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

Civilsdaily

Login

GS Paper: GS3

  • Is it time for India to introduce a Universal Basic Income?

    Why in the News?

    The rise in jobless growth, driven by automation and AI, has led to growing inequality, prompting discussions on implementing Universal Basic Income (UBI) in many countries.

    What does the ILO say on Inflation and unemployment in India? 

    • The ILO reports that 83% of the unemployed population in India are youth, due to the rapidly changing economy influenced by automation and AI.
      • This trend has exacerbated income inequality, with a 1.6% drop in global labour income share between 2004 and 2024, significantly affecting developing nations like India.
    • The report indicates that persistent inflation and geopolitical tensions have led to aggressive monetary policies, which could further strain the labor market.
      • The ILO anticipates a slight increase in global unemployment in 2024, reflecting ongoing structural issues in labor markets.

    What will be its implications on Indian growth and development? 

    • Social Implications: Falling living standards and weak productivity due to automation could lead to greater inequality, undermining social justice efforts in India.
      • The ILO suggests that increasing unemployment and inflation could result in social unrest and political instability without effective social safety nets.
    • Political Implications: It makes it difficult for the decision making and governance due to the drop in global labour income, prompting India to increase budget allocations for welfare programs.
    • Economic Implications: The emphasis on generating employment in labor-intensive sectors is crucial. The government policies should prioritize job creation to counteract the effects of automation and ensure that growth benefits a broader segment of the population.

    What are the safety nets for India? 

    • Cash Transfer Schemes: Programs targeting farmers and women, as well as cash transfers for unemployed youth, represent existing safety nets that provide some level of income support.
    • Employment Guarantee Schemes: Initiatives like the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA) aim to provide employment and income security to rural households, although funding and implementation have faced challenges.
    • Universal Basic Social Safety Nets: Experts suggest that rather than a full UBI, India should focus on enhancing existing social safety nets to ensure they are more universal and effective in addressing the needs of the unemployed and underemployed populations.

  • International Big Cat Alliance (IBCA)

    Why in the News?

    Natural geographic separation is happening among Asiatic lion populations in Gujarat, and there is no immediate need to relocate them, says the director general of the International Big Cat Alliance.

    About Asiatic Lion

    • Asiatic Lion, part of the Panthera Leo Leo subspecies, is found only in India, with a distinct belly skin fold.
    • Once spread across West Asia and India, now limited to Gir National Park, where the population increased in 2020.
    • Asiatic lions face threats from diseases, natural disasters, poaching and retaliation for livestock attacks.
    • They are classified as Endangered (IUCN), listed in CITES Appendix I, and protected under Schedule I of the Wildlife Protection Act.
    • The Asiatic Lion Conservation Project (2018-2021) aims for scientific management and community involvement.

     

    About International Big Cat Alliance (IBCA)

    Details
    Objective Protect and conserve 7 big cats: tiger, lion, leopard, snow leopard, puma, jaguar, and cheetah.
    Initial Funding ₹150 crore from the Government of India for five years, with additional funding from global agencies.
    Membership Open to 96 range countries with natural big cat habitats.
    Key Activities Advocacy, knowledge sharing, capacity building, eco-tourism promotion, and resource mobilization.
    Governance General Assembly, elected Council, and Secretariat. Secretary General appointed by the Assembly.
    Governance Framework Based on the International Solar Alliance (ISA); finalized by the International Steering Committee.
    India’s Role
    • India is home to 5 of the 7 big cats: tiger, lion, leopard, snow leopard, and cheetah.
    • India hosts about 70% of the world’s tiger population and has seen steady growth in its Asiatic lion population.

     

    PYQ:

    [2012] Consider the following:

    1. Black-necked crane
    2. Cheetah
    3. Flying squirrel
    4. Snow leopard

    Which of the above are naturally found in India?

    (a) 1, 2 and 3 only
    (b) 1, 3 and 4 only
    (c) 2 and 4 only
    (d) 1, 2, 3 and 4

  • India to partner for European Hydrogen Week

    Why in the News?

    India will be the exclusive partner for European Hydrogen Week in November 2024.

