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Rau S JULY Magazine - 2023 Final
Rau S JULY Magazine - 2023 Final
Part One 24
Current Affairs Analysis CONSTITUTION, POLITY AND GOVERNANCE
#GS Paper (Prelims) & GS Paper II (Main)
02 CONTROVERSY OVER DGP APPOINTMENT IN PUNJAB
#Police Reforms #Governance 24
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT CONTROVERSY OF REMOVAL OF MINISTERS BY GOVERNOR
#GS Paper (Prelims) & GS Paper III (Main) IN TAMIL NADU #Federalism #Governor 25
WORLD’S LARGEST GRAIN STORAGE PLAN IN THE ORDINANCE ON CONTROL OF SERVICES IN UT OF DELHI
COOPERATIVE SECTOR #Federalism #Executive Powers 26
#Agriculture #PublicDistributionSystem 02 INCREASING CENTRALISATION CHIPPING WINGS OF INDIAN
OPEN NETWORK FOR DIGITAL COMMERCE (ONDC) FEDERALISM #Federalism 30
#InclusiveGrowth #Infrastructure 04 SOCIAL AUDIT
PLI SCHEME #Governance 32
#Industry 07 REGISTRATION OF BIRTH, DEATH BY AADHAAR
PORTS INFRASTRUCTURE OF INDIA AUTHENTICATION #Registration #Birth #Aadhaar 34
PRACTICE QUESTIONS 70
51
SOCIETY AND SOCIAL JUSTICE 71
# GS Paper I & GS Paper II (Main)
NATIONAL RESEARCH FOUNDATION
SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY
#Education 51 # GS Paper (Prelims) & GS Paper III (Main)
CITY INVESTMENTS TO INNOVATE, INTEGRATE AND SUSTAIN HIGGS BOSON AND STANDARD MODEL
POLICY FOR DE-NOTIFIED TRIBES IN RAJASTHAN WORLD'S FIRST X-RAY OF A SINGLE ATOM
CHILDLINE MERGED WITH 112 IN NINE STATES SOLAR ULTRAVIOLET IMAGING TELESCOPE
KAVACH SYSTEM
#medievalindia #architecture 87
NEOLITHIC AGE
#ancientindia 87 Part Three
RANI DURGAVATI
#medievalindia #personalities 89
Essays of the month
PRACTICE QUESTIONS 90
100
CONSERVATION IS A STATE OF HARMONY BETWEEN MEN
Part TWO AND LAND #ENVIRONMENT #SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT
SUBMITTED BY: PRIYANKA 101
Ethics, Integrity and VIRTUE IS WISDOM
#Philosophical SUBMITTED BY: TANUJ KOTHARI 103
Aptitude POVERTY ANYWHERE IS A THREAT TO PROSPERITY
ANYWHERE #SOCIAL ISSUES SUBMITTED BY: VEVOTULU
92 KEZO 105
CORRUPTION
#Ethics #Integrity #Aptitude 93
Current
affairs
analysis
logical .simple .targeted
analysis & explanation
of all relevant news of the month
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
# GS Paper (Prelims) & GS Paper III (Main)
STORAGE PLAN IN THE Security Act, 2013, that covers about 81 crore people.
Present Storage Capacity: India has a foodgrain
COOPERATIVE SECTOR storage capacity of 145 million metric tonnes (MMT)
against the total food production of 311 MMT - which
#Agriculture #PublicDistributionSystem leaves a gap of 166 MMT.
Regional Variation: India has a storage capacity of 47
per cent of its total foodgrains production. At the
Union Cabinet recently approved the constitution of an
regional level, only a few southern states have the
Inter-Ministerial Committee (IMC) to facilitate the world’s
storage capacity of 90 per cent and above. In northern
largest grain storage plan in the cooperative sector.
states like Uttar Pradesh and Bihar, it is below 50 per
WHAT IS THE WORLD’S LARGEST GRAIN STORAGE cent.
PLAN IN THE COOPERATIVE SECTOR?
Prevent Wastage: In the absence of sufficient storage
Agencies involved in grain management presently: facilities, foodgrains are sometimes stored in the
○ Food Corporation of India (FCI) open, which results in damage.
○ Central Warehouse Corporation Other Countries: China has a storage capacity of 660
MMT, against the total foodgrain production of 615
○ Warehouse Development Regulatory Authority
MMT. USA, Brazil, Russia, Argentina, Ukraine, France,
○ Railways and Canada are among other countries with the
○ Civil Supply Departments of States capacity to store more food grains than they produce.
Under the new plan, the Ministry of Cooperation ABOUT INTEGRATED FACILITY
aims to set up a network of integrated grain New storage plan is based on the hub and spoke
storage facilities through Primary Agricultural model.
Credit Societies (PACS) across the country. There Of the 63,000 PACS across the country:
are more than 1,00,000 PACS spread across the
○ 55,767 PACS will function as spoke and will have
country with a huge member base of more than 13
a grain storage capacity of 1,000 metric tonnes
crore farmers.
each
WHY THE NEED FOR SUCH A FACILITY?
○ Rest 7,233 PACS will function as hubs and will
Large Population: India, the most populous country have a storage capacity of 2,000 metric tonnes
in the world, accounts for 18 per cent (1.4 billion) of each.
the global population (7.9 billion). However, it ○ Put together, all the 63,000 PACs will have a
accounts for only 11 per cent (160 million hectare) of combined grain storage capacity of 70 million
the arable land (1,380 million hectare) in the world. tonnes.
○ Pradhan Mantri Kisan Sampada Yojana (PMKSY) Skewed regional distribution of storage infrastructure:
At the regional level, only a few southern states have a
C) Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public
storage capacity of 90 per cent and above. In northern
Distribution
states like Uttar Pradesh and Bihar, it is below 50 per
○ Allocation of food grains under the National Food cent.
Security Act (NFSA). Lack of adequate cold storage infrastructure: India is
○ Procurement operations at Minimum Support Price the world’s largest producer of perishable
(MSP). commodities like horticultural crops, dairy and meat
products. However, India has only about 7 thousand and not just focused on one commodity.
cold storages and about 10,000 reefer vans. Most of Merging various smaller schemes into one
these are operated by small cold storage and comprehensive scheme for warehousing and cold-
transport service providers. 60% of cold storage storage development in India.
capacity is concentrated in UP and West Bengal and is
Encouraging private players to invest in warehousing
used for one single product i.e., potatoes), with very
and cold storage space particularly in rural areas.
low capacity in other states. This leads to damage to
Third party assessment of storage infrastructure
perishable food products and resulting inflation.
should be introduced to assess the quality of storage
Lack of end-to-end storage infrastructure: Even the
and food wastage.
limited Agri-storage infrastructure India has is
Expanding the number of warehouses under
concentrated near urban and semi-urban areas and
not available close to farmgate. Warehousing Development and Regulatory Authority
which give farmers access to e-Negotiable
Lack of scientific storage: There is a over-reliance of
Warehousing Receipts and improve operating cycle of
cover and plinth storage where there is an open
farmers.
storage on a platform covered with tarpaulin. This
leads to crop wastage.
Governance issues: Issues like high cost of credit,
delay in land procurement, multiplicity of schemes
OPEN NETWORK FOR
and authorities for incentivising warehousing.
DIGITAL COMMERCE
Limited coverage of WDRA: The number of storages
under the regulatory ambit of WDRA is limited. WDRA (ONDC)
compliance ensures certification of storage capacity
and access to Negotiable Warehousing Receipts
#InclusiveGrowth #Infrastructure
facility by farmers.
GOVERNMENT INITIATIVES FOR PROMOTING
WAREHOUSING. As the platform recently surpassed the 10,000 daily order
mark, Open Network for Digital Commerce (ONDC) is all set
At present, multiple government agencies, like the Food
to change the duopoly in online food delivery services in
Corporation of India (FCI), Central Warehouse
India by cutting down the middleman between the business
Corporation, Warehouse Development Regulatory
and the consumer. Currently, the service is live in select cities
Authority, Railways, and the civil supply departments of
like Bengaluru, and ONDC is said to benefit both businesses
states are involved in grain management.
and customers at the same time.
WAY FORWARD
WHAT IS ONDC?
End-to-End storage & cold chain infrastructure:
ONDC is being established as a first-of-its-kind
Incentivising development of storage infrastructure
initiative globally to pave the way for reimagining
and cold storages near farm-gates by incentivising
digital commerce in India and establishing a globally
FPOs, Cooperatives and Panchayats to operate such
replicable model for digital commerce.
infrastructure in rural areas.
It represents a paradigm shift from an operator-
Phasing out CAP: There is a need to phase out cover &
driven monolithic platform-centric model, where
plinth storage structures and move towards scientific
the buyer and seller must be part of the same
modern infrastructure.
platform/ application to enable transactions between
Technological interventions aimed at modernization
them. Instead, it encourages a facilitator-driven,
of existing stores by introducing temperature-
interoperable decentralised network, where buyers
controlled storage, dehumidification of storage
and sellers can transact no matter what
infrastructure, access to renewable energy (solar
platform/application they use to be digitally
energy) by warehousing sector should be incentivized.
visible/available enabling the flow of value.
Development of multipurpose storage infrastructure
It will be an open network developed on open participation by digital commerce ecosystem players
protocols based on open-source specifications with in India through multiple gateways.
established registries, enabling wide-scale
ONDC is a network that enables location-aware, local and be a part of the ONDC network. In addition, the
digital commerce stores across industries to be responsibility for onboarding of sellers and buyers
discovered and engaged by any network-enabled and the management of the end-to-end order lifecycle
applications. It is neither a super aggregator app will also continue to reside with the network-enabled
nor a hosting platform. All existing digital commerce applications.
apps and platforms can voluntarily choose to adopt
ONDC will enable large-scale democratisation of existing digital commerce apps and platforms, the
digital commerce in India by providing a level compatibility and interoperability of the existing
playing field for large and small digital commerce platforms/applications of the buyers and seller and
apps and platforms through the opportunity to be the technical capability of small and medium
ONDC enabled and make buyers/sellers registered enterprises to be onboarded on the digital network
with them visible and discoverable. and does not lay out a road map/strategy for
BENEFITS OF ONDC addressing these issues.
The establishment of ONDC and its role in enabling Local businesses might get squeezed in the long
Open Network would have benefits ranging from the run: Another issue is that the local business will find it
significant increase in the availability of choices to extremely challenging to compete with the discounts,
merchants and consumers to the strong financial sales and other lucrative offers being offered by
gains through the increase in business efficiencies prominent e-commerce players which may result in
and reduction in customer acquisition cost. local business being squeezed out of the network in
the long run.
ONDC will act as an evangelist for technology
platforms by helping them socialise their solutions on Silent on liability for a bad product: The entity is
customer and/or seller acquisition, experimenting silent on the issues regarding liability on the network
with new business models, providing them greater in case consumers face issues regarding transactions,
scope for innovation and value-added services. delivery of substandard products and service.
For Sellers: (i) Access to more buyers and thus greater No clarity on how existing laws will apply: There is
opportunities for growth; (ii) Significantly higher also a lack of clarity on the applicability of the existing
discoverability of business & products at very low cost; e-commerce laws and foreign investment regulations
(iii) Autonomy on terms due to multiple choices for to the network.
being digitally visible; (iv) Lower cost of doing business WAY FORWARD
and (v) Wider options for value chain services (e.g. The Parliamentary Standing Committee on Commerce
logistics) to support business growth. recommends the Department for Promotion of
For Buyers: (i) Access to more sellers and therefore Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) formulate a
more choices which will lead to sustainable and concrete strategy to: (i) Onboard existing e-commerce
improved price discovery in the long term; (ii) platforms; (ii) Ensure a level playing field between
Enhanced service levels and faster deliveries due to local/small businesses and e-commerce giants; (iii)
access from hyper-local retailers and (iii) Better Provide technical support to small and local
customer experience with enhanced scope for businesses to design a technical tool, compatible with
innovation. ONDC protocol to achieve its intended goal of
For Technology Platforms: (i) Access growth from democratising e-commerce and digital onboarding of
digital commerce by supporting customers on MSMEs; (iv) Provide clarity regarding the issue of
buyer/seller applications; (ii) Reduced time-to-market liability on the network by assigning definite roles and
and time-to-scale; (iii) Focus on the niche-consumer responsibilities to all the participants, namely, e-
acquisition or seller acquisition, while other network commerce platforms, buyers and sellers and (v) Clarify
partners focus on different aspects and (iv) New the extent of application of the e-commerce rules on
opportunities for start-ups to drive innovation in the the network
commerce value chain. CONCLUSION
CHALLENGES With a focus on the above-mentioned aspirations,
Parliamentary Standing Committee on Commerce said in ONDC will aim to enhance the market potential of
its report on Promotion and Regulation of e-Commerce digital commerce in retail. ONDC is expected to fuel
in India has highlighted that there are: significant growth over the next 5 years to include: (i)
Rs. 3.75 Lakh Crore of additional Gross Merchandising
No road map or strategy for some key aspects: The
Value; (ii) 730 Crore annual purchases enabled by the
entity is silent on issues such as onboarding of the
network; (iii) 90 Crore buyers on the network; (iv) 12
Lakh sellers on the network and (v) Enhanced pincode COVERAGE OF THE SCHEME
coverage. So far, the scheme has been rolled out for
manufacturing in 14 sectors. These sectors are
PLI SCHEME labour intensive and are likely, and the hope is that
they would create new jobs for the ballooning
#Industry employable workforce of India.
○ Key Starting Materials (KSMs)/Drug Intermediates
(DIs) and Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients (APIs):
The Union Cabinet cleared a revised production linked Department of Pharmaceuticals
incentive (PLI) scheme for IT hardware with an outlay of Rs ○ Manufacturing of Medical Devices: Department of
17,000 crore, more than doubling the budget for the scheme Pharmaceuticals
that was first cleared in 2021. The scheme will be
○ Pharmaceuticals drugs: Department of
implemented from July 1, with a cap on maximum incentives
Pharmaceuticals
available to participating companies.
○ Large Scale Electronics Manufacturing: Ministry of
ABOUT THE PLI SCHEME
Electronics and Information Technology
Production Linked Incentive refers to a rebate given to
○ Electronic/Technology Products: Ministry of
producers. This rebate is calculated as a certain
Electronics and Information Technology
percentage of sales of the producer (sales referred to
○ Telecom & Networking Products: Department of
in it can be total sales or incremental sales).
Telecommunications
The incentives, calculated on the basis of incremental
○ Food Products: Ministry of Food Processing
sales, range from as low as 1 per cent for the
Industries
electronics and technology products to as high as 20
per cent for the manufacturing of critical key starting ○ White Goods (ACs & LED): Department for
drugs and certain drug intermediaries. Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade
KEY FEATURES OF THE PLI SCHEME ○ High-Efficiency Solar PV Modules: Ministry of New
and Renewable Energy
The scheme is outcome-based, which means that
incentives will be disbursed only after production has ○ Automobiles & Auto Components: Department of
taken place. Heavy Industry
The calculation of incentives is based on ○ Advance Chemistry Cell (ACC) Battery: Department
incremental production at a high rate of growth. In of Heavy Industry
some sectors such as advanced chemistry cell ○ Textile Products: MMF segment and technical
batteries, textile products and the drone industry, the textiles: Ministry of Textiles
incentive to be given will be calculated on the ○ Specialty Steel: Ministry of Steel
basis of sales, performance and local value
○ Drones and Drone Components: Ministry of Civil
addition done over the period of five years.
Aviation
The scheme focuses on size and scale by selecting
WHY WAS THE PLI SCHEME NEEDED?
those players who can deliver on volumes.
Stagnant manufacturing Sector: Contribution of the
The selection of sectors covering cutting-edge
manufacturing sector has stagnated to about 15-17%
technology, sectors for integration with global value
of GDP since 1991. This makes renewed push in the
chains, job-creating sectors and sectors closely linked
manufacturing sector imperative in order to generate
to the rural economy, is highly calibrated.
employment.
Also, the design of the earlier PLI scheme is such that
Small scale nature of manufacturing:
it is compatible with World Trade Organization
Manufacturing sector consists of a large number of
commitments as the quantum of support is not
MSMEs with nearly 90% of the workforce in informal
directly linked to exports or value-addition.
jobs. This reduces the competitiveness of production Generate Employment: The expected incremental
and inhibits adoption of new technologies. production value could touch Rs 3.35 lakh crore, and
Global push for alternatives to China (China + 1 the scheme could generate 75,000 direct jobs – in
strategy): Supply chain disruption as a result of total, the employment figure could touch 2 lakh when
Covid-19 pandemic has made companies look for an accounted for indirect jobs.
alternative to China that should provide an option for Promotes Private Investment: From the perspective
cost effective and large-scale manufacturing. Hence, of industry, the scheme indicates an attitudinal shift
India has an opportunity to plug this gap by offering from ‘discouragement’ to ‘encouragement’ for large
high-technology manufacturing facilities for global industries and simultaneously provides the much-
companies. needed fiscal space required during the Pandemic.
Limited Success of Government Initiatives like POTENTIAL ISSUES WITH THE SCHEME
National Manufacturing Policy, Make in India. Absence of Common Parameters: There are no
Need for Investments: The idea of PLI is important common set of parameters to understand the value
as the government cannot continue making addition by companies that have received or are likely
investments in these capital intensive sectors as they to receive incentives under the PLI scheme. At
need longer times for start giving the returns. Instead, present, different ministries monitor the value
what it can do is to invite global companies with addition of their respective PLI schemes. There is no
adequate capital to set up capacities in India. The kind way to compare two different schemes.
of ramping up of manufacturing that we need Multiple Deliverables: Also, there are various
requires across the board initiatives, but the deliverables such as the number of jobs created, the
government can’t spread itself too thin. rise in exports and quality improvement. There is no
centralised database to gauge all these.
SIGNIFICANCE OF THIS SCHEME
Steep Targets: Departments and ministries which
Utilising the comparative advantage: In some
interact with companies operating in their sector also
sectors the domestic industry has comparative
face certain specific issues. For instance, at times, the
advantage over other countries, focusing on these
target for companies to qualify for incentives are too
sectors could generate higher returns. For instance
steep. As for the Information Technology hardware
The Indian pharmaceutical industry is the third largest
sector, until last fiscal, only 3-4 companies managed to
in the world by volume and 14th largest in terms of
achieve the incremental sales targets to qualify for the
value. It contributes 3.5% of the total drugs and
PLI scheme out of the 14 companies that had been
medicines exported globally.
approved.
Increased ability to tap the high global and
Designing sector specific incentives: The
domestic demand: This will help satisfy the growing
implementation of PLI scheme in the Electronics
domestic demand in the respective sectors and also
sector and Pharmaceutical sector has highlighted that
give a fillip to exports.
every sector has to have different eligibility
Developing the nascent but high-potential sectors: thresholds. Given the large range of activities covered
These sectors may not be significant but in the in the 10 sectors, effectively determining the
present socio-economic context, present high thresholds for each could become a difficult task.
potential. The growth of the processed food industry
Interfering with natural economic processes: In the
leads to better prices for farmers and reduces high
long run, an economy can become competitive only
levels of wastage. when sectors can die and be born. Resources get
Attract Global Manufacturers: The renewed scheme reallocated to sectors that see higher productivity
could attract big global IT hardware manufacturers to growth. External interference may hinder optimised
shift their production base to India and give a boost to allocation of resources.
local production of laptops, servers and personal Relative disadvantage for sectors with no
computers among others. incentives: The limited resources of the economy in
the form of Capital and human resources will be However, the incentives should be well-crafted and
nudged towards incentivized sectors thus indirectly temporary so that the industries receiving support can
disincentivizing other sectors. mature and become economically viable without
WHAT CAN BE DONE TO AMELIORATE THESE ISSUES protection. Keeping them in place for too long may
AND FURTHER IMPROVE THE SCHEME slow down, rather than accelerate growth in these
sectors.
Pre-defined Sunset clause on scheme: It will not
only be beneficial for the sector in the long-term, it will
also encourage the individual players to see it as a
one-time opportunity for capacity building.
PORTS INFRASTRUCTURE
Improve technological competence: The breathing OF INDIA
room created by these incentives could be used by the
industry players to increase their technological
#Infrastructure
competence and transition towards becoming globally
competitive.
The recently released World Bank’s Logistic Performance
Improve business environment: It can be done by Index (LPI) Report 2023 has brought encouraging news for
improving transparency and predictability in the policy Indian ports as well as for the country’s logistics sector. India
framework. For example, simplification of the taxation has moved up to 22nd rank in the global rankings on the
regime or easing the land acquisition process etc. This “International Shipments” category from the 44th position in
becomes even more important for industries which 2014. Moreover, the country has also secured the 38th rank
are outside the purview PLI Scheme. on the LPI score.
Managing the real exchange rate better to INDIA'S IMPROVEMENT IN PORT SECTOR AS PER
strengthen the export regime: The real exchange LOGISTICS PERFORMANCE INDEX
rate (adjusted for inflation) in India has appreciated
Increasing Port Capacity: The capacity at 12 major
19% in the last decade on account of both Foreign
ports in the country has increased from 871 million
Direct Investment (FDI) and Foreign Portfolio
metric tonnes (MMT) in 2015 to 1,617 MMT in 2023.
Investment (FPI). This appreciation negatively affects
The total capacity of Indian ports has gone up from
the overall exports.
about 1,560 MMT in 2015 to more than 2,600 MMT.
Augment industrial infrastructure and
Enhanced Public-Private Partnerships: There has
connectivity by increasing expenditure on infra
also been a nearly 150 percent increase in the value of
creation for improved competitiveness.
operationalisation of PPP projects in the major ports
Regular scheme review to keep track of progress from about Rs 16,000 crore in 2015 to more than Rs
and address concerns over raw materials, funds, 40,000 crore in 2022-23.
skilled workforce, payments etc
Reduction in Dwell Time: There has been a
Increased investments in innovation, research and substantial reduction in the dwell time (the amount of
skill development is necessary to build talent for PLI time vessels spend in port actively loading or
success. unloading cargo) at Indian ports. This has reached an
CONCLUSION optimum level of about three days only as compared
The scheme and its associated ecosystem have to four days in countries like the UAE and South Africa,
ensured that India is well-positioned to develop seven days in the US, and 10 days in Germany.
resilient GVCs, which will continue to provide national Improving port operational efficiency: The
security in the evolving global scenario. Indian country’s average turnaround time (TRT) of only 0.9
manufacturers now feel emboldened to move out of days is amongst the best in the world. In Belgium,
their comfort zone with a clear vision of becoming Germany, the UAE, Singapore, Malaysia, Ireland,
global champions even as India marches towards its Indonesia, and New Zealand it is 1.4 days, in the US
emergence as developed India. 1.5 days.
ABOUT INDIA’S PORT duties, and other fees levied on cargo handling and
Ports are an essential part of the maritime related services.
environment and are like hubs that link sea routes Connectivity and Regional Integration: They
with trade routes on land. facilitate trade between neighbouring countries,
There are 12 major ports and 200 non-major ports promote cross-border cooperation, and support the
(minor ports) in the country. development of economic zones and industrial
clusters.
