CONTENTS

PART-1: CURRENT AFFAIRS 4 # GS Paper (Prelims) & GS Paper II (Main) 21

DEBATE OVER MODEL CODE OF CONDUCT 21

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT 5 #Elections 21

# GS Paper (Prelims) & GS Paper III (Main) 5 DOCTORS AND THE CONSUMER PROTECTION ACT, 1986 23
#Polity and Governance, #Acts and Legislations 23
COAL POWER IN INDIA 5 NEED FOR A REVAMPED JUDICIAL INFRASTRUCTURE 24
#Energy #Infrastructure 5 #Indian Judiciary 24
HYBRID ANNUITY MODEL 6 FORM 17C DATA AND VOTER TURNOUT DATA 26
#InvestmentModels #PublicPrivatePartnership 6 #Elections #Prelims Nuggets 26
SOVEREIGN CREDIT RATINGS 7 RADICAL DEMOCRACY 26
#MobilisationofResources #ExternalSector 7 #Democracy #Prelims Nuggets 26
POVERTY LINE ESTIMATION IN INDIA 9 PRESS FREEDOM INDEX 27
#InclusiveGrowth 9 #Governance #Prelims Nuggets 27
SERVICE EXPORTS 11 ARTICLE 31 C 28
#ExternalSector #Liberalisation 11 #Prelims Nuggets #Constitution of India 28
REDISTRIBUTION OF WEALTH 12
#InclusiveGrowth #Employment #Growth 12
RISING DEBT STRAINS HOUSEHOLD SAVINGS 13 INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS & SECURITY 30
#MobilisationofResources #InclusiveGrowth 13 # GS Paper (Prelims) & GS Paper II & III (Main) 30
REFORMING OIL AND GAS SECTOR 14
#Infrastructure #Energy 14 THE PARADOX OF INDIA’S GLOBAL RISE, ITS REGIONAL

INDIA VIX 15 DECLINE 30

#FinancialMarkets #PrelimsSnippets 15 #International Relations 30

STABILISING INDIA-NEPAL TIES IN CHANGING TIMES 31
COUNTERCYCLICAL CAPITAL BUFFER (CCYB) 16
#Bilateral Relations 31
#Banking #Economy #PrelimsSnippets 16
INDIA-MALDIVES MEET 34
RAPESEED 17
#Bilateral Relations 34
#Agriculture #MajorCrops #PrelimsSnippets 17
IT IS TIME TO OPERATIONALISE THE INDIAN DEFENCE
EXTERNAL COMMERCIAL BORROWINGS (ECBS) 17
UNIVERSITY 35
#ExternalSector #Liberalisation #PrelimsSnippets 17
#International Relations 35
ANTI-DUMPING DUTY 18 THE BONHOMIE BETWEEN CHINA AND RUSSIA 35
#ExternalSector #InternationalOrganisation #PrelimsSnippets #International Relations 35
18 THE RISKS OF RUSSIA’S NUCLEAR POSTURING 36
GENERALISED SYSTEM OF PREFERENCES (GSP) 18 #International Relations 36
#ExternalSector #PrelimsSnippets 18 BORDER SECURITY 38
ECONOMIC ADVISORY COUNCIL TO THE PRIME MINISTER (EAC- #Internal Security 38
PM) 19 INTERNATIONAL CRIMINAL POLICE ORGANISATION (INTERPOL)
#Planning #PrelimsSnippets 19 39
#International Organisations 39
UNITED NATIONS MEMBERSHIP 41
CONSTITUTION, POLITY AND GOVERNANCE 21 #United Nations 41
CHABAHAR PORT 41
#International Relations 41 GLOBAL REPORT ON HYPERTENSION: THE RACE AGAINST A
BAY OF BENGAL INITIATIVE FOR MULTI-SECTORAL TECHNICAL SILENT KILLER 64
AND ECONOMIC COOPERATION (BIMSTEC) 42 #Social Justice #Human Resources 64
#International Organisations 42 #Report & Index #Prelims Nuggets 64
INTERNATIONAL CRIMINAL COURT (ICC) 42
#International Organizations 42
AUSTRALIA-INDIA TRADE PACT WORKING WELL FOR BOTH GEOGRAPHY, ENVIRONMENT, BIODIVERSITY &
NATIONS 44 DISASTER MANAGEMENT 67
#Internationalrelations 44
# GS Paper (Prelims) and GS Paper I & III (Main) 67

HIGH-ENERGY SWELL WAVES 67

SOCIETY AND SOCIAL JUSTICE 47 #Oceanography 67
# GS Paper I & GS Paper II (Main) 47 AUSTRALIA’S WEATHER AGENCY ISSUES ‘LA NINA WATCH’ 68
#Climatology 68
COMMEMORATING 50 YEARS OF IMMUNIZATION PROGRAMS:
SOUTHERN SOJOURN (ANTARCTICA) 70
A MILESTONE ANALYSIS 47 #Polar Regions 70
#Social Justice #Health 47 MARINE HEAT WAVES 70
STREET VENDORS ACT, 2014 48 #Climate Change #Oceanography 70
#Social Justice #Welfare Mechanism #Indian Economy URBAN HEAT ISLAND 72
#Inclusive growth #Mains exhaustive 48 #Environment 72
DO MARRIAGE NEED TO BE REGISTERED? 50 CONCERNS OVER EU DEFORESTATION LAW 73
#Society #Salient features of Indian Society 50 #Environment 73
ADDRESSING INDIA’S NUTRITION CHALLENGES: GREAT NICOBAR PROJECT 74
COMPREHENSIVE GUIDELINES FOR A HEALTHIER FUTURE 51 #Locations #Environment 74
#Social Justice #Health 51 PANEL FLAGS POOR PROGRESS IN REVERSING COAL MINING
INDIA’S POPULATION DATA AND A TALE OF TWO PROJECTIONS DAMAGE 76
53 #Mining 76
#Indian Society # Demography & Population Issues 53 LEAD POLLUTION IN INDIA 76
MENSTRUAL HYGIENE DAY 53 #Pollution 76
#Health #Social Justice 53 CARBON FARMING 78
TOBACCO EPIDEMIC IN INDIA 56 #Sustainable Agriculture 78
#Social Justice #Health #Mains Exhaustive 56 ILLEGAL MINING IN THE ARAVALI RANGE MUST STOP:
SOCIO-ECOLOGICAL EFFECTS OF LPG PRICE HIKES 58 SUPREME COURT 80
#Social Justice #Health 58 #Mining 80
ADDRESSING INDIA'S NUTRITION CHALLENGES: COPPER 80
COMPREHENSIVE GUIDELINES FOR A HEALTHIER FUTURE 59 WORLD CASTOR SUSTAINABILITY FORUM 81
#Social Justice #Health #Summary 59 #PrelimsNuggets #Agriculture 81
THE HYPER-POLITICISATION OF INDIAN HIGHER EDUCATION 60 WORLD MIGRATORY BIRD DAY AND FLAMINGOS 82
#Social Justice #Education 60 #Biodiversity 82
PRADHAN MANTRI JAN AROGYA YOJANA (PMJAY) 62 FLAMINGOS 83
#Social Justice #Health #Government Schemes #Prelims #Biodiversity 83
Nuggets 62 WORLD BEE KEEPING DAY 84
SARNA RELIGIOUS CODE 62 SARISKA TIGER RESERVE 85
#Social Justice #Issues related to SCs & STs #Prelims Nuggets #Protected Areas 85
62 L’HOEST’S MONKEY 86
KOTIA: A TRIBAL GRAM PANCHAYAT 63
#Biodiversity #PrelimsNuggets 86
#Indian Polity #Inter-State relations 63 BALTIC SEA 86
#Social Justice #Issues related to SCs & STs #Prelims Nuggets
#Locations #PrelimsNuggets 86
63
MYITSONE DAM ON IRRAWADDY RIVER 87
#Locations 87
SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 90 BIRSA MUNDA AND MUNDA REBELLION 111
#ModernHistory #Mundarebellion #Personality 111
# GS Paper (Prelims) & GS Paper III (Main) 90
SWAMI VIVEKANANDA 113
EVOLUTION OF INDIA’S SPACE PROGRAM 90 #Modernhistory #Socialreforms #Personality 113
#Astronomy&Space Technology 90 BHIL/BHEEL TRIBE 113
CHINA LANDS ON THE FAR SIDE OF THE MOON 91 #Bhiltribe #Rebellion #Tribalculuture 113
Astronomy & Space Technology 91 VIRUPAKSHA TEMPLE 114
PREFIRE (POLAR RADIANT ENERGY IN THE FAR-INFRARED #TemplesinIndia #Culture #Architecture #Vijayanagaraempire
EXPERIMENT) MISSION 92 114
Astronomy & Space Technology 92 UNESCO'S MEMORY OF THE WORLD ASIA-PACIFIC REGIONAL
ETA AQUARIID METEOR SHOWER 93 REGISTER 116
#Astronomy & Space Technology 93 #Historyandculture #Protectionofheritage #Miscelleneous 116
GENETICALLY MODIFIED (GM) CROPS 94 KUMARTULI’S FAMOUS IDOL-SCULPTORS 117
#Biology and Biotechnology 94 #Culture #Sculptures #Miscelleneous 117
BIO-TAXIS FOR CANCER TREATMENT 95
#Biology and Biotechnology 95
XENOTRANSPLANTATION
#Biology & Biotechnology
96
96
PART-2: ETHICS, INTEGRITY &
BRAIN-EATING AMOEBA
#Biology & Biotechnology
97
97
APTITUDE 120
OXYTOCIN BAN 98
ETHICS OF ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE 121
#Biology and Biotechnology 98
#GS4 #Applied Ethics #Ethics in Governance 121
SCIENCE BEHIND MAGNETIC RESONANCE IMAGING 98
CASE STUDIES FOR PRACTICE 124
#New Emerging Technology 98
MAINS GS PAPER IV 124
AI AGENTS 99
#New Emerging Technology 99
PAVING LEGAL PATH TO MAKE PINK HYDROGEN 99
Energy Technology 99 PART-3: ESSAYS OF THE MONTH 126
GOLDENE 100
#Nanotechnology 100 'PROGRESS IS MORE PLAUSIBLY JUDGED BY THE REDUCTION
RUDRAM-II 101 OF DEPRIVATION THAN BY THE FURTHER ENRICHMENT OF
#Defence Technology 101 THE WEALTH' 127
IGLA-S AIR DEFENCE SYSTEM 102 #PHILOSOPHICAL 127
#Defence Technology 102 THE SUCCESS OF A SOCIETY IS TO BE EVALUATED PRIMARILY
BY THE FREEDOM THAT THE MEMBERS OF THE SOCIETY
ENJOY. 129
HISTORY, HERITAGE & Culture 104 #PhilosoPhical 129
# GS Paper (Prelims) & GS Paper I (Main) 104 IF YOU CAN DREAM IT, YOU CAN DO IT. 130
#Philosophical 130
FIRST EVIDENCE OF ROCK ART IN MANGALURU CITY 104
#Rock paintings in India #Culture #Rock Art Sites 104
SEARCHING FOR INDRAPRASTHA 105
#Ancienthistory #Gana-SanghasandMonarchies #Scheme 105
THE POPULARITY OF DAKHNI 108
#Medievalhitory #Culture #Language 108
SANTHAL REBELLION (1855-56) 109
#Tribalrebellion#Colonialrule#ModernhistoryofIndia 109
AHILYA BAI HOLKAR 110
#ModernhistoryofIndia #Marathaconfederacy #Holkars
#Personalities 110
 PART ONE

Current Affairs
logical .simple .targeted
analysis & explanation
of all relevant news of the month
 ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
# GS Paper (Prelims) & GS Paper III (Main)
COAL POWER IN INDIA
#Energy #Infrastructure
India, it is evident, will continue to be significantly dependent
on coal in the near to medium term.
POWER SECTOR IN INDIA
b demand. With more than 200 GW of coal-based
A report by NITI Aayog has indicated that coal-based
capacity in India will peak at about 250 GW by 2030, while
coal-based utility electricity generation will slow down and
likely peak in 2040 as India progresses towards its net zero
targets.
REASONS FOR COAL BEING INDIA’S DOMINANT
SOURCE OF ENERGY SECURITY
• Meeting Increasing Electricity Demand: The coupled
effect of being one of the world’s fastest growing
economies and huge population is expected to propel
future energy growth in India. With current per capita
electricity consumption at about a third of the global
average and significant urbanisation plans, power
demand is expected to double in the coming decade.
• Intermittency Issues in Non-Coal Sources of Energy:
Despite power generation from renewable sources
becoming cost effective, coal-based power generation
FOCUS | JUNE 2024 | RAU’S IAS
still accounts for approximately 75% of the total
electricity generation. This is primarily because of the
intermittency issues typical of renewables and lower
penetration of round-the-clock/storage linked RE
plants, which make it difficult for renewable energy
plants to replace coal for meeting the base load.
• Utilisation of Coal: India ranks fifth in the world in
terms of coal reserves and is the world’s second largest
coal producer. Due to this abundance, coal is the go-to
energy source for meeting the growing energy
generation capacity that provides both energy security
and base load power, coal-based power is fundamental
to India’s energy ecosystem and economy.
• Dependence of Heavy Industries on Coal: In addition
to high dependence on coal for generating electricity,
coal is also a vital source for Indian heavy industries,
such as steel, aluminium and cement production. As
per the International Energy Agency’s (IEA’s) report,
there are not many technologies available that can
replace the usage of coal in steel production.
• Socio-Economic Impact: India is the second largest
producer of coal in the world, and the greatest
challenge in the phase-out of coal is the social aspect.
In India, about 13 million people are employed in
various sectors associated with coal, including mining,
transport, power, sponge iron and steel. Thus, the
5
 Economic Development
socio-economic impact of the transition away from coal
poses a key challenge.
• Coal’s Role in Indian Railways’ Freight Revenue: Coal
and the railways in India are heavily interdependent.
On an average, the railways account for over 85% of the
costs of transporting coal to thermal power plants. Coal
accounts for about 43% of Indian Railways’ freight
revenue and the freight operations and the revenue
generated facilitate cross-subsidies and therefore, the
shift away from coal would necessitate an attendant
change in the overall tariff structures, as the volumes
of the key cross-subsidy providing component, viz. coal
would see diminution.
WAY FORWARD
• Pruning of inefficient thermal capacities, and
renovation and modernisation (R&M) and life
extension of plants: The Ministry of Power, under the
National Mission on Enhanced Energy Efficiency
(NMEEE) is undertaking retirement of old and
inefficient thermal units. This can be supplemented by
ongoing programmes for R&M and life extension of
capacities so as to improve the key operational metrics.
These measures will result in plants that are more
efficient and hence will have a less severe impact on the
environment.
• Flexible operation of coal-based capacities to meet
peak power requirements: The large capacity
addition envisaged in the renewables space makes it
essential that the coal-based capacity acts as a bulwark
to take care of variations that naturally occur in RE
generation, prompting the need for flexible operations
of coal-based capacities.
• Implementation of Flue Gas Desulphurisation
(FGD): Given the harmful effects of sulphur dioxide
(SO2), including acid rain and severe health
consequences, there is a need to reduce the SO2
emission in the flue gases of coal-based power plants.
FGD implementation will be an essential component of
the measures to be undertaken to enhance our ability
to live with coal-based power generation.
• Carbon Capture Utilisation and Storage (CCUS):
CCUS aims to reduce carbon emission by either storing
or reusing carbon dioxide (CO2) so that the captured
CO2 does not enter the atmosphere. CCUS
technologies are currently very expensive, and their
widespread adoption would be predicated on a robust
FOCUS | JUNE 2024 | RAU’S IAS
carbon pricing mechanism, so that a price is placed on
the carbon emissions
CONCLUSION
In this regard, for India, even as it goes on adding
renewable capacity, coal will continue to be a dominant
fuel in India’s energy mix in the foreseeable future till
other viable alternatives emerge. Besides, coal is not just
used in the power sector. The way out is to invest more in
technology for improving efficiency while reducing
dependence on thermal power. There is no either or, India
needs both for now.
HYBRID ANNUITY MODEL
#InvestmentModels
#PublicPrivatePartnership
The pace of India’s national highway construction is expected
to slow down from 34 kms a day in FY24 to 31 kms per day as
projects under the hybrid annuity model (HAM) have not
taken off as anticipated.
WHAT IS A HYBRID ANNUITY MODEL (HAM)?
• It is a public-private partnership (PPP) model that
combines engineering, procurement, and construction
(EPC) and build, operate, transfer (BOT) models.
• In the annuity mode, the concessionaire gets a fixed &
assured payment from the government.
NEED FOR THIS MODEL?
• Under the existing PPP model called BOT, the
developer absorbs most of the risks—financial,
operations and maintenance and revenue.
• Developers have shied away from the BOT (build
operate and transfer) model due to the slowdown in
the economy, which not only hampered fund-raising,
but also hit toll collection, due to lower traffic flow. The
poor cash flows burdened existing projects’ ability to
service debt
• With this new model, the idea is to provide a
transparent, time-bound mechanism to fast-track
decision making and anticipate solutions to issues
that could arise through a built-in approach.
WHAT ARE ITS SALIENT FEATURES?
• Sharing of Capital Costs: 40% of bid project cost
payable by govt in five equal instalments linked to
6
 Economic Development
physical progress. The concessionaire has to bear the
rest.
• Assured Return: Frees the concessionaire’s
dependency on the toll collected on the highway. The
government shoulders the responsibility of revenue
collection.
• Land: The government will provide 90% of land and the
related environment and forest clearance (earlier 80%).
• Operation & Maintenance: of the toll road also rests
with the concessionaire.
• Risk Allocation: Private partner bears the construction
& maintenance risks. The Government bears all
revenue/traffic & inflation risks
ADVANTAGES
• Lower Upfront Costs: In the hybrid annuity model,
one need not bring 100% of finance upfront and since
40% is available during the construction period, only
60% is required to be arranged for the long term
• Higher Revenue Certainty and Reduced Risk for
Developer: There is no risk of tolling as well as traffic
uncertainty. The NHAI will collect toll and refund the
amount in instalments over a period of 15-20 years,
cutting down on upfront investment required to be
made by the government.
• Reduced Debt Burden for Concessionaire: 40% grant
in form of capital support would substantially reduce
the debt portion and interest burden thereof. The
lenders will have great comfort in financing the project.
• Land Acquisition and Environmental Clearances:
are major sources of delay and stalling of many
projects. In HAM model, the obligation to acquire land
and environmental clearances lies with the
government
• Speeding Up of Projects: Losses due to time overruns
are prevented. As the government is itself a
stakeholder, it now acts as a real ‘partner’.
• Monitoring Mechanism: As government will invest
money in five equal instalments based on the targeted
completion of the road project
CHALLENGES
• Delays in Completion: Of the ₹1.5-lakh-crore HAM
projects awarded after March 2020, nearly one-third
are delayed by 4-6 months beyond the three-month
grace period due to hurdles in land acquisition and in
giving the ‘appointed date’ (the handover of the
FOCUS | JUNE 2024 | RAU’S IAS
contract letter to the successful bidder, enabling
commencement of work). Further, unexpected events
such as Covid-19, post-bidding commodity price hikes,
prolonged monsoons, and stringent debt terms have
exacerbated the delays.
• Financial Hurdles: Delays in project completion, cost
escalations, and revenue uncertainties may have
affected the attractiveness of the HAM for private
developers.
• Budgetary Constraints of the Government: Lower
budgetary support and shift in focus to economic
recovery post-pandemic have reduced the outlay for
infrastructure projects, thereby impacting HAM
projects
WAY FORWARD
• Notwithstanding these issues this model presents a
healthy mix of the existing models, taking their
positives. Currently, this seems to be the solution for
fast track execution of projects amidst the pessimistic
business sentiments.
• Stepping up project supervision, alongside exploring
alternative funding sources such as multilateral
organisations will help remove financial hurdles.
• Additionally, removing regulatory bottlenecks,
enhancing preparedness, collaboration and a
conducive policy environment will ease the regulatory
burden such projects may face.
SOVEREIGN CREDIT
RATINGS
#MobilisationofResources #ExternalSector
S&P revised its outlook on India from ‘stable’ to ‘positive’
after a decade, with a vague assurance that a ratings
upgrade from BBB minus (bottom of investment grade)
may follow suit in a couple of years.
WHAT ARE SOVEREIGN CREDIT RATINGS?
• Sovereign Credit Ratings (SCR) provide independent
evaluations of a country's capacity to fulfil debt
obligations.
• These ratings are determined based on factors like a
nation's economic and political stability, indicating its
financial health and level of default risk.
7
 Economic Development
• Such assessments are formed through a combination
of publicly available data and confidential information
shared by entities such as foreign currency reserves
and capital market transparency.
• SCR is categorised into two main grades:
○ Investment Grade, which encompasses ratings
from the highest creditworthiness to moderate
credit risk
○ Speculative Grade, which involves a higher
potential for default or a past occurrence of default.
IMPORTANCE OF SOVEREIGN CREDIT RATINGS
• Borrowing and Global Capital Markets: Credit
ratings signal a country's capability to repay borrowed
funds, influencing its access to global capital markets.
• Foreign Investment Attraction: Ratings reflect a
country's attractiveness as an investment destination,
impacting foreign investment decisions.
• Benchmarking and Comparative Analysis: SCR
offers insights into a nation's economic and political
environment, facilitating comparisons with other
countries.
• Informed Investment Decisions: Ratings inform
investors about risk levels associated with investing in
a specific country, including potential political risks,
aiding in strategic decision-making and relative
comparisons against peers.
REASONS FOR DIFFERING VIEWPOINTS?
• Government's Reasons for Nudging Towards Higher
SCR:
○ Absence of sovereign defaults in history.
○ Strong GDP growth, low inflation, and a swift V-
shaped economic recovery.
○ Enhanced financial stability, with significant
reductions in non-performing bank loans. The
establishment of entities like NARCL and IDRCL to
manage bad loans.
○ Robust foreign exchange reserves compared to the
country's debt.
○ Improved political stability, evidenced by better Ease
of Doing Business, Rule of Law, and corruption
control.
• Rating Agencies' Viewpoints for Lower Ratings for
India:
FOCUS | JUNE 2024 | RAU’S IAS
○ India's status as one the most indebted emerging
markets.
○ Erosion of fiscal position due to high deficit.
○ Budgetary measures prioritising short-term growth,
lacking clarity on long-term fiscal consolidation.
○ Challenges in implementing policies to address
prolonged periods of low growth, limited fiscal space
to respond to potential growth shocks.
CONSEQUENCES OF LOWER CREDIT RATINGS
• Reduced Investor Confidence: Poor ratings
discourage investment in emerging economies,
including India.
• Higher Borrowing Costs: Such ratings heighten credit
risk perception, prompting higher interest rates to
attract investors.
• Financial Market Instability: Market turbulence may
result, as institutional investors often prioritise
investment-grade instruments.
• Capital Market Isolation: Low ratings for commercial
banks and corporate debt hinder their ability to issue
internationally recognized letters of credit for domestic
trade, and firms struggle to issue debt on the
international capital market.
WAY FORWARD
• Enhancing Ratings Transparency: To alleviate
concerns related to downgrades of emerging
economies compared to developed ones, greater
transparency in rating methodologies is needed.
• Preventing Reactive Ratings: Emerging economies
should be assessed without bias and subjectivity,
minimising reactionary credit rating adjustments.
Further, relying mostly on qualitative parameters
such as ‘willingness to pay’ has hampered prospects
of developing economies like India.
• Engaging Emerging Economies: Encourage
collaboration between emerging economies and their
rating agencies to ensure accurate representation of
economic capabilities and commitment to meeting
external obligations.
• Scrutinising Entities from Developed Nations:
Caution against overreliance on ratings provided by
developed countries' agencies, drawing parallels to
instances like the 2007-2009 financial crisis triggered by
positive credit ratings for mortgage-backed securities,
as well as the European sovereign debt crisis
8
 Economic Development

exacerbated by downgrades of Greece, Portugal, and • Modified Mixed Reference Period (MMRP): In this
Ireland. method, for some food items, instead of a 30-day recall,
only a 7-day recall is collected. Also, for some low-

POVERTY LINE
frequency items, instead of a 30-day recall, a 1-year
recall is collected. This is believed to provide a more

ESTIMATION IN INDIA accurate reflection of consumption expenditures.

Presently, the proportion of people living below the
#InclusiveGrowth Poverty line is estimated based upon the
methodology recommended by the Suresh Tendulkar
Committee.
Poverty eradication remains a major challenge in creating a
just and equitable society. The first step towards eradication TENDULKAR EXPERT GROUP (2009)
of poverty is to estimate the proportion of people living below Following were the recommendations of the committee:
the Poverty line. The release of the fact sheet of the Household
• Firstly, it recommended a shift away from basing the
Consumption Expenditure Survey for 2022-23 (HCES) by the
poverty lines from calorie norms towards target
National Sample Survey Office (NSSO) led to estimations of
nutritional outcomes instead.
poverty and inequality trends by many researchers.
• Secondly, instead of two separate Poverty Line Basket
WHAT IS POVERTY?
(PLBs) for rural and urban poverty lines, it
It is a social condition that is characterised by the lack of
recommended a uniform all-India urban PLB across
resources necessary for basic survival or necessary to
rural and urban India.
meet a certain minimum level of living standards. Poverty
is not only a condition of economic insufficiency; it is also • Thirdly, it recommended using Mixed Reference
social and political exclusion. Period (MRP) based estimates, as opposed to
Uniform Reference Period (URP) based estimates used
WHO DOES THE ESTIMATION?
in earlier methods for estimating poverty.
• NITI Aayog estimates the proportion of people living
below the poverty line (BPL). • Fourthly, it recommended incorporation of private
expenditure on health and education while
• Such an estimation is based upon monthly per capita
estimating poverty.
consumption expenditure (MPCE) of households
which is carried out by the National Statistical Office • The national poverty line for 2011-12 was estimated at
(NSO) every 5 years. Rs. 816 per capita per month for rural areas and Rs.
DATA COLLECTION METHOD 1,000 per capita per month for urban areas.

• Uniform Recall Period (URP): During the survey, The estimation of the poverty line in 2011-12 proved to
people are asked as to how much money has been be controversial
spent on certain goods and services in the previous 30 • On one hand, the Government showcased the decline
days i.e., recall period (30 days) is uniform for all goods in BPL population as a success of its anti-poverty
and services. schemes and programs.
• Mixed Recall Period (MRP): How much money has • While, on the other hand, opposition parties
been spent on certain goods and services in the highlighted that India is underestimating its BPL
previous 30 days + How much money has been spent population. It was also highlighted that the poverty
in the last 365 days on certain goods and services which
line (Rs 27 in Rural areas and Rs 33 in Urban areas) is
are bought at low frequency (clothing, footwear,
too low and fails to capture rising standard of living
durables, education and institutional health
in India.
expenditure). Currently, all poverty line data are
compiled using the MRP method. These include the To defuse the controversy over Poverty line estimation,
most recent estimates by the Suresh Tendulkar and the Government appointed Rangarajan Committee.
Rangarajan Committees.

FOCUS | JUNE 2024 | RAU’S IAS 9

 Economic Development
WHAT WAS DIFFERENT ABOUT THE RANGARAJAN
COMMITTEE?
• The Group estimated afresh the poverty basket and did
not simply update an old basket with new prices.
• In defining the new consumption basket separating the
poor from the rest, the committee said that it should
contain a food component that addresses the
capability to be adequately nourished and some
normative level of consumption expenditure for
essential non-food item groups besides a residual set
of behaviourally determined non-food expenditure.
ISSUES WITH POVERTY LINE ESTIMATION
METHODOLOGY
• Outdated Poverty Line Basket: Poverty varies across
time. As the standard of living has improved, the
poverty line basket also needs to be updated. Items
which were considered as luxury have now become
necessity (Mobile, TV, Bank Account etc.). However,
these items are not part of the poverty line basket.
• Poverty Line is Too Low: Poverty line of Rs 27 in rural
areas and Rs 33 in urban areas fails to capture true
scenario of poverty in India. Hence, India may be
underestimating BPL population.
• Flawed Assumption: Poverty line estimation is based
on a flawed assumption that if people can meet their
basic food needs, they would also be able to meet non-
food requirements as well. That is why non-food
requirements such as Mobile, TV etc. are not
considered. We need to understand that the priority for
the people is to meet their food requirements. After
meeting their food requirements, they may not have
money left for non-food expenses.
• No Multi-dimensional View of Poverty: Fails to
realise that poverty is on account of multiple
deprivations such as education, health, housing,
sanitation etc. For example, according to the Global
Multidimensional Poverty Index (MPI 2020), 28% of
India’s population is poor. This is much higher than our
official estimates of 22%.
HOWEVER, SOME OPINIONS DEFEND THE CURRENT
METHODOLOGY AS WELL
• Official poverty line estimates are closer to World
Bank’s estimates: World Bank has set the
International Poverty line at $1.90 a day at 2011
international prices. 22.5% of the population live below
FOCUS | JUNE 2024 | RAU’S IAS
the poverty line (World Bank, 2011). This is comparable
to official estimates of 22%.
• Poverty line estimation is only for statistical
purposes: Opposition parties highlight that decrease
in BPL population due to artificially lower poverty lines
would lead to exclusion of the people from beneficiary
list in government schemes and programmes. But the
Government believes that estimation of BPL
population and identification of beneficiaries are two
different things. The identification of beneficiaries for
government schemes and programmes (such as
Ayushman Bharat, PM Awas Yojana, PM Ujjwala Yojana
etc.) is not just limited to BPL population. It also
includes the APL population as well. Identification of
beneficiaries takes place based upon the Socio-
Economic Caste Census (SECC) and hence has no
relation to Poverty line estimation.
• Frequent updating of Poverty Line Basket (PLB)
would make it difficult to track our progress in
poverty alleviation. It would also make it difficult to
analyse the impact of government schemes and
programmes in eradicating poverty.
REASONS FOR RESILIENT POVERTY
• Inadequate Social Protection: High out of pocket
expenditure on health, especially by the “missing
middle” leads to a situation when they are one health
crisis away from falling below poverty line.
• Unequal Distribution of Resources: Large
landholdings by a few elites contribute to poverty in
India by limiting access to resources for the broader
population.
• Dependency on Primary Commodities: The Indian
economy continues to rely heavily on the export of
primary commodities, a legacy of the colonial economic
structure. This makes the economy vulnerable to
external market fluctuations.
• Social Inequalities: Social inequalities, often
exacerbated by historical factors such as caste systems
or ethnic divisions, contribute to persistent poverty in
India. Discrimination limits access to education,
employment, and other opportunities for marginalised
groups.
• Population Growth: Rapid population growth strains
available resources and makes it challenging to achieve
sustainable development. This results in high levels of
unemployment and limited access to essential services,
10
 Economic Development
contributing to the high Indian poverty rate. India is
now the world’s most populous country.
• Global Economic Factors: Global economic dynamics,
including trade imbalances and debt burdens,
exacerbate poverty in India. Unfavourable terms of
trade and economic policies imposed by powerful
nations hinder local development efforts.
• Corruption and Governance Issues: Corruption in
governance structures is a significant impediment to
reducing the poverty rate in India. Diverting resources
meant for development, embezzlement, and lack of
transparency hinder effective poverty alleviation
initiatives.
• Weak Institutions: The legacy of colonial rule left India
with weak institutions, including legal systems,
bureaucracies, and law enforcement. This impedes
effective governance and contributes to the rising
Indian poverty rate.
WAY FORWARD
• Perceptions of what defines basic human needs vary
widely. Hence, views on "What should be the Poverty
line?" and "What should constitute the Poverty line
Basket?" vary and likely to give rise to controversy and
debate. So, should we do away with the Poverty line
altogether?
• No, fixing a poverty line (though controversial and
debatable) has its own advantages. It helps us track our
progress in poverty reduction as enshrined under SDG
1 (Ending Poverty in all its manifestations). It also helps
us to analyse the impact of Government schemes,
policies and initiatives.
• In this regard, Arvind Panagariya Taskforce on
Elimination of Poverty has outlined the 4 options with
respect to Poverty line.
○ Option 1: Continue with the Tendulkar poverty line
○ Option 2: Accept the Rangarajan poverty line or
higher rural and urban poverty lines
○ Option 3: Track progress of the bottom 30 of the
population
○ Option 4: Track progress along specific components
of poverty such as nutrition, housing, drinking water,
sanitation, electricity and connectivity.
(Option 3 and 4 can be complementary to option 1 or 2
but cannot be a substitute for it).
FOCUS | JUNE 2024 | RAU’S IAS
SERVICE EXPORTS
#ExternalSector #Liberalisation
India’s services export receipts rose from $95.8 billion in
the post-crisis year 2009-10 to $341.1 billion in 2023-24.
This has cemented India’s position as a services trade-
surplus (exports exceed imports) country, which helps
offset some of the high goods trade deficit. From about a
third a decade ago, services surplus now offers cushion
cover to about 50% of goods trade deficit.
WHAT ARE DIFFERENT TYPES OF SERVICE EXPORTS?
As per WTO GATS, service exports are categorised into
4 modes:
• Mode 1: Cross Border:
Services which themselves cross-frontiers from one
country to another e.g. Distance learning, consultancy,
BPO services. E.g., an architect in the U.S. sending plans
to a client in Singapore.
Mode 2: Consumption abroad
Services, which are made available within a country for
foreign consumers’, e.g.: tourism, educational students
for students, medical treatment etc. E.g., an Australian
tourist taking a vacation in Las Vegas, or an Argentine
citizen coming to the United States for health care.
Mode 3: Commercial Presence
Services supplied by an entity of one country, which is
commercially pressed in another e.g.: banking, hotel etc.
E.g.,the branch of an American bank in South Africa
extending loans to local entrepreneurs.
• Mode 4: Movements of natural persons
This is a foreign national providing services like that of
doctor, nurse, IT engineer etc. functioning as a
consultant, employee, from one country to another.
E.g., an engineering consultant may travel abroad to
oversee aspects of a building project or an employee of
a software firm may be sent abroad to deliver
information technology services.
LIMITATIONS OF SERVICE EXPORTS
• Stringent VISA Norms: High visa fees and non-
issuance of multi-entry visa of longer periods impact
mode 4 of service exports. E.g., British are reluctant to
exceed the current quota of around 100,000 annual
work visas granted to Indian nationals. In response,
11
 Economic Development
India has highlighted that skilled professionals across
various sectors often do not require long-term visas, as
their assignments typically involve shorter duration.
• Data Norms: The EU data regulation makes exporting
harder by making data transfers more difficult.
Developing countries like India face a dilemma now.
Data transfers to a non-EU country would be permitted
only if the latter enacts a national privacy law
equivalent to the EU law.
• Not Included in FTAs: Many of India's FTAs primarily
focus on tariff reduction for goods trade, with less
emphasis on services. This restricts opportunities for
Indian service providers like IT professionals,
consultants, and healthcare workers to access markets
through preferential treatment.
• Focus on Mode 1: Existing service agreements often
prioritise Mode 1 of service trade, which involves cross-
border delivery (e.g., software development for a
foreign client). However, restrictions on Modes 2
(movement of consumers - like medical tourism) and 4
(movement of professionals) create hurdles. E.g., The
India-ASEAN FTA: While promoting goods trade, it has
limited provisions for temporary movement of
professionals and restricts certain service sectors like
legal services.
• Dependent on Imports: Attracted by the opportunity
of emerging as a software exporter, the government
decided to liberalise imports of hardware from the
1980s. The result is now visible in the growing
dependence on imports of computer hardware and the
growing presence of assemblers of foreign brands of
computers in the country.
○ The import of computer hardware has more than
doubled from $6.89 billion in financial year 2016-17
to $14.14 billion in 2022-23.
○ India is not an important producer of software
products, with the Indian market being largely
serviced by the likes of Microsoft, Acrobat, Oracle
and SAP, leading to increased foreign exchange
leakages through imports, royalty payments and
profit repatriation.
• Low Employment Elasticity: Increasing service
exports is predominantly due to increased volume of
trade in Information technology enabled services
which has low employment potential. The growth of
IT/ITeS is mainly due to increased labour productivity
and technological revolution.
FOCUS | JUNE 2024 | RAU’S IAS
CONCLUSION
Thus, as a substantial share of the foreign exchange
realised through services exports is likely to leak out,
eroding even the balance of payments benefits that the
services exports currently offer. It is time India uses the
benefit of these earnings to diversify activity within and
outside of services, including into new export lines, to
retain the flexibility that foreign exchange access ensures.
REDISTRIBUTION OF
WEALTH
#InclusiveGrowth #Employment #Growth
Since the Indian National Congress released its election
manifesto, the word ‘redistribution’ has dominated the
election discourse.
WHY OPT FOR REDISTRIBUTION?
• The economic disparity between the rich and the poor
has widened alarmingly over the last two decades.
• India’s inequality, in particular, is a result of lopsided
economic growth and taxation.
○ Jobless Growth: For every percentage of GDP
growth today generates less than one-fourth the
number of formal jobs than it did in the 1980s. This
is mainly due to contemporary economic
development models that prize capital over labour
for efficiency.
○ Unbalanced Tax Burden: The other driver of India’s
inequality is the imbalance in taxation where the
common person pays more than the corporates in
the share of taxes. Out of every 100 rupees that India
collects in taxes, 64 rupees come from the poor and
middle class through indirect (GST) and income
taxes, while only 36 rupees come from rich
corporations. Essentially, the poor and common
people suffer a double whammy where they are not
only excluded from the gains of economic growth
but are also taxed more vis-à-vis corporations.
• Hence, the idea of redistribution to bridge the gap
between the haves and the have-nots.
HOW TO BRIDGE THE GAP?
• The gap between the rich and the poor can be bridged
by either making the rich poorer or the poor richer or
both.
12
 Economic Development

• One of the measures suggested is ‘inheritance or The bone of contention in the recent debate has been the
wealth tax’. The idea of a wealth tax to extract from drastic fall in household net financial savings to GDP ratio
the super rich and give to the poor to reduce economic
during 2022-23 on account of a higher borrowing to GDP
disparity. However, such vindictive ‘tax the rich’
ratio. Today’s article highlights signs of structural shifts in the
measures neither provide enough resources to make a
significant impact nor foster a healthy climate to Indian economy.
reduce the rich-poor disparity. A confrontational ‘make WHAT IS HOUSEHOLD SAVINGS?
the rich poorer’ policy attitude can hinder
• The household savings is the sum of its net financial
investments and trigger flight of capital.
savings, physical savings and gold and ornaments.
• In the current stage of India’s development cycle,
economic growth is necessary for increasing the • Net financial savings = Gross financial savings -
size of the overall economic pie. borrowing.
○ Generating Employment: The key to reducing • Physical Savings include bank deposits, currency,
economic disparity is to rebalance the capital-labour
financial investments in mutual funds, pension funds,
skew through labour market focused policy
etc.
incentives. These include right to apprenticeship for
youth, employment linked incentive schemes for • Household borrowing includes credit from non-bank
corporates and promote unskilled labour intensive financial corporations and housing corporations, credit
economic activities.
from commercial banks.
○ Overhauling Taxation Structure: Further, an
TRENDS IN HOUSEHOLD SAVINGS
overhaul of India’s taxation structure through a
simpler, lower GST indirect tax rate and a new direct • Let us understand the changes in household savings
tax code. during 2022-23 as compared to 2021-22.
○ Providing Social Security: Ensuring a social security
net through welfare programs for the poor until they
can reap gains of economic growth. Such programs
can be funded through a combination of faster
growth, higher tax buoyancy and efficient welfare
delivery without having to resort to penalising the
rich.
CONCLUSION
A pragmatic approach to reducing the rich-poor gap is
by maximising economic growth, minimising
unemployment, lowering the tax burden for the
common person and providing a safety net for the
poor. This involves a delicate balancing act of labour
• You can see that due to changes in its composition, the
market incentives, welfare safety nets and attracting
investments. household savings to GDP ratio declined by 1.7
percentage points.

RISING DEBT STRAINS • Hence, it can be argued that lower net financial
savings to GDP ratio and higher borrowing to GDP
HOUSEHOLD SAVINGS ratio largely reflects a greater interest payment
#MobilisationofResources burden of the household, leading to an increase in

#InclusiveGrowth financial distress of the household.

