Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: National Green Hydrogen Mission
Mains level: NA
Why in the news?
- The Ministry of New & Renewable Energy has unveiled Guidelines for the implementation of an R&D Scheme under the National Green Hydrogen Mission.
- The scheme aims to catalyze advancements in the production, storage, transportation, and utilization of green hydrogen, with a focus on affordability, efficiency, safety, and reliability.
Hydrogen Energy: A Backgrounder
- Hydrogen is an important source of energy since it has zero carbon content and is a non-polluting source of energy in contrast to hydrocarbons that have net carbon content in the range of 75–85 per cent.
- Hydrogen energy is expected to reduce carbon emissions that are set to jump by 1.5 billion tons in 2021.
- It has the highest energy content by weight and lowest energy content by volume.
- As per International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA), Hydrogen shall make up 6 per cent of total energy consumption by 2050.
- Hydrogen energy is currently at a nascent stage of development, but has considerable potential for aiding the process of energy transition from hydrocarbons to renewable.
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About National Green Hydrogen Mission (NGHM)
- The National Green Hydrogen Mission was launched in January 2023 to make India a ‘global hub’ for using, producing and exporting green hydrogen.
- Earlier, the National Hydrogen Mission was launched on August 15, 2021, with a view to cutting down carbon emissions and increasing the use of renewable sources of energy.
- The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) formulates the scheme guidelines for implementation of these missions.
Key features of the NGHM
- Power capacity: The mission seeks to promote the development of green hydrogen production capacity of at least 5 MMT per annum with an associated renewable energy capacity addition of about 125 GW in the country by 2030.
- Job creation: It envisages an investment of over ₹8 lakh crore and creation of over 6 lakh jobs by 2030.
- Reducing energy import bill: It will also result in a cumulative reduction in fossil fuel imports of over ₹1 lakh crore and abatement of nearly 50 MMT of annual greenhouse gas emissions by 2030.
- Export promotion: The mission will facilitate demand creation, production, utilisation and export of green hydrogen.
- Incentivization: Under the Strategic Interventions for Green Hydrogen Transition Programme (SIGHT), two distinct financial incentive mechanisms targeting domestic manufacturing of electrolysers and production of green hydrogen will be provided under the mission.
- Green Hydrogen Hubs: Regions capable of supporting large-scale production and/or utilisation of hydrogen will be identified and developed as Green Hydrogen Hubs.
Types of Hydrogen
Hydrogen extraction methods are classified into three types based on their processes: Grey, Blue, and Green.
- Green Hydrogen: Green hydrogen is produced through water electrolysis, utilizing electricity generated from renewable energy sources.
- Grey Hydrogen: This type of hydrogen is obtained through coal or lignite gasification (black or brown), or by steam methane reformation (SMR) of natural gas or methane (grey). These processes are typically carbon-intensive.
- Blue Hydrogen: Blue hydrogen is derived from natural gas or coal gasification, coupled with carbon capture storage (CCS) or carbon capture use (CCU) technologies to mitigate carbon emissions.
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PYQ:
[2010]Hydrogen fuel cell vehicles produce one of the following as “exhaust”:
(a) NH3
(b) CH4
(c) H2O
(d) H2O2
[2023]With reference to green hydrogen, consider the following statements:
1. It can be used directly as a fuel for internal combustion.
2. It can be blended with natural gas and used as fuel for heat or power generation.
3. It can be used in the hydrogen fuel cell to run vehicles.
How many of the above statements are correct?
(a) Only one
(b) Only two
(c) All three
(d) None |
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Soil Erosion, RUSLE Methodology
Mains level: NA
Why in the news?
- Titled “Geospatial modelling and mapping of soil erosion in India,” the report marks the first attempt to classify soil erosion on a pan-India basis.
- The study categorizes soil erosion into six classifications, ranging from “minor” to “catastrophic,” based on the amount of soil eroded per hectare over a year.
Soil Erosion in India
- Soil erosion is the process by which soil is removed or displaced from its original location, often due to the action of wind, water, or human activities.
- It is a natural geological process accelerated by various factors such as deforestation, overgrazing, improper agricultural practices, urbanization, and climate change.
Key trends in India
- Nearly 30% of the country’s landmass is experiencing “minor” soil erosion.
- Critical 3% (approx. 1500 sq km) faces “catastrophic” topsoil loss.
