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GS Paper: GS2

  • Progress track: Aatmanirbhar Bharat Rozgar Yojana (ABRY)

    Central Idea

    • The Aatmanirbhar Bharat Rozgar Yojana (ABRY) by the Central Government has outperformed its initial employment targets, proving its effectiveness in fostering job creation during the COVID-19 crisis.

    About Aatmanirbhar Bharat Rozgar Yojana (ABRY)

    Launch Introduced in November 2020
    Purpose As part of Atmanirbhar Bharat Package 3.0 to boost post-Covid-19 employment
    Government’s Contribution Subsidy for provident fund contributions in EPFO-registered organizations
    Coverage Up to 1000 employees: Both employee (12%) and employer (12%) contributions for two years

    Over 1000 employees: Employee (12%) contribution for two years
    Subsidy Disbursement Subsidy credited upfront to Aadhaar-linked EPFO accounts (UAN) of new employees
    Eligibility Criteria Establishments adding new employees compared to September 2020 reference base
    Target Beneficiaries Employees with monthly wages under Rs. 15,000 joining EPFO-registered establishments

    Individuals reemployed on or after October 1, 2020, who left jobs between March 1 and September 30, 2020

     Achievements and Numbers

    • The scheme, open for registrations until March 31, 2022, targeted around 7.18 million employees across India.
    • By July 31, 2023, ABRY had already exceeded its target, enrolling over 7.58 million new employees.
    • Benefiting 1,52,380 establishments with 60,44,155 new employees, the scheme disbursed benefits totaling Rs. 9,669.87 Crore.

  • Personalised Adaptive Learning (PAL) on DIKSHA Platform

    Central Idea

    • The National eGovernance Division (NeGD) plans to incorporate Personalised Adaptive Learning (PAL) into its existing Digital Infrastructure for Knowledge Sharing (DIKSHA) platform.
    • PAL offers individualized learning experiences based on students’ unique needs and abilities.

    DIKSHA 2.0 Portal

    • Diksha Portal was launched in 2017 to provide a digital platform to teachers giving them an opportunity to learn and train themselves and connect with the teacher community.
    • It serves as the National Digital Infrastructure for Teachers.
    • It aids teachers to learn and train themselves for which assessment resources will be available.
    • It houses digitized National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT) textbooks, teaching videos, and practice questions.
    • It also has assistive technologies for learners with disabilities, but it’s a static content repository.

    Integration of PAL

    • NCERT seeks MeitY’s expertise in implementing PAL within DIKSHA.
    • PAL provides customized learning paths for each student based on their learning progress.
    • PAL can loop back students to basic concepts if they make mistakes, enhancing learning efficiency.

    Challenges and Implementations in States

    • PAL development involves categorizing and tagging content, potentially creating new material.
    • Chemistry, Mathematics, and Physics for Classes 9 to 12 are prioritized for PAL development.
    • Several states like Andhra Pradesh, Assam, and Haryana experimented with PAL, facing budget constraints.

  • HC allows Stem Cell Therapy for autistic kids

    stem cells

    Central Idea

    • The Delhi High Court granted permission for two children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) to undergo Stem Cell Therapy for their condition.
    • The court’s decision followed a challenge against the Ethics and Medical Registration Board’s (EMRB) recommendation against stem cell treatment for ASD.

    Understanding Stem Cells

    • Stem cells are the foundational cells that can differentiate into specialized cells with distinct functions.
    • Two main categories: pluripotent stem cells (can differentiate into various adult cells) and adult stem cells (tissue/organ-specific).
    • Pluripotent stem cells are found in embryos; reprogramming of adult cells leads to induced pluripotent stem cells.

    Stem Cells in Medicine

    • Stem cells’ regenerative properties make them valuable in regenerative medicine.
    • Hematopoietic stem cell transplantation treats conditions like leukaemia.
    • Challenges: Limited adult stem cells post-removal, focus on making them pluripotent.

    What is Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)?

    • ASD is a neurological and developmental disorder affecting communication, behaviour, and interactions.
    • Conventional therapies focus on symptom management, social skills training, behaviour analysis, and speech and occupational therapy.

