The Samarth Scheme (Scheme for Capacity Building in Textiles Sector), which aims to teach 300,000 people in textile-related skills, has been extended for two years (FY 2024â25 and 2025â26).
Achievements of the SAMARTH Scheme:
So far, 3.27 lakh candidates have been trained under the Samarth Scheme, with 2.6 lakh (79.5%) of them gaining employment.
There is a strong focus on women’s employment, with 2.89 lakh (88.3%) women trained so far.
What is âSAMARTHâ Scheme?
Details
Name
Samarth (Scheme for Capacity Building in Textile Sector)
Nodal Ministry
Ministry of Textiles
Approval
Approved by the Cabinet Committee of Economic Affairs as a continuation of the Integrated Skill Development Scheme for the 12th Five Year Plan (FYP)
Implementing Agency
Office of the Development Commissioner (Handicrafts)
Objectives
⢠Provide demand-driven, placement-oriented skilling programs
⢠Incentivize industry efforts to create jobs in organized textile and related sectors
⢠Promote skilling and skill upgradation in traditional sectors
Scope
Covers the entire textile value chain, excluding spinning and weaving
Special Provisions
Includes upskilling and reskilling programs to improve productivity of existing workers in the apparel and garmenting segments
Target Beneficiaries
Handicraft artisans and individuals seeking employment in the textile sector
Implementing Agencies
⢠Textile Industry
⢠Institutions/Organizations of the Ministry of Textiles/State Governments with training infrastructure
⢠Reputed training institutions/NGOs/Trusts/Companies with placement tie-ups
PYQ:
[2020] Consider the following statements:
The value of Indo-Sri Lanka trade has consistently increased in the last decade.
âTextile and textile articlesâ constitute an important item of trade between India and Bangladesh.
In the last five years, Nepal has been the largest trading partner of India in South Asia.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 2 only
(c) 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
The Marital Rape Exception (MRE), rooted in the doctrine of coverture from English common law, has long sparked debates about the legal autonomy of women within marriage.
Marital Rape Exception (MRE): What is it?
The MRE is found in Exception 2 to Section 375 of the Indian Penal Code (IPC), 1860, and its equivalent, Section 63 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), 2023.
According to these provisions, sexual intercourse or sexual acts by a man with his wife do not constitute rape if the wife is above 18 years of age.
Why discuss this?
This legal immunity for husbands has been challenged for violating fundamental rights, and now, a three-judge Bench led by CJI D.Y. Chandrachud is set to examine the constitutional validity of this exception.
The outcome of this case could redefine the boundaries of consent and bodily autonomy within the institution of marriage in India.
Split Verdict by the Delhi High Court in 2022:
1. Justice Rajiv Shakdherâs Opinion:
Declared the Marital Rape Exception (MRE) unconstitutional.
Argued that the MRE violates a womanâs bodily autonomy and expression.
Criticized the exception as being rooted in patriarchy and misogyny.
Held that the classification of marital rape as different from rape outside marriage is unreasonable and arbitrary.
Emphasized that forced sex outside marriage is treated as “real rape,” while the same act within marriage is not.
2. Justice C. Hari Shankarâs Opinion:
Upheld the Marital Rape Exception, considering it legal within the framework of marriage.
Argued that sexual relations within marriage are a legitimate expectation.
Expressed concerns that allowing prosecution of husbands for non-consensual sex would be antithetical to the institution of marriage as understood in Indian society.
Believed that introducing the possibility of husbands being seen as rapists within marriage would undermine the institution of marriage.
Doctrine of Coverture from English Common Law:
The doctrine states that upon marriage, a woman’slegal existence was essentially merged with that of her husband.
The married woman was legally dependent on her husband, losing autonomy over her legal rights and property.
Impact on Womenâs Rights:
Under this doctrine, a wife had no independent legal identity during marriage.
Women could not own property, enter contracts, or bring legal claims without their husbandâs approval.
