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GS Paper: GS1

  • [20th August 2024] The Hindu Op-ed: The ‘livery of India’s freedom’ is under threat

    [20th August 2024] The Hindu Op-ed: The ‘livery of India’s freedom’ is under threat

    PYQ Relevance:
    Mains:
    Q.1 Bring out the constructive programmes of Mahatma Gandhi during the Non-Cooperation Movement and Civil Disobedience Movement. (UPSC IAS/2021) 
    Q.2 Can the strategy of regional-resource-based manufacturing help in promoting employment in India? (UPSC IAS/2019) 

    Note4Students: 

    Prelims: Khadi and Village Industries Commission (KVIC);

    Mains: Challenges related to khadi industry;

    Mentor comments:  The khadi industry in India is a vital segment of the textile sector, known for its hand-spun and hand-woven fabrics made from cotton, silk, and wool. It plays a crucial role in generating employment, particularly in rural areas, with millions of artisans involved in its production. The industry has seen significant growth, with khadi production valued at ₹1,904.5 crore (USD 255.8 million) in FY21, up from ₹1,520.8 crore (USD 204.3 million) in FY17. Promoted by the Khadi and Village Industries Commission (KVIC), khadi symbolizes India’s heritage and commitment to sustainable practices.

    Let’s learn —

    Why in the News? 

    • The Prime Minister’s ‘Har Ghar Tiranga’ campaign highlights moral contradiction, as machine-made polyester flags, often imported, overshadow the significance of our national flag.
    • The Flag Code of India has historically required the national flag to be made of “hand spun and hand-woven wool/cotton/silk khadi bunting”

    Significance of Khadi Industries: 

    • Second Largest Employer: After agriculture, the khadi industry is the second largest industry to provide employment opportunities to the unemployed and rural people
    • Preserving Heritage: Khadi is a national heritage fabric of India with a unique identity and a rich tradition dating back to ancient times.
    • Symbol of Freedom Struggle: Khadi was the fabric of the freedom struggle, with Mahatma Gandhi launching the movement of ‘spin your own cloth and buy hand-spun cloth’ in 1921
    • Eco-friendly Production: The production of khadi focuses on the environment right from the beginning, using locally manufactured raw materials without chemicals and energy resources.

    The reason behind the Khadi procurement has fallen: 

    • Neglect of Mandates: Government departments are reportedly ignoring or overruling mandates requiring them to procure khadi. For instance, many departments shifted to other materials, resulting in a drop in khadi purchases from ₹50-60 crore per year to ₹32 crore over a decade.
    • Amendment to the Flag Code: In 2022, the Government amended the Flag Code of India to allow for the use of machine-made polyester bunting for the national flag, which historically required khadi.  
    • Tax Exemption for Polyester Flags: The government exempted polyester flags from the Goods and Services Tax (GST), placing them on the same tax footing as khadi flags.  
    • Indefinite Strike by Khadi Producers: The Karnataka Khadi Gramodyoga Samyukta Sangha (KKGSS), the sole national flag manufacturing unit accredited by the Bureau of Indian Standards, resorted to an indefinite strike to protest the government’s actions, which they view as detrimental to the khadi industry.
    • Market Regulation Failures: The khadi market lacks effective regulation, leading to the sale of khadi produced from semi-mechanized charkhas alongside traditional hand-spun khadi. This situation creates confusion among consumers and undermines the authenticity of traditional khadi.  
    • Lack of Global Promotion: The government has failed to establish a global audience for Indian handlooms, particularly khadi. For instance, khadi’s share remains very low, accounting for less than 0.22% of the total textile sector exports.  
    • Economic Pressures on Workers: Khadi spinners and weavers are facing economic hardships, with wages remaining low at ₹200-₹250 per day despite their labour-intensive work.  
    • Impact of Policy Changes: Recent policy changes, such as the introduction of the Goods and Services Tax (GST), have placed additional burdens on handloom workers. The GST applies to both finished khadi products and raw materials, increasing costs for producers.  
    Khadi and Village Industries Commission (KVIC)

    • Establishment: The KVIC was established in April 1957 by the Government of India under the Khadi and Village Industries Commission Act. It is a statutory body aimed at promoting and regulating the khadi and village industries in India.
    • Objectives: The KVIC has three main objectives:
    1. Social Objective: To provide employment in rural areas.
    Economic Objective: To produce saleable articles.
    2. Wider Objective: To create self-reliance among people and build a strong rural community spirit.

