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GS Paper: GS3

  • The path to Viksit Bharat runs through fields  

    Why in the News?

    India’s 78th Independence Day is a time to reflect on our significant successes and setbacks. We should learn from both to make quicker progress towards the Prime Minister’s vision of a Viksit Bharat@2047 by 2047.

    Key Aspects of Viksit Bharat@2047

    • Economic Growth: The vision aims to elevate India to the status of the world’s third-largest economy and strive for a $30 trillion economy by 2047.
    • Environmental Sustainability: Viksit Bharat aims to preserve biodiversity and mitigate climate change impacts through restoration and conservation efforts.
    • Social Progress: The initiative seeks to build an inclusive society that respects cultural diversity and ensures the dignity and well-being of all citizens.
    • Good Governance: Effective governance is a cornerstone of the Viksit Bharat vision, focusing on accountability, transparency, and sound policies that are responsive to the needs of the people.
    • Youth Engagement: Recognizing the potential of India’s youth, the government has launched initiatives like the “Voice of Youth” portal to encourage young people to contribute ideas for achieving the goals of Viksit Bharat.

    Economic Challenges

    • Weak Domestic Demand: Stagnant or declining demand for goods and services due to low-income growth, high inflation, unemployment, and the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic.
    • High Unemployment: Despite rapid growth, unemployment remains a serious issue, worsened by the pandemic. The unemployment rate in India rose to 8.1 per cent in April 2024 from 7.4 per cent in March 2024, according to CMIE’s Consumer Pyramids Household Survey. 
    • Poor Infrastructure: India lacks adequate infrastructure like roads, railways, ports, power, water and sanitation, hampering economic development. The infrastructure gap is estimated at around $1.5 trillion.
    • Balance of Payments Deterioration: India runs a persistent current account deficit, with imports exceeding exports. Exports and imports decreased by 6.59% and 3.63% respectively in 2022.
    • High Private Debt Levels: India has witnessed a significant rise in debt levels in recent years.
      • According to the Reserve Bank of India (RBI), the total non-financial sector debt reached 167% of GDP in March 2020, up from 151% in March 2016. 
      • Household debt in India rose to 40.10% of GDP in the fourth quarter of 2023, up from 39% in the previous quarter. 

    Military Challenges

    • Securing Borders: Despite conflicts with Pakistan and China, India has reasonably managed border security. However, the rapid rise of China poses economic and military challenges.
    • China’s Growing Influence: Almost all of India’s neighbours are moving closer to China, necessitating better policy and diplomacy to secure India’s interests and ensure regional stability.
    • Military Modernization and Resource Allocation: India’s dependence on foreign arms imports, despite efforts to promote self-reliance through initiatives like “Make in India,” highlights the need for a robust domestic defense industry.
      • The country has been the largest arms importer from 2018 to 2022, indicating ongoing challenges in achieving military self-sufficiency

    Suggestive measures: (Way forward)

    • Agricultural Reforms: Investment in agricultural research and development, irrigation, and land-lease markets is vital. Building value chains for perishables can enhance food security and adapt to climate challenges.
    • Nutritional Security: Transitioning from mere food security to nutritional security is crucial, addressing issues like child malnutrition, which affects 35% of children under five.
    • Support for Farmers: Implementing subsidies for pulses and other sustainable crops can encourage healthier diets and environmental benefits. The government should provide financial incentives to farmers to shift from water-intensive crops to pulses.
    • Infrastructure Development: Continued investment in infrastructure, including transportation and digital connectivity, is essential for economic growth and improving citizens’ quality of life.
    • Education and Skill Development: Reforms in education to prioritize skill development and innovation are necessary to prepare the workforce for emerging industries and ensure inclusive growth.
    • Healthcare Initiatives: Expanding access to affordable healthcare services nationwide is critical for enhancing public health and productivity.

    Mains PYQ:

    Q Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) in the defence sector is now set to be liberalized: What influence this is expected to have on Indian defence and economy in the short and long run? (UPSC IAS/2016)

  • Yaks from China stray into eastern Ladakh

    Why in the News?