    Potential of Stem Cell Therapy for ASD

    • Some experts suggest stem cells could enhance immune system regulation and neural connectivity in the brain.
    • Current clinical trials show mixed results; treatment is experimental, lacks sufficient data.
    • EMRB recommendations against stem cell therapy due to limited evidence, risks, side effects, and absence of established protocol.

    EMRB’s Concerns

    • EMRB’s recommendation stemmed from “predatory marketing” of stem cell therapy, giving false hope to parents about “curing” ASD.
    • The Delhi HC ruling doesn’t assess the general validity of stem cell therapy but permits ongoing treatment for specific cases.

    Conclusion

    • The court’s verdict allows continued stem cell therapy for ASD, acknowledging the ongoing uncertainty and potential of the treatment.
    • The decision underlines the need for further research and data to establish stem cell therapy’s efficacy and safety for treating autism.

  • Has the RTI been weakened over the years?

    Central Idea

    • Activists worry about the diminishing effectiveness Right to Information Act, 2005 in holding officials accountable.
    • The Act has exemptions for political parties, the judiciary, and intelligence agencies.
    • Recent amendments have sparked concerns, such as personal data protection provisions.

    The DPDP Act and RTI

    • The Digital Personal Data Protection Act, of 2023 prohibits personal data disclosure, even for social audits, reducing transparency.
    • Critics fear this blanket ban may hinder accountability and transparency efforts.

    About the Right to Information (RTI)

    Enactment June 15, 2005
    Objective Promote transparency and accountability
    Applicability All public authorities at central, state, local levels
    Scope Access to information on matters of public interest, government policies, budgets, etc.
    RTI Application Filed in writing with the concerned public authority
    Response Time Within 30 days (48 hours for life or liberty issues)
    Exemptions Some information exempted to protect national security, privacy, etc.

    Judiciary
    Fees Nominal fee varies based on state and information requested
    First Appellate Authority Filed if dissatisfied with the response
    Second Appeal Filed with the relevant Information Commission
    Whistleblower Protection Safeguards against victimization for exposing corruption
    Impact Promotes transparency, accountability, and good governance

    Challenges in Implementation

    • Implementation issues undermine the transparency that the Act aims to achieve.
    • The Act’s effectiveness depends on subordinate rules set by the Union and State Governments.
    • Slow appointments to information commissions delay appeals and erode trust in the system.

    Barriers and Online Solutions

    • Payment methods for RTI applications vary among States, causing complications.
    • Online RTI portals remove barriers but are not widespread, hindering access.
    • The Union Government’s RTI portal has usability issues, impacting data retrieval.

    Growing Dissatisfaction

    • Rising first appeals indicate growing dissatisfaction with the information provided.
    • Structural problems in institutions and websites hinder RTI effectiveness.
    • Activists emphasize the importance of addressing broader institutional issues.

    Conclusion

    • The RTI Act’s efficacy is hampered by implementation challenges, amendments, and online barriers.
    • A holistic approach is needed to restore and enhance the Act’s effectiveness.
    • Addressing these issues will strengthen transparency, accountability, and citizens’ access to information.

  • What is the debate around ‘one nation, one election’?

    What’s the news?

    • The government forms a committee to explore the possibility of One Nation, One Election.

    Central idea

    • On September 1st, the Central government established a committee chaired by former President Ram Nath Kovind to assess the viability of the ‘one nation, one election’ (ONOE) proposal. This concept revolves around synchronizing the timing of Lok Sabha and State Assembly elections across all states to reduce the frequency of electoral processes across the country.

    What is the ONOE plan?

