The National Human Rights Commission of India (NHRC) was formally informed late last week that the deferral of its status would continue for a year more.
The deferral was put in place by the Sub-committee on Accreditation (SCA) of the Global Alliance of National Human Rights Institutions (GANHRI) for a year, in 2023.
About the National Human Rights Commission of India (NHRC)
The NHRC is a statutory body established under the Protection of Human Rights Act, of 1993.
It is mandated to promote and protect Human Rights in India, investigate complaints of human rights violations, and take serious cognizance of human rights issues.
The NHRC plays a crucial role in ensuring accountability and justice for victims of Human Rights abuses.
It’s Deferral status:
The deferral of NHRC’s status means that its accreditation is temporarily postponed, pending improvements in its compliance with the Paris Principles.
The Global Alliance of National Human Rights Institutions (GANHRI) accredits National Human Rights Institutions (NHRIs) based on compliance with the Paris Principles, a set of international standards for NHRIs.
About Global Alliance of National Human Rights Institutions (GANHRI):
The GANHRI is an international network that brings together National Human Rights Institutions (NHRIs) from around the world.
It was established in 1993 as the International Coordinating Committee (ICC) of National Institutions for the Promotion and Protection of Human Rights.
In 2009, it was renamed GANHRI to better reflect its global scope and mission.
How Indian NHRC is drifting away from the Paris Principles?
Ideological Conflict: The mention of the ‘Manusmriti’ in the NHRC document sparked outrage among historically disadvantaged communities, who view it as a source of discrimination and violence they have endured during ancient times.
The foundational values of ‘Equality’ in the Indian Constitution and Paris Principles conflict with Manusmriti’s ‘caste-division’ principles.
In early 2017 also the NHRC was placed in the deferral category by the GANHRI, which was later lifted after a review.
Significance of ‘A’ Status: NHRC had emphasized the significance of ‘A’ status accreditation in its public note on a previous occasion.
‘A’ status grants participation in the work and mechanisms of GANHRI, the Human Rights Council, and other UN mechanisms.
Way forward:
Comprehensive Review: Conduct a thorough review of NHRC’s policies, practices, and organizational structure to identify areas of improvement and address deficiencies.
Strengthen Compliance: Need to take proactive measures to ensure compliance with the Paris Principles, including enhancing autonomy, independence, and effectiveness in addressing human rights violations.
Mains PYQ:
Q Though the Human Rights Commissions have contributed immensely to the protection of human rights in India, yet they have failed to assert themselves against the mighty. Analysing their structural and practical limitations, suggest remedial measures. (UPSC IAS/2021)
A tuberculosis patient receives treatment from a nurse (instead of a specialist) at a TB hospital in Guwahati.
What is meant by Pulmonary Tuberculosis (TB)?
Pulmonary tuberculosis (TB) is a serious infection caused by the bacterium Mycobacterium tuberculosis (MTB) that involves the lungs but may spread to other organs where it destroys body tissue. TB is a contagious disease that can infect anyone exposed to MTB.
It constitutes a significant portion of the TB burden in India, accounting for more than 20% of cases.
Present status of Extra-Pulmonary Tuberculosis (EPTB) in India:
According to the World Health Organization (WHO) reports, there are over 10 million new cases of TB every year and India alone accounts for 27% of the global TB burden. However, the burden of EPTB is hard to estimate. EPTB is often stain-negative, which means it is not detectable on regular TB stain tests.
The twin challenges of the Knowledge Gap:
Lack of awareness:
Among Physicians: Many healthcare providers are unaware that TB can affect organs other than the lungs, such as the eyes and other immune-privileged sites.
Among Patients: Nearly 1/5th of TB patients have EPTB. Most of them go undiagnosed, and the few who are diagnosed cannot benefit from care unless they visit a few specialist health facilities.
Lack of Accurate Diagnostic and Treatment Criteria: There is a lack of accurate diagnostic criteria for EPTB, making it challenging to identify the disease correctly. Treatment protocols for EPTB are not well-established or widely known, complicating effective management.
Although guidelines like INDEX-TB (a set of guidelines by WHO for EPTB management in India) have been formulated, their implementation has remained dormant.
The current system for collecting EPTB data is fragmented, with specialist departments maintaining diverse data practices.