- The Brahmaputra Valley in Assam emerged as the most significant hotspot for soil erosion, with close to 300 square kilometers or 31% of its surface soil lost to “catastrophic” erosion.
- The lower Himalayan region, extending from Kashmir to Uttarakhand and beyond, and Odisha also face severe erosion challenges, posing threats to biodiversity and environmental stability.
Causes of Soil Erosion
- Anthropogenic Causes: Soil erosion in India is primarily caused by human activities including deforestation, overgrazing, improper land use practices, and construction activities.
- Natural Causes: The monsoon season, characterized by heavy rainfall, exacerbates soil erosion, especially in regions with steep slopes and poor vegetation cover.
Impact of Soil Erosion
- Topsoil, essential for agriculture due to its nutrient-rich composition, is crucial for sustaining crop growth.
- Erosion diminishes soil fertility, leading to reduced crop yields and agricultural productivity.
Revised Universal Soil Loss Equation (RUSLE) Methodology
- The Revised Universal Soil Loss Equation (RUSLE) is a widely used empirical model for estimating soil erosion rates.
- It is used to predict the average annual soil loss caused by sheet and rill erosion from specific field areas.
- The RUSLE methodology considers various factors that contribute to soil erosion, including rainfall, soil erodibility, slope length and steepness, vegetation cover, and conservation practices.
- The equation for RUSLE is:
A = R * K * LS * C * P
Where:
A is the estimated average annual soil loss (in tons per acre per year).
R is the rainfall factor, representing the erosive power of rainfall.
K is the soil erodibility factor, representing the susceptibility of soil to erosion.
LS is the slope length and steepness factor, accounting for the effect of slope on erosion.
C is the cover management factor, indicating the impact of vegetation cover and land use practices on erosion.
P is the conservation practice factor, reflecting the effectiveness of erosion control practices implemented. |
PYQ:
[2014] In India, the problem of soil erosion is associated with which of the following?
1. Terrace cultivation
2. Deforestation
3. Tropical climate’
Select the correct answer using the code given below:
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 2 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3 |
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Sangeet Natak Akademi, ShaktiPeeth
Mains level: NA
Why in the news?
Sangeet Natak Akademi is set to host ‘Shakti, a festival of music and dance’ as part of its Kala Pravah series at 7 Shaktipeeths.
Shakti – Festival of Music and Dance
Events will be held at:
- Kamakhya Temple, Guwahati
- Mahalakshmi Temple, Kolhapur, Maharashtra
- Jwalamukhi Temple, Kangada, Himachal Pradesh
- Tripura Sundari Temple, Udaipur, Tripura
- Ambaji Temple, Banaskantha, Gujarat
- Jai Durga Shaktipeeth, Deoghar, Jharkhand
- Shaktipeeth Maa Harsidhi Temple, Jaisinghpur, Ujjain, Madhya Pradesh
What are Shaktipeeths?
- Shaktipeeths are sacred sites in Hinduism associated with the Goddess Shakti or Devi, the divine feminine energy.
- According to Hindu mythology, these sites are believed to be where various body parts of the goddess Sati/ Shakti fell to the earth when her body was dismembered by Lord Vishnu’s.
- There are numerous Shaktipeeths spread across the Indian subcontinent and beyond, each considered highly sacred by devotees of the Goddess.
Here are some major Shaktipeeths often seen in news:
| Temple |
Place (State/Country) |
| Shankari Devi Temple |
Trincomalee (Sri Lanka) |
| Kamakshi Amman Temple |
Kanchipuram (Tamil Nadu) |
| Shrinkala Temple |
Pradmunyee (Pandua, West Bengal) |
| Chamundeshwari Temple |
Mysuru (Karnataka) |
| Jogulamba Devi |
Alampuram (Telangana) |
| Bhramaramba Mallikarjuna Temple |
Srisailam (Andhra Pradesh) |
| Mahalakshmi Temple |
Kolhapur (Maharashtra) |
| Ekveera Temple |
Mahur (Maharashtra) |
| Mahakaleswar Temple |
Ujjain (Madhya Pradesh) |
| Kukkuteswara Swamy Temple |
Pithapuram (Andhra Pradesh) |
| Biraja Temple |
Jajpur (Odisha) |
| Bhimeswara Temple |
Draksharamam (Andhra Pradesh) |
| Kamakhya Temple |
Guwahati (Assam) |
| Alopi Devi Mandir |
Prayagraj (Uttar Pradesh) |
| Jwalamukhi Temple |
Jwalamukhi (Himachal Pradesh) |
| Mangla Gauri Temple |
Gaya (Bihar) |
| Vishalakshi Temple |
Varanasi (Uttar Pradesh) |
| Sharada Peeth |
Sharda, Kashmir (Pakistan Occupied Kashmir) |
About Sangeet Natak Akademi
- It is the national level academy for performing arts set up by the Government of India.