FOCUS | JUNE 2024 | RAU’S IAS 13

 Economic Development
IMPLICATIONS OF HIGHER DEBT BURDEN
• Issue of Debt Repayment and Financial Fragility: If
the households fail to meet their debt repayment
commitments, then it reduces the income of the
financial sector as the interest paid by the households
is the interest income of the financial sector. So, failure
to repay the debt by the household can have a
cascading effect on the macroeconomy as it will
deteriorate the balance sheets of the lending
institutions and in turn make them reduce their credit
disbursement to the non-financial sector or the
household.
• Impact on Consumption Demand: Majority of the
consumption in the Indian economy is driven by the
household sector. Now, in the present scenario of
declining wealth of the households, the consumption
expenditure of the households may decline further as
they may attempt to preserve their wealth through
savings.
• Declining Investment in Economy: The declining
savings on the part of the household can lead to the
decline in the overall savings in the economy with the
banks and government and in turn the bring down
overall savings and investment in the economy.
REFORMING OIL AND GAS
SECTOR
FOCUS | JUNE 2024 | RAU’S IAS
#Infrastructure #Energy
India is the fourth largest refiner in the world, where its
refining capacity has increased from 215.07 million tonnes
per annum (mtpa) in 2014 to 256.8 mtpa in 2024.
OBJECTIVES
Reduce import dependence from 77% to 50% by 2030 by
increasing domestic production of crude oil. This will help
India achieve energy security.
KEY DEVELOPMENTS IN THE LAST DECADE
• Marketing:
○ Cooking gas price in India is one of the lowest
globally, even lower than producing nations.
○ Auto fuels witnessed a major shift to BS-VI →
reducing sulphur emissions by 80% vis-à-vis BS-IV
levels.
○ There has also been a growing number of States
and UTs which are becoming kerosene-free.
• Natural Gas:
○ The focus is on city gas distribution networks →
both piped natural gas and compressed natural gas.
○ However, despite revised guidelines on pricing of
domestically produced natural gas, it is still not fully
decontrolled.
• Exploration:
○ Hydrocarbon Exploration and Licensing Policy
(HELP) is an exploration and production policy that
replaced the New Exploration Licensing Policy
(NELP) in 2016.
○ HELP unifies the authority to grant licences for
exploration and production (E&P) of conventional
and unconventional oil and gas resources.
○ Under NELP, the oil production companies had to
wait for the Government to invite bidding for oil
blocks. The exploration and production was
restricted to areas (blocks) opened by the
Government.
○ HELP introduced an Open Acreage Licensing Policy
(OALP) that will allow companies to approach the
government at any time and seek permission to
explore any block.
14
 Economic Development
• Refinery Capacity Expansion: India is the fourth
largest refiner in the world. From a capacity of 215.07
mtpa in 2014, today it has a capacity of 256.8 mtpa.
• Going Green: National biofuel policy, focus on ethanol
blended petrol programme, biodiesel blending
programme and bio-ATF, green hydrogen.
• Diversification of Imports: India has diversified its
crude oil sources from 27 countries in 2006-07 to 39
countries in 2022-23.
CHALLENGES
• Political Imperatives: In theory, retail price of petrol
and diesel is deregulated (to be revised daily in sync
with global price shifts) . However, during elections, the
price remains flat. Thus, when the revision happens it
makes a dent in the pocket of the consumer and affects
the fiscal maths of businesses.
• Exploration: Although a conducive fiscal regime was
created, investors are cautious as there have been
instances of government interventions which have not
been favourable for the players to venture into this
high risk space.
• Fiscal Policy Shortcomings: Petroleum products like
petrol, diesel and ATF have been left out of the GST
regime. Additionally, windfall tax levy on domestic
producers impacts their long-term investment plans.
• Slow Expansion of Strategic Reserves: India has
strategic oil reserves of about 8-9 days which is dismal
when compared with its growing demand.
CONCLUSION
It is important for India to take full advantage of any
opportunities adopting a holistic approach – integrated
energy policy.
INDIA VIX
#FinancialMarkets #PrelimsSnippets
India VIX has seen many ups and downs in the election
season.
TO UNDERSTAND THE VOLATILITY INDEX, LET'S TAKE
A LOOK AT VOLATILITY AND INDEX INDEPENDENTLY
• Volatility: Volatility means the unpredictable period
when the prices of security witness rapid fluctuations.
Due to factors like Political, Economic, Industry, and
FOCUS | JUNE 2024 | RAU’S IAS
Company performance. Volatility is Unavoidable as it
depends on numerous internal and external factors.
• Index: An index is an indicator or measure of
something. In finance, it typically refers to a statistical
measure of change in a securities market. In the case
of financial markets, stock and bond market indexes
consist of a hypothetical portfolio of securities
representing a particular market or a segment of it.
India has 2 major Indices, Nifty – which consists of 50
stocks and Sensex with 30 Stocks.
WHAT IS THE VOLATILITY INDEX?
• The Volatility Index, VIX or the Fear Index, is a
measure of the market’s expectation of volatility
over the near term. As volatility subsides, the Volatility
Index declines.
• Investors use it to gauge market volatility and base
their investment decisions accordingly.
• Usually, during periods of market volatility, the
market moves steeply up or down and the volatility
index tends to rise.
WHAT IS INDIA VIX THEN?
• India VIX is a volatility index computed by the NSE
based on the order book of NIFTY Options. This
index represents the investors’ perception of the
market over the next near term, that is the next 30
days.
• The rise and fall in the India VIX or volatile index
determine the volatility of the market and helps the
investors to better understand the market conditions
before making their next big investment or while
keeping a track of their previously made investment.
• The higher the India VIX values, the higher the
expected volatility and vice versa.
• One simple way of understanding India VIX is that it is
the expected annual change in the NIFTY50 index over
a period of 30 days.
○ For example, if the India VIX is currently at 21, this
simply means that the traders expect 21% volatility
for the next 30 days in the Nifty Index. This means
that the traders expect the NIFTY Index to either rise
or fall by 21% in the next 30 days.
WHY HAS INDIA VIX SURGED?
• The volatility seen in the benchmark equity indices was
amid concerns over the results of the ongoing
elections, set to be declared on June 4.
15
 Economic Development
• India VIX reflects the expected volatility and typically
rises ahead of events like elections that could have a
major impact on the market’s trajectory.
THE IMPORTANCE OF VIX
• All the major directional moves in the market are
usually preceded by a lot of choppiness or a lot of range
play in the market. India VIX plays a very major role
in understanding the confidence or fear factor
amongst traders.
• A lower VIX level usually implies that the market is
confident about the movement and is expecting
lower volatility and a stable range.
• A higher VIX level usually signals high volatility and
lower trader confidence about the current range of
the market. A major directional move can be expected
in the market and a quick broadening of range can be
expected.
○ For example, during the subprime crisis (2008), India
VIX was trading at 55-60 (high of 90) levels and the
market was in a state of panic and indecisiveness
and hence the moves were erratic and hostile.
○ Similarly, before COVID-19. India VIX has stayed
below 30 (Since 2014). But since the epidemic
disease broke out, the VIX has crossed the 30 levels
and traded near 50 levels (trading above 80 for a few
days) and we have seen the Indian Equity Index
losing nearly 40 per cent of its value and is trading
near 8000 levels.
COUNTERCYCLICAL
CAPITAL BUFFER (CCYB)
#Banking #Economy #PrelimsSnippets
Banks which suffered most from incidence of high NPAs
during 2010s, also experienced high credit growth during
the preceding economic boom. Their credit-deposit ratio
was higher as compared to the industry average. In this
context, adoption of Countercyclical Capital Buffer (CCyB)
requirements is the need of the hour.
WHAT IS A COUNTERCYCLICAL CAPITAL BUFFER
(CCYB)?
FOCUS | JUNE 2024 | RAU’S IAS
• It aims to ensure that banking sector capital
requirements take account of the macro-financial
environment in which banks operate.
• Its primary objective is to use a buffer of capital to
achieve the broader macroprudential goal of
protecting the banking sector from periods of
excess aggregate credit growth that have often been
associated with the build-up of system-wide risk.
• Due to its counter cyclical nature, the countercyclical
capital buffer regime may also help to lean against the
build-up phase of the credit cycle in the first place.
• In downturns, the regime should help to reduce the risk
that the supply of credit will be constrained by
regulatory capital requirements that could undermine
the performance of the real economy and result in
additional credit losses in the banking system.
• Hence, incorporating countercyclical capital
regulations can effectively overcome excessive pro-
cyclicality in bank lending, by moderating credit
growth during economic boom, while promoting
credit growth during recessions.
PRESENT NORMS ON CCYB
• It may be noted that RBI’s current minimum capital and
conservation buffer requirement for the banks is
placed at 11.5%. (CAR of 9% along with a Capital
Conservation Buffer of 2.5%).
• Including additional requirements for domestically
significantly important banks (D-SIBs), the highest
minimum requirement is placed at 12.1% (for SBI).
• However, in its circular dated April 23, 2024, the RBI
said it was not activating CCyB as of now.
WAY FORWARD
• As against this, RBI’s latest Financial Stability Report
(FSR) revealed that CRAR of the SCBs was at 16.8% in
September 2023. It suggested that the SCBs are well-
capitalised and they are capable of absorbing
macroeconomic shocks even in the absence of any
further capital infusion by the stakeholders.
• Thus, the banks’ capital position at present in India
seems to be comfortable for accommodating another
2.5% (maximum) capital requirement under CCyB.
• Early implementation of CCyB requirements will not
just improve banking sector stability, but is highly
relevant to deter any potential threat to sustain
high and stable economic growth.
16
 Economic Development
RAPESEED
#Agriculture #MajorCrops
#PrelimsSnippets
A decline in rapeseed meal exports led to a 6% overall
decrease in oil meal exports in April.
ABOUT RAPESEED
• It also known as rape and oilseed rape, is a bright-
yellow flowering member of the mustard or cabbage
family.
• It is a rabi crop, cultivated from September-October to
February-March.
• India is the third largest producer of rapeseed-
mustard after Canada and China.
• The government provides a minimum support price
(MSP) guarantee for rapeseed.
• Climatic Requirements: Require cool, dry weather
and an adequate supply of soil moisture during the
growing period, as well as dry, clear weather at
maturity.
• Soil:
○ Sandy loam to clay loam soils are suitable for this
crop. Do not tolerate water logging conditions or
heavy soils Soil having neutral pH is ideal for their
proper growth and development.
○ Can grow in sandy loam to clay loam soils but
perform best in light loam soils. They do not tolerate
waterlogged conditions or heavy soils. A neutral pH
soil is ideal for their optimal growth
development.
• Rotations and mixed cropping: Grown in rotation
with other crops like maize, cotton, bajra, pulses, etc.
• Cultivation regions: Predominantly grown in the
northern and western parts of India. Major rapeseed-
producing states include Rajasthan, Haryana, Madhya
Pradesh, and Uttar Pradesh.
• Importance:
○ It is primarily grown for its oil-rich seeds, which
naturally contain erucic acid and produce canola or
rapeseed oil.
FOCUS | JUNE 2024 | RAU’S IAS
○ Canola oil is utilised in cooking, as well as in the
production of soap and margarine, and as a lamp
fuel (known as colza oil). When esterified, this oil
serves as a lubricant for jet engines and can be
converted into biodiesel.
○ Also, the seeds are used as bird feed, and the
residual seed material after oil extraction is
employed as animal fodder.
EXTERNAL COMMERCIAL
BORROWINGS (ECBs)
#ExternalSector #Liberalisation
#PrelimsSnippets
As per the latest RBI data, External Commercial Borrowing
(ECBs) registrations by Indian companies shot up about 84%
in FY24 to $49.2 billion, against $26.7 billion in FY23.
WHAT ARE EXTERNAL COMMERCIAL BORROWINGS
(ECBS)?
• External commercial borrowing (ECBs) are loans in
India made by non-resident lenders in foreign
currency to Indian borrowers.
• They are used widely in India to facilitate access to
foreign money by Indian corporations and PSUs
(public sector undertakings).
• ECBs include commercial bank loans, buyers' credit,
suppliers' credit, securitised instruments such as
floating rate notes and fixed rate bonds etc., credit
from official export credit agencies and commercial
and
borrowings from the private sector window of
multilateral financial institutions such as
International Finance Corporation (Washington), ADB,
AFIC, CDC, etc.
• Restrictions: ECBs cannot be used for investment in
the stock market or speculation in real estate.
• Regulated by: The DEA (Department of Economic
Affairs), Ministry of Finance, Government of India along
with Reserve Bank of India, monitors and regulates ECB
guidelines and policies.
• ECBs are part of the Capital Account in Balance of
Payments.
17
 Economic Development

ANTI-DUMPING DUTY receive

government.
from their

#ExternalSector
#InternationalOrganisation
#PrelimsSnippets
GENERALISED SYSTEM OF
PREFERENCES (GSP)
Out of the 46 anti-dumping duties levied by the finance
#ExternalSector #PrelimsSnippets
ministry in the last three years 60 per cent targeted goods
originating only in China.
WHAT IS A GENERALISED SYSTEM OF PREFERENCES
WHAT IS DUMPING?
(GSP)?
• Dumping is an unfair trade practice that occurs when
• Under the GSP, developed countries offer non-
goods are exported from one country to another at a
reciprocal preferential treatment (such as zero or
price lower than the normal value in their domestic
low duties on imports) to products originating in
market.
developing countries.
• The Directorate General of Trade Remedies (DGTR)
• Preference-giving countries unilaterally determine
under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry
which countries and which products are included in
investigates cases of anti-dumping brought forward by
their schemes.
industry players and recommends an Anti-Dumping
• Each developed country has customised its own
Duty (ADD) in case of a consequential serious injury to
GSP programme to identify qualification criteria it
domestic industry.
deems important for their economy.
• The Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs
• GSP promotes economic development by eliminating
(CBIC) under the finance ministry must accept or
duties on thousands of products when imported
refuse DGTR’s ADD recommendation within three
from a designated beneficiary countries and
months from the date of the final hearing. The
territories.
imposition of anti-dumping duties is a legitimate trade
remedial measure under the WTO’s General IS IT WTO COMPLIANT?
Agreement on Trade and Tariffs 1994. Yes. The Enabling Clause is the WTO legal basis for the
Generalised System of Preferences (GSP).
Anti Dumping Duty Countervailing Duty
IMPORTANCE
• Anti-dumping duty is a • Countervailing Duties
• Provide Market Access to Developing Countries:
tax imposed on (CVDs) are tariffs levied
GSP can play a vital role in establishing stable market
imported goods that on imported goods to
access for developing countries that otherwise struggle
are believed to be sold offset subsidies made
to tap into global trade flows.
at a price lower than to producers of these
their fair market value goods in the exporting • Valuable for Small Businesses: It can be especially
in the exporting country. valuable for small businesses and women-owned
country. enterprises, thus helping to empower them beyond
• CVDs are meant to
limited domestic markets.
• This is done to level the playing field
protect domestic between domestic • Counter China’s Dominance in Global Export
businesses in the producers of a product Markets: GSP is also vital in offering alternatives to
importing country and foreign producers Chinese imports and providing an advantage to
from what is of the same product suppliers in trusted developing country markets.
considered unfair who can afford to sell it • Promotes Environmental and Intellectual Rights
competition. at a lower price because Protection: GSP criteria promote reforms on labour
of the subsidy they

FOCUS | JUNE 2024 | RAU’S IAS 18

 Economic Development

and environmental sustainability and intellectual The Economic Advisory Council to the Prime Minister (EAC-PM)
property rights protection. has recently published a working paper on the share of
SIGNIFICANCE FOR INDIA-US TIES religious minorities in 167 countries, including India.

• Increase Trade: GSP renewal would offer an avenue
for wide-ranging U.S.-India trade negotiations that can
help in vaulting the bilateral trade relationship from the
$200 billion it is presently at to a much higher level.
• Elevate Relationship: It is clear there needs to be
higher ambition on trade in order to take the U.S.-India
strategic relationship even further. As the U.S.-India
strategic partnership continues to grow and the two
countries play critical, collaborative roles in the Indo-
Pacific, they should aim much higher in their trade
relationship.
ECONOMIC ADVISORY
COUNCIL TO THE PRIME
WHAT IS THE ECONOMIC ADVISORY COUNCIL TO THE
PRIME MINISTER (EAC-PM)?
• EAC-PM is a body constituted to give advice on
economic and related issues to the Government of
India, specifically to the Prime Minister (PM).
● Nature of the Body: Non-constitutional, non-
statutory, non-permanent and independent body.
● Membership: It consists of a chairperson, and
several full-time and part-time members.
● Term of Reference of the EAC-PM:
○ Analyse any issue, economic or otherwise, referred
to it by the PM and advising him thereon.
○ Addressing issues of macroeconomic importance
and presenting views thereon to the PM. This could
be either suo-motu or on reference from the PM or

MINISTER (EAC-PM) anyone else.

○ Attending any other task as may be desired by the
#Planning #PrelimsSnippets Prime Minister from time to time.

Practice questions
MCQs
Q1. How many of the following statements is/are 1. It is a statutory body constituted to give advice on
correct about Anti-Dumping Duty? economic and related issues to the Prime Minister.
1. Anti-dumping duties on imports are imposed to 2. The body can present its views on Addressing
offset the subsidies provided to the goods by the issues of macroeconomic importance only on
exporting country. reference from the Prime Minister.
2. The Director General of Trade Remedies imposes Select the correct answer using the code given below.
the Anti-dumping duty. (a) 1 only (b) 2 only
3. Anti-dumping duties are prohibited under WTO (c) Both 1 and 2 (d) Neither 1 nor 2
rules.
Select the correct answer using the code given below: Q3. In a given year in India, official poverty lines are
(a) Only one (b) Only two higher in some states than in others because
(c) All three (d) None (a) Poverty rates vary from State to State
(b) Price levels vary from State to State
Q2. With reference to ‘Economic Advisory Council to (c) Gross State Product varies from State to State
the Prime Minister (EAC-PM)’, consider the (d) Quality of public distribution varies from State to
following statements: State

FOCUS | JUNE 2024 | RAU’S IAS 19

 Economic Development

(a) Only one (b) Only two

Q4. With respect to the rapeseed, consider the (c) All three (d) None
following statements:
1. It is a kharif crop. Q5. In the context of which of the following do you
2. Red and yellow soil is suitable for the cultivation of sometimes find the term 'Generalised System of
this crop Preferences' in the news?
3. The government provides a minimum support (a) WTO affairs (b) SAARC affairs
price (MSP) guarantee for rapeseed. (c) UNFCCC affairs (d) BIMSTEC affairs
How many of the statements given above is/are correct?

Descriptive Questions
Q1. Explain the difference between computing methodology of India’s poverty estimates before and after the
recommendations of the Tendulkar Committee.
Q2. Adaptation of Hybrid Annuity Model (HAM) for infrastructure development of the country has not been free from
criticism. Critically discuss the pros and cons of the model.

Answers: 1-d, 2-d, 3-b, 4-a, 5-a

FOCUS | JUNE 2024 | RAU’S IAS 20

 CONSTITUTION, POLITY AND
GOVERNANCE
# GS Paper (Prelims) & GS Paper II (Main)

DEBATE OVER MODEL

● The MCC evolved as part of the ECI’s initiative to ensure
free and fair elections and was the result of a consensus

CODE OF CONDUCT among major political parties. It has no statutory

backing.
#Elections o It means anybody breaching the MCC can’t be
proceeded against under any clause of the Code.
Everything is voluntary. The EC uses moral sanction
Model Code of Conduct (MCC) is attracting national attention
or censure for its enforcement.
because of violations by senior politicians during election
campaigning, in this context, there is a debate that should the ● The ECI can issue a notice to a politician or a party for
MCC be given legal backing. an alleged breach of the MCC either on its own or
based on a complaint by another party or individual.
ABOUT MODEL CODE OF CONDUCT (MCC)
● Once a notice is issued, the person or party must reply
● It is a set of guidelines by the Election Commission
in writing either accepting fault and tendering an
of India that spells out how political parties and
unconditional apology or rebutting the allegation. In the
candidates must conduct themselves during the
latter case, if the person or party is found guilty
election campaign and polling.
subsequently, he/it can attract a written censure from
● It instructs how the Ministers of the parties in power
the ECI.
must conduct themselves when the MCC is in force. It
KEY PROVISIONS OF MCC
explains how parties can lodge complaints to the
Election Commission observers in case of a dispute. The MCC contains eight provisions dealing with general
conduct, meetings, processions, polling day, polling
● Time duration: The code comes into force
booths, observers, party in power, and election
immediately when the election dates are declared
manifestos. Major provisions of the MCC are outlined
and remains till the results are announced. The MCC
below.
applies to all elections from the Lok Sabha and state
Assemblies to local bodies. ● General Conduct: Criticism of political parties must be
limited to their policies and programmes, past record,
● Features: As soon as the code kicks in, the party in
and work. Activities such as: (a) using caste and
power, whether at the Centre or in the states should
communal feelings to secure votes, (b) criticizing
ensure that it does not use its official position for
candidates based on unverified reports, (c) bribing or
campaigning. Hence, no policy, project or scheme can
intimidation of voters, and (d) organizing
be announced that can influence the voting behaviour.
demonstrations or picketing outside houses of persons
The party must also avoid advertising at the cost of
to protest against their opinions, are prohibited.
the public exchequer or using official mass media for
publicity on achievements to improve chances of victory ● Meetings: Parties must inform the local police
in the elections. authorities of the venue and time of any meeting in time
to enable the police to make adequate security
IS THE MODEL CODE OF CONDUCT LEGALLY BINDING?
arrangements.

FOCUS | JUNE 2024 | RAU’S IAS 21

 Constituti0n, Polity and
Governance
● Processions: If two or more candidates plan electoral law and making give legal teeth to the
processions along the same route, organisers must their violation an electoral MCC.
establish contact in advance to ensure that the offence. ● Once the ECI goes to
processions do not clash. Carrying and burning effigies ● The government went on the courts, it will take
representing members of other political parties is not to propose an a lot of time to
allowed. amendment to the prosecute. Electoral
● Polling day: All authorized party workers at polling Representation of process however,
booths should be given identity badges. These should People’s Act, 1951, to once it starts, should
not contain the party name, symbol, or name of the make the violation of be completed
candidate. some of the provisions of expeditiously. So,
● Party in power: The MCC incorporated certain the MCC punishable. This legal teeth should
restrictions in 1979, regulating the conduct of the party Bill was, however, not not be made a part of
in power. Ministers must not combine official visits with passed. the Representation
election work or use official machinery for the same. ● MCC has not clearly of the People Act
The party must avoid advertising at the cost of the spelt out (RPA), 1951.
public exchequer or using official mass media for the consequences of ● Most of the serious
publicity on achievements to improve chances of victory defaults, thus diluting its violations are also
in the elections. deterrent effect. covered under Codes
● Election manifestos: Added in 2013, these guidelines o Delayed responses like IPC and CrPC.
prohibit parties from making promises that exert an dilute the impact of ● EC can bring better
undue influence on voters and suggest that manifestos penalties and diminish enforcement of MCC
also indicate the means to achieve promises. public confidence in through the powers
S. Subramaniam Balaji Vs Govt of Tamil Nadu: Supreme the credibility of the it has under Clause
Court held that: Distribution of freebies shakes the root of EC. 16(A) in the Election
free and fair elections. The court directed EC to frame Symbols
guidelines for the same in consultation with Political (Reservation and
parties. No manifestos during Prohibitory period i.e. 18 Allotment) Order, It
hrs. ending with the hour fixed for conclusion of Poll. gives the EC the
manifestos should indicate ways and means to meet power to suspend or
financial requirement for delivering the promises. withdraw
recognition of a
ARGUMENTS IN THE CONTEXT OF LEGAL BACKING FOR
political party “for
MCC
failing to observe the
Arguments for the legal Arguments against Model Code of
backing the legal backing Conduct or follow the
lawful directions or
● Views of Goswami ● Views of Justice
instructions of the
Committee: In May 1990, Krisha Iyer: In one of
Commission”.
the Goswami Committee his judgments he
on Electoral Reforms observed that ECI is a WAY FORWARD
suggested that the reservoir of powers ● Implementation of MCC needs to be made strict,
weakness of the MCC under Article 324. prompt, and non-discriminatory, furthermore, more
could be overcome by Thus, ECI has a lot of
reasonable restrictions can be added in a non-
giving it statutory backing powers to act to discriminatory manner to restore decorum and
and making it enforceable ensure that elections discipline in public discourse.
through law. It suggested are free and fair. So,
● Need to specify specific punitive measures in case of
bringing certain areas it is not necessary to
serious violations of MCC like hate speech, invoking
within the ambit of
communal and caste feelings, this can be done under

FOCUS | JUNE 2024 | RAU’S IAS 22

 Constituti0n, Polity and
Governance
RPA 1951 and/or The Election Symbols (Reservation and
Allotment) Order, if needed.
● ECI has launched the C-vigil app for citizens to report on
matters of political misconduct pertaining to
violation of the MCC. It contains evidence in the form
of videos or photographs, using the technology, ECI
must bring expediency in prosecution of such cases.
● The RPA 1951 should be amended to authorize the EC
to revoke the ‘star campaigner’ status of a leader, in
case of any serious violation of Model Code of
Conduct, thereby depriving the party candidates of
expenditure relief for their campaigns. This shall instil a
sense of responsibility among campaigners and
ensure that campaigns maintain the necessary
decorum and restraint.
A person who buys any goods or services for a
consideration which has been paid or promised or partly
paid and partly promised, or under any system of deferred
payment is termed as consumer protection Act.
KEY FEATURES OF CONSUMER PROTECTION ACT, 2019
While retaining certain old provisions, the New Act has
certain new provisions that tighten the existing rules to
further safeguard consumer rights and create exhaustive
consumer protection law. New provisions under
Consumer Protection Act 2019 are:
● Inclusion of E- commerce, Direct selling Establishment
of Central Consumer Protection Authority (CCPA)
● Strict Norms for Misleading Advertisement
● Strict Norms for product liability

● Issues like social media propaganda, fake news etc.
have emerged as new issues, thus a voluntary code of
ethics for social media should also be used proactively.
DOCTORS AND THE
● Changes in the Pecuniary Jurisdiction
● Greater ease to dispute resolution Addition in the
clause of “Unfair Trade Practice”:
● Unfair Contract
● Alternate Dispute Resolution through mediation
CONSUMERS RIGHTS:

CONSUMER PROTECTION Consumer rights are guaranteed under Consumer

Protection Act, 2019. A Consumer is having the following
ACT, 1986 six consumer rights under the Act:

#Polity and Governance, #Acts and

Legislations

Recently, Supreme Court ruled that advocates cannot be held

liable under the Consumer Protection Act, 1986, (CPA) for
deficiency in service. In its 1995 decision, SC had held that
medical professionals are accountable under the CPA. Now, it
suggested that the definition of the term ‘services’ under the
Consumer Protection Act, which includes the medical sector,
be re-examined.
SALIENT FEATURES OF CONSUMER PROTECTION ACT,
2019
Consumer Protection Act, 2019 replaced the Consumer
Protection Act of 1986. Its objective is to empower
consumers and help them in protecting their rights
through its various rules and provisions. The new act will
be swift and less time consuming compared to the CREATION OF CONSUMER PROTECTION COUNCIL
older Consumer Protection Act, 1986. ● The Act has mandated the central government to
establish Consumer Protection Councils called as
WHO IS A CONSUMER?
Central Councils.

FOCUS | JUNE 2024 | RAU’S IAS 23

 Constituti0n, Polity and
Governance
● It also mandates the state government to establish
Consumer Protection Councils in states and districts as
State Councils and District Councils respectively.
● These are advisory bodies which will advise on the
promotion and protection of consumer rights. It will be
headed by the respective ministers of consumer affairs
at the central and state levels. It will be headed by the
District Collector at district levels.
CENTRAL CONSUMER PROTECTION AUTHORITY
● The Act establishes the Central Consumer Protection
Authority [CCPA] to protect and enforce the rights of
consumers. It will regulate matters related to:
1. violation of consumer rights
2. unfair trade practices
3. misleading advertisements.
● It can also file cases before the Consumer Disputes
Redressal Commission.
● It will have a separate investigation wing to investigate
cases under the Act.
● It will also have the power to issue directions and
penalties against false or misleading advertisements.
● The Authority can issue safety notices to alert
consumers against dangerous or hazardous goods or
services.
CONSUMER DISPUTE REDRESSAL COMMISSION
● The Act sets up a three-tier consumer disputes
redressal commissions/consumer courts at district,
state and national levels. Complaints to consumer
courts can be filed electronically and from the place
where the complainant resides.
● A consumer can file a complaint with CDRCs in relation
to:
o unfair trade practices.
o defective goods or services.
o overcharging or deceptive charging.
o Selling of goods or services which may be hazardous
to life and safety.
● Complaints against unfair contracts can be made only
at the centre and state consumer disputes redressal
commissions.
● The final appeal against the order of the national
commission shall be made in the Supreme Court.
MEDIATION
FOCUS | JUNE 2024 | RAU’S IAS
● The Act provides for an Alternate Dispute Resolution
Mechanism through mediation.
● A grievance can be referred for mediation by the
Consumer Forum if it is satisfied that the scope for early
settlement by mediation exists.
PRODUCT LIABILITY
● A manufacturer/service provider/product seller will be
held responsible to provide compensation for any
damage caused by a defective product or deficient
services.
● Compensation may be obtained if the complaint for
product liability satisfies any of the following conditions:
o Manufacturing defect
o Design defect.
o Deviation from manufacturing specifications
o Not conforming to express warranty
o Lack of adequate instruction for correct use
o Faulty services.
PENALTIES
● Penalty can be imposed by the CCPA on a manufacturer
or an endorser of up to Rs 10 lakh and imprisonment
for up to two years for a false or misleading
advertisement.
● In case of a subsequent offence, the fine may extend to
Rs 50 lakh and imprisonment of up to five years.
NEED FOR A REVAMPED
JUDICIAL INFRASTRUCTURE
#Indian Judiciary
Although issues like vacancies in courtrooms, pendency in
cases and representation from women are generally
spoken of, the issues like the significance of judicial
infrastructure and connected budgetary allocations like
courtrooms to digital databases which contributes to the
effectiveness of the judiciary are ignored. These issues
should also be emphasized well.
THE NEED FOR BETTER JUDICIAL INFRASTRUCTURE:
● Better Productivity: Empirical evidence supports the
correlation between a functional judicial system and
enhanced productivity in the administration of justice.
Studies have indicated that efficient judicial processes
24
 Constituti0n, Polity and
Governance
lead to quicker resolution of cases, thereby improving
overall productivity.
● Efficient Performance: There is substantial empirical
backing for the relationship between a well-functioning
legal system and efficiency in administering justice. A
smoothly operating legal system tends to expedite legal
proceedings, contributing to the efficient performance
of the justice system.
● Reduced Delay and Backlogs: Adequate judicial
infrastructure is crucial for reducing delays and
backlogs in legal proceedings. In this context, physical
infrastructure (e.g., courtrooms), personnel
infrastructure (e.g., judges), and digital infrastructure
play interconnected roles in addressing case pendency.
Insufficient courtrooms or digital resources can lead to
bottlenecks in the justice system, resulting in prolonged
case durations and backlogs.
● Essential During Difficult Times: The importance of
sufficient judicial infrastructure, especially digital
infrastructure, becomes evident during times like
pandemic. For instance, Courts transitioning to virtual
modes highlighted the necessity of robust digital
infrastructure for uninterrupted legal proceedings
during such times
ISSUES AROUND JUDICIAL INFRASTRUCTURE
● Quality of Judicial Infrastructure: Functional and
well-equipped infrastructure is essential for smooth
judicial proceedings.
o 59.2% of district courtrooms have power backup,
falling short of the recommended 100%.
o Issues like seeping rainwater and falling plaster exist,
especially in lower judiciary levels.
o Only 55 percent of courts have centralized filing
centres and 31 percent have meditation halls.
Similarly, most court complexes do not have a
waiting area for litigants with only 33 percent of
buildings with this facility.
● Shortage of Courtrooms: For 25,081 judges in district
judiciary, there's a shortage of 4,250 courtrooms. This
shortage leads to delays in judicial proceedings.
Example: Andhra Pradesh and Gauhati High Courts
have shortages of 38% and 30% of courtrooms
respectively.
● Digital Infrastructure Revamp: There is a need for
Modernizing infrastructure for efficient functioning of
the judiciary.
FOCUS | JUNE 2024 | RAU’S IAS
o As per a survey, only 27% of courtrooms in the
subordinate judiciary have computers on judges’
dais while there are still 10% of courts that do not
have access to proper internet facilities.
o Although Judiciary has made efforts towards
revamping digital infrastructure including Virtual
hearings, Live streaming of court proceedings,
Digitization of documents, Technology-related
training to the staff etc., but a lot still needs to be
done.
● Health and Sanitation Facilities: Basic facilities like
clean toilets are fundamental rights and necessary for a
conducive environment.
o 88% of District Court complexes have male toilets
and 80% have separate ladies' toilets.
o Only 6.7% of toilets have sanitary napkin vending
machines.
● Inclusive Infrastructure: Accessible infrastructure
ensures full participation of PwDs in the judicial system.
o Childcare Facilities: Although Supreme Court
circular reopened childcare centres in court
premises but with limited responsibility. Only 13.1%
of District Court complexes have childcare facilities.
o Facilities for Persons with Disabilities (PwDs):
Only 50% of District Court complexes have ramps.
o Female toilets: 22% of the trial courtrooms do not
even have toilet facilities for women.
WAY FORWARD
● Surveys and Analysis:
o Conduct surveys to identify infrastructure gaps.
o Analyze infrastructure status with respect to
courtrooms, health facilities, and citizen-centric
amenities.
● Alignment with Universal Design Principles: Ensure
court infrastructure aligns with Universal Design
Principles for seamless access.
● Mandatory Reporting:
o High Courts mandated to submit annual
infrastructure status reports and budgetary spends.
o District High Courts to prepare annual reports based
on parent High Court requirements.
● Investment in Infrastructure: Emphasize investment
not just in courtrooms but also in creating an efficient
25
 Constituti0n, Polity and
Governance
and effective environment for justice delivery by
providing training to the staff.
● National Judicial Infrastructure Corporation: The
National Judicial Infrastructure Corporation has been
proposed by CJI. It will serve as the focal point for
advancements in infrastructure leading to speedy
implementation and ending bureaucratic hurdles. It
calls for both the central and state governments to
donate their respective portions of the funds to the
NJIC, which will subsequently release the funds to the
high courts in accordance with their specifications.
FORM 17C DATA AND
VOTER TURNOUT DATA
#Elections #Prelims Nuggets
Alleging irregularities, Opposition leaders want the Election
Commission of India (ECI) to publish online ‘Form 17C data,’
which contains the absolute number of votes polled in a
booth.
ABOUT FORM 17C DATA
● As per the Conduct of Election Rules, 1961 (1961
Rules), the ECI has to maintain two forms namely Forms
17A and 17C, that have data on the number of electors
and the votes polled.
● 17A is used to record the details of every voter who
comes into a polling booth and casts his or her vote, and
17C is an account of all the votes recorded.
● Under Rule 49S(2), a presiding officer is mandated to
furnish a copy of the entries made in Form 17C to the
polling agents of the candidates at the close of polling.
● Form 17C has two parts:
o Part I of Form 17C contains crucial information
such as the identification numbers of the EVMs used
in the polling station, the total number of electors
assigned to the polling station, the total number of
voters as entered in the register for voters (Form
17A), the number of voters who decided not to
record their votes after signing the register, the
number of voters who were not allowed to vote, the
total number of test votes and votes recorded per
EVM.
FOCUS | JUNE 2024 | RAU’S IAS
o Part II of the same form contains the results of the
counting carried out on the stipulated day.
● The data in Form 17C is used by candidates to verify the
results on counting day by matching it with the EVM
count. Subsequently, an election petition can also be
moved in the concerned High Court in case of any
discrepancies to ensures transparency and
accountability in the electoral process.
RADICAL DEMOCRACY
#Democracy #Prelims Nuggets
Various models of democracy are the centre of discussion
because of the ongoing elections. In this context radical
democracy and radical humanism becomes important as it is
associated with the works of MN Roy. It becomes further
important to discuss these ideas because we are living in an
age of orthodoxy and regression.
ABOUT RADICAL DEMOCRACY: Radical democracy is a
political philosophy in Marxist tradition, it is a form of
democracy that seeks to deepen democratic practices and
institutions by emphasizing the role of active and direct
participation by citizens in decision-making processes.
It challenges the traditional representative democracy
model to advocate for more inclusive and participatory
mechanisms.
KEY ASPECTS OF RADICAL DEMOCRACY:
● Participatory Governance: Radical democracy
promotes extensive public involvement in political
decision-making, beyond voting in elections. This can
include participatory budgeting, citizens' assemblies,
and deliberative forums where individuals can directly
influence policy and governance.
● Decentralization of Power: It advocates for the
distribution of power away from central authorities
to local communities, enabling more localized and
context-specific decision-making.
● Pluralism and Inclusion: It emphasizes the inclusion of
diverse voices, specifically those historically
marginalized or underrepresented, in the political
process. It seeks to create spaces where different
perspectives can be expressed and considered.
● Questioning Established Institutions: It often
involves a critical examination of existing political and
26
 Constituti0n, Polity and
Governance
economic institutions, challenging structures that 2. Legal framework
perpetuate inequality, and proposing alternatives that 3. Economic context
promote social justice and equality.
4. Socio cultural context
● Grassroots Movements: Many radical democratic
5. Security
practices are driven by grassroots movements that
● Norway and Denmark topped the RSF table while
organize from the bottom up, advocating for change
through collective action and community organizing. Eritrea was at the bottom, with Syria just ahead of it.

● Against Elitist control: It is sceptical of elite control ● Press freedoms fell by an average 7.6 points globally.

over political processes and seeks to dismantle ● No Asian country made it to the Index’s top 15 in
hierarchical structures that limit democratic 2024, indicating a pervasive challenge to press freedom
participation. in the region.
● Emphasis on Social Justice: Radical democracy is ● In the Asia-Pacific region, which ranks as the world’s
closely linked with social movements that focus on second most challenging area for
issues like economic inequality, racial and caste- journalism, several countries, including Myanmar,
based justice, tribal movements, gender equality, China, North Korea, Vietnam, and Afghanistan, are
and environmental movements. among the most dangerous for media personnel.
Prominent theorists associated with radical democracy ● India’s rank:
include Chantal Mouffe and Ernesto Laclau and MN Roy o India is ranked at 159th (a slight improvement
from India. who argue for a model of democracy that from its previous rank of 161 in 2023), while
recognizes and embraces conflict and diversity as inherent Pakistan stands marginally higher at 152 and Sri
and valuable aspects of democratic life. They believe that Lanka stands at 150th place.
true democracy is about the continuous struggle to ensure
o Scores for India dropped (worsened) in all but the
that different voices and interests are represented and security indicator.
heard.
o However, the government has in the past dismissed
international rankings of freedoms in India as
PRESS FREEDOM INDEX misinformed and propaganda driven.
#Governance #Prelims Nuggets ABOUT REPORTERS WITHOUT BORDERS:
● It is an international non-profit and non-
India’s press freedom has rapidly declined in recent years and governmental organization focused on safeguarding
is currently ranked 159 the right to freedom of information.
out of the 180 nations. ● It describes its advocacy as founded on the belief
MORE INFORMATION that everyone requires access to the news and
information, in line with Article 19 of the Universal
● World Press
Declaration of Human Rights that recognises the
Freedom
right to receive and share information regardless of
Index (2024) is
frontiers.
published annually
by Reporters ● RSF works on the ground in defence of individual
Without Borders journalists at risk and at the highest levels of
(RSF). government and international forums to defend the
right to freedom of expression and information.
● The index evaluates
180 countries based ● Head office is based in Paris.
on the freedom and independence of journalists. ● The World Press Freedom Index (WPFI) is an annual
● The press freedom questionnaire covers five ranking of countries compiled and published
categories: by Reporters Without Borders (RSF) since 2002
based upon the organization's own assessment of
1. Political context

FOCUS | JUNE 2024 | RAU’S IAS 27

 Constituti0n, Polity and
Governance
the countries' press freedom records in the previous *: Struck down in Kesavananda Bharti vs State of Kerala
year. **: Substituted by Constitution 42nd Amendment Act,
1976, but declared invalid by the Supreme Court in

ARTICLE 31 C Minerva Mills vs Union of India Case.

● Kesavananda Bharti vs State of Kerala, 1973: Twenty

#Prelims Nuggets #Constitution of India
Fifth Amendment was challenged in Supreme Court in
Kesavananda Bharti Case in which it was held that the
In the ongoing case about private property as a community constitution has a “basic structure” which cannot be
resource, the Supreme Court has asked whether Article 31C, altered even by a constitutional amendment.
a fundamental right still exists? Furthermore.
BACKGROUND OF ARTICLE 31C o Court upheld the validity of Article 31C but struck
● Article 31C was introduced by The Constitution down the last portion of Article 31 C i.e. … [and no
(Twenty-fifth) Amendment Act, 1971. The law was law containing a declaration that it is for giving
framed to ring fence an adverse court ruling in the effect to such policy shall be called in question in
Bank Nationalization Case of 1970 (R.C. Cooper case) any court on the ground that it does not give effect
to such policy]
o RC Cooper case made the amount of compensation
justiciable. o The Kesavananda Bharti Judgement allowed land
reforms laws that were under challenge but stated
o Court also held that law which seeks to acquire or
that even laws that are protected by Article 31C must
requisition property for public purpose should also
pass the “basic structure” test.
satisfy the requirement of Article 19(1)(f)
● Constitution Forty-second Amendment: In 1976,
Article 31C : Saving of laws giving effect to certain Parliament enacted The Constitution (Forty-second)
directive principles.— Notwithstanding anything Amendment Act, which expanded the protection under
contained in article 13, no law giving effect to the policy Article 31C to “all or any of the principles laid down
of the State towards securing [all or any of the in Part IV of the Constitution”. As a result, every single
principles laid down in Part IV]** shall be deemed to directive principle (Articles 36-51) was protected from
be void on the ground that it is inconsistent with, or challenges under Articles 14 and 19 of the Constitution.
takes away or abridges any of the rights conferred by
MINERVA MILLS CASE: In 1980, In Minerva Mills vs Union
[article 14 or article 19;]** [and no law containing a
of India, Supreme Court Struck down certain clauses of
declaration that it is for giving effect to such policy
Article 31 C and said that the parliament’s power to amend
shall be called in question in any court on the ground
the constitution was limited.
that it does not give effect to such policy]*

practice questions
MCQs
Q1. Consider the following statements with 3. India is ranked the highest in the Index in the
reference to the ‘World Press Freedom Index, South Asian region.
2024’? How many of the statements given above is/are correct?
1. The Index is published biennially by Reporters (a) Only one (b) Only two
without Borders (RSF). (c) All three (d) None
2. It is published on the basis of a questionnaire
covering five categories.

FOCUS | JUNE 2024 | RAU’S IAS 28

 Constituti0n, Polity and
Governance
Q2. In context of Consumer protection Act 2019, (d) DPSPs and Fundamental Rights are
consider the following: complementary to each other, and there is a
1. The Act covers the e-commerce and direct selling harmonious balance between them.
websites within its ambit.
2. It establishes the concept of Product liability. Q4. Consider the following statements about
3. The Act provides for the establishment of a three- Model Code of Conduct:
tier consumer dispute redressal mechanism. 1. Model Code of Conduct has statutory backing.
How many of the statements given above is/are correct? 2. Election Manifestos of political parties are
(a) Only one (b) Only two regulated under the Model Code of Conduct.

(c) All three (d) None Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 only (b) 2 only
Q3. Which of the following best describes the (c) Both 1 and 2 (d) Neither 1 nor 2
relationship between Directive Principles of
State Policy (DPSP) and Fundamental Rights in Q5. Dinesh Goswami is related to which of the
the Indian Constitution? following?
(a) DPSPs are superior to Fundamental Rights and (a) Centre-state relations
can override them in case of conflict. (b) Judicial infrastructure
(b) Fundamental Rights take precedence over DPSPs, (c) Consumer protection
and DPSPs are subservient to them.
(d) Electoral reforms
(c) DPSPs and Fundamental Rights are independent
of each other and do not influence one another.

Descriptive Questions
Q1. What is the need and rationale for having Model Code of Conduct? What is the rationale for legalising the Model
Code of Conduct?
Q2. India’s development is conditional on the amicable dispute settlement. What are the challenges which lead to
judicial backlog and what steps can be taken to address the situation?

