The ongoing copyright dispute between actors Dhanush and Nayanthara highlights the complexities of copyright law and its potential misuse in the film industry.
What is the dispute?
The case revolves around South Indian actor Dhanush suing actress Nayanthara for using excerpts from their 2015 film in a biopic without his consent.
Nayanthara claims she had sought permission earlier, but Dhanush’s company, which produced the film, did not respond, leading to the lawsuit over copyright infringement.
About The Copyright Act, 1957:
Details
What is it?
• Enacted in 1957 to protect creators’ rights over original works.
• Objective: To encourage creativity while balancing public access.
• Grants exclusive rights to authors and creators for reproduction, distribution, and public performance of their works.
• The Act has been amended to address digital content and technological advancements.
Features and Provisions of the Act
• Scope: Covers literary, musical, artistic works, cinematograph films, sound recordings, and more.
• Duration: Copyright lasts life of author + 60 years for literary, musical, and dramatic works, and 60 years for films/sound recordings.
• Exclusive Rights: Right to reproduce, distribute, perform, and adapt works.
• Moral Rights: Includes right to attribution and integrity of the work.
What does Section 52 say?
• Section 52 lists exceptions allowing use of copyrighted works without permission in specific situations.
• Fair Use: For criticism, review, news reporting, teaching, research, and private use.
• Includes exceptions for libraries, archives, and government use.
• Important for education and public access—enables non-commercial use of works.
PYQ:
[2014] In a globalized world, Intellectual Property Rights assume significance and are a source of litigation. Broadly distinguish between the terms—Copyrights, Patents and Trade Secrets.
[2017] With reference to the ‘National Intellectual Property Rights Policy’, consider the following statements:
It reiterates India’s commitment to the Doha Development Agenda and the TRIPS Agreement.
Department of Industrial Policy and Promotion is the nodal agency for regulating intellectual property rights in India.
Which of the above statements is/are correct?
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2
The implementation guidelines for MGNREGA are outlined in Master Circulars issued by the Ministry of Rural Development (MoRD) annually or biennially.
Mahatma Gandhi NREGA provides a number of legal entitlements to the job seekers through a series of provisions in the Act. While the Act makes provision for at least 100 days work per rural household in a year, it is the strong legal framework of rights and entitlements that come together to make the hundred days of work per year possible.
Every household residing in any rural area is entitled to a Job Card which contains the names and photographs of all adult members of the household so that they can demand and receive work.
According to the Master Circular for 2021-22, job cards can only be deleted under specific circumstances:
when a household has permanently migrated
if the job card is identified as a duplicate,
if it was issued using forged documents.
According to Chapter 4 (Schedule II) of the annual circular, “Every adult member of a registered household whose name appears in the job card shall be entitled to apply for unskilled manual work.
The Ministry mandates the provision of an additional 50 days of wage employment (beyond the stipulated 100 days) to every Scheduled Tribe Household in a forest area, under the FRA Act, 2006.
State Governments are mandated to put in place multiple mechanisms by which rural households can submit applications for demand for work at the Gram Panchayat (GP), Block and District levels.
What were the reasons behind the decision to delete references to the ‘Right to work’ in recent legislation or policy?
Administrative Efficiency: Governments may argue that streamlining policies and removing cumbersome regulations can enhance efficiency in employment programs.
Aadhaar-Based Payment Systems (ABPS): The push for ABPS has led to increased deletions of job cards, as officials focus on compliance metrics rather than ensuring workers’ rights are upheld.
Political and Economic Pressures: There may be external pressures to reduce welfare spending or adjust labour policies in response to economic conditions, leading to a perception that the ‘right to work’ is less critical.
What does the term ‘right to work’ entail, and why is it significant in the context of labor laws?
The ‘right to work’ is a fundamental principle in labour laws that guarantees individuals the opportunity to engage in employment and earn a livelihood.
In the context of the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA), specifically provides rural households with a legal entitlement to at least 100 days of wage employment per year.
