💥Mains Ready By December. Smash Mains & Smash PYQ Admissions Open
Talk to Mentor

Civilsdaily

Login

GS Paper: GS1

  • [21 March 2024] The Hindu Op-ed: Eliminating diseases, one region at a time

    PYQ Relevance:

    Mains: 

    Q) The public health system has limitations in providing universal health coverage. Do you think that the private sector can help in bridging the gap? What other viable alternatives do you suggest? (2015)

    Q) The increase in life expectancy in the country has led to newer health challenges in the community. What are those challenges and what steps need to be taken to meet them? (2022)

    Prelims:

    Which of the following are the reasons for the occurrence of multi-drug resistance in microbial pathogens in India? (2019)
    1. Genetic predisposition of some people
    2. Taking incorrect doses of antibiotics to cure diseases
    3. Using antibiotics in livestock farming
    4. Multiple chronic diseases in some people

    Select the correct answer using the codes given below:
    a) 1 and 2 only
    b) 2 and 3 only
    c) 1, 3 and 4
    d) 2, 3 and 4

    Note4Students: 

    Mains: Health Care System in India and Major Challenges;

    Mentor comments: “United we stand divided we Fall”. Recently, there has a significant progress made in eradicating guinea worm disease, with a reduction from 3.5 million cases in 1986 to just 13 cases in five countries by 2023. This success underscores the importance of focusing on disease elimination as a crucial step towards eradication, aligning with the Sustainable Development Goals of ending epidemics like malaria, tuberculosis, and Neglected Tropical Diseases by 2030. There is a need for adopting effective solutions at the local level is more effective for disease elimination.

    Let’s learn. 

    —

    Why in the News?

    Multisectoral collaboration, encouraging innovation and adopting locally effective solutions that facilitate disease elimination, is more effective at the regional level.

    Context:

    • The Carter Center, a leader in the global elimination and eradication of diseases, recently reported that guinea worm disease was close to eradication.
    • From 3.5 million cases a year in 21 countries in 1986, the number had come down to 13 in five countries in 2023, a reduction of 99.99%. This would be the second disease after smallpox to be eradicated and the first one with no known medicines or vaccines.
    • This has created increased attention to disease elimination, the first step in eradication. Ending the epidemics of malaria, tuberculosis, and Neglected Tropical Diseases by 2030 is one of the Sustainable Development Goals set by the United Nations.

    What are the Current requirements for the Public Health System?

    1) Collaborative efforts:

    • Rigorous Certification Requirements: International agencies impose stringent criteria for certification, necessitating thorough preparation. Preparation for certification drives improvements in primary healthcare, diagnostics, and surveillance systems.
    • Increased Involvement of Field Staff and Community Health Workers: The pursuit of certification encourages greater engagement from field staff and community health workers, motivated by the clearly defined goal.
    • Attraction of International Support: Certification efforts attract international support, bolstering resources and expertise.
    • Political and Bureaucratic Commitment: The pursuit of certification fosters high levels of commitment from political and bureaucratic entities.

    2) Feasibility of Elimination in India:

    • Strategic Focus: Recommend focusing on pathogens with high population impact and low enough numbers to make elimination possible.
    • Gradual Approach: The initial aim should be to reduce disease numbers to a practical level through disease control before pursuing elimination.
    • Understanding Processes and Costs: Reduction in disease numbers enables understanding of elimination processes and associated costs.
    • Strengthening Health Systems: Provides an opportunity to strengthen existing health systems to effectively implement elimination strategies.

    3) Need for surveillance systems

    • Comprehensive Data Collection: Surveillance systems are crucial for capturing every instance of the disease within a population, providing accurate and real-time data for decision-making.
    • Monitoring Progress: Surveillance systems allow for monitoring the progress of disease elimination efforts, assessing the effectiveness of interventions, and identifying areas that require additional support or resources.
    • Confirmation and Diagnosis: Strengthening laboratories for screening and confirmation ensures accurate diagnosis of cases, facilitating appropriate treatment and management.
    • Ensuring Availability of Resources: Surveillance helps in identifying gaps in resources such as medicines and consumables, enabling authorities to ensure their availability to support elimination efforts.
    • Training and Capacity Building: Surveillance systems facilitate training of healthcare workers on the requirements of elimination strategies, ensuring a skilled workforce capable of implementing surveillance protocols effectively.

    What are the Challenges of the Healthcare System?

    • Resource Strain: Eliminating the transmission of diseases is difficult and requires significant resources. The process places a heavy burden on the healthcare system, potentially diverting attention from other essential health functions.
    • Potential Neglect of Health Functions: Focusing on disease elimination may divert attention and resources away from other critical health priorities, especially in weaker health systems.
    • High Prevalence of Diseases: Diseases with high prevalence and significant impact on populations pose greater challenges for elimination, requiring comprehensive strategies and interventions.
    • Cost-Benefit Analysis: Careful analysis of the costs and benefits is crucial to ensure that the resources invested in disease elimination yield optimal outcomes and minimize adverse impacts on healthcare systems and communities.

    Measures that need to be taken at Regional level (Way Forward)

    • Regional Effectiveness: Multisectoral collaboration and innovation are more effective at the regional level for disease elimination. Smaller units allow for better resource management without neglecting essential tasks.
    • Ownership by Governments: While elimination efforts can proceed regionally, both national and state governments must take ownership of the process.
    • Phased Approach: Regional elimination efforts should be phased to culminate at the national level. Planning from a national perspective is essential to ensure coordinated progress across the country.
    • Technical and Material Support: Regional implementation requires technical and material support. Progress in regional elimination efforts needs to be closely monitored.
    • National Control: The Union government plays a crucial role in dealing with diseases spreading across states and at ports of entry to prevent reintroduction.