The husband had control over the wifeâs body and actions, including sexual relations.
Influence on Marital Rape Exception:
The doctrine formed the basis for the original Marital Rape Exception in British common law.
It implied that a wife gave permanent consent to sexual relations upon marriage, which could not be withdrawn.
This legal reasoning was adopted in many British colonies, including India, and continues to influence Indian law today.
Modern Rejection:
England abolished the Marital Rape Exception in 1991 in the case of R v. R, recognizing that the doctrine of coverture no longer reflected the status of women in modern society.
Despite this, the doctrine’s influence persists in Indiaâs legal system, particularly through the Marital Rape Exception in BNS.
PYQ:
[2024] The soul of new law, Bhartiya Nyay Sanhita (BNS) is Justice, Equality and Impartiality based on Indian culture and ethos. Discuss this in the light of major shift from a doctrine of punishment to justice in the present judicial system.Â
Q)Â âAn essential condition to eradicate poverty is to liberate the poor from the process of deprivation.â Substantiate this statement with suitable examples. (UPSC CSE 2016) Q) âDespite implementation of various programmes for eradication of poverty by the government in India, poverty is still existingâ. Explain by giving reasons. (UPSC CSE 2018) Q) âThe incidence and intensity of poverty are more important in determining poverty based on income aloneâ. In this context analyse the latest United Nations Multidimensional Poverty Index Report. (UPSC CSE 2020)
Mentorâs Comment: According to the World Bank, India significantly reduced extreme poverty from 22.5% in 2011 to about 10.2% in 2019. However, ongoing challenges necessitate sustained efforts and targeted interventions to ensure that the benefits of economic growth reach all segments of society.
Universal Basic Income (UBI) has emerged as a prominent topic in India’s socio-economic discourse, especially after the discussions initiated during the Economic Survey of 2016-17. NITI Aayog’s reports have also emphasize a multi-sectoral approach to poverty alleviation, focusing on improving access to education, healthcare, sanitation, and housing.
Todayâs editorial delves into the complexities surrounding the implementation of UBI in India, highlighting both its potential benefits and the challenges that must be addressed for effective execution.
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Let’s learn!
Why in the News?
There are ongoing discussions and debates surrounding the implementation of Universal Basic Income (UBI) in India.
The main reasons for this are – existing economic disparities and job losses during the COVID pandemic, secondly the political concerns regarding funding in India, and thirdly, various countries have experimented with UBI, providing valuable insights
What is âUniversal Basic Incomeâ? ⢠UBI is a financial transfer policy that proposes providing all citizens with a regular, unconditional cash payment to ensure a minimum standard of living. ⢠The concept aims to alleviate poverty, reduce inequality, and simplify the welfare system by replacing subsidies with direct cash transfers. ⢠However, implementing UBI in a country like India, with its vast population and diverse economic conditions, presents significant hurdles.
What are the significant hurdles to implementing UBI in India?
Fiscal Constraints: Providing a basic income to all citizens would require substantial financial resources, estimated to be around 4.9% of GDP, which could strain the government’s budget and limit funding for other essential services.
A sudden influx of cash into the economy could also lead to inflation.
Universal vs. Targeted Approach: A universal UBI could lead to inefficiencies, where wealthier individuals also receive benefits, wasting resources intended for the poor. This raises questions about how to effectively target those who need assistance the most.
Implementation and Infrastructure Challenges: The lack of infrastructure for banking in remote areas can hinder effective cash transfers and program implementation.
Political and Federal Landscape: Building consensus among diverse political parties and interest groups from various states can be challenging in India’s multifaceted political environment.
Behavioral and Social Concerns: UBI might reduce the incentive for individuals to seek employment, potentially leading to a decrease in labor force participation and productivity. This dependency could undermine the goal of fostering self-sufficiency among citizens.
What modifications are necessary to make UBI financially feasible in India?