- It was set up by the Indian education ministry on 31 May 1952 and became functional the following year, with the appointment of its first chairman, Dr. P. V. Rajamannar.
- Dr Rajendra Prasad, the first President of India, inaugurated it on 28 January 1953 in a special function held in the Parliament House.
Functions:
- The academy functions as the apex body of the performing arts in the country to preserve and promote the vast cultural heritage of India expressed in music, dance and drama.
- It also works with governments and art academies in states and union territories of the country.
Awards and fellowships:
- Sangeet Natak Akademi Award
- Sangeet Natak Akademi Fellowships (Ratna Sadsya)
- Ustad Bismillah Khan Yuva Puraskar
- Tagore Ratna and Tagore Puraskar
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Heatwave;
Mains level: Climate Change; Heatwave;
Why in the News?
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) recently said that India will have more than the ‘usual’ number of days with heat waves in this summer.
Increasing Temperature in India and its impact as per IMD:
- Temperature Predictions: The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) predicts “above-normal” temperatures for April-June 2024, with a probability of 55%-65% in one half of the country and over 65% in the other half. Few parts are expected to have normal or below-normal temperatures.
- Effect of Heat on Agriculture: Higher heat negatively impacts crop yield, agricultural workers’ productivity, and water availability, varying in degree depending on the crop.
- Consequences of Heat in Urban Area: Increased heat leads to higher power demand in urban and industrial centers, poses deadly risks for outdoor workers (such as at construction sites), overwhelms health service providers (especially affecting the very young and old), and highlights the importance of access to clean, cool water, indoor ventilation, and bathrooms.
- Power Demand: The availability of power is crucial for addressing the effects of heat. A chart shows that in March 2024, the average evening peak-hour demand reached a new high of 190 GW.
Major challenges around the Energy Demand and Government Targets:
- Government Targets: The government aims to achieve 500 GW of power generation capacity from renewable energy sources by 2030. Additionally, it has committed to producing 50% of its power from non-fossil fuel energy sources by the same year.
- Heat increases power demand: Heat boosts power demand in cities and industries, heightens risks for outdoor labor, strains healthcare services for vulnerable groups, and underscores the necessity of clean water, ventilation, and bathrooms. Power availability is fundamental for addressing these challenges.
- Focus on Solar Power: A substantial portion of the renewable energy addition will come from solar power. However, due to the intermittent nature of solar output and the ongoing establishment of power storage capacity, coal is still relied upon to meet peak demand.
- Coal’s Dominance: Chart 3 (above) illustrates the gross electricity generated using coal in India and coal’s share in total electricity generation. The coal’s share has remained between 70-74% since at least FY16.
- Commercially Viable Energy Storage: In India, the most commercially viable energy storage forms currently are battery-based and Pumped Hydro Storage (PHS).
- Renewable Energy Generation: Chart 4 depicts the gross electricity generated using renewable sources in India and the share of renewable sources in total electricity generation. The share of renewables, including solar, hydro, wind, etc., has remained between 20-25% since at least FY16
Major Dilemma For India: Cannot ignore Coal immediately:
- Coal is projected to continue as the backbone of the Indian energy system until the next two decades and its phase-down will require active policies on critical minerals, according to a report by the Indian Institute of Management (IIM)- Ahmedabad.
- The report, titled ‘Synchronising energy transitions towards a possible Net Zero for India: Affordable and Clean Energy for All,’ asserted that net zero is not possible without substantial nuclear power and renewable energy generation by 2070.
- To achieve net-zero energy systems by 2070, the report mentioned that the electricity sector will need to decarbonize well before that.
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Way Forward:
- NDC Goals: The remaining gaps in emissions will be offset through sequestration in forestry and tree cover as envisaged in our Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs).