The Major Ports are under the administrative
control of the Ministry of Shipping and are CHALLENGES
governed under the Major Port Authorities Act, Prolonged ship turnaround times: India's ports
2021. The Government of India appoints a Board of experience lengthy ship turnaround times. For
Trustees to oversee each major port. Their instance, the normal ship turnaround time at
responsibilities include port development, Singapore is under a day. However, it takes about
management, and operations. three days in India.
All the Non-Major Ports (minor ports) are governed Port Congestion: The number of containers, the lack
under the Indian Ports Act of 1908 and regulates the of equipment for managing them, and ineffective
berths, stations, anchoring, fastening, mooring, and operations all contribute to port congestion, which is a
unmooring of vessels. They come under the major problem. Consider the port of Nhava Sheva as
jurisdiction of respective State Maritime Boards/ State an illustration.
Governments. Sub-optimal Transport Modal Mix: This is due to a
Out of the 200 non-major ports, around 65 ports lack of the infrastructure required for evacuation from
handle cargo and the others are “Port Limits” where both large and minor ports.
no cargo is handled, these are used by fishing vessels Protracted Inspections and Scrutiny: Despite India’s
and by small ferries to carry passengers across the customs processes rapidly moving towards
creeks, etc. paperlessness and digitisation, cargo and other
SIGNIFICANCE OF PORTS INFRASTRUCTURE maritime activities are nevertheless the subject of
Facilitating International Trade: Ports serve as vital protracted inspections and scrutiny.
gateways for international trade, enabling the Issues with technology and inadequate
movement of goods and commodities between infrastructure are present in non-major ports, where
countries. India’s major and minor ports handle about there aren't enough berths or ones that are long
95% of India’s international trade. enough for vessels to berth properly.
Economic Impact: Ports create numerous economic Management Issues: Different administrations are in
opportunities, generating employment and attracting charge of major and minor ports. Their regulatory
investments. The Government of India has allowed framework is also rigid.
Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) of up to 100% under Dredging: Some Indian ports particularly those on the
the automatic route for projects related to the east coast and near the Gulf of Mannar are prone to
construction and maintenance of ports and harbours excessive siltation which reduces their capacity.
Supply Chain Efficiency: It acts as a critical node in GOVERNMENT INITIATIVES
global supply chains. They connect different modes of
The Harit Sagar Green Port guidelines: It aims to
transportation and facilitate the smooth flow of goods
bring about a paradigm shift towards safe, efficient,
from production centres to consumers.
and sustainable ports while implementing sound
Trade Competitiveness: Well-developed ports environmental practices among all stakeholders.
enhance a country's competitiveness in global
National Logistics Portal (Marine): It is a single-
markets.
window digital platform for all stakeholders including
Revenue Generation: It is a significant source of those engaged in cargo services, carrier services,
revenue for governments through tariffs, customs banking and financial services, and government and
regulatory agencies.
Sagar Setu App: It facilitates seamless movement of Digitisation of Port Operations: Implementing
goods and services in ports while substantially technologies such as blockchain, Internet of Things
enhancing the ease of doing business. (IoT), and data analytics can enhance transparency,
Major Port Authorities Act, 2021 which grants efficiency, and security in port operations. Automation
greater autonomy to major ports. of processes, such as electronic documentation,
container tracking, and cargo clearance, can help
Marine Aids to Navigation Act, 2021 that provides
reduce paperwork, delays, and human errors.
for increased safety and efficiency in vessel traffic
services and training and certification at par with Reduced Regulatory Burden: Simplifying and
international standards. streamlining regulatory processes, permits, and
clearances related to port infrastructure development
The Indian Vessels Act, 2021 which brings uniformity
can attract investments and expedite project
in law and standardised provisions across all inland
implementation. An efficient regulatory framework
waterways in the country.
can provide certainty to investors and promote ease
Maritime India Vision, 2030: It has identified
of doing business in the port sector.
initiatives such as developing world-class Mega Ports,
CONCLUSION
transhipment hubs and infrastructure modernization
of ports The achievements in the port sector are a result of
large investments in the upgradation of infrastructure
Sagarmala Project: To promote port-led
in the ports and shipping sector in the past few years.
development in the country through harnessing
There has been a consistent focus on improvements
India’s 7,500 km long coastline, 14,500 km of
in port efficiency and productivity through reforms,
potentially navigable waterways and strategic location
induction of new technologies, a greater thrust on
on key international maritime trade routes. The main
public-private partnership and an overall commitment
vision of the is to reduce logistics cost
to the ease of doing business.
WAY FORWARD
Promoting Private Sector Participation: With the
increasing participation of the private sector in the SCHEME FOR SPECIAL
port sector, the share of minor ports has been
increasing. In this respect suitable policy changes are ASSISTANCE TO STATES
needed to the Indian Ports Act of 1908 with present-
day requirements. FOR CAPITAL INVESTMENT
Infrastructure Development: Expansion and
modernisation by increasing the capacity of ports to
2023-24
handle larger volumes of cargo, improving berthing #FiscalPolicy
facilities, and upgrading storage and handling
capabilities. The use of advanced technologies such as
automated cranes, robotic systems, and smart port
management systems should be explored to optimise
Department of Expenditure, Ministry of Finance, Government
operations and improve efficiency.
of India, has approved capital investment proposals of Rs.
Improve Port Connectivity: Efforts should be made 56,415 crore in 16 States in the current financial year.
to improve connectivity between ports and the Approval has been given under the scheme entitled ‘Special
hinterland through efficient road and rail networks. Assistance to States for Capital Investment 2023-24’.
Establishing Coastal Economic Zones (CEZs): TO ABOUT THE SCHEME
provide a conducive business environment,
In view of a higher multiplier effect of capital
streamlined regulatory processes, and infrastructure
expenditure and in order to provide a boost to
support, which can attract manufacturing units,
capital spending by States, the scheme ‘Special
logistics companies, and other industries to set up
Assistance to States for Capital Investment 2023-24'
operations near ports.
was announced in the Union Budget 2023-24.
Under the scheme, special assistance is being Centrally Sponsored Schemes (CSS) funds by State
provided to the State Governments in the form of 50- Government to vendors and beneficiaries using RBI’s
year interest free loan for capital investment e-Kuber Model and for timely release of Central &
projects up to an overall sum of Rs. 1.3 lakh crore State share of funds to Single Nodal Agency accounts.
during the financial year 2023-24. CONDITIONS TO BE FULFILLED BY STATES
COMPONENTS OF THE SCHEME The scheme guidelines include mandatory conditions
Part I: It is the largest part having the allocation of Rs. which the States need to fulfil in order to avail benefits
1 lakh crore. This amount has been allocated under any Part of the Scheme. These are:
amongst States in proportion to their share of Full compliance with the official name of all CSSs
central taxes & duties as per the award of the 15th and any guidelines/instructions issued by the
Finance Commission. Other parts of the scheme are Government of India regarding branding of CSSs, in all
either linked to reforms or are for sector specific schemes of all ministries. However, correct translation
projects. of the official name of CSSs in local language is
Part II: In this part of the scheme, an amount of Rs. permitted.
3,000 crore has been set aside for providing Integration of State treasuries with Public Finance
incentives to States for scrapping of State Management System (PFMS) and exchange of data
Government vehicles and ambulances, waiver of between State treasuries and PFMS in respect of all
liabilities on old vehicles, providing tax concessions to State Linked Scheme for CSS in a state for which the
individuals for scrapping of old vehicles and setting up state has received funds from the Central Government
of automated vehicle testing facilities. in the past 21 days.
Part III & IV: This part aims at providing incentives to Deposit of central share of interest earned in
States for reforms in Urban Planning and Urban Single Nodal Agency accounts till 31st March, 2023
Finance. An amount of Rs. 15,000 crore is earmarked in the Consolidated Funds of India and submission of
for Urban Planning Reforms, while additional Rs. 5,000 certificate to this effect in the format, signed by the
crore is for incentivising the States for making Urban Finance Secretary of the State Government.
Local Bodies creditworthy and improving their
IMPORTANCE OF GOVERNMENT’S CAPITAL
finances.
EXPENDITURE
Part V: This aims at increasing the housing stock for
Generates Demand: A higher capex by the
the police personnel and their families within the
government will help generate demand in the
police stations in urban areas. An amount of Rs. 2,000
economy, attract private investments over a longer
crore is earmarked for this purpose under the
term and sustain economic growth.
scheme.
Creation of Assets: By creating long-term assets, the
Part VI: Another objective of the Scheme is to
economy is benefitted as it can help generate
promote national integration, carry forward the
revenues for many years. Through capital
concept of “Make in India” and promote the
expenditure, fixed assets are acquired; existing assets
concept of “One District, One Product (ODOP)”
are upgraded or even loans are repaid.
through construction of Unity Mall in each State. An
amount of Rs. 5,000 crore has been set aside for this Higher Multiplier Effect: The government capital
purpose under the scheme. expenditure enhances labour participation in the
economy. Also the impact multiplier effect of ₹1 spent
Part-VII: of the Scheme, with an allocation of Rs. 5,000
on capital expenditure is as high as 2.45 as against any
crore is for providing financial assistance to States
revenue expenditure where the impact multiplier
for setting up libraries with digital infrastructure
effect is 0.99.
at Panchayat and Ward level for children and
adolescents. Role of States: The combined spending of Indian
states on capital expenditure now exceeds that of
Part VIII: of the scheme incentivises States for
the central government. For example, in 2021-22,
implementation of “Just-in-Time” release of
this figure combined for states and Union territories,
according to budget estimates, was ₹10.5 trillion. The ○ Trade in services includes factor income and non-
Centre’s effective capital expenditure that year was factor income transactions.
₹8.4 trillion, including ₹2.5 trillion as grant for creation ○ Transfer payments are the receipts which the
of assets. Hence, they carry a greater responsibility residents of a country get for ‘free’, without having
on capital formation than the central government. to provide any goods or services in return. They
So, if these States don’t play a proactive role in capital consist of gifts, remittances and grants. They could
expenditure, the overall performance of the economy be given by the government or by private citizens
is affected. For public investment to flourish, States’ living abroad.
capital expenditure too has to grow.
TRENDS IN REMITTANCE FLOWS
CONCLUSION
● Country-wise Rankings: The top recipient
Given the importance of State’s capital expenditure for countries for remittances in 2022 were:
the overall performance of the Indian economy, the
Centre has been nudging the States to spend more US$ Billion, 2022
and even thrown in incentives like allowing them to India 111.2
undertake additional open market borrowing.
Mexico 61.1
China 51.0
SHIFTING PATTERN OF Philippines 38.0
Bangladesh 21.5
Nigeria 20.1
As per World Bank’s latest Migration and Development Brief,
Share of Remittance in GDP: It is an indicator of the
India is expected to post a growth of just 0.2% in remittance
significance of the remittances for funding current
inflows in 2023. It had registered a growth of more than 24%
account and fiscal shortfalls, remittance inflows
to reach a record-high $111 billion in remittances in 2022.
represented very large shares of GDP in countries
ABOUT REMITTANCES such as:
When migrants send home part of their earnings in
As percentage of GDP, 2022
the form of either cash or goods to support their
families, these transfers are known as workers’ or Tajikistan 51
migrant remittances.
Tonga 44
Remittance forms a part of the transfer payment
category in the current account of the Balance of Lebanon 36
Payments (BoP) records in an economy. Samoa 34
BoP is the transactions in goods, services and assets
Kyrgyz Republic 31
between residents of a country with the rest of the
world for a specified time period typically a year. The Gambia 29
There are two main accounts in the BoP — the current Honduras 27
account and the capital account.
EI Salvador 24
Current Account is the record of trade in goods and
services and transfer payments. Nepal 23
○ Trade in goods includes exports and imports of Jamaica 23
goods.
GDP: Gross domestic product
school enrolment rates for children in disadvantaged they may have to work extremely hard to save enough
households. Studies show that remittances help to send remittances.
recipient households to build resilience, for example CONCLUSION
through financing better housing and to cope with the
In the past, the actions of Indians as individuals have
losses in the aftermath of disasters.
made the country’s current account more stable,
Improves Standards of Living: They provide especially during a crisis, when other sources of flows,
essential support to households, helping them meet such as those from foreign investors have dried up.
their financial needs and improve their living However, the World Bank’s latest Migration and
standards. The impact of remittances extends beyond Development Brief provides a shifting picture over the
the economic aspect, as they contribute to social years of how the behaviour of individuals or
welfare and poverty reduction. households have affected India’s balance of payments
Provides Foreign Exchanges: Remittances play a with the rest of the world. As this behaviour changes,
crucial role in providing foreign exchange to countries, it can introduce new uncertainties into India’s
which contributes to their economic stability and transactions with the rest of the world.
growth.
CHALLENGES
Economic Slowdown in West & Middle East: Higher
CHANGES IN OPEN
inflation in the United States accompanied by an MARKET SALE SCHEME
economic slowdown will soften remittance flows to
India. The drop in oil prices from $98 to $85 per barrel (OMSS)
(2022–23) combined with the decline in economic
growth in the West Asian countries will reinforce
#PublicDistributionSystem
downward pressure on remittance flows to all South
Asian countries.
High Transaction Costs: Transaction costs rarely
ABOUT OPEN MARKET SALE SCHEME (OMSS)
affect large remittances, but for smaller remittances—
under $200, say, which is often typical for poor Open Market Sale Scheme (OMSS) refers to selling of
migrants—fees typically average 7 percent, and can be foodgrains by Government / Government agencies at
as high as 15–20 percent in smaller migration predetermined prices in the open market from time to
corridors. time to enhance the supply of grains especially during
the lean season and thereby to moderate the general
Encourages Labour Emigration: Countries that
open market prices especially in the deficit regions.
receive remittances from migrants incur costs if the
emigrating workers are highly skilled or if their Objective: Food Corporation of India (FCI) on the
departure creates labour shortages. instructions from the Government, sells wheat and
rice in the open market from time to time to enhance
Higher Inflows Makes Domestic Economy Less
the supply of wheat and rice especially during the lean
Competitive: Also, if remittances are large, the
season and to moderate the open market prices
recipient country could face real exchange rate
especially in the deficit regions.
appreciation that may make its economy less
competitive internationally. Mode of Auction: For transparency in operations, the
Corporation has switched over to e- auction for sale
May Lead to Moral Hazard: Remittances can
under Open Market Sale Scheme (Domestic). The FCI
undercut recipients’ incentives to work and thus slow
conducts a weekly auction to conduct this scheme in
economic growth.
the open market using the platform of commodity
Negative Human Costs: Migrants sometimes make
exchange NCDEX (National Commodity and
significant sacrifices - including separation from family
Derivatives Exchange Limited).
- and incur risks to find work in another country. And
Participants: The State Governments/ Union Territory
Administrations are also allowed to participate in the
e-auction, if they require wheat and rice outside the the scheme. This will facilitate the release of stocks
Targeted Public Distribution Scheme (TPDS) and Other sold under OMSS (D) to reach the general public
Welfare Schemes (OWS). immediately.
Pricing: The reserve price is fixed by the government. Meet Other Obligations: This will also lead to higher
In the tenders floated by the FCI, the bidders cannot availability of foodgrains for the Department’s other
quote less than the reserve price. obligations such as distribution of free food grains to
Components: The present form of OMSS comprises 3 80 crore beneficiaries under the Pradhan Mantri Garib
schemes as under: Kalyan Yojana.
○ Sale of wheat to bulk consumers/private traders Implications: States now will have to procure the
through e-auction. foodgrains from the open market at a higher cost.
○ Sale of wheat to bulk consumers/private traders This will add to the already burgeoning food subsidy
through e-auction by dedicated movement. bill.
○ Sale of Raw Rice Grade ‘A’ to bulk FOOD CORPORATION OF INDIA (FCI)
consumers/private traders through e-auction.
It is a statutory body set up in 1965 (under the Food
RECENT CHANGES TO OMSS Corporation Act, 1964) against the backdrop of major
Limits on Quantity Procured: Previously, the shortage of grains, especially wheat, in the country.
Department had already imposed restrictions on the Nodal Ministry: Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food
sale of wheat under OMSS(D) to a bidder, limiting the and Public Distribution, Government of India.
quantity to 3,000 tonnes. Now, under the Open
Headquarters: New Delhi
Market Sale Scheme (Domestic) or OMSS(D), the
Vision: Ensuring Food Security for citizens of the
maximum quantity that a bidder can purchase in a
country.
single bid is now restricted to ranges from 10 to 100
metric tons. Objectives: FCI aims to fulfil following objectives of
the Food Policy
Enhanced Reach: This reduction in quantities aims to
accommodate more small and marginal buyers, ○ Effective price support operations for safeguarding
ensuring a wider reach of the scheme and immediate the interests of the farmers.
availability of stocks to the public. ○ Distribution of foodgrains throughout the country
Exclusion of State Governments: As part of the for the public distribution system.
revised policy, the government has also decided to ○ Maintaining satisfactory level of operational and
exclude state governments from the purview of buffer stocks of foodgrains to ensure National Food
OMSS(D) to maintain adequate stock levels in the Security
central pool while controlling prices. Mission:
Exception: For the North-Eastern states, hilly states, ○ Efficient procurement at Minimum Support Price
and states facing law and order issues or natural (MSP), storage and distribution of food grains.
calamities. The sale of rice for these exceptional cases
○ Ensuring availability of food grains and sugar
will continue at the existing rate of ₹3400 per quintal.
through appropriate policy instruments; including
WHY WERE THE CHANGES NEEDED? maintenance of buffer stocks of food grains.
Control Inflation: The government's decision to ○ Making food grains accessible at reasonable prices,
discontinue the sale of wheat and rice under OMSS(D) especially to the weak and vulnerable sections of
aims to control food inflation and protect the interests the society under PDS.
of consumers.
Since its inception, FCI has played a significant role in
Accommodate Small Buyers: The quantities have India's success in transforming the crisis
been reduced this time to accommodate more small management-oriented food security into a stable
and marginal buyers and to ensure a wider reach of security system.
Lack of Statutory Recognition to MSP Regime: and wastages. Legalisation of MSP would further
Absence of ‘non-procurement’ of all the crops at the worsen the scenario.
MSP is one of the main concerns of farmers. Administrative Challenge: Lack of government
PRESENT STATUS OF MSP machinery to procure all crops that are under the MSP
Presently, MSP does not enjoy statutory system.
recognition. This means that there is no onus on the Violation of WTO Agreement on Agriculture (AoA):
private sector to buy at MSP. Legalisation of MSP would further violate the limit on
Legalisation of MSP would ensure that the private the subsidies under AoA and it can be challenged by
sector would buy commodities at MSP. Failure to do other countries. India's quest for Permanent solution
so would attract a penalty. on public stockholding could be in jeopardy.
NEED FOR LEGALISATION OF MSP Promote Inequality: Only 6 percent of farmers are
Enhancement in Income Levels: Even though the able to benefit from the MSP. Similarly, most of the
Government declares MSP; procurement is quite Rice and Wheat are sourced from states such as
limited to certain crops and certain regions. Most of Punjab, Haryana, MP etc. Hence, legalisation of MSP
the farmers sell commodities below MSP in the open could worsen socio-economic inequality and promote
market to the traders and middlemen. regional disparity.
Promote Crop Diversification: Only three to four Environmental cost: Encourage farmers to grow
crops (mainly wheat, paddy and cotton and at times more rice and wheat leading to further environmental
some pulses), were being procured at MSP while the problems.
remaining crops were being procured at much below
Adverse Impact of Government's Intervention: In
the MSP. Hence, absence of any dependable or
any free-market economy, the price of any goods and
assured market mechanism of procurement-purchase
services produced in the country must be decided by
for crops on the MSP in most parts of the country
market forces and not by the state. As highlighted by
discourages efforts towards crop diversification.
Eco Survey 2019-20, Government's intervention,
CHALLENGES AND CONCERNS
sometimes though well intended, often ends up
Goes against Interest of Farmers: Legalisation of
adversely affecting the market.
MSP will encourage over-production of Rice and
CONCLUSION
Wheat. This may have severe environmental costs
such as decline in soil fertility, depletion of ground The MSP attempts to strike a balance between the
water etc. In the long term, this would negatively interests of growers and consumers. The
affect income levels of farmers. government’s price support policy attempts to provide
Adverse Impact on Economy: Higher costs of a fair return to farmers while keeping in view the
procurement due to a statutory MSP will increase the interest of consumers in a way that prices of food and
food prices, leading to inflation in the economy. other agricultural commodities are kept at a
Higher prices of commodities would adversely affect reasonable level.
exports of agricultural commodities. As farming over the years, for the majority, especially
Financing needs: According to some estimates, if the small and marginal farmers, has not turned out to be
Government were to procure all the 23 crops at MSP, remunerative. A rise in their income could be the long-
it would amount to half of the Government's Budget. term answer to farmers’ financial distress. To ensure
Unsustainable Food grain Management Policy: The this rise in income, the government should focus on
Food subsidy bill has already become quite setting up an effective system to provide assured
unsustainable at around Rs 2 lakh crores. The excess purchase and returns to farmers for all major crops at
procurement of food grains by the FCI has led to the MSP, as is done in the case of wheat and rice or
surplus buffer stocks leading to higher storage costs extend subsidies on input costs.
SETTLEMENT WITH WILFUL cost to the bank in terms of legal expenses and other
costs.
irrespective of any DLG cover available at the portfolio Takeout financing offers a window to the banks to free
level. their balance sheet from exposure to infrastructure
The amount of DLG invoked shall not be set off loans, lend to new projects and also enable better
against the underlying individual loans. management of the asset liability position.
Recovery by the RE, if any, from the loans on which Hence, takeout financing enables financing longer
DLG has been invoked and realised, can be shared term projects with medium-term funds.
with the DLG provider in terms of the contractual ABOUT NaBFID
arrangement. Union Budget 2021-22 has proposed to set up a
Any DLG arrangement shall not act as a substitute development Bank in the form of NaBFID as financier,
for credit appraisal requirements and robust credit enabler and catalyst for the National Infrastructure
underwriting standards need to be put in place Pipeline. NaBFID is expected to reduce pressure on
irrespective of DLG cover. banks, lower the cost of capital and meet investment
BENEFITS needs of $ 5 trillion economy.
Expands the customer base of traditional lenders Global Examples: China (China Development Bank),
but relies on the fintech’s underwriting capabilities. UK (Green Investment Bank), Germany (KfW).
Enhances the deeper partnerships and Indian Examples: NABARD (Agriculture and Rural
collaboration between legacy institutions (Banks, Development), Industrial Finance Corporation of India
regulated entities, NBFCs) and new age fintech’s - (Industrial Development), SIDBI and MUDRA (MSME
democratises access to credit and fuel growth for the Development), EXIM Bank (Trade Development),
unserved and underserved.
National Housing Bank (Housing Infrastructure).