This right is significant because it aims to alleviate poverty, promote social justice, and ensure economic security for rural populations. The act also mandates due process in the deletion of workers from job cards, emphasising the importance of transparency and accountability in employment practices.
How might the deletion of the ‘right to work’ impact workers, unions, and the broader labour market?
Workers’ Rights: It undermines the legal protections afforded to workers, making it easier for authorities to arbitrarily delete job cards without proper verification or due process.
Unions and Collective Bargaining: Unions may find it challenging to advocate for workers’ rights when legal entitlements are diminished, weakening their bargaining power.
Labour Market Dynamics: A reduction in guaranteed employment can lead to increased unemployment and underemployment, exacerbating poverty and economic inequality among rural populations.
Way forward:
Strengthen Oversight and Accountability: Implement independent audits, regular reviews, and grievance redress mechanisms to ensure adherence to due process in job card deletions, with active involvement of Gram Sabhas and worker representatives.
Enhance Worker Protections: Reinforce legal safeguards for the ‘right to work’ by improving transparency in employment programs, ensuring compliance with MGNREGA mandates, and addressing systemic issues like ABPS-linked exclusions through inclusive digital solutions.
Mains PYQ:
Q An essential condition to eradicate poverty is to liberate the poor from the process of deprivation.” Substantiate this statement with suitable examples. (UPSC IAS/2016)
Nearly 75 years after the adoption of the Constitution of India, the Supreme Court reaffirmed (on 25th Nov’ 24) the inclusion of the terms ‘socialist’ and ‘secular’ in the Preamble of the Constitution.
What historical context led to the insertion of the terms ‘socialist’ and ‘secular’ in the Preamble?
The Objectives Resolution, introduced by Jawaharlal Nehru in 1946, laid foundational principles for the Constitution, emphasizing independence, equality, and minority rights, which set the stage for later amendments.
Initial discussions around socialism and secularism occurred during the drafting of the Constitution, with early proposals to include these concepts being rejected. The debates highlighted differing views on the role of socialism and secularism in India’s governance.
The terms ‘socialist’ and ‘secular’ were inserted into the Preamble during the Emergency (1975-1977) under the 42nd Amendment, a time characterized by significant political unrest and government overreach.
What was the SC’s reasoning for upholding these terms in the Preamble?
Evolution of Meaning: The Supreme Court noted in 1973 () that the meanings of ‘socialism’ and ‘secularism’ have evolved over time within the Indian context.
The court recognized that these terms now reflect principles of economic justice and religious neutrality rather than strict ideological definitions.
Interpretation of Secularism: The court emphasized that India’s interpretation of secularism is unique, where the state neither endorses nor discriminates against any religion. This interpretation aligns with the Preamble’s ideals of fraternity and equality.
Socialism as Economic Justice: The court defined socialism as ensuring economic and social justice, asserting that it does not impede private enterprise but rather supports state intervention to uplift marginalized communities.
How do ‘socialist’ and ‘secular’ reflect India’s Constitutional values and principles?
Commitment to Justice: The inclusion of ‘socialist’ reflects a commitment to social and economic justice, aiming to reduce inequalities in society.
Religious Neutrality: By incorporating ‘secular’, the Constitution underscores India’s commitment to religious pluralism and the protection of individual rights regardless of faith.
Basic Structure Doctrine: The Supreme Court’s decision reinforces the idea that these terms are integral to the basic structure of the Constitution, which cannot be altered or removed without undermining India’s democratic framework.
What are the steps taken by the Government to implement the Socialist and Secular principles of the Preamble?
Promoting Social Justice (Socialist): Welfare schemes like MNREGA, Ayushman Bharat, and PDS reduce poverty and ensure equitable access, while progressive taxation and affirmative action address economic disparities.
Ensuring Religious Neutrality (Secular): Laws protecting religious freedom, minority rights (Articles 25–30), and institutions like the National Commission for Minorities promote interfaith harmony and safeguard pluralism.