National Patient Management Portals, such as Ni-kshay in India, have incomplete and missing data on EPTB patients.
Need to Prioritize Research and Development (R&D) for EPTB:
Need to understand the infection mechanism deeply: A troubling aspect of EPTB infection is the prolonged presence of disease markers even after the infection is resolved with treatment.
This phenomenon causes a lot of misery to persons with EPTB and is an active area of research.
Prioritize Advanced Immunological Tools: Advanced Immunological Tools such as single-cell RNA sequencing, will be able to uncover the immune mechanisms for the disease.
This will also help physicians to understand the treatment better, instead of going for long-duration anti-TB therapy (sometimes for even two years or more).
Mains PYQ:
Q Can overuse and free availability of antibiotics without a Doctor’s prescription, be contributors to the emergence of drug-resistant diseases in India? What are the available mechanisms for monitoring and control? Critically discuss the various issues involved.
The ISRO Chief has confirmed that the NISAR Satellite would be able to monitor the Tectonic Movements of Earth with high precision with a centimeter accuracy.
Originally planned for July, the NISAR launch may be delayed to October-November due to issues on the U.S. spacecraft side.
About NISAR Satellite:
NISAR (NASA-ISRO Synthetic Aperture Radar) is a joint satellite mission between NASA and ISRO.
It would be a Low Earth Orbit observatory.
This mission is aimed at enhancing our understanding of Earth’s natural processes and environmental changes.
Features of NISAR Satellite:
L-band and S-band Radar Frequencies:
NASA is responsible for the L-band radar, while ISRO provides the S-band radar.
This dual-band capability allows the satellite to monitor and measure Earth’s surface with high precision in all weather conditions and throughout both day and night.
Large Deployable Antenna:
It is equipped with a large deployable antenna that measures 12 meters in diameter.
This large antenna enhances the satellite’s ability to capture detailed radar imageswith high resolution.
It will have a 39-foot stationary antenna reflector, made of a gold-plated wire mesh to focus radar signals emitted and received by the upward-facing feed on the instrument structure.
Rapid Coverage:
NISAR is designed to scan the entire Earth every 12 days.
This rapid revisiting is crucial for observing and understanding temporal changes in the environment, such as shifting vegetation patterns, ice dynamics, and other critical parameters.
Versatile Monitoring Capabilities:
It will monitor Earth’s ecosystems and dynamics, including forest biomass, ice sheet collapses, and natural hazards such as earthquakes, tsunamis, and volcanic eruptions.
Its radar system can penetrate vegetationand soil to provide three-dimensional reconstructions of structures and changes.
PYQ:
[2015] The term ‘IndARC’ sometimes seen in the news, is the name of?
(a) An indigenously developed radar system inducted into Indian Defence.
(b) India’s satellite to provide services to the countries of Indian Ocean Rim.
(c) A scientific establishment set up by India in Antarctic region.
(d) India’s underwater observatory to scientifically study the Arctic region.
The Union Ministry of Tourism is actively engaging in IMEX, Frankfurt to position India as a premier MICE destination on the International stage.
Back2Basics: IMEX
IMEX is an international trade show for the meetings, events, and incentive travel industry.
It stands for “International Meeting Exchange” and is held annually in Frankfurt, Germany.
It was established in the year 2001.
IMEX provides a platform for professionals in the global events industry to network, conduct business, and gain insights into the latest trends and innovations in event planning and management.
IMEX hosts two major annual events:
IMEX America in Las Vegas and
IMEX in Frankfurt, Germany.
These events are significant for facilitating connections within the industry, offering extensive educational opportunities, and showcasing industry innovations.
What is MICE Tourism?
MICE Tourism refers to “Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions,” representing a sector of the travel industry specializing in the planning and booking of logistics for large and small-scale corporate events.
Meetings: Involves small to large gatherings where business topics and are organized to discuss and exchange information.
Incentives: Involves company-organized trips as rewards or incentives to employees or partners to motivate them or reward them for their performance.
Conferences: These are large gatherings focused on particular topics, where participants discuss issues of mutual interest.
Exhibitions: Also known as expos, these events are where businesses showcase and demonstrate their new products and services.
This sector is highly valued for its contribution to the economic development of a region by bringing in significant numbers of visitors, who then utilize various services such as hotels, restaurants, and other amenities.