Strengthens credit penetration and boosts the
Note: IFCI was the first ever development bank that
digital lending ecosystem.
was established in 1948. ICICI and IDBI Banks were
Promotes more transparency and discipline in the initially set up as Development Banks but were later
digital lending environment.
converted into Commercial banks based upon the
Widens the scope of resolution of stressed assets. recommendations of Narasimham Committee.
Ownership: NaBFID will be set up as a corporate body
WHAT ARE IMPACT BONDS? Targets: To skill and provide employment to 50,000
youths over four years. Sixty per cent of the youths
Impact bonds are innovative financing instruments
will be women and girls.
that leverage private sector capital and expertise, with
a focus on achieving results. Sectors: The trainees are being skilled and provided
access to wage employment in sectors that are
It shifts the focus from inputs to performance and
recovering from the Covid-19 economic shock, such as
results.
retail, apparel and logistics.
Rather than a government or a donor financing a
project upfront, private investors (risk investors)
initially finance the initiative and are repaid by
outcome funders only if agreed-upon outcomes are
PRICING OF OIL PRODUCTS
achieved. IN INDIA
SKILL IMPACT BOND
#Energy
It is a public-private partnership model in India for
the skilling and employment sector.
As an innovative outcomes-based financing tool Though the crude oil prices softened towards the end of FY
that leverages private sector capital and expertise, the 2022-23, Pump prices of petrol and diesel have remained
Skill Impact Bond shifts its focus from inputs like unchanged since May 22, 2022, with the governments at the
training and certification to outcomes like job Centre and the States, and the oil marketing companies
placement and retention for India’s youth. unwilling to reduce the taxes and revenues in order to
The collaboration also aims at strengthening the insulate themselves from any rise in the cost in future.
capacity of India’s technical and vocational BREAKUP OF PETROL & DIESEL PRICES
education ecosystem through knowledge exchange,
Public sector Oil Marketing Companies (OMCs) revise the
evidence and data generation and mainstreaming
retail prices of petrol and diesel in India on a daily basis,
good practices.
according to changes in the price of global crude oil. The
Under the Skill Impact Bond: retail price charged to consumer includes the following
○ Risk Investors such as NSDC provided upfront components:
working capital to the trainers to implement skill Base Price set by OMCs: Several parameters like
development programmes. global crude prices, expected future crude prices, local
○ Service Providers deliver skilling interventions to taxes, Shipping costs, apart from the cost of refining
improve employment outcomes. are considered while fixing the rates which may be
○ Outcome Funders repay risk investors initial different for different OMC.
investment for each positive outcome achieved. Freight Price includes the cost of transporting to
○ Third-party Evaluator: The employment outcomes dealers across India.
are assessed by an independent third-party Dealer Commissions
evaluator. Taxes and Surcharges of the Centre includes
Objective: To transform the way skill training ○ Basic Excise Duty
programmes are implemented in the country, with
○ Agriculture Infrastructure and Development Cess
major emphasis on bridging the gap between skilling
○ Road & Infrastructure Cess
and employment, especially for women.
Taxes of State Governments includes Sales tax/ VAT
The prices of Petrol & Diesel vary from city to city Each state has its own taxation structure for petrol
depending upon the taxes charged by the state and diesel.
governments. Usually, the share of tax component in the Under GST, even under the 28 per cent tax slab, states
retail price is above 40%. SO any reluctance by the centre will earn a lot less compared to what they currently
or state governments to decrease their taxes will not earn from petrol and diesel sales as value-added tax
result in transmission of softening of global crude oil (VAT).
prices to the ultimate consumer.
Few States are demanding that if petrol and diesel are
PETROL & DIESEL UNDER GST? brought under the GST, then the Central Government
There has been growing demand to include petrol must compensate all the States for their deficit
products under GST mechanism as it may reduce the revenue. However, there has been no such
ultimate price paid by the consumer because: commitment given by the centre.
Even if petroleum is charged at the current maximum WILL INCLUSION OF PETROLEUM UNDER GST SOLVE
tax slab of 28%, consumers will be paying a lesser THE PROBLEM?
price than they are presently paying for it. In the short run, lowering the prices of petrol and diesel
GST, being a value added tax mechanism, ensures that due to GST may prove helpful but ultimately, all the
there is no cascading effect (tax on taxation). consumers will have to start shifting towards renewable
However, most of the states are unwilling to this energy sources for sustainable growth and development
proposal as states generate a considerable amount of and insulate the Indian economy from any geo-political
revenue from taxing petroleum products. shocks
Practice questions
MCQs
Q1. Which of the following is a most likely 2. The scheme provides for incentives in the form of
consequence of implementing the Open land and credit at subsidised prices.
Network for Digital Commerce (ONDC)? Which among the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) ONDC will totally replace the existing e-commerce (a) 1 only (b) 2 only
platforms. (c) Both 1 and 2 (d) Neither 1 nor 2
(b) Act as an enabler for massive digital commerce
expansion. Q3. Which of the following does not reflect a wilful
(c) A central intermediary will regulate the e- default?
commerce sector. (a) Defaulting in repayment of loan despite having the
(d) Will act as a medium to digitise businesses. capacity to repay.
(b) Defaulting in repayment of loan despite utilisation
Q2. Consider the following statements related to of finance for the purpose for which the loan was
Production Linked Incentive (PLI) Scheme: taken.
1. The scheme is applicable to the companies which (c) Defaulting in repayment of loan due to non-
cross the threshold for the investment and sales in utilisation by siphoning off the funds.
a particular year. (d) Defaulting in repayment of loan and disposing off
the collateral assets.
Q4. Consider the following statements: (c) All three (d) None
1. Government fixes Minimum Support Prices (MSP) Q5. Consider the following statements with
for 23 mandated agricultural crops. respect to Open Market Sale Scheme (OMSS):
2. Present method of fixing MSP includes the implied 1. The maximum quantity that a bidder can purchase
cost of rent of land in addition to other in a single bid is 10,000 tonnes.
expenditures incurred by the farmers. 2. The FCI conducts e-auction for OMSS on the
3. Minimum Support Prices (MSP) do not enjoy platform eNAM.
statutory recognition. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
How many of the statements given above are correct? (a) 1 only (b) 2 only
(a) Only one (b) Only two (c) Both 1 and 2 (d) Neither 1 nor 2
Descriptive Questions
Q1. Although the Production Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme has been significant in promoting Make in India,
implementation of the scheme faces certain challenges. Discuss
Q2. Examine the developments of Ports Infrastructure in India. What are the challenges faced by the authorities in
this regard?
India laid down institutional reforms for the police. vacancies to the office of DGP to the UPSC, at least
three months in advance from the date of retirement
The intent of the Supreme Court was that the process
of incumbent to the post of DGP.
of appointment of DGP should be purely based on
States cannot appoint any person as an acting DGP.
merit and would insulate the office from all kinds of
UPSC should empanel persons for the post of DGP
influences and pressures.
considering they have close two years of service
The procedure for appointment of DGP laid down in the remaining which will make candidates continue in the
judgement is: office for a limited period after their superannuation.
Selection from a pool of officers by UPSC (non- Any legislation/rule framed by States or Central
political body): Director General of Police of State to Government running counter to the direction shall
be selected by State Government from amongst the remain in abeyance to the extent.
three seniormost officers of the Police Department Later in 2019, the Supreme Court clarified that the
who have been empanelled for promotion by the maximum residual tenure of an officer appointed as
UPSC. DGP after his superannuation should be six months.
Thus, there is a need to give states freedom to choose MEANING OF WITHDRAWAL OF PLEASURE
their DGPs. Supreme Court should lay down broad “Pleasure of the Governor” did not mean the
parameters for appointing DGPs based on a merit based Governor has the right to dismiss the Chief Minister or
criteria and give states freedom to choose the best
Ministers at will. The “pleasure” of the Governor is
person they deem fit for the important position of DGP.
understood to flow from the fact that the government
enjoys majority on the floor of the House. The
REMOVAL OF MINISTERS The Governor can withdraw his pleasure only when
the government loses majority but refuses to quit.
BY GOVERNOR IN TAMIL Then he withdraws the pleasure and dismisses it.
Without the advice of the Chief Minister, a Governor
NADU can neither appoint nor dismiss a minister.
Surya Narain Choudhary vs Union of India (1981) -
#Federalism #Governor
Rajasthan High Court held that the pleasure of the
ORDINANCE ON CONTROL
President was not justiciable, the Governor had no
security of tenure and can be removed at any time by
the President withdrawing pleasure.
OF SERVICES IN UT OF
SUPREME COURT TO AID & ADVICE UNDER ART. 163
Article 163 of the Constitution states that there shall DELHI
be a Council of Ministers with the Chief Minister at the
head to aid and advise the Governor in the exercise of
#Federalism #Executive Powers
his functions, except in so far as he is by or under this
Constitution required to exercise his functions or any Despite the Supreme Court ruling in favour of Delhi
of them in his discretion. However, the discretion as Government over control of services including the transfers
such has neither been elaborated nor provided and postings of its officers, the Union Government has
explicitly under the Indian Constitution. introduced an ordinance under Article 123 of the
Constitution of India to bypass the judgment as it re-
Shamsher Singh v State of Punjab –
empowers the Centre over the services under Delhi
Seven Judge Constitution Bench held that the Government. So, in this Article, let us understand about the
Governor must exercise “formal constitutional powers National Capital Civil Services Authority (NCCSA) created
only upon, and in accordance with the aid and advice through the ordinance and Article 123.
of their ministers, save in a few well-known ORDINANCE CONSTITUTES ‘NATIONAL CAPITAL CIVIL
exceptional situations. SERVICES AUTHORITY’
These exceptions relate to dismissal of a government The Central Government has issued an ordinance to
that has lost its majority or decision to invite a party to constitute ‘National Capital Civil Services Authority’ in
form the government. In both these circumstances, Delhi.
the aid and advice of the Council of Ministers becomes As per the ordinance, the authority will be headed by
unavailable or unreliable. Delhi Chief Minister, and will comprise of Chief
Court also held that the Governor has no right to Secretary and Home Secretary of the Delhi
government.
refuse to act on the advice of the Council of Ministries.
Such a position is antithetical to the concept of The authority is to now decide on the transfer and
o Supreme Court also held that the failure to Re-promulgation defeats the constitutional scheme
place an ordinance before the legislature under which a limited power to frame ordinances has
constitutes abuse of power and a fraud on the been conferred on the President and the Governors.
Two Level of Governments - The term ‘federalism’ Article 246 of the Indian Constitution clearly
refers to the constitutionally allocated distribution of enumerates the Federal character of the Indian
powers between two or more levels of government in Constitution. It empowers:
the modern nation-state system. One, at the national o Parliament to make law under Union List
level and the other, at the provincial, state or local o States to make law under State List and
level.
o both the Parliament and States to make law under
Division of Power & Functions - Federalism is a Concurrent List.
system of government in which the power is divided
Finance Commission constituted under Article 80
between a central authority and various constituent
evaluates finances of the Union and State
units of the country i.e., states or provinces through a
Governments, recommends sharing of taxes between
written constitution.
them, lays down the principles determining the
Both Units function Independent of each other - distribution of these taxes among States. Thus,
Both levels of governments at centre and in states Finance Commission is a constitutionally mandated
enjoy their power independent of the other as body that is at the centre of fiscal federalism.
mandated by the constitution.
Settling Inter-state River water disputes under
Independent Judiciary – Disputes between the two Article 262. For this purpose, Parliament has enacted
levels of government are addressed by an The Inter-State River Water Disputes Act, 1956.
independent judiciary by interpreting the law of the
Inter-state Council (Article 263) inquiries into and
land.
advises upon disputes which may have arisen between
States.
Constitutional powers including fiscal relations are accountability and promotes the Right to Information
inherently biased towards the Centre. Despite this, Indian (RTI).
Constitution provides healthy space to ensure state’s The states in India have taken up Social Audits of
autonomy through Article 246. Thus, centre must act various programs/schemes such as MGNREGS,
responsibly without impeding state’s powers and Pradhan Mantri Awaas Yojana (PMAY), Mid-Day
maintain harmonious relations between centre and Meal Scheme (MDM), Integrated Child
states. Such a step will ensure balance of power as Development Services (ICDS) and Public
provided under the Seventh Schedule of the Indian Distribution System (PDS).
Constitution which forms one of the basic features of
ORIGIN OF SOCIAL AUDIT IN INDIA
Indian Constitution.
The concept gained significance after the 73rd
Amendment of the Constitution.
SOCIAL AUDIT National Rural Employment Guarantee Act, 2005
#Governance provides for regular Social Audits so as to ensure
transparency and accountability in the scheme. The
State Government shall identify or establish, under the
Lieutenant-Governor of Delhi has raised the issue of the NREGS, an independent organization, Social Audit Unit
Delhi government’s 10-year delay in framing rules for (SAU), at the state level, to facilitate the conduct of
conducting a social audit into the functioning of the public social audit by Gram Sabha.
Implementation of RBD Act is vested with State Authentication process though not mandatory, aims to
Governments. promote ease of living and better access to services
based on the Aadhaar Authentication for Good
Registration of births and deaths is done by
Governance (Social Welfare, Innovation, Knowledge)
functionaries appointed by State Governments.
Rules 2020.
Directorate of Census Operations are sub-ordinate
AADHAAR AUTHENTICATION FOR GOOD GOVERNANCE
offices of Office of Registrar General, India and
(SOCIAL WELFARE, INNOVATION, KNOWLEDGE) RULES
these offices are responsible of monitoring of the Act
2020
in their concerned State/UT.
The Rules has been made by the Central Government,
Under Section 3(3) of the Registration of Births and
in consultation with Unique Identification Authority of
Deaths Act, 1969, the Registrar-General may issue
India under the Aadhaar (Targeted Delivery of
general directions regarding registration of births and
Financial and Other Subsidies, Benefits and Services)
deaths in the territories to which this Act extends and
Act, 2016.
shall take steps to co-ordinate and unify the activities
of Chief Registrars in the matter of registration of As per the Rules, Central Government may allow
births and deaths and submit to the Central Aadhaar authentication by requesting entities in the
Government an annual report on the working of this interest of good governance, preventing leakage of
Act in the said territories. public funds, promoting ease of living of residents and
enabling better access to services for them, for the
Under Section 7(1) of the Registration of Births and
following purposes, namely: –
Deaths Act, 1969, State Government may appoint a
Registrar for each local area comprising the area (a) usage of digital platforms to ensure good
within the jurisdiction of a municipality, panchayat or governance.
other local authority or any other area or a (b) prevention of dissipation of social welfare
combination of any two or more of them. The State benefits; and
Government may also appoint in the case of a (c) enablement of innovation and the spread of
municipality, panchayat, or other local authority, any knowledge.
officer or other employee thereof as a Registrar.
The rules however provided that Aadhaar
WHAT CHANGES HAVE BEEN ALLOWED TO FACILITATE authentication shall be on a voluntary basis.
AADHAAR AUTHENTICATION?
The Ministry or States desirous of utilising Aadhaar
According to the gazette notification, the Registrar authentication shall prepare a proposal to justify such
appointed under Section 7(1) of the Registration of authentication and submit it to the Centre for making
Births and Deaths Act, 1969 shall be allowed to a reference to the Unique Identification Authority of
perform Yes or No Aadhaar authentication, on India (UIDAI).
voluntary basis, for verification of Aadhaar number
CHANGES PROPOSED IN AADHAAR AUTHENTICATION
being collected along with other details as sought in
FOR GOOD GOVERNANCE RULES IN APRIL 2023
the reporting forms of births or deaths.
Based on the amendment, any entity other than a
The purpose of the authentication is to establish the
Government Ministry or Department that desires to
identity of child, parent and the informant in case of
use Aadhaar authentication for the purpose of
According to the Ministry of Electronics and o enforce the rule of law online
Information Technology, the proposed Digital India law WAY FORWARD
should evolve through rules that can be updated, and The proposed Digital India Bill should not only provide a
address the tenets of Digital India which includes: global standard cyber law to act as a catalyst and enabler
o Open Internet for $1 trillion digital economy but should also ensure that
o Online Safety and Trust the digital space is not misused. Hence, the proposed law
should also protect citizens’ rights and address emerging
o Accountability and Quality of Service
technological risks including technological disruptions.
practice questions
MCQs
Q.1) Which of the following statements is/are Q.3) Consider the following statements about
correct regarding the Ordinances under Registration of Births and Deaths in India:
Indian Constitution: 1. The Registrar General of India is the nodal
1. While President has power to issue ordinances, agency for registration of births and deaths in
Governors do not have this power. India.
2. President can issue Ordinances even when one 2. Aadhar authentication is mandatory for
of the houses of Parliament is not in session. registration of births and deaths in India.
3. Ordinance can lapse if even a single house of Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
Parliament passes a resolution disapproving it. (a) 1 only (b) 2 only
How many of the statements given above is/are (c) Both 1 and 2 (d) Neither 1 nor 2
correct?
(a) Only one (b) Only two Q.4) Prakash Singh Judgement is a famous case
(c) Only three (d) None which deals with, which of the following:
(a) Civil Service Reforms
Q.2) Which of the following states have enacted a (b) Police Reforms
comprehensive legislation on Social Audit? (c) Medical Education Reforms
(a) Rajasthan (b) Kerala (d) Higher Education Reforms
(c) Meghalaya (d) Jammu & Kashmir
Q.5) Consider the following statements:
Descriptive Questions
Q1. What is a social audit and how does it empower local communities? Also, highlight how can we make the
instrument of social audit more effective?
Q2. Ordinance has been kept to be used sparingly in the event of emergency. In this respect, highlight what effect the
over-reliance on the ordinance route has on democratic functioning? Also highlight important Supreme Court
judgements in this regard.
HISTORIC PARTNERSHIP The two sides are also pursuing closer cooperation in
green energy, pharmaceuticals and defence, with
India & Egypt signed a Friendship Treaty in 1955, and
MoUs in agriculture, archaeology and antiquities,
India’s support to Egypt, including during the Suez
and competition law.
Canal crisis in 1956, eventually led to the Non-Aligned
Movement in 1961, with both as founder members. Leaders identified green and renewable
collaboration will be an important part of future
They were also instrumental in the G-77 grouping and
partnership because of the importance the two sides
“South-South Cooperation” initiatives
attach to clean energy.
During the Cold War, India and Egypt were united
Prime Minister also interacted with leaders of Bohra
over their desire not to become “camp followers” of
community, who are actively involved in the upkeep
either the U.S. or the Soviet Union
of this Fatimid era Shi’a Mosque and highlighted the
RECENT INTERACTIONS strong people to people ties between India and
In the recent times their positions on the Ukraine Egypt.
war have been extremely similar — refusing to Egypt and expansion of BRICS: As BRICS countries
criticise Russia’s actions but not condoning them are exploring the possibility of expansion of BRICS,
either and calling for a diplomatic resolution.
Egypt wants to be a part of the BRICS grouping. India transmitted by regional influencers including Qatar
is also favouring the entry of Egypt into BRICS as it and Turkey.
wants to balance Pakistan, whose candidature to India’s engagement with Egypt can become part of an
BRICS is being backed by China. As all decision making energetic but pragmatic exercise to limit Chinese
in BRICS is based on consensus, India will have to influence as China’s bilateral trade with Egypt is
eventually convince other BRICS member countries currently at USD 15 billion, double that of India’s USD
over the candidature of Egypt. 7.26 billion in 2021-22 plus Sisi has also been wooing
Indian investment in Egypt: India has been pushing Chinese investments and has visited China seven
Egypt for a special economic zone for Indian times in the past eight years.
companies along the Suez Canal. This will give Indian Egypt is a major market for India and can act as a
companies geographical footprint to access the larger gateway to both Europe and Africa. It is also important
markets of West Asia, North Africa and Southern to increase India’s influence is increasing in the Middle
European markets. East and the Indian Ocean Region.
India Unit of Egypt Cabinet: President El Sisi has Boosting India’s image as a champion of Global
formed an ‘India Unit’ of Egypt cabinet comprising of South: India has invited Egypt as ‘guest country’ for
seven cabinet ministers and headed by Prime Minister the G20 Summit in September in India. Given
of Egypt. India Unit reflects ‘whole of government
Defence trade & cooperation: India sees Egypt as a
approach’ of Egypt to take forward bilateral relations
major market for defence exports to boost its
with India and explore cooperation in new areas.
domestic defence industry. Egypt has already shown
IMPORTANCE OF EGYPT FOR INDIA interest in Tejas Light Combat Aircraft and Akash
Egypt is the most populous country in West Asia. missile systems.
Locational advantage of Egypt: Egypt has shown a pragmatic policy by responding in
Egypt occupies a crucial geo-strategic location on cautious manner to Pakistan’s aggressive campaign on
international trade map as it hosts Suez Canal which Jammu & Kashmir in the Organisation of Islamic
connects Red Sea with Mediterranean and Europe. Cooperation.
About 12% of global trade passes through the Suez Moral leadership of Egypt in Islamic World: Egypt
Canal. holds a moral leadership of Islamic World as the seat
Egypt connects Asia with North Africa and shares of Al-Azhar Mosque, which is oldest and most
boundary with Gaza strip part of Palestine. This makes respected seat of Islamic learning in the West Africa. In
Egypt important player in the politics of Arab Nations this respect, India has decided to set up a Centre of
backing Palestine in the long-standing Israel-Palestine Excellence in IT at the Dar-al-Ifta.
conflict. NORTH-AFRICA IN INDIA’S FOREIGN POLICY MATRIX
Good relations with Egypt can help India to have Gateway to African continent: Countries such as
larger access to North-African and West Asian Morocco & Algeria become geographical gateways to
markets. In this respect, India has been wanting other parts of Africa. This is especially relevant for
Countering global terrorism: With Al Azhar Mosque India given its desire to penetrate Francophone Africa
and university revered across the Muslim world, a Connectivity to Europe: North African nations are
voice of moderation emerging from Cairo to counter also important for Europe which provides many
the millenarian ideas of global Jihad, espoused opportunities for India to collaborate with the
prominently by Al Qaeda and Islamic State terror European Union (EU) on issues such as terrorism,
groups, can play a major role in the battle of migration, and climate change amongst others.
narratives. Diplomatic Support: India looks forward to
Egypt under El- Sisi is totally opposed to Muslim generating employment, develop the youth, advance
Brotherhood (MB), making India Cairo’s natural agricultural technology, and combat issues such as
partner in countering the MB ideology which is being climate change and terrorism, amongst others.
Specifically with the North African nations, India also
aims to garner support for its bid to gain a permanent to trade, defence, and counterterrorism amongst others.
seat at the United Nations Security Council. In the long run, this region will become an important
Critical Imports: Many of the North African Nations gateway to India’s global power ambitions and its
are trade partners of India with commodities such as presence in Africa, and it would do well to increase its
petroleum, machinery, electrical appliances, medical activities here.
goods, and many others often being exported and
imported between the nations. Of these is phosphate
which is used for agricultural purposes to enrich soil is
PM MODI STATE VISIT TO
a key import from the region. Indeed, Algeria, Tunisia,
and Morocco account for almost 50 percent of
US
India’s total imports of phosphates resulting in trade #Indo-USrelations #Bilateralrelations
deficits occurring in some of the bilateral exchanges.