- Need for Technological intervention: There is no silver bullet to achieve net zero. The transition needs multiple pathways to be adopted with the co-existence of myriad technologies in our energy basket.
Mains PYQ
Q Discuss the implications of heightened heat waves in India, as highlighted by recent statements from the India Meteorological Department (IMD).
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: What is Technology absorption in terms of disruptive technology (DT)?
Mains level: Challenges in Technology absorption
Why in the news?
The Indian Army is observing the year 2024 as the ‘Year of Technology Absorption’.
- The Indian military is moving in the right direction, but the challenge lies in sustaining technology absorption with a nuanced understanding of the requirements
What is Technology absorption in terms of disruptive technology (DT)?
It comprises Artificial intelligence, Autonomous Weapon Systems such as drones, sensors, robotics, space technology, and hypersonic weapon systems (also called Legacy Systems)
Challenges in Technology absorption:
- Compatibility issues: Incorporating new technologies into existing structures or systems, known as legacy systems, can be challenging due to compatibility issues and the need for adaptation.
- More time in Training and Skills Development: Ensuring that personnel are adequately trained to operate and maintain new technologies is crucial. The acquisition of technical skills and knowledge may require significant investment and time.
- Lack of Resource: Limited resources, both financial and human, may constrain the absorption of technologies because need to require more funds to maintain preexisting military hardware. Due to this military has left very less amount of money to the absorption of technologies
- Cybersecurity Concerns: With the integration of advanced technologies comes the risk of cyber threats and vulnerabilities. Safeguarding systems and networks against cyber-attacks becomes paramount.
- Supply Chain Management: Dependence on external suppliers for critical components or technologies can introduce risks related to reliability, availability, and security of supply chains like fighter jet engine import from the USA
Technological Absorption needs to be governed organically:
- Acknowledge the Sensitivity: Recognize existing vulnerabilities and sensitivities within the military structure and operations. Identify gaps between current capabilities and future needs.
- Need to Understand Latest Technologies: Understanding the latest advancements in technology and their potential applications in military operations. Understand the context in which these technologies can be effectively utilized.
- Integrating at Unit-Level: Ensure that technology absorption is not limited to higher levels of command but is visibly manifested at the unit level. Democratize the use of technology to empower frontline personnel.
- Macro-Level Aspects: Address macro-level aspects such as organizational restructuring, human resource management, cultivation of specialists at various levels, civil-military fusion, data integrity management, and procurement policies tailored for Defense Technologies (DTs).
- Learn from Recent Wars: Analyze lessons learned from recent and ongoing conflicts to inform future planning and decision-making like the Russia Conflict
Mains question for practice
Q Discuss the Challenges in Technology absorption in terms of disruptive technology (DT).And give suggestive measures to resolve the challenges
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Fundamental Rights; Article 14 and 21;
Mains level: Judiciary;
Why in the news?
The Supreme Court recently held that people have a fundamental right to be free from the adverse effects of climate change while emphasizing that countries like India must uphold their international obligations for healthy and sustainable development [M K Ranjitsinh & Ors. vs Union of India].
Background of M K Ranjitsinh & Ors. vs Union of India Case:
-
- The case was related to the conservation of the critically endangered Great Indian Bustard (GIB).
- In 2021, a writ petition was filed by retired government official and conservationist M K Ranjitsinh, seeking protection for the GIB and the Lesser Florican, which are on the verge of extinction.
- On April 19, 2021 order by SC was imposed restricting the setting up of overhead transmission lines in a territory of about 99,000 sq km in the GIB habitat in Rajasthan and Gujarat.
- The Supreme Court has ruled that people have a “right to be free from the adverse effects of climate change”, which should be recognized by Articles 14 and 21 of the Constitution.
- This judgment was by a three-judge Bench of Chief Justice of India (CJI) D Y Chandrachud and Justices J B Pardiwala and Manoj Misra.
The Recent Modification over Earlier Judgement given by the SC:
Who applied for modification of an earlier case?
- The Ministry of Power, the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, and the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy had applied to modify the 2021 order on grounds that
- It had adverse implications for India’s power sector, and undergrounding power lines was not possible
- The Paris Climate Treaty (2015) is one of the key grounds for seeking a modification of the 2021 order.
What SC did say in this case?