    Conclusion: Enhancing surveillance systems, fostering multisectoral collaboration, and adopting a phased regional approach under government ownership is crucial for successful disease elimination. Scaling up efforts gradually across India is imperative for national elimination goals.

    https://www.thehindu.com/opinion/op-ed/eliminating-diseases-one-region-at-a-time/article67973191.ece

  • Top 1% Indians’ income share is higher now than under British-rule

    Why in the news? 

    • In 2022, 22.6% of the national income went to the top 1% of Indians. Cut to 1951, their share in the income was only 11.5% and even lower in the 1980s  just before India opened-up its economy at 6%.

    Context: India’s top 1% income and wealth shares (22.6% and 40.1%) are at their highest historical levels in 2022-’23 and the country’s top 1% income share is among the very highest in the world as per World Inequality Lab.

    Key findings from the ‘Income and Wealth Inequality in India’ report by the World Inequality Lab

    • Increase in Share of Top 10%: The share of the top 10% of Indians in national income rose from 36.7% in 1951 to 57.7% in 2022.
    • Decline in Share of Bottom 50%: The bottom 50% of Indians earned only 15% of the national income in 2022, compared to 20.6% in 1951, indicating a decrease in their share.
    • Decrease in Share of Middle 40%: The middle 40% of Indians experienced a significant decline in their share of income from 42.8% to 27.3% over the period.
    • Rapid Widening of Income Gap: The gap between the rich and the poor has widened rapidly in the last two decades.
    • Historic Peak for Wealthiest 1%: In 2022, the share of national income that went to the wealthiest 1% of Indians reached a historic peak, surpassing levels observed in developed countries such as the United States and the United Kingdom.

    Income group-wise share in national income, and the adult population in each bracket as of 2022-23

    • Distribution Across Income Percentiles: Approximately one crore adults were in the top 1%, ten crore in the top 10%, 36 crore in the middle 40%, and 46 crore were in the bottom 50% of the income pyramid.
    • Concentration of Wealth at the Top: The top 0.001% of the income pyramid, comprising about 10,000 richest Indians, earned 2.1% of the national income, highlighting extreme wealth concentration.
    • High Shares of National Income: The top 0.01% and top 0.1% of income earners earned disproportionately high shares of the national income, accounting for 4.3% and 9.6%, respectively. This reflects significant income inequality, with a small segment capturing a large portion of the country’s wealth.
    The year wise share of national income for the top 10%, bottom 50% and that middle 40% of the population:

    • 1950s-60s: Negligible income gap between the top 10% and the middle 40% of earners.
    • 1980s: Bottom 50% saw a slight increase in their share of national income, contributing to narrowing the gap.
    • 1990s Onwards (Post-liberalization): The income share of the top 10% surged dramatically, while shares of the other two groups steadily declined. This trend persisted into the 2000s and early 2010s, stabilizing thereafter.
    •  In 2022:  the top 1% of earners had a higher share of national income than the richest 1% during colonial rule.
    • Income Disparities: The average annual income of the top 1% was ₹53 lakh, 23 times more than the average Indian’s income of ₹2.3 lakh in 2022-23. The average income of the bottom 50% and middle 40% stood at ₹71,000 and ₹1.65 lakh, respectively, during the same period.

    Richest 1% of Indians’ share in the national income

    • Pre-Independence (1930s): The top 1% of earners had a significant share of national income, surpassing the 20% mark.
    • Post-Independence: After independence and the merger of princely states with Independent India, the share of the top 1% steadily declined, reaching close to 6% in the 1980s.
    • Post-liberalization: Following liberalization reforms, the income share of the top 1% surged again, presently hovering around the 22.5% mark.
    • Comparison with British Rule: The current income share of the top 1% is much higher than their share under British rule, highlighting a return to historical levels of income concentration.

    The income share of India’s top 10% and top 1%, compared with select countries in 2022-23

    • India’s Income Growth: India’s income levels are not growing as rapidly as other comparable economies.
    • High Share of Top 1%: Despite slower overall income growth, the top 1% of earners in India have a disproportionately high share of national income.
    • Comparison with Advanced Countries: In 2022-23, the income shares of India’s top 1% were higher than those recorded in advanced countries like the United States, China, France, the United Kingdom, and Brazil.

    China and Vietnam’s average incomes grew at a much faster pace than India’s

    • Economic Policies: China and Vietnam implemented economic policies that focused on export-oriented growth, attracting foreign investment, and promoting industrialization. These policies contributed to rapid economic expansion and increased average incomes in both countries.
    • Liberalization and Reforms: Both China and Vietnam underwent significant economic liberalization and reforms, allowing for greater market integration, privatization of state-owned enterprises, and relaxation of trade barriers. These reforms stimulated economic growth and led to higher average incomes.
    • Investment in Infrastructure: China and Vietnam invested heavily in infrastructure development, including transportation networks, energy systems, and telecommunications. This infrastructure investment facilitated economic development and improved productivity, leading to higher average incomes

    Income inequality in India can be attributed to various factors:

    • Historical Factors: Historical disparities in wealth distribution, exacerbated by colonial rule and feudal systems, have contributed to persistent income inequality.
    • Economic Growth Patterns: India’s economic growth needs to be more inclusive, with benefits disproportionately accruing to certain segments of society, particularly urban and educated populations. This uneven growth exacerbates income inequality.
    • Structural Issues: Structural factors such as unequal access to education, healthcare, and employment opportunities perpetuate income disparities. Marginalized groups such as Dalits, Adivasis, and women often face barriers to accessing quality education and formal employment, limiting their income-earning potential.
    • Land Ownership and Agriculture: Unequal distribution of land ownership and disparities in agricultural productivity contribute to income inequality, particularly in rural areas where agriculture remains a primary source of livelihood.
    • Labor Market Dynamics: Informal employment, low wages, and lack of job security in the informal sector contribute to income inequality. Additionally, skill mismatches and technological advancements may widen the income gap by favoring skilled workers over unskilled laborers.
    • Lack of Financial Inclusion: Limited access to formal financial services and lack of asset ownership, such as land or property, among marginalized communities further perpetuate income inequality.
    • Corruption and Cronyism: Corruption, crony capitalism, and unequal access to resources and opportunities exacerbate income inequality by favoring vested interests and hindering equitable wealth distribution.

    Conclusion: India witnesses unprecedented income inequality with the top 1% accruing a higher share of national income than under British rule. Structural factors, uneven economic growth, and limited access to resources perpetuate income disparities, requiring comprehensive policy interventions for equitable growth.

    Mains PYQ

    Q. It is argued that the strategy of inclusive growth is intended to meet the objective of inclusiveness and sustainability together. Comment on this statement. ( UPSC IAS/2019)

  • [19 March 2024] The Hindu Op-ed: Violence, homelessness, and women’s mental health

    [19 March 2024] The Hindu Op-ed: Violence, homelessness, and women’s mental health

    Note4Students: 

    PYQ Relevance: Mains: 

    Women’s movement in India has not addressed the issues of women of lower social strata.’ Substantiate your view. [UPSC 2018]“

    Though women in post-Independent India have excelled in various fields, the social attitude towards women and the feminist movement has been patriarchal.” Apart from women’s education and women empowerment schemes, what interventions can help change this milieu?[UPSC 2021].

    Prelims: Constitutional Provisions for Women;

    Mains: Women Issues; Government Schemes and Initiatives for Minorities;

    Mentor comments: Recently, there were some observations by the 5th NFHS Survey for all of India highlighting the new trends and observations that encircle violence against women. Once upon a time, Robert Sapolsky contended that our inclinations, actions, and choices were not products of an autonomous, conscious process of free will but rather shaped by biological factors such as our genes, neural circuitry, and brain chemistry. Therefore, to develop comprehensive solutions based on violence against women, recognizing and compensating women for their unpaid labor and creating the space for women to find supportive networks can offer them security and refuge.  

    Let’s learn. 

    —

    Why in the News?

    The recent observations presented by the National Family Health Survey (NFHS-5) focus on a sobering picture of the pervasive violence against women in India.

    • Almost 30% of women between the ages of 18-49 years have experienced physical violence beginning at age 15; 6% reported sexual violence. 

    What are the recent findings that relate to Women’s Mental Health Issues in India?

    • On Relational Disruptions: According to the Survey, the disruptions are often linked to violence, predicted homelessness among women, and access to mental health care. Reports highlighted discrepancies between women’s experiences of trauma and standard diagnostic frameworks.
    • A feeling of homelessness: A woman living with mental health conditions (including child sexual abuse and intimate partner violence) showed how homelessness can be both an escape from violence and a result of repeated trauma.
    • Survival challenges: The major challenge was that handicapped women due to domestic violence faced issues in finding food and safe spaces even on the streets.
    • Child Sexual Abuse: A recurrent theme that emerged was the impact of child sexual abuse prevalent in minority and uneducated areas.
    • On Poverty: Structural barriers like poverty and caste contribute to the breakdown of traditional support systems, leading to homelessness as a means of seeking safety and agency.
      • Experience of alienation and shame were the major cause as compared to poverty which did not entirely match with the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders conceptualizations of trauma.

    What are the challenging factors that are held under an umbrella?

    • Age-old ‘labelled’ assumptions: The label of madness has been used to discredit, subjugate, and silence women who are seen as demonstrating undesirable traits — intellectual curiosity, assertiveness, and autonomy.
      • From the witch trials in the Middle Ages to the incarceration in asylums, resistance to oppression and refusal to comply with expected norms were labelled as missteps.
    • Patriarchal prevalence in society: The social construct of womanhood continues to be carefully curated and enforced, confining women and their value within reproductive roles and docile submission to various forms of violence, routinely normalized and justified.
    • Health-care Gaps: Many of the manifestations of mental ill-health are embedded in the reality of adverse life events. In this context, investments cannot be confined to increasing proximal access to mental health care without collective action that can substantively address deep-rooted violence.

    What are the Impacts on Women’s Health?

    • At the Individual level: Due to above mentioned two major reasons there has been a mainstream discourse on women’s mental health, which is dominated by a narrow focus on higher prevalence rates of depression, anxiety or eating disorders, or mental health needs.
    • At the Societal level: Women are often viewed through a reductionist biomedicine-dominated lens, neglecting the insidious impact of violence that women endure.
      • Navigating mental health and social care systems that mirror these biases, in the background of poverty and caste-based marginalization, takes a profound toll elevating the risks of homelessness.
    Government Measures for the Protection of Women in India:

    1) Constitutional Provisions:

    Articles 14, 15, 15(3), 16, 39(a), 39(b), 39(c), and Article 42 emphasize equality before the law, prohibition of discrimination based on gender, equal opportunity in employment, and measures to secure livelihood and maternity welfare.
    Through Article 243, the Constitution of India mandates reservations for women in local self-government bodies to enhance their representation and involvement in decision-making processes.