    • Affiliation and Oversight: The KVIC oversees approximately 5,600 registered khadi institutions and 30,138 cooperative societies across India. It collaborates with 30 State Khadi and • Village Industry Boards (KVIBs) to implement its programs at the state level.

    • Trademark Protection: KVIC holds exclusive rights to the “Khadi” and “Khadi India” trademarks, ensuring that the term is used correctly and protecting the integrity of khadi products in the market.

    Way forward: 

    • Revitalize Government Mandates & Incentivize Khadi Procurement: Reinforce mandates requiring government departments to prioritize khadi procurement and introduce subsidies or tax incentives for using traditional hand-spun khadi, ensuring fair competition against synthetic alternatives.
    • Global Promotion & Fair Wages: Launch targeted campaigns to promote khadi internationally, increasing its market share while ensuring that khadi spinners and weavers receive fair wages through direct government support and better pricing mechanisms.

  • The tyranny of inequality  

    Why in the News?

    A recent study by Thomas Piketty and colleagues highlights a dramatic rise in wealth and income inequality in India over the past few decades, with a sharp increase particularly from 2014 to 2022.

    The analysis from ” Gallup World Poll (GWP) Survey (2019-23)” for India  

    Note: The GWP measures corruption through individual perceptions, asking respondents whether they believe corruption is widespread.
    • Income Inequality: The survey data indicates a significant rise in income inequality, with the top 1% controlling over 40% of total wealth in India, a stark increase from 12.5% in 1980.
      • The top 1% of income earners now receive 22.6% of the country’s total pre-tax income, up from 7.3% in 1980.
    • Rent-Seeking Behavior: The persistence of rent-seeking behavior among wealthy investors, which diverts resources from productive uses to securing unwarranted gains from government entities.
    • Judicial Trust and Corruption: Trust in the judiciary can play a significant role in curbing corruption. Higher trust correlates with lower perceived corruption levels.
    • Mutual Fund vs Fixed deposits: Speculative investments, such as mutual funds, largely drive income inequality, while savings in fixed deposits and post offices help curb it.
    • Inequality promotes corruption: The study finds that higher income inequality causes widespread corruption, while greater confidence in the judiciary helps reduce it.

    What is our present methodology for counting inequality?

    • Piketty’s Measure: Thomas Piketty’s measure compares the income share of the top 1% to that of the bottom 50%. This highlights the growing disparity in income distribution effectively.
    • Consumption vs Income Inequality: Inequality is traditionally measured using consumption expenditure surveys by the National Sample Survey Office (NSSO). However, consumption inequality tends to be lower than income inequality.
    • Use of Multiple Data Sources: Researchers often combine data from various sources, including national accounts, tax data, and recent surveys like the Periodic Labour Force Surveys (PLFS) and Consumer Pyramid Household Survey (CPHS).
    • Gini Index and Other Metrics: The Gini index is frequently used to quantify inequality, but it has limitations, being less sensitive to changes at the income distribution extremes.

    Issues Associated with measuring income inequality:

    • Data quality and availability: There has been a noted decline in the reliability of household surveys since 2011-12, making it difficult to obtain accurate and comparable data. For example, The 55th NSS round showed a dramatic decline in poverty estimates, which many experts deemed misleading due to the survey’s methodological flaws.
    • Underreporting of wealth: Surveys may underreport wealthier households’ consumption, leading to inaccurate inequality assessments. For example, the Household Consumption Expenditure Survey (HCES) 2022-23 reported a significant drop in rural and urban poverty levels. However, critics argue that these figures may not accurately reflect the reality of wealthier households
    • Comparability with other countries: India’s reliance on consumption data rather than income data can result in mischaracterization as a low-inequality country in international comparisons.
    • Focus on labor income: Some reports focus only on labor income, ignoring other income sources and skewing the understanding of overall inequality. For example, studies have shown that the income share of the top 10% in India has grown significantly, while labour income alone does not reflect this concentration adequately
    • Complexity of income dynamics: Accurately assessing inequality is challenging due to the influence of economic policies, globalization, and market forces. For instance, Researchers have noted that the absence of comprehensive tax data beyond 2017-18 adds uncertainty to the analysis of income inequality trends

    Way forward: 

    • Improve Data Collection and Methodologies: There is an urgent need to enhance the quality and reliability of household surveys and other data sources.
    • Broadening Income Metrics Beyond Labor Income: To better capture the full spectrum of income inequality, it’s essential to include non-labor income sources, such as capital gains, property income, and speculative investments.