Traditional and Non-Traditional Security: The
second aspect is defence and counter terrorism.
India & US share multifaceted Comprehensive Global
India’s defence relations with nations in North Africa
Strategic Partnership which is characterized by:
are staggered with Egypt, however recently India also
Regular Bilateral visits: The political connect at the
upgraded its relationship with Algeria in 2021 having
leadership level, a high level of and very intense level of
conducted its maiden maritime partnership off the
political exchanges has been one of the key features of
Algerian coast in the Mediterranean a sign of India’s
relationship between Indian and the USA
growing interest in growing its maritime prowess as
well. Burgeoning Economic partnership: The second key
component, which has been a very strong pillar of
Diplomatic Aid: India has long boosted its image in
relationship has been strong trade and investment
the North African nations by providing medical,
partnership. If one looks at the quantum of bilateral
financial, and agricultural aid such as when it donated
trade, touching close to $200 billion, or the strong flow of
more than a million dollar to Libya to help stabilise the
capital on both sides.
nation after the fall of Colonel Gaddafi in 2010.
Further recently India’s “Vaccine Maitri” programme Technology Cooperation: The technology component
meant to distribute vaccines for COVID-19 also and technology component interfaces in the telecom
included North African nations. area, in the space area, in the manufacturing domain.
Along with it a lot of triangulation of technology,
Vibrant Diaspora: Indian workers in nations like Libya
manufacturing and investment can be identified as the
are well regarded due to their role as skilled medical
next pillar of strong ties between India and US.
professionals. In addition, India has also
provided educational scholarships to citizens of the Strong Diaspora connect: Another key component,
North African nations who often come to India to take always a very vibrant, robust and dynamic component of
advantage of the affordable living costs amongst other relationship and a strong driver of the relationship is also
things the Diaspora and interface with Diaspora.
Soft-Power Matrix: Many of the North African nations India has close to 5 million strong Indian Diaspora in the
also have a long love affair with Bollywood, making it US, which contributes enormously and very richly to the
one of India’s most powerful soft power exports apart growth, the substance and the strength of the
from aid for the region. Thus, North African nations relationship.
have even made documentaries on Bollywood due to Emerging Areas of cooperation: There is deepening of
the wide penetration of Hindi movies in the nation. partnership, skilling and mobility as the whole new
CONCLUSION domain of renewable energy, health, environment and
green partnership which has emerged as the new area
India’s engagement with North African nations is historic,
of cooperation.
but still not as immense as other nations such as UAE
and Saudi Arabia. There exists immense potential for During the recent official state visit of PM Modi to US, the
India to ramp up its presence in North Africa pertaining two leaders have reiterated the recent visit and
concluded agreements as a ‘new stage’ in the India US The U.S. also announced a pilot programme to
relationship. renew visas domestically which means that
India and the U.S. announced several agreements on applicants do not have to travel outside the U.S. to get
defence cooperation, critical and emerging their renewal stamps for certain petition-based
technologies, health, environment, visas and space temporary workers.
including a deal which could pave the way for an o This programme could expand to cover H1B and
unprecedented transfer of jet engine technology. L-1 skilled visas by 2024 and to other categories
The leaders also highlighted that both countries share eventually.
democratic values, while addressing a gathering of o The U.S also announced that it will also open two
officials and thousands of members of the Indian new consulates in Bengaluru and Ahmedabad to
American diaspora. further give boost to people-to-people relationship.
In the field of defence partnership in a recent move INDIAN PM ADDRESSES US CONGRESS
General Electric and Hindustan Aeronautics Indian Prime Minister also addressed a Joint Sitting of
Limited has signed a big-ticket MoU to jointly the US Congress and spoke about the rapid strides
produce GE 414 jet engines in India for the Tejas Mk2 made in India-US bilateral relations and shared his
light combat aircraft. This comes as significant vision for elevating bilateral ties.
development as the US has been able to overcome
o PM also outlined the enormous progress made by
bureaucratic roadblocks.
India and the opportunities that it presents for the
The Defence Ministries of the two countries also world.
launched the inaugural session of an innovation
o Prime Minister also conveyed his appreciation for
platform INDUS-X which was organised by the U.S.
the long-standing and strong bipartisan support in
India Business Council, to foster defence industrial
the US Congress for the deepening of India-US
collaboration.
relations.
In space cooperation, India is signing on to a
Indian PM also attended the event, "India and USA:
framework of 25 countries for space exploration
Skilling for Future”
and cooperation. The two countries have agreed on a
mission to the International Space Station in 2024. The event focused on workforce redevelopment
across higher education institutions to expand and
o The leaders appreciated the rapid progress made
enhance access to quality education across society.
through initiatives such as the Critical and
Emerging Technologies(iCET) and the keen desire Indian Prime Minister presented 5-point proposals for
to elevate strategic technology collaborations to energising India-USA collaboration in education and
build resilient supply chains. They welcomed the research sector, as follows:
deepening cooperation in critical minerals and o Integrated approach bringing together
space sectors. government, industry and academia.
The big private sector deals coinciding with the visit o Encouraging exchange of
was U.S. semiconductor and chip maker Micron Teachers & Students.
Technology, Inc’s announcement that it would invest o Organising Hackathons on
up to $825 million in a new chip assembly and test various subjects between the
facility in Gujarat, which would be bolstered by two countries.
investment from the Indian and Gujarat governments,
o Mutual recognition of
totalling $2.75 billion.
vocational skills qualifications.
The leaders reiterated their commitment to
o Encouraging visits of people
combating climate change and achieving a
associated with education and
sustainable future and discussed ways to promote
research.
clean and renewable energy and collaborate on
climate initiatives.
The fact that both sides avoided controversial issues and However, some of the cobwebs of history need to be
public disagreements went a long way in keeping the cleared so that discussions can take place in an objective
focus on economic ties and ensuring that the Prachanda manner that addresses the concerns of both countries.
visit was successful. CONCLUSION
However, there are still some new irritants and legacy The two leaders in the recent visit have kept their focus
issues that the two sides face and where there is a need on developmental agenda rather than digressing on
for resolution contentious issues.
1. The latest issue is the Agnipath scheme that impacts The “HIT” suggested by The Indian
the recruitment of Gurkha soldiers into the Indian PM is the long way to go between the
Army’s Gurkha regiments, a practice that began in two countries such that civilizational
1816 by the British Indian Army. This was continued ties between the countries can be
under a 1947 treaty based on ‘equal treatment’. The further strengthened, with Nepal
Agnipath revision of the terms needs to be discussed focusing on the socio- economical
between the two armies and the defence and finance and developmental needs while at
officials concerned. the same time India keeping its geo-
2. The second is the Kalapani boundary issue that was political and geo-security issues in check.
deliberately stoked as a nationalist cause by Mr. Oli in
2020, when his position as Prime Minister was under
threat. A constitutional amendment was pushed UNESCO
through and Nepal’s map changed unilaterally.
Resolving this will need time because a lasting
#InternationalOrganizations
solution will need political wisdom and
understanding.
3. The legacy issue is the India–Nepal Treaty of Peace
UN cultural and scientific agency UNESCO announced that
and Friendship of 1950. In Nepal, conviction has
the United States is planning to re-join and pay more than
taken root that the Treaty is unfair as it was imposed
$600mn in back dues after a decade long dispute sparked
somehow.
by the organisations move to include Palestine as a member.
o This ignores the reality that in 1949, the Nepali
The decision was motivated by the concern that China is
regime was perturbed by the Maoist revolution in
filling the gap left by US in UNESCO policy making
China and the subsequent takeover of Tibet. It
The US and Israel have stopped funding UNESCO after it
needs to be understood that the Treaty enables
voted to include Palestine as a member state in 2011 and
Nepali nationals ‘equal treatment’ in terms of
Trump administration in 2017 decided to withdraw citing
employment and permits them to apply for any
Anti-Israel bias and management issues . Before leaving the
government job, except for the Indian Foreign
US contributed 22% of the total funding to UNESCO.
Service, the Indian Administrative Service and the
Indian Police Service. HISTORY
o Nepali nationals work in the Indian private and As early as 1942, in wartime, the governments of the
public sector, have joined the revenue services, and European countries, which were confronting Nazi
in the Army, have risen to become two-star Germany and its allies, met in the United Kingdom for
generals. the Conference of Allied Ministers of Education (CAME).
World War II was far from over, yet those countries were
o The demand to review the Treaty was officially
looking for ways and means to rebuild their education
raised first in 1995; in 1996, it was on the agenda of
systems once peace was restored.
the Foreign Secretary’s meeting. Subsequent
summits have included a reference to ‘review and Upon the proposal of CAME, a United Nations
update’ it, but substantive talks have not taken Conference for the establishment of an educational and
place. cultural organization (ECO/CONF) was convened in
London in November 1945.
There are 40 UNESCO World Heritage Sites in India GLOBAL COMPACT ON REFUGEES
which belongs to cultural, natural and mixed slides. Establishes a framework aimed at achieving more
predictable and fair burden-sharing, acknowledging
globe. It is an occasion to build empathy and understanding organizations, and other relevant stakeholders,
for their plight and to recognize their resilience in rebuilding outlining strategies to ensure that host
This inclusive two-year process culminated in the o Refugees are also entitled to identity and travel
recognition and endorsement of the Global Compact documents
on Refugees by UN Member States in December o The Convention requires contracting states to
2018. establish a central authority for assessing
UN CONVENTION ON REFUGEES refugee status applications and ensuring
Adopted in 1951 and in force since 1954, is an procedural safeguards.
international treaty that focuses on global refugee o The United Nations High Commissioner for
protection. It is also known as the Geneva Refugees (UNHCR) plays a key role in supporting
Convention. countries in implementing these procedures and
It has been supplemented by the 1967 Protocol. serves as the guardian of the Convention and its
Protocol.
The Convention originated from efforts by the League
of Nations following World War I and was expanded o While 149 countries are parties to either the 1951
in response to the increased displacement of people Convention or the 1967 Protocol, India has not
after World War II. signed or ratified either of them.
Initially, the 1951 Convention was limited to SEVERAL REASONS FOR NON-RATIFICATION BY INDIA
individuals fleeing events occurring before January 1, Security Concerns: India shares porous borders with
1951, and within Europe. However, the 1967 Protocol neighbouring countries, and conflicts or unrest in the
removed these temporal and geographical region can lead to large-scale displacement of people.
limitations, making the Convention universally The potential influx of refugees could disrupt the
applicable. delicate regional demography.
It is a legally binding document that clarifies the Existing Refugee Population: India already hosts a
definition of a refugee and outlines the rights, significant number of refugees, including Tibetans, Sri
assistance, and legal protection they are entitled to Lankan Tamils, Rohingya Muslims and populations
receive. from African countries.
According to the Convention, “a refugee is defined as Sovereignty and International Scrutiny: Joining the
a person who is outside their country of nationality or Convention would subject India to international
habitual residence, has a well-founded fear of scrutiny of its internal security, political stability, and
persecution based on race, religion, nationality, international relations.
membership in a particular social group, or political Past Experiences and Distrust: During the
opinion, and is unable or unwilling to seek protection Bangladesh Liberation War in 1971, India faced a
from their own country”. massive influx of refugees without substantial
The Convention excludes certain categories of international support or financial aid. This has led to
individuals, such as war criminals, from qualifying for scepticism about the effectiveness of the United
refugee status. Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR).
Rights: Narrow Definition of Refugee: The Convention's
o The rights of refugees under the Convention definition of a refugee may not align with India's
include protection against refoulement (return perspective on refugee issues. For example, the
to a country where their life or freedom would Convention does not include economic deprivation as
be at risk), the right to not be punished for illegal an eligibility criterion for refugee status.
entry into a contracting state, access to work, INDIA’S POLICY ON REFUGEES
housing, education, public relief, and assistance, India's approach to refugees is characterized by the
freedom of religion, access to courts, and freedom absence of specific legislation to address their
of movement within the territory. challenges, despite the increasing number of arrivals.
The emphasis should be shifted from kinetic military It is crucial to prioritize the strengthening of
actions, such as aggressive cordon and search intelligence agencies to effectively identify and
operations, to intelligence-based operations. apprehend informants, overground workers, and
underground operatives.
PRELIMS POINTERS
ASIAN DEVELOPMENT
DUTY FREE QUOTA FREE
BANK (ADB)
Asian Development Bank has launched its 2023-27 country SCHEME
partnership strategy for India, pledging to focus on According to a report by the LDC Group at the World Trade
accelerating structural transformation and job creation, Organisation (WTO), approximately 85% of the products that
promoting climate-resilient growth, and deepening social India offers at zero tariff to the least developed countries
and economic inclusiveness. (LDCs) under the duty-free quota-free (DFQF) scheme are not
within South Asia. The DFQF scheme is a part of the World Trade
ABOUT ASIAN DEVELOPMENT BANK Organization's (WTO) efforts to promote trade
liberalization and development. It is primarily
ADB a regional development bank established in
targeted at helping least developed countries
1996 with headquarters at Mandaluyong,
(LDCs) by removing tariff barriers and import quotas
Philippines.
that could hinder their ability to export goods to
It envisions a prosperous, inclusive, resilient, and developed countries.
sustainable Asia-Pacific, while sustaining its efforts to
The scheme typically covers a broad range of
eradicate extreme poverty in the region.
products, including agricultural goods, textiles,
It assists its members, and partners, by providing garments, and manufactured items.
loans, technical assistance, grants, and equity
The decision to provide Duty Free Quota Free (DFQF)
investments to promote social and economic
access for Least Developed Countries (LDCs) was an
development.
outcome of the WTO Hong Kong Ministerial
It has 68 members, 49 are from Asia and the Pacific Meeting, held in December 2005.
and 19 outside.
India became the first developing country to
Japan and United States each holds the largest extend this facility to Least Developed Countries
proportion of shares at 15.571%, China holds (LDCs).
6.429%, India holds 6.317%, and Australia holds
5.773%.
CHASHMA NUCLEAR
PLANT
CONTEXT
practice questions
MCQS
Q.1. With reference to Asian Development Bank (c) Both 1 and 2 (d) Neither 1 nor 2
(ADB), consider the following statements:
1. India and China are the largest shareholders in Q.3. Chashma Nuclear Power Plant, was recently in
ADB. news, is situated in which of the following
2. It has launched Country Partnership Strategy for countries?
Least Developed Countries (LDCs). (a) India (b) Afghanistan
3. It does not have any members from outside Asia. (c) Pakistan (d) Nepal
How many of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) Only one (b) Only two Q4. Consider the following statements:
(c) All three (d) None 1. Economic deprivation resulting in forced
displacement can be considered an eligibility
Q.2. With reference to the Duty-Free Quota Free criterion for refugee status under the Geneva
(DFQF) Scheme, consider the following Convention of 1951.
statements: 2. The 1967 Protocol to the Geneva Convention of
1. It is part of World Trade Organization’s (WTO) effort 1951 expanded the scope of the definition of
to promote economic development in Least refugees by removing temporal and geographical
Developed Countries. limitations.
2. India became the first developing country to extend Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
this facility to Least Developed Countries (LDCs). (a) 1 only (b) 2 only
Which of the statements given above is/are correct? (c) Both 1 and 2 (d) Neither 1 nor 2
(a) 1 only (b) 2 only
Descriptive Questions
Q1. Discuss India’s refugee policy in the context of its geopolitical challenges and humanitarian obligations.
Q2. Analyze the importance of North Africa in Indian Foreign Policy Matrix.
INSTITUTIONS Innovation
Overall
#Education
ISSUES ASSOCIATED WITH NIRF RANKING
Majority of Higher Educational Institutions not
National Institutional Ranking Framework (NIRF) recently captured: According to Ministry of Education, 5,543
released the India Rankings for 2023. Notwithstanding some institutions offered themselves for ranking under
of the criticisms on the methodology adopted and the overall, category-specific or domain-specific ranking.
parameters chosen by the Ministry of Education, a scrutiny However, this number is only small fraction (12.3%) of
of the 2023 edition as well as some of the available data on the total number of higher educational institutions in
higher education raises some important issues warranting operation in India. Thus, NIRF rankings are not
policy attention. captured for vast majority of higher educational
ABOUT NATIONAL INSTITUTIONAL RANKING institutions in India.
FRAMEWORK (NIRF) Educational institutions in rural areas not
This framework outlines a methodology to rank represented: Higher educational institutions from
institutions across the country since 2016. rural areas have scant representation in the NIRF
The methodology draws from the overall rankings. The lack of participation of institutions from
recommendations and broad understanding arrived rural areas raises questions on the inherent urban
at by a Core Committee set up by MHRD, to identify bias of the ranking framework, reinforced by choice of
the broad parameters for ranking various universities parameters.
and institutions. Regional bias: Of the top 100 colleges ranked by
PARAMETERS ON WHICH NIRF RANKINGS ARE NIRF, 35 are from Tamil Nadu, 32 are from Delhi, 14
COMPUTED are from Kerala, and the remaining are from the rest
of India. According to AISHE, Uttar Pradesh has the
Teaching, Learning & Resources (TLR)
highest number of colleges in the country, followed
Research and Professional Practice (RP)
by Maharashtra and Karnataka. The list of top 100
Graduation Outcomes (GO) colleges does not feature a single college from U.P. It
Outreach and Inclusivity (OI) features three colleges from Maharashtra and two
Peer Perception from Karnataka.
NIRF RANKS DIFFERENT EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTES IN Close correlation between faculty strength and
THE FOLLOWING 13 CATEGORIES rankings: The average number of faculty in the top
100 universities is 645, while for the remaining
Engineering
universities, it is only 242. Quality education cannot
Management
be provided by brick and mortar alone. This means
Pharmacy that 12.3% of institutions that have participated in the
Law ranking contribute close to 90% of scholarly output in
Medical the country. The rankings underscore the urgent need
for quality enhancement in the higher education
Dental
system.
Architecture and planning
Agriculture and allied sectors
CITY INVESTMENTS TO
(c) facilitate climate-data-driven planning, develop
climate action plans
"Denotified". A few of these communities which were decisions pertaining to their domestic and social life
listed as de-notified were also nomadic. ore negotiated in their Kulpanchayat (Caste Councils).
A National Commission for De-notified, Nomadic and The panchayat comprises of the village elders. Their
Semi-Nomadic Tribes (NCDNT) was constituted in laws (unwritten) ore respected and obeyed by
2006 by the then government. It was headed by everyone. Any violation of these conventions is dealt
Balkrishna Sidram Renke and submitted its report with seriously.
in June 2008. Being subdued in the social stratum, they were never
Renke commission estimated their population at treated with dignity. Likewise, their languages too
around 10.74 crore based on Census 2001. A new were not recognized. Every subgroup of these
Commission (Idate Commission) constituted in communities has its own distinct language for intro-
February 2014 to prepare a state-wise list, which group communication.
submitted its report on January 8, 2018, identified DNTs and NTs show great pride in their past. They try
1,262 communities as de-notified, nomadic and semi- to survive on traditional patterns of livelihood. They
nomadic. have been into supply of goods and services to
Not all these tribes are categorised under SC, ST and people in villages and towns, some were pastoral
OBC. The standing committee report in Parliament nomads while others were involved in a variety of
has cited that 269 DNT communities are not covered occupations like entertaining people, fortune telling
under any reserved categories. and practice of crafts.
ISSUES / CHALLENGES FACED BY DENOTIFIED TRIBES Nomadic communities have been forced to adopt
new means of livelihood abandoning their traditional
Though the notified communities were often
occupations. Most of them become daily wage
described as "Criminal Tribes", they were often
labourers; some migrated to cities like Delhi in search
treated as castes in traditional rural society. There
of work. Communities with traditional occupations of
were restrictions placed on marriage, access to village
singing and playing instruments got opportunities to
facilities and dining. While there are significant
work in hotels and cafes in tourist places. But the fight
overlaps with the Scheduled Castes or Scheduled
for livelihood, land and shelter is common across all
Tribes, these communities ore often treated
nomadic communities.
differently by police and other authorities when it
comes to crime. Behrupia, Banjara, Sapera, Van Gujjar and Birhors are
some of the commonly known Denotified, Nomadic
Despite 65 years elapsing since the repeal of the
and Semi-nomadic communities.
colonial era Criminal Tribes Act, the authorities still
view many of these communities with suspicion. SCHEMES FOR DENOTIFIED TRIBES
ln independent India, despite attempts by previous Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment is
governments to provide them with some avenues of implementing the following schemes for the welfare
growth and development by placing them in the same of the DNTs.
category as scheduled tribes, schedule castes and Dr. Ambedkar Pre-Matric and Post-Matric
other backward communities, it has been incomplete Scholarship for DNTs: This Centrally Sponsored
at best and inadequate at worst. Scheme was launched for the welfare of those DNT
They remain, in most cases, firmly placed of the students who are not covered under SC, ST or OBC.
lowest rung of the social hierarchy, often forcing the Nanaji Deshmukh Scheme of Construction of
prejudices thot were created during colonial rule. Hostels for DNT Boys and Girls: This Centrally
FEATURES OF DENOTIFIED TRIBES Sponsored Scheme is implemented through State
Governments/ UT Administrations/ Central
As is the case with most of the communities in India,
Universities. The aim of the scheme is to provide
large majority of De-notified and nomadic
hostel facilities to those DNT students; who are not
communities ore primarily patriarchal.
covered under SC, ST or OBC; to enable them to
De-notified, nomadic and semi-nomadic communities
pursue higher education.
hove o very strong caste or tribal panchayat. The
From the year 2017-18, the scheme "Assistance to Against AFSPA: The Meira Paibi women were the
Voluntary Organization working for the Welfare of active support base of Irom Sharmila, the activist
Other Backward Classes (OBCs)" has been who remained on a hunger strike in the state from
extended for DNTs and EBCs as "Central Sector 2000 to 2016 to protest against the Armed Forces
Scheme of Assistance for Skill Development of Special Powers Act (AFSPA).
Backward Classes (OBCs)/ De-notified, Nomadic and Over demands for ILP: In 2015, the state saw
Semi-Nomadic Tribes (DNTs)/ Economic Backward tensions over demands for the Inner Line Permit (ILP)
Classes (EBCs). system to be introduced there, requiring outsiders to
obtain a permit to enter. Protesters contended that
It is an annual report highlights the current state and India was ranked 135 in 2022 and has since improved
evolution of gender parity. by 1.4 percentage points, indicating a partial recovery
It was first introduced by the World Economic Forum towards its 2020 parity level.
in 2006. The report highlights that India has closed 64.3% of
It is the longest-standing index tracking the progress the overall gender gap. However, India has only
of numerous countries’ efforts towards closing these reached 36.7% parity in economic participation and
gaps. opportunity.
Elements of the Global Gender Gap Index Framework India has achieved parity in enrolment across all
levels of education.
KEY FINDINGS OF THE GLOBAL GENDER INDEX 2023
REPORT In India, while there has been an improvement in
parity in wages and income, the representation of
According to the WEF no country has yet achieved full
women in senior positions and technical roles has
gender parity.
slightly decreased since the last edition.
