💥Join UPSC 2027,2028 Mentorship (July Batch) + XFactor Notes & Microthemes PDF
Talk to Mentor

Civilsdaily

Login

GS Paper: GS2

  • United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA)

    Why in the News?

    Israel’s Knesset has banned the United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA) from operating within its borders, citing alleged ties between UNRWA staff and Hamas.

    What is Israel’s Knesset?

    • The Knesset is Israel’s unicameral parliament, established in 1949.
    • It consists of 120 members, elected every four years through proportional representation, and is responsible for legislation, government oversight, and electing the president.

    About UNRWA:

    Details
    Full Name United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA)
    Establishment Established by the UN General Assembly in 1949.
    Primary Purpose To provide relief, healthcare, and education for Palestinian refugees displaced after the 1948 Arab-Israeli war.
    Headquarters Originally in Beirut, moved to Vienna in 1978, and relocated to Gaza in 1996.
    Mandate Renewal The mandate has been renewed repeatedly, currently extended until June 30, 2026.
    Fields of Operation Operates in Jordan, Lebanon, Syria, Gaza, and the West Bank, including East Jerusalem.
    Beneficiaries Supports over five million Palestinian refugees and their descendants displaced in 1948 and 1967.
    Services Provided • Education
    • Healthcare
    • Social services
    • Infrastructure improvement
    • Microfinance
    • Emergency assistance
    Funding Sources Primarily funded by voluntary contributions from UN member states, with limited funding from the UN Regular Budget for staffing costs.
    Leadership Led by a Commissioner-General, appointed by the UN Secretary-General with General Assembly approval.
    Controversies • Disputed mandate regarding descendants of original refugees.
    • Allegations of staff affiliations with militant groups.
    Global Response Condemned by the international community regarding bans and criticisms, with calls to support UNRWA’s humanitarian role.

    Its role and significance:

    • Humanitarian Aid: UNRWA provides essential support, including food, shelter, healthcare, and education to over five million Palestinian refugees.
    • Education and Empowerment: Operates schools for 500,000 children and supports microfinance programs to promote economic self-sufficiency.
    • Crisis Response: Plays a vital role in emergency situations and advocates for the rights of Palestinian refugees on an international level.

    PYQ:

    [2015] Amnesty International is:

    (a) an agency of the United Nations to help refugees of civil wars

    (b) a global Human Rights Movement

    (c) a non-governmental voluntary organization to help very poor people

    (d) an inter-governmental agency to cater to medical emergencies in war-ravaged regions

  • India and Spain slam attacks on UN troops in Lebanon

    Why in the News?

    During mid-October, 34 UNIFIL troop-contributing Nations condemned attacks on peacekeepers and urged respect for UNIFIL’s mission. Although not listed, India expressed full alignment with the joint statement.

    About UNIFIL: 

    UNIFIL (United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon) is a peacekeeping mission established in 1978, focused on monitoring the cessation of hostilities, supporting Lebanese stability, and ensuring security along the Lebanon-Israel Blue Line.

    What prompted the condemnation from India and Spain regarding the attacks on UN peacekeepers?

    • Repeated Targeting of Peacekeepers: Peacekeepers, including Indian personnel, faced direct attacks, such as IDF tank fire on UNIFIL positions and deliberate disabling of surveillance systems. Spain, along with other European countries, condemned these attacks as “unjustifiable.”
    • Violation of International Norms: These attacks on UN peacekeeping personnel and facilities violated the UN mandate, undermining the peacekeepers’ protection under international humanitarian law. Both India and Spain view this as a significant breach of norms that safeguard the sanctity of UN missions.
    • Response to Escalating Risk to Peacekeepers: Statements from both India and Spain emphasized the need for respecting UN premises’ “inviolability” and maintaining safety for peacekeepers amidst escalations, underscoring the importance of ensuring the protection and security of peacekeepers.

    What is the significance of UNIFIL’s role in Lebanon, and how do India and Spain view it?