    About European Hydrogen Week

    • European Hydrogen Week is an annual event organized by the European Commission, Hydrogen Europe, and others.
    • It serves as a platform to discuss the future of hydrogen technologies, policy developments, and their role in decarbonizing Europe’s economy.
    • It features conferences, exhibitions, and networking opportunities.
    • It focuses on the development, deployment, and scaling of green hydrogen as part of the European Green Deal and the EU’s climate-neutrality targets for 2050.

    Significance of India’s Partnership

    • Strengthening Green Energy Goals: Aligns India with global initiatives in decarbonizing industries and energy systems, advancing its commitment to the Paris Agreement and Net Zero 2070 target.
    • Access to Advanced Hydrogen Technologies: Provides India with cutting-edge hydrogen technologies from Europe, enhancing production, storage, and transportation capabilities for Green Hydrogen.
    • Boosting Technological Innovation: Facilitates collaborative research and development, allowing India to create cost-effective hydrogen solutions and drive domestic innovation in clean energy.
    • Building Global Leadership: Establishes India as a global leader in the Green Hydrogen sector, reinforcing its commitment to climate change mitigation and sustainable development.

    PYQ:

    [2019] In the context of proposals to the use of hydrogen-enriched CNG (H-CNG) as fuel for buses in public transport, consider the following statements:

    1. The main advantage of the use of H-CNG is the elimination of carbon monoxide emissions

    2. H-CNG as fuel reduces carbon dioxide and hydrocarbon emissions.

    3. Hydrogen up to one-fifth by volume can be blended with CNG as fuel for buses.

    4. H-CNG makes the fuel less expensive than CNG.

    Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

    (a) 1 only

    (b) 2 and 3 only

    (c) 4 only

    (d) 1, 2, 3 and 4

  • PM E-Drive Scheme

    Why in the News?

    The Union Cabinet approved the PM Electric Drive Revolution in Innovative Vehicle Enhancement (PM E-Drive) Scheme with an outlay of ₹10,900 crore over two years.

    About PM E-DRIVE Scheme:

    Details
    Name PM Electric Drive Revolution in Innovative Vehicle Enhancement (PM E-DRIVE) Scheme
    Total Outlay ₹10,900 crore for two years
    Goal
    • Promote electric mobility, reduce pollution, and enhance fuel security
    • Reduce range anxiety by providing charging infrastructure in cities and highways.
    Incentives Direct subsidies for e-2Ws, e-3Ws, e-buses, e-ambulances, and e-trucks
    Key Components
    • ₹3,679 crore for demand incentives for e-2Ws, e-3Ws, e-ambulances, and e-trucks.
    • ₹500 crore for e-ambulances.
    • ₹4,391 crore for e-buses.

    Other components:
    E-Vouchers
    • Aadhaar-authenticated e-voucher for EV buyers;
    • Signed by both buyer and dealer for claiming incentives.
    E-Bus Procurement ₹4,391 crore for 14,028 e-buses in 9 major cities (Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, Chennai, Ahmedabad, Surat, Bangalore, Pune, Hyderabad)
    Charging Infrastructure ₹2,000 crore for 72,300 public EV charging stations, including fast chargers for e-4Ws, e-buses, e-2Ws, and e-3Ws
    Incentivizing E-Trucks ₹500 crore tied to scrapping certificates from MoRTH-approved scrapping centres
    Testing and Upgradation ₹780 crore for upgradation of MHI’s test agencies for green mobility technologies

     

    PYQ:

    [2019] How is efficient and affordable urban mass transport key to the rapid economic development in India?

  • India’s Sickle Cell Challenge  

    Why in the News?

    The Prime Minister has reaffirmed the government’s dedication to addressing sickle cell disease, a genetic blood disorder that alters the shape of red blood cells.

    About the National Sickle Cell Anaemia Elimination Mission:

    • The Union Budget 2023-24 announced a mission to eliminate sickle cell anemia by 2047. The mission focuses on awareness and screening programs for people ages 0 to 40.
    • The mission aims to reduce the burden of sickle cell disease, which primarily affects India’s tribal belt (Odisha, Jharkhand, Chhattisgarh, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra).
    • These include nationwide screening programs and the inclusion of vital medicines like hydroxyurea in the essential medicines list, improving access to treatment.