India’sFocus on MICE Tourism:
Addressing Seasonality: The Ministry of Tourism has identified MICE tourism as a niche sector to mitigate the issue of seasonality and promote India as a year-round destination for international travelers.
Meet in India Initiative: Under the umbrella of the ‘Incredible India’ campaign, the Ministry has launched the ‘Meet in India’ sub-brand, aimed at showcasing India’s robust MICE infrastructure, connectivity, and diverse tourist attractions to a global audience.
Success Stories and Global Recognition:
G20 Presidency Impact: India’s G20 Presidency witnessed over 200 meetings in 56 cities nationwide, showcasing the country’s strong MICE infrastructure and cultural heritage to the world.
Enhanced Global Visibility: Through these initiatives, India has gained prominence as a premier global hub for MICE activities, attracting increased tourism and business opportunities both domestically and internationally.
ICCA Ranking: India’s efforts have been recognized internationally, positioning the country at the 9th rank in the ICCA (International Congress and Convention Association) ranking of countries in the Asia Pacific region in 2022.
PYQ:
[2017] The term ‘Digital Single Market Strategy’ seen in the news refers to-
Incidences of people drowning down into the Mahi River have become more frequent.
AboutMahi River
The Mahi River originates in the Vindhya Range of Madhya Pradesh (hot semi-arid and watershed region), near Dhar.
It flows northward through Madhya Pradesh before turning westward upon entering Rajasthan. It then moves southwest, passing through Gujarat, and eventually empties into the Arabian Sea.
The river stretches for about 580 kilometers.
Soil Type: The Mahi River Basin consists of Deep Black soil(southern region) and Alluvial soil(northern region).
Major Tributaries: the Som, the Anas, the Panam, and the Goma.
Major Dams: Kadana Dam and the Mahi Bajaj Sagar (Banswara) Dam are significant hydroelectric and irrigation projects on the Mahi River.
Biodiversity: Supports diverse flora and fauna, including endangered species like the Indian Skimmer and Gharial.
Key Features:
It is surrounded by the Aravalli Hills to the north and northwest, the Malwa Plateau to the east, the Vindhyas to the south, and the Gulf of Khambhat to the west.
One of the most notable features of the Mahi River is its crossing of the Tropic of Cancer twice; once in Madhya Pradesh and again near the Gujarat-Rajasthan border.
PYQ:
[2017] With reference to river Teesta, consider the following statements:
1. The source of river Teesta is the same as that of Brahmaputra but it flows through Sikkim.
2. River Rangeet originates in Sikkim and it is a tributary of river Teesta.
3. River Teesta falls into Bay of Bengal at the border of India and Bangladesh.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
The Conservation and Cultural Archives Division of Indira Gandhi National Centre for the Arts (IGNCA) hosted an exhibition and lecture celebrating Rabindranath Tagore’s birth anniversary in New Delhi.
Tagore’s Journey to France
Tagore had visited the battlefields of the First World War, highlighting his deep humanity.
The narrative includes mentions of Alexandra David Neel, who recommended Tagore during his European tours, and Victoria Ocampo, who taught French to Tagore, enhancing his connection with French culture and intellectual society.
AboutRabindranath Tagore
Details
Birth and Early Life
– Born on May 7, 1861, in Calcutta, India.
Literary Career
– Published his first poems at age 16 under the pen-name ‘Bhanusimha’.
– Key works include “Gitanjali“, “Ghare-Baire“, “Gora“, and “Manasi“.
Music and Art
– Composed over 2,000 songs known as ‘Rabindra Sangeet’.
– Our National Anthem was composed by him and it was first sung on 27 December 1911 at the Calcutta Session of INC.
– Created more than 2,000 paintings, influenced by European expressionism.
– He is said to have given the title of ‘Mahatma’ to Mohandas
– Renounced his ‘Knighthood’ (awarded to him in 1915 by the British King George V) in 1919 following the Jallianwala Bagh massacre.
Cultural Influence
– Wrote the National Anthems of India (“Jana Gana Mana”) and Bangladesh (“Amar Sonar Bangla”).
– Inspired the national anthem of Sri Lanka through a student.
Awards and Recognition
– Awarded the Nobel Prize in Literature in 1913 for “Gitanjali“, the first non-European to win.