For the 14th year running, Iceland (91.2%) takes the
India has a 25.3% parity in political empowerment,
top position. It also continues to be the only country with women comprising 15.1% of MPs.
to have closed more than 90% of its gender gap.
Among 117 countries with available data since 2017,
For the 146 countries, the Health and Survival gender 18 countries, including Bolivia (50.4%), India (44.4%),
gap has closed by 96%, the Educational Attainment and France (42.3%), have achieved women's
gap by 95.2%, Economic Participation and representation of over 40% in local governance.
Opportunity gap by 60.1%, and Political In India, a 1.9 percentage point improvement in the
Empowerment gap by 22.1%. sex ratio at birth has contributed to increased parity
The current rate of progress from 2006 to 2023 after more than a decade.
suggests that it will take considerable time to close Compared to top-scoring countries with 94.4% gender
the gender gaps. parity at birth, India's indicator stands at 92.7%.
The Political Empowerment gender gap is projected to Overall, the Southern Asian region has achieved
take 162 years to close, while the Economic 63.4% gender parity, which is the second lowest
Participation and Opportunity gender gap is among the eight regions.
estimated to require 169 years.
On the other hand, the Educational Attainment
gender gap is expected to be resolved within 16
CHILDLINE MERGED WITH
years. However, the time needed to close the Health 112 IN NINE STATES
and Survival gender gap remains uncertain.
Achieving gender parity in the labour market
#Children #Vulnerable Section
continues to pose a significant challenge. Notably,
women's participation in the global labour market has Recently, Ministry of Women and Child Development (WCD)
declined in recent years, and there are substantial has decided to do away with NGOs collaborating to run the
disparities between men and women in various successful Childline emergency counselling and Distress
aspects of economic opportunity. Helpline for Children, established in 1995.
Despite women globally returning to the labour force ISSUES WITH THE EXISTING SYSTEM OF CHILDLINE
at higher rates than men, resulting in a slight Childline India Foundation (CIF) has been rendering
improvement in gender parity in labour force Childline services in 568 districts, 135 railway stations
participation since the 2022, significant gaps persist in and 11 bus stands through its network of over 1,000
multiple dimensions (like leadership roles). units.
STATUS OF SOUTH ASIA & INDIA IN THE GLOBAL CIF’s response time to children’s distress calls is about
GENDER INDEX 60 minutes.
The current system, however, lacks interoperability All 1098 calls will land at the WCD Control Room in the
with other services, including Police, Fire and respective States and Union Territories, and
Ambulance services, which leads to loss of precious emergency calls would be forwarded to the ERSS 112.
time in distress situations.
CIF network covered only 568 districts, leaving almost
200 districts without Childline coverage. VAIBHAV FELLOWSHIP
Hence, Government is likely to stop funding trust
linked to 1098, Earlier, WCD Ministry, under the
PROGRAMS
erstwhile Child Protection Services scheme, was #Education
supporting the 24x7 helpline through the Childline
India Foundation (CIF) and its partner NGOs.
Recently the Government of India has launched a new
NEW PROPOSAL OF MERGER OF CHILDLINE WITH 112
fellowship programme to connect the Indian STEMM
The merger is a part of the broader ‘One Nation One
diaspora with Indian academic and R&D institutions for
Helpline’ initiative.
collaborative research work leading to sharing of
In the first phase, the Ministry plans to merge the knowledge, wisdom, and best practices in the frontier areas
Childline 1098 service with the Emergency Response of science & technology.
Support System (ERSS) number 112 by the end of June
ABOUT VAISHVIK BHARTIYA VAIGYANIK (VAIBHAV)
in nine States and Union Territories — Andhra
Vaishvik Bhartiya Vaigyanik (VAIBHAV) fellowships
Pradesh, Arunachal Pradesh, Bihar, Gujarat, Goa,
program is to be implemented by Department of
Mizoram, Ladakh, Puducherry, and Dadra and Nagar
Science and Technology (DST).
Haveli and Daman and Diu. Other States and Union
Territories will follow in a phased manner. Ministry of Science and Technology would be award
to outstanding scientists/technologists of Indian
States have to ensure a dedicated 24x7 WCD (Women
origin (NRI/OCI/PIO) who are engaged in research
and Child Development) Control Room to be
activities in their respective countries.
integrated with the ERSS 112.
The fellowship programme launched as a step to
At the district level, a Child Help Line (CHL) would be
further those efforts by shaping and implementing
available round the clock at the District Child
Protection Unit (DCPU) to link children in crises to VAIBHAV programme, envisages collaboration
between scientists of the Indian Diaspora with Indian
emergency as well as long-term care and
Higher Educational Institutions (HEIs), Universities,
rehabilitation services.
and/ or public funded Scientific Institutions.
Help desks or kiosks or booths will be maintained for
VAIBHAV Fellow would identify an Indian Institution
children in distress at select railway stations and bus
for collaboration and may spend up to two months in
stands.
a year for a maximum of 3 years.
The Ministry has made the Kerala-based Centre for
The fellowship would include a fellowship grant (INR
Development of Advanced Computing (C-DAC) the
4,00,000 per month), international and domestic
‘total solution provider’ for the automation and
travel, accommodation and contingencies.
integration of Childline 1098 with ERSS 112.
VAIBHAV fellows are expected to collaborate with
“Incoming 1098 calls will be classified as ‘emergency
their Indian counterparts and help initiate research
calls’, ‘non-emergency calls’, and ‘information calls’.
activities in the host institution in the cutting-edge
All emergency calls can be forwarded from 1098 to
areas of Science and Technology.
112 or vice versa with the switch of a button,”.
75 selected fellows would be invited to work in 18
‘Non-emergency calls’ may be transferred to the
identified knowledge verticals including
respective CHL units at DCPUs, while ‘information
o Health
calls’ could be handled at the WCD Control Room
itself or transferred to DCPU CHL units for providing o Pharma
information to the caller.
o Electronics o Energy
o Agriculture o Computer sciences and
o Quantum technology o Material sciences amongst others.
practice questions
MCQS
Q.1) Gender Gap Index is published by which of the
following institutions? Q.4) Consider the following statements about CITIIS
(a) World Bank 2.0 Program:
(b) World Economic Forum 1. It is a program under the Smart Cities Mission of
(c) UN Women Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs.
(d) UNESCO 2. The program will aim to promote circular
economy in urban areas.
Q.2) Consider the following statements about Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
Vaibhav Fellowships: (a) 1 only (b) 2 only
1. This fellowship is provided by the Minister of (c) Both 1 and 2 (d) Neither 1 nor 2
Education.
2. The fellowship will be awarded to Indian students Q.5) Consider the following statements about
in STEMM fields of study. Denotified Tribes:
Which of the statements given above is/are correct? 1. All denotified tribes are identified under
(a) 1 only (b) 2 only Scheduled Tribes.
(c) Both 1 and 2 (d) Neither 1 nor 2 2. Ministry of Tribal Affairs is the nodal ministry for
development of Ministry of Social Justice &
Q.3) Meira Paibis are a women’s organisation which Empowerment.
is has been in news in recent times. In which of Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
the following states it belongs to? (a) 1 only (b) 2 only
(a) Rajasthan (b) Assam (c) Both 1 and 2 (d) Neither 1 nor 2
(c) Manipur (d) Tamil Nadu
Descriptive Questions
Q1. Denotified tribes need different solutions as compared to other vulnerable sections like scheduled tribes. In this
regard, identify the mains issues and concerns of Denotified Tribes and suggestions for their development.
Q2. The 21st century is era of knowledge economy. How would the proposed National Research Foundation will pave
the way for India to become a knowledge economy of 21st century.
Engineers India (EIL) is studying the prospects and Rock caverns are mined underground cavities in solid
feasibility of developing salt cavern-based strategic oil rock deep underground, using conventional mining
reserves in Rajasthan, in line with government’s objective techniques, and consist of a system of shafts or ramps
and drifts, forming cavities, e.g., in granite.
of increasing the country’s strategic oil storage capacity.
HOW SALT-BASED CAVERNS ARE DIFFERENT FROM
STRATEGIC PETROLEUM RESERVES (SPR)
ROCK-BASED CAVERNS?
Strategic petroleum reserves (SPRs) are stockpiles of
Unlike underground rock caverns, which are developed
crude oil maintained by countries for release in event through excavation, salt caverns are developed by the
of a supply disruption. process of solution mining, which involves pumping
For example, India currently has an SPR capacity of water into geological formations with large salt
5.33 million tonnes, or around 39 million barrels of deposits to dissolve the salt.
crude, that can meet around 9.5 days of demand. After the brine (water with dissolved salt) is pumped
out of the formation, the space can be used to store
India’s strategic oil reserves come under the Petroleum
crude oil.
Ministry’s special purpose vehicle Indian Strategic
Petroleum Reserve (ISPRL). ADVANTAGES OF SALT CAVERNS
The process is simpler, faster, and less cost-intensive
STRATEGIC PETROLEUM RESERVES IN INDIA
than developing excavated rock caverns.
India has three existing strategic oil storage facilities —
Salt cavern-based oil storage facilities are also naturally
at Mangaluru and Padur in Karnataka, and
well-sealed and engineered for rapid injection and
Visakhapatnam in Andhra Pradesh — are made up of extraction of oil. This makes them a more attractive
excavated rock caverns. option than storing oil in other geological formations.
STRATEGIC PETROLEUM RESERVES PROGRAM Average temperature of B.O.B is higher than A.S. B.O.B
India’s strategic oil reserves are part of the effort to is a warm pool region. On the other hand, A.S has
build sufficient emergency stockpiles. higher salinity and lower temperature which is
disadvantageous for cyclone formation.
Crude oil from the reserves is to be released by an
empowered committee set up by the government, in B.O.B has abundant water availability due to
the event of supply disruptions due to a natural continuous influx of water from large rivers like Ganga,
calamity or an unforeseen global event leading to an Brahmaputra etc. This freshwater influx makes it
abnormal increase in prices. further impossible to mix with the cooler water below.
The International Energy Agency (IEA), a Paris-based Shape of the land around B.O.B weakens the wind
autonomous intergovernmental organisation in which speed thus allowing the winds to spin faster.
India is an ‘Association’ country, recommends that all B.O.B also experiences the offshoots of tropical
countries should hold an emergency oil stockpile cyclones from Pacific-ocean.
sufficient to provide 90 days of import protection.
On the other hand, Arabian Sea is calmer as stronger
In India, apart from the SPR the oil marketing winds hand Arabian Sea is calmer as stronger winds help
companies (OMCs) have storage facilities for crude oil dissipate the heat and lack of constant fresh water helps
and petroleum products for 64.5 days — which means the warm water to mix with the cool water underneath,
there is sufficient storage to meet around 74 days of reducing the surface temperature.
the country’s petroleum demand.
CHANGING NATURE OF ARABIAN SEA
India has also decided to commercialise its strategic
Sea surface temperatures over the Arabian Sea have
petroleum reserves, as part of which the Abu Dhabi
increased by 1.2 to 1.4 degrees C in recent decades
National Oil Company (ADNOC) stored about 0.8
compared to four decades ago.
million tonnes of crude oil in the Mangaluru strategic
reserve. According to a 2021 paper published in Nature, there is
a significant increasing trend in the intensity,
In the second phase, government wants to develop
frequency, and duration of cyclonic storms (CS) and
strategic reserves through public-private partnerships
very severe cyclonic storms (VSCS) observed over the
to reduce government spending and exploit the
Arabian Sea during the study period, 1982 to 2019.
commercial potential of the reserves.
There is a 52% increase in the frequency of CS during
the recent epoch (2001–2019) in the Arabian Sea, while
WARMER ARABIAN SEA there is a decrease of 8% in the Bay of Bengal, the
paper highlighted.
BEHIND MORE SEVERE AND Further, there has been an 80% increase in the total
NATIONAL RESOURCING
increased by 260% in the same period, the paper
added.
The change in the Arabian Sea’s character has also led STRATEGY FOR CRITICAL
to more severe cyclones forming and sustaining over it
which also means India’s west coast is now more MINERALS
vulnerable.
#Resources
CLIMATE CHANGE AFFECTING FREQUENCY AND
INTENSITY OF TROPICAL CYCLONES
CRITICAL MINERALS
According to Council on Energy, Environment and Water
(CEEW) India, in the last 50 years, has recorded a 12-fold A critical mineral is a metallic or non-metallic element
surge in the number of associated cyclonic events such as that has two characteristics: It is essential for the
extreme rainfall, floods, sea-level rise, and functioning of our modern technologies, economies or
thunderstorms. national security and. There is a risk that its supply
chains could be disrupted.
Increased sea surface temperature: Over the past 50
years, the global ocean has absorbed 90% of the But these supply risks exist due to rare availability,
excess heat generated due to man-made climate growing demand and complex processing value chain.
change leading to higher convection and rapid Many times, the complex supply chain can be
intensification of cyclones. disrupted by hostile regimes, or due to politically
unstable regions.
Rising sea level: on account of Antarctic melting has
increased the moisture availability for cyclones. Based on their individual needs and strategic
considerations, different countries create their own
Micro-climatic changes on land: Local heating of
lists.
coastal land is pulled by adjacent ocean further
heating it up. However, such lists mostly include graphite, lithium
and cobalt.
Changing weather events: El-Nino and rising marine
heat waves lead to prolonged warm periods over IMPORTANCE OF CRITICAL MINERALS
oceans by reducing the ocean upwelling. These minerals are now used everywhere from making
Higher Atmospheric moisture: due to anthropogenic mobile phones, computers, batteries, electric vehicles
global warming increase cyclonic precipitation rates and green technologies like solar panels and wind
thereby increasing the frequency. turbines.
Changes in wind systems: Occasionally intense winds Aerospace, communications and defence industries
drive the low-pressure regions to other areas, rising also rely on several such minerals as they are used in
the frequency in those areas. Ex. Gulab cyclone shifted manufacturing fighter jets, drones, radio sets and
to Arabian sea from B.O.B. other critical equipment.
GLOBAL DISTRIBUTION
According to 2019 USGS Mineral Commodity Level of concentration is even higher for processing
Summaries report, China is the world’s largest operations, where China has a strong presence across
producer of 16 critical minerals. the board. China’s share of refining is around 35% for
According to a report on the role of critical minerals by nickel, 50-70% for lithium and cobalt, and nearly 90%
the International Energy Agency, China is “responsible for rare earth elements.”
for some 70% and 60% of global production of cobalt China controls cobalt mines in the Democratic Republic
and rare earth elements, respectively, in 2019. of Congo, from where 70% of this mineral is sourced.
Indian steps in this regard: under the Atomic Minerals list, where mining of these
India has set up KABIL or the Khanij Bidesh India were preserve of government agencies.
Limited, a joint venture of three public sector WHAT ARE RARE EARTH ELEMENTS?
companies, to “ensure a consistent supply of critical Rare Earth Elements or Rare Earth Metals are a set of
and strategic minerals to the Indian domestic market” 17 chemical elements in the periodic table — the 15
Indo- Australia have signed Critical Mineral lanthanides, plus scandium and yttrium, which tend to
Investment Partnership which enable both countries occur in the same ore deposits as the lanthanides and
to work towards investment in critical mineral projects have similar chemical properties.
to develop supply chains between the two countries. The 17 Rare Earths are cerium (Ce), dysprosium (Dy),
In the recent trip of Prime Minister to USA, India erbium (Er), europium (Eu), gadolinium (Gd), holmium
officially joined the Mineral Security Partnership. (Ho), lanthanum (La), lutetium (Lu), neodymium (Nd),
Mineral Security Partnership is a strategic grouping of praseodymium (Pr), promethium (Pm), samarium (Sm),
13 member countries including Australia, Canada, scandium (Sc), terbium (Tb), thulium (Tm), ytterbium
Finland, France, Germany, Japan, South Korea, Sweden, (Yb), and yttrium (Y).
UK, USA, EU, Italy and India with aim to catalyse public Despite their classification, most of these elements are
& private investment in critical mineral supply chains not really “rare”. One of the Rare Earths, promethium,
globally. is radioactive. Although originally thought to be rare,
Government amended Mines & Minerals many of the minerals are actually common in the
(Development & Regulation) Act, 1957 allowing private Earth’s crust. However, due to the difficulties in
players to mine lithium and five other critical minerals extracting the metal from the ore, rare is a fitting term.
including titanium, beryllium, zirconium, niobium and These elements rarely exist in pure form; they are
tantalum. These six minerals were earlier governed
usually found within other minerals, making them Scandium is used in televisions and fluorescent lamps,
costly to mine. and yttrium is used in drugs to treat rheumatoid
These elements are important in technologies of arthritis and cancer.
consumer electronics, computers and networks, Rare Earth elements are used in space shuttle
communications, clean energy, advanced components, jet engine turbines, and drones. Cerium,
transportation, healthcare, environmental mitigation, the most abundant Rare Earth element, is essential to
and national defence, among others. NASA’s Space Shuttle Program.
Examining the available data, it is found that China The Indian rare earth industry keeps on operating on
consumes around 104,000 metric tons (MT) of rare the downstream production process only.
earth, which is 67 per cent of the total consumption Associated risks
worldwide.
High level of technology is required.
China is followed by Japan, the US, and the EU with 16
failure to promote entrepreneurship in this sector
per cent, 13 per cent and four per cent respectively.
Foreign investors have always kept a distance from this
Data further suggest China controls about 90 percent
sector. This is mainly because the sector was reserved
of global production of rare earth metal while it
for the public sector.
possesses only 36 percent of the global reserve of this
Stiff competition from China-> Easy to import at much
rare metal
lower prices.
India has the 5th largest reservoir and recognised the
In 2016, a study, supported by India’s Department of
importance of rare earth back in 1950 and started
Science and Technology (DST), provides a framework for
extracting rare minerals through the establishment of the
India to assess the impact of critical minerals including
Indian Rare Earth Limited. India could not, however, make
rare earth in the manufacturing sector, considering both
progress in this sector due to several reasons.
economic importance and associated supply risks. The
WHY DID INDIA FAIL?
study argues the development of this mineral will also
Lack of separate guiding policy to expand the give a fillip to India’s ambitious Make in India plan by
production of rare earth. enhancing the volume of rare earth production.
#Sustainable Agriculture
Pokkali is a system in which the farming alternates Over the past 30 years, the Arctic has warmed at roughly
between rice and prawn; the fields are used alternately twice the rate as the entire globe, a phenomenon known
for rice farming and prawn and shrimp cultivation. as Arctic amplification. Most scientists agree that this
rapid warming is a signal of human-caused climate
Pokkali is cultivated with no fertilisers, be it chemical or
change.
organic, as it is grown in waterlogged areas.
This organically grown rice is famous for its medicinal
qualities and peculiar taste and has high protein and
fibre content.
Due to its geographical specificity, Pokkali was
conferred a geographical indication (GI) tag in the year
2008.
CHALLENGES FACED
A shortage of skilled labour, the lack of technology that
suits a soggy soil, low crop prices and the disturbance to
and encroachment of the marine and estuarine
ecosystems are the main factors for the decline of this
sustainable farming practice.
Note:
In West Bengal, this agriculture-fisheries integration is
known as bheries, in Karnataka it is called gajani, in
Goa and Maharashtra it is called khazaan and in Kerala
it’s pokkali.
Kuttanad below-sea level farming system has been
recognised by the Food and Agriculture Organisation of This map shows trends in mean surface air temperature
the United Nations (FAO) as a Globally Important over the period 1960 to 2019. Notice that the Arctic is red,
Agricultural Heritage System (GIAHS). It is unique as it indicating that the trend over this 60-year period is for an
increase in air temperature of nearly 4° C (7.2° F) across
practices rice cultivation below sea level.
much of the Arctic, which is larger than for other parts of
Kuttanad is a region covering the Alappuzha, Kottayam the globe.
SUMMER SOLSTICE
#geography
Earth’s axis is tilted at 23.5 degrees. During the solstice, the Earth’s axis — around which
the planet spins, completing one turn each day — is
Earth makes a complete revolution around the sun
tilted in a way that the North Pole is tipped towards the
once every 365 days, following an orbit that is elliptical
Sun and the South Pole is away from it.
in shape. This means that the distance between the
Earth and Sun varies throughout the year. It should be noted that summer solstice for northern
and southern hemisphere will be on different dates
During the first week in January, the Earth is about 1.6
different.
million miles closer to the sun. This is referred to as
the perihelion. The aphelion, or the point at which the
June 20th – 22nd – summer solstice in northern
Earth is about 1.6 million miles farther away from the
hemisphere and winter solstice in southern hemisphere.
sun, occurs during the first week in July.
December 21st - 22nd – Winter solstice for Northern
hemisphere and Summer solstice for Southern
hemisphere.
March 20th – 21st – Vernal equinox
September 22nd – 23rd – Autumnal equinox
The amount of light received by a specific area in the WHAT IS SILTATION AND SEDIMENTATION?
Northern Hemisphere during the summer solstice
Rivers flowing in the alluvial plains tend towards a
depends on the latitudinal location of the place. The
stable flow condition. In other words, they try and
further north one moves from the equator, the more
maintain a balance between the silt load carried and
light one receives during the summer solstice. At the
the volume and velocities achieved by the flow. This is
Arctic Circle, the sun does not set during the solstice.
usually called a stable sediment regime for the river.
Summer solstice, however, does not necessarily mean
the earliest sunrise or latest sunset. That depends on When the core parameters of volume and velocities
the latitudinal location of the country. are disturbed, either due to a low gradient (while it
enters the plains) or encroachment in flood plain,
widening of the channel (braiding of river streams)
INTEGRATED suspended silt particles in the river water settle down.
beach nourishment), and habitat and wetland Following chart can help us to analyse the role of
protection. sediments in various spheres.
WHAT IS THE EFFECT OF SAND MINING ON a. Geomorphology - configuration of the land surface
SEDIMENTATION IN RIVERS? including the location, size and shape of such
Mining of sand, if done at an optimum level, removes physical features as hills, ridges, valleys, streams
excessive sediment deposit in rivers. and lakes.
Unscientific and excessive sand mining depletes the b. Hydrology - To be successful, a dam and reservoir
mineral at rates at which the river system cannot project must have an adequate and continuous
replenish it. supply of water. The annual rainfall, the ratio of
watershed area to reservoir area, and the volume
Excessive mining creates high over banks with steep
of stream of the year must be known.
slopes, which are not stable due to the limited shear
strength of the constituent soil materials. c. Hydrogeology - to determine whether groundwater
would contribute to the reservoir or whether the
Continued collapse of such banks leads the river
reservoir would lose water to the groundwater
course to deviate towards developed lands and poses
system is also essential.
an ever-increasing threat to them.
d. Soil characteristics - The type of soil and its
WHAT ARE THE CAUSES OF RESERVOIR
properties such as porosity and permeability can
SEDIMENTATION?
cause or lead to erosion within and around the
Generally, soil erosion is the major cause of reservoir
reservoir.
sedimentation and subsequent sedimentation of
2. Anthropogenic Causes
reservoirs is a complex process dependent upon several
natural and anthropogenic factors. a. Tillage practices: Wrong tillage practices can cause
loose soil thereby leading to washing away of
The causes are classified into two with respect to the
topsoil.
factors, namely.