    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)

  • [pib] Maharaja Bir Bikram Kishore Manikya Bahadur

    Why in the News?

    The Prime Minister has paid homage to the great Maharaja of Tripura Bir Bikram Kishore Manikya Bahadur on his birth anniversary.

    Who was Maharaja Bir Bikram Kishore Manikya Bahadur?

    Details
    Reign 1923 – 1947
    Birth August 19, 1908
    Contributions to Tripura – Modernized Tripura with infrastructure and educational reforms.
    – Planned and designed the city of Agartala, earning the title “Architect of Modern Tripura.”-He took initiatives to explore tea cultivation and established several tea estates in Tripura.
    Education and Infrastructure – Established schools, colleges, and hospitals.
    – He was instrumental in establishing the first airport in Tripura, the Maharaja Bir Bikram Airport, which greatly improved connectivity and facilitated economic growth
    Social Reforms Introduced land reforms, granted land rights to indigenous people, and worked to abolish untouchability.

    Maharaja Bir Bikram was a patron of the arts and culture, supporting various cultural activities and institutions.
    Military Role Supported the British during World War II.
    Legacy Died on May 17, 1947

    Remembered as a visionary ruler who played a crucial role in shaping modern Tripura.

    PYQ:

    [2022] The political and administrative reorganization of states and territories has been a continuous ongoing process since the mid-nineteenth century. Discuss with examples. (250 words, 15 marks)

    [2007] Which one of the following is the correct chronological order of the formation of the following states as full states of the Indian Union?

    (a) Sikkim, Arunachal Pradesh, Nagaland, Haryana

    (b) Nagaland , Haryana, Sikkim, Arunachal Pradesh

    (c) Sikkim, Haryana, Nagaland, Arunachal Pradesh

    (d) Nagaland, Arunachal Pradesh, Sikkim, Haryana

  • Labor conditions in southern states  

    Why in the News?

    Migrant workers from various parts of India are gradually becoming a noticeable presence in the agricultural fields of Tamil Nadu’s Cauvery delta, often called the granary of South India.

    Migrants in Tamil Nadu’s Cauvery Delta

    • Labour Shortage in Agriculture: The Cauvery Delta, known as the granary of South India, is experiencing a significant shortage of farmhands as the younger generation moves away from agriculture. This has led to a reliance on migrant workers, particularly from states like West Bengal and Bihar, who are skilled in paddy transplanting and harvesting.
    • Economic Dynamics: Migrant labourers are filling the labour gap during agricultural seasons, working in groups and completing tasks more quickly than local labourers. They charge around ₹4,500 to ₹5,000 per acre, compared to local workers who earn ₹600 per day.
    • Sociocultural Integration: While there hasn’t been significant tension between migrant workers and local labourers, the integration of migrants into the agricultural workforce is still evolving.
      • Local labour unions acknowledge the presence of migrant workers but do not see it as a widespread issue yet, partly due to the ongoing mechanization of agriculture and changing job preferences among the local youth.

    Dependence on Migrant Workers in Kerala

    • Shift in Labor Sources: Kerala has seen a growing dependence on migrant workers from northern and eastern states, including West Bengal and Bihar, to fill labour shortages in various sectors, including agriculture.
      • A recent study by the Gulati Institute of Finance and Taxation estimated the number of inter-state migrant workers in Kerala at 2.5 million, equivalent to 7% of the state’s population.
    • Economic Factors: High wage differentials between Kerala and the migrants’ home states, along with a robust urban economy, have made Kerala an attractive destination for migrant labourers.