– Awarded, and later renounced, a knighthood by British King George V in 1915.
Philosophical Contributions
– Advocated for the incorporation of the best aspects of Western culture with Indian culture to achieve anti-colonialism.
Death
– Passed away on August 7, 1941, in Calcutta.
Legacy
– Revered as ‘Gurudev’, ‘Kabiguru’, and ‘Biswakabi’. Highly influential in introducing Indian culture to the West and reshaping Bengali literature and music.
Additional Contributions
– Advocated for ‘Unity in Diversity’ and ‘National Integration’.
– Spoke at the World Parliament of Religions, Chicago in 1929 and 1937.
– Modernized Bengali prose and poetry, remembered for songs like ‘Ekla Chalo Re’ and his environmental efforts at Santiniketan.
About Indira Gandhi National Centre for the Arts (IGNCA)
The IGNCA, New Delhi is a premier government-funded arts organisation in India.
It is an autonomous institute under the Union Ministry of Culture.
It was established on 19 November 1985 by Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi.
IGNCA is envisioned as a centre for the study and experience of arts in the field of:
Creative literature – written and oral;
Visual arts inclusive of architecture;
Sculpture, painting and graphics to general material culture, photography and film; and
Performing arts of music, dance and theatre.
PYQ:
[2019] Examine the linkages between the nineteenth century’s Indian Renaissance and the emergence of national identity.
[2021] Who among the following was associated as Secretary with Hindu Female School, later known as Bethune Female School?
During the General Elections 2024, the proliferation of AI-generated content (AIGC), including deepfake videos featuring prominent figures like Aamir Khan and Ranveer Singh, raised concerns about misinformation.
What is Deepfake Technology?
It is a type of Artificial Intelligence used to create convincing images, audio and video hoaxes. Deepfakes often transform existing source content where one person is swapped for another.
Creating such content involves a technique known as Generative Adversarial Networks (GANs), comprising Artificial Neural Networks.
Legal Safeguards in India:
The regulations under the IT Act of 2000 and 2021 requires social media intermediaries to promptly remove deepfake content. Failure to do so may result in imprisonment or fines.
Section 66D: It penalizes individuals for cheating through personation using communication devices or computer resources. (Imprisonment for up to 3 yrs and a fine of up to 1 lakh rupees)
Rule 3(1)(b)(vii): This rule mandates that social media intermediaries prevent the hosting of content impersonating others.
Rule 3(2)(b): This rule requires social media platforms to remove such content within 24 hours of receiving a complaint.
Significance of Deepfake Technology:
Promotes Right to Expression: Deepfakes amplify voices of marginalised individuals, enabling them to share important messages. Recently, a video was created to deliver the final message of a journalist killed by the Saudi government, calling for justice.
Can contribute to the Education System: Online educators use deepfakes to bring historical figures to life for engaging lessons. For example, a video of Abraham Lincoln delivering his Gettysburg.
Provides Autonomy: Deepfakes empower individuals to control their digital identity and explore new forms of self-expression. For instance, the Reface App.
Provides a realistic experience: Artists leverage deepfakes for creative expression and collaboration, as seen in Salvador Dali’s interactive museum promotion. Deepfake tech enables realistic lip-syncing for actors speaking different languages, enhancing global accessibility and immersion in films.
Renovating old memories: Deepfakes aid in restoring old photos, enhancing low-quality footage, and creating realistic training materials for public safety.
What are the limitations of Deepfake Technology?
Spreading False Information: Deepfakes can purposefully spread misinformation, influencing public opinion or elections, like the videos of politicians/celebrities can manipulate viewers and create confusion about important issues.
Frauds: Deepfake technology enables impersonation for financial frauds, tricking individuals into revealing sensitive information. They can also fuel harassment, especially targeting women, and lead to psychological distress.
Accuracy: While no AI detector guarantees 100% accuracy, tools like Originality.ai boast a 99% true positive rate. Detection models report probability scores, allowing for nuanced assessments despite inherent uncertainties.
Future Scope:
Adversarial AI: Keeping pace with evolving generative AI models poses a significant challenge for content detectors.
Accessibility and Cost: With increased adoption and advancements, the accessibility and affordability of detection tools are expected to improve.