1. Natural Causes
b. Overgrazing: Too much grazing of vegetation by carrier of suspended pollutants such as nitrogen,
animals can lead to exposure of the soil in an area phosphorous and heavy metals. Sediments released
thereby causing erosion. because of sediment management or a dam breach
c. Mining and logging: Mining activities can lead to may have environmental effects that can persist for
erosion due to wearing of the surface through decades.
surveys and excavation as well.
In India, government statistics on 11 of the country’s
WHAT ARE THE PROBLEMS WITH SEDIMENTATION IN
reservoirs with capacities greater than one cubic
DAMS?
kilometre show that all are filling with sediment faster
Reduction of storage capacity: When a river is put to than expected, with increases over assumed rates
halt behind a dam, the sediment it contains settles at ranging from 130 percent (Bhakra) to 1,650 percent
the bottom of the reservoir. Reservoirs have become (Nizam Sagar). A 1990 World Bank paper on watershed
settling tanks for the sediment in most cases. This development concluded that in India, "erosion and
means the dam has less and less space for water, reservoir sedimentation are not only severe and costly
which it was supposed to hold. but accelerating. It is now obvious that the original project
Impact on stability: Higher siltation of reservoirs estimates of expected sedimentation rates were faulty,
exerts pressure on the reservoir thereby based on too few reliable data over too short a period”.
compromising the dam stability.
WHAT STEPS CAN BE TAKEN IN THIS REGARD?
Reduced efficiency of power generation: The high
rate of reservoir sedimentation poses a challenge to Reducing sediment inflow: Sediment delivery to
dam operators due to the abrasion of turbines and reservoir can be reduced by techniques such as
other dam components. The cracking of the tips of erosion control and upstream sediment trapping.
turbine blades by waterborne sand and silt Routing the sediments: Some or the entire inflowing
considerably reduce their generating efficiency and sediment load may be hydraulically routed beyond the
needs costly repairs. storage pool by techniques such as drawdown during
Reduced discharge capabilities: Sediments will often sediment-laden floods, off stream reservoirs, sediment
block low-level outlets designed to allow for reservoir bypass etc
drawdown. Reduction of spillway capacity can occur Sediment removal: Deposited sediments may be
because of the loss of approach depth when the periodically removed by hydraulic flushing, hydraulic
sediment front reaches the dam. dredging or dry excavation.
Environmental impacts: Plant and animal species are Adopting Erosion Control and Soil Conservation
sensitive to alteration of both the sediment supply and Measures: This includes all those general methods
flow regime. Increases in sediment concentration in which are adopted to reduce erosion of soil and to
upstream areas can create turbid waters with a smaller make it more and more stable. They may include
euphotic zone. This decreases plant productivity, plantation, control grazing, terracing benching, cover
negatively impacting fish and bird species and can also cropping like grassing and contour binding, etc.
cause visual impairment for predatory fish, affecting
their feeding habits. Finally, sediment is a primary
practice questions
MCQs
Q1. Consider the following statements regarding
strategic petroleum reserve storage: Q3. Consider the following statements:
1. Salt cavern-based storages can be created and 1. June 20th – 22nd is the Winter solstice in southern
operated almost entirely from the surface. hemisphere.
2. India presently has all the facilities in rock-based 2. December 21st - 22nd – Winter solstice for
caverns as salt caverns are relatively more capital Northern hemisphere.
intensive. Which of the above statements is/are correct?
Which of the above statements is/are correct? (a) 1 only (b) 2 only
(a) 1 only (b) 2 only (c) Both 1 and 2 (d) Neither 1 nor 2
(c) Both 1 and 2 (d) Neither 1 nor 2
Descriptive Questions
Q1. Explain the term 'Arctic Amplification'. Analyse its various impacts. (10 Marks, 150 words)
Q2. The Arabian sea is becoming a new hotbed of tropical cyclones. Discuss. Also assess India's west coast
vulnerability in this regard. (15 Marks, 250 words)
GRAPHENE
o Almost perfectly transparent as it absorbs only 2%
of light.
Medical Applications: Biomedical applications of It is the fundamental particle associated with the
graphene-based nanomaterials include biosensing, Higgs field, a field that gives mass to other
bioimaging, targeted drug delivery, tissue engineering, fundamental particles such as electrons and quarks.
phototherapy and cancer treatment. o Not all fundamental particles have mass. E.g.,
Other industrial usages: Used as waterproof Photon has no mass at all.
coatings for industrial machinery, ocean liners, and Scientists confirmed its existence in 2012 through the
aircraft. Graphene oxide-based wrappers loaded with ATLAS and CMS experiments at the Large Hadron
preservatives can increase the shelf life of fruits and Collider at CERN in Switzerland. This discovery led to
vegetables. the 2013 Nobel Prize in Physics being awarded to
CHALLENGES IN PRODUCING HIGH-GRADE LARGE- Higgs and Englert.
SCALE GRAPHENE
It is difficult to make a large sheet of two-dimensional
materials. Attempts to produce a large sheet of
graphene often break it into tiny flakes.
The easiest way to make large quantities of graphene
is by using chemicals to exfoliate graphite into
individual graphene sheets. But side reactions occur
with oxygen, forming electrically non-conducting
graphene oxide, which is useless for commercial use.
Two-dimensional structure of graphene leads to
contamination of graphene when it meets other
materials, which reduces the properties of graphene.
High-grade graphene has a high cost-to-volume ratio;
therefore, production may become centralised in a
few places.
o Each fundamental force has its own corresponding X-ray detector to add a sharp metal tip that would
boson – the strong force is carried by the “gluon”, be moved to be extremely close to a sample (as close
the electromagnetic force is carried by the as 0.5 nanometres from the atom). This is to improve
“photon”, and the “W and Z bosons” are responsible the detector’s ability to record any signals from the
for the weak force. atom.
Limitations: Currently, the Model is incomplete and The sample’s atom was hit with X-ray photons. The
cannot explain the existence of dark matter and dark electrons in the atom absorbed only photons of
energy in our universe and cannot account for the certain frequencies. Using a spectroscope, the team
existence of gravity. (Graviton, the force-carrying determined which frequencies had been absorbed
particle for gravity, has not been discovered yet). and hence, identified the element. (Every element has
a unique absorption spectrum which can be used to
identify it).
WORLD'S FIRST X-RAY OF A Significance: Identification of a material using only
one atom can revolutionise research in material
SINGLE ATOM science, quantum mechanics, and other areas, as
researchers would be able to manipulate the atoms to
#New Emerging Technologies greater precision and help understand their
properties better.
Scientists, for the first time, have identified an element by X- About X-rays:
raying a single atom of a material. X-Rays are a form of high-energy electromagnetic
THE EXPERIMENT radiation. They have a wavelength ranging from 0.01
to 10 nanometres, frequencies in the range 3 × 10^19
X-rays are an important way to identify the type of
Hz to 3×10^16 Hz and energies in the range of 100 eV
material. Until the recent experiment, the minimum
to 100 keV.
sample size required for identification using X-rays
was roughly 10,000 atoms. X-rays are generated when high-energy electrons
interact with matter. X-ray photons carry enough
o A minimum amount of material is required as a
energy to ionize atoms and disrupt molecular bonds.
sample, as a single atom’s response to being hit by
X-rays can be very weak. Hence, the more atoms, A very high radiation dose of X-ray over a short period
the better detectors can pick up on their response. causes radiation sickness, while chronic exposure to
lower doses can give an increased risk of radiation-
For the experiment, the scientists used a method
induced cancer.
called synchrotron X-ray scanning tunnelling
microscopy. The scientists modified a conventional
X-rays are also used for material characterisation What are Phonos? Like Photons are packets of light
using X-ray spectroscopy. energy; similarly, phonons are packets of vibrational
energy.
X-rays can travel through a vacuum (propagate
through empty space without requiring a medium). To use phonons as qubits, researchers from the
This property allows X-rays to be used in space University of Chicago, conducted an experiment and
exploration and research conducted in vacuum for that purpose developed an acoustic beam-splitter.
chambers. o In the experiment, the physicists found that
X-rays are used in security systems, such as airport phonons display quantum-mechanical
scanners, to detect objects hidden within luggage or properties of superposition and entanglement
on a person's body. as displayed by photons.
o This suggests that like photons, phonons can be
used in the future as qubits.
ARE ‘SOUND PARTICLES’ However, it is still a long way to the development of a
functional quantum computer that uses phonons as
QUANTUM TOO? units of information.
#Quantum Technology
EUCLID SPACE TELESCOPE
According to recent research, it would be possible to build a
quantum computer whose information unit is sound
#Astronomy # Space Technology
(phonons), in future.
QUANTUM COMPUTERS AND QUBITS European Space Agency (ESA) successfully launched the
Quantum computers are machines that use the Euclid Space Telescope on July 1.
properties of quantum physics to store data and EUCLID MISSION
perform computations. They use qubits as their basic
The mission is part of ESA’s ‘Cosmic Vision’
units of information.
programme which plans to explore the origin and
A qubit can be: components of the Universe and the laws that govern
o a particle — like an electron, photon it.
o a collection/group of particles Objective: Euclid seeks to unveil the secrets of dark
o or a quantum system engineered to behave like a matter and dark energy, which drive the
particle. accelerating expansion of the universe. It also hopes
to understand the evolution of the Universe by understand the tussle between the pull of gravity
looking at the light emitted from galaxies 10 billion and the push of dark energy.
years ago. o NISP will look at how quickly galaxies are moving
The payload will have a 1.2-metre-wide telescope, a away from each other, offering scientists insights
visible-wavelength camera (VISible) and a near- into the effects of gravity.
infrared camera/spectrometer (NISP). The telescope will be stationed at L2 (Lagrangian 2),
o VISible will look for tiny distortions in the shapes of 1.5 million km away from the Earth, and is expected to
distant galaxies from different points in time to deliver images at least four times sharper than
ground-based observatories.
Agni-V is the first of its kind inter-continental It is India's first 'declared' MIRV (Multiple
ballistic missile of India. Independently targetable Re-entry Vehicles) missile,
It is a three-stage solid-rocket-powered missile and it is 50% lighter than Agni-III.
system capable of delivering a 1.5-tonne nuclear Agni-Prime may be launched from train and road and
warhead. stored for an extended period. It can be used to target
Range: Exceeding 5000 km enemy ships in the Indian Ocean.
Agni-V can bring almost the entire Asia, including the 7. Agni-VI
northernmost part of China, as well as some regions Agni-VI is a three-stage solid-fuel intercontinental
in Europe, under its striking range. ballistic missile in the early phases of development
in India.
It will be able to launch from both submarines and
land and carry independently targetable re-entry
vehicles (MIRV) payloads.
Range: 8000-10000 km
INDIGENOUS AIR
INDEPENDENT
PROPULSION SYSTEM FOR
SUBMARINES
#Defence Technology
underwater endurance and requires them to Energy Source: Nuclear reactors use nuclear fuel
surface to intake air (oxygen) for the diesel engines. (typically enriched Uranium or Plutonium) to generate
Advantages: Generally quieter than nuclear heat through controlled nuclear reactions, providing
submarines, making them suitable for stealth an almost limitless source of power.
operations. They are less expensive to build and Advantages: Nuclear submarines have virtually
maintain compared to nuclear submarines. unlimited underwater endurance as they do not
Limitations: Due to their dependence on require air for propulsion and can operate for months
atmospheric air for their diesel engines, diesel-electric or even years without surfacing. They can achieve
submarines have limited submerged endurance and high speeds and have immense power capabilities.
speed. They need to surface periodically (1-2 days), Limitations: Nuclear submarines are more
which can make them more vulnerable to detection expensive to build and maintain due to the
and attack. complexity of their propulsion systems. They also
2. Air Propulsion Submarine: require a sophisticated infrastructure for handling and
managing nuclear fuel. Nuclear propulsion systems
Propulsion System: The submarines use a
also produce noise, making them less stealthy than
combination of diesel engines and Air Independent
diesel-electric or AIP submarines.
Propulsion systems. Air Independent Propulsion (AIP)
is a technology used in submarines to extend their
underwater endurance and operational
capabilities than ordinary diesel-electric submarines.
KAVACH SYSTEM
Energy Source: In addition to diesel engines, AIP #New emerging technologies
submarines incorporate advanced technologies like
fuel cells.
The tragic railway accident in Balasore district of Odisha has
o Fuel cell AIP systems generate electricity through
highlighted the need for safety mechanisms to prevent such
an electrochemical process using hydrogen
tragedies.
(conventionally stored onboard the submarine) and
oxygen (from onboard storage or seawater). WHAT IS KAVACH?
o The electricity produced is used to power the KAVACH is an indigenously developed Automatic
submarine's propulsion and electrical systems, Train Protection system by the Research Design and
while the byproduct of the reaction is water. Standards Organisation in collaboration with Indian
industry.
Advantages: Offer improved underwater endurance
compared to traditional diesel-electric submarines, It is a state-of-the-art electronic system with Safety
can stay submerged for extended periods (more Integrity Level-4 standards with the probability of an
than a fortnight) underwater without the need to error being one in 10,000 years.
surface. They have reduced acoustic signatures, FEATURES OF KAVACH
making them harder to detect by sonar systems. It prevents the collision between two locomotives
Limitations: AIP systems do not eliminate the need equipped with functional KAVACH systems.
for traditional diesel engines and still must surface It activates the train’s braking system
after a period. Installing AIP increases the length and automatically if the driver fails to control the train as
weight of the submarines and they have lower speed per speed restrictions.
capabilities.
It is meant to provide protection by preventing trains
3. Nuclear Submarine: to pass the signal at Red (which marks danger) and
Propulsion System: Nuclear submarines are powered avoid collision.
by nuclear reactors, which generate heat that The system also relays SoS messages during
produces steam to drive turbines and propel the emergency situations. An added feature is the
submarine. centralised live monitoring of train movements
through the Network Monitor System.
If a red signal is jumped and two trains come face to The study is the first comprehensive
face on the same line, the technology automatically epidemiological research paper which includes
takes over and applies sudden brakes. participants from 31 States and some Union
Territories, with a large sample size of 1,13,043
Additionally, the hooter activates by itself when
individuals. It shows two big trend indicators:
approaching a level crossing which serves as a big
boon to loco pilots during fog conditions when o First, diabetes and other metabolic non-
visibility is low. communicable diseases, such as hypertension,
obesity and dyslipidaemia are much more common
Commission of Railway Safety
than estimated previously in India.
Commission of Railway Safety is an administrative
o Secondly, while currently, urban regions had higher
office under Ministry of Civil Aviation of Central
rates of all metabolic NCDs than rural areas, except
Government.
for prediabetes, rural India will see a diabetes
It deals with matters pertaining to safety of rail travel
explosion in the next five years if left unregulated.
and train operation.
The study highlights interstate and inter-regional
There are 09 Commissioners of Railway Safety (CRS) &
variations in NCDs:
01 Circle Office of Commissioner of Metro Railway
o Highest diabetes prevalence was found in Goa,
Safety (CMRS) located at different places across the
Puducherry and Kerala. While prediabetes was
country and looking after the works of different Zonal
Railways.
prevalent in Sikkim, hypertension was highest in focuses on prevention, early detection, and
Punjab. management of NCDs. It includes setting up NCD
o Generalised obesity and abdominal obesity were clinics, training healthcare providers, raising
highest in Puducherry, while Kerala had high awareness, and providing free diagnostic services
hypercholesterolemia and high LDL cholesterol. and treatment for NCDs.
o Lowest prevalence of NCDs was found in U.P., o NPCDCS has been rebranded and expanded into
Mizoram, Meghalaya and Jharkhand. NP-NCD broadening its scope to include Chronic
Obstructive Pulmonary Disease and Asthma,
NON-COMMUNICABLE DISEASES
Chronic Kidney Disease, and Non-Alcoholic Fatty
NCDs are a group of chronic diseases that are not Liver Disease.
caused by infectious agents and typically have a
National Tobacco Control Program: This program
long development period.
aims to control tobacco use, which is a major risk
They include a range of conditions such as factor for NCDs. It includes measures like awareness
cardiovascular diseases (E.g., heart disease and
campaigns, enforcing laws on tobacco advertising and
stroke), cancer, diabetes, chronic respiratory diseases packaging etc.
(E.g., chronic obstructive pulmonary disease) and
National Mental Health Program: Mental health
mental health disorders.
disorders contribute to the burden of NCDs. The
Risk factors for NCDs include poor diet (increase in NMHP, launched in 1982 and revised in 2014, focuses
consumption of ultra-processed food with cosmetic on promoting mental health, preventing mental
additives, high sugar, fat and sodium content),
disorders, and providing accessible and affordable
physical inactivity, tobacco and alcohol consumption, mental health services.
pollution and environmental factors.
Ayushman Bharat - Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya
According to the World Health Organisation, NCDs
Yojana: This flagship health insurance scheme
account for 71% of all deaths globally, with provides coverage for hospitalization expenses to over
cardiovascular diseases being the leading cause. 500 million vulnerable individuals. It covers the
o 66% of total deaths in India in 2019 were due to treatment of several NCDs, including cardiovascular
NCDs. diseases, cancer, and diabetes.
GOVERNMENT INITIATIVES Eat Right India Movement: Launched by the Food
National Action Plan for NCD: In response to the Safety and Standards Authority of India, this
“WHO Global Action Plan for the Prevention and movement promotes healthy eating habits, food
Control of NCDs 2013-2020”, India is the first country safety, and hygiene. One of its key goals is to make
to adopt the National Action Plan with specific Indian food trans-fat free by 2022. (Trans-fats can
national targets and indicators aimed at reducing the increase the risk of heart disease).
number of global premature deaths from NCDs by National Salt Reduction Initiative: To combat
25% by 2025. hypertension and related cardiovascular diseases, the
National Programme for Prevention and Control of initiative aims at raising public awareness and
Non-Communicable Diseases (NP-NCD): promoting the production/consumption of low-salt
food products.
o Launched in 2010, the National Programme for
Prevention and Control of Cancer, Diabetes,
Cardiovascular Diseases and Stroke (NPCDCS)
practice questions
MCQs
Q1. Which among the following is/are applications (a) Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct and
of Graphene or Graphene-based derivatives? Statement-II is the correct explanation for
1. Manufacturing flexible electronic devices Statement-I
2. Enhancing stealth capabilities of military vehicles (b) Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct and
3. Water purification and desalination Statement-II is not the correct explanation for
4. Sensors for environmental monitoring Statement-I
Select the correct answer using the codes given below: (c) Statement-I is correct but Statement-II is incorrect
(a) 1 and 3 only (b) 2 and 4 only (d) Statement-I is incorrect but Statement-II is correct
structures much smaller than can be seen using a observing various solar layers and understanding
Which one of the following is correct in respect of the Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct and (c) Both 1 and 2 (d) Neither 1 nor 2
Statement-II is the correct explanation for
Statement-I Q5. Consider the following statements with
(b) Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct and reference to KAVACH:
Statement-II is not the correct explanation for Statement-I: KAVACH activates the train’s braking
Statement-I system automatically if the driver fails to control
(c) Statement-I is correct but Statement-II is incorrect the train as per speed restrictions.
(d) Statement-I is incorrect but Statement-II is correct Statement-II: The Traffic collision avoidance
system in KAVACH enables two-way
Q3. Consider the following statements: communication between the station master and
loco-pilot using Near Field Communication
Statement 1: Phonons, the packets of vibrational
technology.
energy, technically qualify to act as qubits.
Which one of the following is correct in respect of the
Statement 2: Any particle that can be controlled and
above statements?
manipulated using quantum-mechanical phenomena
can be used as an information unit in a quantum (a) Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct and
(b) Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct and (c) Statement-I is correct but Statement-II is incorrect
Statement-II is not the correct explanation for (d) Statement-I is incorrect but Statement-II is correct
Statement-I
Descriptive Questions
Q1. Graphene has been touted as a wonder material owing to its unique properties. Mention the potential
applications of Graphene and challenges in the production of high-grade large-scale graphene.
Q2. Comment on the status and growing burden of non-communicable diseases in India. Highlight some initiatives
taken by the Government for their prevention and control.
AHMEDNAGAR OF
ABOUT HOLKARS OF MARATHA CONFEDERACY
Holkars were Subedar under Peshwa Baji Rao I (Pune
MAHARASHTRA TO seat). The dynasty was founded by Malhar Rao, who
joined the service of Peshwas of Maratha Empire in
RENAMED AFTER 1721, and quickly rose to the rank of Subedar. The
name of the dynasty was associated with the title of
AHILYADEVI HOLKAR the subedar, who was known informally as Holkar.
aharashtra Government is planning to rename Ahmednagar In 1747, he started the construction of his royal
after Ahilyadevi Holkar (Maratha queen of Malwa). palace, the Rajwada. By the time of his death, he ruled
much of Malwa, and was acknowledged as one of the
AHILYADEVI HOLKAR
five virtually independent rulers of the Maratha
She was born in Chaundi village (present-day Confederacy.
Ahmednagar district) of Maharashtra.
He was succeeded by Ahilyabai Holkar (r. 1767–1795),
She belonged to Holkar dynasty of Maratha which his daughter-in-law. She was born in the Chaundi
ruled from Indore. village in Maharashtra. She moved the capital to
She made Maheshwar (south-west of Indore in Maheshwar, south of Indore on the Narmada River.
Madhya Pradesh) the home of the Holkar Dynasty. Due to internal feud, Holkar became independent and
She came to power after passing of her husband remained so till 1818. After this they were under the
Khande Rao Holkar and father-in-law Malhar Rao protectorate of British Empire.
Holkar.
She is known to have built hundreds of temples and
Dharmashalas across India. She is particularly well-
SAVITRIBAI PHULE
known for restoring and rededicating some of the #modernindia #personalities
holiest Hindu pilgrimage sites that the Mughal
Emperor Aurangzeb had desecrated and destroyed a
century earlier. Maharashtra Chief Minister directed to initiate a probe into
She rebuilt the Kashi Vishwanath temple which was a website that allegedly posted derogatory content against
destroyed by Aurangzeb to build Gyanvapi Mosque in pioneering 19th-century educationists.
Banaras. SAVITRIBAI PHULE
Current structure of Vishnupad Temple, Gaya, Bihar She was from the Mali community and was born on
was built by Ahilya Bai Holkar in 1787. January 3, 1831, in Maharashtra’s Naigaon village.
At the tender age of 10, she was married to 12-year- In 1897, following the Bubonic plague, Savitribai set up
old Jyotirao Phule, a man of social reform himself, who a clinic in Hadapsar to address the victims of the
believed that women must be educated. He began to plague.
home-school Savitribai. Later, Jyotirao admitted LITERARY WORKS
Savitribai to a teacher’s training institution in Pune.
She published two anthologies of poems - Kavya
She was an exponent of female education, equality, Phule (Poetry’s Blossoms) which was published in
and justice who took on the caste system with her 1854 and Bhavan Kashi Subodh Ratnakar (The
revolutionary ideals and strived to dismantle the elite- Ocean of Pure Gems), in 1892.
controlled education system.