    • Concept: The ONOE plan aims to synchronize the timing of the Lok Sabha and State Assembly elections across all states in India to reduce the frequency of election cycles nationwide.
    • Historical Context:
      • After the enforcement of the Constitution on January 26, 1950, the first-ever general elections for both the Lok Sabha and State Assemblies occurred simultaneously in 1951-1952.
      • This practice continued for the following three Lok Sabha elections until 1967, streamlining the election process.
    • Disruption:
      • In 1959, the cycle was disrupted as the Central government invoked Article 356 of the Constitution, leading to the dismissal of the Kerala government, due to a perceived failure of constitutional machinery.
      • Subsequent to 1960, defections and counter-defections among political parties led to the dissolution of several State Legislative Assemblies.
      • This fragmentation resulted in separate election cycles for the Lok Sabha and State Assemblies.
    • Current Scenario: Presently, only specific States such as Arunachal Pradesh, Sikkim, Andhra Pradesh, and Odisha conduct their assembly polls concurrently with the Lok Sabha elections.

    Reports and Perspectives on ONOE

    • Law Commission of India (LCI) Report – 2018:
    • The LCI, led by Justice B. S. Chauhan, issued a draft report in August 2018 that scrutinized simultaneous elections.
    • The report acknowledged the constitutional and legal complexities surrounding this proposal.
    • It emphasized that the current constitutional framework necessitates amendments for the plan to be realized.
    • The LCI also recommended seeking approval from at least 50% of the States for such an overhaul.
    • Despite feasibility challenges, the report recognized potential benefits, including cost savings, reduced administrative burden, timely policy execution, and focused governance.
    • Historical Context – LCI Report 1999:
    • Notably, the LCI, headed by Justice B. P. Jeevan Reddy, supported the concept of simultaneous elections as early as 1999.
    • This historical context underscores that the idea has been debated over time.
    • Balancing Perspectives:
    • The reports and perspectives reveal a dualistic landscape: ONOE offers advantages like efficient governance and reduced election strain, but it’s hampered by practical and constitutional complexities.
    • In assessing ONOE’s viability, the focus is on a well-rounded understanding that considers both the potential benefits and the intricate challenges.

    Concerns Regarding the One Nation, One Election Plan

    • Feasibility and Constitutional Implications:
      • The Constitution outlines fixed tenures (Article 83(2) and 172) for the Lok Sabha and State Assemblies, raising doubts about the feasibility of simultaneous elections.
      • The possibility of mid-term government collapse necessitates a clear mechanism for holding fresh elections or imposing the President’s rule.
    • Federalism and Conceptual Incompatibility:
      • ONOE seems to conflict with the federal structure, contradicting the idea of India as a Union of States (Article 1).
      • Altering this balance might affect the autonomy and authority of state governments.
    • Frequency, Accountability, and Blending of Issues:
      • Frequent elections allow citizens to address national and state issues separately, enhancing accountability.
      • ONOE’s merging of issues might dilute accountability mechanisms and lead to a less-focused governance approach.
    • Cost Misconceptions:
      • While the Central government highlights the substantial costs of frequent elections, critics argue that the actual expenses are not as massive.
      • The analysis questions whether the Election Commission’s expenditure of ₹8,000 crore over five years, amounting to ₹1,500 crore annually or ₹27 per voter per year, is a significant expense for maintaining India’s democratic pride.

    Way forward

    • Comprehensive Constitutional Review:
      • Engage legal experts to meticulously assess necessary constitutional amendments for ONOE.
      • Develop a contingency plan to handle midterm government collapses, ensuring stability and smooth transitions.
    • Balancing Federalism and Centralization:
      • Initiate dialogues with state governments to understand and address their concerns about centralization.
      • Craft a balanced framework that respects both federal principles and national electoral efficiency.
    • Hybrid Accountability Model:
      • Explore a hybrid approach that retains staggered elections for select states while implementing ONOE for others.
      • Maintain distinct accountability mechanisms for national and state issues, promoting effective governance.
    • Transparent Cost-Benefit Analysis:
      • Conduct an independent and transparent assessment of the costs and savings associated with ONOE.
      • Present factual data to address misconceptions and inform stakeholders about the financial implications.
    • Pilots and Gradual Implementation:
      • Begin ONOE implementation through pilot projects in a limited number of states.
      • Assess challenges, gather insights, and refine the approach before nationwide adoption.

    Conclusion

    • The proposal for one nation, one election envisions synchronizing Lok Sabha and State Assembly elections to curtail the frequency of polls. The Indian democracy’s complex dynamics and diverse contexts warrant a comprehensive assessment before implementing such a transformative change.