Answers: 1-a, 2-c, 3-d, 4-b, 5-d

FOCUS | JUNE 2024 | RAU’S IAS 29

 INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS &
SECURITY
# GS Paper (Prelims) & GS Paper II & III (Main)
Mains Exhaustive
THE PARADOX OF INDIA’S
GLOBAL RISE, ITS
REGIONAL DECLINE
#International Relations
In the intricate landscape of contemporary Indian foreign
policy, a striking paradox emerges: India’s ascent on the
global stage contrasts sharply with its dwindling influence in
its own region.
INDIA’S GLOBAL ASCENDANCY: OVER THE PAST TWO
DECADES
● India has witnessed a remarkable expansion in its
aggregate power, marked by robust economic
growth, military capabilities, and a youthful
demographic profile.
● Its integration into prominent global institutions like
the G-20, participation in G-7 meetings as an invitee,
and active engagement in multilateral forums such as
the QUAD, BRICS, and the Shanghai Cooperation
Organisation (SCO) underscore its growing
geopolitical importance and substantial global
presence, despite its absence from the UNSC.
● Also there is a notable increase in peer recognition of
India’s claims to global significance (goodwill created in
Bhutan, Myanmar, Bhutan through humanitarian aid
and developmental activities).
● Moreover, India’s ascent on the global stage is
bolstered by the growing international focus on the
FOCUS | JUNE 2024 | RAU’S IAS
Indo-Pacific region, a critical theatre for global
strategic stability, where India holds a central position
both geographically and strategically.
INDIA’S DUAL CHALLENGE: BALANCING REGIONAL
INFLUENCE AND GLOBAL STATURE
● India is experiencing a decline in its influence within its
South Asian neighbourhood despite its rising global
importance. This decline, while not absolute, is fuelled
by external factors such as China’s rising power
compared to India’s.
● Interestingly, some of the same factors contributing to
India’s regional decline also bolster its global
significance. For example, the withdrawal of American
presence from the region and China’s growing
assertiveness have presented hurdles for India.
● However, this scenario has prompted the United States
and its allies to rally behind India, seeing it as a crucial
counterweight to Chinese influence.
● While India’s ascent on the global stage is fuelled by its
growing absolute power and strategic partnerships
internationally, its regional decline is influenced by the
interplay of comparative power dynamics and
decisions made by smaller regional players.
● Therefore, neglecting the nuanced strategies of these
regional actors in favour of solely focusing on great
power dynamics risks undermining long-term
objectives.
CONFRONTING CHINA’S RISE
● The emergence of China as a global powerhouse serves
as the paramount explanation for India’s dwindling
30
 International Relations & Security
regional influence. Despite India’s current pinnacle of
power, it finds itself historically weakest vis-à-vis China.
● With a burgeoning superpower as its neighbour for the
first time, India grapples with intense geopolitical
competition for dominance in South Asia.
● This trajectory implies that India may relinquish its
status as the foremost power in the region. The
infiltration of China into South Asia, coupled with the
United States’ retreat from the region and India’s pivot
towards the Indo-Pacific, has skewed the regional
power dynamics in Beijing’s favour.
● In response, South Asia’s smaller nations, India’s
neighbours, are adopting diverse strategies such as
balancing, bargaining, hedging, and bandwagoning.
● At present, these smaller neighbours (like Maldives)
perceive China as a strategic hedge against India. It is
crucial to recognize that much of this regional
recalibration stems from shifts in power dynamics,
rather than merely from India’s perceived deficiencies
in engaging its neighbours.
WHAT SHOULD BE INDIA’S RESPONSE?
● India must acknowledge the profound changes in the
region’s geopolitics and adopt a pragmatic approach to
address them.
● India should leverage its strengths rather than futilely
attempting to match China’s might in every aspect.
o India should capitalize on its maritime advantages in
the Indo-Pacific realm to mitigate continental
challenges.
o India should integrate its smaller South Asian
neighbours into Indo-Pacific strategic dialogues,
thereby countering China’s regional dominance
effectively.
o Lastly, New Delhi’s openness to viewing the region
through a non-India-centric lens presents an
opportunity to forge partnerships with external
actors in addressing common regional challenges.
HARNESSING SOFT POWER FOR SUSTAINING
REGIONAL INFLUENCE
● In addition to strategic manoeuvres, New Delhi should
harness its soft power resources to uphold its influence
in the region.
● One effective approach is to actively foster informal
connections between political and civil society
FOCUS | JUNE 2024 | RAU’S IAS
figures in India and their counterparts in other South
Asian nations.
● Encouraging informal and unofficial conflict
resolution mechanisms is essential, particularly in
situations where direct state involvement may be
contentious, as exemplified by India’s approach to
conflicts in Myanmar.
● The dichotomy between India’s ascent on the global
stage and its decline in the regional sphere carries
significant ramifications for its global ambitions.
● It prompts a legitimate inquiry into whether a nation
unable to maintain dominance in its immediate
surroundings can indeed emerge as a pivotal player in
international affairs.
STABILISING INDIA-NEPAL
TIES IN CHANGING TIMES
#Bilateral Relations
The political and economic environment is Nepal are
uncertain creating general dissatisfaction. The transition to a
full-fledged democracy underpinned by credible political
institutions seems to be un-ending and there is also dilemma
about the direction in which the transition is headed.
ISSUES IN NEPAL AND CONCERNS FOR INDIA
● The Constitution of Nepal was rushed through and
barely debated.
● Far left is revived and is being accompanied by strong
far right forces, calling for the restoration of the
institution of monarchy and Nepal’s Hindu identity.
● Post-COVID-19 challenges are aggravated with the
presence of rampant corruption and
misgovernance.
o Political instability and mal-governance could invite
a proliferation of India-directed mischief from
Nepal by third countries and their non-official
partners.
o During the last phase of the monarchy (In 2008,
monarchy in Nepal was abolished, and republic
was proclaimed) political instability in Nepal was
accompanied by frequent changes of government
(Since 2008, Nepal had 13 governments) which
facilitated the spread of a Maoist insurgency
31
 International Relations & Security
which later established its headquarters in a
jungle hideout in India.
o This also led to an escalation of the smuggling of
drugs, arms and terrorist-related cross-border
activities masterminded by Pakistan from Nepalese
soil.
o This culminated in the hijacking of flight IC 814 in
December 1999.
● Changes under China’s shadow:
o Prime Minister, Pushpa Kamal Dahal Prachanda
formed an alliance with the Communist Party of
Nepal led by K.P. Sharma Oli, who when Prime
Minister in the past, had gained the reputation of
being pro-China and anti-India.
 Example: Actions and statements by Oli in 2015
during the drafting of the Nepalese constitution,
led to protests and the infamous border
blockade.
o China was the first to officially welcome the
renewed alliance between the two major left
parties.
 Nepal’s Foreign Minister departed from
convention by making his first official foreign visit
to Beijing rather than New Delhi.
 Despite domestic warnings of falling into a Sri
Lanka-like debt trap, Nepal agreed to revive
cooperation on China’s Belt and Road
Initiative (BRI).
 There have also been high-level military visits
and new understandings have been reached
between India and China.
 Aid and investment in infrastructure from
China have increased creating gap between
Kathmandu and New Delhi.
 Imports from China to Nepal tripled from (Indian)
Rs 49.5 billion in 2013-14 to Rs 138.75 billion
($1.67 billion) in 2022-23.
EVOLUTION OF INDIA-NEPAL RELATIONS
The two countries are closely bound together in a complex
web of linkages spanning across civilizational, historical,
socio-cultural, economic, geostrategic, and political
terrains. India and Nepal have three sister city
agreements for the twinning of Kathmandu-Varanasi,
Lumbini-Bodhgaya and Janakpur-Ayodhya.
Treaty of Peace and Friendship, 1950:
FOCUS | JUNE 2024 | RAU’S IAS
● The treaty was signed due to the fear of Chinese
expansion.
● Laid down the foundation of India-Nepal relations.
● Enables Indian and Nepali citizens to move freely
across the border without passport or visa.
● They can live, work, own property, do trade or business
in either-countries.
● Allows Gorkhas to be inducted in the Indian army.
● Currently (2024), around 8 million Nepalese citizens
live and work in India.
Economy-Trade, Commerce and Infrastructure
● India is largest trade partner of Nepal.
● Indian exports of goods in 2022-23 was worth USD 8
billion to Nepal and imports from Nepal were at USD
840 million.
● India accounts for more than 30% of the total
approved foreign direct investments in Nepal.
● Main Imports from India: petroleum products;
motor vehicles and spare parts, etc.
● During the Covid-19 pandemic, India provided
Humanitarian assistance of more than $7 million to
Nepal, which included the supply of more than 23
tonnes of medicines and medical equipment, more
than 9.5 million doses of vaccines, and a medical
oxygen plant.
● Cooperation in power, water, and infrastructure has
been a major element of India’s diplomacy.
● India is also linking Sagarmatha-Sagar, a waterway
that will provide Nepal access to sea, through Kosi
route.
CONTEMPORARY ISSUES AND CHALLENGES BETWEEN
INDIA-NEPAL RELATIONS
1. China’s growing role:
● China considers Nepal an important element in its
growing South Asian footprint.
● In recent years, India’s relations with Nepal have had
both ‘highs’ and ‘lows’.
● The relationship reached a new low in 2015, when India
was blamed for interfering in the Constitution drafting
process and then for an “unofficial blockade”.
● In 2016, Nepal negotiated an Agreement on Transit
Transportation with China.
32
 International Relations & Security
● A Protocol was concluded in 2019 with China
providing access to four sea ports and three land
ports.
● In March 2017, a joint military exercise was conducted
between India and China.
● A military grant of $32 million was also announced.
● China has also overtaken India as the largest
source of foreign direct investment. Annual
development assistance increased to $120 million.
2. India-Nepal Border issues:
● Nepal claims the strategically important areas of
Kalapni, Lipulekh and Limpiadhura, which are also
claimed by India.
● In 2020, India inaugurated new road to Mansarovar
from the Kalapani region to cut short the time and
distance through Lipulekh pass, flaming anti-India
sentiments in Nepal
● Open border regime between Nepal and India
supporting sustenance of livelihood, is being used by
extra-regional countries to destabilise relationship
between India and Nepal
o Terrorist outfits like LeT, Indian Mujahideen and
insurgent groups from Northeast have been using
open border to provide logistical support (such
as fake Indian currency, dispersal of small arms,
explosives and narcotics) for their operations.
3. Madhesi Issue:
● In December 2015, during Oli’s tenure as Prime
Minister of Nepal, an agitation by Madhesis against the
country’s new constitution led to a massive blockade on
the border, restricting the supplies of goods to Nepal.
● Kathmandu alleged that the blockade was being
unofficially backed by India.
o India then maintained that the constitution of Nepal
was flawed because it allegedly did not account
FOCUS | JUNE 2024 | RAU’S IAS
for the aspirations of a section of people from the
Terai region-the Madhesis, a community with
close links to India.
WAY FORWARD
● Since 98% of border is demarcated by joint survey, both
the countries should resolve the border disputes by
signing on the survey report. That will avoid border
encroachment disputes. For e.g., Kalapani dispute.
● Misuse of open border by internal and external
forces:
o India has taken certain measures, like deployment of
additional SSB personnel, construction of integrated
border check posts and capacity building programmes
for the SSB.
o Similar responses are required from Nepal.
● On trade and investment issues, India needs to be
more accommodative. India can move to remove
structural impediments to the entry of genuine
Nepali goods into Indian markets.
● Theoretically, India is not alone. It has the Quad
(Australia, India, Japan, the United States), Indo-Pacific
and other groupings keeping a close watch on China’s
moves to expand its influence through fair means
and foul.
● India’s should be playing its cards reasonably well,
keeping a low profile and avoiding controversy by
staying out of Nepal’s internal affairs. It is for the
Nepalese to decide on its internal affairs.
● India could consider offering a new and holistic
development road map which would attract cross-
party political consensus.
o For example, there could be a transformative,
sustainable development agenda aimed at
improving the quality of life of its people.
o Innovative approaches in sectors such as health,
education, food and nutrition, child
development, gender and jobs, will ensure that
the BRI and other Chinese pet projects are not a
priority.
o This will ensure that there is continuity and time-
bound results even in the midst of instability, foster
new inter-linkages between industries in both
countries and address the demographic dividend.
● India should also never forget that for the big brother-
small brother syndrome to be overcome, the onus
33
 International Relations & Security
lies on the big brother, the style of diplomacy matters
as much as the substance in relations between the two
countries.
The urgent need today is to pause the rhetoric on
territorial nationalism and lay the groundwork for a quiet
dialogue where both sides need to display sensitivity as
they explore the terms of a reset of the ‘special
relationship’.
INDIA-MALDIVES MEET
#Bilateral Relations
In the recent meeting between Indian and Maldivian foreign
ministers in New Delhi, S. Jaishankar reiterated that the
development of India-Maldives ties was based on ‘mutual
interests’ and ‘reciprocal sensitivity’ given that they are close
and proximate neighbours.
MORE INFORMATION
● India recently approved the highest-ever export quotas
for essential commodities: eggs, potatoes, onions,
sugar, rice, wheat flour and pulses, river sand and
stone aggregates, to the Maldives for 2024-25 under
a unique bilateral mechanism.
● The approved quantities are the highest since this
arrangement came into effect in 1981.
INDIA-MALDIVES RELATIONS IN RECENT YEARS
● The relations strained after President Muizzu was
elected to the Presidential Office.
● President Muizzu immediately demanded
the withdrawal of Indian Military personnel keeping
with his disinclination to accommodate India.
● President Muizzu is following India-Out and China-In
policy.
● He pressed for non-renewal of the Hydrology
pact with India signed in 2019, but commenced
the operationalisation of the FTA signed with China
(PRC) in 2017.
GEO-STRATEGIC AND GEOPOLITICS IMPORTANCE OF
MALDIVES
● Maldives is very important for India due to the
existence of India’s Sea lanes of communication
(SLOCs) passing around Maldives. Most of India’s trade
and energy supplies transit through this route.
FOCUS | JUNE 2024 | RAU’S IAS
● Kerela and Lakshadweep’s security to an extent
depends on Maldives’s stability as it forms an outer
buffer zone for India.
● China’s PLN (People’s Liberation Navy’s) increasing
presence in the Indian Ocean and the (Xiang Yang
Hong 03) arrival of research vessels from China in
Male has deepened India’s concerns.
● China is increasing its power and status by constructing
bases in the Indian Ocean Region. China also wants to
win mining rights and conduct bathymetric and
topographic surveys of the region.
● India cannot risk the radicalisation of
Maldives which may lead to adverse downstream
consequences for regional security in general and
Indian security in specific.
INDIA’S OPTIONS
● The recent push by Muizzu to diversify resources and
import partners asks for a sustained quiet diplomacy
from India.
● India needs to consistently use sustained diplomacy as
India shares a lot of commons with Maldives which
includes geographical access, historical ties, political
ties, people to people connectivity etc.
● India’s deep political ties is showcased by recent high-
level exchanges done by both sides in 2023 and
annual joint exercises like Ekuverin.
● When Abdulla Shahid became the UNGA President,
India has used its instrumental diplomatic clout to
ensure its victory.
● India can leverage People to people (P2P) relations.
● India has always been a first responder like in 2014
incident of acute water supply crisis and even has
stood beside Maldivians through Indira Gandhi
Memorial Hospital(IGMH).
● India also sent highest number of tourists to Maldives
from 2020 to 2023.
● India has an official policy of not commenting or taking
sides in internal elections of other sovereign countries
but it can try to use its non-governmental leverage by
Track II diplomacy to ensure President Muizzu
alone cannot sideline India.
● India can rope in other Quadrilateral Security
Dialogue (QUAD) partners. Even, France really wants
to make sure International Shipping Lines (ISL) are
34
 International Relations & Security
not compromised and can collaborate with India for
Maldives’ security.
WAY FORWARD
The deep-rooted Chinese investments which come with
strings and strategic imperatives is forcing India to quickly
adapt to the changing geopolitical situations. India is
trying to be accommodative to new realities and Maldives
needs to do its bit to ensure it
does not use its largely Muslim
populace to create rifts in its
time-tested partnerships to
make Indian Ocean Region a
geopolitical conquest where
one wins at the other’s expense.
For more information:
https://compass.rauias.com/international-relations/india-
maldives-evolution-contemporary-issues/
IT IS TIME TO
OPERATIONALISE THE
INDIAN DEFENCE
UNIVERSITY
#International Relations
In light of the establishment of defense universities by
various nations to bolster academic rigor and strategic
acumen within their armed forces, the absence of the
long-awaited Indian Defence University (IDU) raises
concerns about India’s preparedness and strategic
foresight in enhancing its defense capabilities through
academic and strategic education.
NEED OF DEFENSE UNIVERSITY
● Dynamic warfare: Warfare today is constantly
changing and can be quite unpredictable. Drones,
cyber-attacks, and even social media now play major
roles in conflicts. In such scenario, a Defense University
is needed to train military personnel to be flexible,
innovative, and ready to respond to these dynamic
challenges.
● Strategic thinking: Through case studies, defense
exercises, and practical applications, military leaders
learn to assess risks, weigh options, and develop
FOCUS | JUNE 2024 | RAU’S IAS
comprehensive strategies for various contingencies.
E.g., study of historical battles or international conflicts
to extract lessons.
● Development of leadership: Effective leadership is
crucial in military, as it directly impacts morale,
cohesion, and operational effectiveness of forces.
Leadership courses like role-playing exercises,
mentorship programs from retired personnel, and
experiential learning helps in building capabilities
among the commanders.
● Better execution of plans: A Defense University
emphasizes the importance of translating strategic
objectives into actionable plans and executing them
with precision. Through realistic simulations military
personnel learn to adapt to unforeseen circumstances,
communicate effectively, and collaborate with different
teams to achieve mission success.
The Indian Defense University (IDU) will lay the foundation
for cohesive joint warfare capabilities and facilitate the
development of a forward-thinking military education
curriculum.
THE BONHOMIE BETWEEN
CHINA AND RUSSIA
#International Relations
The recent visit by President Vladimir Putin to China
emphasized the non-opportunistic nature of Sino Russia
relations, with Xi Jinping lauding their “everlasting” friendship
as a model for international relations.
The partnership between the two countries has
continuously evolved since the 1990’s, encompassing
strong diplomatic, defense and economic ties. The
relationship gained further momentum following the
Russia Ukraine crisis (February 2022) and sanctions by
West on Russia. Consequently, the current relationship
between Russia and China is often described as a “quasi-
alliance, or entente.”
FOUNDATIONAL PILLARS OF RUSSIA CHINA
RELATIONSHIP
Russia and China advocate for a
Shared vision of
multipolar world order, opposing
multipolar world
unipolar dominance by any single
35
 International Relations & Security
country, particularly the United
States. The vision of multipolar
world signifies their efforts to
reshape global governance
structures to reflect their interests
and counterbalance the Western
influence on global stage.
Russia and China collaborate to
ensure stability in Eurasia
(specifically Central Asia), where
both have significant interests
Regional
due to the trade and energy
stability
dynamics. It will allow them to
exert their influence and fulfil the
pursuit of their broader objectives
in the region and beyond.
China, with abundant human
resources, huge market, and solid
agricultural & industrial
Economic foundations, contrasts with
interdependence Russia’s rich natural resources.
Naturally, these two nations can
help and cooperate each other to
yield mutual benefit.
IMPACT OF RUSSIA CHINA BONHOMIE ON INDIA
● Border dispute with China: The strengthening ties
between Russia and China could encourage China to
take a more assertive stance in its territorial disputes
with India (which may result in increased aggression
along the Line of Actual Control (LAC), the de facto
border between India and China).
● Security concerns: India heavily relies on Russian
military equipment, with over 60% of its defense
inventory sourced from Russia. Closer Russia-China
ties might lead to concerns about the reliability of the
defence supplies, especially in a conflict scenario
involving China.
● Strategic balancing between Eurasia and Indo
Pacific: India’s role in Eurasian geopolitics could be
affected by a stronger Russia – China relations,
necessitating a recalibration of its engagement in the
region. It is imperative for India to carefully navigate the
present situation to maintain its ties with Western
powers while still engaging with Russia and China to
avoid antagonizing them.
INDIA’S APPROACH SHOULD REVOLVE AROUND
FOCUS | JUNE 2024 | RAU’S IAS
● Multilateral diplomacy: India should actively engage
in multilateral forums such as the G20, SCO and BRICS
to voice its concerns and build consensus on global
issues. It will help India in fostering partnerships with
both Western powers (like United States) and countries
like Russia and China.
● Regional cooperation: Strengthening regional
cooperation within South Asia and beyond is crucial for
India’s strategic interests. India can leverage the
platforms like IORA, BIMSTEC to promote stability and
development in the region, thereby contributing to a
more secure geopolitical environment.
● Reforms within global institution: India has been
consistently advocating for reforms in the United
Nations Security Council (UNSC) to reflect present
global realities and ensure greater representation of
developing nations. By actively lobbying for its inclusion
as a permanent member of the UNSC, India can
enhance its influence on major international decisions
and contribute to shaping global security architecture.
THE RISKS OF RUSSIA’S
NUCLEAR POSTURING
#International Relations
The conflict between Russia and Ukraine has now entered its
second year with no resolution in sight. Moreover, the
tensions escalated significantly when Russia announced
plans to conduct drills simulating the use of tactical nuclear
weapons near the Ukrainian border. In March 2024, Russia
also revealed intentions to station nuclear weapons in
Belarus, further heightening concerns. This nuclear
brinkmanship amid an ongoing war is alarming.
(Brinkmanship is a strategy in which a country pushes
dangerous events to the brink of disaster in order to achieve
favorable outcomes.)
RUSSIA’S NUCLEAR POSTURING: A STRATEGY OF
COERCION OVER GENUINE THREAT RESPONSE
● Russia’s recent actions appear to be attempts at
brinkmanship and coercion rather than responses to
an actual existential threat.
● Neither France nor the U.K. has made moves that
genuinely endanger Russia’s survival, which would
justify Moscow’s actions.
36
 International Relations & Security
● Threatening the first use of nuclear weapons for
deterrence, to prevent the start or escalation of
conflict, is a tactic often employed by nuclear powers
like North Korea facing threats from larger
adversaries.
● However, in the latest crisis, Russia is contemplating
lowering the threshold for the use of nuclear weapons.
If this becomes an accepted norm, it could have
profound consequences.
● For decades after the Cold War, the logic of nuclear
deterrence has been based on certain inviolable
understandings. Most important among these is that
any nuclear use would inevitably result in mutual
destruction for the warring countries, a principle
known as mutually assured destruction.
● Additionally, a country would resort to the nuclear
option only in the face of an existential threat from an
adversary. In the case of Russia and Ukraine, the war is
destabilizing on conventional levels but does not
directly threaten Russia’s existence; yet, Russia has
shown its willingness to consider the nuclear option.
● Moreover, Russian nuclear doctrine codified nuclear
first use only in the most extreme cases of threats to its
survival. The fact that these long-held nuclear red lines
are being stretched and redrawn during the course of
this war represents a worrying shift in the core
understanding of nuclear deterrence.
DANGEROUS PATH: RUSSIA’S NUCLEAR
BRINKMANSHIP AND ITS GLOBAL IMPLICATIONS
● By making explicit nuclear threats at lower levels of
conflict, Russia is treading a perilous path. If nuclear
powers begin routinely threatening to use nuclear
weapons as a coercive tactic during conventional
conflicts, it may encourage other states to follow suit.
● It could lead smaller nuclear-armed nations to believe
that openly brandishing their nuclear capabilities will
be enough to undermine the resolve of stronger
conventional military opponents.
● Countries like Iran and North Korea might feel
emboldened to cross the nuclear threshold, confident
that flaunting their nuclear deterrent will make
adversaries back down out of fear of escalation.
● Nuclear weapons may no longer be viewed as weapons
of last resort. The clear distinction between nuclear and
conventional warfare is gradually being eroded in this
war.
FOCUS | JUNE 2024 | RAU’S IAS
● Russia’s actions threaten to undermine already
lacklustre and half-hearted efforts towards nuclear
non-proliferation and disarmament. The ongoing war
has exposed the vulnerability of non-nuclear states to
aggression from nuclear-armed states.
● It could potentially motivate other countries to pursue
nuclear weapons to deter threats. Ukraine’s decision in
the Budapest Memorandum to give up its nuclear
arsenal in the 1990s, in exchange for security
assurances from Russia, the U.K., and the U.S., now
appears ill-advised.
● Iran’s recent statement about revisiting its nuclear
doctrine in response to existential threats from Israel
highlights this concern. While Iran has maintained that
it does not intend to develop nuclear weapons, the
prospect of shifting its policy in response to perceived
existential threats undermines non-proliferation
efforts.
● It may also discourage other smaller nations like North
Korea from pursuing disarmament or giving up their
nuclear capabilities, fearing similar nuclear aggression.
● The unfolding dynamics have created a new nuclear
flashpoint. By lowering the threshold for the use of
nuclear weapons, Russia has altered the
understanding of nuclear deterrence.
● Its actions demonstrate how nuclear weapons can
provide asymmetric advantages in conventional
warfare, increasing proliferation anxieties for smaller
states worldwide, especially in regions with
longstanding tensions.
● If the threat of nuclear war looms over the battlefield,
war could take precedence over deterrence, and
proliferation over disarmament, leading to further
nuclear instability.
WAY FORWARD
● International Diplomatic Engagement: Global
powers and international organizations should
intensify diplomatic efforts to mediate between Russia
and Ukraine. A renewed focus on dialogue and
negotiation can help de-escalate tensions and prevent
the conflict from reaching a nuclear flashpoint.
● Strengthening Nuclear Non-Proliferation efforts:
Reinforce and expand international agreements on
nuclear non-proliferation, such as the Treaty on the
Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT). Enhanced
monitoring and verification mechanisms can ensure
37
 International Relations & Security
compliance and deter states from pursuing nuclear
armament.
● Reaffirming the Principle of Mutually Assured
Destruction: Global leaders should reiterate the
catastrophic consequences of nuclear warfare and the
principle of mutually assured destruction. This
reaffirmation can help maintain the long-held
understanding that nuclear weapons are a last resort,
preserving the critical distinction between nuclear and
conventional warfare.
● Regional security arrangements: Establish and
strengthen regional security frameworks to address
and mitigate threats. By fostering cooperation and
building trust among neighbouring countries, these
arrangements can reduce the perceived need for
nuclear deterrents and prevent regional arms races.
● Support for Non-Nuclear States: Provide robust
security assurances to non-nuclear states to protect
them from aggression by nuclear-armed states. This
support can include political, economic, and military
assistance, ensuring that non-nuclear states feel secure
without resorting to developing their own nuclear
arsenals.
BORDER SECURITY
#Internal Security
The National Security Adviser stated that India’s economic
growth would have been significantly accelerated “if we had
more secure borders.”
PRESENT CHALLENGES ASSOCIATED WITH BORDER
SECURITY
● Undefined borders: The Line of Actual Control (LAC)
between India and China is not clearly demarcated,
leading to frequent stand-offs and military skirmishes.
The most recent significant clash was in the Galwan
Valley in 2020. Similarly, the Line of Control (LoC) and
the International Border (IB) in Jammu and Kashmir are
subject to frequent ceasefire violations and infiltration
attempts by militants.
● Role of State actors: Pakistan is accused of supporting
and facilitating cross-border terrorism in Jammu and
Kashmir. The involvement of Pakistani military and
intelligence services in such activities complicates
FOCUS | JUNE 2024 | RAU’S IAS
border security. In a similar manner, China engages in
strategic infrastructure development near the LAC and
has been accused of aggressive posturing and
incursions into Indian territory.
● Illegal migration: The India-Bangladesh border sees
significant illegal migration. Economic factors and
political instability drive people to cross into India,
leading to demographic changes and social tensions,
particularly in Assam and West Bengal.
● Infrastructural deficiencies: The vast and varied
terrain of India’s borders makes comprehensive
surveillance challenging. While technological solutions
like drones and thermal imaging have been deployed,
gaps remain, especially in remote areas. Further,
fencing along the Indo-Pakistan and Indo-Bangladesh
borders has been implemented, but it is incomplete or
inadequate in some areas, leaving gaps that can be
exploited for infiltration and smuggling.
SOCIO ECONOMIC AND SOCIO-POLITICAL
IMPLICATIONS OF BORDER SECURITY
● Economic strain and allocation of resources: A
significant portion of India’s budget is directed toward
defense and border security which comes at the
expense of other critical sectors such as healthcare,
education, and infrastructure development. The
opportunity cost of such allocations can hinder overall
economic growth and human development.
● Commerce and trade: Border tensions and security
issues frequently disrupt trade activities, particularly in
border regions like Punjab (with Pakistan) and the
northeastern states (with China and Myanmar). Such
disruptions can lead to economic losses for local
businesses and affect the livelihood of people
dependent on cross-border trade.
● Displacement of common people: Military operations
and border conflicts often lead to the displacement of
local populations, resulting in significant socio-
economic challenges such as the loss of homes,
livelihoods, and access to essential services.
● Negatively impact on local governance: Managing
security in border areas requires substantial
administrative efforts and coordination between
military and civilian authorities. The focus on security
can sometimes lead to neglect of civil administration
38
 International Relations & Security

and governance, affecting overall development and predict and prevent infiltration attempts and
public services in these regions. smuggling activities.
● Inter community clashes: Border areas often have ● Befriend the border population: Engage with local
diverse populations with varying ethnic, religious, and communities living near the borders to foster trust and
cultural backgrounds. Security measures can cooperation. Border populations can act as a first line
exacerbate existing tensions or create new ones, of defense by providing valuable intelligence and alerts
leading to communal conflicts. E.g., North Eastern about suspicious activities.
states. ● Integration of Central Armed Police Forces:
● Impact on bilateral relations: Border disputes and Establish a unified command structure to ensure better
security incidents significantly affect India’s diplomatic coordination among various CAPFs such as the Border
relations with its neighbors. For instance, border Security Force (BSF), Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP),
skirmishes with Pakistan and China lead to diplomatic Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB), and Assam Rifles.
standoffs and impact bilateral trade, cultural (suggested by Ajit Doval)
exchanges, and international cooperation. ● Co-ordination with neighbouring countries:
APPROACH TO BE ADOPTED Strengthen bilateral agreements with neighboring
● Monitoring of borders: Deploy advanced surveillance
countries to enhance cooperation on border security
systems, including drones, thermal imaging cameras, issues. This includes sharing intelligence, conducting
ground sensors, and satellite monitoring, to ensure joint patrols, and coordinating border management
continuous and real-time monitoring of borders. It will efforts. E.g., Confidence building measures.
also strengthen the operational capabilities of Indian ● Development of border areas: Implementing robust
forces. policies to manage and regulate migration, coupled
● Integrated Border Management Systems: with strict enforcement to curb illegal activities. E.g.,
Implement integrated border management systems Border area development programme, Vibrant Villages
that utilize data analytics and artificial intelligence to programme.

Prelims Nuggets
INTERNATIONAL
during the 2nd International Police Congress in Vienna
in 1923.

CRIMINAL POLICE
ORGANISATION
(INTERPOL)
#International Organisations

The Interpol has issued a blue corner notice against the

Prajwal Revanna, a member of Parliament, over the
allegations of sexual abuse.
● Interpol as an inter-governmental organization
ABOUT INTERPOL established by the adoption of our Constitution in 1956
● The International Criminal Police Commission (ICPC) at the 25th General Assembly in Vienna, to facilitate
was the predecessor to INTERPOL which was created worldwide police cooperation and crime control. India
was one of its founding members. (#PrelimsFact)

FOCUS | JUNE 2024 | RAU’S IAS 39

 International Relations & Security

● The General Assembly is Interpol’s supreme
governing body, comprising representatives from
each of our member countries. It meets once a year
and each session lasts around four days. It brings all
countries together once a year to take decisions.
● Each member country represented has one vote.
The decision-making process is made by either a simple
or two-thirds majority, depending on the subject
matter. (#PrelimsFact)
● The General Secretariat (staffed by both police and
civilians) coordinates its day-to-day activities to fight a
range of crimes.
● In each country, an Interpol National Central Bureau
(NCB) provides the central point of contact for the
General Secretariat and other NCBs. An NCB is run by
national police officials and usually sits in the
government ministry responsible for policing.
● Interpol NCBs do not respond to requests from the
general public.
● It is the only organization with the mandate and
technical infrastructure to share police information
globally.
● Interpol issues eight types of Interpol notices, seven
of which are: red, blue, green, yellow, black, orange,
and purple. An eighth special notice (for groups and
individuals under UN sanctions) is issued at the special
request of the United Nations Security Council.
(#PrelimsFact)

● The Commission for the Control of INTERPOL’s Files

(CCF) is an independent, impartial body, officially
responsible for ensuring that the processing of
personal data by INTERPOL complies with the
applicable rules. The Commission members are elected
by the General Assembly. The terms of office of the
members of the Commission shall be five years,
renewable once for an additional term of three years.
● I-CORE is a 10-year programme to reinforce
● Funding mechanism: It has two main sources of
INTERPOL’s function as a global police information hub.
income: statutory contributions from our
(#PrelimsFact)
membership, and voluntary funding for our
● It is headquartered in Lyon, France.
activities.
● Process of membership:

FOCUS | JUNE 2024 | RAU’S IAS 40

 International Relations & Security

● Each of the member countries pays a statutory
contribution to INTERPOL each year; it is an obligatory
payment. The amount paid by each country is agreed
by the General Assembly each year and is essentially
based on economic weight of the country.
a two-thirds majority of the members present and
voting, upon its application for membership.
● South Sudan, which joined in 2011, is the most recent
addition, bringing a total of 193 UN member states.
Note: Expulsion from the United Nations is a procedure
under Article 6, Chapter II of the United Nations Charter

UNITED NATIONS when a member state of the United Nations can be

expelled from the organization. This can be done when a
MEMBERSHIP member state has persistently violated the principles of
the United Nations Charter. To date, only one member
#United Nations state has been expelled, the Republic of China (Taiwan)
under General Assembly Resolution 2758, and replaced
by the People’s Republic of China (PRC) in 1971.
India voted in favour of Palestine for its full membership to
the United Nations.
ABOUT UNITED NATIONS CHABAHAR PORT
● It is an international organization founded in 1945. #International Relations
● It is guided by the purposes and principles contained in
its founding UN Charter.
● Members: 193 States India and Iran signed a 10-year contract for the operations at
Chabahar Port.
● All UN Member States are members of the General
Assembly.
● States are admitted to membership by a decision of the
General Assembly upon the recommendation of the
Security Council.
● The Secretary-General is Chief Administrative Officer of
the UN
● The Secretary-General is appointed by the General
Assembly on the recommendation of the Security
Council for a 5-year, renewable term.
ABOUT UN MEMBERSHIP
● Membership in the Organization, in accordance with
the Charter of the United Nations, “is open to all peace-
loving States that accept the obligations contained in
the United Nations Charter and, in the judgment of the ● Chabahar Port is a deep-water seaport located in
Organization, are able to carry out these obligations”. southeastern Iran, on the Gulf of Oman.
● Any State which desires to become a Member of the ● It serves as Iran’s only oceanic port, and consists of two
United Nations shall submit an application to the separate ports named Shahid
Secretary-General. Kalantari and Shahid
● States are admitted to membership in the United
Beheshti, each of which has
Nations by a decision of the General Assembly upon five berths.
the recommendation of the Security Council. ● The port of Chabahar is
● If the Security Council recommends the applicant State
located on the Makran coast
for membership, the General Assembly shall decide by of Sistan and Baluchistan
Province.

FOCUS | JUNE 2024 | RAU’S IAS 41

 International Relations & Security
● It is the only Iranian port with direct access to the
Indian Ocean.
https://compass.rauias.com/current-affairs/chabahar-
port/
BAY OF BENGAL INITIATIVE
FOR MULTI-SECTORAL
TECHNICAL AND
ECONOMIC COOPERATION
(BIMSTEC)
#International Organisations
BIMSTEC gets the ‘legal personality’ status with its Charter
coming into force on 20th May 2024. It enables the admission
of new members and observers, and enables the conclusion
of agreements with countries or sub-regional, regional and
international organisations and institutions.
ABOUT BIMSTEC
● It is a regional organization comprising seven Member
States around the Bay of Bengal region.
● BIMSTEC constitutes a unique link between South and
South-East Asia with five Members from South Asia
(Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Nepal and Sri Lanka)
and two from South-East Asia (Myanmar and
Thailand).
● The organization came into being in 1997 through the
'Bangkok Declaration'.
● Permanent Secretariat of BIMSTEC is operational
since September 2014 in Dhaka.
● Initially, the economic bloc was formed with four
Member States with the acronym 'BIST-EC'
(Bangladesh, India, Sri Lanka and Thailand
Economic Cooperation). Following inclusion of
Myanmar on 22 December 1997 during a special
Ministerial Meeting in Bangkok, the Group was
renamed 'BIMST-EC' (Bangladesh, India, Myanmar,
Sri Lanka and Thailand Economic Cooperation).
● With the admission of Nepal and Bhutan at the 6th
Ministerial Meeting (February 2004, Thailand), the
name of the grouping was changed to 'Bay of Bengal
FOCUS | JUNE 2024 | RAU’S IAS
Initiative for Multi Sectoral Technical and Economic
Cooperation' (BIMSTEC).
● BIMSTEC Summit Meetings shall be held once every
two years, preceded by the Ministerial Meeting, and be
hosted by the Member State holding the BIMSTEC
Chairmanship.
● All decisions of the Summit Meetings shall be made on
the basis of consensus.
5TH BIMSTEC SUMMIT 2022
● It was hosted in virtual mode by Sri Lanka.
● The Summit’s theme “Towards a Resilient Region,
Prosperous Economies, Healthy People” captures
the main current priorities of member states, and the
efforts by BIMSTEC to develop cooperation activities
that support member state’s programmes to deal with
the economic and development consequences of the
Covid-19 pandemic.
● The main outcome of the Summit was the adoption
and signing of the BIMSTEC Charter, which
formalizes the grouping into an organization made up
of members states that are littoral to, and dependent
upon, the Bay of Bengal.
INTERNATIONAL
CRIMINAL COURT (ICC)
#International Organizations
The International Criminal Court (ICC) has sought arrest
warrants against the leadership of Israel and Hamas.
ABOUT INTERNATIONAL CRIMINAL COURT (ICC)
● It is a permanent international court established to
investigate, prosecute and try individuals accused of
genocide, crimes against humanity, war crimes and the
crime of aggression.
● Established by the treaty known as the Rome Statute
of the International Criminal Court. The ICC
prosecutes individuals, not groups or States.
● It has no retrospective jurisdiction, only crimes
committed after Rome Statute came into force i.e.,
1st July 2002 will be under its purview.
ICC & UN
ICC is neither an office nor an agency of the United
Nations, yet the Rome Statute allows the United Nations
42
 International Relations & Security

Security Council (UNSC) to refer specific situations to the
Court that are outside the jurisdiction of ICC.
MEMBERSHIP OF ICC
As of 2023, there are 124 ICC member states. Some major
countries are not members, including the India, United
States, Russia, and China.
COMPOSITION OF ICC
It has 4 principal organs:
Nations Security Council (UNSC) can also refer a
situation to the ICC.
ICC AND NATIONAL JUDICIAL SYSTEM
It does not replace national criminal justice systems and
primary priority is given to the national judicial system for
criminal prosecution of the perpetrators.
INDIA AND ICC
● India is not a party to Rome Statute along with US and

● Judges: Has 18 judges, each from a different member China. India considers the inherent jurisdiction of the
country, who are elected to non-renewable nine-year ICC as a violation of a nation’s sovereignty. Therefore,
terms. India has insisted on having an ‘opt-in’ provision
whereby a country could accept the jurisdiction of the
● Presidency: Headed by three judges: the President
ICC by declaration, specified to an issue and period.
and two Vice-Presidents, elected from among the
judges the most senior judge elected by the other International International
judges. It oversees the efficient functioning of the Feature Court of Justice Criminal Court
Court. (ICJ) (ICC)
● Judicial Chambers: Year
1946 2002
o Pre-Trial Chamber: Conducts preliminary established
examinations and investigations to determine if
Languages English, French English, French
there's enough evidence to proceed to trial.
o Trial Chamber: Hears and determines cases Independent
brought before the Court. There are multiple Trial UN Official court of (may receive
Chambers with three judges each. relationship the UN referrals from UN
Security Council)
o Appeals Chamber: Reviews decisions of the Trial
Chambers. Decisions are final. The Hague, The Hague,
Location
● The Office of the Prosecutor (OTP): Headed by the Netherlands Netherlands
Prosecutor, who independently investigates situations
U.N. member
and crimes and initiates prosecutions. Jurisdiction Individuals
states
● Registry: To provide administrative and operational
Contentious
support to the Chambers and the OTP. Criminal
Types of cases between
JURISDICTION OF ICC prosecution of
cases states & Advisory
individuals
● A State that is a party to the Rome Statute is placed opinions
within the jurisdiction of the ICC. It may exercise its
Sovereignty, Genocide, crimes
jurisdiction in situations where the alleged perpetrator
Subject boundaries, against humanity,
is a national of a member State or when the crime was
matter trade, human war crimes, crime
committed in the territory of a Member State.
rights, etc. of aggression
o An example is the arrest warrant issued against
President Vladimir Putin, despite Russia not being a Authorizing
UN Charter &
state party to the ICC. According to the ICC statute, legal Rome Statute
Optional Clause
the court has jurisdiction over crimes committed mechanism
within the territory of a state party or a state that has
None (decisions Appeals Chamber
accepted its jurisdiction. Ukraine falls under this Appeals
binding) exists
category.
● A State not party to the Statute may decide to accept
the jurisdiction of the ICC. Moreover, the United

FOCUS | JUNE 2024 | RAU’S IAS 43

 International Relations & Security
AUSTRALIA-INDIA TRADE
PACT WORKING WELL FOR
BOTH NATIONS
#Internationalrelations
The India-Australia Economic Cooperation and Trade
Agreement (ECTA) has been beneficial for India. The exports
of Indian farm products and industrial goods such as iron
and steel products, showed a marked increase.
INDIA-AUSTRALIA ECONOMIC COOPERATION AND
TRADE AGREEMENT (ECTA)
● Australia is an important strategic partner of India.
They are also part of the four nation QUAD, Trilateral
Supply Chain Initiative and the Indo-Pacific
Economic Forum (IPEF).
● The Australia-India ECTA entered into force in the year
2022.
● It provides an institutional mechanism to encourage
and improve trade between the two countries and
covers almost all the tariff lines dealt by India and
Australia.
● Provisions:
o Preferential market access for goods:
 India is benefitting from preferential market
access provided by Australia on 100% of its
tariff lines, including all the labour-intensive
FOCUS | JUNE 2024 | RAU’S IAS
sectors of export such as Gems and Jewellery,
Textiles, leather, footwear, furniture, food, and
agricultural products, engineering
medical devices and Automobiles.
products,
 India is offering preferential access to
Australia on over 70% of its tariff lines,
including lines of export interest to Australia,
which are primarily raw materials and
intermediaries such as coal, mineral ores and
wines.
o Services:
 Australia has offered wide-ranging commitments
in around 135 sub-sectors and Most Favoured
Nation (MFN) status in 120 sub-sectors
covering key areas of interest to India.
 India has offered market access to Australia in
around 103 sub-sectors and Most Favoured
Nation status in 31 sub-sectors from the 11 broad
service sectors such as ‘business services’,
‘communication services’, ‘construction and
related engineering services.’
o Separate Annex on Pharmaceutical products:
This agreement will enable fast-track approval for
patented, generic and biosimilar medicines.
o Employment generation:
 An additional 10 lakh jobs would be created in
India under ECTA.
 Indian Yoga teachers and chefs are set to gain
with the annual visa quota.
 Over 1 lakh Indian students would benefit from
post-study work visa (for 18 months to 4 years)
under the ECTA.
• Increase in exports:
o Indian exports of iron and steel products were up 16
per cent at $322 million, apparel exports
increased 6 per cent to $342 million and exports
of jewellery increased 6 per cent to $169 million.
o Indian exports of agriculture also increased 15 per
cent.
INDIA AND AUSTRALIA ARE NOW NEGOTIATING TO
SIGN A FULL-FLEDGED COMPREHENSIVE ECONOMIC
COOPERATION AGREEMENT (CECA)
● The proposed CECA is expected to cover goods (some of
the remaining ones that are out of CEPA), services, digital
44
 International Relations & Security

trade, government procurement and Rules of Origin Trade Agreement

(ECTA)
(ROO)-Product Specific Rules Schedule.
The most
EXPLAINING TRADE Free Trade Comprehensive comprehensive of all,
DEALS Agreement (FTA) Economic CEPA or ECTA, covers
Preferential Trade FTAs are bigger in Cooperation negotiation on trade in
Agreement (PTA) scope as partner Agreement (CECA) services and
countries offer CECA is more investment and other
Two or more partner
preferential trade terms comprehensive than areas of economic
countries agree on
and tariff concessions FTA as it generally partnership like trade
preferential import
to each other for a covers negotiation on facilitation, customs
tariffs on certain
much wider set of trade tariffs and tariff cooperation,
products. Each country
products and services. rate quotas that allow competition, IPR, etc. It
has a mutually
Both sides maintain a mutually agreed can cover regulatory
accepted positive list of
negative list of concessional import aspects of trade too.
tariff lines (products)
products and services rate up to a certain Eg: India-Japan CEPA
eligible for low or zero
duties. that are excluded. Eg: quantity. Eg: India-
India-Sri Lanka FTA. Malaysia CECA
India-Australia bilateral trade, currently valued at about
Eg: India-Afghanistan $30 billion per annum, has the potential of touching $100
PTA
billion over the next few years with the increased cooperation
Comprehensive between the two sides and as India is aspiring to be at the
Economic
Partnership centre of the supply chains of the future, a comprehensive
Agreement (CEPA) & partnership with Australia will assist it attaining its
Economic ambitions.
Cooperation and

practice questions
MCQS
Q1. With reference to the International Criminal 1. It was established with the adoption of Bangkok
Police Organisation (Interpol), consider the declaration.
following statements: 2. All decisions of the BIMSTEC summit shall be made
1. It is an intergovernmental organization established on the basis of consensus.
to facilitate worldwide police cooperation and crime 3. The BIMSTEC Charter was signed and adopted
control. during the 4th Summit held in Thailand.
2. India was one of its founding members. How many of the statements given above is/are correct?
3. Each of the member countries pays a statutory (a) Only one (b) Only two
contribution which is obligatory in nature to Interpol (c) All three (d) None
ever year.
4. Interpol follows the principle of one country one Q3. With reference to the Chabahar Port, consider
vote. the following statements:
How many of the statements given above is/are correct? 1. It is deep water seaport along the Gulf of Oman.
(a) Only one (b) Only two 2. It consists of two separate ports named Shahid
(c) Only three (d) All four Kalantari and Shahid Beheshti.
3. It is the only Iranian port with direct access to the
Q2. With reference to Bay of Bengal Initiative for Indian Ocean.
Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic How many of the statements given above is/are correct?
Cooperation (BIMSTEC), consider the following (a) Only one (b) Only two
statements: (c) All three (d) None

FOCUS | JUNE 2024 | RAU’S IAS 45

 International Relations & Security

Q4. With reference to the membership of United (a) Only one (b) Only two
Nations, consider the following statements: (c) Only three (d) All four
1. Membership is open to all other peace-loving states
that accept the obligations contained in the United Q5. With reference to the International Criminal
Nations Charter. Court (ICC), consider the following statements:
2. General Assembly shall decide by a two-thirds 1. It is the sole principal organ of the United Nations.
majority of the members present and voting, upon 2. The ICC will have jurisdiction over crimes committed
the application for membership of a state. before the Rome Statute came into force.
3. South Sudan has become the most recent state to be 3. The ICC prosecutes either groups or states.
accorded membership status within the United 4. India is a member state of the ICC.
Nations. How many of the above statements are correct?
4. Since the establishment of the United Nations, only (a) Only two (b) Only three
one country has been expelled from it. (c) All four (d) None
How many of the statements given above is/are correct?

Descriptive Questions
Q1. Examine the major challenges associated with India’s border security. How do these security concerns impact
India’s relations with its neighbouring countries? (Answer in 250 words)
Q2. Analyze the paradox of India’s global rise alongside its regional decline by highlighting the key factors contributing
to this, and what are its implications for India’s foreign policy? (Answer in 250 words)

Answers : 1-d, 2-b, 3-c, 4-d, 5-d

FOCUS | JUNE 2024 | RAU’S IAS 46

 SOCIETY AND SOCIAL JUSTICE
# GS Paper I & GS Paper II (Main)
COMMEMORATING 50
YEARS OF IMMUNIZATION
PROGRAMS: A MILESTONE
ANALYSIS
#Social Justice #Health
2024 marks the 50th anniversary of the World Health
Organization's Expanded Programme on Immunization
(EPI), launched in 1974. This initiative, pivotal in the post-
smallpox eradication era, spurred countries globally to set
up national immunization programs.
India launched its program in 1978, renaming it the
Universal Immunization Programme (UIP) in 1985.
This year is also significant as it marks twenty years
since India's last comprehensive review of the UIP,
highlighting a crucial period for evaluating past
progress and shaping future strategies.
ABOUT VACCINES
Vaccination effectively protects against diseases
by safely using your body's natural defenses to
build resistance. Vaccines train the immune
system to produce antibodies, similar to natural
exposure to a disease, but without causing the
disease or its complications, as they contain only
killed or weakened germs.
All the ingredients of a vaccine play an important
role in ensuring a vaccine is safe and effective.
Some of these include:
• The antigen. This is a killed or weakened form of a
virus or bacteria, which trains our bodies to
recognize and fight the disease if we encounter it in
the future.
FOCUS | JUNE 2024 | RAU’S IAS
• Adjuvants, which help to boost our immune
response. This means they help vaccines to work
better.
• Preservatives, which ensure a vaccine stays
effective.
• Stabilisers, which protect the vaccine during
storage and transportation.
GLOBAL AND NATIONAL VACCINE IMPACT
• Over the past five decades, vaccine development and
coverage have dramatically improved. From vaccines
for six diseases in 1974, today there are universally
recommended vaccines for 13 diseases and
additional vaccines for 17 more based on regional
needs.
• The coverage for the DPT vaccine, a key indicator of
immunization reach, has increased from 5% in the
early 1970s to 84% globally by 2022.
• Smallpox has been eradicated, and polio nearly
eliminated, showcasing significant progress in disease
control through vaccination.
ECONOMIC AND HEALTH BENEFITS
• Vaccination programs are not only medically
beneficial but also economically viable.
o Studies indicate that every dollar spent on
vaccination can yield a return of seven to 11
times the investment, underscoring their cost-
effectiveness.
o These programs are typically more successful in
government settings, especially in countries like
India where the government administers 85% to
90% of all vaccines despite a substantial private
healthcare sector.
CHALLENGES AND DECLINES IN COVERAGE
• There is Persistent inequities in vaccine access by
geography and socioeconomic status.
o In early 2023, the UNICEF’s ‘The State of the
World’s Children’ report revealed a concerning
47
 Society and Social Justice

trend: for the first time in more than a decade,
the childhood immunisation coverage had
declined in 2021.
o In 2022, globally, an estimated 14.3 million
children were zero dose (did not receive any
recommended vaccine) while another 6.2 million
children were partially immunised.
FROM CHILDHOOD FOCUS TO LIFE COURSE
50-year focus on children, inspired by the acceptance
of COVID-19 vaccines.
The goal now is to also address vaccine inequities,
target zero-dose children, and extend vaccination
coverage to adults and the elderly, thereby
transforming the Expanded Programme on
Immunization (EPI) into ‘Essential Program on
Immunization (EPI)’ that encompasses all age groups.