Targeted Implementation: Instead of universal payments to all citizens, prioritize UBI for low-income and vulnerable households to reduce overall costs. For example, a semi-UBI model that provides basic income to specific demographics can be used.
Funding Mechanisms: Redirect funds from existing welfare schemes and subsidies that are inefficient or prone to leakage into the UBI program. Implement progressive taxation to increase government revenue, ensuring that higher-income groups contribute more to fund UBI.
Incremental Rollout: India needs to start with pilot projects in select regions to assess the impact and effectiveness of UBI before a nationwide rollout. This allows for adjustments based on real-world data.
Administrative Efficiency: The Govt needs to leverage current Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) systems to minimize administrative costs and then enhance digital banking infrastructure and mobile connectivity, especially in rural areas, to facilitate access to UBI payments.
Monitoring and Evaluation: Establishing the mechanisms for tracking the distribution and impact of UBI payments to ensure transparency and accountability could help. We also need to incorporate beneficiary feedback into program design and implementation to adapt UBI according to the needs of recipients.
Public Awareness and Support: Conduct awareness programs through all stakeholders to educate citizens about UBI’s benefits and address misconceptions.
What are the potential social and economic impacts of implementing UBI in India?
1) Economic Impacts:
Poverty Alleviation: UBI could lift millions out of poverty by providing a basic income floor, addressing the needs of approximately 3.44 crore people living in extreme poverty in India.
Increased Consumer Spending: By putting cash directly into people’s hands, UBI could boost disposable income, leading to increased consumption. This is particularly important as private consumption accounts for nearly 60% of India’s GDP.
Economic Growth: Enhanced consumer demand could stimulate economic growth, especially in rural areas, benefiting sectors like agriculture and fast-moving consumer goods.
Human Capital Development: With increased financial stability, families may invest more in education and healthcare, improving overall human capital and productivity in the long run
2) Social Impacts:
Empowerment of Women: UBI could enhance financial independence for women, allowing them greater decision-making power within households and potentially leading to better outcomes for families.
Reduction in Inequality: UBI has the potential to narrow income inequality by redistributing wealth more equitably across society, addressing the disproportionate wealth held by the top 10.
Potential Behavioral Changes: Critics argue that providing income without work may lead to decreased motivation to seek employment, potentially fostering a culture of dependency among some recipients.
Way Forward: While UBI presents promising avenues for economic growth and social empowerment in India, careful consideration is needed regarding its design and implementation. Addressing potential drawbacks such as inflationary pressures and labor market distortions will ensure that UBI achieves its intended goals.
The 2024 Global Hunger Index (GHI) indicates that the number of undernourished people in India this year, approximately 200 million, would rank as the seventh largest population in the world, comparable to the size of Brazilâs population.
Why it is a matter of concern?
High Undernourishment Levels: India’s Global Hunger Index rank is 105 out of 127 countries, classified under the “serious” category with a score of 27.3. An estimated 200 million people, or roughly 14% of India’s population, are undernourished, a figure comparable to the population of Brazil.
Child Malnutrition: Indiaâs child stunting rate stands at 35.5%, and the child wasting rate is 18.7%, indicating widespread malnutrition. These rates reflect a failure in the healthcare and social safety net systems.
Infant Mortality Rate: Although Indiaâs infant mortality rate is slightly below the global average (26 per 1,000 live births compared to the global average of 28), it remains a significant issue.
Impact of Food Inflation: Food inflation more than doubled between FY22 and FY24, increasing from 3.8% to 7.5%. This disproportionately affects low-income households, leading to reduced food accessibility.
What about Indiaâs GDP growth?
High Economic Growth Rate: India was the worldâs fastest-growing economy in FY24, with a growth rate of 6.8% and a GDP nearing $4 trillion, ranking fifth globally.
Low Per Capita Income: Despite rapid economic growth, India’s per capita income remains low at $2,485 in FY24, which is less than a fourth of the global average of $13,920 in FY22. This disparity suggests significant income inequality and limited improvement in living standards for many.