    • Peacekeeping and Stability: UNIFIL is crucial in mediating and maintaining peace along the Blue Line between Israel and Lebanon. Its presence serves as a stabilizing force, helping prevent spillovers of conflict, which is essential for regional peace.
    • India’s Role as a Major Contributor: With 903 personnel deployed, India plays a substantial role in peacekeeping efforts, reflecting its commitment to UN missions and highlighting the need for global respect toward UN mandates.
    • Spain’s Support for UNIFIL’s Mission: Spain aligns with other European countries in reinforcing UNIFIL’s role in regional stability. By condemning attacks, Spain emphasizes the importance of this mission in Lebanon and, by extension, its support for UN peacekeeping mandates globally.

    How do these events relate to broader geopolitical tensions in the region?

    • Regional Escalations and Proxy Conflicts: The ongoing conflict between Israel and Hezbollah, particularly in Lebanon, feeds into broader geopolitical dynamics involving Israeli security concerns, Lebanese stability, and Iran’s influence through Hezbollah.
    • Impact on Global Diplomacy: The hostilities and targeting of UN peacekeepers may strain diplomatic relations, as countries urge Israel to respect international norms and safeguard peacekeepers. This may influence the UN Security Council’s approach, emphasizing a unified international stance against actions threatening UN missions.
    • Pressure on Multinational Cooperation and Regional Security: The events underscore the risks of operating in volatile zones where multinational peacekeeping efforts face direct threats.

    Way forward:

    • Strengthen Diplomatic Engagement: India should actively engage with the UN Security Council and regional stakeholders to advocate for stringent measures ensuring the protection of UN peacekeepers and upholding the sanctity of UN mandates in conflict zones.
    • Enhance Contingency Protocols for Peacekeepers: India should work with UNIFIL and other troop-contributing countries to strengthen on-ground security protocols and response mechanisms.

  • SC rules that Aadhaar cannot be used as proof of date of birth

    Why in the News?

    The Supreme Court ruled that Aadhaar cards cannot be accepted as proof of age, as other official documents like the School Leaving Certificate are more appropriate for this purpose.

    What are the legal implications of the SC’s ruling on Aadhaar as proof of date of birth?

    • The ruling reinforces the legal stance that Aadhaar is primarily intended for identity verification rather than as a document for verifying age or date of birth. This aligns with the previous Supreme Court judgment in 2018, which defined Aadhaar as “proof of identity” rather than proof of age or residence.
    • By citing the Juvenile Justice Act and previous HC judgments, the SC emphasized that statutory provisions and established legal precedents should guide the determination of age.
      • This consistency ensures that legal processes are not diluted by using documents like Aadhaar, which lack stringent verification for date of birth.
    • The ruling adheres to UIDAI’s own circular, which states that Aadhaar is not intended to serve as proof of date of birth. This reduces potential misuse or misinterpretation of the Aadhaar card’s scope and usage.

    How will this decision impact individuals and agencies that utilize Aadhaar for identity verification?

    • Impact on Identity Verification Practices: While Aadhaar remains a valid document for identity verification, organizations and institutions will need to reassess the supporting documents they accept for age-related verification.
      • For instance, banks, insurance companies, and government agencies may need to request additional documents when the date of birth is a critical factor.
    • Review of Policies in Government Schemes: Agencies implementing government schemes may need to revise their processes to comply with this ruling, ensuring that alternative documents are requested for verifying age-related eligibility.
    • Impact on Legal and Compensation Cases: In cases where age is a factor in calculating benefits, legal entities must rely on more reliable documents, such as birth certificates or school records, instead of Aadhaar.

    What alternative documents can be used for verifying the DoB following this ruling?

