral discretion while maintaining India’s regulatory sovereignty.
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What are the implications of India’s revised Model BIT for foreign investors?
- Enhanced Investor Protection: The new BIT aims to provide greater protection for foreign investments while balancing the state’s right to regulate. This is expected to boost investor confidence by assuring minimum standards of treatment and non-discrimination.
- Quicker Access to ISDS: The reduction of the local remedies exhaustion period from five years to three years allows investors to access international arbitration more quickly if disputes arise, potentially making India a more attractive destination for foreign investments.
- Clearer Definitions and Reduced Discretion: By refining the definition of what constitutes an investment and removing subjective criteria related to the significance of investments for host state development, the BIT reduces arbitral discretion, which can lead to more predictable outcomes in dispute resolution.
How does the India-UAE BIT depart from the Model BIT?
- Exhaustion of Local Remedies: As noted, the India-UAE BIT lowers the exhaustion period from five years to three years, reflecting India’s responsiveness to concerns about lengthy legal processes in its judicial system.
- Removal of Development Significance Criterion: The BIT omits the requirement that investments must significantly contribute to the host state’s development—a criterion present in the Model BIT. This change simplifies the definition of what constitutes an investment eligible for protection, reducing subjective interpretations by ISDS tribunals.
- No Reference to Customary International Law: Unlike the Model BIT, which links treaty violations to customary international law (CIL), Article 4 of the India-UAE BIT does not reference CIL, thereby limiting arbitral discretion and providing clearer grounds for evaluating state actions against investments.
- Prohibition on Third-Party Funding: The new treaty explicitly disallows third-party funding in ISDS proceedings, which may impact investors’ ability to finance their claims against states without personal financial risk.
What are the positives and future opportunities for India-UAE BIT relations?
- Strengthened Economic Cooperation: The BIT is expected to enhance bilateral economic ties by providing a stable legal framework that encourages investment flows between India and the UAE, both of which have significant stakes in each other’s economies.
- Increased FDI Inflows: With UAE being a key source of foreign direct investment (FDI) for India, estimated at around $19 billion, the new treaty is anticipated to stimulate further investments, benefiting various sectors in both countries.
- Alignment with Broader Economic Agreements: The BIT complements other agreements such as the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA), reinforcing a comprehensive framework for economic collaboration beyond just investment protection.
- Potential Influence on Future Treaties: India’s approach in negotiating this BIT may serve as a model for future treaties with other countries, reflecting a more flexible stance that could attract additional foreign investments while still safeguarding national interests.
Conclusion: The India-UAE BIT offers stronger investment protection, quicker dispute resolution, and clearer definitions, fostering bilateral economic ties. This new agreement balances investor rights and state regulation, encourages increased FDI, strengthens economic cooperation, and could influence future treaties for enhanced global investment.
Mains PYQ:
Q How will the I2U2 (India, Israel, UAE and USA) grouping transform India’s position in global politics? (UPSC IAS/2022)
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From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Mains level: Issues related to the energy sector;
Why in the News?
A 2019 tender by the Solar Energy Corporation of India (SECI) is now central to a US district court indictment alleging that Gautam Adani and others offered ₹2,029 crore ($265 million) in bribes to Indian officials.
What specific allegations have been made regarding the SECI solar bid?
- The US Department of Justice alleges that Gautam Adani and his associates offered approximately ₹2,029 crore (US $265 million) in bribes to Indian government officials.
- This was to facilitate the signing of power supply agreements (PSAs) between SECI and state electricity distribution companies (DISCOMs), which were initially reluctant to engage due to high energy prices following the tender bidding process.
- Failure to Secure Agreements: After SECI awarded the tender, which included 12,000 MW of generation capacity and 3,000 MW of module manufacturing capacity, it struggled to finalize PSAs with DISCOMs.
- This inability jeopardized the lucrative letters of award (LOAs) that Adani Green and Azure Power expected from the project.
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How has SECI’s role in the solar bidding process been scrutinized?
- SECI is a public sector entity under the Union Ministry of New and Renewable Energy, tasked with promoting renewable energy sources in India.
- Its role as a facilitator in power procurement has come under scrutiny due to its inability to secure buyers for the power generated under this tender.
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- Challenges Faced: SECI’s difficulties in finding buyers stemmed from DISCOMs’ reluctance to commit to PSAs at higher tariffs when they anticipated further reductions in solar power prices due to market conditions.
- This situation created a fertile ground for alleged corrupt practices as companies sought alternative means to secure contracts.
- Impact on Credibility: The allegations have raised questions about SECI’s operational integrity and its effectiveness in managing large-scale renewable energy projects, potentially undermining public trust in governmental processes related to renewable energy procurement.