PYQ:
With the present state of development, Artificial Intelligence can effectively do which of the following? (2020)
1. Bring down electricity consumption in industrial units
2. Create meaningful short stories and songs
3. Disease diagnosis
4. Text-to-Speech Conversion
5. Wireless transmission of electrical energy
Select the correct answer using the code given below:
OpenAI has launched GPT-4o- a version of the GPT-4 model which powers its ChatGPT.
It offers enhanced speed, intelligence, and efficiency across text, vision, and audio, revolutionizing human-to-machine interaction and opening up new possibilities for users worldwide.
About GPT-4o:
GPT-4o offers GPT- 4 level intelligence with improved speed and efficiency, making human-to-machine interaction more natural and seamless.(focuses on emotional aspects)
It integrates transcription, intelligence, and text-to-speech functionalities seamlessly, eliminating latency and enhancing voice mode capabilities.
Features of GPT-4o
Free Access for All: Previously available only to paid users, GPT-4o now provides advanced tools to all users, unlocking over a million GPTs from the GPT store and expanding possibilities for developers.
Multilingual and Vision Capabilities: GPT-4o supports over 50 languages and includes vision capabilities, enabling users to upload photos, documents, and access real-time information during conversations.
Real-time Conversations: It is able to understand user emotions and provide emotive styles of conversation in real-time.
Vision and Coding Support: GPT-4o can solve complex math problems, assist with coding queries, interpret complex charts, and analyze facial expressions in real-time.
Translation and Efficiency: GPT-4o offers live real-time translation capabilities and is two times faster, 50% cheaper, and offers 5 times higher rate limits compared to GPT-4 Turbo.
PYQ:
[2020] With the present state of development, Artificial Intelligence can effectively do which of the following?
Bring down electricity consumption in industrial units
Create meaningful short stories and songs
Disease diagnosis
Text-to-Speech Conversion
Wireless transmission of electrical energy
Select the correct answer using the code given below:
PYQ Relevance: Mains: Q How far are India’s internal security challenges linked with border management particularly in view of the long porous borders with most countries of South Asia and Myanmar? (UPSC IAS/2013) Q Border management is a complex task due to difficult terrain and hostile relations with some countries. Elucidate the challenges and strategies for effective border management. (UPSC IAS/2016)
Prelims:
Consider the following statements: (UPSC IAS/2020) 1) The value of Indo-Sri Lanka trade has consistently increased in the last decade. 2) “Textile and textile articles” constitute an important item of trade between India and Bangladesh. 3) 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
Note4Students:
Prelims: Political Theories; Secularism
Mains: Society; Secularism;
Mentor comment: Despite frequent changes in government and the emergence of leaders perceived as anti-India or pro-China, India has maintained a non-partisan approach focused on supporting inclusive economic development, interdependence, communication links, and people-to-people contacts with Nepal. India’s deep historical, cultural, and economic ties with Nepal, as well as its ability to manage security concerns, have allowed it to navigate these challenges. There is the need for fresh thinking on a range of issues, including economic recovery, bilateral and regional cooperation, supply chain restructuring, energy cooperation, and development.
Let’s learn.
–
Why in the News?
Being a neighboring country of both – India and China, Nepal grapples with restlessness and uncertainty amid political and economic challenges.
Questions arise on its rushed transition to democracy, identity, and governance amidst regional geopolitics.
About India-Nepal Bilateral Relations:
Strategic Relations: Geopolitical Dynamics: India is actively countering China’s influence in Nepal through economic diplomacy and expanding cooperation in various sectors. Energy Cooperation: Both countries have signed agreements to boost cooperation in the energy sector, with India involved in developing several hydropower projects for long-term power trade agreements. For example, the Pancheshwar Multipurpose Project (PMP) is a bi-national Multi-Purpose Project, primarily aimed at energy production and augmenting irrigation.
Infrastructure Projects: Efforts are underway to work on infrastructure projects to improve connectivity, such as the unveiling of railway line sections and the inauguration of Integrated Checkposts. India is also undertaking three High Impact Community Development Projects (HICDPs) in Nepal.
Soft Relations:
Cultural and Religious Ties: Steps have been taken to strengthen cultural and religious ties between India and Nepal, including discussions on projects related to the Ramayana circuit, reflecting their shared cultural heritage. Improvement in Relations: After a period of strain, relations between India and Nepal have been improving, especially with several high-level visits, indicating efforts to enhance cooperation and resolve contentious issues.