    • School Leaving Certificate/Matriculation Certificate: This is often considered the most reliable document for verifying the age of an individual, as it is issued based on records from the time of schooling.
    • Birth Certificate: The birth certificate remains the primary document for establishing a person’s date of birth as it is issued by a government authority at the time of birth.
    • Passport: As an official government document that undergoes strict verification, the passport can serve as valid proof of age.
    • Government-issued Certificates (e.g., PAN Card): While not always requested for age verification, documents like the PAN card can also be used in some cases where other primary documents are unavailable.
    • Driver’s License or Voter ID (if Date of Birth is Mentioned): These documents, where the date of birth is explicitly recorded, could be used as supporting evidence for age verification.

    Way forward: 

    • Strengthen Guidelines for Acceptable Age Verification Documents: Government agencies, financial institutions, and service providers should clearly outline which documents are accepted for age verification, prioritizing reliable records like birth certificates and school certificates to ensure consistency and compliance.
    • Enhance Public Awareness on Aadhaar’s Usage Limitations: The government should initiate campaigns to educate citizens about Aadhaar’s limitations as age proof and encourage the use of appropriate documents for age-related matters, reducing confusion and potential legal disputes.

    Mains PYQ:

    Q Two parallel run schemes of the Government, viz the Adhar card and NPM, one of voluntary and the other as compulsory, have led to debates at national levels and also litigations. On merits , discuss whether or not both schemes need run concurrently. Analyse the potential of the schemes to achieve development benefits and equitable growth (UPSC IAS/2014)

  • Caught in intersections, the Harris multicultural tent

    Why in the News?

    The recent news highlights how Donald Trump has been leveraging Kamala Harris’s multifaceted identity—being Black, Indian-American, and a woman—to create divisions within the Democratic Party’s diverse coalition.

    How does Kamala Harris’s multifaceted identity impact her political positioning?

    • Diverse Representation: Kamala Harris’s identity as a Black woman of Indian descent allows her to connect with multiple voter demographics, potentially uniting diverse groups under a common political agenda.
    • Target for Opposition: Her identity also makes her a target for opponents, like Donald Trump, who may attempt to exploit racial and cultural tensions to drive wedges within the Democratic base.
    • Advocacy for Intersectionality: Harris’s multifaceted identity supports her advocacy for policies that address various forms of discrimination, appealing to progressive voters who value diversity and inclusion.

    Supreme Court Ruling on Minority on June 2023: 

    • Violation of Equal Protection: The Supreme Court’s 6-3 ruling declared Harvard and UNC’s (University of North Carolina) race-based admissions unconstitutional, citing violations of the Equal Protection Clause and racial stereotyping.
    • Minority Representation: The decision is likely to decrease African-American enrollment at top universities while benefiting Asian-American admissions, raising concerns about equity.
      • The ruling could extend beyond higher education, affecting K-12 schooling and race-related employment practices under Title VII.
    K-12 education refers to the comprehensive educational system that spans from kindergarten (K) through 12th grade. This structure is designed to provide a standardized framework for formal education, primarily in the United States, Canada, and several other countries.

    What are the implications of the SC’s ruling on affirmative action for Minority Groups?

    • Shift in Demographics: The Supreme Court’s ruling, which prohibits race-based considerations in college admissions, has resulted in a significant decrease in African-American representation at prestigious universities while benefiting Asian-American admissions.
    • Heightened Tensions: The ruling exacerbates existing tensions between different minority groups, particularly between African Americans and Asian-Americans, as the latter may perceive an advantage in admissions due to the ruling, creating conflict over perceived equity in opportunities.
    • Reevaluation of Policies: Minority groups may need to reassess their strategies for achieving representation and equity in educational and professional fields in light of changing admission policies and their implications on access.

    How do intersectional conflicts among minority groups manifest in contemporary politics?

    • Competing Interests: Conflicts arise when minority groups, such as African-Americans and Asian-Americans, have differing views on policies like affirmative action, leading to a fragmented approach to addressing discrimination and inequality.
    • Political Polarization: Issues like immigration and welfare policies create further divisions, as different groups may align with political parties based on how they perceive their interests are being served or threatened.
    • Influence on Electoral Dynamics: The intersections of race, ethnicity, and social issues complicate the electoral landscape, as political candidates and parties navigate these dynamics to appeal to various voting blocs, often leading to strategic alignments or divisions within the broader minority coalition.