    Around 40 Chinese yaks ventured into Indian Territory in the “Demchok” area of eastern Ladakh and are currently under the control of the local villagers.

    Grazing land issue at LAC:

    • Nomads from both sides traditionally access grazing grounds across the LAC.
    • Indian nomads have been stopped by Chinese soldiers when crossing to the Chinese side.
    • Demchok nomads lost access to Lungkar Valley in 2022 and Nilung Valley in 2017.
    • Loss of these areas has negatively impacted the livelihoods of border residents.
    • China expanded its presence on the Indian side of Charding nala (adjacent to Demchok) since 2020 stand-off.

    About Himalayan Yaks in India:

    Details
    Species Belongs to the Bovini tribe, including bison, buffaloes, and cattle.
    Adaptation Can tolerate extreme cold, down to -40°C; adapted for high altitudes with long, insulating hair.
    Cultural Significance Valued by Himalayan peoples;

    Linked to Tibetan Buddhism legend of Rinpoche.
    Raising Method Traditionally reared under a transhumance system; involves significant hardship.
    Habitat Endemic to the Tibetan Plateau and high-altitude regions.
    Altitude Preference Thrives above 14,000 feet; typically climbs to 20,000 feet and rarely descends below 12,000 feet.
    Yak-Rearing States in India Arunachal Pradesh, Sikkim, Uttarakhand, Himachal Pradesh, Jammu & Kashmir.
    Population Decline 2019 census: 58,000 yaks in India, a 25% drop from 2012; decline due to low remuneration and market.
    Significance Provides crucial nutritional and livelihood security for pastoral nomads in high-altitude regions.
    Threats Climate change causing heat stress; inbreeding due to closed borders limiting genetic diversity.
    Protection Status* – IUCN Red List: Vulnerable
    – CITES: Appendix I
    – Indian Wildlife Act: Schedule I
    Food Status* Approved as a ‘food animal’ by the Food Safety and Standard Authority of India (FSSAI).

     

    PYQ:

    [2016] What is/are unique about ‘Kharai camel’, a breed found in India?

    1. It is capable of swimming up to three kilometres in seawater.

    2. It survives by grazing on mangroves.

    3. It lives in the wild and cannot be domesticated.

    Select the correct answer using the codes given below:

    (a) 1 and 2 only

    (b) 3 only

    (c) 1 and 3 only

    (d) 1, 2 and 3

  • Banni Grasslands of Kachchh

    Why in the News?

    A study conducted by researchers at Kachchh University assessed the suitability of different areas in Banni for sustainable grassland restoration, with ecological value being the primary criterion.

    Restoration of Banni Grasslands: Highlights of the Study

    Recent Study:

    • Objective: A study conducted by researchers at KSKV Kachchh University assessed the suitability of different areas in Banni for sustainable grassland restoration, with ecological value being the primary criterion.
    • Need for restoration: Originally covering about 3,800 sq. km, the Banni grasslands have shrunk to about 2,600 sq. km.
    • Categories of Restoration Zones: The researchers divided the grassland into five categories based on restoration suitability:
      • Highly Suitable: 937 sq. km (36%)
      • Suitable: 728 sq. km (28%)
      • Moderately Suitable: 714 sq. km (27%)
      • Marginally Suitable: 182 sq. km (7%)
      • Not Suitable: 61 sq. km (2%)
    • Restoration Potential: The “highly suitable” and “suitable” zones, making up nearly two-thirds of the Banni grasslands, can be restored easily by providing adequate water sources.

    About Banni Grasslands:

    • The Banni Grassland is a salt-tolerant ecosystem located in the Kutch district of Gujarat, covering around 3,847 square km.
    • It is said to be Asia’s largest grassland (TOI).
    • The climate is arid and semi-arid, with extremely hot summers (temperatures above 45°C) and mild winters (12°C to 25°C), receiving 300-400 mm of annual rainfall mainly during the monsoon.
    • It is inhabited by pastoral communities like the Maldharis, who rely on livestock grazing (cattle, buffalo, and sheep) for their livelihood.
    • Agriculture is limited due to arid conditions, with some areas used for salt production.
    • Flora: Grasses such as Dichanthium, Sporobolus, and Cenchrus species, with salt-tolerant plants, shrubs, and trees like Acacia and the invasive Prosopis juliflora.
    • Fauna: Indian wolf, hyena, chinkara, Great Indian Bustard, flamingos, and various raptors, reptiles, and invertebrates.