Border Disputes:
Recent Developments in Nepal under China’s Influence
Political Shifts: Recent coalition changes in Nepal have seen a shift towards leaders perceived as pro-China and anti-India, notably with K.P. Sharma Oli’s return to power. China has actively supported the left alliance in Nepal, pushing for closer ties and cooperation, including on the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI).
Military Cooperation: High-level military visits and agreements indicate China’s intent to expand its influence in Nepal, potentially at India’s expense.
Nationalistic Trends: Rising ultra-nationalistic sentiments in Nepal, from far left to far right, pose challenges to India-Nepal relations.
Security Concerns: Historical instances of political instability in Nepal leading to security threats for India highlight the importance of stable relations between the two countries.
Geopolitical Dynamics: China’s increasing involvement in Nepal raises concerns for India, necessitating a strategic approach to counter potential challenges and maintain regional stability.
Regional and International Dynamics: While India has alliances like the QUAD (Australia, India, Japan, the United States) and other Indo-Pacific groupings, relying on them in case of a major crisis in Nepal would be risky.
The situation in Nepal could potentially lead to a new “Great Game” involving major regional and global powers.
What is India’s present stand?
Non-Interference policy: India has been keeping a low profile and avoiding involvement in Nepal’s internal affairs to prevent controversy.
Lending hand for development: India tries to always offer a new, holistic development roadmap aimed at improving the quality of lifestyle for Nepalese. This agenda includes transformative and sustainable development initiatives in sectors such as health, education, food and nutrition, child development, gender equality, and job creation.
High-Level Attention: Byhigh-level attention and promoting cross-party political consensus on major projects India tries to ensure continuity and achieve its time-bound results despite political instability.
Fostering Inter-linkages and Equality: Developing new inter-linkages between industries of both countries, India addresses the demographic dividend and fosters a sense of equality and sovereign space in Nepal.
Bone of Contention: Border Disputes
Way Forward:
Engage in Quiet Diplomacy: India can engage in quiet diplomacy, fostering dialogue with Nepal’s political stakeholders across the spectrum. This approach can help India understand Nepal’s internal dynamics better while also conveying India’s concerns and interests subtly.
India should be mindful of the “big brother-small brother” syndrome, understanding that the onus lies on India to overcome this dynamic.
The National Sample Survey Organization’s and Household Consumption Expenditure Survey (2022-23)prompted researchers to estimate Poverty and Inequality trends, highlighting data comparability and measurement issues.
Present trends of Poverty and Inequality in Indian Society:
1. Poverty Declined:
Poverty ratios declined from 29.5% in 2011-12 to 10% in 2022-23 (1.77% points per year) based on the Rangarajan Committee’spoverty lines.
Poverty ratios declined from 21.9% in 2011-12 to 3% in 2022-23 (1.72% points per year) based on the Tendulkar Committee’s poverty lines. Earlier period estimates showed a decline from 37.2% in 2004-05 to 21.9% in 2011-12 (2.18 percentage points per year).
2. Inequality Declined :
Subramanian’s estimates indicate the Gini coefficientdeclined from 0.278 to 0.269 for rural areas and from 0.358 to 0.318 for urban areas between 2011-12 and 2022-23.
The Gini coefficient measures the inequality among the values of a frequency distribution, such as levels of income.
Bansal et al show similar trends: Gini coefficient for rural areas declined from 0.284 to 0.266, and for urban areas from 0.363 to 0.315 over the same period. (significant decline in urban inequality compared to rural areas between 2011-12 and 2022-23)
Back2Basics:
Lakdawala Committee (1993):
It disaggregated poverty lines into state-specific poverty lines.
Poverty lines: same as Alagh’s committee of 1979. (2400 kcal per capita per day for rural areas and 2100 kcal per capita per day in urban areas.)
Poverty lines were updated using the Consumer Price Index of Industrial Workers (CPI-IW) in urban areas and the Consumer Price Index of Agricultural Labour (CPI-AL)in rural areas rather than using National Accounts Statistics.
Estimates of poverty: 54.9% (All India)
Tendulkar Committee (2009):
Constituted: In 2005
Submitted report: 2009.
Recommendations:
Firstly, the incorporation of private expenditure on health and education while estimating poverty.