    Conclusion: Kamala Harris’s identity influences U.S. politics, highlighting racial dynamics and intersectional conflicts. The Supreme Court’s affirmative action ruling fuels tensions among minority groups, while the election’s outcome could reshape U.S.-India relations and diaspora engagement policies.

  • [26th October 2024] The Hindu Op-ed: Sharpen the anti-defection law, strengthen democracy

    PYQ Relevance:

    Q) The role of individual MPs (Members of Parliament) has diminished over the years and as a result healthy constructive debates on policy issues are not usually witnessed. How far can this be attributed to the anti-defection law, which was legislated but with a different intention? (UPSC CSE 2013)

    Q) The Individual Parliamentarian’s role as the national lawmaker is on a decline, which in turn, has adversely impacted the quality of debates and their outcome. Discuss. (UPSC CSE 2019)

    Q) To what extent, in your view, the Parliament can ensure accountability of the executive in India? (UPSC CSE 2021)

    Prelims:
    Which one of the following Schedules of the Constitution of India contains provisions regarding anti-defection? (UPSC CSE 2014)
    a)  Second Schedule
    b)  Fifth Schedule
    c)  Eighth Schedule
    d)  Tenth Schedule

    Mentor’s Comment:  The Anti-defection law (10th Schedule) was introduced to maintain political stability and uphold the electoral mandate by discouraging party-hopping among elected representatives. However, its effectiveness has been compromised due to several loopholes and implementation challenges.

    Today’s editorial emphasizes the need for reforms to the anti-defection law in India. It argues that these reforms are essential to enhance the integrity of the democratic process and align with the government’s initiative of “One Nation, One Election” (ONOE).

    _

    Let’s learn!

    Why in the News?

    The Anti-Defection Law is in the news due to a SC’s directive for the Maharashtra Legislative Assembly Speaker to resolve disqualification petitions by December 31, 2023.

    • Additionally, there are growing discussions about the law’s effectiveness and calls for reforms, as critics argue it restricts legislators’ freedom of expression and accountability to constituents.
    • The debate highlights the need for a balance between party discipline and democratic representation.
    What is the Significance of the Anti-Defection Law?

    • Government Stability: It prevents political defections that can lead to governmental instability, ensuring a consistent ruling party.
    • Upholding Electoral Mandates: The law helps maintain the will of the electorate by discouraging elected representatives from abandoning their parties post-election.
    • Party Discipline: It fosters unity within political parties by requiring members to adhere to party directives, especially during critical votes.
    • Reduced Corruption: The law helps reduce corruption and promotes accountability among politicians by curbing defections motivated by personal gain.
    • Legal Framework for Disqualification: The law provides clear grounds for disqualifying members who defect, ensuring a systematic approach to addressing defections.

    How does the current Anti-Defection Law undermine Democratic Representation?

    • Restriction on Freedom of Expression: Elected representatives are often forced to vote along party lines, limiting their ability to express dissent or represent their constituents’ views.
    • Ambiguity in Disqualification: The lack of a clear timeline for resolving defection cases can lead to bias and manipulation, complicating accountability and representation.
    • Exploitable Loopholes: Provisions allowing groups of legislators to defect without penalty can encourage opportunistic behaviour, undermining political integrity.
    • Stifling Legislative Debate: Strict adherence to party lines diminishes robust debate, preventing diverse perspectives on critical issues from being voiced. 

    What are the proposed Amendments?

    Two key amendments to the Tenth Schedule of the Indian Constitution:

    • Time Frame for Decisions: Need to establish a four-week deadline for Speakers or Chairpersons to resolve defection cases. If no decision is made within this period, defecting members should be automatically disqualified.
    • Public Notice of Party Whips: Need to Implement a transparent framework for issuing party whips, such as publishing them in newspapers or using electronic communication. This would ensure that all members are adequately informed about party positions.