    PYQ:

    [2021] The vegetation of Savannah consists of grassland with scattered small trees, but extensive areas have no trees. The forest development in such areas is generally kept in check by one or more or a combination of some conditions. Which of the following are such conditions?​

    1. Burrowing animals and termites​

    2. Fire​

    3. Grazing herbivores​

    4. Seasonal rainfall​

    5. Soil properties​

    Select the correct answer using the code given below.​

    (a) 1 and 2

    (b) 4 and 5​

    (c) 2, 3 and 4

    (d) 1, 3 and 5​

  • Waggle Dance of Bees

    Why in the News?

    Two scientists have raised concerns about “problematic behaviour” in papers on honeybee communication co-authored by Dr. Mandyam Srinivasan, a highly honoured neuroscientist.

    About Waggle Dance of Bees

    Details
    Purpose Communicates location of food sources to other bees.
    Dance Pattern Figure-eight (8) movement with a waggle run in the middle.
    Direction Indication Angle of waggle run shows direction relative to the sun.
    Distance Indication Duration of waggle run indicates distance to the food source.
    Efficiency Enhances foraging efficiency by guiding bees directly to food sources.
    Environmental Impact Accuracy affected by Sun position, wind, and landscape.
    Scientific Importance Decoded by Nobel laureate Karl von Frisch; an example of advanced insect communication.

     

    PYQ:

    [2023] Which of the following organisms perform waggle dance for others of their kin to indicate the direction and the distance to a source of their food?

    (a) Butterflies

    (b) Dragonflies

    (c) Honey Bees

    (d) Wasps

  • Zoopharmacognosy: the study of how animals self-medicate

    Why in the News?

    Researchers highlighted the zoopharmacognosy (practice of self-medication) by a Sumatran orangutan using the plant Fibraurea tinctoria to treat a facial wound.

    What is Zoopharmacognosy?

    • Zoopharmacognosy is the study of how animals use natural substances like plants, soils, and insects to treat their own illnesses. 
    • The term was coined by ecologist D.H. Janzen from the University of Pennsylvania.
    • It shows that animals have an instinctive ability to find and use natural remedies. 

    Key Studies and Observations

    • Neanderthals: In 2012, a Nature publication found that Neanderthals in Northern Spain used plants like yarrow and chamomile to treat infections.

    Other Animal Species:

    • Primates: Chimpanzees eat bitter leaves, like Vernonia amygdalina, to get rid of intestinal worms.
      • Pregnant lemurs nibbling on tamarind leaves to aid milk production.
    • Reindeer: Reindeer eat mushrooms like Amanita muscaria, possibly to fight off parasites.
    • Birds: Starlings line their nests with antimicrobial plants to protect their young from diseases.
    • Elephants: Pregnant elephants in Kenya eat specific plants to help induce labor.
    • Dogs: Dogs chew grass and then vomit to clear their stomachs of infections.

    PYQ:

    [2019] Recently, there was a growing awareness in our country about the importance of Himalayan nettle (Girardinia diversifolia) because it is found to be a sustainable source of:

    (a) Anti-malarial drug

    (b) Biodiesel

    (c) Pulp for paper industry

    (d) Textile fibre

  • [pib] REACHOUT Scheme

    Why in the News?

    The Indian student team, supported by the REACHOUT (Research, Education, Training and Outreach) scheme, achieved remarkable success at the 17th edition of the International Earth Sciences Olympiad (IESO) held in Beijing, China.

    What is the REACHOUT Scheme?

    • It is an initiative by the Ministry of Earth Sciences (MoES) under the broader PRITHVI (PRITHvi Vigyan) program. 
    • The scheme aims to enhance the understanding and dissemination of Earth system sciences through research, education, and outreach activities.