• Historically, vaccines have targeted not only children

but also adults, dating back to the first smallpox
vaccine in 1798. With the growing burden of
STREET VENDORS ACT,
vaccine-preventable diseases in adults, there is a 2014
pressing need to extend immunization to older
populations.
#Social Justice #Welfare Mechanism
• Recent policies, such as the introduction of the HPV #Indian Economy #Inclusive growth #Mains
vaccine for teenage girls and pilot adult BCG exhaustive
vaccination campaigns, are steps toward broader
immunization coverage.
STEPS TO BE TAKEN IN THIS REGARD A decade has passed since the Street Vendors (Protection
of Livelihood and Regulation of Street Vending) Act came
• As vaccines are highly cost effective, once
into effect on May 1, 2014, marking a significant milestone
recommended by the National Technical Advisory
after nearly four decades of legal jurisprudence and the
Group on Immunization (NTAGI), vaccines for all age
tireless efforts of street vendor movements across India.
groups should be made available as free at the
government facilities.
• Second, the NTAGI in India, should start providing
recommendations on the use of vaccines in adults
and the elderly.
• Third, the prevailing myths and misconceptions
about vaccines must be proactively addressed to
tackle vaccine hesitancy. The government must
consider the help of professional communication
agencies to dispel myths (and in a layperson’s
language and with the use of social media).
IMPORTANCE OF STREET VENDORS
• Fourth, various professional associations of
Street vendors estimated to constitute 2.5% of any city’s
doctors — community medicine experts, family
population, play multifaceted roles in city life:
physicians and paediatricians should work to
increase awareness about vaccines among adults • Affordability: The vendors make city life affordable
and the elderly. for others by providing vital links in the food, nutrition,
and goods distribution chain at reasonable prices.
• Fifth, medical colleges and research institutions
should generate evidence on the burden of • Employment generation: They offer many migrants
diseases in the adult population in India. and the urban poor a source of modest yet consistent
income.
CONCLUSION
• Preserving local culture: They are an integral part of
In late 2023, India launched a pilot adult BCG
the local culture and identity. Food vendors helps
vaccination program to combat tuberculosis,
preserve traditional recipes and cooking methods e.g.:
expanding immunization efforts beyond the previous
vada pav

FOCUS | JUNE 2024 | RAU’S IAS 48

 Society and Social Justice
• Provider of daily services: They are essential
components of daily life by providing vital services that
support the local economy as well as nutritional needs
of the population.
STREET VENDORS (PROTECTION OF LIVELIHOOD AND
REGULATION OF STREET VENDING) ACT
• It aimed to ‘protect’ and ‘regulate’ street vending in
cities, with State-level rules and schemes, and
execution by Urban Local Bodies (ULBs) through by-
laws, planning, and regulation.
• It delineates the roles and responsibilities of both
vendors and various levels of government.
• It establishes a participatory governance structure
through Town Vending Committees (TVCs) and
mandates that street vendor representatives must
constitute 40% of TVC members, with a sub-
representation of 33% of women street vendors.
• These committees are tasked with ensuring the
inclusion of all existing vendors in vending zones.
• It outlines mechanisms for addressing grievances
and disputes, proposing the establishment of a
Grievance Redressal Committee chaired by a civil judge
or judicial magistrate.
• It recommends that the number of street vendors be
limited to 2.5 percent of the population of the
ward, zone, town or city.
• It recognises the positive urban role of vendors and the
need for livelihood protection. It commits to
accommodating all ‘existing’ vendors in vending zones
and issuing vending certificates.
CHALLENGES IN ITS IMPLEMENTATION
• At the administrative level: There has been a
noticeable increase in harassment and evictions of
street vendors, due to an outdated bureaucratic
mindset that views vendors as illegal entities to be
cleared.
o There is also a pervasive lack of awareness and
sensitisation about the Act among state
authorities, the wider public, and vendors
themselves.
o TVCs often remain under the control of local city
authorities, with limited influence from street
vendor representatives. And the representation of
women vendors in TVCs is mostly tokenistic.
FOCUS | JUNE 2024 | RAU’S IAS
• At the governance level: Existing urban governance
mechanisms are often weak. The Act does not
integrate well with the framework established by the
74th Constitutional Amendment Act for urban
governance.
o ULBs lack sufficient powers and capacities. Schemes
like the Smart Cities Mission, laden with resources
and pushed through as policy priorities from the
top-down, mostly focus on infrastructure
development and ignore the provisions of the Act
for the inclusion of street vendors in city planning.
• At the societal level: The prevailing image of the
‘world class city tends to be exclusionary. It
marginalises and stigmatises street vendors as
obstacles to urban development instead of
acknowledging them as legitimate contributors to the
urban economy.
o These challenges are reflected in city designs, urban
policies, and public perceptions of neighbourhoods.
WAY FORWARD
• Progressive legislation: The Street Vendors Act is
progressive and detailed, but its effective
implementation requires initial top-down direction
from the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs,
eventually transitioning to a more decentralized
approach.
• Decentralization needed: For the Act to be effectively
implemented, it is crucial to decentralize the
management and enhance the capacities of ULBs to
plan for street vending in cities, and move away from
high-handed department-led actions to actual
deliberative processes at the TVC level.
• Integration into urban planning: Urban schemes,
city planning guidelines, and policies should be
amended to explicitly include and support street
vending.
• Addressing new challenges:
o Climate Change: Consider the impact of climate
change on the working conditions and sustainability
of street vending.
o Increase in vendor numbers: Manage and support
the growing number of street vendors.
o E-commerce competition: Address competitive
pressures from online markets.
o Reduced incomes: Find innovative solutions to
help vendors boost or stabilize their earnings.
49
 Society and Social Justice
• Removing the ceiling in the number of vendors: The
Act recommends that the number of street vendors be
limited to 2.5 percent of the population of the ward,
zone, town or city. Because in large and heavily
populated cities like Mumbai and Delhi, which are
centres of economic activity, the ceiling is grossly
inadequate, the report urges the Ministry of Housing
and Urban Affairs to explore the possibility of revisiting
this ceiling.
The sub-component on street vendors in the National
Urban Livelihood Mission needs to take cognisance of the
changed realities and facilitate innovative measures for
addressing needs. PM SVANidhi, a micro-credit facility for
street vendors, has been a positive example in that
direction.
DO MARRIAGE NEED TO BE
REGISTERED?
#Society #Salient features of Indian
Society
The Supreme Court ruled that a Hindu marriage is not valid
‘unless performed with ceremonies in proper form’. This was
despite the couple in question having an official marriage
certificate.
MARRIAGE
Marriage, a social institution present in virtually every
culture, serves several functions and comes in various
types.
C.P. Kottack: Marriage is a socially recognized
relationship between a socially recognized male
(Husband) and a socially recognized female (Wife)
so that the children born to the wife are accepted
as the offspring of both the husband and wife.
Functions of Marriage:
1. Social Stability and Order: Marriage provides a
framework for organizing familial relationships,
establishing legal rights and responsibilities, and
maintaining social order within a community.
2. Reproduction and Family Formation:
Traditionally, marriage has been the primary
institution for procreation and raising children. It
FOCUS | JUNE 2024 | RAU’S IAS
provides a stable environment for the upbringing of
offspring.
3. Emotional Support and Companionship:
Marriage offers emotional and psychological
support through companionship, intimacy, and
partnership. Spouses often rely on each other for
love, encouragement, and comfort.
4. Economic Cooperation: Marriage facilitates
economic cooperation and pooling of resources
between spouses, enabling them to share financial
burdens, manage household expenses, and plan for
the future together.
5. Cultural and Religious Significance: Many
cultures and religions attach profound cultural and
religious significance to marriage, viewing it as a
sacred union with spiritual implications.
6. Legal and Social Recognition: Marriage grants
legal and social recognition to the relationship
between spouses, conferring rights such as
inheritance, healthcare decision-making, and
spousal benefits.
TYPES OF MARRIAGE
1. Monogamy: Monogamy involves the union of two
individuals, typically one man and one woman,
forming an exclusive partnership. It is the most
common form of marriage in many societies.
2. Polygamy:
o Polygyny: Polygyny permits a man to have
multiple wives simultaneously. This practice has
historical and cultural roots in various societies,
though it is less common today.
o Polyandry: Polyandry allows a woman to have
multiple husbands simultaneously. It is rarer
than polygyny and is found in specific cultures,
often in areas with scarce resources.
3. Group Marriage: Also known as communal
marriage or collective marriage, group marriage
involves multiple men and women forming a
marital union together. This type of marriage is
relatively uncommon and often associated with
alternative lifestyle communities.
4. Same-Sex Marriage: Same-sex marriage involves
the union of two individuals of the same gender.
While historically marginalized or prohibited in
50
 Society and Social Justice
many societies, it has gained legal recognition and
acceptance in an increasing number of countries.
5. Arranged Marriage: Arranged marriage involves
families or intermediaries selecting spouses for
individuals based on various factors such as
compatibility, social status, and familial
considerations. While prevalent in some cultures,
the degree of consent and autonomy can vary
significantly.
Each type of marriage reflects the values, norms, and
traditions of the society in which it occurs, shaping
individuals' lives and relationships in diverse ways.
SUPREME COURT RULING
• The Supreme Court ruled that a Hindu couple, despite
possessing an official marriage certificate, was deemed
to have "never acquired the status of husband and
wife."
• This ruling was based on the fact that the couple's
marriage was registered under the Hindu Marriage Act,
1955 (HMA) before they performed the wedding
rituals.
• Consequently, the couple did not need to obtain a
divorce because they were considered to have never
been married in the first place.
UNDERSTANDING SOLEMNIZED MARRIAGE
• Solemnizing a marriage entail conducting an official
marriage ceremony, including appropriate rituals.
• In India, marriage is governed by personal laws and
statutes like the Special Marriage Act, 1954 (SMA).
• Different religions have their own requirements for a
valid marriage, such as rituals for Hindus and
Christians, and a contractual agreement for Muslims.
REGISTERED MARRIAGES VS. SOLEMNIZED MARRIAGES
• Terms like "court marriage" or "registered marriage"
typically refer to civil marriages under the Special
Marriage Act, 1954 (SMA), conducted without religious
rituals.
• Marriages under personal laws (e.g., HMA for Hindus)
require adherence to religious rituals for validity.
• The registration of marriages solemnized under
personal laws is governed by respective statutes, such
as Section 8 of the Hindu Marriage Act, 1955.
IMPLICATIONS OF MARRIAGE REGISTRATION
FOCUS | JUNE 2024 | RAU’S IAS
• Marriage registration serves various official purposes,
such as spousal visa applications and joint medical
insurance.
• However, the absence of marriage registration does
not inherently invalidate a marriage, as registration
alone does not confer validity.
LEGAL PRESUMPTIONS AND EVIDENCE
• Various legal presumptions exist regarding marriage,
such as the presumption of marriage when
cohabitation is continuous.
• Evidence of a valid marriage includes proof of
performing rituals, long-term cohabitation, and
acceptance by family and friends.
• While a marriage certificate holds corroborative value,
it is not considered conclusive evidence on its own in
legal proceedings.
SIGNIFICANCE IN LEGAL MATTERS
• Validity of marriage is crucial in legal contexts like
bigamy trials and inheritance disputes.
• Proof of performing valid rituals, evidence of
cohabitation, and acceptance by family and friends are
essential in establishing the validity of marriage.
• A marriage certificate supplements evidence but is not
sole proof of marriage validity.
ADDRESSING INDIA’S
NUTRITION CHALLENGES:
COMPREHENSIVE
GUIDELINES FOR A
HEALTHIER FUTURE
#Social Justice #Health
INTRODUCTION TO NUTRITIONAL CONCERNS IN
INDIA
• India faces a dual burden of undernutrition and
overnutrition, contributing to a significant rise in
noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) such
as cardiovascular diseases, cancers, and diabetes,
affecting not just adults but also adolescents and
children.
51
 Society and Social Justice

• In response, the National Institute of Nutrition dairy, nuts, and oils

(NIN) under the Indian Council of Medical and reducing the
Research has issued robust dietary staple consumption
guidelines targeting vulnerable groups including of cereals from 50-
pregnant and lactating women, children, and the
70% of total energy to
elderly.
45%.
The Burden of Unhealthy Diets
• Increased intake
• According to the NIN, an unhealthy diet is
of proteins (pulses,
responsible for approximately 56.4% of India’s
meat, poultry,
total disease burden.
fish), which should
• Emphasizing that a healthy diet combined with
constitute 14% of daily
physical activity could prevent up to 80% of Type 2
energy intake, is
diabetes cases and significantly reduce the incidences
advised.
of heart disease and high blood pressure, these
guidelines are timely and critical. • The guidelines also focus on the importance of
Need to Focus on Mothers and Children polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) and

• Optimal nutrition from conception to the age of 2 B12, recommending sources like flax seeds, chia
years is crucial for proper growth and seeds, and walnuts for vegetarians.
development, preventing undernutrition, • Salt consumption should be restricted to 5g a
micronutrient deficiencies, and obesity. day, and strongly recommends against consuming
• The 2019 Comprehensive National Nutrition highly processed foods that are typically high in fats,
Survey highlighted the concerning prevalence of salt, sugar.
lifestyle diseases among children and adolescents,
SPECIFIC GUIDELINES FOR DIFFERENT GROUPS
with findings such as:
• Pregnant Women: The guidelines suggest small,
o About 5% of children aged 5-9 and 6% of
frequent meals, especially for those experiencing
adolescents are overweight or obese.
nausea, and emphasize foods high in iron and folate.
o Prevalence of diabetes and pre-diabetes in young
populations. • Infants and Children: Exclusive breastfeeding is

• High levels of bad cholesterol (LDL and triglycerides)
in 37.3% of children ages 5-9, and 19.9% of pre-teens
and teens ages 10-19. Levels of good cholesterol were
low in a fourth of all children and adolescents.
Challenges of Micronutrient Deficiency
• Micronutrient deficiencies (including zinc, iron,
vitamins) affect between 13% to 30% of children aged
1 to 19.
• Although severe undernutrition cases like
marasmus and kwashiorkor have declined,
anaemia remains prevalent, affecting significant
percentages of children across different age groups.
GENERAL DIETARY PRINCIPLES FOR THE INDIAN
POPULATION
• The NIN guidelines recommend diversifying diets to
include at least eight food groups including
vegetables, leafy vegetables, roots and tubers,
recommended for the first six months, followed by the
introduction of complementary foods.
• Elderly: A diet rich in proteins, calcium,
micronutrients, and fiber is advised. Elderly individuals
should focus on whole grains, low-fat dairy products,
nuts, oilseeds, and ample fruits and vegetables,
complemented by regular exercise to maintain bone
density and muscle mass.
CONCLUSION
India’s strategic approach to combating the growing
epidemic of NCDs and nutritional deficiencies through
these comprehensive guidelines offers a blueprint for
healthier generations. By addressing both overnutrition
and undernutrition, these guidelines pave the way for a
healthier future, emphasizing preventive healthcare
through proper diet and lifestyle changes.

FOCUS | JUNE 2024 | RAU’S IAS 52

 Society and Social Justice
INDIA’S POPULATION
DATA AND A TALE OF TWO
PROJECTIONS
#Indian Society # Demography & Population
Issues
A new study published in The Lancet, has suggests that India's
population will peak by mid-century and decline to about
1.09 billion by the end of the 21st century. It could even be as
low as 724 million.
KEY FINDINGS OF THE STUDY
• By 2100, Indian women will have an average of 1.29
children, leading to a sharp population decline since a
replacement rate of 2 is needed.
• In contrast, the projected fertility rates are 1.53 for the
United States and 1.78 for France.
• The UN projects that India’s population will be 1.64
billion by 2050, the study projects 1.61 billion by 2048.
• In the 1950s, India's Total Fertility Rate (TFR) was nearly
6 children per woman. Despite extensive family
planning efforts and forced sterilizations during the
Emergency, the TFR only dropped by 17% from 5.9 in
1960 to 4.9 in 1980. However, between 1992 and 2015,
it decreased by 35% from 3.4 to 2.2.
• Family planning has significantly diminished in
importance within Indian policy discourse.
FOCUS | JUNE 2024 | RAU’S IAS
o From 1975 to 1994, family planning workers were
required to meet specific targets for sterilizations,
condom distribution, and intrauterine device (IUD)
insertions.
o These targets frequently resulted in explicit or
implicit coercion. However, after the Cairo
Conference on Population and Development in
1994, these targets were discontinued.
REASON FOR DECLINE IN FERTILITY RATE:
• Public policies promoting small family norms and
contraception have been weak, yet couples have
moved away from large families. India's socioeconomic
transformation since the 1990s is likely a key factor.
o As agriculture's role in the economy shrank,
school and college enrolment surged, and jobs in
government, multinationals, and software services
brought financial rewards.
o Parents shifted their strategies, prioritizing
education over larger families. Unlike in the West,
where fertility decline is linked to a retreat from
family, Indian parents have shown increased
commitment by having fewer children and investing
more in their education.
o Researcher shows that while families of different
sizes at the same income level engage similarly in
leisure activities and women's workforce
participation, smaller families spend more on
private schooling and coaching classes for their
children. This decline in fertility is driven by
aspirations for their children's success, not their
own.
MENSTRUAL HYGIENE DAY
#Health #Social Justice
Menstrual Hygiene Day, observed on May 28th, highlights the
critical importance of proper menstrual hygiene
management. The health, happiness, and empowerment of
women and girls all suffer as a result of improper
management of menstrual hygiene.
Insufficient knowledge and poor hygiene during
menstruation can result in various health issues. On
this day, it is crucial to shed light on the
consequences of improper menstrual hygiene
management and its impact on women’s health.
53
 Society and Social Justice
WHAT IS MENSURATION?
• Menstruation is the process in which the uterus
sheds blood and tissue through the vagina. This is
a natural and healthy process for girls and women
of reproductive age. In Western communities, this
is often called “the period.” It typically lasts 2 to 5
days, but this varies by individual.
• Menstruation is a natural and normal process
experienced by females, yet societal taboos, cultural
beliefs, and limited access to resources often lead to
inadequate practices.
ACCORDING TO 5TH NHFS (2019-2021)
• Women aged 15-24 years who use a hygienic method
of protection during their menstrual cycle is 78%.
Among these women, 64% use sanitary napkins, 50%
use cloth, and 15% use locally prepared napkins.
• Only 73% of rural women while 90% of urban women
use a hygienic method of menstrual protection
respectively.
• However, a few States continue to have lower than
average access to use of a hygienic method of
menstrual protection by women and girls.
IMPORTANT CONSEQUENCES OF IMPROPER
MENSTRUAL HYGIENE MANAGEMENT
• Health Implications: Poor menstrual hygiene can
lead to various infections, such as urinary tract
infections (UTIs), bacterial vaginosis, and yeast
infections.
o Further, there is a correlation between poor
menstrual hygiene and an increased risk of cervical
cancer. A study by the World Health Organization
(WHO) highlights that inadequate menstrual
hygiene management can contribute to the
development of human papillomavirus (HPV), a
leading cause of cervical cancer.
• Psychological Impact: Lack of access to proper
menstrual hygiene products and facilities can
cause significant stress, anxiety, and
embarrassment among women and girls. A report
by UNICEF reveals that the stigma and shame
associated with menstruation can negatively affect
mental health, leading to feelings of low self-esteem
and social isolation.
• Social Consequences
o Educational Disruption: Girls who lack access to
menstrual hygiene products often miss school
FOCUS | JUNE 2024 | RAU’S IAS
during their periods. UNESCO estimates that one
in ten girls in Sub-Saharan Africa misses school
during their menstrual cycle, which can
accumulate to 20% of the school year. This
absenteeism can hinder their academic
performance and limit their future opportunities.
o Poor menstrual health can significantly impact the
sexual and reproductive health. It can lead to
being pushed into child marriage, and facing a
higher risk of domestic violence, malnourishment
etc.
o Workplace Challenges: Inadequate menstrual
hygiene can also impact women’s participation in
the workforce. It is found that women in low-income
settings often miss work during their periods due to
a lack of access to proper sanitation facilities. This
can affect their income and career advancement
opportunities.
• Environmental Impact: Improper disposal of
menstrual hygiene products, such as throwing them in
open areas or water bodies, can lead to environmental
pollution, affecting both human health and
ecosystems.
• Economic Consequences: The health complications
arising from poor menstrual hygiene can lead
to increased healthcare costs for individuals and
communities. Treating infections and diseases
caused by inadequate hygiene can strain both
personal finances and public health resources.
o Loss of Productivity: The absenteeism from
school and work due to menstrual hygiene
issues results in a loss of productivity. According
to a study by the International Labor
Organization (ILO), this loss of productivity has
broader economic implications, affecting the
overall economic growth and development of a
country.
• Human Rights Issues: Poor menstrual hygiene
management is a significant barrier to achieving
gender equality. Women and girls who lack access to
menstrual hygiene products and facilities are often
unable to participate fully in social, educational, and
economic activities. The United Nations Population
Fund (UNFPA) emphasizes that menstrual hygiene
is a critical aspect of women’s rights and gender
equality. Further, the stigma and discrimination
associated with menstruation can lead to social
54
 Society and Social Justice
exclusion and discrimination against women and
girls. This can prevent them from accessing essential
services and participating in community activities,
further entrenching gender disparities.
BARRIERS TO MENSTRUAL HYGIENE
• Socio-Cultural Barriers: Cultural taboos and societal
stigma around menstruation can prevent open
discussions and proper education on menstrual
hygiene. Menstruating women and girls may face
social exclusion and discriminatory practices, limiting
their participation in daily activities.
• Educational Barriers: Inadequate education on
menstrual health and hygiene leads to misconceptions
and misinformation. Many girls miss school during
their periods due to lack of proper facilities or support,
affecting their education and future opportunities.
• Economic Barriers: High cost of sanitary products can
be prohibitive, especially for low-income families.
Further, Limited availability of affordable menstrual
hygiene products in many regions.
• Infrastructure Barriers: Lack of clean and private
toilets in schools and public places makes it difficult for
women and girls to manage their
periods. Also, Insufficient access to clean water for
washing and maintaining hygiene.
• Health System Barriers: Poor access to healthcare
services for menstrual-related issues and reproductive
health. Shortage of healthcare providers trained in
menstrual health education and management.
• Policy and Legal Barriers: Insufficient government
policies and regulations to support menstrual health
and hygiene. As was evident in the recent debate over
proposals of menstrual leave, which clearly highlighted
lack of consensus.
By addressing these barriers, we can improve menstrual
hygiene management and support the overall well-being
of women and girls.
CONSTITUTIONAL PROVISIONS
• Article 42, Constitution of India: The State shall
make provision for securing just and humane
conditions of work and for maternity relief.
DRAFT MENSTRUAL HYGIENE POLICY-2023
• Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoHFW) is the
Nodal Ministry for the Menstrual hygiene policy.
FOCUS | JUNE 2024 | RAU’S IAS
• The policy recognizes menstruation as a natural bodily
process for all who menstruate including girls and
women of reproductive age and addresses the long-
standing challenges associated with menstruation in
our country.
• The policy will serve as a catalyst to raise awareness,
challenge societal norms and foster a society that
embraces menstrual hygiene as a natural and normal
part of life.
POLICY STRATEGY
• Ensure access to affordable and safe menstrual
hygiene products: To ensure affordable and
accessible menstrual products such as disposable or
reusable sanitary pads, menstrual cups, tampons or
reusable cloth pads, etc are available to all who
menstruate, especially those in low-income
communities and marginalized groups.
• Promote quality standards and regulatory
framework: Develop and implement comprehensive
quality standards for different types of menstrual
hygiene products available in the market to ensure
their safety, efficacy and reliability.
• Availability of clean and dignified menstrual
hygiene facilities: Promote the development and
improvement of menstrual-friendly infrastructure in
homes, educational institutions, workplaces and public
spaces to include safe, clean and private toilets, proper
waste disposal systems and handwashing facilities
with soap and clean water.
• Promotion of education and awareness on
menstrual hygiene: Awareness campaigns targeting
menstruators to provide accurate information
including options of products available, debunk myths
and misconceptions and address social and gender-
related challenges associated with menstruation.
• Collaboration with Non-government
sector/engagement with private sector: Support
research and development initiatives that explore new
technologies, materials and product designs which
improve menstrual hygiene management, while
considering accessibility, ease of use, affordability and
environmental sustainability.
• Foster research and innovation in menstrual
hygiene management: Encourage research institutes
and academia to contribute to evidence-based
policymaking, promote innovation and improve the
55
 Society and Social Justice
overall understanding and implementation of
menstrual hygiene practices.
TOBACCO EPIDEMIC IN
INDIA
#Social Justice #Health #Mains Exhaustive
Tobacco is the most widely recognised preventable cause of
disease and death in the world.
ABOUT TOBACCO
• It is the common name of several plants in the genus
Nicotiana, and the general term for any product
prepared from the cured leaves of these plants.
• Dried tobacco leaves are mainly used for smoking in
cigarettes and cigars, as well as pipes and hookahs.
They can also be consumed as snuff, chewing tobacco
and dipping tobacco.
• It contains the highly addictive stimulant alkaloid
nicotine as well as harmala alkaloids.
• It is grown in warm climates with well-drained soil.
Major tobacco-growing countries include China, India,
Brazil, and the United States.
• It causes a wide range of diseases , including heart
disease, stroke, respiratory diseases, and various
cancers (especially lung cancer) and affects those
consuming it as well as those cultivating it.
PROBLEMS WITH TOBACCO CULTIVATION
• It is a highly erosive crop that rapidly depletes soil
nutrients. This requires more fertilizers to be used
which further worsens soil quality.
• The plant is also a major contributor to deforestation.
Up to 5.4 kg of wood is required to process 1 kg of
tobacco.
FOCUS | JUNE 2024 | RAU’S IAS
• The production and consumption of tobacco
generates nearly 1.7 lakh tonnes of waste every year
in India.
• A 2021 study estimated that the country incurred a loss
exceeding ₹1.7 lakh crore as a result of tobacco’s
effects on the health of its consumers in the fiscal year
2017-2018.
STATUS OF TOBACCO USE IN INDIA
• After China, India has the world’s highest number of
tobacco consumers nearly 26 crore, according to an
estimate in 2016-2017.
• Also, the health of more than 60 lakh people employed
in the tobacco industry is also placed at risk because of
the absorption of tobacco through the skin, which
can cause various diseases.
• Tobacco use has gone down in the population and
tobacco use in women, which went up by 2.1%
between 2015-2016 (NFHS).
• Tobacco use is also the cause for nearly 3,500 deaths
in India every day, which impacts human capital and
GDP growth in a negative way.
GOVERNMENT INITIATIVES TO CURB TOBACCO
EPIDEMIC IN INDIA
• WHO’s Framework Convention on Tobacco Control
(FCTC), 2005: India is one of the 168 signatories, to
reduce tobacco usage worldwide by helping countries
develop demand and supply reduction strategies.
• Cigarettes and Other Tobacco Products
(Prohibition of Advertisement and Regulation of
Trade and Commerce, Production, Supply, and
Distribution) Act (COTPA) 2003: Includes provisions
for prohibiting smoking in public places, banning
tobacco advertising, and mandating pictorial health
warnings on tobacco products.
• National Tobacco Control Program (NTCP) in 2007:
To improve the implementation of COTPA and FCTC,
improve awareness about the harms of tobacco use,
and help people quit it.
• Tobacco taxation: A globally accepted method to
effectively control tobacco use is also applied in India.
Tobacco, except for tobacco leaves, is placed in the
highest tax slab of 28% under GST, and also subject to
a heavy burden of cess, given that the commodity is
seen as a sin good.
• Promulgation of the Prohibition of Electronic
Cigarettes Ordinance, 2019 : Prohibits Production,
56
 Society and Social Justice
Manufacture, Import, Export, Transport, Sale,
Distribution, Storage and Advertisement of e-
Cigarettes.
• National Tobacco Quitline Services (NTQLS): To
provide telephone-based information, advice, support,
and referrals for tobacco cessation.
CHALLENGES IN ADDRESSING THE TOBACCO
EPIDEMIC IN INDIA
• High prevalence of tobacco use: Due cultural
acceptance and availability of wide variety of products
including bidis, cigarettes, and smokeless tobacco,
complicate efforts to regulate and control usage.
• Issue with tobacco taxation: The GST system in India
relies more on ad valorem taxes than the pre-GST
system, which primarily used specific excise taxes.
Many countries with a GST or value-added tax (VAT)
also apply an excise tax on tobacco products.
o In India, the share of central excise duty in total
tobacco taxes decreased substantially from pre-GST
to post-GST for cigarettes (54% to 8%), bidis (17% to
1%), and smokeless tobacco (59% to 11%).
o A large part of the compensation cess as well as the
National Calamity Contingent Duty, or NCCD
currently applied on tobacco products is specific.
o Bidis and smokeless tobacco have low taxes,
encouraging consumption.
o Smokeless tobacco products in India are taxed
ineffectively due to their small retail pack size (often
1/2 gram or less) which keeps the price low.
o Cigarettes are taxed based on their length, and the
presence of filters, creating multiple categories with
varying tax implications creates opportunities for
cigarette companies to avoid taxes legally.
• Weak enforcement of tobacco control laws:
o Smokeless tobacco products (SLTs) such as gutka,
khaini have predominantly been non-compliant
with COTPA packaging guidelines.
o The fines for violating COTPA regulations have not
been updated since 2003. For instance, a tobacco
company is fined a maximum of only ₹5,000 for
violating packaging restrictions for the first
time.
o COTPA bans direct advertisements of tobacco but is
unclear on indirect ads, allowing surrogate
FOCUS | JUNE 2024 | RAU’S IAS
advertisements using proxy products like elaichi
to promote tobacco brands.
o During the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2023,
surrogate ads for at least two tobacco brands,
endorsed by famous cricketers, were displayed.
These ads indirectly promote tobacco use.
 NTCP is ineffectively implemented due to
insufficient staffing, resource allocation,
utilization, and lack of effective monitoring
mechanisms.
• Economic dependence on the tobacco industry:
The industry provides employment and livelihoods
to millions of people especially in rural areas, ana also
it contributes significantly to government revenues
through taxes, creating a conflict of interest in
implementing stringent control measures.
• Healthcare burden: The high prevalence of tobacco-
related diseases puts a strain on the healthcare
system, which is already burdened with other public
health issues.
• Access to cessation services: There is limited access
to effective cessation programs and support services,
particularly in rural and underserved areas.
WAY FORWARD
• Implement the proposed amendments to COTPA in
2015 and 2020:
o Regulations on surrogate advertisements, inclusion
of films and video games in the definition of
‘advertisement’, and increasing the fines for
violation of advertisement norms by a factor of 10.
o Made licensing necessary for the production,
supply, and distribution of tobacco products.
• Inflation adjustment: Mandatory inflation indexing
should be applied to specific tax rates on tobacco
products to maintain their value and effectiveness in
controlling consumption.
• Uniform tax: All products that are exclusively used for
tobacco making are brought under the uniform 28%
GST slab, will generate the right public health message
that all tobacco products are bad and their
consumption needs to be discouraged.
o To standardise and increase the retail price,
mandatory standardised packing should be
implemented for smokeless tobacco pouches (at
least 50 g-100 g). This will also make it easier to
57
 Society and Social Justice
implement graphic health warnings on the
packaging.
o The tiered system should be eliminated or reduced
to two tiers, which can then be phased out over time
to have a single tier.
• Implement COTPA, PECA, and NTCP more stringently.
• Support for tobacco farmers to switch to alternate
crops, avoiding loss of livelihood.
• There is also a need for up-to-date data to understand
trends in tobacco use to tackle the tobacco industry,
which modifies its sales strategies based on readily
available sales trends.
SOCIO-ECOLOGICAL
EFFECTS OF LPG PRICE
HIKES
#Social Justice #Health
Data from the 2014-2015 ACCESS survey by the Council on
Energy, Environment and Water identified Liquefied
petroleum gas cylinder (LPG) cost (300/litre) could cause
socio-ecological crises in places where there are no viable
alternatives to fuelwood and socio-economic deprivation is
common.
KEY FINDINGS
• 750 million Indians primarily use solid fuels like wood,
dung, agricultural residues, coal, and charcoal for
cooking daily. These fuels pose significant health,
socio-economic, and environmental risks.
• In 2022, of the 54 countries whose LPG prices were
available, those in India were reportedly the highest,
around ₹300/litre.
GOVERNMENT INITIATIVE FOR PROMOTING LPG
CYLINDER
• Rajiv Gandhi Gramin LPG Vitrak scheme, 2009: To
increase LPG distribution in remote areas; nearly 45
million new LPG connections were thus established
between 2010 and 2013.
• PAHAL, 2015: Direct benefit transfers for LPG and
direct home-refill deliveries were implemented.
• Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana (PMUY), 2016:
Initially to provide deposit free LPG connections to
FOCUS | JUNE 2024 | RAU’S IAS
women members of poor households but then also
covered household in rural backward areas who are
deprived of this essential resource.
• Give it Up: This program enrolled around 10 million
LPG consumers to voluntarily discontinue subsidies
and transfer their accounts to below-poverty-line
households.
SOCIO-ECOLOGICAL EFFECTS OF LPG PRICE HIKES
• Social effects:
o Household Economics: It directly increases the cost
of living, particularly for low and middle-income
households, forcing families to reallocate budgets
and potentially cut spending on essentials like food,
healthcare, and education.
o Energy poverty: It can make LPG less accessible to
economically disadvantaged populations, pushing
them back to traditional fuels. E.g: local
communities of the Jalpaiguri district in West
Bengal depend on the forests for fuelwood.
o Health impacts: Increased use of biomass and
kerosene lead to higher indoor air pollution, causing
respiratory issues and other health problems.
o Gender implications: Women may face increased
labour if households revert to traditional cooking
methods.
• Ecological effects:
o Deforestation: Increased use of biomass may
lead to greater reliance on firewood and charcoal,
contributing to deforestation and forest
degradation.
o Poor air quality: The burning of biomass fuels
releases more pollutants compared to LPG,
degrading both indoor and outdoor air quality and
also contributes to higher emissions of greenhouse
gases, exacerbating climate change.
o Soil degradation: The collection of firewood can
lead to soil erosion, reduced soil fertility, and
disruption of local ecosystems.
o Biodiversity loss: Fuelwood can destroy habitats,
leading to a loss of biodiversity and disruption of
ecosystems.
WAY FORWARD
• Promotion of alternative energy such as solar
cookers, biogas, and other renewable energy sources
58
 Society and Social Justice
can reduce dependency on LPG and traditional
biomass fuels.
• Introduce smokeless cooking stoves that consume
less fuelwood.
• Sustainable forest management practices can
balance fuelwood extraction with forest
regeneration, mitigating the environmental
impact of fuelwood consumption.
• Educating the public about the health and
environmental benefits of clean cooking solutions can
encourage adoption.
• Offering training on the use and maintenance of
alternative energy technologies can ensure their
effective use and longevity.
ADDRESSING INDIA'S
NUTRITION CHALLENGES:
COMPREHENSIVE
GUIDELINES FOR A
HEALTHIER FUTURE
#Social Justice #Health #Summary
INTRODUCTION TO NUTRITIONAL CONCERNS IN
INDIA
• India faces a dual burden of undernutrition and
overnutrition, contributing to a significant rise in
noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) such as
cardiovascular diseases, cancers, and diabetes,
affecting not just adults but also adolescents and
children.
• In response, the National Institute of Nutrition
(NIN) under the Indian Council of Medical Research
has issued robust dietary guidelines targeting
vulnerable groups including pregnant and
lactating women, children, and the elderly.
THE BURDEN OF UNHEALTHY DIETS
• According to the NIN, an unhealthy diet is
responsible for approximately 56.4% of India’s
total disease burden.
• Emphasizing that a healthy diet combined with
physical activity could prevent up to 80% of Type 2
FOCUS | JUNE 2024 | RAU’S IAS
diabetes cases and significantly reduce the incidences
of heart disease and high blood pressure, these
guidelines are timely and critical.
NEED TO FOCUS ON MOTHERS AND CHILDREN
• Optimal nutrition from conception to the age of 2
years is crucial for proper growth and development,
preventing undernutrition, micronutrient
deficiencies, and obesity.
• The 2019 Comprehensive National Nutrition Survey
highlighted the concerning prevalence of lifestyle
diseases among children and adolescents, with
findings such as:
o About 5% of children aged 5-9 and 6% of
adolescents are overweight or obese.
o Prevalence of diabetes and pre-diabetes in young
populations.
o High levels of bad cholesterol (LDL and
triglycerides) in 37.3% of children ages 5-9, and
19.9% of pre-teens and teens ages 10-19. Levels of
good cholesterol were low in a fourth of all children
and adolescents.
CHALLENGES OF MICRONUTRIENT DEFICIENCIES
• Micronutrient deficiencies (including zinc, iron,
vitamins) affect between 13% to 30% of children aged
1 to 19.
• Although severe undernutrition cases like
marasmus and kwashiorkor have declined,
anaemia remains prevalent, affecting significant
percentages of children across different age groups.
GENERAL DIETARY PRINCIPLES FOR THE INDIAN
POPULATION
• The NIN guidelines recommend diversifying diets to
include at least eight food groups including
vegetables, leafy vegetables, roots and tubers,
dairy, nuts, and oils and reducing the staple
consumption of cereals from 50-70% of total
energy to 45%.
• Increased intake of proteins (pulses, meat, poultry,
fish), which should constitute 14% of daily energy
intake, is advised.
• The guidelines also focus on the importance of
polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) and B12,
recommending sources like flax seeds, chia seeds, and
walnuts for vegetarians.
59
 Society and Social Justice

• Salt consumption should be restricted to 5g a day,

and strongly recommends against consuming highly
Article delves into the issue of politicisation of Indian Higher
processed foods that are typically high in fats, salt,
education system. As India seeks to build world-class
sugar.
universities and to engage with the best universities
SPECIFIC worldwide, academic freedom and autonomy is a necessary
GUIDELINES FOR prerequisite.
DIFFERENT GROUPS
ISSUES HIGHLIGHTED IN THE ARTICLE
• Pregnant
• Indian higher education has a historical connection
Women: The
with politics. Politicians founded colleges and
guidelines suggest
universities to advance their careers and build political
small, frequent
support.
meals, especially
for those • State and central government authorities have often
experiencing developed new institutions in politically advantageous
nausea, and areas. Further, many institutions were established to
emphasize foods meet the socio-cultural demands of the electorate.
high in iron and • The naming and renaming of universities by state
folate. governments are often politically motivated.
• Infants and • Academic appointments or promotions were
Children: sometimes influenced by factors other than the quality
Exclusive breastfeeding is recommended for the first of the candidates.
six months, followed by the introduction of • In many undergraduate colleges, norms of academic
complementary foods. freedom were not always strictly followed, leading to
• Elderly: A diet rich in proteins, calcium, micronutrients, cautious teaching and writing by professors.
and fiber is advised. Elderly individuals should focus on • Tussle between centre and states have become a norm
whole grains, low-fat dairy products, nuts, oilseeds, over the issue of appointment of Chancellor and Vice-
and ample fruits and vegetables, complemented by chancellor of various universities.
regular exercise to maintain bone density and muscle
CHALLENGES
mass.
• Shortage of resources: Bulk of the enrolment in
CONCLUSION India's strategic approach to combating
higher education is handled by state universities and
the growing epidemic of NCDs and nutritional
their affiliated colleges. However, these state
deficiencies through these comprehensive guidelines
universities receive very small amounts of grants in
offers a blueprint for healthier generations. By
comparison.
addressing both overnutrition and undernutrition, these
• Low Budgetary expenditure – Government
guidelines pave the way for a healthier future,
expenditure on education has been low till 2020. NEP
emphasizing preventive healthcare through proper diet
2020 set a target of 6% of GDP, which is in line with the
and lifestyle changes.
global spending trends. However, despite the progress
India could manage only an expenditure of 2.7 – 2.8%
THE HYPER- of the GDP.
• Teacher vacancies: According to UGC, out of the total
POLITICISATION OF sanctioned teaching posts, 5,925 (35%) professor

INDIAN HIGHER posts, 2,183 (46%) associate professor posts and 2,459
(26%) assistant professor posts are vacant.

EDUCATION • Accountability and performance of teachers: At

present, there is no mechanism for ensuring the
#Social Justice #Education accountability and performance of professors in

FOCUS | JUNE 2024 | RAU’S IAS 60

 Society and Social Justice
universities and colleges. This is unlike foreign
universities where the performance of college faculty
is evaluated by their peers and students.
• Outdated Curriculum: The curriculum is largely
theoretical and often irrelevant, offering limited
opportunities for creativity. There is a significant gap
between industry requirements and university
curricula, which is a primary reason for the low
employability of graduates in India.
• Low Quality of Education:
o Ensuring quality in higher education is amongst the
foremost challenges being faced in India today.
o A large number of colleges and universities in India
are unable to meet the minimum requirements laid
down by the UGC and our universities are not in
position to mark their place among the top
universities of the world.
• Inadequate Research:
o There is inadequate focus on research in higher
education institutes. India hardly spends 0.7-0.8%
of its GDP in R&D.
o There are insufficient resources and facilities, as
well as limited numbers of quality faculty to advise
students.
o Most of the research scholars are without
fellowships or not getting their fellowships on time
which directly or indirectly affects their research.
Moreover, Indian Higher education institutions are
poorly connected to research centres and to
industries.
• Lack of autonomy
o Lack of autonomy is one of the major problems of
higher education system in India. Autonomy
promotes Innovation, avoids Red-tapism and helps
in weeding out corruption. Performance of IITs and
IIMs are example of benefits of such autonomy.
o Problem with other institutions lies in the 3 tier
regulation architecture
 While the universities in India are established by
a law, either central or state law, UGC acts as an
over-arching regulatory body at the
university level.
 The colleges on the other hand are regulated by
way of affiliation to universities. This way the
course fee, assessment criteria, admission
FOCUS | JUNE 2024 | RAU’S IAS
criteria etc are regulated by the affiliated
universities.
 At the course level there are various technical
professional councils that regulate the design
and content of the course.
HENCE FOLLOWING MEASURES CAN BE TAKEN TO
RESOLVE THE ABOVE ISSUES
• For low resources
o The mobilisation of funds in state universities
should be explored through other means such as
endowments, contributions from industry, alumni,
etc.
• For Teacher vacancies:
o The recruitment process should start well before a
post is vacated. In addition, to make the profession
of teaching more lucrative, faculty should be
encouraged to undertake consultancy projects and
be provided financial support for start-ups.
• Accountability and performance of teachers:
o In this context, a system of performance audit of
professors based on the feedback given by their
students and colleagues should be set up. Other
inputs like research papers, publications by
teachers should be added in the performance audit
in due course of time.
• Lack of employable skills:
o Identification of skill gaps in different sectors and
offering courses for enhancing employability in
them should be taken up.
o Some strategies in this regard can include:
 Industry Institute Student Training Support,
 Long Term Student Industry Placement Scheme
• Accreditation of institutions:
o Quality assurance agencies should guarantee basic
minimum standards of technical education to meet
the industry demand for quality manpower. The
National Board of Accreditation should act as a
catalyst towards quality enhancement and quality
assurance of higher technical education.
• Credit rating agencies, reputed industry associations,
media houses and professional bodies should be
encouraged to carry forward the process of rating of
Indian universities and institutions. A robust rating
system will give rise to healthy competition amongst
universities and help improve their performance.
61
 Society and Social Justice

Prelims Nuggets
PRADHAN MANTRI JAN
Society Registration Act, 1860 for effective
implementation of PM-JAY in alliance with state

AROGYA YOJANA (PMJAY) governments.

o The State Health Agency (SHA) is the apex body of
#Social Justice #Health #Government the State Government responsible for the
Schemes #Prelims Nuggets implementation of AB PM-JAY in the State.

Since the inception of the Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya

SARNA RELIGIOUS CODE
Yojana (PMJAY), 34.27 crore cards have been issued, and 6.5 #Social Justice #Issues related to SCs &
crore beneficiaries have received treatment across 30,000 STs #Prelims Nuggets
empanelled hospitals. Despite its extensive reach, the
program has encountered significant challenges, including
substantial payment backlogs owed to hospitals by the Congress leader Rahul Gandhi announced that the bring out
government. This financial strain has led some hospitals to a separate Sarna religious code for tribals if the INDIA bloc
either refuse or limit the number of PMJAY patients they is voted to power.
accept, raising concerns about whether the scheme needs a
design overhaul to address these challenges.
ABOUT PRADHAN MANTRI JAN AROGYA YOJANA
(PMJAY)
Launched in: 2018
• Type of scheme: Centrally sponsored scheme
• Subsumed scheme: Rashtriya Swasthya Bima Yojana
(RSBY) and the Senior Citizen Health Insurance Scheme
(SCHIS).
ABOUT SARNA CODE
• Key features: It is an entitlement-based scheme that
targets the beneficiaries as identified by latest Socio- • It is the indigenous religious faith of tribal
Economic Caste Census (SECC) data. communities, and are nature worshippers. The holy
grail of the Sarna faith is “Jal (water), Jungle (forest),
o It offers a sum insured of Rs.5 lakh per family for
Zameen (land)” and its followers pray to the trees and
secondary care and tertiary care hospitalisation to
hills while believing in protecting the forest areas.
the bottom 40 per cent of the population of India.
• Believers of Sarna faith do not practice idol worship,
o It covers the cost of hospitalization, pre-
nor do they adhere to the concept of the Varna
hospitalization, medication, and post-
system, heaven-hell, etc.
hospitalization during the treatment of tertiary and
secondary care procedures. • The followers are largely concentrated in the Chota
Nagpur Plateau region across states like Jharkhand,
o The Ayushman Card is like a pre-paid card worth Rs
Odisha, West Bengal, Bihar, and Chhattisgarh.
5 lakh, which can be used to avail free treatment at
more than 27,000 empanelled hospitals. • This belief focuses on the reverence of Sarna, the
sacred groves of village communities where the village
o Every hospital must provide Pradhan Mantri Arogya
deity, known as Gram deoti resides.
Mitras (PMAMs) to assist beneficiaries.
• The tribals, who refused to follow any other religious
o The National Health Authority (NHA) has been
faith such as Hinduism, Islam and Christianity. They
constituted as an autonomous entity under the
stick to their own customs and traditions, despite the

FOCUS | JUNE 2024 | RAU’S IAS 62

 Society and Social Justice
insurgence of Christian missionaries and proponents
of different other faiths.
• It is also referred to as "Sarna Dharma" or the
"Religion of the Holy Woods" and it holds the
distinction of being India's largest tribal religion.
• Tribals have been demanding recognition of it as a
distinct religion for decades. At present, under the
census, there are codes for only six religions:
Hinduism, Islam, Christianity, Sikhism, Buddhism
and Jainism.
• Recognition as a separate religious community will
enable better protection of their language and history.
To this end, tribal organizations are lobbying for a
separate code “to save religious identity” of
Sarnaism.
• In the absence of such a safeguard, many in the
community have in recent times converted to
Christianity to seek the benefits of reservation as a
minority.
KOTIA: A TRIBAL GRAM
PANCHAYAT
#Indian Polity #Inter-State relations
#Social Justice #Issues related to SCs &
STs #Prelims Nuggets
Kotia, a predominantly tribal gram panchayat that
Odisha and Andhra both claim, seeks to vote differently with
two votes to a person, one in each State, in the ongoing Lok
Sabha elections.
FOCUS | JUNE 2024 | RAU’S IAS
ABOUT KOTIA, A TRIBAL GRAM PANCHAYAT
• It is a group of tribal villages on the AP-Odisha
border. Both states claim territorial rights over them.
• These villages are inhabited by Kondh tribals.
• The area is abundant in mineral reserves such as gold,
platinum, manganese, bauxite, graphite, and
limestone.
• Before 1936, villages within the Kotia panchayat were
part of the Jeypore Estate. Since 1936, this gram
panchayat has been in Odisha. In 1953, Andhra
Pradesh claimed it as part of the state.
• In the 1980s, Odisha filed a case in the Supreme Court
seeking control and jurisdiction over 21 villages.
However, in 2006, the court decided that disputes
regarding state boundaries fall outside its jurisdiction,
stating that only Parliament could resolve such issues.
ABOUT KONDH TRIBE
• It is the largest tribal group in the state of Odisha.
They are a also designated Scheduled Tribe in the
states of Andhra Pradesh, Bihar, Chhattisgarh,
Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Odisha, Jharkhand
and West Bengal.
• They speak Kui and Kuvi as their native
languages. They are most closely related to the
Gondi language. Both are Dravidian languages and
are written with the Odia script.
• Traditionally their religious beliefs were syncretic
combining totemism, animism, ancestor
worship, shamanism and nature worship.
• The tribe has a number of sub-tribes, such as, the
Dongria, Kovi, Kuttia, Languli, Penga, and
Jharnia.
• While many Khond have transitioned to rice
cultivation, some groups, like the Kuttia Khond,
continue to engage in slash-and-burn agriculture
(kondhs call it dongar chaas or podu chaas)
• The Niyamgiri hills in Odisha are home to the
Dongria Khond, recognized as a Particularly
Vulnerable Tribal Group.
63
 Society and Social Justice

GLOBAL REPORT ON
• At present, only 15 per cent of those with hypertension
in the country have it under control.