    External Migration from Uttar Pradesh to Maharashtra

    • High Migration Rate: Uttar Pradesh tops the list for inter-state job-related migration to Maharashtra, with over 5.7% of migrants moving for employment purposes between 2020 and 2021.
    • Concentration of Migrants: Within Maharashtra, districts such as Mumbai and Thane have the highest concentrations of migrants from Uttar Pradesh.

    How does the proposed ‘quota-for-local’ Bill impact migrant workers?

    • uction in the already precarious employment options available to migrants, who often fill lower-skilled positions.
    • Increased Competition: The migrant workers might face intensified competition for fewer available roles, particularly in sectors where they have traditionally been employed, such as delivery services and hospitality.
    • Economic Migration: The bill could lead to a demographic shift in the labor market. Migrants may choose to relocate to states with more inclusive hiring practices, impacting the state’s economy and workforce diversity.
    • Exploitation Risks: The present Bill could make migrants more vulnerable to exploitation, as companies may feel less inclined to hire them, leading to further marginalization of these workers.
    • Industry Concerns: Business leaders and industry representatives have expressed concerns that the bill could deter investment and talent from flowing into Karnataka, potentially leading to job losses and reduced economic growth. The focus should be on skills rather than reservations.

    What measures can be taken to protect migrant workers from exploitation?

    • Right to Change Employers: States need to ensure that migrant workers have the freedom to change employers without facing penalties, which can reduce their vulnerability to abuse and exploitation.
    • Empower Migrant workers: The government/ Private sector needs to provide comprehensive information regarding workers’ rights, including recruitment processes, legal protections, and avenues for reporting abuse.
      • Strengthening labor laws and legal assistance with counseling services that protect migrant workers and ensure strict enforcement through regular inspections of workplaces is a need of the hour.
    • Social Security and Housing Access: States need to ensure that migrant workers have access to social services, housing, and healthcare, which can help mitigate their vulnerabilities.
      • NITI Aayog in its report ”India’s Booming Gig and Platform Economy” has said that fiscal incentives such as tax breaks or startup grants may be provided for businesses that provide livelihood opportunities where women constitute a substantial portion of their workers.
    • International Cooperation: Encourage countries to adopt and implement international standards and conventions that protect the rights of migrant workers, promoting safe and ethical recruitment practices.

    Lack of Proper Data and Registration

    • Historical Data Gaps: The last comprehensive survey on internal migration was conducted as part of the National Sample Survey in 2007-08, with the Census 2011 data only partially released in 2020.
    • Absence of Real-Time Data: During the COVID-19 lockdown, the Indian government did not collect data on the deaths or job losses of internal migrants. The Ministry of Labour and Employment confirmed that it maintained no records of migrant workers who lost their jobs or lives during this period.

    Legislation: 

    The Inter-State Migrant Workmen (Regulation of Employment and Conditions of Service) Act, 1979 was enacted to protect the rights and regulate the conditions of service for migrant workers who move between states in India for employment.

    Implementation Challenges

    • Lack of Awareness: Many migrant workers are unaware of their rights under the Act, leading to exploitation and poor working conditions.
    • Inadequate Enforcement: There is often insufficient enforcement of the Act by state governments, resulting in widespread violations and the continued presence of migrant workers in informal and unregulated sectors.
    • Data Gaps: The absence of accurate data on the number of inter-state migrant workers complicates enforcement and the provision of services.

    Way forward: 

    • Promote Sustainable Employment and Skill Development in Source Regions: To reduce the over-reliance on migrant labour and address labour shortages in sectors like agriculture, the government should focus on creating sustainable employment opportunities in the migrants’ home states.
    • Promote Sustainable Employment and Skill Development in Source Regions: The government should create a real-time migrant data system linked with Aadhaar, enabling targeted policies, social security, and effective crisis response for internal migrants.

    Mains PYQ:

    Q Discuss the changes in the trends of labour migration within and outside India in the last four decades. (UPSC IAS/2015)

  • In news: Namdhari Sect

    Why in the News?

    Recently, followers of the two rival groups within the Namdhari religious sect clashed violently in Haryana.