Strengthening Democracy and Equality: Free and fair elections by the Election Commission and rights-based laws like the RTE Act and the SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act ensure equality, fraternity, and justice for all.
Way forward:
Strengthening Constitutional Values: Enhance awareness of constitutional principles through education and public campaigns, ensuring adherence to secularism, socialism, and democratic ideals in policymaking.
Inclusive Governance: Implement targeted programs to address socio-economic inequalities, promote interfaith dialogue, and uphold democratic rights, fostering harmony and justice in a diverse society.
Mains PYQ:
Q Discuss each adjective attached to the word ‘Republic’ in the preamble. Are they defendable in the present circumstances stances?. (UPSC IAS/2016)
Israel and Lebanon agreed to a ceasefire after 13 months of rising conflict, though it is linked to the UN Resolution 1701, which has not been fully implemented.
AboutUNSC Resolution 1701:
Details
What is it?
Passed on August 11, 2006, following the 34-day war between Israel and Hezbollah.
Aimed to end hostilities, ensure the security of Israel and Lebanon, and establish long-term peace along the Israel-Lebanon border.
Also designed to prevent Hezbollahfrom using southern Lebanon as a base for military operations against Israel.
Key Provisions and Objectives
Cessation of Hostilities: Aimed at halting the conflict between Hezbollah and Israel.
Disarmament of Armed Groups: Called for the disarmament of Hezbollah and all other armed groups in Lebanon, leaving only the Lebanese state with weapons authority.
Israeli Withdrawal: Mandated Israel’s full withdrawal from southern Lebanon, which had been occupied since the 1982 Lebanon War.
Lebanese Forces Deployment: Directed the Lebanese government to deploy its army in southern Lebanon to ensure peace and prevent Hezbollah’s rearmament.
UNIFIL Deployment: Increased deployment of the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) to monitor the border and ensure compliance.
Arms Embargo: Imposed restrictions to prevent the transfer of weapons to Hezbollah.
Implementation of Taif Accords (1989): The resolution emphasizes the full implementation of this accord, which is critical for the disarmament of non-state actors in Lebanon and the consolidation of Lebanese state authority across the country.
Implementation and Violations
Partial Implementation: While Israel withdrew from southern Lebanon, Hezbollah retained its weapons and continued its terror operations.
Lebanese Army Deployment: The Lebanese army was deployed in southern Lebanon but struggled to assert full control, as Hezbollah’s influence remained strong in the region.
UNIFIL’s Role: UNIFIL, while active, faced challenges in fully enforcing the provisions of the resolution due to Hezbollah’s continued presence and the complexities of local politics.
Violations: Despite the resolution’s provisions, violations have included Hezbollah’s stockpiling of weapons and cross-border skirmishes, as well as the failure to fully disarm all armed groups, undermining the resolution’s goals.
Taif Accords Violation: This has hindered the establishment of complete state sovereignty in Lebanon.
PYQ:
[2018] “India’s relations with Israel have, of late, acquired a depth and diversity, which cannot be rolled back.” Discuss.
The Minister of State for Communications has provided crucial information about the India Post Payments Bank (IPPB).
AboutIndia Post Payments Bank (IPPB):
Details
What is it?
Division of India Post under the Ministry of Communications, launched in 2018.
Operates as payments bank.
Vision and Principles
• Objective: Promote financial inclusion by providing accessible and affordable financial services.
• Customer-Centric: Focuses on delivering secure and affordable banking to rural and underserved areas.
Empowerment Initiatives by IPPB
• Financial Inclusion: Offers savings accounts, current accounts, money transfers, bill payments, and insurance.
• Aadhaar-Linked Services: Implements Aadhaar-enabled Payment System (AePS) for easy and secure transactions.
• Doorstep Banking: Provides banking services through 3 lakh postmen and Grameen Dak Sewaks.