HYPERTENSION: THE RACE • More than half of all the deaths in the country (52
per cent) due to cardiovascular diseases such as heart
AGAINST A SILENT KILLER attack can be attributed to elevated blood pressure.

#Social Justice #Human Resources • Primary triggers for hypertension in India are high
salt intake, tobacco use (28%), obesity, alcohol
#Report & Index #Prelims Nuggets consumption and lack of physical exercise (34%).
• In National Family Health Survey (NFHS-5 ) reported a
hypertension prevalence of 24% in men and 21%
In 2023, the World Health Organization (WHO) released a
among women in 2016-2020, an increase from 19%
report, the first ever on hypertension, titled “Global
and 17%, respectively, from the previous round (2015-
report on hypertension: the race against a silent killer”.
16).
ABOUT HYPERTENSION
• Indian adults consume on average 8 to 11 grams of salt
• It is commonly known as high blood pressure, is a
per day, which is approximately twice that of the WHO
medical condition characterized by persistently
recommended daily salt intake.
elevated blood pressure levels in the arteries.
INITIATIVE
• It is typically measured as two numbers, systolic (when
Global
the heart beats) and diastolic (when the heart is at rest)
pressure. • Global Hearts Initiative,2016: It is an initiative WHO
and the United States Centers for Disease Control and
• Can be controlled effectively with simple, low-cost
Prevention to achieve the global target to reduce the
medication and preventive measures.
prevalence of hypertension by 25% by 2025.
• Healthy eating, tobacco cessation, and increased
India
physical activity can reduce blood pressure.
• India Hypertension Control Initiative (IHCI) 2017:
KEY FINDINGS OF THE REPORT
Collaborative project of the ICMR, Ministry of Health
• Approximately 4 of every 5 people with
and Family Welfare/Directorate General of Health
hypertension are not adequately treated, but if
Services, WHO India and other partners.
countries can scale up coverage, 76 million deaths
o It follows five simple and scalable strategies,
could be averted between 2023 and 2050.
implemented through primary health care. The IHCI
• Report is based on the analysis of the data where
rolled out simplified drug and dose-specific
blood pressure is 140/90 millimeters of
treatment protocols for primary-care settings.
mercury (mmHg) or higher or a person is taking
o It also focused on strengthening the drug supply
medication for the condition.
chain by including protocol-based drugs in the State
• The number of people living with hypertension
essential drug list; the forecasting of drugs based on
doubled between 1990 and 2019, from 650 million
morbidity, and ensuring adequate budget allocation
to 1.3 billion.
in annual plans to purchase hypertension
• Nearly half of people with hypertension globally are medication.
currently unaware of their condition. More than three-
WAY FORWARD
quarters of adults with hypertension live in low-
• Research studies have shown that by reducing salt,
and middle-income countries.
cardiovascular disease risks can be reduced by 30%
KEY FINDINGS ABOUT INDIA
and mortality by 20%.
• Hypertension is the most important risk factor for
• Raise awareness about the risk of and long-term
death and disability in India.
adverse impact of untreated hypertension. High blood
• Only 37 per cent of Indians with hypertension are pressure can affect the entire vascular system
diagnosed and only 30 per cent get treated.

FOCUS | JUNE 2024 | RAU’S IAS 64

 Society and Social Justice

(multiple organs including the heart, kidneys, brain and
eyes).
• Scale up evidence-based public health interventions
such as the IHCI. Strategies and lessons from such
experiences should be used to design and implement
interventions to prevent and control other lifestyle
diseases such as diabetes mellitus and chronic kidney
diseases.
• Hypertension control initiatives in India need to focus
on the healthy adults as well, who may have known
non-modifiable risk factors.
• Stronger enforcement of food regulation in India has
the potential to prevent many diseases and reduce the
burden on health services. There needs to be higher
taxation on high salt (and also high sugar, high fat)
food and other packaged products.
• Intensify efforts to reduce dietary salt consumption
using strategies such as ‘SHAKE the salt habit’ under
the WHO’s HEARTS strategy.
• Under SHAKE, there are five approaches: of
Surveillance to measure and monitor salt use; Harness
industry to promote and reformulate foods and meals
that contain less salt; A adopt to standard labelling and
marketing; Knowledge, educate and communicate to
empower individuals to eat less salt; Environment
support settings that promote healthy eating.

practice questions
MCQS
Q.1 With reference to the Pradhan Mantri Jan (c) All three (d) None
Arogya Yojana (PMJAY), consider the following
statements: Q3. With reference to the hypertension: a silent
1. It is an entitlement-based scheme that targets the killer, consider the following statements:
beneficiaries as identified by latest Socio-Economic 1. It is measured using two numbers namely systolic
Caste Census (SECC) data and diastolic pressure.
2. Its objective is to provide a health cover for primary 2. Global Alliance for Chronic Diseases (GACD)
and secondary care hospitalization to the bottom releases the global report on hypertension.
40 per cent of the population of India.
3. India Hypertension Control Initiative (IHCI) is a
3. The insurance covers only the cost of collaborative project of the Ministry of Health and
hospitalization and medication. Family Welfare and WHO India.
How many of the statements given above is/are correct? How many of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) Only one (b) Only two (a) Only one (b) Only two
(c) All three (d) None (c) All three (d) None

Q2. With reference to the followers of Sarna Q4. With reference to Kotia, a tribal gram
religious code, consider the following panchayat, consider the following statements:
statements:
1. It is a group of tribal villages on the AP-Odisha
1. They practice idol worship. border.
2. The followers are largely concentrated in the Chota 2. These villages are inhabited by Kondh tribals.
Nagpur Plateau region.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
3. They adhere to the concept of the heaven and hell.
(a) 1 only (b) 2 only
How many of the above statements is/are correct?
(c) Both 1 and 2 (d) Neither 1 nor 2
(a) Only one (b) Only two

FOCUS | JUNE 2024 | RAU’S IAS 65

 Society and Social Justice

Q.5 With reference to the kondh tribe, consider the Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
following statements: (a) 1 only (b) 2 only
1. It is the largest tribal group in the state of Odisha (c) Both 1 and 2 (d) Neither 1 nor 2
2. They speak Kui and Kuvi as their native languages

Descriptive Questions
Q1. Tobacco is the most widely recognised preventable cause of disease and death in the world. In this context highlight
the challenges in addressing the tobacco epidemic in India.
Q2. Insufficient knowledge and poor hygiene during menstruation can result in various health issues. In this context
discuss the consequences of improper menstrual hygiene management and its impact on women’s health.

Answers: 1-a, 2-a, 3-b, 4-c, 5-c

FOCUS | JUNE 2024 | RAU’S IAS 66

 GEOGRAPHY, ENVIRONMENT,
BIODIVERSITY & DISASTER
MANAGEMENT
# GS Paper (Prelims) and GS Paper I & III (Main)

HIGH-ENERGY SWELL
• Categorisation of Swell Waves: Swells can be
categorized based on their origin:

WAVES o Groundswell: These swells originate from winds far

out at sea, covering longer distances. They have
#Oceanography longer swell periods and more energy. Groundswells
often result in cleaner, organized surf conditions.
o Windswell: Wind swell forms closer to the shore. The
Hyderabad-based INCOIS has issued an orange alert to 11
swell period is shorter, waves are less organized, and
coastal States on the possibility of swell surges and rough sea
they arrive faster.
conditions.
• Swell Direction: The direction from which the swell
HIGH-ENERGY SWELL WAVES
originates determines its path. For example: A North
• Swell waves are regular longer period waves that were
Swell travel southward, affecting north-facing
generated by the winds of distant weather systems.
coastlines. Swell direction is typically described in
There may be several sets of swell waves travelling in
degrees from North (0°) to South (180°).
different directions, causing a confused sea state.
• Local Factors: The coastline’s shape, points, reefs, and
• All swells are created by wind blowing over the surface
sandbars play a crucial role. Island blockage or
of the ocean. When strong winds persist over vast
shadowing can also impact the resulting surf conditions.
distances (such as during storms), they generate waves.
• Energy Dissipation: As swells travel away from the
The strength, duration, and area of the ocean that the
wind source, they lose energy. They may combine with
wind affects determine the size of the waves, how far
other swells, pick up more energy, or dissipate.
they’ll travel, and the energy they carry when they reach
the shore. • Issuing Authority: Hyderabad-based Indian National
Centre for Ocean Information Services (INCOIS).
FORMATION OF SWELL WAVES
• Recipient States: Coastal States of Goa, Maharashtra,
• Wind Energy: As winds blow across the ocean, they
West Bengal, Odisha, Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Lakshadweep,
transfer energy to the water surface. This energy causes
and Andaman & Nicobar Islands.
ripples to form, which eventually evolve into waves.
SPECIAL ADVISORY FOR KERALA
• Distance and Duration: The longer the wind blows and
the greater the distance it covers, the more energy is • Kerala coastal communities advised to remain vigilant.
transferred to the waves. Consequently, the waves • State put on red alert for high-energy swell waves,
become larger and cover more distance. locally known as 'Kallakadal' (rogue sea), likely lasting
until 11:30 p.m. on Sunday.

FOCUS | JUNE 2024 | RAU’S IAS 67

 Geography, Environment, Biodiversity & Disaster Management
• Potential swell waves: ranging from 0.5 meters to 1.7
meters high in low-lying areas.
ACTIONS BY KERALA STATE DISASTER MANAGEMENT
AUTHORITY (KSDMA)
• Issued directions to suspend recreational activities
along beaches.
• Advised coastal residents to temporarily evacuate if
necessary.
• First instance of a red alert being issued for the State
regarding Kallakadal phenomenon.
AUSTRALIA’S WEATHER
AGENCY ISSUES ‘LA NINA
WATCH’
#Climatology
A “La Nina watch” has been issued with some early signs
pointing to the weather event that brings rains and floods to
Asia, particularly India, forming in Pacific Ocean later this year
by Australian Bureau of Meteorology (BoM).
EL-NINO SOUTHERN OSCILLATION
• East-West zonal circulation of tropical winds is an
important variant from general atmospheric circulation.
• This typical east-west circulation of tropical wind is
called Walker Circulation named after a famous scientist
G.T. Walker.
• Walker circulation is convective cell of air circulation,
which is formed due to development of pressure
gradient from east to west in the equatorial Pacific
Ocean.
• After two-three years this general condition of east-west
pressure gradient is reversed. i.e. pressure gradient
becomes west to east.
FOCUS | JUNE 2024 | RAU’S IAS
• Walker called such oscillations as southern oscillations.
• In normal conditions high pressure develops on the sea
surface of the equatorial east Pacific Ocean and the
western coastal lands of South America due to
subsidence of air from above and upwelling of cold
oceanic water.
• The low pressure is formed in the equatorial western
Pacific Ocean due to rise of air from the warm sea
surface.
• This pressure gradient from east to west generates
east-west circulation of trade winds on the surface while
there is reverse upper air circulation i.e. from west to
east which completes a convective cell.
EL NIÑO
• It is a climate pattern that describes unusual warming
of surface waters in eastern tropical Pacific Ocean.
• El Niño is the “warm phase” of a larger phenomenon
called El Niño-Southern Oscillation (ENSO). La Niña, the
“cool phase” of ENSO, is a pattern that describes the
unusual cooling of the region’s surface waters. El Niño
and La Niña are considered the ocean part of ENSO,
while the Southern Oscillation is its atmospheric
changes.
• During El Niño, trade winds weaken or even reverse.
o Instead of blowing from east (South America) to west
(Indonesia), they could turn into westerlies.
o As the winds blow from west to east, they cause
masses of warm water to move into central and
eastern equatorial Pacific Ocean.
o Rise in SSTs there, thus, produces increased rainfall
along western Latin America, the Caribbean, and US
Gulf Coast, while depriving Southeast Asia, Australia
and India of convective currents.
o El Niño occurs simultaneously with the Southern
Oscillation. The Southern Oscillation is a change in air
68
 Geography, Environment, Biodiversity & Disaster Management
pressure over the tropical Pacific Ocean. When
coastal waters become warmer in the eastern
tropical Pacific (El Niño), the atmospheric pressure
above the ocean decreases.
o An El Niño event can be identified by the variations in
sea surface temperature (SST) over the equatorial
Central Pacific.
o El Niño events are classified as weak, moderate,
strong, and very strong depending on the strength of
the positive SST variations.
o An El Niño event is announced when monthly Nino
3.4 SST deviations reach +0.50 °C, along with
consistent atmospheric features, and when these
anomalies persist for three consecutive months.
LA NIÑA
• La Niña basically refers to an abnormal cooling of the
central and eastern Pacific Ocean waters off the
coasts of Ecuador and Peru.
• Such cooling (sea surface temperatures i.e. SSTs falling)
is a result of strong trade winds blowing west along
the equator, taking warm water from South
America towards Asia.
• The warming of the western equatorial Pacific, then,
leads to increased evaporation and concentrated
cloud-formation activity around that region, whose
effects may spread to India as well.
Indian monsoon: Indian Ocean Dipole (IOD)
• IOD measures differences in sea surface temperatures
between the western and eastern parts of the Indian
Ocean. It is basically like the El Nino weather system that
FOCUS | JUNE 2024 | RAU’S IAS
develops in the Pacific Ocean. It is characterized by an
irregular oscillation of sea-surface temperatures in the
eastern and western Indian Ocean
• Impact on weather patterns: IOD alters the wind,
temperature, and rainfall patterns in the Indian Ocean
region.
• Positive IOD event is known to bring floods to eastern
Africa and droughts and bushfires to eastern Asia and
Australia. Ex. 2020 Australian Bushfires.
• Positive IOD is known to increase the intensity of
Monsoon in the Subcontinent and leads to above
normal rainfall. A simultaneous occurrence of Positive
IOD and El Nino balances the negative impact of El Nino
on the Indian Monsoon rainfall. Ex. above normal
rainfall in India in 2019.
• In contrast, Negative IOD coupled with El – Nino leads to
poor Monsoon rainfall. Ex. Deficient rainfall in 1992.
FINDINGS
• La Nina Watch Issued: Australian Bureau of
Meteorology (BoM) issues a "La Nina watch" indicating
potential formation of La Nina later in the year. La Nina
brings rains and floods to Asia, especially India.
• ENSO-Neutral Conditions: El Nino-Southern
Oscillation (ENSO) remains neutral until at least July
2024. Positive Indian Ocean Dipole (IOD) development
has stalled.
• Current Climate Patterns: ENSO-neutral conditions
observed currently. Sea surface temperatures (SSTs) in
the central Pacific have been cooling steadily since
December 2023.Recent cloud and surface pressure
patterns indicate ENSO-neutral conditions.
• US Prediction: Transition from El Nino to ENSO-neutral
likely in the upcoming month. La Nina may develop with
49% chance in June-August 2024 or 69% chance in July-
September 2024, as per the US Climate Prediction
Center (CPC).
• Global Temperature Trends: Emergence of El Nino in
June 2023 resulted in warmest global temperatures for
the respective 11 months. Global sea surface
temperatures (SSTs) have been recording warm for
each month between April 2023 and April 2024.
• Indian Ocean Dipole (IOD): IOD currently neutral;
recent index value within historically neutral thresholds.
Potential positive IOD development stalled; SST
observations suggest recent development may have
69
 Geography, Environment, Biodiversity & Disaster Management
halted. Weaker positive IOD forecast compared to
earlier predictions.
• Monsoon Booster: Positive IOD can enhance India's
southwest monsoon performance. Example: In 2019, a
strong IOD event compensated for a 30% rainfall deficit
in June.
SOUTHERN SOJOURN
(ANTARCTICA)
#Polar Regions
Delegates from over 60 countries convened in Kochi, Kerala to
attend the 46th Antarctic Treaty Consultative Meeting (ATCM).
India is part of a group proposing a regulatory framework for
Antarctic tourism at the 46th Antarctic Treaty Consultative
Meeting. The continent's pristine wilderness is increasingly
attracting tourists (A recent joint study by universities in
Tasmania, the U.K. and Australia said that the number of
tourists rose from 8,000 in 1993 to 1,05,000 in 2022), raising
concerns about environmental impact and geopolitical
implications. While India supports regulation to preserve
Antarctica's purity, it must also safeguard its own future
tourism interests amidst growing global prosperity.
ABOUT ANTARCTIC PARLIAMENT
• National Centre for Polar and Ocean Research, Goa
under the Ministry of Earth Sciences (MoES) organised
this meeting.
• It will be attended by the 56 member countries of the
Antarctic Treaty.
• The ATCM is meant to facilitate a global dialogue on law,
logistics, governance, science, tourism, and other
aspects of the southern continent. During the Kochi
meet, India will also officially table its plan to construct
Maitri II before the members. Any new construction or
initiative in Antarctica requires the ATCM’s approval.
Note
Every year the original twelve Parties to the Treaty and
those Parties that demonstrate their interest in Antarctica
by conducting substantial research activity there –
together called the Consultative Parties – meet “for the
purpose of exchanging information, consulting together
on matters of common interest pertaining to Antarctica,
and formulating and considering and recommending to
their governments measures in furtherance of the
FOCUS | JUNE 2024 | RAU’S IAS
principles and objectives of the Treaty” (Art. IX). This forum
is the Antarctic Treaty Consultative Meeting (ATCM).
• India had last hosted the ATCM in New Delhi in 2007.
ANTARCTIC TREATY
• Definition of Antarctica: All the Land and ice shelves
to the south of 60-degree latitude.
• Antarctica to be treated as Global Common +
Principles of Peace, Science and Environmental
protection.
• Antarctic Treaty was signed in Washington in 1959 by
the twelve countries. It entered into force in 1961 and
has since been acceded to by many other nations. Total
number of Parties to the Treaty is now 56 (including
India).
• Antarctica should be used only for peaceful purposes.
No country should build military bases.
• No country should claim sovereignty over Antarctica
based on setting up of Research stations.
• No nuclear explosions or disposal of radioactive wastes
• Countries to take appropriate efforts to abide by the
provisions of the treaty.
INDIA AND ANTARCTICA
• India signed the Antarctic Treaty in 1983.
• India ratified the Convention on the Conservation of
Antarctic Marine Living Resources in 1985.
• India signed Protocol on Environmental Protection to
the Antarctic Treaty in 1998. (Madrid Protocol)
• India’s research stations in Antarctica: Dakshin Gangotri
(De-commissioned now); Maitri and Bharati. Managed
by National Centre for Polar and Ocean Research
(NCPOR), Goa under the Ministry of Earth Sciences.
• In 2022, India enacted the Antarctic Act, reaffirming its
commitment to the Antarctic Treaty.
MARINE HEAT WAVES
#Climate Change #Oceanography
Scientists at the ICAR-Central Marine Fisheries Research
Institute (CMFRI) have recorded an alarming situation of
severe coral bleaching in the Lakshadweep Sea owing to
marine heat waves.
70
 Geography, Environment, Biodiversity & Disaster Management

MARINE HEAT WAVES

INCIDENCES OF MARINE HEAT WAVES
Marine heat waves (MHW) are extreme rises in ocean
temperature that occur over an extended period of time.
These events can happen at different locations in the
ocean and have become more frequent and intense over
the last few decades.
• Definition of Marine Heat Waves: MHWs are sharp
spikes of anomalously warm temperature that last at
least five days, although many persist for weeks or
even months. During an MHW, the average
temperatures of the ocean surface (up to a depth of
300 feet) goes 5-7 degree C above normal. Around 90
per cent of the warming caused by greenhouse gas
FINDING BY RECORDED BY SCIENTISTS AT ICAR-
emissions is absorbed by the oceans.
CENTRAL MARINE FISHERIES RESEARCH INSTITUTE
• Causes: They are fuelled by climate change-induced
(CMFRI)
ocean warming, but other factors can contribute as
• Severe coral bleaching observed in Lakshadweep Sea
well. These include natural variability, shorter-term
weather phenomena (such as fronts), intrapersonal due to marine heat waves.
events (30- to 90-day cycles), annual variations, and • Significant percentage of hard coral species affected.
decadal changes. • Prolonged period of marine heat waves since late
Impacts: October 2023.
• Ecosystems: MHWs can have harmful effects on Marine Heat Waves:
marine ecosystems. For instance, coral reefs may
• Rare extreme weather events with abnormally high
experience bleaching due to prolonged exposure to
ocean temperatures.
high temperatures. Seagrass beds and kelp forests
can also be affected. • Degree Heating Week (DHW) indicator surged above
4°C-weeks.
• Marine Industries: Fisheries and aquaculture can
suffer due to changes in fish distribution and • DHW above 4°C-weeks poses substantial risk of coral
productivity caused by MHWs. bleaching.
• Human Activities: Coastal communities and • Threatens diverse marine ecosystems in the region.
economies can be impacted by disruptions in fishing, Impact on Coral Health:
tourism, and other ocean-related activities.
• Severe threat due to heat stress leading to extensive
• Long-Term Effects: Even after the water cools down, bleaching.
the impacts of MHWs can persist for years, affecting
• Corals lose symbiotic algae (zooxanthellae),
marine ecosystems and biodiversity.
compromising survival.
• Continued rise in DHW could precipitate biodiversity
crisis.
Insights from CMFRI Scientists:
• Shelton Padua identifies excessive heat atmospheric
transfer and shifts in ocean currents as primary causes.
• Lakshadweep Sea experiencing temperatures
consistently over 1°C above norm since October 27,
2023.
Threats to Other Marine Habitats:
• Sea-grass meadows also impacted by heat waves.

FOCUS | JUNE 2024 | RAU’S IAS 71

 Geography, Environment, Biodiversity & Disaster Management
• Impaired photosynthesis, reduced growth, and
hindered reproductive functions observed.
• Degradation could lead to collapse of local marine food
webs, affecting various marine species.
Initiatives by CMFRI:
• Comprehensive national project initiated to investigate
resilience potential of various coral reefs in India.
Marine heat waves are a significant concern due to their
potential harm to both natural systems and human
activities. Efforts to understand, monitor, and mitigate
their effects are crucial for the health of our oceans and
coastal communities.
URBAN HEAT ISLAND
#Environment
Carbon Brief analysis revealed nearly 40% of the Earth hit its
highest-ever daily temperature between 2013 to 2023.
URBAN HEAT ISLAND (UHI)
An urban heat island refers to a phenomenon where urban
areas experience significantly higher temperatures
compared to surrounding rural areas.
GLOBAL CASES OF RISING TEMPERATURE
• The United Kingdom crossed 40 degrees Celsius for the
first time ever in July 2022.
• A small town in China’s northwest recorded 52-degree
Celsius last year, the highest ever for that country.
• In 2021, Sicily in Italy recorded 48.8 degree Celsius, the
highest for Europe ever.
• Recent temperatures in New Delhi, notably a reported
52.9°C, raise concerns, pending verification. Doubts
arise due to inconsistencies with other stations, with
Safdarjung recording 46.8°C, an 80-year high.
FOCUS | JUNE 2024 | RAU’S IAS
WHY DOES THIS HAPPEN?
• The sun’s heat and light reach the city and the adjoining
rural areas in the same way.
• The difference in temperature between urban and less-
developed rural areas has to do with how well the
surfaces in each environment absorb and hold heat.
• If you travel to a rural area, you’ll probably find that
most of the region is covered with plants grasses, trees,
and farmland.
• Plants take up water from the ground through their
roots and store the water in their stems and leaves. The
water eventually travels to small holes on the underside
of leaves.
• There, the liquid water turns into water vapor and is
released into the air. This process is called transpiration.
It acts as nature’s air conditioner.
DEVELOPMENT PROCESS
• Daytime: During the day, urban surfaces absorb solar
radiation, heating up and raising local temperatures.
Buildings and structures trap heat, creating thermal
energy reservoirs.
• Nighttime: Urban areas release stored heat slowly,
resulting in elevated nighttime temperatures compared
to surrounding rural areas. This phenomenon is known
as the "urban heat island effect.
CAUSES OF UHI DEVELOPMENT
• Human Activities: Urbanization leads to the creation of
structures such as buildings, roads, and pavements,
which absorb and retain heat.
• Urban Canyon effect: The tall buildings within many
urban areas provide multiple surfaces for the reflection
and absorption of sunlight, increasing the efficiency
with which urban areas are heated.
• Modification of Land Surface: Urban development
alters the land surface through the removal of
72
 Geography, Environment, Biodiversity & Disaster Management
vegetation, which reduces evaporative cooling and
increases heat absorption.
• Anthropogenic Heat: Activities like transportation,
industrial processes, and energy consumption release
heat, contributing to elevated temperatures.
• Albedo Effect: Urban surfaces, such as concrete and
asphalt, have lower albedo (reflectivity), absorbing more
solar radiation and increasing temperatures.
• Limited Green Spaces: The reduction of green spaces
like parks and gardens decreases the cooling effect of
vegetation and exacerbates heat retention.
FACTORS INFLUENCING UHI INTENSITY
• Urban Morphology: The layout, density, and height of
buildings influence UHI intensity. Compact urban areas
with tall buildings tend to trap more heat.
• Climate: Local climatic conditions, such as wind
patterns and humidity, can affect the intensity of UHI.
• Urban Design: Factors like street orientation, building
materials, and green infrastructure can either
exacerbate or mitigate UHI effects.
IMPACT OF URBAN HEAT ISLAND
• Health Risks: Higher temperatures in urban areas can
lead to heat-related illnesses and exacerbate air
pollution, affecting public health.
o Urban Heat Islands (UHIs) exacerbate heat waves,
increasing heat-related illnesses and fatalities.
o Heat exposure correlated with mental health issues
and decreased academic performance.
o UHIs worsen air quality, accelerating pollutants'
production and impacting health.
• Energy Consumption: Increased cooling demands in
urban areas result in higher energy consumption and
associated greenhouse gas emissions.
• Ecological Effects: UHI can disrupt ecosystems, alter
local climate patterns, and affect biodiversity.
o Urban Heat Islands (UHIs) raise water temperatures,
harming aquatic ecosystems.
o Rapid temperature changes due to UHIs stress
aquatic life, causing fish kills.
o UHIs alter breeding strategies and habitat ranges of
species.
• Social Impacts: Vulnerable populations, such as the
elderly and low-income communities, are
FOCUS | JUNE 2024 | RAU’S IAS
disproportionately affected by UHI, exacerbating social
inequalities.
o According to a study by the International Labour
Organization (ILO), in 1995, the working hours lost
in India due to heat stress were 5.87 per cent in
agriculture and construction, 2.95 per cent in
industry, and 0.63 per cent in services.
o These numbers are anticipated to increase to 9.04
per cent in agriculture and construction, 5.29 per
cent in industry, and 1.48 per cent in services by
2030.
MITIGATION STRATEGIES
• Green Infrastructure: Increasing vegetation cover
through parks, green roofs, and tree planting helps
mitigate UHI effects by providing shade and enhancing
evaporative cooling.
• Urban Planning: Designing urban spaces to prioritize
pedestrian-friendly environments, incorporating green
spaces, and promoting sustainable building practices
can reduce UHI intensity.
• Cool Roofing and Materials: Using reflective roofing
materials and heat-absorbing coatings on pavements
can lower surface temperatures and mitigate heat
absorption.
• Heat Island Reduction Programs: Implementing
policies and initiatives focused on reducing urban heat
island effects, such as urban forestry programs and
building codes promoting energy-efficient designs.
CONCERNS OVER EU
DEFORESTATION LAW
#Environment
At a recent meeting in Geneva, India and several other WTO
members expressed concerns about the EU's new Regulation
on Deforestation-Free Products (EUDR), which is set to restrict
exports of certain items to the EU starting from December 30,
2024. They collectively requested a postponement of the
regulation.
EU'S NEW REGULATION ON DEFORESTATION-FREE
PRODUCTS (EUDR)
• The Regulation is part of a broader plan of actions to
tackle deforestation and forest degradation first
73
 Geography, Environment, Biodiversity & Disaster Management
outlined in the 2019 Commission Communication on
Stepping up EU Action to Protect and Restore the
World’s Forests.
• This commitment was later confirmed by the
European Green Deal, the EU Biodiversity Strategy
for 2030 and the Farm to Fork Strategy.
• ‘Deforestation-free’ means they must not result
from recent (post December 31, 2020) deforestation,
forest degradation, or breaches of local
environmental and social laws.
• The main driver of these processes is the expansion
of agricultural land that is linked to the production of
commodities like cattle, wood, cocoa, soy, palm oil,
coffee, rubber, and some of their derived products,
such as leather, chocolate, tyres, or furniture.
• Under the Regulation, any operator or trader who
places these commodities on the EU market, or exports
from it, must be able to prove that the products do
not originate from recently deforested land or have
contributed to forest degradation.
OBJECTIVES OF EU DEFORESTATION LAW
The new rules aim to
• Avoid that the listed products Europeans buy, use and
consume contribute to deforestation and forest
degradation in the EU and globally.
• Reduce carbon emissions caused by EU consumption
and production of the relevant commodities by at least
32 million metric tonnes a year.
• Address all deforestation driven by agricultural
expansion to produce the commodities in the scope of
the regulation, as well as forest degradation.
INDIA AND EUDR
• India is particularly concerned as the EUDR could
significantly impact its exports to the EU, estimated at
$1.3 billion.
• The regulation targets seven commodities and their
derivatives, potentially affecting a wide range of Indian
exports such as meat products, leather, chocolate,
coffee, palm oil derivatives, rubber products, soybeans,
wood products, and more.
CONCERN OVER BENCHMARKING
• Critics, including Indonesia and India, raised concerns
about the EUDR's 'benchmarking system' for
categorizing regions as high-risk, medium-risk, and low-
risk for deforestation.
FOCUS | JUNE 2024 | RAU’S IAS
• Confusion surrounded the categorization process,
prompting questions about its rationale and conditions
from India.
• Other countries criticized the one-size-fits-all
approach and the lack of effective compliance
support systems.
• Limited time for compliance and high costs,
particularly burdensome for small producers, were
highlighted as significant issues.
• The EU affirmed its determination to proceed with
implementation, emphasizing reliance on scientific data
and internationally recognized sources for categorizing
countries.
• India emphasized the need to protect low-income
farmers from the high compliance costs of the
regulation.
GREAT NICOBAR PROJECT
#Locations #Environment
Environmentalists have raised concerns over the proposed Rs
72,000-crore infrastructure upgrade at Great Nicobar Island,
labelling it as a “grave threat” to the island’s indigenous
inhabitants and its fragile ecosystem.
LOCATION AND SIGNIFICANCE OF GREAT NICOBAR
• Great Nicobar is the southernmost and largest of the
Nicobar Islands, covering 910 sq. km. of mainly tropical
rainforest in the southeastern Bay of Bengal.
• Indira Point, located on the island, is India’s
southernmost point, situated only 90 nautical miles
from Sabang in Sumatra, Indonesia.
• The island hosts two national parks, a biosphere
reserve, small populations of the Shompen and
Nicobarese tribal peoples, and a few thousand non-
tribal settlers.
GREAT NICOBAR ISLAND DEVELOPMENT PROJECT
The mega infrastructure project is spearheaded by the
Andaman and Nicobar Islands Integrated Development
Corporation (ANIIDCO). It includes:
• An International Container Transshipment Terminal
(ICTT)
• A greenfield international airport with a peak hour
capacity to handle 4,000 passengers
74
 Geography, Environment, Biodiversity & Disaster Management
• A township
• A gas and solar-based power plant
The project spans 16,610 hectares and aims to leverage
the island’s strategic location, roughly equidistant from
Colombo, Port Klang, and Singapore, to enhance its
participation in the regional and global maritime economy.
IMPLEMENTATION AND APPROVALS
• The project was initiated following a report by NITI
Aayog, highlighting the strategic potential of the island.
• Galathea Bay, the proposed site for the ICTT and power
plant, is uninhabited and located on the southeastern
corner of the island.
• The project received in-principal forest clearance and
environmental clearance in October 2022.
• A detailed project report (DPR) has been prepared, and
the government is expected to invite bids for the initial
construction phase soon.
o Great Nicobar Island is the largest island of Nicobar
group of Islands.
o India’s southernmost point Indira Point is located on
this island.
o Great Nicobar Biosphere Reserve: A large part of
the island has been designated as a Biosphere
Reserve.
o Galathea National Park: Galathea National Park is
located on the Great Nicobar Island. This is the
FOCUS | JUNE 2024 | RAU’S IAS
breeding ground for the world’s largest leatherback
turtle.
o Campbell Bay National Park: Also, located on the
Great Nicobar Islands.
STRATEGIC IMPORTANCE OF THE GREAT NICOBAR
ISLAND DEVELOPMENT PROJECT
Security Interests
• The Bay of Bengal and Indian Ocean region are crucial
for India’s strategic and security interests, particularly in
countering the Chinese People’s Liberation Army Navy's
expanding presence.
• India's concerns include Chinese military activities at
key Indo-Pacific chokepoints such as Malacca, Sunda,
and Lombok.
Military Upgrades:
Significant military infrastructure upgrades at the
Andaman & Nicobar Islands, including:
• Revamping airfields and jetties
• Building additional logistics and storage facilities
• Establishing a base for military personnel
• Enhancing surveillance infrastructure
These upgrades aim to support the deployment of
additional military forces, larger warships, aircraft, missile
batteries, and troops, reinforcing India’s national security.
Environmental Concerns
Conservationists, wildlife biologists, and local tribal
councils have criticized the project for its potential
ecological damage.
Major concerns include:
• Violation of tribal rights, particularly the Shompen, a
vulnerable tribal group of hunter-gatherers
• Felling of nearly a million trees
• Destruction of coral reefs
• Threats to the Nicobar Megapode bird and leatherback
turtles in Galathea Bay
Seismic Vulnerability
• The opposition also highlights the seismic risks, noting
the area’s subsidence during the 2004 tsunami.
• They also accuse local authorities of inadequate
consultation with the Tribal Council of Great and Little
Nicobar Islands.
• In 2022, the tribal council revoked a no-objection
certificate, citing insufficient information.
75
 Geography, Environment, Biodiversity & Disaster Management
Legal and Administrative Actions
• In 2023, the Kolkata Bench of the National Green
Tribunal (NGT) declined to intervene in the
environmental and forest clearance but recommended
forming a high-power committee to review the
clearances.
• The committee's report status remains unclear.
The proposed infrastructure development at Great
Nicobar Island is a contentious issue, balancing strategic
national interests against significant environmental and
indigenous rights concerns.
PANEL FLAGS POOR
PROGRESS IN REVERSING
COAL MINING DAMAGE
#Mining
People living in areas near the mines reportedly continue to
suffer due to continued acid mine drainage from the mine pits.
RAT-HOLE MINING
Rat-hole mining involves digging narrow, horizontal
tunnels into the ground to access coal seams. These
tunnels are typically small enough for a person to crawl
through, hence the name "rat-hole."
• Location and Context:
o Primarily practiced in the northeastern Indian state
of Meghalaya, particularly in the Jaintia Hills region.
o The method is mainly used for extracting coal from
shallow depth coal seams, often found beneath hills
or rocky terrain.
• Technique:
FOCUS | JUNE 2024 | RAU’S IAS
o Miners manually excavate coal by hand, using
primitive tools such as picks, shovels, and baskets.
o The tunnels are often unstable and lack adequate
support, posing significant safety risks to miners.
o Coal extracted through rat-hole mining is usually
transported manually to the surface.
• Environmental and Social Impact:
o Severe environmental degradation, including
deforestation, soil erosion, and water pollution.
o Acid mine drainage from abandoned mine pits can
contaminate water sources, affecting both human
health and local ecosystems.
o Lack of proper reclamation efforts exacerbates
environmental damage, leading to long-term
ecological consequences.
o Rat-hole mining has also been associated with social
issues such as exploitation of labor, child labor, and
unsafe working conditions.
• Legal Status and Regulation:
o Rat-hole mining has been banned by the National
Green Tribunal (NGT) and the Supreme Court of India
due to its hazardous nature and environmental
impact.
o Despite the ban, illegal rat-hole mining continues in
some areas, fueled by demand for coal and lax
enforcement of regulations.
LEAD POLLUTION IN INDIA
#Pollution
LEAD POLLUTION
It is ubiquitous and found in air we breathe, the spices we
cook, the toys our children play with, the paint on our walls
and many more.
SOURCES OF LEAD POLLUTION
• Industrial Emissions: Lead is emitted into the air
through various industrial processes such as mining,
smelting, refining, and manufacturing of lead-based
products like batteries, paints, and ceramics.
• Automobiles: Historically, leaded gasoline was a major
source of lead emissions. While leaded gasoline has
been phased out in many countries, vehicle emissions
76
 Geography, Environment, Biodiversity & Disaster Management
still contribute to lead pollution, particularly in areas
with high traffic density.
• Lead-Based Paints: Lead-based paints, commonly
used in buildings and infrastructure before regulations
restricted their use, can deteriorate over time, releasing
lead particles into the environment. This is a significant
concern, especially in older homes and buildings.
• Battery Recycling: Improper recycling of lead-acid
batteries, such as those used in cars and industrial
equipment, can lead to the release of lead into the
environment, particularly through soil and water
contamination.
• Industrial Waste and Landfills: Improper disposal of
industrial waste containing lead, as well as inadequate
management of landfills, can result in leaching of lead
into soil and groundwater, posing risks to nearby
communities.
• Lead Pipes and Plumbing Fixtures: Lead pipes and
plumbing fixtures, particularly in older homes and
infrastructure, can leach lead into drinking water.
Corrosion of these materials can increase lead levels in
tap water, especially in areas with acidic water or
inadequate water treatment.
• Mining and Ore Processing: Mining activities,
particularly for lead and other metals, can release lead-
containing dust and particles into the air and water,
contaminating soil and aquatic ecosystems.
• Smoking: Tobacco smoke contains lead, and smoking
in indoor environments can lead to the accumulation of
lead dust on surfaces, contributing to indoor lead
pollution.
• Food and Water Contamination: Lead can enter the
food chain through contaminated soil, water, and air.
Certain food items, particularly those grown in lead-
contaminated soil or water, may contain elevated levels
of lead.
• Hobbies and Crafts: Some hobbies and crafts involve
the use of materials containing lead, such as stained
glass making, pottery glazes, and ammunition
reloading. Improper handling and disposal of these
materials can lead to lead exposure.
FOCUS | JUNE 2024 | RAU’S IAS
(Impact of Lead Pollution)
Magnitude of the Issue A 2020 report by UNICEF
estimated that nearly 27 crore Indian children have unsafe
blood lead levels (BLLs). Unsafe concentration of lead in
the body can deter their neuro-cognitive development,
leading to decreased IQ, behavioural problems,
lowered educational achievement and eventually
lowered earning potential.
WAY FORWARD
• Detection and Diagnosis: Lead poisoning is extremely
difficult to diagnose given that it may be asymptomatic
or manifest with unrelated symptoms like abdominal
pain, constipation, and headaches. Unfortunately, there
is no cure for lead poisoning. By the time it is diagnosed,
the adverse impacts it has had on the child’s brain and
body are irreversible. Thus, the old adage, ‘Pollution
Prevention Pays’ holds very true here.
• Role of Testing and Surveillance Routine screening
emerges as a vital tool in safeguarding children from
lead exposure.
• Venous blood tests offer insights into lead levels,
enabling timely interventions. While private diagnostic
facilities offer individual testing, mass surveillance
demands a cost-effective and efficient approach.
• Utilizing Advanced Technology: ICPMS India boasts a
robust medico-scientific infrastructure equipped with
state-of-the-art analytical instruments, notably the
ICPMS. This advanced technology, available in academic
institutions and research facilities nationwide, enables
high-throughput lead testing with unparalleled accuracy
and sensitivity. Leveraging this resource can
revolutionize lead poisoning surveillance, fostering a
comprehensive database akin to global standards.
• Government Initiatives and Collaborative Efforts:
The NITI Aayog's commissioning of CSIR-NEERI to
corroborate UNICEF's findings underscores the
77
 Geography, Environment, Biodiversity & Disaster Management
government's commitment to addressing lead
poisoning. The establishment of the India Working
Group on Lead Poisoning further signifies a concerted
effort to combat this pervasive threat through research,
advocacy, and policy interventions.
• Harnessing Scientific Expertise for Action Through
collaborative endeavours and interdisciplinary
cooperation, India possesses the capacity to combat
lead poisoning effectively. The convergence of technical
expertise, research endeavours, and policy advocacy
underscores the nation's resolve to safeguard the
health and well-being of its populace.
The fight against lead poisoning demands a multi-pronged
approach, encompassing detection, prevention, and
advocacy. With concerted efforts, leveraging advanced
technology, and harnessing scientific expertise, India can
mitigate the scourge of lead poisoning and secure a
healthier future for its children.
CARBON FARMING
#Sustainable Agriculture
In the context of road towards sustainable agriculture Carbon
farming has emerged as an emerging technology to address
FOCUS | JUNE 2024 | RAU’S IAS
the issue of climate change and feeding the nutritional needs
of millions.
WHAT IS CARBON FARMING?
• Carbon farming (also known as carbon sequestration) is
a system of agricultural management that helps the
land store more carbon and reduce the amount of
greenhouse gases that it releases into the atmosphere.
• In other words, it is a whole farm approach to
optimizing carbon capture on working landscapes by
implementing practices that are known to improve the
rate at which CO2 is removed from the atmosphere and
stored in plant material and/or soil organic matter.
• Carbon farming explicitly recognizes that it is solar
energy that drives farm ecosystem dynamics, and that
carbon is the carrier of that energy within the farm
system.
• Carbon farming is synonymous with the term”
regenerative agriculture” when that term is explicitly
rooted in an understanding of the underlying system
dynamics and positive feedback processes that actually
make a “regenerative” upward spiral of soil fertility and
farm productivity possible, as depicted in the figure
below.
78
 Geography, Environment, Biodiversity & Disaster Management
VARIOUS CARBON FARMING PRACTICES
• Carbon farming practices are management practices
that are known to sequester carbon and/or reduce GHG
emissions.
• All those practices that improve soil health and
sequester carbon while producing important co-
benefits, including increased soil water holding capacity,
hydrological function, biodiversity, and resilience are its
example.
• Alley cropping is the cultivation of food, forage or
specialty crops between rows of trees. It is a larger
version of intercropping.
• No-till farming is an agricultural technique for growing
crops or pasture without disturbing the soil through
tillage.
• Riparian-zone restoration is the ecological restoration
of riparian-zone habitats of streams, rivers, springs,
lakes, floodplains etc.
• Silvipasture is the deliberate integration of trees and
grazing livestock operations on the same land.
• Integrated crop-livestock system is a form of mixed
production that utilizes crops and livestock in a way that
they can complement one another.
• Mulching - covering the soil with mulches, such as bark,
wood chips, leaves, and other organic material, to
preserve moisture and improve the condition of the
soil.
MERITS OF CARBON FARMING
• Restore of landscapes and upgradation of natural
asset capital: it shields against soil erosion while
simultaneously enhancing soil structure, improving
nutrient absorption, and optimising water retention.
• Climate adaptation and meeting of greenhouse gas
reduction targets: By improving soil structure and
management practices, carbon farming enhances a
farm’s ability to withstand challenges such as strong
winds and soil erosion. Certain agroforestry designs act
as natural barriers to adverse weather conditions,
fostering a microclimate that supports crop growth.
Through carbon farming, farmers can adapt to climate
change while safeguarding their agricultural operations.
• Improving agricultural resilience and productivity
through farm-based forestry- By adopting efficient
practices and minimising resource consumption, such
as fertilisers and fuel, farmers can maximise output
without unnecessary waste. Effective farm
FOCUS | JUNE 2024 | RAU’S IAS
management, particularly in water usage, allows for
strategic allocation of resources, resulting in improved
yields and enhanced productivity.
• Diversification of income and generation of new
revenue streams - additional income through the sale
of carbon credits thereby contributing to their financial
well-being.
CHALLENGES ASSOCIATED WITH CARBON FARMING
• It becomes challenging in hot and dry areas where the
availability of water is limited and prioritised for
drinking and washing needs. Limited water availability
can hinder the growth of plants, thus restricting the
potential for sequestration through photosynthesis.
• Small-scale farmers may lack the resources to invest in
sustainable land management practices and
environmental services.
• Lack of skills and management abilities further affects
their implementation.
• Lack of awareness - many farmers don’t understand the
exact meaning of carbon farming, and they lack detailed
information about the pros and cons of carbon farming.
• Difficulty in monitoring the progress of such initiatives.
• Uncertainty regarding carbon market selling practices
STEPS TAKEN BY GOVERNMENT OF INDIA TOWARDS
CARBON FARMING
• National Innovations in Climate Resilient
Agriculture (NICRA) is a network project of the Indian
Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) aiming to
enhance the resilience of Indian agriculture, covering
crops, livestock and fisheries to climatic variability and
climate change.
• National Mission for Sustainable Agriculture
(NMSA) includes programmatic interventions like Soil
Health Card, Paramparagat Krishi Vikas Yojana, Mission
Organic Value Chain Development for Northeastern
Region, Rainfed Area Development, National Bamboo
Mission and Sub-mission on Agro-Forestry.
• National Adaptation Fund for Climate Change
(NAFCC) was established to meet the cost of adaptation
to climate change for the State and Union Territories of
India that are particularly vulnerable to the adverse
effects of climate change.
• Climate-smart village (CSV) is an institutional
approach to test, implement, modify and promote CSA
79
 Geography, Environment, Biodiversity & Disaster Management
at the local level and to enhance farmers‟ abilities to
adapt to climate change.
• Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojna (PMSKY)
planned and formulated to give more priority on water
conservation and its management in agriculture with
the vision to extend the area under irrigation.
• Paramparagat Krishi Vikas Yojna (PKVY) with the
objective of supporting and promoting organic farming
through adoption of organic village by cluster approach,
which in turn result in improvement of soil health.
• Biotech-KISAN: scientist-farmer partnership
agriculture innovation with an objective to connect
science laboratories with the farmers to find out
innovative solutions and technologies to be applied at
farm level.
SOME GLOBAL EXAMPLES
• Chicago Climate Exchange and the Carbon Farming
Initiative in Australia demonstrate efforts to
incentivise carbon mitigation activities in agriculture.
The processes range from no-till farming (growing
crops without disturbing the soil) to reforestation and
pollution reduction.
• Kenya’s Agricultural Carbon Project, which has the
World Bank’s support, also highlight the potential for
carbon farming to address climate mitigation and
adaptation and food security challenges
economically developing countries.
• ‘4 per 1000’ initiative during the COP21 climate talks
in 2015 in Paris highlights the particular role of sinks in
mitigating greenhouse-gas emissions.
ILLEGAL MINING IN THE
ARAVALI RANGE MUST
STOP: SUPREME COURT
#Mining
The Supreme Court on Thursday said illegal mining in the
Aravali range in Rajasthan must stop.
ABOUT THE ARAVALLIS
• One of the oldest fold mountains of the world.
FOCUS | JUNE 2024 | RAU’S IAS
• The Aravallis are assembled over a very large province
of granite (called the Bundelkhand craton; a craton is
part of Earth’s crust which has been stable for nearly a
billion years or so) and gneiss (pronounced “nice” which
is typically a hard, grey rock with long, white or grey
ribbon-like bands).
• Extends from Delhi ridge up to Palanpur (Gujarat).
• Covers Delhi, Haryana, Rajasthan & Gujarat.
• The peaks reach their maximum height in the south-
western segment, with some rising more than 1,000 m
for (like the 1,722 m-high Guru Shikhar near Mount Abu
and hills around Udaipur). As we move north, the
range begins to taper and the hills become modest.
• Its highest peak is Guru Shikhar (on Abu Hills) in
Rajasthan. Mt. Abu is also located nearby.
• Goram ghat is located in the Southern part of Aravalli
mountain range. It connects Marwar and Mewar
regions of Rajasthan.
• It gives rise to several rivers, including the Banas, Luni,
Sakhi, and Sabarmati.
• Though heavily forested in the south, it is generally bare
and thinly populated, consisting of large areas of sand
and stone and of masses of rose-coloured quartzite.
in
COPPER
Analysts predict copper prices will drop due to rising
inventories, increased copper production, and a slow property
market in China.
COPPER
• Copper is the second largest non-ferrous metal by
usage, with global demand of refined copper was about
25.04 million tonnes in 2020.
• Copper is a malleable and ductile metallic element that
is an excellent conductor of heat and electricity as well
as being corrosion resistant and antimicrobial.
• Found solely in igneous and metamorphic rocks.
• Usually found in metal state and hence one of the
earliest metals which was exploited by humans.
• Though copper is very soft, mixing with Tin makes
bronze which is harder and tougher and useful for
making weapons and tools. Hence Bronze age.
80
 Geography, Environment, Biodiversity & Disaster Management