    2) Legislative measures Protection of Women from Domestic Violence Act, 2005:

    This act aims to counter crimes against women, including rape, dowry deaths, and domestic violence.

    Mission Shakti and Swadhar Greh Scheme: This initiative focuses on women’s empowerment, safety, and security through skill development, economic empowerment, and support services.

    One-Stop Centres and Legal Services: The Government Authorities offer integrated services, legal aid, and support to women affected by violence.

    The Bhartiya Nyaya Samvidhan, 2023: The government has implemented various measures like the Criminal Law (Amendment) Acts, Safe City Projects, and cyber-crime portals to enhance women’s safety and combat crimes against women.

    Way Forward: Adoption of a multifaceted approach

    • Building a two-way relationship: The intricate relationship between homelessness and mental illness requires a deeper examination, emphasizing nuances like violence against women.
    • Building Independence:
      • Education: Embedding in the education environment, a curriculum that helps growing adolescents interrogate and challenge harmful gendered norms may help foster them with egalitarian values that reject all forms of violence against women.
      • Finance: Ensuring access to basic income, housing, and land ownership may offer economic independence and reduce vulnerability to homelessness.
    • Need to Explore Mental Health Care: The number of adults with mental illness has risen, exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic; leading to a growing crisis in youth mental health hence a thorough exploration of the multifaceted aspects of mental health is crucial.
    • Need for a skilled Approach: Involving diverse professionals, innovative research, and meaningful engagement of individuals with lived experiences is essential.
    • Need for Robust Mechanism in Healthcare System: Prioritizing a variety of strong responses is key to addressing diverse needs, especially focusing on high-priority groups like homeless women.
      • A comprehensive response involves exploring phenomena, understanding their impact on mental health, considering intersectionality, and power dynamics, and utilizing feminist standpoint theory to advance knowledge.

    https://mospi.gov.in/sites/default/files/reports_and_publication/cso_social_statices_division/Constitutional%26Legal_Rights.pdf

    https://www.thehindu.com/opinion/lead/violence-homelessness-and-womens-mental-health/article67965726.ece

  • No major change in employment status or wages in 10 years

    Why in the news? 

    Recently, a report by Bahutva Karnataka shows that the share of self-employed workers increased, while the share of those in formal employment remained low

    What does the Report say?

    • The stagnation in economic growth in India is evident in the share of households earning less than the proposed National Floor Level Minimum Wage (NFLMW) of ₹375 a day, with approximately 34% falling below this threshold.
      • Additionally, wage inequality has exacerbated the gap between the rich and the poor.
    • In 2022, the top 1% and 10% of the population held 22% and 57% of the national income, respectively, while the bottom 50% held a significantly lower share at 12.7%, as per data from the World Inequality Database.

    Key Highlights:

     

    The Report compares the share of Employment across various employment categories in 2011-12 and 2022-23 for men and women- 

    • Low Formal Employment: The share of formal sector employment remained below 25%. Majority of employment (above 50%) was in the self-employed category.
    • Increase in Self-Employment: Self-employment remained predominant, with over 50% of the workforce engaged in this sector. Self-employment saw a notable increase in the share of women, rising by 8% points from 56.5% in 2011-12 to 64.3% in 2022-23.
    • Rise in Women’s Self-Employment: Women constituted the highest share of self-employed individuals. The share of self-employed women saw significant growth, indicating a rising trend of women engaging in entrepreneurial activities.
    • Unpaid Labor: The report highlights an increase in the number of women engaged in unpaid labor within family businesses or farming. This rise reflects the lack of other remunerative employment opportunities and stagnant household earnings.
    • Gender Disparities Persist: Despite increased participation in self-employment, gender disparities persist, with women often engaging in unpaid labor or informal work due to limited opportunities in the formal sector.
    • Economic Stagnation Impact: economic stagnation has led to limited growth in formal sector employment, pushing more individuals, especially women, towards self-employment and unpaid labor as alternative sources of livelihood.

    The major observation in India: Many households still earn less than the NFLMW:

    • Stagnant Income Growth: There has been no significant growth in income over the past five years across different employment categories.
    • Low Earnings Below NFLMW: Many households still earn less than the proposed National Floor Level Minimum Wage (NFLMW). In 2019, an expert committee recommended the NFLMW to be at least ₹375 per day and ₹3,050 per week.
    • Regional Disparities: Analysis of 34 States and Union Territories (UTs) revealed that in about 19 of them, more than 20% of households earned less than ₹375 a day or ₹3,050 a week in 2022-23.
      • In states like Chhattisgarh and Uttar Pradesh, over 50% of households earned less than the recommended minimum wage.
    • Large Number of Low-Income Workers: The report highlights that nearly 30 crore workers earn less than the minimum wage, indicating a significant portion of the workforce struggling with low earnings.

    The year-wise wealth share of the top 10% and the bottom 50% of the population-

    • Stagnant Income Growth vs. GDP Per Capita: Despite an increase in GDP per capita over the last decade, income growth among the majority of the population has remained stagnant.
    • GDP Per Capita Increase: Over the past 10 years, GDP per capita in India has risen by 60%, indicating overall economic growth and prosperity.
    • Low Earnings Below NFLMW: Despite GDP growth, close to 35% of total households still earn less than the proposed National Floor Level Minimum Wage (NFLMW).
    • Increase in Wealth Disparity: The share of national wealth held by the wealthiest 10% of the population has increased from 63% in 2012 to 64.5% in 2022. Conversely, the share of wealth held by the poorest 50% of the population has decreased from 6.1% in 2012 to 5.6% in 2022.