    Challenges faced by the Indian Government:

    • High Disease Burden: India has the world’s second-largest burden of sickle cell disease, with over a million affected individuals, primarily in tribal areas.
    • Low Treatment Coverage: Only 18% of those affected receive consistent treatment, with significant drop-offs in screening, diagnosis, and treatment adherence.
    • Stigma and Misinformation: Social stigma around the disease, myths such as “God’s curse” or “black magic,” and mistrust of public health systems, particularly in tribal areas, result in delayed diagnosis and treatment.
    • Treatment Adherence Issues: Challenges include inconsistent availability of medicines like hydroxyurea, long travel distances for treatment, and stock shortages at health centers.
    • Poor Vaccination Coverage: Vaccination, which reduces infection rates and improves quality of life, remains inadequate in many affected regions.
    • Research and Development: The lack of ongoing research into treatments and understanding of the disease in India, and the unaffordability of emerging therapies like gene therapy, hinder long-term progress.
    • Financial and Operational Gaps: Health systems in tribal areas require additional funding and operational strengthening to address region-specific health challenges effectively.

    What are the WHO recommendations?

    • Early Identification: Implement newborn screening programs to identify sickle cell disease at birth.
    • Integration into Health Systems: Sickle cell management should be integrated into national health services. This includes establishing specialized centers for comprehensive care and ensuring that primary healthcare providers are trained in managing sickle cell disease.
    • Public Education and Awareness: Conduct public education campaigns to raise awareness about sickle cell disease, reduce stigma, and inform communities about genetic risks and prevention strategies.
    • Genetic Counseling: Provide genetic counselling to families, especially in communities with high prevalence, to inform them about the risks of having children with sickle cell disease and the importance of carrier screening.

    Mains PYQ:

    Q Stem cell therapy is gaining popularity in India to treat a wide variety of medical conditions including leukaemia, Thalassemia, damaged cornea and several burns. Describe briefly what stem cell therapy is and what advantages it has over other treatments. (UPSC IAS/2017)

  • Launch of PM Gram Sadak Yojana- Phase IV

    Why in the News?

    The Union Cabinet has approved Phase IV of the Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana (PMGSY-IV) to build 62,500 km of all-weather roads, connecting villages across India.

    About Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana (PMGSY)

    Details
    Launch 
    • In 2000 by former PM Late Atal Bihari Vajpayee.
    • To provide connectivity to unconnected habitations.
    Nodal Agency Ministry of Rural Development
    Type Centrally Sponsored Scheme
    Phases
    • Phase I: Focus on connecting unconnected habitations.
    • Phase II: Upgrading roads built in Phase I to enhance rural infrastructure.
    • Phase III: Consolidation of 1.25 lakh km of rural roads connecting habitations to Gramin Agricultural Markets, Higher Secondary Schools, and Hospitals. Cost: ₹80,250 crore (2019-2025). Funding: 60:40 (Centre), 90:10 for North-East and Himalayan States.

    Phase IV: Aims at constructing 62,500 km of all-weather roads to provide connectivity to 25,000 unconnected habitations with focus on Left-Wing Extremism (LWE) areas, tribal areas, and remote regions.
    Road Length and Coverage 62,500 km of all-weather roads covering 25,000 unconnected habitations.

    Benefits of PMGSY-IV

    • Road Connectivity for 25,000 Villages: All-weather roads will provide reliable access to previously unconnected rural habitations, improving transportation and accessibility.
    • Socio-Economic Transformation: These roads will act as catalysts for socio-economic development in rural areas, enabling access to government educational institutions, health services, markets, and growth centers.
    • Enhanced Infrastructure: The construction will adopt international benchmarks and best practices, such as using Cold Mix Technology, Waste Plastic, Full Depth Reclamation, and materials like Fly Ash and Steel Slag, contributing to eco-friendly construction.

    PYQ:

    [2020] In rural road construction, the use of which of the following is preferred for ensuring environmental sustainability or to reduce carbon footprint?