• Present day industrial significance began with electricity

where copper wires are very efficient in electricity
transmission.
ORES OF COPPER
• Copper occurs naturally in the Earth’s crust in a variety
of forms.
• It can be found in sulphide deposits (as chalcopyrite,
bornite, chalcocite, covellite),
• In carbonate deposits (as azurite and malachite),
• In silicate deposits (as chrysycolla and dioptase) and as
pure “native” copper.
• Copper is the second largest non-ferrous metal by
usage, with global demand of refined copper was about
25.04 million tonnes in 2020.
WORLD DISTRIBUTION OF COPPER
• Chile has the largest share, accounting for about 23% of
world reserves, followed by Australia & Peru (10%
each), Russia (7%), Mexico & USA (6% each) and
Indonesia & China (3% each) MAJOR COPPER BELTS IN INDIA
• In 2020, China accounted for almost 50% of world • Khetri Copper Belt (Rajasthan): Located in Rajasthan,
smelter production of copper, followed by Japan (8%), this belt is one of the significant copper-producing
Chile (6%) & Russian federation (5%). regions in India.
• China accounted for 41 % of world refined copper • Singhbhum Copper Belt (Jharkhand): Another
production, followed by Chile (10%), Japan (6%) and important copper belt, it is situated in Jharkhand.
Congo (5%) in 2020.
• Malanjkhand Copper Belt (Madhya Pradesh): This
belt, located in Madhya Pradesh, is mined by Hindustan
Copper Limited (HCL).
• Indian Copper Complex (integral part of Hindustan
Copper Limited (HCL).: The Singhbhum belt is also
mined by M/s Indian Copper Complex

WORLD CASTOR
SUSTAINABILITY FORUM
#PrelimsNuggets #Agriculture

India launches the World Castor Sustainability Forum (WCSF)

INDIAN DISTRIBUTION OF COPPER IN INDIA
to establish a traceable supply chain for castor oil, aiming to
• Largest reserves/resources of copper ore to the tune of
improve economic, social, and environmental performance.
813 million tonnes (53.81%) are in the State of
PURPOSE OF WORLD CASTOR SUSTAINABILITY FORUM
Rajasthan followed by Jharkhand with 295 million
tonnes (19.54%) and Madhya Pradesh with 283 million • The WCSF aims to enhance economic self-sufficiency
tonnes (18.75%). and sustainability in the global castor industry.

FOCUS | JUNE 2024 | RAU’S IAS 81

 Geography, Environment, Biodiversity & Disaster Management
• It focuses on providing a sustainable and traceable
supply chain for castors while improving economic,
social, and environmental performance.
BACKGROUND
• India produces about 20 lakh tonnes of castor seed
annually, meeting over 90% of the global demand
for castor oil.
• The WCSF was launched in response to the global shift
towards renewable resources and increased emphasis
on sustainability.
• Key players in the castor industry, including companies
like Adani Wilmar Ltd, Jayant Agro Organics Ltd, and
Gokul Overseas, have joined the forum.
COLLABORATION AND IMPACT
• Leading international buyers of castor oil are also
interested in promoting sustainable castor oil through
WCSF.
• Nearly 30 Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs) have
collaborated with WCSF, representing around 25,000
farmers.
• WCSF aims to redefine industry norms, drive
meaningful change, and create a future where castor
production thrives in harmony with nature and society.
ECONOMIC SIGNIFICANCE
• India’s export of castor oil and derivatives is estimated
to be above ₹12,000 crore ($1.5 billion) annually.
• The global castor derivatives market, estimated at over
$4 billion per year, heavily depends on India.
ABOUT CASTOR AND CASTOR SEED
• Castor, scientifically
known as Ricinus
communis, is a
multipurpose plant
valued for its various
industrial, medicinal,
and cosmetic
applications.
• The castor plant is native to the Mediterranean Basin,
Eastern Africa, and India but is now cultivated
worldwide in tropical and subtropical regions.
• Castor oil extracted from the seeds is pale yellow and
has a distinct odor. It is widely used in industries such as
pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, lubricants, and
biofuels.
FOCUS | JUNE 2024 | RAU’S IAS
• The oil has numerous medicinal properties and is
utilized in traditional medicine for its anti-
inflammatory, antimicrobial, and laxative effects.
• Castor oil is also employed in the manufacturing of
soaps, paints, varnishes, and plastics due to its ability
to form a stable film and resist degradation.
• Castor seeds are rich in ricinoleic acid, a unique fatty
acid comprising nearly 90% of the oil content,
contributing to its valuable properties.
• Castor cultivation is relatively drought-tolerant and
requires minimal inputs, making it an attractive crop
for smallholder farmers in arid regions.
• However, castor seeds contain toxic compounds,
including ricin, which can be harmful if ingested.
• Proper processing techniques are employed to remove
these toxins, ensuring safe utilization of castor
products.
The WCSF is a significant initiative that seeks to promote
sustainability, economic self-sufficiency, and responsible
practices in the castor industry. It brings together
stakeholders to create a positive impact on both the
environment and livelihoods.
WORLD MIGRATORY BIRD
DAY AND FLAMINGOS
#Biodiversity
Flamingos make merry at a pond in Navi Mumbai at the end
of their migratory season. World Migratory Bird Day is
observed on May 11, Saturday.
WORLD MIGRATORY BIRD DAY
• World Migratory Bird Day is an awareness-raising
campaign highlighting the need for the conservation of
migratory birds and their habitats.
• It aims to draw attention to the threats faced by
migratory birds, their ecological importance and
need for international cooperation to conserve them.
• The Day is celebrated biannually on the second
Saturday in May and in October, reflecting the cyclical
nature of bird migration with varying migration periods
in the northern and southern hemispheres.
82
 Geography, Environment, Biodiversity & Disaster Management

• This includes reducing the use of pesticides and

fertilizers, and where possible, switching to organic
farming.
• Other measures include maintaining and connecting
areas of natural vegetation which provide food and
shelter for birds and other species, in agricultural
IMPORTANCE OF INSECTS FOR MIGRATORY BIRDS landscapes.

• World Migratory Bird Day campaign in 2024 will focus • In 2024, World Migratory Bird Day will be celebrated on
on the importance of insects for migratory birds, and two days, 11 May, and 12 October, aligning with the
highlight concerns related to decreasing populations of cyclic nature of bird migration in different hemispheres.
insects.
• Insects are essential sources of energy for many
migratory bird species, not only during the breeding
FLAMINGOS
seasons but also during their extensive journeys and #Biodiversity
greatly affect the timing, duration, and overall success
of bird migrations.
• Along their migration routes, birds actively seek out
insects in fields, forests, wetlands, and various habitats
during stopovers. The timing of bird migration often
coincides with peak insect abundance at stopover
locations, supplying nourishment for birds to replenish
their energy reserves before continuing their journeys.
• The loss and disturbance of insect populations at
breeding sites and along avian migration routes GREATER FLAMINGO-LEAST CONCERN IN IUCN RED
threaten bird survival and well-being. LIST.
• Natural spaces like forests and grasslands that have Cites: Appendix II
been transformed or endangered by intensive
• Flamingos, also known as flamingoes, are captivating
agriculture and urban development and its effects such
wading birds.
as light pollution can result in a decline in insect
populations. • They belong to the family Phoenicopteridae and are the
only extant family in the order Phoenicopteriformes.
• Pesticides and herbicides are designed to protect crops
and harm insects that birds rely on for food. • There are four species of flamingos distributed
throughout the Americas (including the Caribbean), and
• A scarcity of energy and protein-rich insects can hinder
two species native to Afro-Eurasia.
bird migration and breeding, leading to weakened
immune systems, reduced reproductive success, and Physical Characteristics:
increased mortality rates for both adult birds and their • These tall, elegant birds are renowned for their striking
offspring. pink coloration. Their plumage gets its hue from
• Birds play crucial roles in pollination and pest control, carotenoid pigments in their diet.
and a lack of insects disrupts these ecosystem • Flamingos have thick, downturned bills that they use to
functions. Overpopulation of certain insects, without filter food from water and mud.
natural predators from birds, can also cause outbreaks Feeding and Behavior:
that damage plant health and agriculture.
• Flamingos primarily feed on algae, crustaceans, and
• The World Migratory Bird Day campaign in 2024 will small fish. Their specialized bills allow them to extract
stress the need for proactive conservation measures. food efficiently.

FOCUS | JUNE 2024 | RAU’S IAS 83

 Geography, Environment, Biodiversity & Disaster Management
• They often stand on one leg, which is not only a
characteristic pose but also helps conserve body heat
and energy.
Breeding and Flight:
• Flamingos form large colonies during breeding season.
They build mud nests in shallow water.
• When in flight, their long necks and legs stretch out,
creating a graceful silhouette against the sky.
Colorful and Iconic:
• The vibrant pink color of flamingos is a result of their
diet rich in carotenoids.
• These birds are a symbol of grace, beauty, and
resilience.
WORLD BEE KEEPING DAY
The birth anniversary of Slovenian beekeeper Anton Jansa
(1734-1773), the forefather of modern beekeeping, is
celebrated on May 20 as World Bee Day.
DECLARATION OF WORLD BEE DAY
The United Nations designated May 20 as World Bee Day
to raise awareness of the importance of pollinators, the
threats they face, and their contribution to sustainable
development.
HONEYBEE
HONEYBEE CLASSIFICATION
• Belongs to the tribe Apini in the family Apidae, order
Hymenoptera.
• Broadly includes all bees that produce honey.
• Strictly refers to seven members of the genus Apis,
notably Apis mellifera, the domestic or European
honeybee.
HONEYBEE SOCIAL STRUCTURE
FOCUS | JUNE 2024 | RAU’S IAS
• Comprises three main castes: queen, worker, and
drone.
• Social insects that live in nests or hives.
• Communicate food source information through
dancing movements within the hive.
HONEYBEE SPECIES
• Apis mellifera: The European or Western honeybee,
widely domesticated.
• Other species confined mainly to parts of southern or
southeastern Asia.
HONEYBEE SEXES AND CASTES
• Two sexes: male (drone) and female.
• Two female castes: workers and queens.
• Drones are larger and stingless.
QUEEN BEHAVIOUR AND REPRODUCTION
• Queens store sperm in a spermatheca, controlling
fertilization.
• Laying of eggs determines caste: fertilized eggs for
females, unfertilized for drones.
• Virgin queens fed royal jelly develop into queens, while
others become workers.
HONEYBEE LIFE CYCLE:
• Eggs hatch in three days, developing into larvae (grubs).
• Pupation: queens emerge in 16 days, workers in about
21 days, and drones in 24 days.
• Swarming during reproduction season may lead to the
formation of new colonies.
POLYANDRY
• Queens mate with multiple drones, enhancing genetic
diversity.
• Diverse colonies have better fitness and survival rates.
HIVE STRUCTURE AND FUNCTION
• Combs built from wax for storing honey, nectar, and bee
bread.
• Important role in agriculture as pollinators.
• Beekeeping involves managing colonies for honey
production and pollination services.
DISEASES OF HONEYBEES
• Susceptible to various diseases and parasites, including
Varroa destructor and Tropilaelaps clareae.
84
 Geography, Environment, Biodiversity & Disaster Management

• Colony collapse disorder (CCD) reported in 2006, • It has the ability to bind itself well on the mountainous
causing massive losses and posing challenges for crop surface without getting extremely deep for strength.
pollination. Moreover, the roots
possess a subterranean
system that allows the
SARISKA TIGER RESERVE tree to spread well over
#Protected Areas an extensive area.
• The tribal and rural folks
have been using
The Supreme Court has ordered the Rajasthan government to Anogeissus Pendula for
shutter 68 mines operating within a 1-kilometre periphery of many medicinal uses for
the critical tiger habitat (CTH) of the Sariska reserve. ailments like dysentery or
SARISKA TIGER RESERVE for its anti-oxidant
• Location: Sharp cliffs of hills and narrow valleys of the properties.
Aravallis.
CORE/CRITICAL TIGER HABITAT (CTH) VS CRITICAL
• History: It was once a hunting ground of the Maharaja WILDLIFE HABITAT (CWH)
of Alwar before being proclaimed a natural reserve in
• “Section 38V of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972 (as
1955 & national park in 1979.
amended in 2006) explains the core or critical tiger
• Success: Has unique distinction of succesfully
habitat as well as the buffer or peripheral area of a
reintroducing tiger after its local extinction.
tiger reserve.
• Natural Vegetation: Characterised by Dry Deciduous
Forests and Tropical Thorn Forest. Anogeissus pendula • A tiger reserve includes two parts:
(also known as Dhok tree or Button tree) is the • Core or critical tiger habitat (National Park or
dominant tree species in the region.
Sanctuary status).
• Fauna - The main tourist attraction of the Sariska Tiger
Reserve is the Royal Bengal Tiger. Apart from the tiger, • Buffer or peripheral area.
other wild animals are Chital, Leopard, Sambhar, Nilgai, • The phrase ‘core or critical tiger habitat’ is mentioned
Four Horned Antelope, Rhesus Macaque, Langur & Wild only in the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972, as a sequel
Boar.
to amendment made to the said Act in 2006. It is NOT
• Other important features - Kankarwadi fort is located
defined in the Scheduled Tribes and Other Traditional
in the center of the Reserve and it is said that Mughal
Forest Dwellers (Recognition of Forest Rights) Act,
emperor Aurangzeb had imprisoned his brother Dara
Shikoh at this fort in struggle for succession to the 2006.
throne. It also has Siliserh Lake, which is home to a large • The phrase ‘critical wildlife habitat’ is defined only in
number of crocodiles.
the Scheduled Tribes and Other Traditional Forest
ABOUT DHOK TREES Dwellers (Recognition of Forest Rights) Act, 2006, and
• They are also known as Button tree NOT in the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972.
• They can be grown on hard, rocky surfaces and difficult
• ‘Core or critical tiger habitat’ is different from the
terrain.
‘critical wildlife habitat’. Since tigers are territorial big
• They can be grown in arid and semi-arid areas but the
cats, hence considering their social land tenure
unique point is It has no succulent parts or deep roots
that can bore into fine rock fissures seeking dampness. dynamics, the ‘core / critical tiger habitat’ has been

• Button tree is “more like a banyan. Instead of sending viewed separately from the ‘critical wildlife habitat’,
aerial roots down, the dhok sends subterranean shoots which is applicable to other wild animal species.
up.

FOCUS | JUNE 2024 | RAU’S IAS 85

 Geography, Environment, Biodiversity & Disaster Management

L’HOEST’S MONKEY
• L'Hoest's monkeys also use different behaviors as a
threat display. For example, staring includes fixing the
#Biodiversity #PrelimsNuggets eyes on a subject, raising the eyebrows, stretching the
facial skin, and moving the ears back.
• They also often open their mouth without showing their
A pair of L’Hoest’s monkeys at the Indira Gandhi Zoological teeth.
Park in Visakhapatnam. The zoo has reported more visitors
• Another threat display is head-bobbing, which includes
coming in to see the monkeys from Uganda that were recently
staring with an open mouth.
rescued from animal traffickers in Srikakulam.

BALTIC SEA
#Locations #PrelimsNuggets

Russia deletes draft of plan to redraw border in Baltic Sea

which alarmed NATO countries.
ABOUT BALTIC SEA
• Baltic Sea is a part of the North Atlantic Ocean. It
stretches from southern Denmark to near the Arctic
Circle, dividing the Scandinavian Peninsula from
mainland Europe.
• The area where rivers flow into the Baltic Sea, bringing
freshwater, is about four times bigger than the sea
KEY FACTS ABOUT L’HOEST’S MONKEY
itself.
Distribution
• Baltic Sea is a small part of the larger area that was once
• CONTINENTS: Africa covered by melting ice from Scandinavia as the Ice Age
• SUBCONTINENTS: Sub-Saharan Africa ended.
• COUNTRIES: Burundi, DR Congo, Rwanda, Uganda • The seven biggest rivers (Daugava, Gota, Nemunas,
• BIOGEOGRAPHICAL REALMS: Afrotropical Neva, Oder, Tornio, and Vistula) cover 50% of the Baltic
Sea catchment area.
• WWF BIOMES: Tropical moist forests
• They are also known as the mountain monkey, is a
guenon found in the upper eastern Congo basin.
Habits and Lifestyle:
• L’Hoest’s monkeys live in fairly small groups dominated
by females and have only a single male.
• These monkeys are active during the day, mostly during
early morning and late afternoon.
• They are mostly terrestrial but will forage and sleep in
trees in a sitting position, usually either holding
branches or each other.
• When they are alarmed or see they are being observed
they will flee and take shelter in trees, and after
becoming very still.
• Adult males make very loud and distinct calls.

FOCUS | JUNE 2024 | RAU’S IAS 86

 Geography, Environment, Biodiversity & Disaster Management
BOUNDARY COUNTRIES OF BALTIC SEA
• There are nine countries with a shoreline at the Baltic
Sea:
• Denmark, Germany, Poland, Russia (at the Gulf of
Finland, and the Russian exclave of Kaliningrad
Oblast), Lithuania, Latvia, Estonia, Finland, and
Sweden.
MYITSONE DAM ON
IRRAWADDY RIVER
#Locations
Myanmar's junta is reviving plans for a controversial $3.6
billion Chinese-backed dam in the north, halted in 2011 due
to public outcry. The Myitsone dam project, criticized for
environmental damage and limited domestic benefits, will see
collaboration between Myanmar officials and China's SPIC.
Despite warnings from past assessments and ongoing regional
conflicts, the junta's move aligns with China's Belt and Road
Initiative, emphasizing geopolitical interests over local
concerns.
MYITSONE DAM
• The Myitsone Hydroelectric Project is situated at the
convergence of the Mali and N'Mai rivers in Burma.
FOCUS | JUNE 2024 | RAU’S IAS
• It is part of a larger plan comprising seven dams
along the Irrawaddy, Mali Hka, and N'Mai Hka rivers,
with a total capacity of 13,360 MW.
• Once completed, the Myitsone dam was projected to
rank as the 15th largest hydropower station globally,
with a capacity of 6,000 MW.
• Located 37 kilometers from Myitkyina, the capital of
Kachin State, the area is renowned for its ecological
significance, deemed one of the world's eight
biodiversity hotspots.
• The dam site is situated close to the earthquake prone
Sagaing fault line, raising concerns about seismic risks.
• Submergence resulting from the dam will inundate
significant historical and cultural sites along the Mali
and N'mai Hka rivers, including areas regarded as
the birthplace of Burma.
• Notable landmarks like historical churches, temples,
and the sacred banyan tree at the confluence of the Mali
Hka and N'Mai Hka rivers will be submerged, impacting
local heritage.
IRRAWADDY RIVER
• Origin: The Irrawaddy River, also known as the
Ayeyarwady River, originates from the confluence of
two rivers, the Mali and N'mai, in the Kachin State of
Myanmar (Burma).
• Course: From its origin in the Himalayas, the Irrawaddy
River flows southward through Myanmar, forming a
major river basin. It traverses the central plains of
Myanmar, passing through major cities like Mandalay
and Bagan, before flowing into the Andaman Sea.
• Length: The river stretches approximately 2,170
kilometres in length.
• Ecological Features:
• Biodiversity Hotspot: The Irrawaddy River basin is rich
in biodiversity, hosting various species of flora and
fauna, including endangered species like the
Irrawaddy dolphin.
• Important Bird Area: The river and its surrounding
areas serve as crucial habitats for numerous bird
species, making it an important bird area for
conservation efforts.
RIVERS OF SOUTH AND EAST ASIA
SOUTH ASIAN RIVERS
• Brahmaputra River (China, India, and Bangladesh) -
Length: 3,848 km
87
 Geography, Environment, Biodiversity & Disaster Management

• Ganges River (India and Bangladesh) - Length: 2,525 km Length: Approximately 372 km
• Indus River (China, India, and Pakistan) - Length: 3,180 Importance: The Chao Phraya River is significant for
km Thailand, particularly the Bangkok metropolitan area. It
EAST ASIAN RIVERS serves as a transportation route, a source of water for
irrigation, and plays a role in flood control.
• Yellow River (China) - Length: 5,464 km
SALWEEN RIVER (NU RIVER):
• Yangtze River (China) - Length: 6,300 km
Countries: China, Myanmar, Thailand
• Mekong River (China, Myanmar, Laos, Thailand,
Cambodia, and Vietnam) - Length: 4,350 km Length: Approximately 2,815 km
Importance: The Salween River is one of the longest free-
flowing rivers in Southeast Asia. It sustains diverse
SOUTHEAST ASIAN RIVER
ecosystems and provides water for irrigation, hydropower
MEKONG RIVER:
generation, and local communities' livelihoods.
Countries: China, Myanmar, Laos, Thailand, Cambodia, RED RIVER (HONG HA):
Vietnam
Countries: China, Vietnam
Length: Approximately 4,350 km
Length: Approximately 1,149 km
Importance: One of the longest rivers in Asia, the Mekong
Importance: The Red River is significant for both China
is vital for transportation, agriculture, and fishing in the
and Vietnam. It supports agriculture, transportation, and
region. It supports the livelihoods of millions of people and
hydroelectric power generation. In Vietnam, the river delta
is a crucial waterway for trade.
is crucial for rice cultivation and is densely populated.
CHAO PHRAYA RIVER:
Country: Thailand

Practice questions
MCQs
Q1. Consider the following statements with (a) Only one (b) Only two
reference to Godavari River: (c) All three (d) None of the above
1. It is longest river of Peninsular India.
2. Pravara is the only major tributary of Godavri which Q3. With reference to Honeybees, consider the
originates in western ghats. following statements:
3. Pravara River is the only major tributary that has 1. Male honeybees are larger and stingless.
source and confluence in one district. 2. Queen bees are polyandrous in mating.
How many of the statements given above are correct? 3. Colony collapse disorder leads to proliferation of
(a) Only one (b) Only two bees’ population leading to resource crunch.
(c) All three (d) None How many of the statements given above are correct?
Q2. With reference to L’Hoest’s Monkey, consider (a) Only one (b) Only two
the following statements: (c) All three (d) None
1. They are endemic to Southeast Asia.
2. The gestation period of L’Hoest’s Monkey is about Q4. Consider the following statements, with
five months. reference to World Migratory Bird Day 2024:
3. They live in large groups with single female mating 1. It is celebrated annually reflecting the cyclical nature
with multiple males. of bird migration.
How many of the statements given above are correct?

FOCUS | JUNE 2024 | RAU’S IAS 88

 Geography, Environment, Biodiversity & Disaster Management

2. It focuses on the importance of insects for migratory 1. It is extreme rise in temperature that last for at least
birds. 360 days.
3. Flamingos are solely dependent on insects for their 2. It impacts the islands of Andaman and Nicobar,
food. which are coral in origin.
How many of the statements given above are correct? 3. It adversely affects seagrass meadows.
(a) Only one (b) Only two How many of the statements given above are correct?
(c) All three (d) None (a) Only one (b) Only two
(c) All three (d) None
Q5. Consider the following statements with
reference to Marine Heatwaves?

Descriptive Questions
Q1. What is carbon farming? How can pursuing carbon farming strategies can address the twin challenges of addressing
climate change and feeding millions of mouth. Suggest strategies to mainstream carbon farming in India.
Q2. Write a short note on Marine Heat Waves? What will be its impact on the global climate and oceans?

Answers: 1-c, 2-a, 3-b, 4-a, 5-b

FOCUS | JUNE 2024 | RAU’S IAS 89

 SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY
# GS Paper (Prelims) & GS Paper III (Main)
EVOLUTION OF INDIA’S
SPACE PROGRAM
#Astronomy&Space Technology
India’s space program has attained new heights in the last
decade. This article looks at the evolution of the space sector
in the last fifty years, with special focus on the last decade.
SEEDING PHASE (1970-90S)
• This period starts with the launch of sounding rockets
in the 1970s to the development of PSLV rockets in the
early 1990s.
• PSLV: PSLV has been labelled as the ‘workhorse’ of
ISRO. PSLV is an indigenously developed rocket which
can carry payloads up to 3.25 tonne to low earth orbit
or 1.75 tonne to geostationary transfer orbit (36,000
km above the earth).
FLOWERING PHASE (1990-2010S)
• GSLV MKII: In 2001, India launched its first heavy
rocket called the GSLV, with a Russian upper-stage
cryogenic engine. After the initial hiccups, this rocket
attained maturity.
• Chandrayaan-1: India’s first moon mission developed
by ISRO reached the surface of the moon and even
discovered the presence of water on the moon's
surface.
• Mangalyaan: India became the first country to
successfully launch a spacecraft to the Mars Orbit in
the first attempt.
FRUITING PHASE (2014-24)
• Chandrayaan-3’s successful moon landing. This made
India only the fourth country in the world to
successfully land on the moon after the US, Russia and
China. (Note: Japan has also successfully landed on the
moon’s surface).
• Aditya L-1 mission placing a space observatory
precisely at L-1 point between sun and the Earth. The
FOCUS | JUNE 2024 | RAU’S IAS
Aditya L-1 mission is placed 1.5 million km from earth,
from where it would constantly observe the sun. India
was the fourth country in the world to do so after the
US, Europe and China.
• Deployment of NaVIC: India has successfully
developed and deployed its own regional navigation
satellite system, which is a regional version of the USA’s
Global Positioning System (GPS). Only the USA (GPS),
Europe (Galileo), Russia (Glonass) and China (Beidou)
have their own global positioning systems, while Japan
(Quasi Zenith Satellite System) has a regional
navigation system.
• New Launch Vehicles: ISRO has successfully
developed other rockets – a heavier LVM-3 (GSLV Mk III)
and a smaller capacity Small Satellite Launch Vehicle
(SSLV) for smaller payloads, which will cater to the large
market for small satellite launch vehicles.
• Anti-Satellite Capability: In March 2019, India
demonstrated its anti-satellite capability which
displayed the capacity to chase and hit a defunct Indian
satellite in low-earth orbit. India was only the fourth
country to demonstrate this capability after the US,
Russia and China.
• Defence capability: A positive rub-off effect of India’s
successful space technology has enabled India to
develop a bunch of inter-continental ballistic missiles
that fly to space and come back. These satellites have
used
technologies
which were
earlier
developed for
India’s space
program.
• Pathbreaking
policy of
allowing
private sector
participation
in space.
90
 Science & Technology
CHALLENGES FACED BY ISRO
• Technology denial by developed countries such as
Cryogenic engine technology under the technology
denial regimes.
• Delays in continuing in missions and projects such as
Gaganyaan and NISAR launch.
• Failure to develop new rockets such as semi-cryo
engines, electric propulsion etc.
• Limited bandwidth to take up multiple missions under
both commercial and scientific buckets.
FUTURE OF INDIA’S SPACE PROGRAM
• Gaganyaan Mission: Sending three Indians to space
and bringing them back.
• Sukrayaan Mission: Mission to explore Venus.
• Chandrayaan series: Plans to send robotic and
manned missions to the moon.
• Bharat Antariksh Station: Build and deploy an Indian
space station.
GLOBAL COLLABORATIONS WITH ADVANCED SPACE
FARING NATIONS
Increasingly, advanced industrial and space faring
countries are willing to collaborate with India over space
issues.
• NISAR Satellite: Collaboration of NASA & ISRO. NISAR
stands for NASA-ISRO Synthetic Aperture Radar which
is a multi-disciplinary Earth-observing radar mission
that uses dual frequencies.
• TRISHNA Satellite: Collaboration between ISRO and
French Space Agency CNES. TRISHNA stands for
Thermal InfraRed Imaging Satellite for High-resolution
Natural resource Assessment. TRISHAN will be
deployed for use in climate monitoring and operational
applications.
PRIVATE PARTICIPATION IN SPACE SECTOR
India opened its space sector to private participation.
Initiatives taken in this regard are:
• Creation of IN-SPACe: IN-SPACe stands for Indian
National Space Promotion and Authorisation Centre
which aims to act as independent space regulator. IN-
SPACe has received about 500 applications for
authorisation and has signed over 50 technology
transfer agreements.
• Unveiling of Indian Space Policy 2023: Earlier, scope
of private participation in India’s space sector was
FOCUS | JUNE 2024 | RAU’S IAS
limited to making small components and equipment to
be used by ISRO. However, the policy and rules under
it, expanded the scope of private participation in the
space sector providing a broad framework for non-
government entities participation in areas like space
vehicles, satellites, dissemination of data and setting up
ground stations.
• Space-startups: There are currently more than 400
private sector space startups in the country, which
together have committed to invest $330 million in the
space sector.
• New spaceport at Kulasekarapattinam: ISRO is
building a new spaceport for small rocket launches at
Kulasekarapatnam in Tamil Nadu. This spaceport will
be principally used by private sector players with
assistance from ISRO.
CHINA LANDS ON THE FAR
SIDE OF THE MOON
Astronomy & Space Technology
China’s Chang’e-6 lunar lander successfully landed in the
South Pole-Aitken Basin (the far side of the moon) where it
will begin to collect samples from the lunar surface.
ABOUT CHANG’E-6 MISSION
• Chang’e-6 is a 53-day-long mission. After reaching the
Moon’s orbit, the mission’s orbiter encircled the natural
satellite while its lander descended into the 2,500-
kilometre-wide South Pole-Aitken basin on the lunar
surface.
• After collecting samples through scooping and drilling,
the lander will launch an ascent vehicle, which will
transfer the samples to the orbiter’s service module.
This module will then return to the Earth, expectedly
at the end of June 2024.
• Note:
○ China is the first and the only country (till date) to
achieve a soft-landing on the far side of the Moon
in 2019 in its Chang’e-4 mission. The mission
explored the Moon’s Von Karman crater with the
help of a rover.
91
 Science & Technology
○ Chandrayaan-3 landing site is located about 600
kilometres from the South Pole of the Moon, on
the near side of the Moon.
FACTS ABOUT THE MOON
• The Moon is tidally locked to Earth, meaning that the
same side of the Moon always faces Earth. This side is
known as the near side, while the opposite side is
called the far side or the "dark" side (although it does
receive sunlight).
○ The Moon takes roughly the same amount of time to
complete one full orbit around the Earth as the
Moon takes to complete one full rotation on its axis.
○ As a result, one side of the Moon always faces the
Earth, while the other side (far side) faces away from
Earth. Thus, we can see only one side of the Moon.
DIFFERENCE BETWEEN NEAR SIDE AND FAR SIDE OF
THE MOON
Near side:
• Near side is characterised by large, dark basaltic
plains called maria (dark spots), which are believed
to have formed from ancient volcanic eruptions.
These maria cover about 31% of the near side and are
less common on the far side.
• It has fewer impact craters compared to the far side.
Far side:
• Far side is more heavily cratered and lacks the
extensive maria (dark spots) found on the near side.
• It has a thicker crust by almost 20 km and is more
mountainous, with the highest elevations on the Moon.
SIGNIFICANCE OF FAR SIDE OF THE MOON
• South Pole-Aitken basin, on the far side, is the oldest
and the largest known impact crater in our Solar
System. The impact that created the basin is thought to
have dug up material from the lunar mantle. If that
material can be retrieved, scientists can learn more
FOCUS | JUNE 2024 | RAU’S IAS
about the history of the interior of the Moon.
Chang’e-6’s sample return could shed more light on the
early evolution of the moon and the inner solar
system.
• Far side is completely free from radio interference
from Earth. This makes it an ideal location for setting
up giant radio telescopes that could detect ultra-low
radio waves that emanate from the early universe and
provide crucial information about formation of the
first galaxies.
• Far side might hold resources like water ice trapped
in permanently shadowed craters. These resources
could be vital for future lunar settlements or
exploration efforts.
PREFIRE (POLAR RADIANT
ENERGY IN THE FAR-
INFRARED EXPERIMENT)
MISSION
Astronomy & Space Technology
National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA)
launched two shoebox-sized satellites called CubeSats to
measure far-infrared radiation emitted by Earth's poles.
ABOUT PREFIRE MISSION
• The mission has been named PREFIRE (Polar Radiant
Energy in the Far-InfraRed Experiment) and was jointly
developed by NASA and the University of Wisconsin-
Madison (US).
• Each of the PREFIRE satellites is a 6U CubeSat. They
measure around 90 cm in height and nearly 120 cm in
width when the solar panels (which will power the
satellite) are deployed.
• The two satellites will be placed in a near-polar orbit
(a type of low Earth orbit) at an altitude of about 525
kilometres.
• Each of the PREFIRE CubeSat is equipped with a
thermal infrared spectrometer (TIRS) to measure
the amount of infrared and far-infrared radiation
from the Arctic and Antarctica.
NEED AND SIGNIFICANCE OF THE MISSION
92
 Science & Technology

• Earth’s energy budget is the balance between the ○ Owing to their low cost and less mass in
amount of heat incoming to Earth from the Sun and the comparison to traditional satellites, they are placed
amount of heat outgoing from Earth into space. The in orbits for technology demonstrations,
difference between the two determines the planet’s scientific research, and commercial purposes.
temperature and climate.
• Large amount of the heat radiated from the Arctic and
Antarctica is emitted as far-infrared radiation
ETA AQUARIID METEOR
(wavelengths of 3 μm to 1,000 μm within the infrared
range of electromagnetic radiation). There is currently
SHOWER
no way to measure this type of energy contributing #Astronomy & Space Technology
to a gap in knowledge about the planet’s energy
budget.
Eta Aquariid meteor showers are seen in May every year and
• The climate satellites will measure how much heat
are best visible to countries such as Indonesia and Australia
the Arctic and Antarctica radiate into space and
in the Southern Hemisphere.
how this influences the planet’s climate and better
understand the energy budget of the planet.
• CubeSats will also measure the amount of far-infrared
radiation trapped by atmospheric water vapour and
clouds at poles and how this influences the
greenhouse effect in the region.
SMALLSATS AND CUBESATS
• SmallSats:
○ SmallSats are spacecraft with a mass less than 180
kilograms. COMETS
○ They can be differentiated into a large variety of size • Comets are frozen leftovers from the formation of our
and mass. solar system some 4.6 billion years ago.
 Minisatellite, 100-180 kilograms • They are composed of dust, rock and ice, and orbit
 Microsatellite, 10-100 kilograms around the Sun in highly elliptical orbits which can,
 Nanosatellite, 1-10 kilograms in some cases, can take hundreds of thousands of
years to complete.
 Picosatellite, 0.01-1 kilograms
• As per NASA, around 4000 comets are currently known
 Femtosatellite, 0.001-0.01 kilograms
and billions more are theorised to be orbiting the Sun
beyond Neptune in the Kuiper Belt and more distant
Oort cloud.
• Comets come in different sizes, although most are
roughly 10 km wide. However, as they come closer to
the Sun, they heat up and spew gases and dust into
a glowing head that can be larger than a planet. This
material also forms a tail which stretches millions of
• CubeSats:
miles.
○ CubeSats are a class of nanosatellites whose basic
ASTEROIDS
design is a 10 cm x 10 cm x 10 cm (which makes up
for “one unit” or “1U”) cube and weight not more • Asteroids are rocky remnants from the early
than 1.33 kg. formation of our solar system that mainly orbit the
Sun between Mars and Jupiter.
○ Depending on the mission, the number of units can
be 1.5, 2, 3, 6, and 12U.

FOCUS | JUNE 2024 | RAU’S IAS 93

 Science & Technology
• Asteroid belt is a nearly flat ring that contains millions
of asteroids, ranging in size from less than 10 metres
to 530 kms (The largest asteroid is Ceres, which is
about one-quarter the size of Earth’s moon).
METEOROIDS, METEORS AND METEORITES
• Meteoroids are rocky fragments of asteroids,
comets, moons, and planetary collisions. They are
much smaller than asteroids, ranging in size from tiny
grains up to a metre. In our solar system, most
meteoroids come from the asteroid belt, but a few
come from comets and fragments of the Moon and
Mars formed by impacts.
• Meteor is a flash of light (shooting star or falling star)
seen when a meteoroid, asteroid, or comet heats up in
the Earth’s atmosphere. Since most meteors are tiny
(the size of a grain of sand) they completely burn up
in Earth’s atmosphere. This burning also creates a brief
tail.
• Meteorites are meteoroids that enter the Earth’s
atmosphere and survive to impact the Earth’s surface.
A large enough meteor can pass through the
atmosphere and hit the Earth’s ground, often
causing significant damage.
ETA AQUARIID METEOR SHOWER
• Eta Aquariid meteor shower is formed when Earth
passes through the orbital plane of the famous
Halley’s Comet, which takes about 76 years to orbit
the Sun once.
○ Last seen in 1986, Halley’s comet is due to enter the
inner solar system again in 2061.
○ Like Eta Aquariids, the Orionids meteor shower is
also caused by the Halley’s Comet, and appears
every October.
FOCUS | JUNE 2024 | RAU’S IAS
• Eta Aquariid meteor shower is known for its rapid
speed. This makes for long, glowing tails which can last
up to several minutes. The meteor shower consists of
burning space debris moving at speeds of around 66
km per second (2.37 lakh kmph) into Earth’s
atmosphere.
GENETICALLY MODIFIED
(GM) CROPS
#Biology and Biotechnology
Government is considering the import of genetically modified
(GM) Corn from the U.S. at a lower import duty to bridge the
supply deficit owing to rising consumption of poultry feed in
the country.
GENETICALLY MODIFIED (GM) CROPS
• GM Crops are genetically engineered crops that
undergo gene alteration and modification.
• They may include:
○ Transgenic Crops: Type of GM crop where genes
from a different species are introduced into the
plant. E.g., BT Cotton (BT Cotton is a genetically
modified variety of cotton that contains genes from
the bacterium Bacillus thuringiensis)
○ Cisgenic Crops: Type of GM crop where the
introduced genes come from the same species or
a closely related one. E.g., Blight-resistant Potato
(The potato has been genetically modified by
introducing resistance genes from wild relatives of
the cultivated potato).
○ Subgenic (Intragenic) Crops: This involves
modifying or editing the genes within the same
species without introducing foreign DNA.
 Techniques like CRISPR-Cas9 can be used to
remove faulty genes or make small changes to
the plant's own DNA to achieve desired traits,
such as improved yield or stress tolerance.
BENEFITS OF GM CROPS
• Genetic modification is done to confer a particular trait
to the plant with one of the following properties:
○ Increased yield of a crop
○ Increased nutritional content of a crop
94
 Science & Technology
○ Developing resistance to:
 Abiotic stresses like temperature, salinity or
herbicide-resistant
 Biotic stresses like insect-resistant crops.
• BT Cotton is the only genetically modified crop that
is commercially allowed in India from 2002.
REGULATIONS RELATED TO GM CROPS
• Genetically Modified Organisms and the products
thereof are regulated under the “Rules for the
Manufacture, Use, Import, Export and Storage of
Hazardous Microorganisms/Genetically Engineered
Organisms or Cells, 1989” under the Environment
(Protection) Act, 1986.
• GM crops are subjected to stringent environmental
release regulations in India, not just for commercial
cultivation but even for field trials and seed production.
Such release requires clearance from the Genetic
Engineering Appraisal Committee under the Ministry
of Environment, Forest and Climate Change.
GENETICALLY MODIFIED (GM) CORN
• GM corn or BT corn has been genetically engineered to
have desirable traits like resistance to pests or
herbicides.
FOCUS | JUNE 2024 | RAU’S IAS
• BT corn is a transgenic species that has a gene from
soil bacterium Bacillus thuringiensis.
○ The bacterium produces proteins that are toxic
to certain insect pests but not to humans, pets,
livestock, or other animals.
○ These proteins bind to the gut wall of susceptible
insects, causing them to stop feeding and die from
septicemia within hours.
○ BT corn can reduce the need for spraying
insecticides while still preventing insect damage.
BIO-TAXIS FOR CANCER
TREATMENT
#Biology and Biotechnology
Researchers at Indian Institute of Science have developed a
new way to deliver cancer vaccines using the body's natural
transport system.
BIO-TAXIS FOR CANCER TREATMENT
• Biotaxis (also known as targeted drug delivery or
targeted therapy) is the method that utilises the
body's natural transport system to deliver therapeutic
agents (like antigens in vaccines) to specific locations,
particularly lymph nodes.
• One example of bio-taxis for cancer treatment
involves the use of antibodies or nanoparticles that
are designed to bind to specific molecules on the
surface of cancer cells. These targeted therapies can
attach to/hitchhike on proteins in the bloodstream,
such as serum albumin, until they reach their target.
Once they reach the tumour, the therapeutic agents
can be released to kill the cancer cells.
• Aim: To enhance the effectiveness of treatment
while reducing the side effects associated with
traditional chemotherapy (minimising the damage to
healthy cells).
CANCER CELLS AND THEIR DETECTION
• Cancer is a condition where cells grow and divide
uncontrollably due to a disruption in their DNA.
• Normally, our immune system fights against
invaders using antibodies produced in the lymph
nodes, which are small organs in the human body.
Antigens are molecules that trigger the production
95
 Science & Technology
of antibodies to fight invaders (trigger immune
response).
• In the case of cancer, the cancer cells are clever (they
evade the immune system) and can shut down the
production of antibodies that target and eliminate
them.
• To develop a cancer vaccine, scientists modify or
mimic an antigen found on the surface of cancer cells
to turn up or turn on this antibody production. These
antigens can prod the immune system into producing
antibodies. But how to take the antigens to the
lymph nodes?
HOW TO CARRY ANTIGENS TO LYMPH NODES?
• Traditionally, delivering cancer antigens (molecules
that trigger immune response) to lymph nodes
FOCUS | JUNE 2024 | RAU’S IAS
involved hitching/attaching them onto artificial
carriers like viruses or proteins. However, these
carriers can be bulky, cause side effects, and even
sometimes hinder the immune response (reduce the
production of antibodies against cancer cells).
• The new approach uses the body's natural transport
system. Scientists have developed an carbohydrate-
based antigen that can attach itself to a natural
protein called serum albumin in the blood and travel
to the nearest lymph node, where the immune
system is activated. This method avoids the need for
artificial carriers that can cause side effects and
allows for more targeted delivery of cancer vaccines.
• This finding suggests that there may not be a need to
search for viruses, proteins, or other carriers because
serum albumin alone can effectively transport the
antigens. This breakthrough provides a new way to
deliver cancer vaccines.
XENOTRANSPLANTATION
#Biology & Biotechnology
The first recipient of a modified pig kidney transplant
passed away two months after the surgery was carried out.
Earlier, the patient with the first xenotransplantation of a
genetically-modified pig heart had died.
96
 Science & Technology

XENOTRANSPLANTATION • However, people cannot get infected with PAM from

• Xenotransplantation is any procedure that involves the drinking water contaminated with the amoeba. PAM is
transplantation, implantation or infusion into a also non-communicable.
human recipient of either: PRIMARY AMOEBIC MENINGOENCEPHALITIS (PEM):
(a) live cells, tissues, or organs from a non-human • Symptoms:
animal source ○ Initial: Headache, fever, nausea and vomiting.
(b) human body fluids, cells, tissues or organs that ○ Later: Confusion, seizures, hallucinations and slip
have had ex vivo contact with live non-human into a state of coma.
animal cells, tissues or organs.
• Fatality: Most people with PAM die within 1 to 18 days
Essentially, it is the use of animal cells and organs to after symptoms begin.
heal humans.
• Need: Cross-species transplantation offers the
prospect of an unlimited supply of organs and cells
for clinical transplantation, and addresses shortage of
organs from human donors.
• Source:
○ Pigs are the most commonly considered due to their
size compatibility and organ similarities with
humans.
○ Natural lifespan of a pig is 30 years, they are easily
bred and can have organs of similar size to humans.
○ Gene editing in pigs to reduce immune rejection
• Treatment: No identified effective treatment for the
has made organ transplants from pigs to humans
possible. disease. Presently, it is treated with a combination of
drugs.
• Limitations: Successful xenotransplantation faces
challenges such as organ rejection, risk of cross-species FACTS ABOUT AMOEBA
infections and low social acceptance. • Amoebas are single-celled eukaryotic organisms.
• They are found in a variety of aquatic and moist
BRAIN-EATING AMOEBA environments.