What are the potential repercussions for India’s renewable energy sector?
- Investor Confidence: The indictment could deter foreign investment in India’s renewable energy sector, as potential investors may view the allegations as indicative of systemic corruption within the industry.
- Regulatory Scrutiny: Increased scrutiny from regulatory bodies both domestically and internationally may lead to tighter regulations and oversight on bidding processes and contract awards in the renewable sector.
- Market Dynamics: If proven true, these allegations could disrupt existing contracts and lead DISCOMs to reassess their engagement with solar projects, particularly if they fear further legal ramifications or reputational damage associated with such contracts.
- Long-term Impact on Policy: The case could catalyze reforms aimed at improving transparency and accountability within government procurement processes for renewable energy projects, potentially reshaping how future tenders are conducted.
Way forward:
- Rebuild Investor Confidence: The government must actively engage with international stakeholders, assuring them of corrective actions and fostering a business-friendly environment through improved governance and adherence to global best practices in renewable energy projects.
- Strengthen Regulatory Frameworks: India should enhance transparency in renewable energy procurement by establishing robust anti-corruption mechanisms, independent oversight committees, and clear guidelines to prevent undue influence in tender processes.
Mains PYQ:
Q Explain the purpose of the Green Grid Initiative launched at the World Leaders Summit of the COP26 UN Climate Change Conference in Glasgow in November 2021. When was this idea first floated in the International Solar Alliance (ISA)? (UPSC IAS/2021)
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From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Mains level: Balance of Payment;
Why in the News?
India’s ongoing trade deficit, where imports exceed exports, is often viewed as a sign of weakness in Indian manufacturing.
What is the nature of India’s trade deficit?
- Trade Deficit in Goods: As of October 2024, India recorded a merchandise trade deficit of $27.1 billion, which narrowed from $31.5 billion in the same month the previous year.
- Net Exporter of Services: India has established itself as a significant player in the global services market, with services exports constituting a substantial portion of its overall trade.
- In FY 2023-24, India’s services exports amounted to approximately $309 billion, contributing significantly to offsetting the goods trade deficit
- Foreign Capital Inflows: The trade deficit is often viewed positively as it correlates with India’s ability to attract foreign investment.
- For instance, India’s current account deficit was about 1.1% of GDP in June 2024, indicating that capital inflows are necessary to balance this outflow.
- Current Account Balance: The current account deficit (CAD) reached approximately $9.7 billion in the April-June 2024 quarter, reflecting the need for capital inflows to support economic growth and stability.
- India’s current account deficit has been maintained at around 2% of GDP, which is generally considered manageable within the context of its economic growth and investment strategies.
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Why do we hold reserves?
- Cushion Against Economic Shocks: Reserves are held as a safeguard against potential economic disruptions, such as sudden spikes in oil prices that could worsen the current account deficit.
- For Cost Management: While holding reserves incurs costs (e.g., lower returns on reserves compared to returns on foreign investments), they are essential for maintaining economic stability and investor confidence.
- Optimal Level of Reserves: India aims to maintain adequate reserves without excessive accumulation. This involves balancing the need for emergency funds against the costs associated with holding those reserves.
What are the Steps taken by the Government?
- Make in India Initiative: Launched in 2014, this initiative aims to boost domestic manufacturing by encouraging both foreign and domestic companies to manufacture their products in India.
- It focuses on sectors such as electronics, automobiles, and pharmaceuticals to increase production capabilities, reduce dependency on imports, and enhance export competitiveness.
- Production-Linked Incentive (PLI) Scheme: Introduced in 2020, the PLI scheme provides financial incentives to manufacturers across various sectors, including electronics, textiles, and pharmaceuticals.
- This program is designed to attract investments, promote local manufacturing, and increase exports by enhancing the global competitiveness of Indian products.
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What strategies can mitigate the effects of the trade deficit? (Way forward)
- Boosting Domestic Demand: Encouraging greater domestic consumption can help increase manufacturing output. Rising domestic demand can lead to higher production levels without necessarily increasing imports.
- Enhancing Export Competitiveness: Focusing on sectors where India has a comparative advantage, such as pharmaceuticals and automobiles, can help increase export volumes and reduce the trade deficit.
- Diversifying Import Sources: Reducing reliance on specific countries for imports (e.g., crude oil) by diversifying sources can help stabilize import costs and mitigate fluctuations in global prices.
- Investing in Manufacturing Capabilities: Strengthening domestic manufacturing through policies supporting local industries can reduce import dependency and enhance export capacity.
Mains PYQ:
Q Craze for gold in India has led to a surge in the import of gold in recent years and put pressure on the balance of payments and the external value of the rupee. In view of this, examine the merits of the Gold Monetization scheme. (UPSC IAS/2015)
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