    Conclusion: India’s anti-defection legislation underscores the necessity of adapting legal frameworks to contemporary political realities to preserve democracy’s integrity and functionality. By addressing existing gaps in the law, India can foster a more robust democratic environment conducive to effective governance and public trust.

  • How passive euthanasia works in India?

    Why in the News?

    Min. of Health and Family Welfare issued draft Guidelines for the withdrawal of life support in terminally ill Patients, aimed at implementing the Supreme Court’s 2018 and 2023 rulings that uphold the right to die with dignity for all Indians.

    What is Passive euthanasia? 

    Passive euthanasia involves allowing a terminally ill patient to die naturally by withholding or withdrawing life-sustaining treatments, like ventilators when they no longer provide benefits.

    What are the draft guidelines released by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare?

    • The guidelines aim to operationalize the Supreme Court’s 2018 and 2023 orders, which recognize the right to die with dignity as part of Article 21 of the Indian Constitution.
    • Key Mechanisms Proposed:
      • Primary and Secondary Medical Boards: Hospitals are required to set up these boards to determine when further medical treatment for a terminally ill patient would no longer be beneficial.
      • Nomination of Doctors: District Chief Medical Officers will nominate doctors to serve on Secondary Medical Boards to confirm or reject the Primary Medical Board’s recommendations.
    • While India does not have dedicated legislation on withholding or withdrawing life-sustaining treatment, these guidelines and the Supreme Court’s judgments provide a defined legal framework to make these actions lawful.

    What is meant by withholding/withdrawing life-sustaining treatment?

    • It refers to discontinuing medical interventions, such as ventilators or feeding tubes, when they no longer contribute to the patient’s recovery or only prolong suffering.
    • Life-sustaining treatments replace essential bodily functions artificially (e.g., mechanical ventilation, artificial nutrition).
    • The intention is to allow the underlying illness to take its natural course while providing comfort care, focusing on symptomatic relief and palliative care.
    • The right to refuse medical treatment is recognized under common law and is considered part of India’s fundamental right to life and personal liberty (Article 21).

    Is Withholding/Withdrawing treatment akin to giving up on the patient?

    • Withholding or withdrawing treatment does not mean the doctor is giving up on the patient. It is an acknowledgment that continued medical intervention may no longer be beneficial and could cause unnecessary suffering.
    • The process involves shifting the focus from life-sustaining measures to palliative care to manage pain and ensure the patient’s comfort.
    • Often, doctors practice “discharge against medical advice” because of misconceptions about the legality of withholding/withdrawing treatment. This practice leads to patients suffering without appropriate care.

    What medical procedure is laid down by the SC and reaffirmed by the guidelines?

    • Primary Medical Board assessment: A hospital-level board, including the treating doctor and two experienced experts, evaluates the patient’s condition to recommend withholding/withdrawing treatment.
    • Secondary Medical Board review: A different board, nominated by the district Chief Medical Officer, reviews the Primary Board’s decision for an additional level of checks.
    • Consent and Judicial notification: Consent from the patient’s surrogate decision-makers or advance directive nominees is required, and the decision must be notified to the local judicial magistrate.

    Way forward: 

    • Public Awareness and Training: Educate the public and healthcare professionals about the legal framework for end-of-life care, emphasizing the distinction between withholding treatment and euthanasia, to reduce misconceptions.
    • Strengthen Palliative Care Services: Expand access to palliative care across hospitals and healthcare facilities, ensuring that terminally ill patients receive compassionate and effective pain management and comfort care.

  • [pib] Karmayogi Saptah

    Why in the News?

    Prime Minister recently launched the ‘Karmayogi Saptah’ – National Learning Week to strengthen individual and organizational capacity among civil servants.