#Biology & Biotechnology
Naegleria fowleri or ‘brain-eating amoeba’ led to a 5-year-old
girl’s death in Kerala.
ABOUT NAEGLERIA FOWLERI:
• A free-living amoeba or a single-celled living
organism that causes a rare brain infection known as
Primary Amoebic Meningoencephalitis (PAM).
• They have a simple, jelly-like body without a fixed
shape. They move and feed by extending temporary
projections called pseudopodia (false feet).
• They reproduce asexually through binary fission (the
cell divides into two identical daughter cells).
• They are heterotrophic (obtain nutrients by engulfing
and digesting organic matter, bacteria, and other
microorganisms using their pseudopodia).

• It lives in warm fresh water and soil. Higher
temperatures of up to 115°F (46°C) are conducive to
its growth.
• It infects people when it enters the body through
the nose. It then travels up to the brain, where it
causes swelling and destroys the brain tissue.
• Some species of amoebas are parasitic and can cause
diseases in humans like amoebiasis.
• Amoebas are important in aquatic food webs serving
as both predators and prey. They play a role in the
cycling of nutrients in their ecosystems.

FOCUS | JUNE 2024 | RAU’S IAS 97

 Science & Technology

OXYTOCIN BAN
without surgery) used to obtain images of soft tissues
within the body.
#Biology and Biotechnology • It is widely used to image the brain, the cardiovascular
system, the spinal cord and joints, various muscles, the
liver, arteries, etc.
The Delhi High Court has ordered the Department of Drugs
HOW DOES MRI WORK?
Control to make sure that any cases of fake Oxytocin being
• The MRI machine looks like a giant doughnut with a
used are officially recorded under Section 12 of the
hole in the centre where the person whose body is to
Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, 1960, and Section 18(a)
be scanned is inserted. Inside the doughnut is a
of the Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1940.
powerful superconducting magnet whose job is to
ABOUT OXYTOCIN
produce a powerful and stable magnetic field
• Hormone produced in the hypothalamus and around the body.
secreted by the pituitary glands of mammals during
• An MRI procedure reveals an image of a body part
sex, childbirth, lactation or social bonding.
using the hydrogen atoms in that part. Hydrogen
• Aka ‘love hormone’ or ‘bonding hormone', and is atoms are abundant in fat and water which are present
produced in both females and males. almost throughout the body.
• Acts both as a hormone and as a brain
neurotransmitter.
○ As a hormone it helps contract the uterus and
induce delivery, control excessive bleeding after
giving birth, and promote the release of breast milk.
○ As a neurotransmitter in the brain, oxytocin is
involved in a variety of social behaviours, bonding,
and emotional responses.
• Can also be chemically manufactured and is being
misused on milch cattle (administered either as an
injection or a nasal solution) to increase milk yield,
which affects the health of the cattle and also humans
who consume milk.
• Also used to increase the size of vegetables such as
pumpkins, watermelons, eggplants, gourds, and
cucumbers.
○ A hydrogen atom is simply one proton with one

SCIENCE BEHIND electron around it.

○ Each hydrogen atom has a powerful magnetic
MAGNETIC RESONANCE moment. These atoms are all spinning with axes
pointing in random directions.
IMAGING ○ In the presence of a magnetic field, the atom’s spin
#New Emerging Technology axis will point along the magnetic field’s
direction.
• When the magnetic field in the MRI machine is on, most
MAGNETIC RESONANCE IMAGING (MRI) of the hydrogen atoms are aligned in the direction of
• MRI is a non-invasive diagnostic procedure Magnetic field. In around a million atoms, only a
(indispensable tool to look inside the human body handful of low energy atoms remain unaligned or
point one way or the other.

FOCUS | JUNE 2024 | RAU’S IAS 98

 Science & Technology
• Then, the MRI machine emits a radiofrequency pulse,
the originally unaligned atoms align in the direction of
the radiofrequency pulse or absorbs the radiation
and gets excited. When the radio pulse goes ‘off’, these
atoms emit the absorbed energy and return to their
original lower energy states.
• A detector can measure these emissions and convert
them to signals, which is then sent to a computer that
uses them to create two- or three-dimensional
images of that part of the body.
• MRI scans do not pose any threats or there is no long-
term harm associated with scans.
LIMITATIONS
• Because of the MRI technique’s use of strong
magnetic fields, individuals with metallic implants,
including pacemakers may not be able to undergo MRI
scans.
• MRI machines are expensive and diagnostic facilities
pass this cost on to its patients.
APPLICATIONS
• Brain imaging: Help identify abnormalities such as
tumours and track neurological conditions including
Alzheimer’s, dementia, epilepsy, and stroke etc.
• Cardiovascular imaging: Diagnose heart conditions
such as coronary artery disease, cardiac tumours, and
congenital heart defects.
• Spinal cord imaging: Effective in visualising spinal cord
and various structures like joints, ligaments, tendons,
and muscles.
• Abdominal and pelvic imaging: Examine abdominal
and pelvic organs, including the liver, pancreas,
kidneys, uterus, ovaries, and prostate. Can detect
tumours, cysts, infections, and other abnormalities.
• Cancer detection: Important in observation and
treatment of certain cancers, including prostate and
rectal cancer.
AI AGENTS
#New Emerging Technology
GPT-4o by OpenAI and Project Astra by Google are recently
launched AI Agents. The launch of these models marks a new
phase in AI i.e., the transition from chatbots to multimodal
interactive AI agents.
FOCUS | JUNE 2024 | RAU’S IAS
ABOUT AI AGENTS
• AI agents are sophisticated AI systems that can
engage in real-time, multimodal (text, image, or voice)
interactions with humans, unlike conventional
language models which solely work on text-based
inputs and outputs.
• AI agents perceive their environment via sensors
(cameras, microphones, touch sensors, or other input
devices) and then process the information using
algorithms or AI models, and subsequently, provide
intelligent responses and assistance. When
integrated with robotic systems, AI agents can even
perform physical actions.
• Potential uses of AI agents:
○ Customer Service assistants, healthcare assistants
and personalised tutors.
○ Used in fields such as gaming, robotics and
autonomous vehicles, etc.
PAVING LEGAL PATH TO
MAKE PINK HYDROGEN
Energy Technology
India is in talks with large domestic companies to invest in
the regulated nuclear sector, including promoting clean
power through generation of pink hydrogen.
PRESENT STATUS
• Restricted Private Ownership: Atomic Energy Act,
1962 restricts private companies from owning and
operating nuclear power plants in India.
• Central Government Control: Central government
through public sector corporations like Nuclear Power
Corporation of India (NPCIL) holds the authority for
activities related to nuclear energy, including its
production, development, use, and disposal.
• Amended Act (2015): The 2015 amendment to the
Atomic Energy Act, allows NPCIL to form joint
ventures with other public sector units to secure
funding for new projects. However, this does not
extend to private or foreign companies.
• Private Sector Participation: Currently, private
companies can participate in specific areas like
99
 Science & Technology
supplying components and reactors, but not owning or
operating plants.
• Future Considerations: Discussions are ongoing
about allowing more private sector involvement,
potentially through Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs).
This would likely require further amendments to the
Act.
SOME COMMON TYPES OF HYDROGEN
1. Grey hydrogen:
• Produced using fossil fuels such as natural gas or
coal. Grey hydrogen accounts for roughly 95% of the
hydrogen produced in the world today.
• Two main production methods are steam methane
reforming and coal gasification. Both of these
processes release carbon dioxide (CO2) which is
released into the atmosphere.
2. Blue Hydrogen:
• Blue hydrogen is similar to grey hydrogen, except that
most of the CO2 emissions are sequestered (stored
in the ground) using carbon capture and storage.
• Blue hydrogen is a cleaner alternative to grey
hydrogen, but is expensive since carbon capture
technology is used.
3. Green Hydrogen:
• Produced when water (H2O) is split into hydrogen (H2)
and oxygen (O2) via a process known as electrolysis.
• Produced using electricity from clean energy sources
such as wind and solar energy which do not release
greenhouse gases when generating electricity.
4. Pink Hydrogen:
FOCUS | JUNE 2024 | RAU’S IAS
TYPES OF HYDROGEN
• Hydrogen can be produced from a variety of
resources, such as natural gas, nuclear power,
biomass, and renewable power like solar and wind.
• Hydrogen is an invisible gas. Depending on the type of
production used, different colour names are assigned
to the hydrogen.
• Produced through electrolysis of water but using
energy from nuclear power which does not produce
any carbon dioxide emissions.
• Pink hydrogen facilities can achieve a high capacity
factor due to the steady base-load profile of nuclear
power (involving both stability and density), as
compared to the intermittent supply from renewable
sources (solar, wind).
5. Turquoise Hydrogen:
• Produced using a process called methane pyrolysis. In
this process methane is split into hydrogen and solid
carbon with heating in reactors or blast furnaces.
GOLDENE
#Nanotechnology
Researchers have created a free-standing sheet of gold that is
only one atom thick. This makes gold the first metal to be
formulated into (freestanding) 2D sheets.
• Two-dimensional materials have unusual optical,
electronic and catalytic properties as they have
extremely high surface area relative to their volume.
• Numerous examples of 2D materials have been
reported since the discovery of graphene in 2004.
100
 Science & Technology

ABOUT GOLDENE 400 times thinner than the thinnest commercially

• Two-dimensional (monolayer) sheet of Gold. available gold leaf.

• These sheets are roughly 100 nanometres thick (a • Each gold atom has only six neighbouring atoms
nanometre is a billionth of a metre) and approximately compared to 12 in a three-dimensional crystal.

POTENTIAL APPLICATIONS • RudraM-II is a solid-propelled air-to-surface anti-

• Applications in electronics that use gold due to its radiation supersonic missile indigenously developed
electrical conductivity. Monolayer sheet would be more by DRDO.
economically viable than thicker, three-dimensional • Key Features of the missile:
gold. ○ Peak speed of Mach 5.5 (5.5 times the speed of
• Catalysis: Goldene holds promise as a great catalyst sound).
in various chemical processes. This could lead to ○ Capable of carrying a payload of up to 200 kg i.e.,
advancements in areas like: explosives.
○ Hydrogen production ○ Can be launched from a height of 3 to 15 km and
○ Carbon dioxide conversion has a range of 300-350 kilometres.
○ Selective production of valuable chemicals ○ The internal guidance system of the missile allows
• Water Purification technologies could utilise it to direct itself toward the target after the launch.
goldene's unique properties. • This missile is capable of destroying aircraft hangars,
bunkers and airstrips. It is designed to target enemy
ground radars (surveillance, tracking) and
RUDRAM-II communication stations in Suppression of Enemy Air
#Defence Technology Defence (SEAD) missions.
• RudraM-II is the latest version of Mark-1 which was
tested four years ago.
Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) ○ RudraM-1 version was test-fired from Sukhoi in 2020
successfully flight-tested the indigenously-developed off the east coast of Odisha.
RudraM-II air-to-surface missile from a Su-30 MKI fighter ○ Mark-1 version has a range of 100-150 km and can
jet off Odisha coast. The successful test consolidated its role reach speeds of Mach 2 (two times the speed of
as a force multiplier to the Indian armed forces. sound). It has a launch altitude range of 1 km to 15
ABOUT RUDRAM-II km.

FOCUS | JUNE 2024 | RAU’S IAS 101

 Science & Technology

• India currently operates the Russian Kh-31, an anti- ○ Limiting altitude of effective target destruction:
radiation missile. The RudraM missiles will replace the 3.5 km
Kh-31. • Igla-S has a 2.5 kg high-explosive fragmentation (HE-
ANTI-RADIATION MISSILE (ARM) FRAG) warhead, contact and timed fuzes, and infrared
• ARM is a type of air-to-surface missile designed to homing guidance.
detect and track electromagnetic emissions from • The hand-held defence system can be operated by an
enemy radar systems, and then destroy the radar individual or crew.
systems and communication stations.
• Propulsion: ARMs typically use solid-fuel rocket
propulsion to provide the speed and range needed to
reach distant targets.
• Guidance: Most modern ARMs use passive radar
homing to guide themselves to the target. This
means they do not emit any of their own radar signals,
making them harder to detect and jam.

IGLA-S AIR DEFENCE

SYSTEM
#Defence Technology

Indian Army is acquiring the Igla-S air defence system from

Russia.
ABOUT IGLA-S SYSTEM
• Igla-S is a man-portable air defence system
(MANPADS) developed by Russia.
○ It is being assembled by Adani Defence Systems
And Technologies Limited (ADSTL) in India under • It has the fire and forget guidance system i.e., the
technology transfer from Rosoboronexport operator is not required to guide the missile to its
(Russia). target. They are fitted with infrared seeker that
identify and target the airborne vehicle through heat
• The anti-aircraft missile launcher can bring down
radiation being emitted by the latter.
low-flying aircrafts, helicopters and can also
identify and neutralise air targets such as cruise SIGNIFICANCE
missiles and drones to provide a comprehensive air • Igla-S system would enhance the Indian Army’s Very
defence solution. Short Range Air Defence (VSHORAD) capabilities.
• Range: • Igla-S acquisition would replace the outdated Igla-1M
○ Interception Range: up to 6 kms systems and update the existing air defence systems.

FOCUS | JUNE 2024 | RAU’S IAS 102

 Science & Technology

practice questions
MCQs
Q1. Consider the following statements: 2. Meteorites completely burn up as they try to enter
1. Brain-eating amoeba is a single-celled organism the Earth’s atmosphere due to atmospheric
found in warm freshwater. friction.
2. It causes primary amoebic meningoencephalitis Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
which is a communicable disease. (a) 1 only
3. People get infected from drinking water (b) 2 only
contaminated with the amoeba. (c) Both 1 and 2
How many of the statements given above are correct? (d) Neither 1 nor 2
(a) 1 only (b) 1 and 2 only
(c) 2 and 3 only (d) 1, 2 and 3 Q4. ‘AI Agents’ are best described as which among
the following?
Q2. Consider the following statements: (a) Large language models that can solely work on
1. Genetically modified crops are those which text-based inputs and outputs.
necessarily have genes from another species. (b) A software program that can only respond to
2. Clearance of the Genetic Engineering Appraisal predefined commands.
Committee is mandatory for the environmental (c) Sophisticated AI systems that can engage in real-
release of transgenic crops in India. time, multimodal interactions with humans.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct? (d) A large database that stores information for later
(a) 1 only (b) 2 only retrieval.
(c) Both 1 and 2 (d) Neither 1 nor 2
Q5. Igla-S, recently in the news, is best described by
Q3. Consider the following statements: which among the following?
1. Comets are rocky remnants from the early (a) Anti-stealth Ultra high frequency Radar
formation of our solar system that mainly orbit the (b) Air Independent Propulsion System for
Sun between Mars and Jupiter. Submarines
(c) Man-portable air defence system
(d) Reusable Launch Vehicle Landing Experiment

Descriptive Questions
Q1. Discuss India’s achievements in the field of Space Science and Technology. What are the recent reforms in the space
sector and the upcoming missions of ISRO?
Q2. The far side of the moon often remains in the news. In this context, while highlighting recent exploration missions
on the far side, discuss the significance of such explorations.

Answers: 1-a, 2-b, 3-d, 4-c, 5-c

FOCUS | JUNE 2024 | RAU’S IAS 103

 HISTORY, HERITAGE & Culture
# GS Paper (Prelims) & GS Paper I (Main)

Ancient History
FIRST EVIDENCE OF ROCK
• Paintings and engravings on natural surfaces of
caves, shelters and boulders are together termed

ART IN MANGALURU CITY as rock art. It is a global phenomenon and one of the
earliest human artistic manifestations.
#Rock paintings in India #Culture #Rock Art
• The spectrum of rock art available in India is vast and
Sites varied both in stylistic and thematic content. Its
chronology can be traced from the Upper
The first evidence of rock art in Mangaluru (Karnataka) has Palaeolithic continuing through different periods
been found near Boloor Panne Koteda Babbu Swamy up to Historic times and probably even echoing in the
shrine. The rock art is in the form of a pair of human artistic articulations of present day tribal and ethnic
footprints, found on a natural stone boulder near the shrine. communities.
These footprints might have been created in the first or
• Rock art characterized by the presence of writings
second century A.D.
in Brahmi, Kharosthi, Shankha and even Nagari
scripts have been grouped as rock art of the Historic
period in India.
• In India, rock art sites have been reported from rocky
landscapes composed of sandstone or sedimentary
rocks.
SOME OF THE IMPORTANT ROCK ART SITES

• South India:

o Karnataka: Kupgal (Sanaganakallu), Badami, Maski,

Piklihal, Tekkalakota.
o Andhra Pradesh: Budagavi, Chintakunta,
Kethavaram, Kurnool in Andhra Pradesh.

o Tamil Nadu: Alambadi, Padiyandal in Tamil Nadu.

o Kerala: Edakkal and Ezhuthupura rock shelters.

• The rock shelters at Lakhudiyar (Uttarakhand) bear

these prehistoric paintings. One of the interesting
scenes depicted here is of hand-linked dancing human
Main regions of rock art site in India figures.
ROCK ART TRADITION IN INDIA

FOCUS | JUNE 2024 | RAU’S IAS 104

 History, Heritage & Culture
• Vindhyan region and Satpura ranges:
o In Madhya Pradesh, the renowned Bhimbetka
(Raisen) complex of rock shelters has been inscribed
as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 2003.
o The petroglyphs in Cave (Bhimbetka III F-24)
include a long meandering line. These Acheulian
petroglyphs are the oldest rock art currently
known in the world.
o The themes of paintings found here are of great
variety, ranging from mundane events of daily life in
those times to sacred and royal images.
(Depiction associated with some spiritual figure at
Bhimbetka)
o This period saw the increase in the number of
paintings using the green and yellow colour.
o Most of the paintings concentrate on depicting
battle scenes.
(Hunting scene from Bhimbetka)
FOCUS | JUNE 2024 | RAU’S IAS
• Ajanta Rock paintings (Maharashtra):
o Primarily depict Buddhist subjects and stories from
the Jataka tales about the earlier lives of the Lord
Buddha.
o Late 6th century CE painting of Bodhisattva
Padmapani: He is shown holding a lotus flower in
his right hand.
• Ellora Paintings (Maharashtra):
o Hindu, Buddhist, and Jain cave temples from the
8th to 10th centuries A.D. include famous sites like
Indra Sabha (Cave 32) and Jagannath Sabha (Cave
33).
o The paintings in these Jain caves feature sharp
features and pointed noses.
SEARCHING FOR
INDRAPRASTHA
#Ancienthistory #Gana-
SanghasandMonarchies #Scheme
Under Ministry of Tourism’s ‘Adopt a Heritage scheme’,
the Dalmia Group’s Sabhyata Foundation has adopted the
Purana Qila for maintenance and operations and promote
sustainable tourism at the site. For Purana Qila, the
foundation has a vision monument, i.e., ‘Indraprastha and
the Mahabharata’.
• The Purana Qila was built by the Mughal Emperor
Humayun.
• The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI), is set to begin
seventh round of excavations at the site to find
evidence about the link of the fort to the ancient site of
Indraprastha and the Mahabharata.
FINDINGS IN 2014
• In 1954, archaeologist B B Lal, first dug up the site.
• In 2014, Grey pottery, rolled up inside a piece of soft
white cotton cloth was found.
• Painted Grey Ware (PGW) pottery suggests links of
the site to the ancient city Indraprastha.
• Painted Grey Ware:
o PGW is a fine, smooth, grey coloured pottery that’s
produced by firing techniques.
105
 History, Heritage & Culture
o They contain mostly geometric patterns in black
or deep chocolate brown and usually occur in
shapes such as open-mouthed bowls and dishes.
o Mostly found in the Indo-Gangetic divide, the Sutlej
Basin and the Upper Ganga plains, PGW is dated
between approximately 1100 BCE and 500/400
BCE.
o 1100 BCE and 500/400 BCE: This is the timeframe
that matches some of the wide estimates of when
the Mahabharata was composed.
o Also, as ASI’s findings, in each of the other
Mahabharata-related sites excavated by Lal, such as
Hastinapur, Tilpat and Kurukshetra, PGW formed
the lowest cultural deposit. So its presence at
Purana Qila suggests its Mahabharata link.
o It was well established by B B Lal that PGW is
associated with the Mahabharata period.
o The Purana Qila excavation proves that there
has been continuous habitation in Delhi from
1200 BCE till today.
• However, other archaeologists, have different views
and suggest that it is hard to connect PGW with
Mahabharata there is lack of evidences proving
whether the events in the Mahabharata actually
happened and the occurrence of PGW in itself does not
necessarily mean that a site is connected with the
Mahabharata story.
• As per Historian Upinder Singh the presence of PGW
in sites related to the story in the Mahabharata simply
suggests that these sites were inhabited from about
1000 BCE onwards and that people who lived there shared
a similar material culture.
FOCUS | JUNE 2024 | RAU’S IAS
ABOUT INDRAPRASTHA
• Indraprastha is mentioned in ancient Indian literature
as a city of the Kuru Kingdom.
• During the Mauryan period, Indraprastha was
known as Indapatta in Buddhist Pali literature, as
the capital of the Kuru Mahajanapada.
• Modern historians cite its location in the region of
present-day New Delhi, particularly the Old Fort
(Purana Qila).
• About Kuru kingdom:
o The Kuru kingdom appeared in the Middle Vedic
period (1200 BCE), encompassing parts of the
modern-day states of Haryana, Delhi, and some
parts of western Uttar Pradesh.
o It declined in importance during the late Vedic
period (900-500 BCE).
o It corresponds with the archaeological Painted Grey
Ware culture.
FROM TRIBAL TO TERRITORIAL STATES IN THE LATER
VEDIC PERIOD (900–600 BCE)
• During the Later Vedic period, the social and
political structure evolved significantly, shifting from
a tribal polity based on lineage to a more structured
territorial state.
• The janas, initially migratory tribes, began to settle
in specific regions, leading to a shift in loyalty from the
tribe (jana) to the territory (janapada).
• The term ‘janapada’ translates to ‘the place where the
tribe sets its foot upon,’ signifying this transition.
• The janapadas competed for resources and political
dominance, some expanded their territories and
incorporated various tribes, evolving into
mahajanapadas.
EMERGENCE OF THE MAHAJANAPADAS
• The mahajanapadas represented early territorial
kingdoms characterized by distinct elements of a
state: territory, people, government, and
sovereignty.
• These elements were evident in the structure and
administration of the mahajanapadas, where kings
headed centralized governments and exercised
sovereignty.
• The king, supported by a centralized administration,
levied taxes on agricultural surplus, redistributed
resources, and maintained law and order through
106
 History, Heritage & Culture
force and coercion, marking the formation of states in
the Gangetic plains.
• The sixteen Mamhajanapadas:
o Historical and religious texts such as the Puranas,
Buddhist, and Jain scriptures mention sixteen
mahajanapadas: Gandhar; Kamboja; Assaka; Vatsa;
Avanti; Shurasena; Chedi; Malla; Kuru; Panchala;
Matsya; Vajji (Vrijji); Anga; Kasi; Kosala; Magadha.
• These mahajanapadas were classified into gana-
sanghas (oligarchies) and monarchies, based on
their political structures.
• Gana-Sanghas:
o The gana-sanghas or oligarchies, centred around
clans rather than a single ruler.
o The Vrijjis, with Vaishali as their capital,
exemplified this structure, making decisions
collectively through clan heads rather than a central
authority.
o Notable clans like the Ikshvaku are mentioned in
the epics Ramayana and Mahabharata,
highlighting the early forms of these political
entities.
• Monarchies:
o Unlike the gana-sanghas, the mahajanapadas in
the Gangetic plains were predominantly
monarchies, where Vedic orthodoxy and the
priestly class held significant influence.
o Kings ruled with centralized administrations,
supported by councils called parishad and sabha,
which served as advisory bodies.
o The legitimacy of kings was reinforced by brahman
priests through rituals, and succession was
typically hereditary, following the law of
primogeniture.
• Revenue and social structure:
o The king's revenue system included taxes such as
bali (based on cultivable land), bhaga (a share of
the produce), kara, and shulka.
o These taxes supported an elaborate administrative
structure and military.
o The society was stratified by varna, marking social
status.
o Rich landowners, or grihapatis, employed
laborers called dasas or karmakaras, while
FOCUS | JUNE 2024 | RAU’S IAS
smaller landowners were known as kassakas or
krishakas.
o Shudras, identified as cultivators and artisans,
formed the lower strata, with a new social
category emerging below them considered
untouchables, forced to live on the fringes of society
and engage in menial jobs.
o This period also saw the rise of urbanization,
which further marginalized these groups.
ABOUT ADOPT A HERITAGE SCHEME (APNI
DHAROHAR, APNI PEHCHAAN)
• The scheme is an initiative of the Ministry of Tourism,
in collaboration with the Ministry of Culture and
the Archaeological Survey of India.
• Launched: In 2017 on World Tourism Day (September
27th).
• Under the scheme, the government invites entities,
including public sector companies, private sector firms
as well as individuals, to develop selected monuments
and heritage and tourist sites across India.
• Objective is the development of these tourist sites,
which calls for providing and maintaining basic
amenities, including drinking water, ease of access for
the differently abled and senior citizens etc.
• Selection of sites:
o On the basis of tourist footfall and visibility and can
be adopted by private and public sector companies
and individuals, known as Monument Mitras (for an
initial period of five years.
o There is no financial bid involved.
o The corporate sector is expected to use corporate
social responsibility (CSR) funds for the upkeep of
the site.
• Adopt a Heritage 2.0:
o The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) launched a
revamped version of the ‘Adopt a Heritage’
programme.
o Earlier, the corporate partners’ proposed visions and
expression of interest would go through two levels
of scrutiny via three committees.
o In the updated programme, more freedom has
been given to companies such as the option to
either adopt a monument in whole and develop its
tourism infrastructure, or provide a particular
107
 History, Heritage & Culture
amenity such as drinking water facility or cleaning
services for one or several sites.
Medieval Indian History
THE POPULARITY OF
DAKHNI
#Medievalhitory #Culture #Language
The campaign for the Lok Sabha elections in Telangana,
particularly in Hyderabad, was marked by exchange of
comments and comebacks in the Dakhni language.
ABOUT DAKHNI LANGUAGE
Introduction:
• Dakhni shares the Persian-Arabic script with Urdu.
• Dakhni people and speakers are spread across the
Deccan region and speak variants of the language
in Telangana, Maharashtra, and Karnataka.
• The language is seen same as the Hyderabadi, but
what Hyderabadis speak is only a variant of Dakhni.
• It is a predecessor of Modern Hindustani.
• Since medieval period, it has been a language of the
common man.
o This was the reason why the Sufis such as those
belonging to Chishti order, who arrived in the
Deccan chose to use Dakhni as a literary medium.
History
• It has its origins in the dialect spoken around Delhi
then known as Dehlavi. In the early 14th century, this
dialect was introduced in the Deccan region
through the military exploits of Alauddin Khilji.
• In 1327, Muhammad bin Tughluq shifted
his Sultanate's capital from Delhi to Daulatabad
(Maharashtra), causing a mass migration of governors,
soldiers and common people who brought the dialect
with them.
• When Bahmani Sultanate was formed in 1347, the
dialect had acquired the name Dakhni, from the
name of the region itself (Deccani) and had become a
lingua franca for people of the region.
FOCUS | JUNE 2024 | RAU’S IAS
o The permissible activities have been now clearly
stated as per the Ancient Monuments and
Archaeological Sites and Remains (AMASR) Act.
o The Bahmani sultans promoted Persian, and did not
give much patronage to Dakhni.
o However, during their rule, local Dakhni literary
culture outside the court developed.
o The Sufis were important promoters. as they used it
in their preachings since regional languages were
more accessible (than Persian) to the general
population.
o During this period, the earliest available manuscript
of the language, ‘Masnavi Kadam Rao Padam
Rao’ by Fakhruddin Nizami was produced.
• In the early 16th century, the Bahmani Sultanate
was divided into the Deccan Sultanates.
o These were also Persianate in culture, but also
patronised regional languages.
o They are largely responsible for the development of
the Dakhni literary tradition and culture, centred
at Golconda and Bijapur.
o The rulers themselves participated in these cultural
developments. Ibrahim Adil Shah II of the Bijapur
Sultanate produced Kitab-e-Navras (Book of the
Nine Rasas), a work of musical poetry written
entirely in Dakhni.
o However, the Sultanates did not use Dakhni for
official purposes or as a court language, they
preferred Persian as well as regional languages like
Marathi, Kannada, and Telugu.
• The Mughal conquest of the Deccan
by Aurangzeb in the 17th century connected the
southern regions of the subcontinent to the north.
o The Deccani poetry, as literary patronage in the
region decreased.
o The literary centres of the Deccan had been replaced
by the capital of the Mughals, so poets migrated
to Delhi for better opportunities.
108
 History, Heritage & Culture
o A notable example is that of Wali Deccani (1667–
1707), who adapted his Deccani sensibilities to the
northern style.
Modern Indian History
SANTHAL REBELLION
(1855-56)
#Tribalrebellion#Colonialrule#Modernhist
oryofIndia
In the last phase of Lok Sabha elections (2024), the Santhal
region in Jharkhand is in the light. The region has a rich
history and most notably is known for the Santhal
rebellion which challenged the colonial authorities and
those exploiting the tribal community.
INTRODUCTION
• Following the Battles of Plassey (1757) and Buxar
(1764), the British East India Company gained control
over Indian provinces, including Bengal, Bihar, and
Odisha.
• In 1793, Governor-General Lord
Cornwallis implemented the Permanent Settlement
System in Bengal and Bihar.
• Permanent Settlement granted hereditary and lifelong
rights to zamindars, who paid a fixed amount to the
British government annually.
• It resulted in widespread dissatisfaction among the
local population and the exploitation of peasants.
FACTORS RESPONSIBLE
FOCUS | JUNE 2024 | RAU’S IAS
o However, the historical form of Deccani sparked
the development of Urdu literature during
the late-Mughal period.
The uprising was fuelled by a multitude of factors that pushed
the Santhals to their breaking point.
• Forced relocation and exploitation:
o The Santhals, an agrarian tribal community
dependent on forests for their livelihood,
were encouraged to settle in the Damin-i-Koh
region (now part of Jharkhand) established by the
East India Company in 1832.
o They soon discovered that the area was ruled
by zamindars, who were tax-collection agents
with significant economic power.
o The motive behind this relocation was to meet the
demand for agricultural labor in areas where the
population had significantly declined due to the
devastating Bengal Famine of 1770.
• Exploitation by merchants and moneylenders:
o Exploitative practices such as false measurements,
usury, and fraudulent lawsuits perpetuated their
subjugation and kept them trapped in cycles of debt
bondage.
o The exploitative systems of bonded labor, known as
“kamioti” and “harwahi,” made it practically
impossible for the Santhals to repay their debts.
• Tyranny of zamindars and capitalist agriculture:
o Extraction of exorbitant rents from their meagre
earnings.
o Those employed in indigo plantations faced
gruelling labour for meagre wages.
o The oppressive economic conditions disrupted
their traditional way of life and further plunged
them into poverty.
• Ineffectual redress and neglect by British
administration:
o The Santhals sought redressal through petitions to
the British government and recourse to the courts,
hoping for relief from their dire circumstances.
109
 History, Heritage & Culture

o However, they were met with disappointment and northern Cambodia. They led a nomadic life in the
indifference at every turn. past but eventually settled in the Chhotanagpur
• Eruption of popular uprising: Plateau. Towards the late 18th century, they migrated
to the Santhal Parganas of Bihar and later expanded
o As a result of extreme oppression and neglect, social
into Odisha.
banditry emerged in 1854.
• The third largest Scheduled Tribe in India after
o Led by figures such as Bir Singh Manjhi, a group of
the Gond and Bhil and primarily consists of
Santhals targeted moneylenders and
agricultural people. They are predominantly located in
zamindars, redistributing their spoils among the
Odisha, Jharkhand, Bihar, and West Bengal.
impoverished Santhals.
• Compared to other tribal groups in these states, the
Course of the Rebellion:
Santhal population has a relatively high literacy
• The ‘Hul,’ as this momentous insurrection was known,
rate. They speak the Santhali language, which has
was led by four brothers from Bhagnadihi village: its own script called Ol Chiki, recognized in
Sidhu, Kanhu, Chand, and Bhairav Murmu.
the Eighth Schedule of the constitution.
• Under their leadership, around 60,000 Santhals
mobilized with traditional weapons.
• Despite the rebellion primarily being associated with AHILYA BAI HOLKAR
opposition against the British, it actually originated as
#ModernhistoryofIndia
a revolt against the exploitation perpetrated by
Indian ‘upper’ caste zamindars, moneylenders, #Marathaconfederacy #Holkars
merchants, and darogas (police officials), #Personalities
collectively referred to as ‘diku,’ who had established
dominance over the economic aspects of Santhal life.
IMPACT OF THE REBELLION May 31st marks the 300th birth anniversary of the
Maratha queen Ahilya Bai Holkar who was a great
• The uprising prompted the British government to pass
administrator and visionary. In all
the Santhal Parganas Tenancy Act in 1876, providing
her dealings with her subjects,
some protection to tribal members against
Ahilya Bai was guided by her
exploitation.
innate generosity and principles.
• The region between Bhagalpur and the Rajmahal
ABOUT AHILYABAI HOLKAR
hills in Singhbhum district was separated and
designated as Santhal Pargana which was declared a • Born in 1725, she was
non-regulation district. the Rani of Indore (Holkar
dynasty) within the Maratha
• The Santhal Rebellion shed light on the harshness of
Confederacy.
the zamindari system imposed by the British East India
Company on the local indigenous populations. • She established Maheshwar (in Madhya Pradesh) as
the seat of the Holkar Dynasty, south of Indore on
• It also exposed the exploitative practices of
the Narmada River.
moneylenders, who took advantage of the Santhals’
unfamiliarity with monetary systems and charged • After the demise of her husband (Khande Rao) she was
exorbitant interest rates on loans. trained in military affairs by Malhar Rao Holkar.

• The rebellion had a profound impact on the Santhali • She came to power after the passing of her father-in-
identity and resistance against law Malhar Rao Holkar.
persecution, contributing to the establishment of CONTRIBUTIONS IN CULTURE
the state of Jharkhand in 2000. • Ahilyabai funded the reconstruction of the Kashi
THE SANTHAL COMMUNITY Vishwanath Temple in Varanasi (1780) which had
• Origin and Migration: The Santhals are believed to been destroyed in the past and subsequently
have originated from the Champa Kingdom in converted into a mosque by Aurangzeb in 1669.

FOCUS | JUNE 2024 | RAU’S IAS 110

 History, Heritage & Culture
• The current structure of Vishnupad Temple, Gaya,
Bihar was built by Maharani Ahilya Bai Holkar in
1787.
• Ahilya Bai resurrected the jyotirlingas across the
country. Renovations in Somnath, Varanasi, Trambak,
Gaya, Pushkar, Vrindavan, Nathdwara, Haridwar,
Badrinath, Kedarnath and many other sacred sites
were undertaken during her reign.
• The Maheshwari Sari are also part of the queen’s
legacy. She not only promoted the traditional weave
but also paved the way for skilling women, thus
empowering them. The production of these saris was
not only a way to increase the revenue collection of the
state, but provided a steady source of income to the
weavers. Under her encouragement, the production
of Maheswari saris gained momentum and
popularity.
ABOUT HOLKARS OF MARATHA CONFEDERACY
• The Holkars were Subedar (one of the designations
of a governor of a Subah/province) under Peshwa
Baji Rao I (Pune seat).
• When the Maratha Empire began to weaken due to
internal clashes, the Holkars declared themselves the
rulers of Indore in Central India, existing as an
autonomous member of the Maratha Empire until
FOCUS | JUNE 2024 | RAU’S IAS
1818. After this they were under the protectorate of
the British Empire.
• The dynasty was founded with Malhar Rao, who
joined the service of the Peshwas of the Maratha
Empire in 1721, and quickly rose to the rank of
Subedar.
• In the 1720s, he led Maratha armies in Malwa region,
and in 1733 was granted 9 parganas in the vicinity of
Indore by the Peshwa.
• By the time of his death, he ruled much of Malwa, and
was acknowledged as one of the five virtually
independent rulers of the Maratha Confederacy.
• He was succeeded by Ahilyabai Holkar (his
daughter-in-law).
BIRSA MUNDA AND
MUNDA REBELLION
#ModernHistory #Mundarebellion
#Personality
Ulihatu, the birthplace of Birsa Munda and a village in
Jharkhand, has seen noticeable development in recent years.
The Prime Minister launched the Rs 24,000 crore
Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs)
Development Mission from this place. The Central
government has designated Birsa Munda’s birth anniversary
on November 15 as ‘Janjatiya Gaurav Diwas’.
WHO WAS BIRSA MUNDA?
• Born in 1875.
111
 History, Heritage & Culture
• Between 1886 and 1890, Birsa spent time at a place
which was near the centre of the Sardari agitation, a
peaceful movement led by the Oraon and Munda
tribes against British rule. This experience inspired him
to join the anti-missionary and anti-colonial cause.
• By 1890, Birsa was deeply involved in the movement
against British oppression of tribal communities.
• He emerged as a prominent tribal leader, uniting
people to fight for their rights. He founded the Birsait
faith and became a God-like figure to his followers.
• His movement attracted members from the Munda
and Oraon communities, challenging British
conversion efforts and reinforcing tribal unity and
resistance.
• The Mundas, a tribe of former nomadic hunters
turned farmers in the Chota-nagpur region of
present-day Jharkhand, faced significant challenges
due to adverse policies and events.
o Before colonial rule, they practiced 'khuntkatti’, a
land ownership system based on customary
rights that excluded landlords.
o However, the Permanent Settlement Act of 1793
ended this system, enabling colonial exploitation.
o The East India Company introduced the zamindari
system for land revenue collection, creating a
dual class system of land-owning zamindars,
viewed as outsiders or ‘dikus’ by the indigenous
people, and tenant farmers or ‘ryots’.
o This Act allowed the dikus to claim ownership
through deeds specifying precise areas,
displacing the indigenous inhabitants from their
ancestral lands.
o Additionally, the community suffered from
exploitative practices like the ‘begar’ system of
forced labor, dependence on moneylenders for
credit, and the replacement of traditional clan
councils with colonial courts.
o Famines in 1896-97 and 1899-1900 further
exacerbated their plight, leading to mass starvation.
THE ULGULAN MOVEMENT (1899-1900) AND
AFTERMATH
• The Munda Ulgulan (rebellion) stands as one of the
most notable tribal revolts in the history of Indian
Independence.
FOCUS | JUNE 2024 | RAU’S IAS
• The main cause of the Munda revolt was the
'unfair land grabbing practices’ by colonial and local
authorities that demolished the tribal conventional
land system.
• Their exploitation included high-interest loans and
withheld receipts, leading to conflict with the dikus
(outsiders).
• Additionally, large forest areas were declared
protected, stripping the Mundas of their rights.
• The Mundas desperately needed a leader to guide their
struggle for justice.
• Course of the rebellion:
o Birsa Munda emerged as a leader of the tribal
movement.
o Birsa aimed for both religious and political
independence, advocating for the Mundas' rights as
the true landowners and visioned an agrarian order
free from European influence.
o Birsa called on the Mundas to reject superstitions,
abandon animal sacrifice, abstain from intoxicants,
wear the sacred thread, and maintain traditional
worship in the sarna (sacred grove).
o He wanted Munda society to get rid of foreign
elements and restore its original character.
o By the 1890s, Birsa had mobilized the tribes, inciting
rebellion.
o In 1894, he declared a revolt against the British
and the dikus, aiming to establish a 'Munda Raj'.
o Under his leadership, villagers attacked police
stations, churches, and government properties in
1899.
o However, in 1900, the rebels were defeated.
o Birsa was captured and died in jail, while nearly 350
Mundas were tried.
• Aftermath:
o Demonstrated the tribal people's ability to protest
against injustice and colonial rule.
o The British enacted the Chota-nagpur Tenancy
Act of 1908, which restricted the transfer of tribal
land to non-tribal people, recognized Khuntkatti
rights, and banned begari.
o Consequently, tribals gained legal protection for
their land rights.
112
 History, Heritage & Culture

SWAMI VIVEKANANDA
• His mission aimed to bridge the gap between
spiritual pursuits and practical life, advocating for a
#Modernhistory #Socialreforms holistic approach to human existence encompassing
both paramartha (spiritual service) and vyavahara
#Personality
(daily conduct).
• Vivekananda stressed the unity of God and humanity,
The Prime Minister engaged in meditation at the Vivekananda advocating for the integration of Hinduism and Islam in
Rock Memorial in Kanyakumari, Tamil Nadu. India for the nation's well-being.

SPIRITUAL SIGNIFICANCE OF • He emphasized the importance of combining

VIVEKANANDA ROCK knowledge with action, criticizing the neglect of
social issues by religious institutions and urging
• Located near
Hindus to engage actively in social reform.
Kanyakumari’s Vavathurai
beach, at the southernmost • At the 1893 Parliament of Religions in Chicago,
tip of mainland India where Vivekananda highlighted the need for a balanced
the Indian Ocean, Arabian synthesis of Eastern spiritualism and Western
Sea, and Bay of Bengal materialism to foster global happiness and progress.
converge, Vivekananda • In 1897 to inspire pride in Indian culture and foster
Rock holds profound historical and spiritual social reform, he founded the Ramakrishna Mission,
importance. which has since become a global organization
• In 1892, according to the disciples of Swami dedicated to humanitarian relief, education, and social
Vivekananda, it was at this place, he ultimately service, guided by the principle that service to
achieved enlightenment. humanity is akin to worship.

ABOUT SWAMI VIVEKANANDA (1862-1902) • The Ramakrishna Mission, though deeply religious,
does not seek to convert; instead, it embraces
• Swami Vivekananda (original name was Narendranath
universal spiritual values and respects diverse religious
Datta), emerged as a prominent advocate of
practices.
Ramakrishna's teachings, adapting them to
contemporary Indian society and becoming a • In 1898, Vivekananda established the Ramakrishna
significant figure in the propagation of neo-Hinduism. Math in Belur (Karnataka). It was open to all
regardless of caste or creed, symbolizing his vision of
• His ideology drew from the spiritual experiences of
an inclusive spiritual community committed to service
Ramakrishna, the teachings of the Upanishads and
and enlightenment.
the Gita, as well as the examples set by Buddha and
Jesus, all forming the foundation of his message on • In 1887, Narendra compiled a Bengali
human values. song anthology named Sangeet Kalpataru with
Vaishnav Charan Basak.
• Central to Vivekananda's philosophy was Vedanta,
which he viewed as a rational and superior approach • He also composed ‘Khandana Bhava Bandhana’, a
to spirituality. prayer song dedicated to Ramakrishna, in 1898.