• Rapid Expansion: Reached 4 crore customers by December 2020 and crossed 8 crore customers by January 2022, with over 9 crore customers as of March 2024.
Back2Basics: Payments Bank
A payments bank operates like a regular bank but without credit risk.
It was set up based on the recommendations of the Nachiket Mor Committee.
Objective: To promote financial inclusion, especially in unbanked areas, serving migrant workers, low-income households, and small entrepreneurs.
Payments banks are registered as public limited companies under the Companies Act, 2013, and licensed under the Banking Regulation Act, 1949.
Governed by the Banking Regulation Act, RBI Act, 1934, and the Foreign Exchange Management Act, 1999.
Services Offered:
Minimum paid-up equity capital is Rs. 100 crores.
Can accept deposits up to Rs. 2,00,000 in savings and current accounts.
75% of deposits must be invested in government securities (SLR), with the remaining 25% placed as time deposits with other scheduled commercial banks.
Offers remittance services, mobile payments, ATM/debit cards, net banking, and third-party fund transfers.
Act as a banking correspondent (BC) for credit and other services.
Limitations:
Cannot issue loans or credit cards.
Cannot accept time deposits or NRI deposits.
Cannot set up subsidiaries for non-banking financial activities.
PYQ:
[2018] Which one of the following links all the ATMs in India?
The Indian Chemical Council (ICC) was honored with the prestigious Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW), The Hague Award during the 29th Session of the Conference of the States Parties.
Significance of the OPCW-The Hague Award
Purpose: The award recognizes contributions to advancing the goals of the Chemical Weapons Convention (CWC), focusing on chemical safety, disarmament, and global security.
This year, the award was given to the Indian Chemical Council (ICC), the first chemical industry body to receive it, for its role in promoting chemical safety and CWC compliance.
Global Impact: The award emphasizes ICC’s work in collaboration with international bodies and advocacy for sustainable practices in chemical security.
Legacy: The OPCW, which won the Nobel Peace Prize in 2013, continues to honor impactful organizations and individuals contributing to the global disarmament agenda.
What is theChemical Weapons Convention (CWC)?
Details
What is it?
• CWC bans the development, use, and stockpiling of chemical weapons and mandates their destruction.
• Genesis: Negotiations began in 1980.
• Established: Opened for signature on January 13, 1993, and entered into force on April 29, 1997.
• More comprehensive than the 1925 Geneva Protocol, which only banned the use of chemical weapons.
Structure and Functions
• Conference of States Parties (CSP): The main decision-making body, meeting annually.
• Executive Council: 41-member body overseeing CWC implementation.
• Technical Secretariat: Provides support for verification and compliance.
• Verification: Inspects facilities and ensures compliance with the treaty.
Membership criteria and members
• Open to all nations: Any state can join if it meets requirements.
• 193 States-Parties: Includes most nations.
• Non-Signatories: Egypt, North Korea, and South Sudan have neither signed nor ratified the CWC.
Functioning Arm
• Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) implements the CWC, headquartered in The Hague.
• Role: Oversees the destruction of chemical weapons and ensures treaty compliance.
• Inspection: Conducts inspections of chemical facilities worldwide.
• Awards: The OPCW won the Nobel Peace Prize in 2013 for its efforts in chemical weapons elimination.
PYQ:
[2016] With reference to ‘Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW)’, consider the following statements:
It is an organization of the European Union in working relation with NATO and WHO.
It monitors the chemical industry to prevent new weapons from emerging.
It provides assistance and protection to States (Parties) against chemical weapons threats. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
The Ministry of Science and Technology, through its three key departments — Department of Science and Technology (DST), Department of Biotechnology (DBT), and Department of Scientific and Industrial Research (DSIR) — is implementing various schemes to bolster the Science, Technology, and Innovation (STI) ecosystem across India.