Record Food Production vs. Hunger: In FY24, India achieved one of its highest food production levels at 332 million tonnes. However, the abundance in food production did not translate into improved food security due to distribution challenges, economic disparities, and climate-related impacts.
What is the debate about data collection methodology?
Use of Sample Registration System (SRS) Data: The GHI uses data from India’s Sample Registration System (SRS), which is annually published by the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation. It provides statistics on births, deaths, infant mortality, and other vital indicators.
Government’s Criticism of GHI Methodology: There has been ongoing criticism from the Indian government regarding the GHIâs methodology, particularly the reliance on survey data and subjective measurements for assessing hunger and malnutrition.Â
The government argues that the GHI may not accurately reflect the improvements in nutrition and food distribution initiatives.
Challenges in Addressing Undernutrition: Even with abundant food production, systemic issues such as poor nutrition programs, climate impacts on agricultural productivity, and socioeconomic factors continue to affect food security in India. Â
Way forward:Â
Strengthen Nutrition and Social Safety Programs: India should enhance the effectiveness of nutrition programs, such as the Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS) and Mid-Day Meal Scheme, ensuring better coverage, quality, and targeting to reduce child malnutrition and undernourishment.
Address Economic Inequality and Improve Food Access: Implement policies to reduce income disparities and make essential foods more affordable, such as expanding the Public Distribution System (PDS) to cover vulnerable groups affected by inflation and climate-related agricultural disruptions.
External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar informally interacted with Pakistanâs Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar during the SCO summit’s concluding lunch in Islamabad.
About SCO:
The SCO was established in 2001 to promote regional cooperation in security, economic development, and cultural exchange among its member states, which include China, India, Russia, Pakistan, and several Central Asian countries.
The organization represents around 40% of the global population, making it one of the largest regional groups. Its influence spans economic, political, and security dimensions.
The SCO focuses on combating terrorism, separatism, and extremism (the “three evils”), enhancing regional security, and fostering economic collaboration among member states.
The SCO holds annual summits, rotating between member countries, to discuss various topics ranging from economic cooperation to regional security challenges.
What were the major insights during SCO 2024 summit?
Diplomatic Engagement: The informal interaction between India’s External Affairs Minister and Pakistan’s leadership marked a notable shift in diplomatic engagement, highlighting a more constructive tone compared to previous meetings.
Avoidance of Contentious Issues: Both India and Pakistan’s leaders refrained from discussing sensitive topics such as Kashmir, indicating a focus on cooperation rather than conflict during this summit.
Collective Responsibility: The Indian foreign minister emphasized the need for an âhonest conversationâ about trust and cooperation in the SCO region, highlighting the importance of addressing concerns over terrorism and separatism in fostering trade and connectivity.
Positive Outcomes: The summit resulted in the signing of eight documents, including proposals for economic dialogue, cooperation in the creative economy, and strategies for addressing challenges in areas like green development and digital economy.
Future Cooperation: The joint statement from the summit emphasized optimizing the region’s potential in various sectors such as trade, innovation, and climate change, indicating a commitment to collaborative economic growth.
Challenges for India:Â
India-Pakistan Relations: Pakistan’s membership complicates India’s position within the SCO. The rivalry between India and Pakistan can hinder India’s ability to assert its interests effectively, especially since China and Russia are influential players in the organization.
Balancing Relations: India’s participation in the SCO necessitates a delicate balancing act between its traditional ties with Russia and its growing partnerships with Western nations. This is particularly challenging given the SCO’s often anti-Western posture.
Way forward:Â
Strengthen Regional Cooperation: India should prioritize common interests within the SCO, such as counter-terrorism, economic development, and connectivity, while using diplomatic channels to reduce tensions with Pakistan and maintain constructive dialogue.
Strategic Balancing: India can pursue a balanced approach by aligning its SCO engagements with its broader foreign policy goals, leveraging partnerships with Russia and Central Asia while carefully managing its ties with Western nations.