Art and Culture

BHIL/BHEEL TRIBE
#Bhiltribe #Rebellion #Tribalculuture Bharat Adivasi Party (BAP) won in Banswara, Rajasthan in the
2024 Lok Sabha election. The party has focused on the topics

FOCUS | JUNE 2024 | RAU’S IAS 113

 History, Heritage & Culture
of formation of a ‘Bhil Pradesh’ and an increase in reservation
for Scheduled Tribes. There has been a demand for the
establishment of a separate state of Bhil Pradesh by
combining the tribal-dominated parts of Gujarat and
neighbouring states Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan,
and Maharashtra.
ABOUT BHIL/BHEEL TRIBE
• The tribe live in the states of Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh,
Chhattisgarh, Maharashtra, Rajasthan, West Bengal,
Tripura, Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh.
• Classified as a Scheduled Tribe in: Andhra Pradesh,
Chhattisgarh, Gujarat, Karnataka, Madhya
Pradesh, Maharashtra, Rajasthan and Tripura.
• Language: The commonly spoken language by Bhils
is Bhili. Bhili is a subgroup of the Western Zone of
the Indo-Aryan languages. Many Bhils now speak the
dominant language of the region they reside in, such
as Marathi, Gujarati and Bengali.
• Bhil is the largest tribal group in India as per 2011
Census. They constitute approximately 38% of the
total scheduled tribal population of India.
• Culture:
o Pithora Painting is a well-known art form.
o These ritualistic paintings were done by Badwas or
specially appointed male members.
o Ghoomar is a traditional folk dance of the Bhil
tribe. Ghoomar is the symbol of womanhood.
Young girls take part in this dance.
FOCUS | JUNE 2024 | RAU’S IAS
o Another folk art is Swang, which consists of
storytelling combined with dancing and music.
o Baneshwar fair is the main festival celebrated
among the Bhils. The fair is dedicated to Baneshwar
Mahadev also known as Lord Shiva.
• During the British Rule:
o The Bhils who lived in the Khandesh region of the
present-day Dhule district of Maharashtra,
revolted against Company rule in 1818, as they had
to face famine, economic distress and
misgovernment.
 The rebellion was led by Bhil leaders: Kazi
Singh and Bhima Naik.
 It was against the deprivation of traditional
rights over forest resources and land.
 The British used both force and conciliatory
efforts to control the uprising.
o During the colonial rule, the Bhils were designated
as a criminal tribe by the British colonial
government under the Criminal Tribes Act 1871,
which meant that a Bhil could be ‘randomly picked
up, tortured, maimed or even killed’ by the colonial
authorities.
o A reformer, Govind Guru led the Bhils of south
Rajasthan (Banswara, South states) to organise
themselves to fight for a Bhil Raj by 1913.
VIRUPAKSHA TEMPLE
#TemplesinIndia #Culture #Architecture
#Vijayanagaraempire
The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) is set to commence
restoration work on the collapsed ‘Saalu Mandapa or
Pavilion’, of the Virupaksha temple in Hampi
(Karnataka).
114
 History, Heritage & Culture
ABOUT VIRUPAKSHA TEMPLE
• Virupaksha Temple is an integral part of the UNESCO
World Heritage Site known as the Group of
Monuments at Hampi.
• Dedicated to Sri Virupaksha (Lord Shiva) the temple
was originally constructed by Lakkan Dandesha, a
chieftain under Deva Raya II of the Vijayanagara
Empire.
o Hampi, situated along the banks of the
Tungabhadra River, served as the capital of this
empire.
• The temple also reveres Pampadevi, associated with
the Tungabhadra River.
• The temple's history dates back to the 7th century CE,
with inscriptions referring to Shiva found from the
9th and 10th centuries.
• Initially a modest shrine, it expanded under
Vijayanagara rule.
• While additions during the late Chalukyan and Hoysala
periods are evident, most of the existing structures
are attributed to the Vijayanagara era.
• Despite the city's destruction in 1565 (by the Bahmani
Sultanate) the religious significance of the Virupaksha-
Pampa sect remained, maintaining continuous worship
at the temple.
STRUCTURE OF THE TEMPLE
• The main temple complex comprises a sanctum, a
pillared hall, and an open pillared hall, all decorated
with intricately carved pillars.
• Surrounding the central structure are an entrance
gateways, courtyards, smaller shrines.
• The eastern gateway, stands as the largest
entrance.
• Kanakagiri Gopura ins another gateway leading to a
small enclosure with subsidiary shrines and to the
banks of the Tungabhadra River.
FOCUS | JUNE 2024 | RAU’S IAS
• Krishnadevaraya, played a pivotal role as a patron
of the temple.
o His contributions include the central pillared hall
and the gateway tower leading to the inner
courtyard.
o Inscriptions next to the pillared hall commemorate
his commissioning of these structures in 1510 AD
to mark his accession.
(Kalayana Mandapa)
VIJAYANAGAR ARCHITECTURAL FEATURES
• Blended influences from the Hoysala, Chola, and
Chalukya dynasties.
• Primarily granite was used for its durability and
soapstone for intricate sculptures.
• Influences from Dravidian architectural traditions
are more pronounced.
o During the reign of Krishnadeva Raya, the empire
saw a resurgence in Dravida style, influencing the
construction of South Indian temples for centuries.
• Unique elements introduced in the Vijayanagar
period: fortified enclosures, elaborately pillared
Kalyana Mandapas (marriage halls), towering Raya
Gopurams (entrance towers), and life-size statues of
deities.
• In addition to temple architecture, Vijayanagara's
secular buildings featured Islamic influences like
arches, domes, and vaults, constructed with
mortar and stone shards.
• Significant features:
o Raya Gopurams: Monumental entrance gates
adorned with intricate carvings.
o Pillared Pavilions: Open structures with sculpted
pillars depicting motifs like horses and monolithic
statues of deities.
o Kalyana Mandapa: Decorated marriage halls with
elaborately carved pillars, central to temple
complexes.
115
 History, Heritage & Culture

o Amman Shrines: Additional shrines dedicated to • The Illustrated Manuscripts of Ramacaritamanasa,

the consorts of the main deity. commonly known as 'Ramcharitmanas', was created by
Goswami Tulsidasa in the 16th century in the
Awadhi language. This monumental work is regarded
UNESCO'S MEMORY OF as one of the foremost achievements in Hindu

THE WORLD ASIA-PACIFIC literature, drawing its inspiration from the epic
Ramayana authored by the sage Valmiki.

REGIONAL REGISTER
#Historyandculture #Protectionofheritage
#Miscelleneous

The inclusion of the Ramcharitmanas, Panchatantra, and

Sahṛdayāloka-Locana in UNESCO's Memory of the World
Asia-Pacific Regional Register marks a significant milestone
for India. This recognition celebrates India's profound literary
heritage and cultural legacy, underscoring its global
importance. • The 15th Century Manuscript of the Panchatantra,
authored by Pandit Vishnu Sharma, is a collection of
IGNCA SECURES HISTORIC CULTURAL MILESTONE
animal fables presented in both poetry and prose.
• The Indira Gandhi National Centre for the Arts (IGNCA) Dating back to at least the 3rd century BCE, this
played a pivotal role in achieving a landmark moment ancient compilation originally written in Sanskrit
during the 10th meeting of the Memory of the World aims to impart practical life lessons, known as Niti,
Committee for Asia and the Pacific (MOWCAP). through the interactions of anthropomorphized
• The meeting of MOWCAP was held in Ulaanbaatar animals.
(Mongolia), which brought together 38
representatives from member states along with 40
observers and nominees.
• IGNCA advocated for three Indian nominations,
resulting in their inclusion in ‘UNESCO's Memory of the
World Asia-Pacific Regional Register’.
• This achievement highlights IGNCA's steadfast
commitment to preserving and promoting India's rich
cultural heritage on the global stage.
• The Sahṛdayaloka-Locana manuscript, an
• Notably, this is IGNCA's inaugural submission to
important text in Indian poetics, dates back to the
the Regional Register since its establishment in
9th and 10th centuries AD. Authored by Acharya
2008.
Anandvardhan, it comprises extensive discussions on
poetics, dramaturgy, and theatrical insights in
Sanskrit literature.
UNESCO'S MEMORY OF THE WORLD (MOW)
PROGRAMME
• The Memory of the World (MOW) programme, initiated
by UNESCO in 1992, serves as a global strategy to
preserve and promote access to rare and endangered
documentary heritage.

FOCUS | JUNE 2024 | RAU’S IAS 116

 History, Heritage & Culture
• Its mission, articulated to prevent "collective
amnesia," underscores the importance of
safeguarding archive holdings and library
collections worldwide.
• The programme recognizes documentary heritage of
international, regional, and national significance,
maintaining registers and awarding logos to
identified collections.
• It advocates for preservation and equitable access,
raising awareness among governments, the public, and
businesses about the need for conservation and
fundraising.
• Inscription on the MOW register validates the cultural
and historical value of documented heritage,
enhancing visibility and accessibility for research,
education, entertainment, and long-term
preservation efforts.
• The Memory of the World Asia-Pacific Committee
(MOWCAP), established in 1998, specifically
celebrates achievements across 43 countries in
genealogy, literature, science, and more.
o The MOWCAP Regional Register includes 65
items that reflect the diverse cultural richness and
historical significance of the Asia-Pacific region.
INDIRA GANDHI NATIONAL CENTRE FOR THE ARTS
(IGNCA)
• Established in 1987 under the Ministry of Culture
and operates as an autonomous institution
dedicated to advancing research, academic
activities, and the dissemination of arts.
• IGNCA plays a crucial role in supporting Project
Mausam, a Ministry of Culture initiative in
collaboration with the Archaeological Survey of India
(ASI).
o This project explores cultural routes and
maritime landscapes that historically connected
regions across the Indian Ocean, linking coastal
centres with inland counterparts.
KUMARTULI’S FAMOUS
IDOL-SCULPTORS
#Culture #Sculptures #Miscelleneous
FOCUS | JUNE 2024 | RAU’S IAS
Kumartuli in North Kolkatais renowned worldwide for its
centuries-old tradition of crafting clay idols, particularly the
ten-armed goddess for the vibrant Durga Puja festival.
However, the idol artisans of Kumartuli are facing hurdles due
to enduring infrastructural challenges.
ABOUT KUMARTULI
• Kumartuli or Coomartolly is famous for its
sculpting expertise.
• The area produces clay idols for various festivals and
exports them globally.
• How this area came into being?
o British colonization of Bengal and India (especially
after Battle of Plassey) and the the construction of
Fort William at Gobindapur, prompted the
relocation of most residents to Sutanuti.
o Under orders from the directors of the British East
India Company, specific districts were assigned to
the company’s artisans.
o These areas were named based on their trades,
such as Suriparah (wine sellers), Collotollah (oil
men), and Coomartolly (potters).
o While many artisans in North Kolkata diminished or
disappeared, the potters of Kumartuli survived.
o Initially crafting pots sold at Sutanuti Bazar (later
Burrabazar), they gradually started creating idols
of gods and goddesses for local mansions and
community pujas.
DHAKESWARI TEMPLE IN KUMARTULI
• It is a Hindu temple in Kolkata, on the eastern bank of
the Hooghly River.
• The temple's presiding deity is Devi Durga, whose idol
was brought from the Dhakeswari Temple in Dhaka,
Bangladesh.
• Bengali Hindus regard Dhakeswari as the presiding
deity of Dhaka. The idol was evacuated to Calcutta
during the Partition of India in 1947 and has
remained there since.
117
 History, Heritage & Culture

practice questions
MCQs
Q1. With reference to the rock art sites in India,
consider the following pairs: Q4. Consider the following statements:
S. NO. Rock art site Associated State 1. ‘Dakhni language’ developed under the patronage
of Bahmani Sultans.
1. Maski : Uttarakhand 2. Ibrahim Adil Shah II wrote ‘Kitab-e-Navras’ in
2. Lakhudiyar : Uttar Pradesh Dakhni.
3. The Sultanates of Deccan region used ‘Dakhni’ as a
3. Boloor Panne Koteda : Karnataka court language.
4. Piklihal : Tamil Nadu How many of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) Only one (b) Only two
How many of the pairs given above is/are incorrectly
(c) All three (d) None
matched?
(a) Only one pair (b) Only two pairs
Q5. Consider the following statements with
(c) Only three pairs (d) All four pairs
reference to the Santhal rebellion (1855-56):
1. The rebellion started as a protest against the forced
Q2. With reference to the history of India, consider
imposition of Ryotwari System.
the following statements:
2. The zamindars extended support to the tribes to
1. Painted Grey Ware pottery have been found at the
protest against the exploitative colonial system.
site of Purana Qila in Delhi.
3. The Santhal community referred the state agents
2. The ancient city of Indraprastha is mentioned in
like moneylenders and merchants as ‘Dikus’.
Buddhist text as capital of Kuru kingdom.
How many of the statements given above is/are correct?
3. The Kuru Kingdom emerged as the most powerful
(a) Only one (b) Only two
state in the late Vedic Period (900-500 BCE).
(c) All three (d) None
How many of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) Only one (b) Only two
Q6. Consider the following statements with
(c) All three (d) None
reference to Rani Ahilya Bai:
1. She belonged to the Holkar dynasty, which was an
Q3. Consider the following statements with
autonomous state within the Maratha confederacy.
reference to the ‘Bhil tribe’ in India:
2. She transferred the capital of Holkar dynasty from
1. The Bhils were regarded as a criminal tribe by the
Maheshwar to Indore.
British government.
3. The present Vishnupad Temple (Bihar) was built by
2. Bhima Naik led the Bhils of Rajasthan to fight for a
Ahilya Bai.
Bhil Raj in 1913.
How many of the statements given above is/are incorrect?
3. The Bhil rebellion in Maharashtra against the
(a) Only one (b) Only two
British was led by Govind Guru.
(c) All three (d) None
How many of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) Only one (b) Only two
(c) All three (d) None Q7. Consider the following statements:

FOCUS | JUNE 2024 | RAU’S IAS 118

 History, Heritage & Culture

1. The ending of ‘Khuntkatti system ’ by the colonial

government was one of the main reasons for the Q8. Kumartuli, a renowned place, recently was in
emergence of Munda rebellion. news in relation to:
2. The ‘Khuntkatti system’ was the practice of animal (a) A Vajrayana Buddhist site in Odisha.
sacrifice followed by the Munda tribes. (b) A recently discovered Harappan site in Bihar
Which of the statements given above is/are correct? (c) A place famous for its sculptures in West Bengal
(a) 1 only (b) 2 only (d) A site in Assam related to Vaishanavism.
(c) Both 1 and 2 (d) Neither 1 nor 2

Descriptive Questions
Q1. Discuss the broader principles of the 19th-century social reform movement in India. Highlight the significance of
Swami Vivekananda in the context of social and religious reforms during this period. (10 marks; 150 words)
Q2. Discuss the factors that led to the Munda Rebellion of the late 19th century. How did Birsa Munda's leadership
influence the course and impact of the rebellion? (15 marks; 250 words)

Answers: 1-c, 2-b, 3-a, 4-a, 5-a, 6-a, 7-a , 8-c

FOCUS | JUNE 2024 | RAU’S IAS 119

 PART TWO

Ethics, Integrity & Aptitude

Coverage from varied sources

 Ethics, Integrity & Aptitude

ETHICS OF ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE

#GS4 #Applied Ethics #Ethics in Governance

European Union has brought in a law to regulate Artificial Involves

Emotional
Intelligence (AI), in this context it has become important to emotional depth Lacks emotional
and social
discuss the various issues emerging out use of AI and ethics and social intelligence.
intelligence
principles of AI. interactions.
About artificial Intelligence: Artificial intelligence (AI) is
Adapt through AI relies on
the ability of a digital computer or computer-controlled Learning
experiences, algorithm and
device to perform tasks commonly associated with and
emotions, and data for learning
intelligent beings. adaptation
social context and adaptation.
DIFFERENCE BETWEEN HUMAN INTELLIGENCE AND
Can create
ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE
original art, ideas, Creativity is based
Human Artificial and solutions
Criteria on recombination
Intelligence Intelligence based on and manipulation

Human Creativity inspiration, of existing data,

AI includes
intelligence intuition, and lacking genuine
technologies
encompasses subconscious inspiration or
designed to
Nature and broader cognitive processes. intuition.
perform specific
Scope abilities like
tasks and solve
creativity,
problems Applies principles
perception, and
efficiently. of morality based Ethical behaviors
memory.
on ideas of can be
Excels in thinkers and programmed or
Multitask and
specialized philosophers and learned based on
Versatility adopt to various Moral
narrow provide solutions data, but genuine
situations reasoning
application. based on moral reasoning
inspiration, and empathy are
Achieved through
intuition, and not inherently
algorithms such
Influenced by subconscious present.
as machine
experiences, processes.
learning and deep
emotions, social
Learning learning, relying ABOUT AI ETHICS
interactions, and
on data inputs • Ethics is a set of moral principles which help us
neuroplasticity.
and distinguish between right and wrong.
computational
• AI ethics is a multidisciplinary field that studies how to
adjustments.
optimize AI’s beneficial impact while reducing risks and

FOCUS | JUNE 2024 | RAU’S IAS 121

 Ethics, Integrity & Aptitude

adverse outcomes. Key areas of concerns of AI ethics • Transparency: There is a need for transparency in AI
are: algorithms, particularly in applications with significant
social implications, such as AI-enabled cars making
Bias and Fairness: Ensuring AI systems decisions during accidents.
do not perpetuate or amplify existing
biases in data. • Super-intelligence: Advanced AI systems could
potentially redesign themselves or create superior
Transparency: Making AI decision- successors, initiated debates whether this
Areas of concern of AI

making processes understandable and

accountable. development would be beneficial or harmful to
humanity.
• Privacy Concerns: AI's extensive data collection and
Privacy: Safeguarding personal data
and respecting user privacy. analysis raise privacy issues, especially when involving
Ethics

facial recognition and real-time tracking

technologies. The line between security and
Autonomy: Maintaining human control
over AI systems and ensuring AI does surveillance becomes blurred, potentially leading to
not undermine human agency. privacy invasions.
• Social Gaps In Access: While AI can enhance access to
Accountability: Clarifying
responsibility for AI actions and
information, it may also exacerbate social inequalities.
decisions. The high cost and inequitable distribution of
sophisticated AI technology, like Google Home, widen
Impact on Employment: Addressing the the gap between developed and developing nations
displacement of jobs due to AI
automation.
and between affluent and aspirational communities.
• Cost and Accessibility: AI technology is often costly
ETHICAL ISSUES EMERGING OUT OF ARTIFICIAL and not accessible on an equitable basis, with less
INTELLIGENCE developed nations lagging in AI technology and
• Bias and Discrimination: AI can absorb societal infrastructure.
stereotypes during self-learning or through developer • Existential Risks: Notable figures like Stephen
input, leading to biased decisions. These systems can Hawking have warned of the existential risks posed by
contribute to self-fulfilling prophecies and fully developed AI potentially taking over humanity.
stigmatization.
• Job Loss: The automation of jobs by AI and intelligent
• Accountability: Challenging to determine who should robots leads to reduced demand for human labor in
be held accountable for failures or unintended various sectors.
consequences of AI systems such as self-driven cars,
• Moral and Social Impact: AI's role in reducing human
lethal automated weapons (LAWs). Delegating
interactions can lead to moral degradation and alter
decision-making to AI shifts responsibility away from
social and cultural norms.
human actors.
• Capability Beyond Human Control: Incidents like the
• Safety and Security Issues: AI systems might not
humanoid robot 'Sophie' having incomprehensible
perform correctly in unforeseen situations (since it is
conversations with another robot highlight the
trained on preexisting data sets), posing safety risks.
potential for AI to act beyond human control.
o AI algorithms can be manipulated by ill-intentioned
• Rights for AI: The rapid development of AI, aiming to
individuals, and advanced security systems are
achieve human-like consciousness and emotions,
vulnerable to terrorist or cyber threats. Additionally,
brings up the question of whether AI systems deserve
LAWs could cause extensive violence without
certain rights or citizenship.
accounting for human suffering.
• Lack of Moral Check: In case of human intelligence,
there is a moral check when things go wrong, it leads to

FOCUS | JUNE 2024 | RAU’S IAS 122

 Ethics, Integrity & Aptitude
course correction, but in case of artificial intelligence
there is a lack of moral check on its actions.
EXAMPLES OF AI BIAS
• USA 2018: Google facial recognition software had a
bias against African Americans, image recognition
algorithms in Google Photos were classifying African
Americans as “gorillas.”
• UK 2020: The students enrollment algorithm
favored students from private schools and
affluent areas, leaving high achievers from free,
state-schools disproportionately affected.
• India 2022: After communal clashes in Delhi's
Jahangirpuri area last year, police said they used
facial recognition technology to identify and arrest
suspects, in both cases, most of those charged were
from Muslim communities, inviting criticism of
India's use of the AI-based technology to target poor,
minority and marginalized groups.
• India 2023: The Police record registers are
increasingly used for potential AI-assisted predictive
policing to identify who is likely to commit a crime.
FOCUS | JUNE 2024 | RAU’S IAS
Punjab and Haryana high court was criticized for
using ChatGPT to decide whether or not to award
bail to a suspect in a murder case.
WAY FORWARD
• A better understanding of the biases and their impacts
in different social contexts is needed at data collection
level to deal with biases emerging out of AI.
• Presently India does not have an AI law, we only have a
strategy from NITI Aayog which states that AI systems
must not discriminate based on religion, race, caste,
sex, descent, place of birth or residence.
o We need is to codify this strategy and provide it a
legal framework based on ethical principles such as
fairness, justice, respect, dignity, autonomy,
beneficence, non-maleficence, and
accountability.
• European Union has recently brought in law to regulate
AI, there is a need to adopt similar principles keeping in
mind Indian circumstances.
• Skilling, reskilling and upskilling of workforce to meet
the emerging demands so that AI led joblessness is
minimized.
123
 Ethics, Integrity & Aptitude
CASE STUDIES FOR PRACTICE
MAINS GS PAPER IV
Case Study 1: You have just cleared the prestigious civil
services exam and your top rank has assured Indian
Administrative Services for you. Your parents want you to
get married before going for the training as you are
reaching your thirties now. Your father is in favour of an
arrange marriage and is expecting lots of dowry in it. In
fact, he gave dowry in his daughter’s marriage and
considers it to be part of his culture and social norms.
However, you love a girl, but she wants some more time
to get settled as she wants to complete her studies and
pursue a career in medicine.
In this context, a marriage proposal has arrived. The girl
belongs to a rich family and her father also has many
political links. Her family is also ready, in fact insisting on
giving dowry. Your father is creating pressure on you to
say yes to this girl. You really love your father as he has
always supported you. Analyse and explain what you will
do in this situation?
SOLUTION
The case poses ethical dilemma to me and raises the
question of social conformity in case of unethical practises.
Following are ethical issues involved in the case –
a) Ethical dilemma whether to choose the girl of my
choice or to adhere to my father’s wish.
b) Ethical dilemma whether to stand by my father’s
decision of taking dowry, as he has always supported
me, or to protest against it, as it leads to socio-
economic deterioration of society.
c) After getting selected for IAS, it is obligatory on me to
display ethical conduct in public life.
d) Positive attitude of educated Indians towards
unethical practice like dowry.
Since my father has always been supportive of me, I must
not disrespect or hurt his feelings. I must use
my emotional intelligence to understand the reason for his
positive attitude towards giving and taking dowry.
FOCUS | JUNE 2024 | RAU’S IAS
Since his decision to take dowry stems from the socio-
cultural practice, he must have developed
positive cognitive attitude towards dowry. I shall
use techniques of persuasion to change the positive
attitude of my father towards dowry:
a) Since my father is loving and has always supported
me, I shall express my desire of marrying a girl of my
choice and not taking dowry. The emotion of love
towards me, may cater to the affectionate
component of his attitude.
b) I shall present the desirable characteristics and
compatibility of the girl I love. I shall explain to my
father that my happiness after marriage will depend
on these things and not on how much dowry I got.
c) I shall present to my father the “horror” of dowry and
its socio-economic consequences in our society in
form of case studies from neighbouring areas.
d) I shall explain to my father that dignity and social
respect will increase if we act ethically.
e) I shall also make my father aware of stringent law
against dowry.
I shall always love and respect my father. But it is also my
duty to persuade and change the attitude of people
around me to and make their behaviour in conformity to
the constitution and law of the land.
Case Study 2: You are the CEO of a leading automobiles
company in India. Your company has launched a new car
which is first of its kind in its design and features and thus,
has become an instant hit among the buyers. Your
company has already sold two lakh cars and one lakh
more have been booked in advance.
However, within first two months of launch, the head of
technical department approaches you with the complaint
about the airbags which inflates up during the time of
accident and saves the passenger from getting injured. He
told you that the airbags are over inflating due to some
124
 Ethics, Integrity & Aptitude
technical glitch and thus, are getting exploded. This
explosion will hurt the passenger more rather than saving
him from the jerk of accident.
However, this problem will be difficult to get identified as
at the time of accident, everything happens very quick and
the passenger will not be able to observe the problem
with the airbag. The company has also not received any
complaint in this regard. The glitch can be removed but it
will cost huge money and recall of all the cars. The glitch
can be removed from the upcoming cars and probability
is very low that it will get caught in the already sold cars.
The situation has put you in a dilemma as calling back cars
will have huge repercussions. What action you will take to
resolve the situation? Justify your action?
Since I am the CEO of the automobile company, I have the
responsibility to ensure profitability and customer
confidence. Due to this I have the following ethical
dilemmas:
SOLUTION
a) Ensuring profitability of the company vs Justice to the
customers.
b) Value of loyalty towards company vs value of honesty
towards society.
c) Professional well-being by higher sale of cars vs
personal wellbeing by maintaining integrity.
To overcome the ethical dilemma, I must do ethical
evaluation of the situation using some ethical standards:
a) Using utilitarian principle, hiding the technical glitch
will not serve the society well. This will be unethical.
b) As per Kant’s categorical imperative hiding critical
information form customers is wrong, even if
company must suffer loss.
FOCUS | JUNE 2024 | RAU’S IAS
c) Eventually the truth will come out. The social capital
of the company will be lost. This will mean absolute
loss of the market for the company. For short term
gain company will face long term loss.
d) Legal penalty for misinformation may be much higher
than the cost of recalling the vehicle and fixing the
glitch.
e) Gandhiji once said, "A customer is the most important
visitor on our premises. He is not dependent on us.
We are dependent on him.…. We are not doing him a
favour by serving him. He is doing us a favour by
giving us the opportunity to do so."
In the light of above moral analysis, I will take following
steps –
a) Public declaration of the technical glitch. Also,
announcing that the technical glitch will be fixed at no
extra charge. Honest declaration will increase the
company’s reputation and social capital.
b) Decentralised mechanism, if possible, to fix the glitch
in authorised service stations, to reduce the cost.
c) Proper testing of the cars yet to be delivered.
d) Inviting customers to the company and showing them
the proper functioning of airbags and other features,
as a confidence building exercise.
There must be some long-term measures taken:
a) Stronger quality checks mechanism to avoid such
lapses.
b) Steps to develop social capital through CSR to build
greater trust of customers.
Intellectual spirit can take us to the top but moral spirit
will keep us there.
125
 PART THREE

Essays of the month

Selected essays from Rau’s GSI students

 Essays OF THE MONTH
'PROGRESS IS MORE PLAUSIBLY JUDGED BY THE
REDUCTION OF DEPRIVATION THAN BY THE FURTHER
ENRICHMENT OF THE WEALTH'
#PHILOSOPHICAL
SUBMITTED BY: JAIKRIT
Disclaimer: The viewpoints in the topic are strictly personal
of the writer above. The role of Rau’s IAS Study Circle is to
present the write-up in its original form, hence the study
circle neither endorses nor rejects any viewpoint in the
submission. The purpose is only to showcase the manner of
writing.
Therefore, it is the sole responsibility of the reader to use
his/her intellect to check the veracity of viewpoints.
Human progress and well-being are the
central goals of social policy in a welfare
state. Directive Principles in our
Constitution obligate the Indian state for
general welfare and progress of the population at large.
While there is no doubt that there has been general well-
being and development in our country since we have
gained independence, however, we find that this growth
and development has not been fair, equitable and
humane. Some seem to have acquired larger proportion
of this wealth at the cost of vast majority of population
who continue to live a life of penury and destitution.
This essay is a reflection on this contentious path to
development. There have been wide ranging discussions
in academic circles on the path to the development and
progress. Some argue that economic freedom and free
enterprise with limited state intervention will create
situations of general economic growth and affluence, first
for the rich which will gradually trickle down to the large
population at the proper time. Thus, these scholars
believe that economic growth is the ultimate constraint on
development and that successful growth will at the right
time eliminate poverty and other social problems.
This view was pushed by the Washington Consensus,
advocated by IMF and World Bank. They emphasised on
the role of free markets as efficient mechanisms for
promoting economic growth and advocated reforms like
withdrawal of state, market deregulation.
FOCUS | JUNE 2024 | RAU’S IAS
The result of pursuit of market led development policies
across the world resulted in problems of growing
inequality where the rich became more richer, there was
widespread damage to global environment threatening
world’s biodiversity and climate change, there was
increasing consumerism, individualisation and
commodification leading to loss of community feeling.
The markets have appeared to be often sub-optimal as
they are open to manipulation and irrationality. Also, rich
often seem to be rich not due to their efforts but often
due to luck and chance.
The incomes and wealth of world’s top 1% have increased
at an increasing pace in the last three decades. Back
home, Indian income inequality was extremely high under
British colonial rule, with a top 10% income share around
50%. After independence, socialist-inspired five-year
plans contributed to reducing this share to 35-40%. Since
the mid1980s, deregulation and liberalization policies
have led to one of the most extreme increases in income
and wealth inequality observed in the world. While the top
1% has largely benefited from economic reforms, growth
among low- and middle-income groups has been
relatively slow, and poverty persists.
Oxfam in its recent report ‘Inequality Kills’ reveals some
staggering data on wealth inequality. The wealth of the
ten richest billionaires in India would be enough to fund
the schooling and higher education of India’s children for
more than 25 years. According to the report, despite the
pandemic the number of billionaires increased in India
from 102 to 142. Collective wealth of India’s 100 richest
people hit a record high of USD 775 billion. In the same
year, the share of the bottom 50% of the population in
national wealth was a mere 6%.
On the other hand, scholars of the human development
school have taken a different path. They have advocated
for a rights-based approach and have oriented towards
127
 Essays OF THE MONTH
enhancing human development rather than economic
growth. Enabling everyone in society to achieve their
minimum basic needs and over time, with rising
prosperity to the raise the minimum level. For them,
economic growth is just the means to the end of human
development.
Poverty is hunger and fatigue. Poverty is being sick and
not being able to see a doctor. Poverty is not being able to
go to school and not knowing how to read. Poverty is not
having a job. Poverty is fear for the future, having food
once in a day. Poverty is losing a child to illness, brought
about by unclear water. Poverty is powerlessness, lack of
representation and freedom. Thus, poverty is real or
relative of many deprivations which result in outcomes
which result in unfulfilled life for the individuals. Some of
the outcomes of poverty are:
1. Deprivations compromises human capability:
Without access to basic services of healthcare,
education, housing, and sanitation the capabilities of
individuals will continue to remain underutilised. This
is a loss to humanity.
2. Vicious cycle of deprivation: Malnutrition leads to
lower educational and learning outcomes, lower
healthcare leads to lower physical ability, these
combined lead to lower earning and income
outcomes in adult life. This in turn means lower
opportunities for the children born in these
households. Inter-generational continuity of poverty.
3. Poverty leads to social conflicts: Poverty leads to
ghettoization and proliferation of slums in cities. The
uneducated people are often vulnerable to be
exploited by religious and extremist thoughts. No
wonder that the poor are breeding ground for
resentment against the state and prone to crime and
revolutions.
4. Culture of Poverty: Poverty forces the poor the poor
to develop certain behavioural enabling them to
survive the sordid conditions of poverty. This pattern
has been termed ‘Culture of Poverty.’ The poor
develop a subculture of their own, tend to be socially
isolated and have narrow outlooks. The individual
who grows up in this culture has strong feelings of
FOCUS | JUNE 2024 | RAU’S IAS
fatalism, helplessness, dependence, and inferiority.
Their orientation is to live in present, they hardly think
of the future.
There is thus a need to take a more nuanced approach to
human development and progress. The first focus should
be measurement and identification of poor. With the
increased focus on addressing the multiple deprivations
nature of poverty, measures of poverty have also evolved
from a merely income level and calorie-based poverty line
measures to much more nuanced multi-dimensional
poverty index (MPI) developed by UNDP and Oxford
University. The MPI focuses on ten parameters of
nutrition, child mortality, years of schooling, school
attendance, access to cooking fuel, sanitation, drinking
water, electricity, housing and other assets. Thus, it does
not take income for measurement of poverty. It believes
that if a person is able to satisfy these basic needs, he is
not poor.
Now, coming to designing policies which create a more
equitable just and fair society, where basic needs of
everyone is fulfilled. Scholars have suggested following
policy options:
1. Taxing the rich and progressive taxation system
2. Interventions to improve public health and education.
3. Provision for universal basic income
4. Increasing the minimum wages and increasing income
security for workers
5. Ensuring greater work participation of women
6. Boosting agricultural incomes.
7. Humanising globalisation
In this line, UN has come out with comprehensive
Sustainable Development Goals which are collection of 17
goals for a more sustainable, equitable, fair and just
world.
At the end we should remember that human progress
should be as a collective enterprise where all of humanity
benefits along with sustainability. Mahatma Gandhi’s
Talisman of helping the last and most destitute person
should always guide our moral compass.
128
 Essays OF THE MONTH
THE SUCCESS OF A SOCIETY IS TO BE EVALUATED
PRIMARILY BY THE FREEDOM THAT THE MEMBERS OF
THE SOCIETY ENJOY.
#PhilosoPhical
SUBMITTED BY: KAUSTUB NEIL SINGH BHATI
Disclaimer: The viewpoints in the topic are strictly
personal of the writer above. The role of Rau’s IAS Study
Circle is to present the write-up in its original form,
hence the study circle neither endorses nor rejects any
viewpoint in the submission. The purpose is only to
showcase the manner of writing.
Therefore, it is the sole responsibility of the reader to
use his/her intellect to check the veracity of viewpoints.
This line signifies the tenets of Gandhiji’s
ethos while simultaneously delineating the
two most important concepts for human
being’s present and future i.e., success and
freedom. Success of an individual and in furtherance
through assimilation, of the society, is increasingly being
defined in terms of power and economics in the
contemporary world. Whereas freedom is an organic
concept which has seen a much wider evolution from the
basic freedom of life, to self-determination, to narrower
but equally important dimension of sexuality while it is
true that a society is considered a success or a failure
depending upon it’s might and economy; it is the primary
objective to firstly, define success and its components and
secondly, to observe if any other metrics too can lead to
such success.
Initially, in the ancient era success of a state was
contingent primarily upon the amount of territory it
occupied. Wars, conflicts, diplomatic powers were all
derived from and used for attainment of ever-increasing
territory. Conquests of Scotland and Ireland by English
kings; Genghis Khan and conquest of Central Asia from
steppes of Mongolia to Bosporus strait; Humongous
empires of Ashoka, Alexander and Mughal Kings are
testament to this approach towards success.
With the advent of medieval age, success became the
paramour of money from trade. The relatively more
FOCUS | JUNE 2024 | RAU’S IAS
developed European nations went across the oceans to
discover, subjugate and plunder new lands and people in
the name of trade. Indian history is witness to this trend
of subjugation in the disguise of trading relations; and so
are almost all African and South Asian nations.
End of Enlightenment era and the beginning of modern
industrial world once again changed the contours of
success. From land to money from trade, success now
came to be defined as accumulation of all things prior
used to assert power over global events through
ideologies. Ideologies and their following among the
masses because of increasing literacy came to dominate
world affairs. Success was now linked to achieving
nationalistic ends on the back of differing ideologies such
as capitalism, communism, socialism among others, each
crying for supremacy.
The important point of contention through all three
phases of history is the importance attached to freedom
especially individualistic freedom. While freedom of an
individual has seen a place of pride among every
philosopher’s arsenal from Socrates, Plato, Aristotle, and
Heraclitus to Kant, Marx, J.S. Mill and Bentham; if we trace
freedom from philosophy to practicality, the results would
be starkly different.
The ancient era decried any fundamental freedom except
that to live and work for prosperity of their realm and their
ruler. Examples abound in Aztec, Mayans, Egyptian
civilizations, all considered as marvels and by that
extension successful.
Athenians and post them, Romans invented the
precursors to the modern institutions of democracy and
federation. The freedom enjoyed by various classes of
citizens was widely dependent upon the lottery of birth
and acquisition and little to material wealth for men.
Spartan society was extremely militaristic and
129
 Essays OF THE MONTH
hierarchical, and freedom belonged only to few and that
too in a restricted manner as in military rule. In all three
cases, societies have been historically considered as
advanced and successful.
Modern nation states have gone through various
revolutions like American and French revolution to
establish equality of opportunity and freedom between
‘men’ of different coloured skins and of varying status of
birth. Slavery was only abolished in European colonies in
mid-18th century and in late 19th century in America. It
was only in 1919 that steps were taken for adult suffrage
including women in UK. Better part of the 20th century
was spent in successive waves of feminism for women to
establish their rights and freedoms along with Jim Crow
laws and Ku Klux Clan.
Despite such a glaring lack of freedom for almost half the
population and barbaric restrictions placed upon their
being, British and American societies have long been
hailed as pinnacles of ‘success.’ The irony and disconnect
between success of a society to the freedom it provides to
its members can be easily garnered from overturning of
Roe V. Wade. The right to bodily autonomy and freedom
to exercise choice is one of, if not the most fundamental
freedom of life. But no critic nor philosopher or
academician would call out the American society as
anything but successful.
The idea of success and its connotations in the global
arena comprise of a plethora of factors of which a small
but definite part has come to be individual freedom in the
21st century. The idea, perception and cognizance of
freedom that everyone should possess for the fact of
IF YOU CAN DREAM IT, YOU CAN DO IT.
#Philosophical
SUBMITTED BY: NANDINI KUMAR
Disclaimer: The viewpoints in the topic are strictly personal
of the writer above. The role of Rau’s IAS Study Circle is to
present the write-up in its original form, hence the study
circle neither endorses nor rejects any viewpoint in the
submission. The purpose is only to showcase the manner of
writing.
FOCUS | JUNE 2024 | RAU’S IAS
being a human being and a citizen of a state is a relatively
new phenomena in comparison. It’s rise can be attributed
to Gutenberg and his invention of the press which allowed
people to firstly road ideas and then secondly to
formulate their own thoughts to debate, discuss and
propagate a new-born collective conscience. The
contemporary global society has moved away from primal
concepts of powers and success to an extent because of
the awakening of this collective conscience.
It has forced the contours of individual freedom to widen
because the powers that previously constrained these
freedoms are now susceptible to demolition, or more
frequently, change through electoral representation. The
concepts of divine rights of monarchs to do as they
pleased with their subjects have become extinct and
monarchs can now also be punished for wrong doings vis-
à-vis UK’s Crown Prosecution Act.
It conclusion, it can be resolutely said that although
freedom of individuals has not played a significant role in
success of society until very recently, but it can be hoped
that this change would not see a reversal.
Even though there are examples of flawed but successful
societies of USA; there are also examples of Scandinavian
countries like Norway, Sweden etc. whose societies value
individual autonomy at highest order and are also world’s
most progressive, developed and happy nations. A quaint
little society closer to home i.e., Bhutan can also inspire us
to move away from an economic dimension of success
(GDP) to a holistic dimension like their Gross National
Happiness.
Therefore, it is the sole responsibility of the reader to use
his/her intellect to check the veracity of viewpoints.
“A dream is not the vision you see in your
sleep; it is the thing that doesn’t let you
sleep.” These golden words of Dr. APJ Abdul
Kalam have inspired generation upon
130
 Essays OF THE MONTH
generation. Dreams are the beautiful and heartening
wishes we harbor that inspires us to make reality just as
amazing and mesmerizing. To even wish for and dream of
wonderful things requires great creativity, hope and
intelligence. A person capable of dreaming is also a
person capable of turning dreams to reality, with their
unique vision and skills. Walt Disney rightly said, “If you
can dream it, you can do it.”
The difference between dreaming and doing lies in our
perception. Seeing our wishes as mere desires keeps
them in the realm of imagination seeing our wishes as
directives for a brighter future helps us realize them and
manifest them.
If one hopes and dreams for a moving cause with enough
intensity, he can find enough strength and intelligence
within himself to fulfill such a cause. Times old and new
show us through individuals and institutions alike how
great resolve, determination, dedication and achievable
targets can make all dreams come true.
DREAMING A GLORIOUS DREAM
A dream is not simply a hope filled thought one can think
and desire. Thoughts are impulses of the mind tempered
with reality and constrained by the limits of the world. On
the other hand, a dream is an impulse of the soul free
from the sounds of the “norm”, free to create a reality of
its own.
The plan to visit a neighbouring city is a thought. The plan
to fly to a city in a world without airplanes is a dream. A
dream is not what is moulded by reality. It is that which on
realization molds reality.
George Bernard Shaw rightly said, “The reasonable man
adapts himself to the world, the unreasonable man
transforms the world.” The Wright Brothers in 1903 made
an unrealistic dream reality with the first successful
airplane flight. On an institutional level, Savitribai and
Jyotiba Phule and their associates made history by
establishing a school for girls in India in 1848. Pushing the
boundaries of what is “acceptable, probable, realistic” is
the hallmark of a revolutionary dream. It is perhaps the
only dream that is ever realized fully. Without the
FOCUS | JUNE 2024 | RAU’S IAS
motivation to make the unthinkable happen, dreams can
be lost to compromise.
MAKING DREAMS COME TRUE
Making dreams come true requires determination and
dedication. Painstaking efforts, relentless pursuit and
single–minded focus is key for such an achievement.
During the Covid–19 pandemic, everyone dreamt of a
miraculous invention to save humanity.
Only, a few turned that dream into reality. Since 2020,
leading pharmaceutical companies and their visionary
and enthusiastic scientists attempted to create a
lifesaving corona preventing vaccine. From March to
November 2020 leading companies like Pfizer
AstraZeneca, Moderna faced numerous difficulties in their
vaccine trials. However, after numerous failed trials, all
efforts came to fruition. The vaccines developed have an
efficacy rate of more than 90% and have indeed saved
million of lives and enabled the world to return to
normalcy.
On an individual level, we can learn from the inspiring
journey of genius inventor Thomas Edison. Edison had a
dream of living in an efficient, developed world powered
by electricity. He failed ten thousand times. Yet, he
counted each time as a unique lesson. The Culmination of
all those lessons was the lightbulb.
Turning a vision into a tangible reality requires us to be
skilled and knowledgeable about our intentions. As Wilbur
Wright said, “it is possible to fly without motors, but not
without knowledge and skill.” Dr. Vikram Sarabhai was the
one with a glorious vision of India’s indigenous space
program, for which he conceptualized the academic and
physical rigor befitting of India’s finest space scientists.
ISRO’s Academic centers and Research centers have
arisen out of this awareness of importance of skills and
clarity play in the realization of any dream.
Prioritization is the less spoken secret for realizing one’s
dreams. We must prize our objectives over distractions,
judgements and the price at which our objectives will be
realized. On the path to become world champion, boxer
Mary Kom had to make sacrifices, forego the comfort of
family and continuously practice. Sacrificing comfort,
early gratification, and our own fears are some examples.
131
 Essays OF THE MONTH
During the freedom struggle, both Moderates and
Extremists were intensely devoted to the cause of India’s
freedom. So much so, that they decided to sacrifice their
affiliation with the Congress, to unfetteredly pursue their
dream for freedom.
DEFENDING OUR DREAMS
In a world, where many never experience the joy having a
dream, and many more lose hope of living such a dream,
disappointment runs rife. It is only natural that the
“dreamer doers” draws scorn and judgement of those
bereft of dreams.
Martin Luther King Jr. whose most famous speech is called
“I have a dream,” is a shining sample of someone who
fought to uphold his dreams until the very end. Despite
the racial segregation laws, racist attacks, and resistance
from his own family, King strove to work for his dream and
find more allies who shared his dream. Thus, it is essential
for the voices cheering us to drown out the voices
attacking us.
Our dreams can undergo can evolve while travelling from
our minds to our world. Therefore, it is essential for us to
have an open mind and see dreams as tangible yet
polymorphous. Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam had a dream of
serving his nation and crafting her destiny. For this, he
FOCUS | JUNE 2024 | RAU’S IAS
tried to join the Indian Airforce 7 times, and got rejected
each time. However, he knew that dreams could change
form while retaining their soul. He worked tirelessly and
became the Missile man of India, inspiring many more to
go after their dreams.
LIVING THE DREAM
All the difficulties, triumph and losses associated with
pursuing our dreams makes us value every effort to live
such a dream. Thus, when such a dream becomes a
reality. We fight tooth and nail to maintain and preserve
it. India, in its varied history, has been witness to many
uncomfortable events such as the loss of her freedom,
and the mistreatment of her people. For centuries, brave
men and women fought for India’s freedom. When it was
finally realized, we became even more aware of the
immense value of our dream. Today India is the world’s
largest thriving democracy and boasts of one of the
strongest armies of the world.
Living such a dream is only possible if we dare to see a
dream, plan for it meticulously, stay open to its many
possibilities and defend it with everything we have.
Realizing our dreams motivates us to dream higher
dreams with larger goals and gives us the confidence to
realize them.
132