Schemes Implemented Under the Department of Science and Technology (DST)
Scheme
Objective
Key Components
Science and Technology (S&T) Institutional and Human Capacity Building (2015)
Enhance human resource development and institutional capacity in science and technology.
– Fellowships at various levels (undergraduate, postgraduate, doctoral, post-doctoral).
– Establishment of sophisticated R&D facilities.
– Capacity building for faculty.
Research and Development (R&D) (2009)
Support research in fundamental, applied, and translational sciences.
– Collaborative research with universities, government, and private sectors.
– International research cooperation.
– Focus on diverse sectors like health, energy, and IT.
Innovation, Technology Development, and Deployment (2016)
Foster innovation and facilitate the development of new technologies for national development.
– Technology incubation centers.
– Technology transfer and commercialization.
– Support for startups and entrepreneurs.
National Mission on Interdisciplinary Cyber Physical Systems (NM-ICPS) (2017)
Promote interdisciplinary research in Cyber Physical Systems (CPS) that integrate computational algorithms with physical processes.
– Development of CPS technologies (e.g., IoT, smart cities, advanced manufacturing).
– Setting up innovation centers and testbeds for CPS.
Advance quantum technologies for solving national challenges in energy, communications, and security.
– Research in quantum computing, quantum communications, and quantum sensing.
– Establishment of quantum technology hubs and research centers.
Schemes Implemented Under the Department of Biotechnology (DBT)
Scheme
Objective
Key Components
Biotechnology Research Innovation and Entrepreneurship Development (Bio-RIDE) (2017)
Foster innovation in biotechnology through research, industrial development, and entrepreneurship.
– Biotechnology R&D: Funding for research projects.
– Industrial & Entrepreneurship Development (I&ED): Support for biotech startups and industrial innovations.
– Biomanufacturing and Biofoundry: Development of manufacturing and biotechnological production systems.
PYQ Relevance: Q) Appropriate local community-level healthcare intervention is a prerequisite to achieve ‘Health for All’ in India. Explain. (UPSC CSE 2018)
Mentor’s Comment: UPSC Mains have always focused on ‘Inclusive Healthcare Infrastructure’ (in 2020), ‘Effective Implementation of Healthcare Policies’ (in 2017), ‘Universal Health Coverage Programs’ (in 2015).
Corneal blindness is a significant public health issue in India, contributing to approximately 15% to 20% of total blindness cases. With an estimated 1.2 million people affected and 20,000 to 25,000 new cases emerging annually, the urgency for effective solutions is paramount.
Today’s editorial explores the current challenges and proposes a comprehensive approach to address corneal blindness in India. This content can be used to present ‘Public Health challenges’ and to suggest some ‘innovative solutions to address Public Health’ in India.
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Let’s learn!
Why in the News?
The Report titled “India’s corneal blindness crisis” published by India Today, highlights the increasing incidence of corneal blindness, particularly in rural areas, and discusses the contributing factors such as limited access to healthcare and a shortage of donor corneas.
What are the key findings from these reports?
• Rising Incidence: Corneal blindness is increasing in India, with estimates of 20,000 to 25,000 new cases annually. This condition accounts for approximately 7.5% of total blindness cases in the country, significantly impacting rural populations where access to eye care is limited. • Demographics and Causes: The causes of corneal blindness have shifted from infectious diseases like keratitis to eye trauma and complications. Factors such as vitamin A deficiency, poor hygiene, and delayed medical interventions exacerbate the problem, particularly affecting children and working-age adults in rural areas. • Healthcare Disparities: Many individuals in rural regions lack access to quality eye care services, leading to irreversible corneal damage before they seek help. There is a notable gap in training and resources for healthcare providers, limiting their ability to effectively manage and treat corneal conditions. • Shortage of Donor Corneas: Despite a demand for around 100,000 corneal transplants each year, only about 25,000 to 30,000 corneas are donated annually. This shortage poses a significant barrier to treating those affected by corneal blindness. • Policy Considerations: Indian policymakers are considering implementing a ‘presumed consent’ model for organ donation to increase the availability of donor corneas. This approach aims to address the critical shortage and improve access to necessary treatments.