    About Namdhari Sect

    Details
    Founder Satguru Ram Singh in 1857 (on Baisakhi)

    Also known as Kuka Movement
    Primary Beliefs – Belief in a living human Guru; Also known as Kuka/Kukaism
    – Guru Granth Sahib is considered the Supreme Gurbani
    – Strict vegetarianism and teetotalism (alcohol is forbidden)
    Key Practices – Wearing white attire as a sign of mourning
    – Rejection of caste distinctions
    – Promotion of widow remarriage
    – Non-violent resistance– Cow is the sacred animal
    Headquarters Bhaini Sahib, Ludhiana, Punjab
    Global Presence – Deras across Punjab and Haryana
    – Presence in countries such as the UK, Canada, and Kenya
    Role in Independence – Early opposition to British rule
    – Adoption of non-cooperation and boycott of British goods
    – Victims of severe British reprisals
    Notable Historical Event Malerkotla Massacre (1872) – 66 Namdharis executed by the British
    Leadership Succession – After Ram Singh: His brother Satguru Hari Singh
    – Later Successors: Satguru Partap Singh, Satguru Jagjit Singh
    – Current leaders: Uday Singh and Dalip Singh (factional dispute)

     

    PYQ:

    [2013] Consider the following Bhakti Saints :

    1. Dadu Dayal

    2. Guru Nanak

    3. Tyagaraja

    Who among the above was/were preaching when the Lodi dynasty fell and Babur took over?

    (a) 1 and 3

    (b) 2 only

    (c) 2 and 3

    (d) 1 and 2
  • [15th August 2024] The Hindu Op-ed: The trial that progressed rapidly towards Independence

    [15th August 2024] The Hindu Op-ed: The trial that progressed rapidly towards Independence

    PYQ Relevance:
    Mains: 
    Q  Highlight the importance of the new objectives that got added to the vision of Indian Independence since the twenties of the last century. (UPSC IAS/2017)
    Q Why did the armies of the British East India Company – mostly comprising of Indian Soldiers – win consistently against the more numerous and better-equipped armies of the then-Indian rulers? Give reasons. (UPSC IAS/2022)

    Note4Students: 

    Subject: GS I (Modern India)

    Mains:  Significance of Red Fort Trial 

    Mentor comments: The Red Fort trials, held in 1945-46, were a significant event in India’s struggle for independence. The British colonial government prosecuted key members of the Indian National Army (INA), including Shah Nawaz Khan, Prem Sahgal, and Gurbaksh Singh Dhillon, charging them with waging war against the King. Despite the government’s expectation of public disdain, the trials ignited widespread support for the INA, leading to national demonstrations. The defendants were ultimately found guilty but received lenient sentences, which further fueled the independence movement and contributed to the eventual end of British rule in India.

    Why in the news? 

    Decades after the Red Fort trial, it is hoped that India’s leaders will once again find the wisdom to commit themselves to what unites us as a people.

    About the Red Fort Trial: 

    • The Red Fort Trial, also known as the Indian National Army (INA) trials, was a series of court-martials held by the British colonial government in India between November 1945 and May 1946. The trials were held at the Red Fort in Delhi, and they are among the most significant events in the final years leading up to India’s independence.

    Background:

    • Indian National Army (INA): The INA was formed by Indian nationalists during World War II under the leadership of Subhas Chandra Bose. It was composed primarily of Indian prisoners of war who had been captured by the Japanese in Southeast Asia and was aligned with the Axis powers to fight against British rule in India.
    • The objective of the INA: The INA aimed to overthrow British rule in India through military means, and it played a key role in the campaigns in Burma and the Indian Northeast during the war.
    • British Reaction: After World War II ended, the British captured several INA soldiers and officers. The British decided to make an example of the INA by trying its officers for treason, murder, and other charges.

    Protests that spread across India

    • Widespread National Support: Protests erupted in multiple cities, including Delhi, Calcutta, Madras, Lahore, Bombay, Patna, and Lucknow, with people from all religious and social backgrounds uniting to demand justice for the INA officers.
    • Role of Congress and Muslim League: Both the Indian National Congress and the Muslim League supported the INA officers, with leaders from both parties actively participating in and encouraging the protests, showcasing rare political unity against British colonial rule.
    • Slogans and Symbols of Unity: Protesters chanted slogans like “Laal Quila se aayi aawaaz, Sahgal, Dhillon, Shahnawaaz!” and “Hindu-Muslim Unity Zindabad!”, while the flags of both Congress and the Muslim League were prominently displayed, emphasizing the nationalistic fervour and unity.
    • Violent Clashes and Sacrifices: The protests were met with brutal police repression in several cities, particularly in Madras and Calcutta, where police firing led to significant casualties—five in Madras and 97 in Calcutta—highlighting the intense opposition to British rule and the high cost of the struggle for independence.