    What are the measures to resolve these issues?

    • Promote Formal Employment: Encourage policies and initiatives to boost formal sector employment, providing stable income and social security benefits. Offer incentives to businesses to create more formal job opportunities.
      • Focus on promoting vocational training and entrepreneurship among women to enhance their participation in formal sectors.
    • Ensure Equal Pay and Opportunities: Enforce laws to ensure equal pay for equal work, regardless of gender. Implement policies to eliminate gender discrimination in hiring practices and promotion opportunities.
    • Improve Minimum Wage Standards: Review and revise minimum wage standards regularly to ensure they are in line with the cost of living and provide a decent standard of living.
    • Invest in Rural Development: Promote rural development initiatives to create alternative sources of livelihood and reduce dependency on agriculture, especially for women engaged in unpaid labor.
    • Address Regional Disparities: Implement targeted interventions to address rural-urban disparities in income and employment opportunities. Focus on infrastructure development, skill enhancement, and investment promotion in economically backward regions.
    • Enhance Social Safety Nets: Strengthen social safety net programs such as Universal Basic Income (UBI), healthcare, and education to provide a buffer against income volatility and support vulnerable households.

    Conclusion:

    Stagnant income growth and rising self-employment underscore economic challenges, with many households earning below the proposed minimum wage. Resolving issues requires promoting formal employment, equal pay, rural development, and progressive taxation.

    PYQ Mains-

    Q- Can the vicious cycle of gender inequality, poverty and malnutrition be broken through microfinancing of women SHGs? Explain with examples.

  • Geo-Heritage Sites in India

    Why in the news

    • Pandavula Gutta, an ancient geological marvel predating the Himalayan hills, has been officially designated as Telangana’s sole Geo-heritage site.
    • Also the 165 million-year-old meteor Ramgarh Crater in Rajasthan was declared geo-heritage site.

    [A] Pandavula Gutta

    • Pandavula Gutta is located in Jayashankar Bhupalpally District in Telangana.
    • It is known for its rock art and geological heritage.
    • The site features Paleolithic cave paintings depicting wildlife and symbols.
    • Discovered in 1990, it showcases habitation from the mesolithic to medieval times.
    • Recognized as the sole Geo-heritage site in Telangana, older than the Himalayan hills.

     

    [B] Ramgarh Crater

    • The Ramgarh Crater, also known as Ramgarh structure, Ramgarh Dome, and Ramgarh astrobleme, is a meteor impact crater located near the town of Ramgarh in Baran district of Rajasthan.
    • It is established as an asteroid impact crater in India, excavated within sandstone, shale, and limestone horizons of the Lower Bhander Group of the Vindhyan Region.
    • It was formed by a meteorite impact, with a diameter of 3.2 kilometers and an elevation of over 200 meters above the surrounding terrain.
    • It is declared Conservation Reserve, namely Ramgarh Conservation Reserve, under the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972 and a notified wetland under Wetland (Conservation & Management) Rules, 2017.

     

    What are Geo-Heritage Sites?

    • Geo-Heritage Sites in India are geological features of significant importance, either culturally or inherently, that provide insights into the Earth’s evolution or serve educational purposes.
    • These sites are recognized and protected by the Geological Survey of India (GSI) and the respective State governments.
    • India presently has 34 National Geological Heritage Monument Sites.
    • Examples:
      1. Mawmluh Cave in Meghalaya
      2. Majuli Island in Assam
      3. Chabimura in Tripura
    • Purpose:
      1. Promote geotourism
      2. Preserve unique geological formations
      3. Enhance geological literacy among the public

     

    Tap this link to read more about all Geo-Heritage Parks in India:

    https://vikaspedia.in/education/childrens-corner/geological-heritage-sites-of-india

    PYQ:

    Q.Which one of the following statements is correct?​ (2021)

    1. Ajanta Caves lie in the gorge of Waghora River.​
    2. Sanchi Stupa lies in the gorge of Chambal River.​
    3. Pandu-Lena Cave Shrines lie in the gorge of Narmada River.​
    4. Amaravati Stupa lies in the gorge of Godavari River.​

    Practice MCQ:

    Which of the given statements about the Ramgarh Structure is NOT correct?

    1. It is an asteroid impact crater.
    2. It is located in the Deccan Plateau.
    3. It is a notified wetland under Wetland (Conservation & Management) Rules, 2017.
    4. It is under Conservation Reserve under the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972.

  • Nana Jagannath Shankarseth: The ‘Architect of Mumbai’

    Why in the news-

    • The Maharashtra cabinet has resolved to request the Ministry of Railways to rename Mumbai Central station after Nana Jagannath Shankarseth, a revered social reformer, educationist, and philanthropist often hailed as the “architect” of Mumbai.

    About Nana Jagannath Shankarseth (1803-1865)

    • Born on February 10, 1803, in Murbad, Thane, into the affluent Murkute family.
    • His father, Shankar Murkute, earned the nickname “Shankar Sheth” due to his success in the jewellery and diamond trade.
    • He contributed in terms of both ideas and money to multiple sectors, to lay a strong foundation for the Bombay City.
    • He was greatly inspired by the legendary merchant and philanthropist Sir Jamsetjee Jeejeebhoy.