This yearâs Nobel Prize in Economics, officially known as the Sveriges Riksbank Prize in Economic Sciences, was awarded to Daron Acemoglu, Simon Johnson, and James Robinson (AJR). Â
AJR have highlighted the importance of institutions in development, but critics argue that this approach tends to favour Western liberal models over other institutional frameworks.
Why Do Some Nations Succeed While Others Fail?
Role of Institutions: The economic success or failure of nations can often be traced back to the nature of their institutions.Â
Inclusive institutions encourage economic activity by providing secure property rights, legal frameworks, and political systems that incentivize growth.Â
In contrast, extractive institutions concentrate wealth and power in the hands of a few, leading to economic stagnation and social inequality.
Historical Path Dependence: Countries that experienced inclusive economic institutions early in their development tend to be more prosperous, while those with a history of extractive institutions face significant barriers to growth. Historical events shape the trajectory of institutional development and influence current outcomes.
What Is the Impact of Historical Institutions on Current Economic Outcomes?
Colonial Legacy: Institutions established during colonialism, especially extractive ones, have long-lasting impacts. Areas with landlord-based land tenure systems or direct colonial rule have struggled with lower agricultural productivity, fewer social services, and weaker infrastructure.
Natural Experiment Evidence: AJR’s research used historical data, such as differences in settler mortality, to show that regions colonized by Europeans with high mortality rates ended up with extractive institutions that still negatively affect growth today.
Long-Term Development Patterns: The effects of historical institutions persist, shaping economic development, social structures, and governance even after countries gain independence or transition to new political systems.
Why do critics argue that this approach tends to favour Western liberal models over other institutional frameworks?
Historical Bias: Critics argue that AJR’s approach overlooks the diverse paths of development, favoring Western institutions while underestimating non-Western experiences and historical complexities.
Western Norms as Universal: The framework tends to present Western liberal institutions as ideal models, disregarding how other systems might effectively function in different cultural and socio-political contexts.
Why Are Inclusive Institutions Not More Widely Adopted?
Conflict of Interests: Powerful groups with control over resources have incentives to maintain extractive institutions to protect their wealth and power, resisting changes that would lead to a fairer distribution of economic benefits.
Collective Action Challenges: Reforming extractive institutions requires solving collective action problems where diverse groups must agree on new rules that may threaten the established elite’s interests.
Path Dependency: Historical conditions can create institutional inertia, making it challenging to shift from extractive to inclusive frameworks due to deep-rooted social, political, and economic norms.
Way forward:Â
Strengthen Inclusive Institutions: Focus on legal and policy reforms that secure property rights, ensure fair governance, and promote transparent decision-making, encouraging broad-based economic participation and growth.
Empower Marginalized Groups: Implement policies that reduce power concentration by supporting grassroots movements, enhancing education access, and providing economic opportunities to disadvantaged communities to overcome historical inequalities.
HAL was founded in 1940 in Bangalore as Hindustan Aircraft Limited, merging with Aeronautics India Limited in 1964 to become HAL.
It is a state-owned company under the Ministry of Defence.
Headquarters are in Bengaluru, Karnataka.
Operates 20 production and R&D centers across India, including Bangalore, Nashik, Koraput, and Lucknow.
Focuses on design, development, manufacture, and maintenance of aircraft, helicopters, engines, avionics, and aerospace equipment.
Produces fighter aircraft like Tejas LCA, Sukhoi Su-30MKI, Jaguar, and Hawk.
Manufactures helicopters including Dhruv ALH, Rudra, Cheetah, Chetak, and LCH.
Collaborates with Boeing, Airbus, Rosoboronexport, and Safran on aircraft production and tech transfer.
Listed on BSEand NSE in 2018, allowing public investment.
Expanded exports, supplying aircraft and helicopter parts to countries like Vietnam, Mauritius, and Ecuador.