    About Mission Karmayogi

    Details
    What is it? National Programme for Civil Services Capacity Building (NPCSCB)
    Objective • To prepare civil servants for the future by making them more creative, constructive, and innovative through transparency and technology.
    Launch Date • Launched on 2nd September 2020.
    Key Features • On-Site Learning: Complementing off-site learning with more focus on practical experience.
    • Integrated Government Online Training (iGOT) platform.
    Pillars of NPCSCB • Policy Framework
    • Institutional Framework
    • Competency Framework
    • Digital Learning Framework (iGOT-Karmayogi)
    • e-HRMS
    • Monitoring and Evaluation Framework.
    Target Audience • All civil servants (including contractual employees) across various ministries, departments, organizations, and agencies of the Union Government.
    iGOT-Karmayogi Features • My iGOT: Personalized training courses based on individual capacity-building needs.
    • Blended Programs: Combines offline classroom learning with online components for equitable access to training.
    • Curated Programs: Tailored learning paths designed for different ministries and training institutions.
    Vision for 2047 • Aims to transform India into a global manufacturing hub and a supplier of skilled human resources by improving governance and civil service efficiency.
    Steering Bodies • Prime Minister’s Public Human Resources Council
    • Capacity Building Commission
    • Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) for digital assets
    • Coordination Unit led by the Cabinet Secretary.
    Courses Offered • The iGOT platform offers over 1400 courses for personalized learning and skill development.
    Significance • Promotes a whole-of-government approach to foster collaboration, break bureaucratic silos, and prepare civil servants for modern governance challenges through continuous capacity building.

     

    How Karmayogi Saptah Aligns with Mission Karmayogi’s Goals?

    • Karmayogi Saptah promotes a culture of lifelong learning and continuous improvement, key pillars of Mission Karmayogi.
    • It emphasizes innovation and a citizen-first mindset, encouraging civil servants to engage with new ideas and feedback mechanisms.
    • By focusing on adapting to new technologies like AI, it aligns with Mission Karmayogi’s goal of a digitally proficient workforce.
    • It fosters collaboration across departments, supporting the mission’s aim to break silos and promote a “One Government” ethos.
    • Through individual and organizational development activities, the week contributes to creating a skilled, motivated workforce for a Viksit Bharat by 2047.

    PYQ:

    [2015] Consider the following statements:

    1. The Executive Power of the union of India is vested in the Prime Minister.

    2. The Prime Minister is the ex officio Chairman of the Civil Services Board.

    Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

    (a) 1 only

    (b) 2 only

    (c) Both 1 and 2

    (d) Neither 1 nor 2

  • [25th October 2024] The Hindu Op-ed: The Gaza war and the Global South’s ‘interventions’

    PYQ Relevance:

    [2018] India’s relations with Israel have, of late, acquired a depth and diversity, which cannot be rolled back.” Discuss.
    [2022] How will I2U2 (India, Israel, UAE and USA) grouping transform India’s position in global politics?Prelims:
    [2013]  The term “two-state solution” is sometimes mentioned in the news in the context of the affairs of: 
    (a) China 
    (b) Israel 
    (c) Iraq 
    (d) Yemen

    Mentor’s Comment:  Israel’s war in Gaza, launched in response to the October 7 Hamas attacks, once again took center stage at the International Court of Justice (ICJ) this week. The UN General Assembly brought up the issue of illegal Israeli settlements at the court, with public hearings set to conclude on February 26. 

    The hearings highlighted a deeper divide, as Western countries largely defended Israel’s airstrikes on Gaza as an act of “self-defense,” while many Global South nations backed South Africa’s push for the ICJ to charge Israel with “war crimes” for its actions. The hearings took place against the backdrop of a major dispute between Brazil and Israel.

    _

    Let’s learn!

    Why in the News?

    • Most of the speakers at the hearings were from the Global South, with Brazil and South Africa taking the lead in the International Court of Justice (ICJ). 
    • All permanent members of the UN Security Council submitted comments, though Israel did not take part. India did not speak at the hearings, but its neighbors, Pakistan and Bangladesh, strongly criticized Israel’s actions.