    About the International Earth Sciences Olympiad (IESO)

    • The IESO was established in 2003 during the International Geoscience Education Organization Council Meeting in Calgary, Canada.
    • The competition focuses on promoting interest in earth system sciences, particularly in addressing climate change, environmental challenges, and natural disasters.

    India’s Participation:

    • India has participated in the IESO since 2007 and hosted the 10th edition in Mysore.
    • The Indian National Earth Science Olympiad (INESO) serves as a national-level prelude to the IESO, held across schools in India.
    • Top-performing students from INESO represent India at the IESO, with support from MoES and the Geological Society of India.

    PYQ:

    [2019] Atal Innovation Mission is set up under the

    (a) Department of Science and Technology

    (b) Ministry of Labour and Employment

    (c) NITI Aayog

    (d) Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship

  • What are Deceptive Dark Patterns?

    Why in the News?

    The Advertising Standards Council of India (ASCI) has released a report highlighting the use of deceptive dark patterns in Indian apps.

    Key highlights of the ASCI Study:

    • The ASCI report aims to raise awareness among marketers and designers about the ethical implications of these deceptive patterns.
    • The study analyzed 12,000 screens across 53 leading Indian apps in 9 different industries.
    • The report identified the use of one or more of 12 deceptive patterns in most of these apps.

    What are Deceptive Dark Patterns?

    • These practices use elements of digital choice architecture, particularly in user interfaces.
    • The goal is to manipulate or impair consumer autonomy, decision-making, or choice.
    • These patterns are often subtle, directing users toward decisions that may not align with their true preferences.
    • As a result, they compromise the ability of users to make informed choices.

    Examples of Deceptive Patterns:

    Description Example
    Interface Interference Directs users to specific choices using visual tricks. Highlighting preferred options with bright colors.
    Confirm Shaming Uses guilt to push users toward certain actions. Options like “Upgrade now” vs. “I don’t want a smarter software.”
    Basket Sneaking Adds unwanted items to cart without consent. Automatically adding a donation to the shopping cart.
    Privacy Deception Tricks users into sharing more personal data. Requiring unnecessary personal info during signup.
    Drip Pricing Reveals extra fees late in the purchase process. Adding hidden charges at checkout.
    Subscription Trap Leads to unintended subscriptions without clear notice. “Free trial” that auto-renews to a paid plan.

    Importance of Ethical Design

    • Raising Awareness: Marketers are encouraged to study the guidelines issued by ASCI and the Department of Consumer Affairs to avoid unethical practices.
    • Conscious Patterns Website: Marketers can use resources like the Conscious Patterns website to test their apps and obtain a “conscious score” to ensure that their apps balance business needs with user interests.
    • Digital Responsibility: As the digital world evolves, ethical design practices are crucial for building and maintaining trust with customers.
    • Marketer and Designer Roles: Both marketers and app designers need to be vigilant about pursuing ethical design to create safe and trustworthy online environments.

    PYQ

    [2015] What are the impediments in marketing and supply chain management in developing the food processing industry in India? Can e-commerce help in overcoming this bottleneck?

  • [17th August 2024] The Hindu Op-ed: The essence of India’s inflation problem

    PYQ Relevance:

    Q.1) Do you agree with the view that steady GDP growth and low inflation have left the Indian economy in good shape? Give reasons in support of your arguments. (UPSC IAS/2019)

    Q.2) Besides the welfare schemes, India needs deft management of inflation and unemployment to serve the poor and the underprivileged sections of society. Discuss. (UPSC IAS/2022)

    Mentor comment: Food inflation in India significantly impacts the economy, particularly affecting low-income households that spend over 50% of their income on food. High food prices can lead to increased overall inflation, influencing wage demands and inflation expectations. This creates second-round effects, where rising food costs contribute to broader inflationary pressures. The persistence of food inflation complicates monetary policy, as the Reserve Bank of India struggles to control inflation without directly addressing food prices, which are influenced by supply-side factors beyond its control. Thus, food inflation remains a critical challenge for economic stability.

    Let’s learn!

    __

    Why in the news? 

    The Economic Survey suggests removing food prices from the RBI’s inflation target, shifting focus from headline to core inflation, and impacting inflation control strategies.