Recent projects include AMCA, IMRH, and Tejas Mk2, boosting India’s indigenous defense capabilities.
About Maharatna CompaniesÂ
Details
What is it?
⢠Recognition granted to select Public Sector Undertakings (PSUs) in India.
⢠Provides greater financial and operational autonomy compared to Navratna and Miniratna PSUs.
Eligibility
⢠Annual Turnover: Over âš25,000 crore in the last three years.
⢠Net Worth: More than âš15,000 crore over the last three years.
⢠Net Profit: Minimum of âš5,000 crore for three consecutive years.
⢠Must have significant global operations or international presence.
Autonomy
⢠Can invest up to âš5,000 crore or 15% of their net worth in a single project without government approval.
⢠Authorized to make equity investments for strategic resources or collaborations in India and abroad.
Purpose
⢠Aims to foster more flexibility in operations and encourage expansion, especially in international markets.
⢠Helps companies to become global players.
Examples
⢠Indian Oil Corporation (IOC)
⢠Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited (BPCL)
⢠Steel Authority of India Limited (SAIL)
⢠Oil and Natural Gas Corporation (ONGC)
Significance
⢠Enhances the ability of PSUs to compete globally.
⢠Allows quicker decision-making and reduces bureaucratic hurdles.
⢠Promotes growth and competitiveness in the international arena.
Benefits of Maharatna Status for HAL
HAL can now invest up to âš5,000 crore (from earlier âš1000 cr) or 15% of its net worth (whichever is applicable) in a single project without needing government approval.
As a Maharatna company, HAL has the freedom to engage in mergers, acquisitions, and strategic investments, both domestically and internationally.
PYQ:
[2011] Why is the Government of India disinvesting its equity in the Central Public Sector Enterprises (CPSEs)?
1. The Government intends to use the revenue earned from the disinvestment mainly to pay back the external debt.
2. The Government no longer intends to retain the management control of the CPSEs.
Which of the statements given above is/ are correct?
PM has participated in the celebration of International Abhidhamma Divas and recognition of Pali as a classical language.
What is Abhidhamma?
Abhidhamma means âHigher Teachingâ or âSpecial Teachingâ in Pali, one of the three main divisions of the Tripitaka (Abhidhamma Pitaka) of Theravada Buddhism.
It offers a systematic and analytical exploration of mind and matter, delving deeper into Buddhist philosophy than the Sutta Pitaka.
The Abhidhamma explores mental states, consciousness, and psychological processes, providing a framework for understanding reality.
It is known for its technical and specialized vocabulary in Pali, such as:
Chitta (consciousness)
Chetasika (mental factors)
Rupa (materiality)
Nibbana (final liberation).
Abhidhamma Pitaka contains seven treatises, with Pannhana being one of the most notable for its analysis of causal relationships.
Traditionally, Buddha is believed to have taught the Abhidhamma to the gods in the Tavatimsa heaven, later sharing the teachings with his disciple Sariputta.
About International Abhidhamma Divas
It is celebrated Ashwin Purnima (Full Moon), to commemorate Buddhaâs descent from Tavatimsa-devaloka (a celestial realm) to Sankassiya (Sankisa Basantapur, UP).
It actually marks the conclusion of a 3-month rain retreat, known as Varsavasa or Vasa, during which monks remain in a single location for meditation and prayer.
The celebration involves Dhamma discourses, academic sessions, and exhibitions that connect ancient wisdom with modern spiritual practices.
Vigyan Bhavan, New Delhi, hosts the event, organized by the Ministry of Culture in collaboration with the International Buddhist Confederation (IBC).
Teachings of Abhidhamma
The Abhidhamma provides a detailed framework for understanding the mind, matter, and existence.
It addresses complex concepts like birth, death, and mental phenomena in a precise and abstract manner.
Abhidhamma is known for its analytical approach:
It categorizes mental states and emotions.
It explains causal relationships that determine mental and material phenomena.