Her most iconic poem is titled 'Go, Get Education'
CONTRIBUTIONS OF SAVITRIBAI PHULE IN and was intended to encourage women to educate
EDUCATION themselves as the best means of fighting inequality.
In 1848, Savitibai and Jyotiba established the first-
ever school for girls in Bhidewada of which
Savitribai was the headmistress. REINTERPRETING SANTAL
In 1853, they established an education society that REBELLION
opened more schools for girls and women from all
classes, in surrounding villages. #modernindia #tribalrevolts
Savitribai and Jyotirao broke social barriers, paving the
way for women's emancipation in a time when
Australian historian Peter Stanley, in his book "Hul! Hul! The
female education was unheard of.
Suppression of the Santal Rebellion in Bengal, 1855," sheds
Known as modern India’s first female teacher and light on Santhal rebellion and provides a comprehensive
in 1852, she was declared the best teacher in the state account that challenges existing narratives.
by the British government.
CONTEXT OF SANTHAL REBELLION (1855-1856)
ROLE AS SOCIAL REFORMER
In 1793, Governor-General Lord Cornwallis implemented
Savitribai started the Balhatya Pratibandhak Griha Permanent Settlement System in Bengal and Bihar
(‘Home for the Prevention of Infanticide’), a which granted hereditary and lifelong rights to
childcare centre for sexually exploited, pregnant zamindars, who paid a fixed amount to the British
widows, and rape victims facing discrimination. government annually. It resulted in widespread
She also adopted a child of a widow, Yashwantrao. dissatisfaction among the local population and
exploitation of peasants.
In 1852, she started the Mahila Seva Mandal to fight
FACTORS RESPONSIBLE FOR THE REBELLION
for the rights of women.
Forced relocation and exploitation: Santhals, an
She organised a strike against barbers in Pune and
agrarian tribal community dependent on forests for
Mumbai, putting pressure on them to stop shaving
their livelihood, were encouraged to settle in Damin-i-
the heads of Brahmin widows.
Koh region (now part of Jharkhand) ruled by
She is often referred to as the mother of Indian zamindars and established by East India Company in
feminism. 1832. Company wanted Santhals to meet the demand
In 1873, Savitibai and Jyotiba started ‘Satyashodhak of labour.
Marriage’, a rejection of Brahmanical rituals where Exploitation by merchants and moneylenders such as
the marrying couple takes a pledge to promote false measurements, usury and fraudulent lawsuits
education and equality. perpetuated their subjugation and kept Santhals
In 1868, she along with her husband set up a well in trapped in cycles of debt bondage. The exploitative
their backyard to allow people from the oppressed systems of bonded labor, known as "kamioti" and
"harwahi," made it practically impossible for the
classes to drink water.
Santhals to repay their debts.
Tyranny of zamindars and capitalist agriculture such Examples: Ajanta, Ravan Chhaya Rock Shelter, Bagh
as extraction of exorbitant rents from their meagre caverns, Sittanavasal caves, and Kailasanatha temple
earnings. Those employed in indigo plantations in Ellora.
further plunged them into poverty.
Ineffectual redress and neglect by British
administration.
Eruption of Social Banditry and Popular Uprising.
SANTHAL REBELLION
Rebellion was led by four people from Bhagnadihi
village: Sidhu, Kanhu, Chand, and Bhairav Murmu.
Around 60,000 Santhals mobilized with traditional
weapons.
It was against the British initially but later also shifted
to Indian 'upper' caste zamindars, moneylenders,
merchants, and darogas (police officials), collectively
referred to as 'diku,' who had established dominance
over the economic aspects of Santhal life.
IMPACT
FEATURES OF MURAL PAINTINGS
Passage of Santhal Parganas Tenancy Act in 1876,
Two notable qualities: Organic integration with
providing some protection to tribal members against
architecture and their significant public significance.
exploitation.
Mural paintings possess a truly three-dimensional
The region between Bhagalpur and Rajmahal hills in
nature, as they interact with and inhabit space they
Singhbhum district was separated and designated as
occupy. Natural sources like terracotta, chalk, red
Santhal Pargana.
ochre, yellow ochre were blended with animal fat.
Zamindari system and acts of moneylenders were
Subjects: Human and animal figures, hunting scenes,
exposed.
family life, courtly settings, deities, and narratives
from the Buddhist Jataka tales.
MURAL IN NEW ABOUT ASHOKA (MAURYAN EMPEROR)
Third Buddhist Council was convened in Pataliputra, ARCHITECTURAL MARVEL AND STRATEGIC DESIGN OF
under the patronage of Ashoka, around 250 BC. This SIRI FORT
aimed to unite various Buddhist schools and purify It was meticulously planned and built with an oval-
the Buddhist movement. Moggaliputta Tissa, a
shaped layout. It houses the grand Hazar Sutan
Buddhist monk, presided over the council.
palace with its marble floors and exquisite stone
Sthaviravada sect was established as an orthodox
decorations.
school. Abhidhamma Pitaka was compiled.
Unique additions like flame-shaped battlements and
bastions showcased innovative architectural style of
Most elaborate examples of painted ornamentation her position and prepared her kingdom for potential
are observed in the Middle Neolithic period. conflicts.
Rani Durgavati also undertook various developmental
During his reign, the capital of the Garha kingdom was Singhorgarh.
MAP WORK
practice questions
MCQs
Q1. With reference to medieval Indian history, (a) Only one (b) Only two
consider the following pairs: (c) All three (d) None
S.NO Dynasties Region
Q2. With reference to Maratha queen Ahilyabai,
1. Chahmanas : Bundelkhand
consider the following statements:
2. Gurjara Pratiharas : Mador, Mewar 1. She ruled the Malwa region of Madhya Pradesh
3. Chandelas : Marwar region with the capital at Indore.
2. She is credited with restoring Kashi Vishwanath
How many of the pairs given above is/are correctly
Temple at Varanasi and Mahabodhi Temple at
matched?
Gaya.
3. She ruled the Holkar family of Maratha How many of the statements given above are correct?
Confederacy. (a) Only one (b) Only two
How many of the above are the correct statements? (c) All three (d) None
(a) Only one (b) Only two
(c) All three (d) None Q5. After the Santhal Uprising subsided, what
was/were the measure/measures taken by the
Q3. Consider the following statements: colonial government?
Statement-I: Savitribai is referred to as the mother of (1) The territories called `Santhal Parganas’ were
Indian feminism. created.
Statement-II: Savitribai established a community named (2) It became illegal for a Santhal to transfer land to a
Bharat Stree Mahamandal for raising awareness about non-Santhal.
women's rights Select the correct answer using the code given below:
Which one of the following is correct in respect of the (a) 1 only (b) 2 only
above statements? (c) Both 1 and 2 (d) Neither 1 nor 2
(a) Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct and
Statement-II is the correct explanation for Q6. Consider the following:
Statement-I
1. Khooni Darwaza
(b) Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct and
2. Alai Darwaza
Statement-II is not the correct explanation for
3. Siri Fort
Statement-I
4. Jamait Khana Mosque
(c) Statement-I is correct but Statement-II is incorrect
Which of the above given monuments were built during
(d) Statement-I is incorrect but Statement-II is correct
the reign of the Khilji dynasty?
(a) Only one (b) Only two
Q4. Consider the following, with reference to the
(c) Only three (d) All four
‘Neolithic age’ in the Indian subcontinent:
1. The Neolithic sites of the north-western region
have shown distinct features of having ash Q7. The painting of Bodhisattva Padmapani is one
mounds. of the most famous and oft-illustrated
paintings at:
2. Early Neolithic period has shown evidence of the
most elaborate type of pottery. (a) Ajanta (b) Badami
3. The Neolithic people believed in natural forces as (c) Bagh (d) Ellora
well as had faith in fertility cults.
Descriptive Questions
Q1. The significance of Ashoka’s Dhamma lies in the fact that it emphasised on promoting religious and cultural
harmony in ancient India, rather than imposing a single religious system. Comment. (10 marks; 150 words)
Q2. “The Santhal Hul began in July in 1855. The core of the movement was economic, the basic cause of the uprising
was agrarian discontent.” Elucidate (15 marks; 250 words).
Q3. Discuss the origin of the Harappans, emphasising the role of an urban revolution in their rise from a Neolithic
pastoral stage. (150 words; 10 marks)
Ethics, Integrity
& Aptitude
Coverage from varied sources
Ethics, Integrity & Aptitude
CORRUPTION
#Ethics #Integrity #Aptitude
Corruption news is becoming the new normal of our Undue protection is given to civil servants under
times. We are witnessing new forms of corruption. Article 311
Corruption causes great harm to society. With the help of The collusion of politicians, business and bureaucracy.
this article, we will try to understand various aspects of
WHY CORRUPTION IS WRONG?
corruption so that we can cover this topic holistically
It shows a betrayal of trust
from the perspective of the GS4 paper.
MEANING OF CORRUPTION It amounts to an abuse of power
The word ‘corrupt’ is derived from the Latin word ‘corrupt It is a violation of the rights of the subjects
us’, meaning ‘to break or destroy’. Vitiates the role modelling role of government
Enormous asymmetry of power in our society Revelation: corruption by media may dilute the public
Overregulation trust.
Radiation: corruption in any organ of the
Colonial legacy
organisation damages the reputation of the whole
Other reasons
organisation.
Over-centralization
FEATURES OF CORRUPTION IN INDIA
Criminalisation of politics
National Commission to review the working of the
Lack of Accountability Mechanisms constitution’s consultation on probity in governance
Poor Implementation of the RTI Act identified features of corruption in India-
Lesser protection for whistleblowers Corruption in India occurs majorly upstream, not
Lack of Social Audit in most the organisations downstream. (Corruption at the top level)
Social Acceptance of corruption Corruption money in India has wings, not wheels
(smuggling corrupt money abroad)
Rising consumerism/Materialism
Corruption in India often leads to promotion, not
Lack of role model
prison.
Poor implementation of Prevention of Corruption
Corruption in India is the main reason behind
Politically motivated function of Anti- Corruption inequality.
Agencies
RECOMMENDATIONS OF 2ND ARC TO DEAL WITH
Changing values and desires
CORRUPTION
Lack of strong public opinion against corruption Legal reforms
Complicated and cumbersome procedures and Enlarging the scope of corruption under the
working
Prevention of Corruption Act:
Inadequate laws to deal with corruption
Gross perversion of the Constitution and democratic MLAs does not cover corrupt acts committed by them
institutions amounting to a wilful violation of oath of in connection with their duties in the House or
office. otherwise.
Abuse of authority unduly favouring or harming Articles 310 and 311 of the Constitution should be
someone. repealed and Suitable legislation to provide for all
Obstruction of justice. necessary terms and conditions of services should be
provided under Article 309, to protect the bona fide
Squandering public money
actions of public servants taken in the public interest;
Recommendations to Deal with collusive corruption
this should be made applicable to the States.
An offence could be classified as ‘collusive bribery’ if Necessary protection to public servants against
the outcome or intended outcome of the transaction arbitrary action should be provided through such
leads to a loss to the state, public or public interest. legislation under Article 309
The court shall presume that the public servant and INSTITUTIONAL RECOMMENDATIONS TO CURB
the beneficiary of the decision committed an offence CORRUPTION
of ‘collusive bribery’. There should be Loka Yukta at all three levels of
The prior sanction should not be necessary for government with full autonomy and adequate powers
prosecuting a public servant who has been trapped along with its cadre with its recruitment and training
red-handed or in cases of possessing assets facilities.
disproportionate to the known sources of income. The Anti-Corruption Bureaus should be brought
The Prevention of Corruption Act should be amended under the control of the State Vigilance Commission.
to ensure that sanctioning authorities are not Modern techniques of investigation should also be
summoned and instead the documents can be deployed like electronic surveillance, video and audio
obtained and produced before the courts by the
recording of surprise inspections, traps, searches and
appropriate authority. seizures.
The Presiding Officer of a House of Legislature should A reasonable time limit for the investigation of
be designated as the sanctioning authority for MPs
different types of cases.
and MLAs respectively.
RECOMMENDATIONS RELATED TO SOCIAL INFRA TO
The requirement of prior sanction for the prosecution CURB CORRUPTION
now applicable to serving public servants should also
Citizens’ Charters should be made effective by
apply to retired public servants for acts performed
stipulating the service levels and the remedy if these
while in service.
service levels are not met.
Making civil servants liable for loss
Citizens may be involved in the assessment and
In addition to the penalty in criminal cases, the law maintenance of ethics in important government
should provide that public servants who cause loss to the
institutions and offices.
state or citizens by their corrupt acts should be made
Reward schemes should be introduced to incentivise
liable to make good the loss caused and, in addition, be
citizens’ initiatives.
liable for damages. This could be done by inserting a
chapter in the Prevention of Corruption Act. School awareness programmes should be
introduced, highlighting the importance of ethics and
Fixing a time limit for various stages of trial
how corruption can be combated.
A legal provision needs to be introduced fixing a time
It is necessary to evolve norms and practices requiring
limit for various stages of the trial. This could be done by
proper screening of all allegations/complaints by
amendments to the CrPC.
the media and taking action to put them in the public
Constitutional measures
domain.
Suitable amendments are affected to Articles 105(2) The electronic media should evolve a Code of
and 194(2) of the Constitution to provide that the Conduct and a self-regulating mechanism to
immunity enjoyed by Members of Parliament and
adhere to a Code of Conduct as a safeguard against o Amendments in 2018. Under the amended
salaried action. Section 8, the offence of giving a bribe has been
Government agencies can help the media in the fight explicitly recognised.
against corruption by disclosing details about o Protection of Honest Bureaucrats (Amendments
corruption cases regularly. in Sections 13, 17A and 19): These clauses are
Operational guidelines of all developmental schemes amended to protect the decision makers’ decisions,
and citizen-centric programmes should provide for a in the case of Bonafede’s decisions which might
social audit mechanism. result in losses to the public fund.
Legislation along the lines of the US False Claims Act Whistle Blowers Protection Act 2014
should be enacted, providing for citizens and civil In defining who a whistle-blower is, the law goes
society groups to seek legal relief against fraudulent beyond government officials who expose corruption
claims against the government. This law should have they come across in the course of their work. It
the following elements: includes any other person or non-governmental
o Any citizen should be able to bring a suit against organisation.
any person or agency for a false claim against the It has provisions to conceal the identity of the whistle-
government. blower.
o If the false claim is established in a court of law, It affords protection against victimisation of the
then the person or agency responsible shall be complainant or anyone who renders assistance in an
liable for a penalty equal to five times the loss inquiry.
sustained by the exchequer or society. Prohibition of Benami Property Transactions (PBPT)
o The loss sustained could be monetary or non- Act 1988 and Benami Transactions (Prohibition)
monetary in the form of pollution or other social Amendment (BTPA) Act 2016
costs. In case of non-monetary loss, the court The PBPT Act 1988 defines a “benami transaction” as
would have the authority to compute the loss in any transaction in which property is transferred to
monetary terms. one person for a consideration paid or provided by
o The person who brought the suit shall be suitably another person. The PBPT Act 2016 is an
compensated out of the damages recovered. improvement over the 1988 Act on several fronts such
SYSTEMIC RECOMMENDATIONS TO CURB as:
CORRUPTION o It amends the definition of Benami transactions to
Reduce monopoly add other transactions which qualify as benami,
such as property transactions where:
Restructuring Centrally Sponsored schemes
the transaction is made under a fictitious name,
Single window system
the owner is not aware of or denies knowledge
Integrity pacts
of the ownership of the property, or
Annual Performance Report
the person providing the consideration for the
Online complaint tracking system property is not traceable.
Capacity building in the anti-corruption agencies.
Institutions of the Lokpal and the Lokayuktas
MEASURES TAKEN TO TACKLE CORRUPTION The basic idea of the institution of Lokpal has been
Prevention of corruption act 1988 borrowed from the concept of the Ombudsman in
It declared the many types of gifts/ bribes as countries such as Finland, and Norway.
corruption. Lokpal and Lokayuktas Act 2013 was passed that came
According to the recent amendment in the act a into force in January 2014.
person offering a gift or a bribe will also be punished Various States such as Rajasthan, Bihar, Karnataka
and others have also adopted/ enacted this legislation
and established the office of Lokayukta at the state Information sharing and transparency in
level. government (RTI)
The Lokayuktas shall have jurisdiction over the CM, Under this Act, it is mandatory for public offices to
Ministers, MLAs, all state government employees and disclose the information within 30 days of filing an RTI
certain private entities (including religious by any citizen of India.
institutions). It also promotes the self-disclosure of information by
The Lokpal’s inquiry wing is required to inquire into public offices.
complaints within 60 days of their reference. Thus, it can be concluded that though corruption is a
The investigation shall be completed within 6 months. deep-rooted problem in most societies and
Governments are trying to reduce this menace but we
need to work in front of attitudinal changes of the
masses toward the issue of corruption.
Case Study 1: Two youths have been killed in separate posted in a highly religiously sensitive district. Members
of the right-wing outfit have connections with political
cases of mob lynching in Maharashtra’s Nashik district
within the last two weeks. The police have arrested a leaders in the government. The home minister of the
state is supporting the cow vigilantes. You are receiving
total of 20 accused in connection with two cases, with
life-threat calls from many other right-wing outfits if you
nine arrests made in one case and 11 arrests made in
the other. The accused are self-proclaimed will not escape the accused’s, you may be killed.
“gaurakshaks" and some of them have affiliations with a) What are the ethical issues involved in this case
the right-wing outfit Bajrang Dal. Several of the accused b) Enlist the options available to you
are currently evading arrest and the police are actively
c) Critically evaluate each option listed by you
searching for them. In a recent case, two Mumbai-based
youths were transporting the meat of buffalo and bull in d) Which option will you choose and why
their car. when they were apprehended by a group of 15 e) Suggest some measures to prevent such horrific
people on suspicion of carrying beef. The youth was incidents
carrying meat, and when they stopped at a toll plaza, one (250 words, 20 marks)
of the toll booth staff members noticed blood dripping
ANS. The case depicts the worrisome situation of law
from their car. The staff member then informed one of
and order where the state has failed to deliver its
the ‘gaurakshaks’,". The group accosted the two men and
promise of ensuring safety and security to its subjects
beat them. One of the victims, Abdul Ansari, succumbed
under a social contract theory.
to his injuries during treatment while the other victim is
currently undergoing treatment. Currently, the police A) Ethical issues involved
have arrested 11 people in connection with this case. Increasing intolerance: incidents of mob lynching are
“Initially, an FIR was registered under sections 307, 326, the result of intolerance toward the person or his
341, 143, and 149. After the death of one of the youths, community.
section 302 has been added,". When asked about the Failure of state: under the social contract, the state is
affiliations of the arrested individuals, he clarified that morally and legally obliged to ensure the safety of its
they were all self-proclaimed “gaurakshaks" who
subjects but these cases of mob lynching show
operated under the banner of ‘Gorakshak’. Just a few
intelligence failure and breakdown of law and order.
days before this case, another youth was found dead in a
Lack of wisdom: most of the incidents of mob lynching
cow vigilante incident. a transport tempo pick-up
are based on rumours/ propaganda this shows that
carrying cattle was intercepted by a group of cow
vigilantes. They found that the vehicle was being used for people involved in such events lack wisdom.
cattle transportation. Three people, who had arrived Against the greatest good: incidents of mob lynching
from Mokhada, were apprehended. One of the youths turn the community against the community which may
managed to escape, while the others were beaten up. harm the peace in society.
One of the assaulted individuals was brought to the B) options available
nearest police station. Two days later, the lifeless body of
I. Strict action against all accused
the third youth was found in the valley,". You are leading
II. Leave all accused
the investigation of both cases. You are the only son of
your old parents. You married recently and you have a III. Request to leave the case
baby girl. You are a young and enthusiastic SP. You think C) Critical evaluation of the options
that this kind of killing is against the principle of Options Merits Demerits
secularism and that such incidents are creating a divide
in society. But you are also aware of the fact that you are 1st Show dedication to May harm personal
duty safety laws. One of the accused in the kidnapping bid was a 24-
year-old Muslim man, leading to allegations by Hindu
2nd Secure personal Amounts to denial of
groups that the kidnapping attempt was a case of “love
safety duty
jihad” – an unproven conspiracy theory that accuses
3rd Avoid facing Show lack of courage Muslim men of luring Hindu women into romantic
dilemma and wisdom relationships to convert them to Islam by marriage. The
D) One should choose 1st option because government itself has denied that such a conspiracy
exists in its reports presented in parliament. But
Justice is the primary duty of the state and being an
residents of Purola say the incident was used by the
agent of the state (SP) only strict action against cow
Hindu groups to intensify their years-old movement that
vigilantes can ensure justice to the victims and their
seeks to free the Himalayan state, known for its many
families.
Hindu pilgrimage sites and temple towns, of the Muslim
It will also ensure the rule of law and will foster the community. There are about 400-500 Muslims in Purola,
trust of the people in the administration. a town 140km (87 miles) from the state capital Dehradun
It will strengthen the ideals of secularism and will send with about 10,000 residents. Even government officials
a message to wrongdoers. It will also create a role allegedly asked Muslim traders to shut their shops as
model for other police personnel dealing with similar some Hindu groups had planned a rally to protest
cases. against the attempted kidnapping of the girl. The Hindu
groups and hundreds of supporters organised another
E) Measures to prevent such horrific incidents
rally, calling for the expulsion of Muslims from the area.
Immediate steps to be taken
According to the residents, provocative slogans were
Strict action against the culprits of mob lynching raised against the minority community at the rally. The
Assign such cases to fast-track courts mob also vandalised some shops and removed
Use of persuasion signboards bearing Muslim names. Since then, most
Specific Laws to deal with such cases Muslim-owned businesses have been shuttered in Purola
while the rest of the market is buzzing with activity.
Value Education
Muslim traders approached the local administration for
Ensuring effective administration help and urged them to act against people threatening
Community policing their livelihoods, but they say their requests fell on deaf
Thus, it can be concluded that cases of mob lynching ears. The [Muslim] boy has been arrested. The police are
should be dealt with strictness to uphold the principle of investigating the matter. Meanwhile, posters appeared
secularism. in Muslims’ Purola shops, warning them to leave town
before June 15, the day the VHP and Bajrang Dal called
for a “mahapanchayat” (or grand meeting) in the town.
Case Study 2: In Purola town of Uttarakhand, Muslims Muslims in turn have called their own “mahapanchayat”
have been asked by Hindu groups to abandon their of community leaders in Dehradun on June 18 to protest
livelihoods and the homes they have lived in for their targeting in Purola. As the atmosphere in Purola
generations. About a dozen families have fled Purola remains strained, religious tensions have reportedly
after notices were pasted on homes and businesses spread to adjacent towns and villages. For decades, right-
asking them to vacate the town. The reason for such wing groups in Uttarakhand have mobilised Hindus to
pasting of notice was the so-called love jihad. Out of create a “Devbhoomi” (or land of the gods) and exclude
these two boys, one is Muslim and another belongs to Muslims. The state government has appointed a
the Hindu community the Muslim boy was a friend of a delegation to deal with this situation in your leadership.