    Why is it so significant? 

    • National Unity Across Religious Lines: The trial involved three officers of the Indian National Army (INA)—a Hindu (Prem Kumar Sahgal), a Muslim (Shah Nawaz Khan), and a Sikh (Gurbaksh Singh Dhillon). This symbolized the inclusive and secular nature of India’s struggle for independence.
    • Mobilization of Public Sentiment: The INA officers were seen as heroes who had fought for India’s freedom, despite the controversial alliance with the Axis powers. Their prosecution by the British was widely perceived as unjust, leading to mass protests, strikes, and demonstrations.
    • Challenge to British Moral Authority: The trial highlighted the declining legitimacy of British rule in India. The British attempted to portray the INA officers as traitors, but the Indian public saw them as patriots fighting for their country’s freedom.
    • Catalyst for Independence Movement: The trial also demonstrated the effectiveness of public mobilization and protest in challenging colonial authority, inspiring further actions that ultimately led to India’s independence in 1947.

    Conclusion: The Red Fort Trials, featuring INA officers, ignited widespread protests and highlighted national unity, challenging British legitimacy. They symbolized India’s resolve for independence, accelerating the end of colonial rule.

  • Freedom from dependence, a new era in health care

    Why in the News?

    India’s healthcare since globalization has improved greatly, and is globally recognized due to skilled professionals, effective policies, and strong institutions which draw patients from over 147 countries.

    Economic implications of being a preferred Medical Destination:

    • Foreign Exchange Savings: India saves billions in foreign exchange as fewer Indians need to travel abroad for advanced medical treatments.
    • Revenue Generation: The influx of international patients generates over $9 billion annually, contributing to economic growth.
    • Job Creation: The medical tourism sector creates employment opportunities in healthcare, hospitality, transportation, and pharmaceuticals.
    • Cost-Effective Treatments: India’s affordable yet high-quality medical services attract patients globally, further boosting the economy.

    What are the challenges? 

    • Shortage of Healthcare Professionals
        • Current Shortage: India is estimated to be short of around 600,000 doctors, leading to a doctor-patient ratio of approximately 0.7 doctors per 1,000 people, which is significantly lower than the World Health Organization’s recommended ratio of 1 doctor per 1,000 people.  
        • Future Demand: By 2030, the demand for healthcare professionals in India is expected to double, driven by an ageing population and the increasing burden of non-communicable diseases.
    • Inadequate Public Healthcare Spending
        • Low Expenditure: As of 2021-22, India’s public healthcare expenditure stood at 2.1% of GDP, which is significantly lower than that of many developed countries, For instance, countries like Japan and France spend about 10% of their GDP on healthcare, while the United States spends 16.9%.
        • Comparison with Neighbors: Even neighbouring countries like Bangladesh and Pakistan allocate over 3% of their GDP to public healthcare.
    • Unequal Access to Healthcare
        • Urban-Rural Disparity: There is a stark disparity in healthcare access between urban and rural areas. Rural regions often lack basic healthcare facilities, leading to limited access to quality services for a significant portion of the population.  
        • Healthcare Infrastructure: India’s healthcare infrastructure is inadequate to meet the growing demands of its population. For instance, India has one of the lowest per capita bed counts in the world, with only about 0.5 hospital beds per 1,000 people, compared to the OECD average of 4.7 beds per 1,000 people.
    • High Out-of-Pocket Expenditure
      • Financial Burden: Approximately 75% of healthcare expenditure in India is borne out-of-pocket by individuals and families.