The teachings cover topics like:
Moral and mental states
Aggregates (components of existence)
Causal links
Path to enlightenment.
Historical Background and Significance
Abhidhamma Divas commemorates the day when Lord Buddha returned to earth after teaching the Abhidhamma in the Tavatimsa realm.
The descent is marked by the Ashokan Elephant Pillar at Sankassiya, highlighting its historical significance.
The celebration coincides with the end of the Rainy Retreat (Vassa), a period of monastic seclusion, and the Pavarana festival, a time of mutual reflection among monks.
Classical Status to Pali Language
In 2024, the event holds special significance due to the recognition of Pali as a Classical Language by the Indian government.
Pali is the ancient language in which much of Buddhist canonical literature is written, including the Tipitaka.
Recognized as a Classical Language by the Government of India in 2024, alongside Marathi, Prakrit, Assamese, and Bengali.
Pali’s significance lies in its role as the medium for delivering Buddhaâs teachings, especially the Sutta Pitaka, Vinaya Pitaka, and Abhidhamma Pitaka.
The Tipitaka is composed of:
Vinaya Pitaka: Ethical rules for monks and nuns.
Sutta Pitaka: Discourses and teachings of Buddha.
Abhidhamma Pitaka: Detailed analysis of mental and physical phenomena.
Pali has a rich tradition of commentaries such as Atthasalini and Sammohavinodani, which aid in understanding Abhidhamma concepts.
PYQ:
[2020] With reference to the religious history of India, consider the following statements:
Sthaviravadins belong to Mahayana Buddhism.
Lokottaravadin sect was an offshoot of Mahasanghika sect of Buddhism.
The deification of Buddha by Mahasanghikas fostered the Mahayana Buddhism.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
[2016] With reference to the religious history of India, consider the following statements:
The concept of Bodhisattva is central to Hinayana sect of Buddhism.
Bodhisattva is a compassionate one on his way to Enlightenment.
Bodhisattva delays achieving his own salvation to help all sentient beings on their path to it.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 2 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
The National Board for Wildlife (NBWL) has approved 5 crucial roads, including 4 that pass through the Karakoram Wildlife Sanctuary near the Line of Actual Control (LAC).
These include a route to Daulat Beg Oldie (DBO), India’s northernmost military outpost in Ladakh, which also houses the countryâs highest airstrip.
AboutKarakoram Wildlife Sanctuary:
Details
Location
Ladakh, India, situated in the eastern part of the Karakoram Range.
Area
5,000 sq km (approximately), making it one of the largest high-altitude protected areas in India.
Altitude Range
Ranges from about 4,200m to over 7,500m at the peak of Saltoro Kangri.
Climate
Characterized by a cold desert climate, with harsh winters, low temperatures, and limited vegetation.
The region experiences snowfall during winter and temperatures can drop below -20°C (-4°F).
Summer temperatures are also low, typically ranging between 5°C to 20°C (41°F to 68°F).
Biodiversity
Home to species like the snow leopard, Tibetan antelope (chiru), Tibetan wild ass (kiang), ibex, and blue sheep (Bharal). The sanctuary also supports migratory bird species during certain times of the year.
Flora
Sparse vegetation, with cold desert flora, including hardy grasses, shrubs, and medicinal plants.
Rivers
Shyok and Nubra Rivers flow through the Ladakh region, providing crucial water sources for the sanctuary.
Significance
Part of the larger trans-Himalayan ecosystem, offering a habitat for some of the rarest and most endangered species in the world.
Conservation Challenges
Harsh climatic conditions, limited accessibility, and poaching threats to species like the chiru, whose undercoat is highly prized.
Tourism and Access
Restricted due to its proximity to the international border with China. Special permits are required for researchers and travelers.
PYQ:
[2020] Which one of the following protected areas is well-known for the conservation of a sub-species of the Indian swamp deer (Barasingha) that thrives well on hard ground and is exclusively graminivorous?