What are the primary causes and current statistics of corneal blindness in India?
Occupational Hazards: Injuries, particularly in industrial and agricultural settings, are increasingly recognized as a leading cause of corneal blindness. This shift highlights the impact of occupational hazards on eye health.
Historically, infectious diseases such as keratitis and trachoma have been significant contributors to corneal blindness.
However, the focus has shifted towards eye trauma and complications as major causes in recent years.
Nutritional Deficiencies: Widespread vitamin A deficiency is another critical factor exacerbating the incidence of corneal blindness, particularly among vulnerable populations such as children and working-age adults.
Healthcare Access Issues: Limited access to quality eye care services, especially in rural areas, leads to delayed treatment for conditions that could be managed effectively if addressed early.
Poor Hygiene and Delayed Interventions: Poor hygiene practices and delays in seeking medical help contribute to the worsening of corneal conditions, often resulting in irreversible damage.
Current Statistics
• Corneal blindness affects approximately 1.2 million people in India. • The country sees an estimated 20,000 to 25,000 new cases of corneal blindness each year. • Corneal blindness accounts for around 7.5% of the total blindness burden in India. • Children and working-age adults in rural areas are particularly susceptible due to malnutrition and frequent injuries, while elderly individuals face risks from degenerative eye conditions.
What are the barriers to effective treatment and prevention of corneal blindness?
Shortage of Donor Corneas: There is a significant gap between the demand for corneal transplants (estimated at 100,000 annually) and the actual number of donor corneas available (around 25,000 to 30,000). This shortage limits the ability to treat those suffering from corneal blindness effectively.
Healthcare Disparities: The distribution of specialized corneal services is uneven across India, with underserved regions lacking adequate facilities for the timely management of corneal diseases.
More trained corneal surgeons are needed to meet the annual transplant targets.
Although the Cornea Society of India has over 1,000 members, the exact number of surgeons performing keratoplasty regularly is unclear. This gap in training and availability affects surgical outcomes.
Data Gaps: Comprehensive data on the prevalence of corneal blindness and the number of individuals who could benefit from transplantation are lacking. Establishing a national registry for corneal blindness and transplants is essential.
Preventable Causes: Many cases of corneal blindness are avoidable through preventive measures such as addressing vitamin A deficiency, improving hygiene practices, and providing timely medical interventions for infections and injuries.
Public Awareness and Myths: Lack of awareness about eye health and misconceptions surrounding eye donation hinder corneal donation efforts. Myths about eye color change after donation or beliefs that only young people can donate deter potential donors.
What comprehensive strategies can be implemented?
Public Awareness and Education:Min of Health and Family Welfare (MoHFW) can lead nationwide awareness campaigns about eye health, corneal blindness, and the importance of eye donation.
Local health departments can conduct community outreach programs in schools and villages to educate people about eye care and the significance of corneal donation.
Enhancing Healthcare Access: The National Programme for Control of Blindness & Visual Impairment (NPCBVI) under the MoHFW, is responsible for improving eye care services across India, including establishing mobile eye care units.
District Blindness Control Societies (DBCS) that operate at the district level to implement eye care initiatives, can organize screening camps and facilitate access to surgical treatments for corneal blindness.
Training and Capacity Building: The Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS) and Regional Institutes of Ophthalmology (RIOs) can provide specialized training programs for eye surgeons and healthcare workers to enhance their skills in treating corneal conditions.
Policy and Research Initiatives: TheMinistry of Science and Technology can support research initiatives aimed at understanding the causes of corneal blindness and evaluating the effectiveness of interventions through funding and collaboration with research institutions.
For example, theNational Eye Bank Association of India can work on establishing guidelines for eye banks, promoting voluntary eye donations, and conducting research on best practices in eye banking
By implementing these strategies, India can make significant strides towards reducing the prevalence of corneal blindness and improving overall eye health across its population.