    Need for a Strong Vision (Way forward)

    • “Heal in India” Initiative: The Prime Minister’s vision of “Heal in India” emphasizes positioning India as a global healthcare leader. This initiative is not merely a slogan but a strategic approach to enhance India’s reputation as a preferred medical destination.
    • Youth Engagement: Inspiring the youth to pursue careers in healthcare is crucial for sustaining growth in this sector. By encouraging innovation and entrepreneurship among young Indians, the country can ensure a robust healthcare system.
    • Investment in Public Healthcare: Increase public healthcare spending to improve infrastructure, especially in rural areas, and bridge the urban-rural disparity.
    • Focus on Medical Device Manufacturing: Promote domestic production of medical devices under the “Make in India” initiative to reduce dependency on imports.

    Mains PYQ:

    Q Appropriate local community-level healthcare intervention is a prerequisite to achieve ‘Health for All’ in India. Explain. (UPSC IAS/2018)

  • What is the Perseid Meteor Shower?

    Why in the News?

    The Perseid meteor shower, which began in July, is currently at its peak activity from August 11 to 13, 2024.

    About Perseid Meteor Shower

    Details
    Origin Named after the constellation Perseus, from which the meteors appear to originate.
    Cause Caused by debris left behind by Comet Swift-Tuttle as it orbits the Sun.
    How It Occurs
    • Consists of ice, rock, and dust particles shed by Comet Swift-Tuttle.
    • Earth passes through this debris field annually between mid-July and late August.
    • Particles enter Earth’s atmosphere at around 214,000 km/h, causing them to heat up and create bright streaks of light.
    Discovery The connection between the Perseid meteor shower and Comet Swift-Tuttle was established in 1862 by Lewis Swift and Horace Tuttle.
    Historical Observations Observed for centuries, with records dating back to ancient Chinese, Japanese, and European civilizations.
    Impact of Earth’s Gravity
    • Earth’s gravity pulls particles from the debris field, causing them to enter the atmosphere.
    • Larger particles can create fireballs—bright meteors that are more intense and last longer.

    Note: In the 1990s, scientists feared comet Swift-Tuttle might hit Earth or the Moon in 2126, but later calculations confirmed safety for two millennia.

    PYQ:

    [2011] What is the difference between asteroids and comets?

    1. Asteroids are small rocky planetoids, while comets are formed of frozen gases held together by rocky and metallic material.
    2. Asteroids are found mostly between the orbits of Jupiter and Mars, while comets are found mostly between Venus and Mercury.
    3. Comets show a perceptible glowing tail, while asteroids do not.

    Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

    (a) 1 and 2 only
    (b) 1 and 3 only
    (c) 3 only
    (d) 1, 2 and 3
  • [10th August 2024] The Hindu Op-ed: Refugee rights, the gendered nature of displacement

    [10th August 2024] The Hindu Op-ed: Refugee rights, the gendered nature of displacement

    PYQ Relevance:

    Mains:

    Q1 “Refugees should not be turned back to the country where they would face persecution or human right violation”. Examine the statement with reference to ethical dimension being violated by the nation claiming to be democratic with open society.  (UPSC IAS/2021) 

    Q2 Cross-border movement of insurgents is only one of the several security challenges facing the policing of the border in North-East India. Examine the various challenges currently emanating across the India-Myanmar border. Also, discuss the steps to counter the challenges. (UPSC IAS/2019) 

    Note4Students: 

    Mains: Conventions and Rights;

    Mentor comments:  By the end of June 2023, 110 million people worldwide were forcibly displaced due to persecution, conflict, violence, and severe disruptions to public order. This included 36.4 million refugees (30.5 million under UNHCR and 5.94 million Palestine refugees under UNRWA), 62.1 million internally displaced persons, 6.08 million asylum seekers, and 5.6 million Venezuelans needing protection. Additionally, millions of stateless individuals lack nationality and basic rights. In the first half of 2023, 90% of new displacements arose from major crises in Afghanistan, the DRC, Latin America, Myanmar, Somalia, Sudan, and Ukraine.

    Let’s learn!

    __

    Why in the News? 

    Armed conflict, violence, human rights abuses, and persecution force millions globally to escape their homes and homelands, resulting in their status as ‘displaced people’.