    Challenges related to Food Inflation: 

    1. Persistent High Food Inflation: Food price inflation in India has been elevated since 2019, with a year-on-year increase of close to 10% reported in June 2024. This trend indicates that high food inflation is not solely a consequence of external factors like the COVID-19 pandemic or the Ukraine war, but also reflects underlying domestic issues.
    2. Impact on Overall Inflation: Food prices constitute a significant portion of the consumer price index (CPI), accounting for nearly 50% of household expenditure in India. This high share means that fluctuations in food prices directly influence overall inflation rates, which have been higher than usual due to persistent food price increases.
    3. Food Prices as a Determinant of Core Inflation: Research indicates that food price inflation significantly affects core inflation in India. Rising food costs can lead to increased wages, which are a major component of production costs for firms. Thus, ignoring food prices in inflation targeting undermines the effectiveness of monetary policy.
    4. Long-Term Food Inflation Issues: Food price inflation has not been negative in any of the past 13 years, highlighting a persistent issue in the Indian economy. food inflation is a structural problem that needs to be addressed through comprehensive economic policies.

    The reason behind removing food prices from the RBI’s inflation target:

    1. High Sensitivity of Food Prices: Food prices in India are highly susceptible to supply shocks, such as erratic monsoon rains and agricultural disruptions. This volatility can lead to significant fluctuations in headline inflation, making it difficult for the RBI to maintain a stable inflation target when food prices are included in the calculation.
    2. Overshadow the impact of Monetary policy: Food constitutes about 46% of the Consumer Price Index (CPI) basket in India. This high weight can dilute the effectiveness of monetary policy aimed at controlling inflation, as changes in food prices can overshadow the impact of policy rate adjustments on core inflation measures.
    3. Core Inflation as a More Stable Measure: By focusing on core inflation, which excludes food and energy prices, the RBI could potentially achieve a more stable and manageable inflation target. This shift is based on the premise that core inflation is less influenced by volatile food prices and can provide a clearer picture of underlying inflation trends

    Way forward: 

    • Strengthening Agricultural Infrastructure and Supply Chain Management: To tackle the persistent issue of high food inflation, it is crucial to invest in and strengthen agricultural infrastructure, including irrigation systems, storage facilities, and transportation networks.  
    • Integrated Monetary and Fiscal Policy Approach: A more holistic approach is needed, where monetary policy is complemented by targeted fiscal interventions to manage food inflation.
      • The RBI should coordinate with the government to develop policies that address food price volatility, such as creating strategic food reserves, implementing effective buffer stock management, and providing targeted subsidies to protect vulnerable populations.  

  • Illegal mining, encroachments, and deforestation a threat to Aravali as natural green wall   

    Why in the News?

    The Aravalli range is facing severe threats from illegal mining, deforestation, and encroachments which causing environmental degradation.

    About the Aravalli Range:

    • The Aravalli Range is one of the oldest mountain ranges in the world, stretching from Gujarat to Delhi through Rajasthan.
    • It acts as a natural green wall in the northwestern part of India, forming an ecotone zone between the Thar Desert and the Gangetic Plain in a semi-arid environment.
    • The range spans 692 km in length and varies in width from 10 km to 120 km, with over 500 hillocks. The highest peak is Guru Shikhar in Mount Abu, which is 1,722 meters above sea level.
    • Rajasthan contains 80% of the range, while the remaining 20% is shared by Haryana, Delhi, and Gujarat.

    Change in Forest Area and High Rates of Carbon Influx:

    • Reduction of forest cover: The Aravalli range has experienced a significant reduction in forest cover, with a 0.9% decrease from 1999 to 2019. The forest area decreased from 29,915 sq. km in 1999 to 29,210 sq. km in 2019.
    • Increased Human settlement and reduced water bodies: Human settlements in the region increased from 4.5% in 1975 to 13.3% in 2019, while waterbodies initially increased and then began to reduce over time.
    • Expansion of mining activities: Mining activities have expanded, particularly in districts like Jaipur, Sikar, Alwar, Ajmer, Bhilwara, Chittorgarh, and Rajsamand.
    • High rate of carbon influx: The study identified regions in the upper and lower Aravalli range with high positive rates of carbon flux due to high rainfall and protected areas. In contrast, areas near the Thar Desert in the main middle range showed negative rates of carbon flux, indicating a decline in carbon sequestration.