On November 26, 2024, India celebrated 75 years of its Constitution, honouring how leaders from different viewpoints worked together in the Constituent Assembly to build a nation that respects the rights and interests of all cultural groups.
Why Did Constitution Makers Agree to Create a Liberal Political State in India?
Emphasis on Liberty: The Constitution-makers embraced liberalism, which prioritizes individual freedom and the belief that citizens should operate without state interference. This was seen as essential for realizing human potential in intellectual, moral, and physical dimensions.
Positive State Role: Recognizing the severe social and economic inequalities at Independence, the framers concluded that a purely liberal approach without state intervention would exacerbate these disparities. Thus, they envisioned a state that actively works to reduce inequality through affirmative action and policies designed to uplift marginalized groups.
Egalitarian Vision: The Constitution reflects principles of egalitarian liberalism, aiming to create an inclusive society where equal opportunities are available to all. This is evident in the Fundamental Rights and Directive Principles of State Policy (DPSP), which advocate for reducing inequalities and ensuring fair access to resources.
How Does the Neoliberal Ideological Order Shadow the Constitutional Vision of Creating an Egalitarian Social Order in India?
Concentration of Wealth: The neoliberal agenda has facilitated wealth concentration among a small elite, undermining constitutional provisions intended to prevent such disparities.
The report that indicates that by 2022-23, 90% of billionaire wealth was held by upper castes in India is titled “Towards Tax Justice and Wealth Redistribution in India” (2024), prepared by the World Inequality Lab at the Paris School of Economics.
Shift in Economic Focus: Since the adoption of neoliberal reforms in the 1990s, there has been a marked shift towards prioritizing private capital investment over welfare state interventions.
Rising Inequality: Research indicates that income inequality has surged post-reforms, with the top 1% of earners capturing an increasing share of total income rising from 6% in the 1980s to approximately 22% by 2022-23.
What Policy Measures Can Be Implemented to Address Inequality Effectively? (Way forward)
Strengthening Welfare Policies: Reinvigorating welfare state mechanisms to ensure basic needs are met for all citizens can help bridge the gap between different socio-economic groups. This includes enhancing social security systems and public health initiatives.
Affirmative Action: Expanding affirmative action policies can help uplift marginalized communities by ensuring their representation in education, employment, and political spheres.
Progressive Taxation: Implementing a more progressive tax system can redistribute wealth more equitably. Higher taxes on the wealthy can be used to fund social programs aimed at reducing poverty and improving access to education and healthcare.
Community Resource Management: Encouraging community-based management of resources can empower local populations and ensure equitable distribution of wealth generated from local economies.
Regulatory Frameworks: Establishing robust regulatory frameworks that prevent monopolistic practices and ensure fair competition can help mitigate wealth concentration and promote economic equity.
Mains PYQ:
Q COVID-19 pandemic accelerated class inequalities and poverty in India. Comment. (UPSC IAS/2020)
A depression over the Southwest Bay of Bengal has intensified into a deep depression and is likely to further intensify into Cyclone Fengal.
The system is currently close to an area with higher sea surface temperatures (SST), contributing to its potential intensification into a cyclonic storm.
Origin of the Name ‘Fengal’
The name ‘Fengal’ was proposed by Saudi Arabia and is rooted in Arabic.
It reflects a combination of linguistic tradition and cultural identity.
Cyclone Naming Process:
Cyclones in the North Indian Ocean are named by the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) and the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (UNESCAP) panel.
This panel includes 13 member countries, such as India, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, and Pakistan, among others.
Each member country submits a list of potential cyclone names, and these names are used sequentially as cyclones form in the region.
This system, in place since 2004, ensures easy identification and effective communication of storms to the public.
PYQ:
[2015] In the South Atlantic and South Eastern Pacific regions in tropical latitudes, cyclone does not originate. What is the main reason behind this?