  • India-Greece Relations: Bridging Cultures and Commerce

    greece

    Central Idea

    • PM Modi recently visited Greece to elevate bilateral ties to the level of strategic partnership.
    • No Indian PM has visited Greece since 1983.
    • Greece awarded the Indian PM with “The Grand Cross of the Order of Honour” (its second highest civilian award).

    India and Greece Ties: A Historic Backgrounder

    • India’s engagement with Greece spans over 2500 years, marked by trade, literature, and art interactions.
    • Trade links and cultural exchanges existed between Mauryan Kings and Greece, evidenced by coinage and writings.
    • Alexander the Great’s invasion in 326 BC led to interactions with Indian rulers, including battles with Raja Porus and Ambhi.
    • Chanakya’s writings mention Megasthenes, an ambassador, in Chandragupta’s court.
    • The fusion of Greek and Indian influences is visible in Gandhara Art.

    Establishment of Modern Diplomatic Ties

    • Diplomatic relations established in 1950.
    • Embassies set up in Athens and Delhi, reflecting mutual cooperation.
    • Greece respected India’s decisions on various internal matters and the Non-Alignment Movement (NAM).
    • Collaboration on nuclear issues and international platforms showcased strong ties.
    • Greece’s support for India on geopolitical and global matters.

    Key Areas of Collaboration

    (1) Defence and Security

    • Enhancing collaboration in maritime security, counter-terrorism, cyber security, and defence industry.
    • Establishment of an India-Greece dialogue framework at the level of National Security Advisors (NSAs) for comprehensive discussions.

    (2) Maritime Security and International Law

    • A shared vision for a free, open, and rules-based Mediterranean Sea and Indo-Pacific.
    • Pledged adherence to the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) and respect for sovereignty, territorial integrity, and freedom of navigation.

    (3) Culture and Tourism

    • Commitment to promoting art exchanges and cooperation.
    • Joint efforts to preserve and safeguard ancient sites are bolstered through collaboration within UNESCO.

    (4) Trade and Investment

    • The ambitious goal of doubling bilateral trade by 2030.
    • Exploration of opportunities in sectors including renewable energy, infrastructure, pharmaceuticals, agriculture, and innovation.

    (5) Mobility and Migration Partnership Agreement (MMPA)

    • Recognition of the mutual benefits of an early finalization of the MMPA.
    • Aims to facilitate the free movement of the workforce between the two nations.

    Recent Visit: An In-depth Analysis

    • PM Modi’s visit marked the first by an Indian Prime Minister in 40 years.
    • Collaborative efforts focused on military cooperation, counter-terrorism, and cybersecurity.
    • National Security Advisor-level dialogue was held to facilitate comprehensive discussions on mutual concerns.
    • Both nations committed to maritime security, promoting free and open seas in the Mediterranean and Indo-Pacific.
    • Adherence to UNCLOS, sovereignty, territorial integrity, and navigation freedom are emphasized.
    • Strengthening cooperation across defence, science, culture, tourism, and agriculture sectors.
    • Greek membership in the International Solar Alliance and Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure.

    Future Outlook

    • Both leaders stressed cultural exchanges and people-to-people connections.
    • PM Modi invited PM Mitsotakis to India, highlighting further deepening of relations.
    • India-Greece ties play a significant role in the broader India-Europe commercial corridor plans.
    • Shared vision for progress and commitment to diplomatic resolutions.
    • Strengthening civilizational bonds through cultural interactions.

    Conclusion

    • The historical and modern India-Greece relations exhibit a strong foundation and evolving collaboration.
    • Recent joint efforts underscore a robust partnership across various domains and a positive outlook for the future.

  • Mercy Petitions in Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), 2023

    Central Idea

    • The Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS) 2023 seeks to replace the Criminal Procedure Code (CrPC) and introduces significant changes to the mercy petition process for death sentence cases.
    • These changes impact core aspects like justiciability, time limits, and the execution process.