    How Drone Survey Can Help:

    • Use of LiDAR technology:  A comprehensive drone survey using Light Detection and Ranging (LiDAR) technology is recommended to assess the Aravalli region’s surface and objects in 3D dimensions.
      • The LiDAR survey can help identify and mitigate illegal mining activities by providing detailed information on the surface structure which will allow authorities to take prompt enforcement actions.
    • Establishment of Independent Body: The establishment of an independent Aravali Development Authority, including experts from various fields, is suggested to devise and implement strategies for the sustainable preservation of the hill ecosystem.

    Steps taken: 

    • The Indian government has enacted various legal measures to protect the Aravalli Range.
      • In 1992, parts of the hills were designated as Ecologically Sensitive Areas, and in 2003, the central government prohibited mining operations in these regions.
    • The Supreme Court of India further reinforced these protections by banning mining in notified areas of the Aravalli Range in 2004 and extending this ban in 2009 to cover 448 km² across Haryana’s Faridabad, Gurgaon, and Mewat districts.

    Conclusion: Need to engage local communities in conservation efforts and promote sustainable land-use practices. Establish the proposed Aravali Development Authority to coordinate and implement long-term strategies for ecological restoration and biodiversity preservation.

    Mains PYQ:

    Q Briefly mention the alignment of major mountain ranges of the world and explain their impact on local weather conditions, with examples. (UPSC IAS/2021)

  • [pib] Amendments to the Foreign Exchange Management (Non-debt Instruments) Rules, 2019 

    Why in the News?

    The Finance Ministry has issued a notification amending the Foreign Exchange Management (Non-debt Instruments) Rules, 2019, to simplify Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) rules.

    Key amendments made by the Finance Ministry:

    Details
    Cross-Border Share Swaps Simplifies the process for Indian companies to engage in cross-border share swaps with foreign companies.
    Clarity on Downstream Investments Provides clearer guidelines on the treatment of downstream investments by OCI-owned entities on a non-repatriation basis, aligning them with NRI-owned entities.
    FDI in White Label ATMs (WLAs) Allows FDI in White Label ATMs to increase the geographical spread of ATMs, particularly in semi-urban and rural areas.
    Standardization of ‘Control’ Definition Standardizes the definition of ‘control’ to ensure consistency with other Acts and laws.
    Harmonization of ‘Startup Company’ Definition Aligns the definition of ‘startup company’ with the Government of India’s notification G.S.R. 127 (E) dated February 19, 2019.

    About The Foreign Exchange Management (Non-debt Instruments) Rules, 2019 

    • These rules govern foreign investment in India in non-debt instruments like equity shares, mutual funds, and real estate (excluding agricultural land).
    • These rules, effective from October 17, 2019, were issued under FEMA, 1999 (Foreign Exchange Management Act).

    It covers the following key aspects:

    • FDI Regulation: Specifies guidelines for foreign direct investment (FDI) in various sectors, including sectoral caps and conditions.
    • Investment Vehicles: Allows investment through entities like Alternative Investment Funds (AIFs), Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs), and mutual funds.
    • Repatriation: Provides a framework for repatriation of profits, dividends, and capital by foreign investors.
    • Reporting: Mandates detailed reporting for companies receiving foreign investments.
    • Sectoral Caps and Conditions: Sets sectoral limits and approval requirements for foreign investment, with some sectors requiring government approval.
    • Prohibited Sectors: Prohibits foreign investment in sectors like lottery, gambling, chit funds, and agricultural land.
    • Transfer of Shares: Outlines guidelines for share transfer between residents and non-residents, ensuring compliance with regulatory conditions.

    PYQ:

    [2020] With reference to Foreign Direct Investment in India, which one of the following is considered its major characteristic?

    (a) It is the investment through capital instruments essentially in a listed company.

    (b) It is a largely non-debt creating capital flow.

    (c) It is the investment which involves debt-servicing.

    (d) It is the investment made by foreign institutional investors in the Government securities.