Q) Elaborate the policy taken by the Government of India to meet the challenges of the food processing sector. (UPSC CSE 2019)
Q) What are the reformative steps taken by the Government to make the food grain distribution system more effective? (UPSC CSE 2019)
Q) What are the challenges and opportunities of the food processing sector in the country? How can the income of the farmers be substantially increased by encouraging food processing? (UPSC CSE 2020)
Mentorâs Comment: Food security in India faces several critical issues that affect the availability, accessibility, and quality of food for its population. A significant portion of India’s population lives below the poverty line, limiting their access to nutritious food. Despite high agricultural production, unequal distribution means that many people do not receive adequate food, leading to malnutrition and hunger.
While food availability has improved, there is a growing concern regarding the nutritional quality of food in upcoming years. Many people suffer from “hidden hunger,” lacking essential vitamins and minerals despite sufficient caloric intake. The increasing population pressures food resources, making it challenging to ensure that everyone has access to adequate nutrition.
Addressing these challenges requires a multi-faceted approach involving policy reforms, improved agricultural practices, and enhanced social safety nets to ensure equitable access to food across all segments of society.
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Let’s learn!
Why in the News?
The theme for this year’s World Food Day (16th Oct 2024) is âRight to Foods for a better life and a better future,â emphasizing the importance of equitable access to safe, nutritious, and affordable food.
This initiative is supported by the FAO, IFAD, and WFP in collaboration with the Government of India, highlighting the urgent need to address food insecurity affecting 733 million people globally.
What is Equitable Agrifood Systems?
Equitable agrifood systems are defined as those that not only ensure food security but also promote social equity among various stakeholders involved in the food supply chain.
Food access is a critical aspect of equitable agrifood systems, which aim to address food inequality and ensure that all individuals have sufficient access to nutritious food.
These systems are characterized by:
Sustainability: They contribute to the sustainable management of natural resources while ensuring economic opportunities for all actors within the agri-food sector.
Social Equity: They aim to provide equal access to resources, addressing disparities related to gender, ethnicity, and socio-economic status.
Nutritional Security: They focus on delivering adequate nutrition to all populations, combating issues like malnutrition and hunger.
Challenges in achieving Equitable Food Access
Current System Limitations: Existing agrifood systems often fail to provide adequate food security and equitable distribution, leading to simultaneous issues of hunger and overconsumption, known as the “triple burden of malnutrition”.
Investment Priorities: Most investments in agrifood systems prioritize production over social or environmental objectives, which limits progress toward equity.
Research Gaps: There are significant gaps in research focused on social equity outcomes within food systems. This lack of targeted research contributes to the marginalization of critical issues such as health, nutrition, and the needs of vulnerable populations like women and youth.
What are the different strategies for building Equitable Agrifood Systems?
Integrated Approaches: Transforming food systems requires integrated actions across sectors and levels of governance. This includes aligning agricultural practices with climate action initiatives to build resilience against environmental changes.
Policy Design: Policymakers must design inclusive policies that consider the impacts on gender and youth inequalities within agrifood systems. Monitoring these impacts is essential for ensuring equitable outcomes.
Engagement of Diverse Voices: Effective transformation necessitates the inclusion of diverse stakeholdersâscientists, policymakers, farmers, women, youth, and Indigenous peoplesâin decision-making processes. Their insights can help shape more responsive and equitable policies.
What role do sustainability and innovation play in promoting equitable agrifood systems?
Digital Technologies: Leveraging digital innovations can enhance access to information and resources for marginalized communities, improving their participation in agrifood systems.
Collaborative Research: Engaging multiple stakeholders in research efforts can help identify best practices and innovative solutions tailored to local contexts.
Conclusion: Achieving the SDG 2- âZero Hungerâ goal requires a multifaceted approach that addresses systemic inequities while promoting sustainability and resilience. By prioritizing social equity in policy design we can create a more just and sustainable future for all individuals within the global food system.