Secondly, to shift away from two separate poverty line baskets (PLBs) (for rural and Urban) towards a uniform all-India PLB.
Thirdly, to shift away from Uniform Reference Period (URP) based estimates towards Mixed Reference Period (MRP) based estimates.
Fourthly, A change in the price adjustment procedure to correct spatial (across regions) and temporal (across time) issues with price adjustment.
It concluded that India’s poverty line was Rs. 446.68 per capita per month in rural areas and Rs. 578.80 per capita per month in urban areas in 2004-05.
Estimates of poverty: 37.2 % (All India)
C. Rangarajan Committee (2014):
Constituted: 2012
Submitted report: 2014.
Used a method of calculating urban and rural poverty separately (similar to the Lakdawala committee).
Took into account both food and non-food itemsof expenditure.
Used the MMRP method instead of MRP.
Poverty was estimated on monthly expenditure of a family of five (and not individual as in case of the Tendulkar committee). All three, i.e., Calorie + protein + Fat intake values were taken into account to estimate poverty.
Estimates of poverty: 29.5%
Poverty lines: Rural- Rs. 32; Urban- Rs.47
Methods to Estimate Absolute Poverty by NSSO:
Poverty estimation in India is now carried out by NITI Aayog’s task force through the calculation of poverty line based on the data captured by the NSSO under the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MOSPI). It uses the following 3 methods:
Uniform Recall (reference) Period (URP): Under URP, consumption data for all items are collected for a 30-day recall period. When URP is applied, the households are surveyed about their consumption in the last 30 days preceding the date of the survey.
Until 1993-94, the poverty line estimated by NSSO was based on URP.
Mixed Recall (reference) Period (MRP): MRP takes into account consumption expenditure for five non-food items (clothing, footwear, durable goods, education, and institutional medical expenses) for a 365-day recall period, and consumption data for the remaining items are collected for a 30-day recall period.
Modified mixed reference period (MMRP): The Rangarajan Committee in its 2014 report recommended MMRP as a more suitable method to measure poverty as compared to URP and MRP methods. The World Bank in 2015 also supported the idea of shifting from MRP to MMRP. Under MMRP there are 3 reference periods as follows:
The 365-dayrecall period is used for clothing, footwear, education, institutional medical care, and durable goods.
The 7-dayrecall period for edible oil, egg, fish and meat, vegetables, fruits, spices, beverages, refreshments, processed food, paan, tobacco and intoxicants and
The 30-day recall period for the remaining food items, fuel, and light, miscellaneous
good and services including non-institutional medical, rents, and taxes.
Measurement issues regarding Poverty Lines and Consumption Expenditure:
Shift Away from Calorie Norm-based Poverty Line: The Tendulkar Committee recognized the inadequacy of a calorie norm-based poverty line. Instead, the Tendulkar Committee indirectly utilized calorie norms by adopting the urban poverty line based on the Lakdawala Committee’s methodology, which included calorie norms.
Need for new Consumption Basket: The Rangarajan Group emphasized the need for a new consumption basket that addresses both adequate nourishment and essential non-food items, alongside behaviorally determined non-food expenditure.
Estimating this new poverty basket required a fresh approach rather than simply updating an old basket with new prices.
Incomplete Capture of Public Expenditure: Despite efforts to impute values for public expenditure items, the imputation process captured only a fraction of the total public expenditure on subsidized or free items.
Complexity in Poverty Measurement: There is no universally agreed-upon method for measuring poverty, leading to variability in estimates.
Constitutional provisions related to eliminating inequalities:
i. [Article 38 (2) ]: Obligation of the State ‘to endeavour to eliminate inequalities in status, facilities and opportunities’ amongst individuals and groups of people residing in different areas or engaged in different vocations. ii. [Article 46]: Obligation of State ‘to promote with special care’ the educational and economic interests of ‘the weaker sections of the people’ (besides Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes).
Conclusion: Given the inadequacy of calorie norm-based poverty lines, as recognized by the Tendulkar Committee, there is a need to adopt more effective and real-time approaches that will consider evolving consumption patterns.
Mains PYQ:
Q “The incidence and intensity of poverty are more important in determining poverty based on income alone”. In this context analyse the latest United Nations Multidimensional Poverty Index Report.(UPSC IAS/2020)