    Background on Mercy Petitions

    • The Constitution granted the President (Article 72) and Governor (Article 161) the power to grant pardons or commute sentences.
    • In the Supreme Court’s ruling in Maru Ram vs. Union of India (1981), it was established that the President must act based on the Council of Ministers’ advice in mercy petitions.

    New Mercy Petition Provision in BNSS

    • Under BNSS Section 473(1), convicts can file mercy petitions within 30 days after specific events.
    • Convicts can petition the President or Governor based on dismissal of appeals or confirmation of sentences.
    • For cases with multiple convicts, they all must file petitions within 60 days.

    Centre’s Role in Mercy Petitions

    • The Centre seeks the state government’s comments, reviews the case, and makes recommendations to the President within 60 days.
    • No time limit is specified for the President’s decision.

    Exclusion of Appeals against President’s Decision

    • BNSS Section 473(7) states that the President’s decisions on mercy petitions are final.
    • Courts cannot question or review the grounds for President’s pardons or commutations.
    • Unlike the Shatrughan Chauhan vs. Union of India (2014) ruling that mandated a 14-day gap between the rejection of mercy petitions and execution, BNSS doesn’t mention such a provision.

    Delay in Mercy Petition Disposal

    • The Shatrughan Chauhan case highlighted the need to avoid undue delay in mercy petition disposal.
    • BNSS lacks a time limit for the President to decide mercy pleas.

    Conclusion

    • The proposed BNSS’s alterations to mercy petitions raise concerns about transparency, judicial review, and the protection of prisoners’ rights.
    • Balancing constitutional powers with timely justice remains a challenge in these proposed changes.

  • Tibetan Democracy Day: A Legacy of Struggle and Resilience

    tibet

    Central Idea

    • Tibetan Democracy Day on September 2 marks the founding of the Tibetan government-in-exile in Dharamshala.
    • It signifies the establishment of Tibetan democracy after forced displacement.

    Tibetan Govt in Exile: Historical Genesis

    • In 1960, a year after Tibetans were displaced, the first elected representatives of the Tibetan Parliament-in-exile were sworn in.
    • His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama’s influence led to the enactment of the Tibetan constitution in 1963, emphasizing democracy.

    Role of Central Tibetan Administration (CTA)

    • The CTA, based in Dharamshala, manages over 100,000 Tibetan refugees globally.
    • It is the heart of Tibetan self-governance and resilience.
    • CTA’s Evolution:
    1. The first women representatives were elected in 1963 under the Tibetan constitution.
    2. In 1975, the CTA declared September 2 as the founding day of Tibetan democracy.
    3. The Charter of the Tibetans in exile was adopted in 1991, followed by the Tibetan Supreme Justice Commission in 1992.

    CTA’s Functioning

    • The CTA, led by the President (Sikyong), operates through departments: Religion and Culture, Home, Finance, Education, Security, Information and International Relations, and Health.
    • The Tibetan Parliament-in-exile has 45 members representing various aspects of the Tibetan community.

    Leadership Transition

    • The Dalai Lama’s shift to semi-retirement led to direct elections of the executive head, Kalön Tripa.
    • In 2011, His Holiness delegated political authority to Sikyong, the President of the CTA.

    Bodh Gaya’s Role

    • In 1960, the first elected Tibetan representatives took their oaths in Bodh Gaya, marking the inception of the democratic system.
    • Bodh Gaya played a pivotal role in the early days of Tibetan democracy.

    India’s perception of Tibet

    • India respects the Dalai Lama as a spiritual leader but does not officially recognize the CTA as a government.
    • It balances diplomatic considerations while supporting Tibetan refugees.

    Global Recognition

    • The US stands as a vocal supporter, with bipartisan backing and specialized coordinators for Tibet.
    • While global recognition is limited, Tibetans value India’s consistent support.