    1. Copper slag
    2. Cold mix asphalt technology
    3. Geotextiles
    4. Hot mix asphalt technology
    5. Portland cement

    Select the correct answer using the code given below:

    (a) 1, 2 and 3 only

    (b) 2, 3 and 4 only

    (c) 4 and 5 only

    (d) 1 and 5 only

  • Union Cabinet approves ‘Mission Mausam’

    Why in the News?

    The Union Cabinet has approved ‘Mission Mausam’ with a budget of ₹2,000 crore over two years.

    About Mission Mausam

    • Mission Mausam focuses on strengthening R&D in weather surveillance, forecasting, and atmospheric sciences.
    • The Ministry of Earth Sciences (MoES) will be the nodal body responsible for implementing the mission.
    • It aims to set a new benchmark for high-precision weather forecasting and management.
    • Three institutes under the MoES will lead the implementation of Mission Mausam:
    1. India Meteorological Department (IMD)
    2. Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology (IITM)
    3. National Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasting (NCMRWF)

    Critical Components of the Mission: 

    • Next-generation radars and satellite systems equipped with advanced sensors.
    • Deployment of high-performance supercomputers to enhance computational capabilities.
    • Development of improved earth system AI models and a GIS-based automated Decision Support System for real-time data dissemination.

    Benefits and Applications

    • Mission Mausam is expected to benefit key sectors, including:
      • Agriculture, through improved weather prediction for farming activities.
      • Disaster management, with better preparedness for natural calamities.
      • Defence, aviation, and shipping, through enhanced forecasting for operational safety.
      • Energy, water resources, power, and tourism sectors.
    • The mission will also enhance data-driven decision-making for urban planning, transport, offshore operations, and environmental monitoring.

    PYQ:

    [2022] Discuss the meaning of colour-coded weather warnings for cyclone prone areas given by India Meteorological Department.

  • The grave threat from AMR

    Why in the News?

    Ahead of the UN General Assembly High-Level Meeting on antimicrobial resistance, WHO published its first-ever guidance on Antibiotic pollution from manufacturing.

    Common Pathogens Found in India

    The three most common pathogens associated with antimicrobial resistance (AMR) in India, as reported by the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), are:

    • Escherichia coli (E. coli): Known for causing gut infections, E. coli has shown a significant decrease in susceptibility to antibiotics, particularly carbapenems, from 81.4% in 2017 to 62.7% in 2023.
    • Klebsiella pneumoniae: This pathogen can lead to pneumonia and urinary tract infections. Its susceptibility to carbapenem-class antibiotics has also declined, with rates dropping from 58.5% to 35.6% and from 48% to 37.6% between 2017 and 2023.
    • Acinetobacter baumannii: Primarily associated with hospital-acquired infections, this pathogen has a high resistance rate to carbapenems, standing at 88% in 2023.

    What is Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) and Why is it a Cause for Concern?

    • Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) occurs when pathogens evolve to survive despite the presence of antimicrobial drugs, rendering standard treatments ineffective. This situation arises mainly due to the misuse and overuse of antibiotics, leading to the development of resistant strains or “superbugs.” 
    • According to the WHO, emergence and spread of AMR could significantly undermine the effectiveness of antibiotics globally, impacting healthcare outcomes, especially for patients with multiple diseases.

    Why is AMR Increasing?

    Several factors contribute to the increasing rates of AMR in India:

    • Self-medication: Many individuals self-prescribe antibiotics for conditions like fever without proper medical consultation, often for viral infections where antibiotics are ineffective.
    • Prescribing habits: A significant percentage of antibiotics are prescribed not for treating infections but for prevention. Doctors often resort to broad-spectrum antibiotics without conducting necessary diagnostic tests, leading to inappropriate usage.
    • Lack of regulation: The management of pharmaceutical waste from antibiotic manufacturing is largely unregulated, contributing to environmental pollution and the spread of resistant bacteria.

    What needs to be done?