    Challenges Faced by Female Refugee 

    • India as a Refugee-Receiving Nation: India has hosted over 200,000 diverse refugee groups since independence. As of January 31, 2022, 46,000 refugees and asylum-seekers were registered with UNHCR India, with 46% being women and girls.
    • Gendered Responsibilities: Women and girls in refugee populations are disproportionately burdened with caregiving responsibilities for children, the elderly, and family sustenance. They are often the last to flee conflict zones, carrying the additional responsibility of managing family survival.
    • Impact on Physical and Mental Health: The gendered nature of displacement severely impacts the physical and mental well-being of refugee women. They face numerous stressors, including the loss of partners and children, hardships of camp life, altered family dynamics, and reduced safety.
    • Increased Risk of Gender-Based Abuse: Refugee women are exposed to heightened risks of gender-based violence, including transactional sex, due to prolonged conflict, disrupted social support systems, and socio-economic challenges.
    • Psychological and Psychosocial Conditions: Displaced women are particularly susceptible to psychological disorders such as PTSD, anxiety, and depression. They are twice as likely to experience PTSD and four times more likely to suffer from depression compared to male counterparts. For example, a study in Darfur, Sudan, found 72% of displaced women affected by PTSD and distress.

    Conventions and Rights  

    • UNCRPD Recognition:
      • The UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNCRPD) recognizes ‘psychosocial disability’ as long-term mental or intellectual impairments that hinder full participation in society.
      • Article 6 of the UNCRPD mandates protection against multiple discrimination faced by women and girls with disabilities and ensures their full enjoyment of human rights.
    • India’s Ratification and Legislation:
      • India ratified the UNCRPD and enacted the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016 (RPWDA).
      • While the term ‘psychosocial disability’ is not explicitly used in Indian law, “mental illness” is recognized and covered under the RPWDA.
      • The RPWDA guarantees various rights to persons with disabilities, including the right to health care (Section 25) and equal rights for women with disabilities (Section 4).
    • Absence of Legal Framework: India is not a signatory to the 1951 Refugee Convention and its 1967 Protocol. There is no specific domestic legislation addressing refugees, particularly those with disabilities.
    • Right to Life and Health: The Supreme Court of India has upheld the right to life under Article 21, which includes the right to health, for refugees.

    Way forward: 

    • Enact Comprehensive Legislation: Need to introduce a uniform legal framework that specifically addresses the rights and protections of refugees, with provisions for those with disabilities, aligning with international commitments like the 2030 Agenda.
    • Inclusive Policy Implementation: The government should integrate refugees with disabilities into existing and new national policies and programs, ensuring accessible services and participation in decision-making processes.

  • Buddhadeb Bhattacharya (1944-2024)

    Why in the News?

    Former CM of West Bengal and leader Buddhadeb Bhattacharya passed away at 80.

    Who was Buddhadeb Bhattacharya?

    • Bhattacharya was a politician who served as CM of West Bengal from 2000 to 2011.
    • He was known for his attempts to modernize and industrialize West Bengal while navigating the challenges of maintaining communist ideology.
    • In 2022, Bhattacharya was awarded Padma Bhushan by the Indian government, which he declined, citing his political principles.

    Key Contributions: 

    Category Details
    Political Reforms
    • Attempted to reduce the influence of powerful trade unions in the state, particularly in the industrial sector, to attract investments and improve work culture.
    Social-Cultural Reforms
    • Played a key role in establishing the Kolkata International Film Festival and promoted Bengali literature.
    • Authored several books and translated works of Gabriel Garcia Marquez and Vladimir Mayakovsky into Bengali, enriching the state’s cultural heritage.
    • Introduced measures to eliminate corruption in school recruitments by ensuring all hiring was conducted through transparent exams.
    • Initiated reforms to integrate mainstream subjects into madrassa education.
    Economic Reforms
    • Led efforts to industrialize West Bengal by attracting investments in IT, steel, and special economic zones (SEZs), including the Tata Nano project in Singur.
    • Faced significant opposition and protests in Singur and Nandigram over land acquisition, which ultimately contributed to the political decline of the Left Front.

     

    PYQ:

    [2011] Karl Marx explained the process of class struggle with the help of which one of the following theories?

    (a) Empirical liberalism

    (b) Existentialism

    (c) Darwin’s theory of evolution

    (d) Dialectical materialism