    Back2Basics: Tibetan Buddhism

    Description
    Origin and Development Form of Vajrayana Buddhism; emerged in Tibetan Plateau and Himalayan regions
    Tantric Practices Emphasizes rapid spiritual awakening through rituals, visualizations, and energy transformation
    Dalai Lama and Panchen Lama Dalai Lama (Tenzin Gyatso) is spiritual leader; Panchen Lama is also significant
    Monastic Traditions Strong monastic presence; monks and nuns preserve teachings and meditate
    Deity Pantheon Diverse deities representing enlightenment qualities; depicted in mandalas and thangkas
    Prayer Flags and Wheels Flags convey prayers; wheels accumulate merit and blessings
    Reincarnation and Tulku System Belief in reincarnation; system to identify tulkus (reincarnated lamas)

     

  • Armenia and Azerbaijan Conflict

    Central Idea

    • Three Armenian soldiers have been killed in firing from Azerbaijan as tensions between the two countries persist.

    Consider this PYQ:

    Q.The area is known as ‘Golan Heights’ sometimes appears in the news in the context of the events related to: (CSP 2015)

    a) Central Asia
    b) Middle East
    c) South-East Asia
    d) Central Africa

    [wpdiscuz-feedback id=”ppzqldwmt2″ question=”Please leave a feedback on this” opened=”1″]Post your answers here.[/wpdiscuz-feedback]

    What is the dispute?

    • Armenia and Nagorno-Karabakh, a breakaway region that is inside Azerbaijan but is run by ethnic Armenians, declared martial law and mobilized their male populations.
    • Armenia said Azerbaijan had carried out an air and artillery attack on Nagorno-Karabakh.

    Epicentre: The Nagorno-Karabakh region

    • Nagorno-Karabakh broke away from Azerbaijan in a conflict that broke out as the Soviet Union collapsed in 1991.
    • A ceasefire was agreed in 1994 after thousands of people were killed and many more displaced.
    • Azerbaijan and Armenia frequently accuse each other of attacks around Nagorno-Karabakh and along the separate Azeri-Armenian frontier.

    Economics behind the clashes

    • The clashes prompted a flurry of diplomacy to prevent a new flare-up of a decades-old conflict between majority Christian Armenia and mainly Muslim Azerbaijan.
    • Pipelines shipping Caspian oil and natural gas from Azerbaijan to the world pass close to Nagorno-Karabakh.
    • The clashes have raised concerns about instability in the South Caucasus, a corridor for pipelines transporting oil and gas to world markets.

  • Exploring Haryana’s Parivar Pehchan Patra Scheme

    parivar pehchan patra

    Central Idea

    • The Parivar Pehchan Patra (PPP), introduced in 2020 and rolled out in September 2021 in Haryana, has evoked both attention and criticism.

    Parivar Pehchan Patra

    • The PPP assigns a unique 8-digit identity number to each family unit residing in Haryana.
    • Enrolment in the PPP is obligatory for accessing government services and social security schemes.
    • Families can register through Common Service Centers, SARAL Kendras, or registered PPP operators, with verified data collected based on self-declarations and strict procedures.

    Key Functions and Linkages

    • The PPP streamlines access to various public welfare programs, including subsidized rations, Old Age Samman Allowance, Divyang Pension, educational admissions, government exams, and more.
    • It gathers extensive data, encompassing family members’ details, Aadhaar numbers, demographics, educational and occupational information, immovable property ownership, and social status.

    Comparing PPP with Aadhaar

    • The scheme’s proponents note that PPP leverages Aadhaar’s digital framework but offers a more intricate delivery.
    • While Aadhaar focuses on unique identity information, PPP encompasses socio-economic data, validated through specific procedures.

    Opposition’s Concerns and Criticisms

    • A former CM highlighted data collection errors leading to people being denied subsidies and benefits.
    • A legislator raised multiple objections, alleging misuse of data for voter profiling, and criticized the depth of personal information required.
    • Concerns were raised about the need for Aadhaar details, caste, PAN card, bank account, and property information. It was asserted that social security doesn’t necessitate caste identification.
    • The criticism extended to the potential exploitation of caste-based and socio-economic data for electoral advantages.

    Conclusion

    • The Parivar Pehchan Patra scheme in Haryana aims to streamline government services and welfare delivery.
    • While the initiative offers benefits, concerns about data accuracy, privacy, and potential political manipulation necessitate careful scrutiny and public discourse.