    Contribution of Nana Jagannath Shankarseth

    • Founded the Bombay Association in 1852, the first political organization in Mumbai, fostering a platform for civic engagement and political discourse.
    • Played a pivotal role as one of the founding members of the Great Indian Peninsula Railway in 1853, contributing to India’s infrastructural development.
    • Recognized the importance of education in societal progress and opened the first school for girls in Mumbai in 1849, pioneering educational reform.
    • Co-founded the School Society and the Native School of Bombay, laying the foundation for educational institutions that nurtured future leaders such as Dadabhai Naoroji and Gopal Krishna Gokhale.
    • Established the Bombay Native Education Society in 1822, the first of its kind in Western India, to promote education among the masses.
    • Collaborated with Sir George Birdwood and Dr Bhau Daji in major reconstruction efforts in Mumbai starting in 1857, transforming the city’s urban landscape.
    • Became the first Indian to be nominated to the Bombay Legislative Council in 1861, advocating for policies that improved public welfare and urban amenities.
    • Honored with a marble statue at the Asiatic Society of Mumbai a year after his death in 1865, commemorating his contributions to society.

     

     

    Try this PYQ from CSE Prelims 2012:

    Q.The most effective contribution made by Dadabhai Naoroji to the cause of Indian National Movement was that he-

    1. exposed the economic exploitation of India by the British
    2. interpreted the ancient Indian texts and restored the self-confidence of Indians
    3. stressed the need for eradication of all the social evils before anything else

    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

     

    Practice MCQ:

    Q. Consider the following events:

    He founded the Bombay Association in 1852, the first political organization in Mumbai, fostering a platform for civic engagement and political discourse. Recognizing the importance of education in societal progress, he opened the first school for girls in Mumbai in 1849, pioneering educational reform. He became the first Indian to be nominated to the Bombay Legislative Council in 1861, advocating for policies that improved public welfare and urban amenities.

    The above description is mentioned about which of the following personality?

    a) Gopal Krishna Gokhale

    b) Maharshi Vitthal Ramji Shinde

    c) Nana Jagannath Shankarseth

    d) Dhondo Keshav Karve

     

     

  • Atmospheric Research Testbed in Central India (ART-CI)

    Why in the news-

    • The Ministry of Earth Sciences has commissioned Atmospheric Research Testbed-Central India (ART-CI) near Bhopal.

    About Atmospheric Research Testbed

    • ART-CI stands as an innovative testbed facility, pioneering the exploration of monsoon convection and land-atmosphere interactions, marking a significant advancement in climate research.
    • The Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology (IITM), Pune leads ART-CI, operating under the Ministry of Earth Sciences (MoES).

    Mission Objectives

    • ART-CI primarily targets the monsoon trough area, encompassing the Monsoon Core Zone (MCZ), a critical component of the regional climate system.
    • Understanding this zone is paramount for precise weather forecasts and accurate climate modelling within India.

    Monsoon Core Zone (MCZ)

     

    • MCZ is a region in India stretching from Gujarat to West Bengal in the east.
    • India Meteorological Department demarcates it as an agricultural region where cropping is mostly rainfed.
    • It is the region within the monsoon trough area that plays a central role in the dynamics of the Indian monsoon system.
    • It is characterized by intense convective activity, significant rainfall, and crucial atmospheric interactions that influence the overall behavior of the monsoon.
    • The MCZ typically experiences a concentration of atmospheric processes that drive the onset, progression, and withdrawal of the monsoon rains across the Indian subcontinent.

    Features and Capabilities

    • ART-CI’s development unfolds incrementally as part of the Atmosphere & Climate Research-Modelling Observing Systems & Services (ACROSS) umbrella scheme.
    • The facility will feature an extensive array of remote-sensing and in-situ instruments.
    • These tools would help monitoring of various atmospheric parameters like convection, cloud cover, precipitation, soil moisture, radiation levels, and microphysics.

  • In news: Popocatepetl Volcano

    In the news

    • Popocatepetl, Mexico’s most dangerous active volcano has erupted 13 times in the past day, hurling columns of ash and smoke into the sky.

    About Popocatepetl Volcano

    • Popocatepetl — which means “Smoking Mountain” in the Aztec Nahuatl language — is located in central Mexico roughly 72 km southeast of Mexico City.
    • Popocatepetl is situated in the eastern half of the Trans-Mexican Volcanic Belt, in Central Mexico.
    • It lies on the border between the states of Puebla and Morelos.
    • The summit of Popocatepetl stands at an elevation of about 5,426 meters above sea level, making it the second-highest peak in Mexico after Citlaltepetl (Pico de Orizaba).

    Geological Details

    • Popocatepetl is a stratovolcano (composite volcano) characterized by its steep, conical shape built up by successive layers of volcanic ash, lava flows, and pyroclastic materials.
    • It is one of Mexico’s most active volcanoes, with documented eruptions dating back to the 14th century.
    • In the modern era, significant eruptions have occurred in 1947, 1994, 2000, 2005, and ongoing activity since 2013.
    • The volcano’s eruptions are primarily andesitic to dacitic in composition, characterized by the eruption of viscous lava flows and explosive eruptions producing ash clouds, pyroclastic flows, and lahars (mudflows).