    Global South View on Israel- Palestine Conflict: 

    • Fragmented Global South Response: The Global South has not presented a unified stance toward the Israel-Palestine conflict. While some countries have sought legal actions against Israel, others have taken more cautious approaches, focused on diplomacy and ceasefire calls.
    • South Africa’s Legal Action: Driven by its own history of apartheid, South Africa took Israel to the International Court of Justice (ICJ) in December 2023, seeking a warrant against Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
    • Divergence Within BRICS: China and India, the two biggest powers within the Global South construct, have taken divergent positions based on their national interests rather than building consensus within newer multilateral formats like BRICS.
    • The Role of BRICS Expansion: The BRICS group recently expanded, a move supported by China but not particularly favored by India, illustrating differing priorities even within major Global South frameworks.

    China’s View on Israel- Palestine Conflict:

    • China’s Support for Palestinian Sovereignty: China aligns its position with Arab interests, supporting Palestinian sovereignty from a decolonization perspective. In July 2024, it hosted a conference aimed at unifying various Palestinian factions.
    • China’s Strategic Calculations: China refrained from condemning Hamas after the October 2023 attacks, aiming to keep its mediation options open, especially after the high-profile Iran-Saudi Arabia mediation. However, recent developments, including the killings of Ismail Haniyeh and Yahya Sinwar, have disrupted these efforts.
    • China’s Use of Multilateral Forums: China seeks to leverage forums like BRICS to promote the Global South narrative in its favor. The expansion of BRICS and Palestine’s interest in joining reflect China’s strategy to broaden its influence.

    India’s View on  Israel- Palestine Conflict:

    • India’s Balanced Approach: India maintains a consistent and balanced position, supporting both Israel’s counter-terrorism efforts and the Palestinian cause. Its stance includes a two-state solution and recognition of Palestine since 1988.
    • Counter-Terrorism Focus: India’s stance on the conflict focuses on counter-terrorism, reflecting its own experiences with cross-border terrorism, similar to Israel’s challenges. The 2011 release of Sinwar by Israel is comparable to India’s release of Masood Azhar in 1999.

    The disunity in the Global South affects India’s interests in several ways:

    • Limits Diplomatic Leverage: The lack of a unified stance weakens India’s ability to push for collective action on issues like terrorism or multilateral reforms.
    • Challenges in BRICS Consensus: Diverging views within BRICS complicate India’s efforts to shape the group’s agenda in line with its own interests, such as counter-terrorism and economic cooperation.
    • Reduces Influence in West Asia: Fragmented approaches hinder India’s ability to play a significant mediating role in the Israel-Palestine conflict or other regional matters.
    • Complicates Strategic Alignments: Disunity forces India to navigate complex diplomatic relationships individually, rather than benefiting from coordinated Global South support.
    • Dilutes Global South’s Voice: The lack of coherence limits India’s capacity to effectively champion developing countries’ concerns on global platforms like the UN.

    Way forward: 

    • Strengthen Diplomatic Alliances: India should work on building stronger bilateral and regional partnerships to create support for its positions within the Global South, focusing on areas of mutual interest such as counter-terrorism and economic development.
    • Leverage Multilateral Platforms Strategically: India can actively shape the agenda in forums like BRICS by promoting consensus on common issues, such as peace initiatives and reforming global governance, to enhance its influence and the collective voice of the Global South.

    https://www.thehindu.com/opinion/op-ed/the-gaza-war-and-the-global-souths-interventions/article68792576.ece

  • World Polio Day: How India managed to eradicate polio?

    Why in the News?

    October 24 is recognized as World Polio Day, a commemoration established by Rotary International to honor the birth of Jonas Salk, who spearheaded the development of the first vaccine against polio in the 1950s.

    What key strategies contributed to the successful eradication of polio in India?