    • Prevention of Infections: Implementing better hygiene practices, improving sanitation, and promoting vaccinations can help reduce the incidence of infections, thereby decreasing the reliance on antibiotics.
    • Education for Healthcare Providers: Train doctors to prescribe antibiotics judiciously, reserve stronger antibiotics for hospital patients, and emphasise the importance of diagnostic testing, which can help ensure appropriate antibiotic use.
    • Regulatory Improvements: Strengthening regulations around antibiotic manufacturing and waste management is crucial for controlling antibiotic pollution and preventing the emergence of resistant strains.

    Mains PYQ:

    Q Can overuse and free availability of antibiotics without Doctor’s prescription, be contributors to the emergence of drug-resistant diseases in India? What are the available mechanisms for monitoring and control? Critically discuss the various issues involved.  (UPSC IAS/2016)

  • What is Wallace Line?

    Wallace Line

    Why in the news?

    The Wallace Line, a distinct transition zone between Asia and Australia, has long fascinated researchers due to its unique characteristics.

    What is Wallace Line?

    Details
    What is it?
    • A bio-geographical boundary separating the eco-zones of Asia and Australia.
    • It was identified by British explorer Alfred Russel Wallace in 1863 during his explorations.
    • It is an imaginary line that intersects the Lombok Strait between the Indonesian islands of Bali and Lombok to the south, and extends north through the Makassar Strait between Kalimantan (Borneo) and Sulawesi.
    Unique Features
    • Divides species with distinct evolutionary histories.
    • Asiatic species (tigers, elephants) are found to the west; Australian fauna (kangaroos, marsupials) dominate the east.
    • Despite their geographical proximity, these species evolved separately.
    Impact on Wildlife
    • Birds and mammals are particularly influenced, with few species crossing the line.
    • Flora is less affected, though species like Eucalyptus stay on the Australian side.
    Impact on Marine Species
    • While the Wallace Line is a barrier for terrestrial species, it doesn’t stop marine life. 
    • The area between the Wallace Line and the Sahul Shelf (near Australia) is known as the Coral Triangle, the most biodiverse marine environment on Earth.
    Formation
    • Result of Australia’s drift from Antarctica and subsequent collision with Asia around 35 million years ago.
    • Climate shifts led to cooler, drier Australia and tropical Asia.
    • This collision created a deep-water channel that still acts as a natural barrier for species migration.
    Pleistocene Epoch Influence
    • During the Pleistocene epoch, lower sea levels exposed land bridges.
    • Deep waters between Asia and Australia prevented species migration, maintaining the boundary.

     

    Note: 

    Weber Line more accurately defines the balance point where the influence of Asian and Australian species is nearly equal, whereas the Wallace Line marks a sharper divide.

  • Elongated Tortoise (Indotestudo elongata) spotted in Aravallis

    Why in the News?

    The elongated tortoise (Indotestudo elongata), a critically endangered species, was recently spotted in Haryana’s Damdama area during a research survey in the Aravalli hills.

    About Elongated Tortoise:

    Details
    Physical Features
    • Medium-sized body with a yellowish-brown or olive-colored shell
    • Black blotches at the center of each scute
    • Pink ring around nostrils during breeding season
    Habitat
    • Found in Sal deciduous and hilly evergreen forests
    • Distribution includes Southeast Asia, northern India, Nepal, Bhutan, Bangladesh, and other regions
    Indian Range Present in the Chhota Nagpur plateau and Himalayan foothills at elevations up to 1,000 meters
    Threats
    • Human exploitation for food and traditional medicine
    • Hunting, often with the help of dogs
    • Habitat degradation and illegal wildlife trade
    Ecological Role Significant species in its ecosystems but highly vulnerable to environmental changes and anthropogenic pressures
    Population Decline Significant population decline due to hunting, habitat degradation, and illegal wildlife trade, despite its wide distribution
    Conservation Status
    • Critically Endangered on the IUCN Red List
    • Appendix II under the CITES

     

    PYQ:

    [2013] Consider the following:

    1. Star tortoise

    2. Monitor lizard

    3. Pygmy hog

    4. Spider monkey

    Which of the above are naturally found in India?

    (a) 1, 2 and 3 only

    (b) 2 and 3 only

    (c) 1 and 4 only

    (d) 1, 2 and 3 and 4