    Try this PYQ from CSE Mains 2021

    Q. Mention the global occurrence of volcanic eruptions in 2021 and their impact on regional environment.

  • [13 March 2024] The Hindu Op-ed: Intra-group caste variances, equality and the Court’s gaze

    [13 March 2024] The Hindu Op-ed: Intra-group caste variances, equality and the Court’s gaze

    PYQ Relevance:

    Mains:
    1. Whether the National Commission for Scheduled Castes (NCSC) can enforce the implementation of constitutional reservation for the Scheduled Castes in the religious minority institutions? Examine (2018)

    2. What are the two major legal initiatives by state since Independence, addressing discrimination against Scheduled Tribes (ST)? (2017)

    3. Why are the tribals in India referred to as ‘the Scheduled Tribes’? Indicate the major provisions enshrined in the Constitution of India for their upliftment. (2016)

    Prelims:
    Under the Indian Constitution, the Concentration of Wealth violates​ (2021)
    a) the Right to Equality​
    b) the Directive Principles of State Policy​
    c) the Right to Freedom​
    d) the Concept of Welfare
    From The Hindu

    Note4Students: 

    Mains: Minority sections of the society and their Empowerment; Judiciary; State government;

    Prelims: Fundamental rights; Important judgements by SC; State government;

    Mentor comments: Recently, the case of ‘State of Punjab vs Davinder Singh’ revolves around the question of whether State governments can make sub-classifications within Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes for public employment. The Supreme Court is set to deliver a judgment on this matter, addressing the issue of intra-group variances and the power of States to recognize them. We need to analyze this issue as it is sub-classified SC reservations which are leading to legal challenges and subsequent legislative actions.

    Let’s learn. 

    —

    Why in the News?

    The SC is set to deliver a judgment on whether State governments can make sub-classifications within SCs and STs, addressing the varying levels of development and discrimination within these groups. 

    Context:

    • The ongoing case of State of Punjab v Davinder Singh has brought to light the complexities surrounding sub-classification within reserved categories.
    • The central question revolves around whether a group within a reserved category can be further sub-classified and granted reservations.
    • Proponents argue that sub-classification is necessary to ensure adequate representation of the most disadvantaged groups, addressing the issue of backwardness within backwardness.
    • On the other hand, opponents contend that the existing reservation scheme already ensures adequate representation for historically disadvantaged groups, making sub-classification unnecessary.
    JUDICIARY ON SUB-CATEGORIZATION WITHIN RESERVED CATEGORIES:

    1) State of Punjab vs Davinder Singh case (1975):

    – In 1975, the Government of Punjab issued a circular that reserved 50% of SC seats for Balmikis and Mazhabi Sikhs, leading to legal challenges culminating in the Supreme Court’s involvement.

    – The case questions whether sub-classifications are constitutionally permissible within SCs and STs, challenging the notion that these groups are homogenous.

    – The debate involves revisiting past judgments like E.V. Chinnaiah vs State of Andhra Pradesh, which prohibited sub-classifications within SCs but recognized such distinctions within Other Backward Classes (OBCs).

    2) Indra Sawhney vs Union of India Case (1992):

    – The SC cited its judgment which arose out of the Mandal Commission’s report. There, a nine-judge Bench had held that sub-classifications within socially and educationally backward classes (OBCs) for services under the government was permissible.

    – The case introduced the concept of the “creamy layer,” excluding affluent sections within backward classes (limited it to not exceed 50%) from reservation benefits.

    – The genesis of this debate dates back to 1980 when the Second Backward Classes Committee, chaired by BP Mandal, recommended 27% reservation for OBCs and 22.5% for Scheduled Castes.

    3) About E.V. Chinnaiah vs State of Andhra Pradesh Case (2004):

    – A five-judge Bench quashed the Andhra Pradesh Scheduled Castes (Rationalization of Reservations) Act, 2000. The Act was challenged before the High Court and later the Supreme Court, which declared it ‘ultra vires the Constitution’ as it offended Article 341 of the Constitution.

    – This provision allows the President of India to notify a list of SCs for each State, and stipulates that the list can only be modified by Parliament.

    – The case prohibited sub-classifications within SCs as it was found to violate constitutional provisions but recognized such distinctions within Other Backward Classes (OBCs). It emphasized that SCs and STs are homogeneous groups incapable of further regrouping or classification.

    – The Court found that the State government had no power to tinker with the list because it was clear on a bare reading of Article 341 that such authority vested only with Parliament.

    What is the difference between a homogenous class and a sub-classification within reserved categories?

    • A homogenous class refers to a group that is considered uniform or undifferentiated, where all individuals within the group are treated equally.
    • The Sub-classification within reserved categories involves categorizing a larger group into smaller sub-groups based on specific criteria, allowing for differential treatment or preferences within the overall category.
    • The distinction lies in how individuals within a larger reserved category are treated – either uniformly as a single homogenous group or with differentiated preferences based on sub-classifications.

    What are the arguments for and against sub-classification within reserved categories?

    Arguments for Sub-classification:

    • Ensuring Adequate Representation: Proponents argue that sub-classification is necessary to ensure adequate representation of the most disadvantaged groups within reserved categories.
    • Tailoring Criteria for Sub-classification: The court needs to tailor criteria for sub-classification to prevent leaving out certain groups while granting benefits to the most backward.
    • State’s Ability to Identify Backwardness: The states needs to be best positioned to judge the backwardness of communities and should have the authority to create sub-classifications within reserved categories without violating constitutional provisions.