    • Comprehensive Vaccination Campaigns: India implemented large-scale vaccination drives starting in 1972, which expanded under the Universal Immunisation Programme (UIP) in 1985.
    • Community Engagement and Awareness: Targeted awareness campaigns were crucial, utilizing local health workers to administer oral polio drops, which made vaccination accessible.
    • Effective Messaging: The slogan “do boond zindagi ki” (two drops of life) resonated well with the public. Utilizing celebrities like Amitabh Bachchan and integrating health messages into popular media further amplified awareness.
    • Robust Surveillance System: A multilayered surveillance mechanism was developed to monitor acute flaccid paralysis (AFP) cases, enabling prompt immunisation of affected populations. This system involved local informers, including community health workers and doctors.
    • Targeted Interventions for High-Risk Areas: By 2009, efforts were concentrated in specific regions, particularly in Uttar Pradesh and Bihar, where most cases were reported. This targeted approach was critical in reducing transmission rates.
    • Collaboration with International Agencies: The eradication campaign was supported by various international bodies such as WHO, UNICEF, and the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, ensuring financial and logistical backing.

    How did India address the challenges of vaccine hesitancy among specific communities?

    • Engagement with Community Leaders: To address religious concerns and misinformation, influential figures such as imams and local leaders were involved. Their endorsements played a significant role in countering myths about the vaccine.
    • Targeted Communication Strategies: Awareness efforts were tailored to specific communities, focusing on dispelling myths surrounding the vaccine, such as fears about impotence and cultural taboos against its ingredients.
    • Culturally Sensitive Messaging: Messaging was crafted in local languages and through community-specific narratives, ensuring that it resonated with the cultural context of various groups.

    What lessons can be learned from India’s polio eradication efforts for future public health campaigns?

    • Importance of Community Involvement: Engaging local leaders and community members is vital for building trust and addressing vaccine hesitancy effectively.
    • Flexibility in Implementation: Tailoring vaccination drives to accommodate local cultural practices, work schedules, and geographic challenges can enhance participation rates.
    • Sustained Awareness Efforts: Continuous education and awareness campaigns are essential, especially in the face of evolving misinformation and cultural resistance.
    • Data-Driven Decision Making: The use of robust surveillance systems and data analytics to identify and target high-risk areas can help streamline public health interventions.
    • Collaboration with Multiple Stakeholders: Building partnerships between government agencies, international organizations, and local communities can strengthen public health responses and resource mobilization.

    Conclusion: Need to establish sustainable platforms for continuous dialogue between healthcare providers and community leaders to address health concerns, build trust, and ensure community-specific health initiatives are effectively communicated and implemented.

  • [pib] PM-YASASVI Scheme

    Why in the News?

    The Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment has implemented the PM Young Achievers Scholarship Award Scheme for Vibrant India (PM-YASASVI).

    About PM-YASASVI Scheme  

    Details
    Launch Year 2021-22
    Purpose To provide financial assistance and educational support to students from Other Backward Classes (OBC), Economically Backward Classes (EBC), and De-notified Tribes (DNT).
    Eligibility Criteria • Students from OBC, EBC, and DNT(Denotified Tribes) categories
    • Annual family income up to ₹2.50 lakh
    • Additional criteria may apply based on specific schemes.
    Benefits • Scholarships for pre-matriculation (Class 9-10) and post-matriculation (higher studies)
    • Covers tuition, hostel expenses, and academic costs
    • Hostel facilities for OBC students
    • Promotes educational advancement for marginalized communities.
    Scholarship Amounts • Class 9 and Class 10: ₹75,000 annually
    • Class 11 and Class 12: ₹1,25,000 annually
    Selection Criteria • Based on performance in the YASASVI Entrance Test (YET) conducted by the National Testing Agency (NTA)
    Application Process • Applications submitted online through the National Scholarship Portal (scholarships.gov.in)
    Significance Promotes inclusivity and social progress by supporting students from OBC, EBC, and DNT backgrounds in their educational pursuits.