Hindu boy who is the lover of a kidnapped Hindu girl. a) Identify the ethical issues involved in the case
The two boys accused of the kidnapping of the girl were
immediately nabbed by residents and handed over to b) What are the options available to you
the police. They have been charged under the Protection c) Critically evaluate each option listed by you
of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act and other
d) Which option you will opt and why May save resources duty/categorical
imperative of
e) Suggest some measures to deal communalism
Kant
(250 words, 20 marks)
Amounts to
ANS. The above case represents the existence of injustice to
intolerance in society which is indirectly supported by the victims
local administration.
D) The head of the delegation should opt for the 1st
A) Ethical issues involved in the case option because
Lack of tolerance: this is the case clear cut case of To ensure justice: involving all stakeholders in the
intolerance toward a particular community on religious conversations and assuring the minority people full
grounds it can be seen in the drive of making a region safety and security is the only way to ensure ideals of
free of Muslims in the name of “Devbhoomi” justice. It will also help in delivering the obligations
Failure of the social contract: As in the given case many under the social contract.
Muslim families have fled from Purola town, which Greatest good to greatest number: ensuring safety
shows that they didn’t get adequate assurance from the and security for all residents of the town will ensure
local administration regarding their safety and security. the greatest good to the greatest number.
B) Option available with the head of the delegation To create a role model: ensuring the safety and
1. Listen to all stakeholders without prejudice and security of victims will lead to creating a role model for
ensure the safety of all others to deal with similar cases.
2. Ignore the concerns of the Muslim community E) Measures to deal with communalism
C) Critical evaluation Ensuring the rule of law by taking strict action against
Option Merit Demerit communal forces
Attitudinal changes of communal people so that they
Ensure the greatest
It may be a hectic can embrace diversity instead of considering other
good to the greatest
task that may communities as their enemies.
number.
require an Participation of locals in administration so that
1st Uphold the principle
investment of time adequate preventive measures can be taken in
of secularism
and economic advance. It will also help in the intelligence capability
Ensure justice for the
resources of the administration.
victims
Hence, it can be concluded that the slogan of “sabka sath
Appease the majority Against the social sabka vikas” should be the guiding tool for
2nd community contract administration to deal with communalism in society.
Ease your work Amount denial to
Essays
of
the month
Selected essays from Rau’s GSI students
Essays OF THE MONTH
Disclaimer: The viewpoints in the topic are strictly they encroach in the area outside forests, it is because
personal of the writer above. The role of Rau’s IAS they do not find forest where they can live.
Study Circle is to present the write-up in its original Earlier, humans used to worship the environment. From
the evidence of ancient history, it can be proven that
form, hence the study circle neither endorses nor
they were living in with harmony nature. For example,
rejects any viewpoint in the submission. The purpose is
edicts of Ashoka’s pillar, Kautilya’s Arthsashtra etc.
only to showcase the manner of writing.
mention about protecting the environment. But modern
Therefore, it is the sole responsibility of the reader to human beings are completely opposite of their
use his/her intellect to check the veracity of viewpoints. ancestors. They are greedy and treat earth not as their
home but a resource pool that can be exploited
It was a very hot morning of 2031. Riya, a
endlessly. This culture of greed and human want has
small kid was studying environment and
brutally destroyed earth to the point that human
ecology for the very first time. While
existence itself is in doubt.
studying she went through various strange
“There is enough for human needs but not enough for
words like forests, tiger, lion, leopard, etc. The curious
human greed.” This phrase by Mahatma Gandhi
kid, Riya, wanted to know more about these words so
resembles the present scenario of man. In order to fulfill
she went to her father and requested him that she wants
their greed, humans are continuously exploiting Earth
to see these creatures. Her father was very helpless as
without thinking of its consequences.
there were no forest left. Tiger, lion, leopard, etc. were
Modern men are exploiting the nature for a number of
extinct. Her had no other option, but to show her the
reasons. Our wish to have air conditions, leather clothes,
images by downloading it from internet. Riya was not
synthetic material, plastics, fuel and furniture is root for
satisfied by looking only at the image. She went back to
this exploitative attitude.
her room thinking “what had happened that these
From harmony to disharmony: Harmony means
creatures were extinct?”
peaceful coexistence. Harmony is already inbuilt in
Riya and many other kids will go through this scenario if
nature. Man is a part of nature not apart from it. Man
we do not leave our earth as it is. It is high time that we
was meant for living by using natural food, natural
realize the importance of our earth, environment and
material (just as build their nests). However, human
ecology and take steps to conserve it for sustainable
started modifying the natural course for his/her benefit.
development as well for our coming generation.
Thus, humans are going towards disharmony.
Conservation simply implies protection of flora and
Manifestation of Harmony:
fauna from being extinct due to human activity. Article
Primary Sector: Agriculture being the primary sector of
48 and 48A (DPSP) and Article 51A (g) of our Indian
economy. Agriculture sector aims to produce food to
constitution deals with protection of animals,
meet the nutritional needs to human beings. However,
environment including forest, lakes, etc.
increasing use of unnatural means to produce food has
Animals live in the environment by maintaining harmony
led to disharmonisation. Use of chemical fertilizer,
with human. They do not try to encroach upon the area
pesticides, etc. are hampering with the natural cycle. This
of man nor do they go and stay in man’s house. Even if
leads to killing of various organisms which directly or
indirectly helps me in maintaining the balance in the they live with weaker body. There is increasing incidence
nature. For example, if the complete population of honey of lifestyle diseases such as diabetes, hypertension and
bees gets extinct then a large variety of crops and cancer. Many of these diseases is the result of sedentary
vegetable will also extinct. lifestyle and unsustainable consumption.
Secondary Sector: Secondary sectors deals with the Viruses & diseases: The recent outbreak of covid 19
manufacturing industries. In order to manufacture the pandemic was a direct result of disharmonisation with
products, humans are causing pollution in the nature. Increasing incidence of zoonotic diseases is the
environment, resource depletion especially of fuels and result of increasing exploitation of human beings on
minerals. For example, in industries, untreated water is animal lives. For ex. Many of these novel viral diseases
released into water bodies such as rivers and lakes, have been brought into human beings by their
leading to water pollution. The smoke which is released consumption of animals such as bats, pangolins etc.
from industries and vehicles leads to air pollution. Is disharmony that bad?
Tertiary Sector: Tertiary sector deals with the service The answer of this question is that, disharmony is not
sector of the economy. Disharmony with nature is the bad provided man uses the nature in judicial and
nature of the tertiary sector. For example, once the sustainable manner. For example: by using public-
mobile or electronic items get old it leads to the creation transport instead of private vehicle and by planting more
of e-waste generation. Radiation released from these e- and more trees.
waste is very harmful for both the humans and nature. In modern times, men cannot live without industries. So,
The Reasons for increasing disharmony between to protect the environment and fulfilling their demands,
human’s needs and what nature can offer are the men can manufacture products but in a sustainable and
following. least harming and polluting techniques. For ex. Use of
Blind craving for wealth: Man in order to earn more renewable energy in industrial sector, treating of
and more money, is destroying the environment. Best wastewater generated from industries etc.
example is killing animals for leather shoes, clothes, Smart Solutions:
bags. Men want to earn huge amounts of money by Primary Sector: Instead of using chemical fertilizers and
selling these products. pesticides, farmers can use organic farming techniques
Infrastructure Development: Humans are clearing the to promote the growth of agriculture, deal with pests and
forests for development of infrastructure without even to solve other problems associated with agriculture.
thinking twice. Many industries are built by removing Some organic method could be Zero Budget Natural
forest and of course how can we forget urbanization. Farming, System of Rice Intensification, Zero tillage
People are shifting towards urban areas from rural farming, happy seeder, etc.
areas. Due to urbanization, population has increased in Secondary Sector: This sector can be made more
the urban areas. To cater to the increasing population of environment friendly. For example, relying less on fossil
urban areas, sprawl of cities is increasing, resulting in fuels and more on sustainable fuels such as solar energy,
deforestation of surrounding areas. wind energy and bio-energy. Before discharging
Dangers associated with disharmony untreated water and air in the environment, it must be
With the increase in disharmonisation, the balance treated very efficiently.
between nature and humans has disturbed to a very Tertiary Sector: Companies should invest more in
large extent. With disharmony, many dangers are increasing the life of product especially electronic
associated which will make human realize their mistakes. materials so that less e-waste is generated when the e-
Natural disaster: As per the IPCC 6th annual report, by waste is generated it should be disposed properly.
2100 most of the coastal cities will be submerged due to Reuse, recycle and circular economy-based strategies
sea level rise. Many cities are facing situation of flood, should be promoted.
drought, cyclones, desertification, etc. Policy interventions: Many countries have signed
Longer life, weaker body – Man by using various drugs international agreements to protect environment such as
and medication is successful in living a longer life but Montreal Protocol, Kyoto Protocol, Paris agreement etc.
India has come up with various initiatives for protecting not grow by damaging nature. Humans should always
the environment, such as carbon tax, clean Ganga keep in mind that they are a part of nature and not apart
program, clean energy mission, National Clean Air from it. A proper harmony between nature and human
Program, Green Skill Development Program etc. will lead to the prosperous development of both man
Conclusion: and nature and man will also achieve Sustainable
Humans must see the relationship between human and Development Goals. Hence, conservation, judicial and
nature as a mutually complementary relationship. Real & sustainable use of nature is a state of harmony between
sustainable growth occurs, economic growth does not men and land.
lead to irreparable damage to nature. Humans should
VIRTUE IS WISDOM
#PHILOSOPHICAL
SUBMITTED BY: TANUJ KOTHARI
Disclaimer: The viewpoints in the topic are strictly to the high morals and virtues. On the other hand, bad
personal of the writer above. The role of Rau’s IAS knowledge can lead to colossal devastation by infiltrating
Study Circle is to present the write-up in its original the virtues of society.
form, hence the study circle neither endorses nor
How does, virtues shape culture? Virtues evolve due to
rejects any viewpoint in the submission. The purpose is
long emphasised, socially accepted practices and ethos
only to showcase the manner of writing.
which merges in the ethnicity and later reflects in the
Therefore, it is the sole responsibility of the reader to culture of a civilisation over a period. Virtues evolve with
use his/her intellect to check the veracity of viewpoints.
time and takes reformed shapes in different cultures.
“The fool doth thinks he wise, but a wise
The early civilizations such as Indus Valley Civilization
man knows himself to be a fool.” - William
had their own set of practices and norms. Their life was
Shakespeare
much in tandem with nature. Nature was worshipped.
Wisdom is not inherent in a person; it is a Forces of nature were personified into Sun God, Water
burgeoning product of the experiences which a man God, Fire God, River God etc. It was upon their wisdom
encounters through his interaction with society. Virtues not to bring any kind of change in the working of forces
develop because of a person’s experiences. These virtues of nature. With emergence of new technology such as
set the path towards the treasures of wisdom. discovery of copper and making of plough; they started
to become self-sufficient in their food requirements.
William Harvey considers society as ‘Sui Generis’. He
Virtues of society transformed from personification of
brings out analogy of society as a social organism.
Gods to worshipping the ‘Mother Earth’. Wisdom took
Culture is the blood of society. Virtues are shaped by the
new shape.
experiences of a person embedded in his culture. Virtues
develops morals and values which further acts as norms Further in Vedic Age, discovery of iron led to revolution in
of the society shaping its folklores and moores. the emergence of new technology. It shaped the world
from hunters & food gatherers to emerge into a Global
“Wisdom can be acquired by right knowledge.” – Aristotle
village. The rise of ‘Jana’ into ‘Janapads’ and later into
Aristotle believes that knowledge is the sole harbinger to ‘Mahajanpads’. The virtues of society took shape at each
attain wisdom and he further emphasises that not just stage.
any knowledge, but good knowledge is the path bearer
“True wisdom lies in the complete knowledge and power. A power-hungry state rises, authoritarian regimes
consciousness of the actions done by a person.” – are formed. History has instances of how lack of virtues
Gautam Buddha. resulted in World Wars and gave rise to evil ideas of
Nazism and Fascism. When virtues are lost, could the
Buddhism through its ‘Ashtanga Marg’ had an important
leaders of society can be said to be wise? Hitler and
role to play in shaping the virtues of the ancient culture.
Mussolini created history. But it rests upon the wisdom
Buddhism talked about Right Faith and Right Knowledge.
of a society to draw parallels and find if the virtues laid
It talked of high morals, practice of non-violence and
down were progressive or not.
attaining highest state of mind through Nirvana. Overall,
it tried to awaken the consciousness of the society to With the establishment of United Nations, once again
shape the highest virtues. virtues were laid emphasis on. The consciousness of the
society was restored. It did very well in promoting peace
Jainism on similar lines, talked about Right Knowledge,
and prevented a Third World War. Virtues are certainly
Right Belief and Right conduct. These principles shaped
the principles of wisdom. However, since in each era
the virtues of the society. These gave a chance to the
virtues constantly take new forms. There is always a
oppressed section of society to have an equal status with
likelihood of clashes of virtues. The Cold War between
equal opportunities. Wisdom was the ultimate goal
the erstwhile USSR and United States was a war of
through practice of these virtues. Wisdom was defined as
ideology. Virtues were at loggerheads of both the groups.
‘Self Liberation’ from the evils which reside inside the
Society faced the consequences. At such a time, the idea
person.
of non-Alignment was an example of amicable wisdom
Ashoka conquered length and breadth of territories shrouded by virtues such as non-violence and
across North-South & East – West, after the Kalinga war. Panchsheel.
But at what cost? Massacred soldiers, butchered dead
Various historians and philosophers have laid down that
bodies, orphaned children, widowed ladies and a
society has been divided into haves and have-nots. Karl
kingdom in perils. It was the awakening of the virtues
Marx is the major proponent of this theory of class
which led to self-realization and wisdom sprouted from
divide. He foresees violent revolution which will establish
the seed of virtues.
an egalitarian world order and will give rise to a utopian
Virtues have a deep impact on the society. Kindness is society. His idea of ‘Communism’ is very well revered in
considered as biggest virtue. A kind heart is comparable many political institutions.
to none. Similarly, it is said ‘Honesty is the best policy’.
Marx talks about the virtues in terms of class
The social structure is very much dependent on the
consciousness. He sees society is driven by false class
bedrock of moral ethos. A society whose people have
consciousness and the Lumpen Proletariat are being
sympathy and kindness; chivalry and honesty are the
suppressed by the Elite Bourgeoisie. True awakening of
one on the path towards progress. Wisdom will certainly
society is yet to happen, and false virtues are not letting
prevail over the minds of people. Foresight results in less
the rise of wisdom. He predicts a violent revolution which
crimes, high social solidarity, feeling of oneness, respect
will bring true class consciousness and setting of right
of an individual. These virtues lead to a society oriented
ethos, morals and virtues in the society. According to
towards shared values and collective effort towards a
Marx, true wisdom lies in Communism.
common goal. Such a society is the flag bearer of utopian
world, rising towards prosperity. French Revolution ushered the virtues such as Equality,
Liberty, Fraternity which are now the eminent core
Virtues if not channelized properly in the heart of people
principles of democratic governments around the world.
could bring devastating outcomes. Wisdom if lost can
Wisdom is the ultimate objective these states want to
cause destruction and wreak havoc. Virtues hold the
achieve through these virtues. The Preamble to the
morals which acts as conscience keeper of the society. If
Constitution of India also enshrines these ethos and
morals are lost, greed for possession of resources
virtues with its ultimate goal is to be a welfare state.
emerges. Society develops a tendency of capturing more
Similarly, fundamentals duties in the Indian Constitution In the contemporary world, virtues are eminent in the
also embarks on virtues such as – ‘awakening of scientific fast-changing society. In the age of Fourth Industrial
temper’ and ‘promoting feeling of common brotherhood’. Revolution, our virtues have taken a turn. With the
These are meant to inculcate virtues of highest order to emergence of Hitler, Nazism was on rise but with WW-II
awaken the sense of wisdom which should prevail in a story of Nazism ended and virtues turned back. A new
society. story of ‘Socialism’ was being written. Virtues of Socialist
society was shaping the world and India. With fall of
Freedom struggle of India is another story of virtues. Be
USSR these virtues also shredded. India in 1991 post LPG
it principles of Satyagraha and Non-violence of Gandhi or
Reforms, shifted to Liberalism. Virtues again turned tide.
the virtues of Rabindranath Tagore to spread rationality.
US was capitalising with new World order. With 2008,
It led to awakening of society and brought Indians under
Financial Mortgage Crisis, Liberalism also waved and
the ambit of feeling of Nationalism. The virtues of equal
virtues from there are shaping into a new world order.
land rights and Bhoodan Movement of Vinobha Bhave,
the virtue of equal right of education to girls and the rise The future course of action will decide the modern
of Satyashodak Samaj are some of examples of the right virtues which will head towards a new set of Wisdoms.
virtues which could lead to progress of society. Virtues However, so far, we have been clear on the fact, that our
are the path which our constitution makers have wisdom is a product of virtues shaped around in the
embedded in Constitution so that society could reach to fabric of time, era and culture.
collective wisdom.
Disclaimer: The viewpoints in the topic are strictly income, high standard of living whereas the Global
personal of the writer above. The role of Rau’s IAS Study South, that of poorer nations- example Africa, South Asia,
Circle is to present the write-up in its original form, hence which are placed low on Human Development Index,
the study circle neither endorses nor rejects any viewpoint multidimensional poverty index, hunger index etc.
in the submission. The purpose is only to showcase the
This image of the earth is not what reflects justice- social
manner of writing.
economic and political, equality or fraternity. The
Therefore, it is the sole responsibility of the reader to use
interconnected globalised world is highly prone to
his/her intellect to check the veracity of viewpoints.
negative entropy, irregularities like poverty, climate
"The good of the individual is contained in the good of change, wars, etc. which may arise from any country.
All"- Mahatma Gandhi Thus, poverty anywhere threatens the idea of prosperity
anywhere.
If we look at Earth from a Cosmopolitan perspective,
what the earth reflects is not an egalitarian humanity, The idea of a prosperous, egalitarian
but an amalgamation of rich nations concentrated in one society based on ideals of social justice,
hemisphere and underdeveloped nations elsewhere. equality, dignity for all stems from various
Earth as a whole cannot be called prosperous as the books of reverence. The Constitution of India envisions
Global North is composed of people with high per capita
justice (social, economic, political) as fundamental rights their autonomy and freedom and thus compromises
and DPSPs, where the India State in under obligation to their human rights. For e.g.- Safai Karamchari,
ensure this to its citizens. Goal One of Sustainable Prostitution, etc, are often the results of
Development Goals envisions a world of ' no poverty'. impoverishment. Danish Institute on Human Rights has
Universal Declaration of Human Rights seeks to promote reported that countries with poor economic growth and
equality, economic prosperity equally. high incidence of poverty also score very poorly on
safeguarding human rights of their citizens. Thus,
Poverty implies a state of inadequacy of resources or
poverty is like a missing pearl in a necklace. It threatens
capacities, where an individual is unable to fulfil his/ her
the whole aesthetic.
basic needs. It may be calculated quantitatively as done
by the Rangarajan formula for poverty line estimation, or ASER report has highlighted about learning poverty. This
it may be understood qualitative like intellectual, relative, reflects poorly on our education system where even class
ethical poverty. five students are unable to understand basic class 2 texts
and mathematical problems. This threatens the future
If we look at historical developments, the incidence of
generation of education with reduced chances of
poverty has been due to many reasons -- lack of
employment and lack of development of potential of our
resources or their access, exploitation, colonization, etc.
children.
The sub-Saharan African Nations have been marred by
the lack of natural resources, infertile land, etc. which are Poverty has been linked with anti-social elements of
not conducive for development. On the other hand, society- unethical immoral acts like theft, robbery,
European Nations, with temperate climate and plentiful murder, etc. have, many times, been a result of poverty.
resources have flourished. It is said "The rich can afford to be honest". However, the
poor are often forced to indulge in criminal activities
Colonisation’s impact on increasing poverty can be seen
because of their basic needs. This results in weak social
by analysing India. India, which was an ancient land of
capital, lack off mutual trust, disharmony and law and
wealth, gold, spices, culture, etc. was a prosperous
order problems in society.
country. The British colonization appropriate India’s
wealth which has been called 'Drain of Wealth' by The Scandinavian countries like Norway and Finland, etc.
historians. This drain of wealth led to immiseration of usually top the human development and happiness
masses, impoverishment of agricultural workers and parameters, because of high per capita income, high
exploitation of its rich resources. This has been duly standard of living, ethical society, and overall harmony.
brought out in various works like 'Poverty and Unbritish
In the economic sphere, large poverty will force the
rule in India', by Dadabhai Naoroji.
government to provide subsidies, universal basic income,
The industrial revolution related to deepening of etc, which may strain public finances making it
economic disparity between Global North and South. A unsustainable for countries to invest in education,
'zero Sum game’ was created. The ideas of mercantilism health, and future growth opportunities such as R&D and
saw the way to getting rich by making others poor, thus, innovation. Higher subsidies also lead to high fiscal
developed countries flourished at the cost of poorer deficits, which can lead to ratings downgrades making it
countries. unattractive to foreign capital.
So why is the debate on poverty so important? How will it In the political arena, poverty, deepens communal rifts.
threaten prosperity as a whole? Rising inequality and poverty leads more left-wing
extremism. Poor people are more susceptible to political
If we take India as a case, in the social sphere, the
populism, vote bank politics and political corruption.
presence of caste inequalities and hierarchy has
Poverty creates demands for reservations on the lines of
threatened our ideals of social justice and
caste, religions etc. this leads to increased fragmentation
empowerment. Poverty leads to deepening of the caste
of society and deepens identity politics.
inequalities and create greater economic and social
inequalities. Poverty reduces dignity of an individual,
In the environmental sphere, poverty with respect to "If you empower a man, you empower himself. If you
natural resources that is environmental poverty is a empower women, you empower the entire generation." -
result of unchecked exploitation. Poor people often are Gandhi
dependent on nature for their survival. They consume
Thus, poverty of women will affect the future generation.
coal-based power, use timber for fuel, their animals
often graze grasslands. Thus, in a way, environmental An especially important dimension of poverty is ethical
poverty can lead to climate change global warming which poverty i.e., lack of moral values in individuals and
affects the earth. society. Lack of ethics has resulted in major catastrophic
events in human history- the Holocaust of Jews by Nazis,
From the gender perspective, women are more illiterate,
Atom Bomb explosions on Hiroshima and Nagasaki etc.
unemployed and face adverse effects of poverty more
than men. When women are not empowered, the society Poverty also leads to corruption. Since corruption is like a
is unempowered. ball of snow, once it starts, it keeps increasing.
Corruption has a bandwagon effect. Therefore, even
"I measure the progress of a nation by the degree of
small acts of corruption have potential impact society
progress its women have achieved"- BR Ambedkar.
gravely.