    Arguments against Sub-classification:

    • Presumption of Backwardness: Opponents argue that while there is a presumption of backwardness with Scheduled Castes (SCs), individual castes within SCs cannot be considered separate classes under Article 16(4), suggesting that making laws for specific castes within SC lists could violate Article 16(2).
    • Violation of Equality Principle: Critics assert that sub-classification would violate the right to equality by treating communities within the category differently, potentially leading to discrimination based on caste, which is prohibited under Article 16(2).
    • Stigma and Exclusion: Those against sub-classification argue that if certain Scheduled Castes do not receive reservation benefits, they may be left with the stigma of being a Scheduled Caste without access to affirmative action measures, highlighting concerns about exclusion and inequality.

    What are the challenges faced by Sub-Classifications within Reserved Categories in India?

    • Lack of Equal Opportunities: Articles 14 to 16 of the Constitution promises of substantive equality. The absence of sub-classification perpetuates inequality within reserved categories, hinders the framing of appropriate government policies.
    • Legal and Constitutional Complexities: The states face challenges as they lack legislative competence to create sub-classifications within reserved categories, raising questions about the constitutionality of such measures.
    • Addressing Backwardness: The issue of “backwardness within backwardness” has been acknowledged, emphasizing the need to address the most disadvantaged communities effectively.

    Way Forward

    Considering the above challenges, they highlight the complexities and nuances involved in addressing sub-classifications within reserved categories in India. Hence it is necessary to emphasize on careful consideration and legal clarity in policy-making and implementation. The SC’s decision in cases like ‘State of Punjab vs Davinder Singh’ will play a crucial role in shaping affirmative action discourse and addressing issues of social justice within reserved categories

  • In news: Sabarmati Ashram

    sabarmati

    In the news

    • Prime Minister’s recent activities, commemorating the 94th anniversary of the Dandi March at the Sabarmati Ashram, mark a significant step towards the redevelopment and expansion of this historic site.

    Ashrams Built by Mahatma Gandhi

     

    Gandhi set up five settlements during his lifetime — two in South Africa (Phoenix Settlement in Natal, and Tolstoy Farm outside Johannesburg), where he lived from 1893 to 1914, and three in India, where he arrived in January 1915.

     

    South Africa Settlements:

    1. Phoenix Settlement in Natal: Founded in 1904, the Phoenix Settlement was established by Gandhi as a communal living space and center for social and political activism. It served as a hub for his Satyagraha campaigns against racial discrimination and injustice in South Africa.
    2. Tolstoy Farm outside Johannesburg: Gandhi established Tolstoy Farm in 1910 as a self-sustaining community inspired by the teachings of Russian writer Leo Tolstoy. It served as a refuge for Indian immigrants and a base for organizing resistance against discriminatory laws.

     

    Indian Settlements:

    1. Ahmedabad Ashram (Kocharab Ashram): Gandhi’s first ashram in India was established in Kocharab, Ahmedabad, in 1915. It was initially a rented space and was later moved to a larger site on the banks of the Sabarmati River, becoming the Sabarmati Ashram.
    2. Sabarmati Ashram:  Read the article below.
    3. Sevagram Ashram: Established in 1936 near Wardha in Maharashtra, Sevagram Ashram was Gandhi’s final residence in India. It was intended to be a model village based on principles of self-reliance, sustainability, and nonviolence. Gandhi spent the last years of his life here, engaging in various constructive programs and campaigns.

     

    Try this PYQ from CSE Mains 2019:

    Q. Many voices had strengthened and enriched the nationalist movement during the Gandhian Phase. Elaborate.

    About Sabarmati Ashram

    • Founded in 1917 by Mahatma Gandhi, the Sabarmati Ashram holds immense historical significance in India’s struggle for independence and Gandhian philosophy.
    • Situated on the western bank of the Sabarmati River, north of the village of Juna Vadaj in Ahmedabad, Gujarat, the ashram became a focal point for various movements and experiments led by Gandhi.

    Key Movements and Initiatives

    1. Champaran Satyagraha (1917): The ashram served as a base for Gandhi’s involvement in the Champaran Satyagraha, a movement against oppressive indigo planters in Bihar.
    2. Khadi Movement (1918): Gandhi initiated the Khadi movement from Sabarmati Ashram, promoting the use of hand-spun cloth as a means to boycott foreign goods and promote self-reliance.
    3. Ahmedabad Mill Strike (1918) and Kheda Satyagraha: Gandhi led the workers’ strike in Ahmedabad and the peasants’ movement in Kheda, both of which were pivotal in India’s struggle for independence.
    4. Non-Cooperation Movement (1920): The ashram played a crucial role in Gandhi’s call for non-cooperation with British authorities, urging Indians to boycott British goods and institutions.
    5. Dandi March (1930): One of the most iconic events in India’s freedom struggle, the Dandi March, commenced from Sabarmati Ashram. Gandhi, along with his followers, marched to Dandi to protest against the salt tax imposed by the British.

    Philosophy and Ideals

    • Gandhi envisioned Sabarmati Ashram as a community based on principles of simplicity, self-reliance, and communal living.
    • He emphasized the importance of truth, non-violence (Ahimsa), and Satyagraha (nonviolent resistance) as tools for social and political change.

    Activities and Structures

    The ashram housed various facilities and structures, including:

    1. Hriday Kunj: Gandhi’s residence at the ashram, where he lived with his wife Kasturba.
    2. Gandhi Smarak Sangrahalaya: A museum dedicated to Gandhi’s life, showcasing his personal belongings, letters, and photographs.
    3. Magan Niwas: A guesthouse for visitors and volunteers.
    4. Vinoba-Mira Kutir: Residence of Vinoba Bhave and Mira Behn, Gandhian disciples.