- Underground powerlines: The apex court modified its April 2021 order giving directions for underground high-voltage and low-voltage power lines, and directed experts to assess the feasibility of undergrounding power lines in specific areas after considering factors such as terrain, population density, and infrastructure requirements
- The earlier direction was not feasible: The ruling acknowledged that its earlier directions, “besides not being feasible to implement, would also not result in achieving its stated purpose, i.e., the conservation of the GIB”.
- Suitable relationship between FR and DPSP: The court emphasized that when addressing environmental concerns outlined in the Directive Principles of State Policy, they must be interpreted in conjunction with the right to life and personal liberty as enshrined in Article 21.
How have the Courts interpreted Article 21 earlier?
- Article 21 as the Heart of Fundamental Rights: The Supreme Court (SC) recognizes Article 21 of the Constitution as central to fundamental rights, emphasizing that the right to life encompasses more than mere existence but includes all rights necessary for a meaningful and dignified life.
- Inclusion of Environmental Rights within Article 21: In the 1980s, the SC expanded Article 21 to include the right to a clean environment, along with various other rights such as education, shelter, clean air, livelihood, and medical care.
- Actualizing New Rights: Despite the recognition of these new rights, citizens often face challenges in exercising them, particularly in cases concerning environmental issues like clean air.
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What are the implications of the judgment for environmental jurisprudence?
- Strengthening Environmental and Climate Justice: The judgment emphasizes bolstering environmental and climate justice by recognizing the multifaceted impacts of climate change on various communities.
- Expansion of Article 14 and Right to Life: The judgment expands the scope of Article 14 of the Constitution, which guarantees equality before the law, to encompass environmental concerns.
- Influence on Public Discourse and Government Policies: The judgment is expected to influence public discourse on environmental issues, shaping perceptions and priorities regarding environmental protection.
- Establishment of Legal Precedent: By acknowledging the “right against adverse effects of climate change,” the judgment establishes a significant legal precedent.
Conclusion: The Supreme Court’s recognition of citizens’ “right to be free from adverse effects of climate change” expands constitutional protections, strengthens environmental justice, influences policy discourse, and sets a crucial legal precedent.
Mains PYQ
Q Does the right to clean environment entail legal regulation on burning crackers during Diwali? Discus in the light of Article 21 of Indian Constitution and judgements of the apex in this regard.(UPSC IAS/2015)
Q The most significant achievement of modern law in India is the constitutionalization of environmental problems by the Supreme Court.” Discuss this statement with the help of relevant case laws. (UPSC IAS/2022)
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Uttar Pradesh Board of Madarsa Education Act, 2004
Mains level: Recent Judgement of Supreme court
Why in the news?
Recently the three-judge Supreme Court Bench stayed a ruling of the Allahabad High Court on the U.P. Board of Madrasa Education Act 2004 calling it an infringement of the Fundamental Rights guaranteed under the Constitution.
- Earlier, the HC had dubbed the U.P. Board of Madrasa Education Act “Unconstitutional” and asked for immediate closure of the madrasas. It called for the relocation and integration of the madrasa students with regular schools.
Why are madrasas in the spotlight?
- Uttar Pradesh has approximately 25,000 madrasas, out of which 16,500 are recognized by the U.P. Madrasa Education Board.
- Only 560 madrasas receive grants from the government, leading to complaints of delayed payment and salary arrears.
- Irregular madrasas, often lacking resources, provide only elementary learning.
- In 2022, the U.P. Government ordered a survey to identify unrecognised or illegal madrasas.
- A Special Investigation Team (SIT) was formed to investigate alleged foreign funding sources for the madrasas, claiming over ₹100 crore had been received from abroad over three years. However, evidence supporting these claims was not made public.
About Uttar Pradesh Board of Madarsa Education Act, 2004:
- The Act sought to oversee and administer the operations of madrasas (Islamic educational institutions) in Uttar Pradesh, providing guidelines for their establishment, recognition, curriculum, and management.
- It led to the formation of the Uttar Pradesh Board of Madarsa Education, tasked with regulating and supervising madrasa activities throughout the state.
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Concerns Regarding the Act:
- Limited Curriculum: Upon examination of madrasa syllabi, the High Court noted a curriculum heavily focused on Islamic studies, with limited emphasis on modern subjects.
- Conflict with Higher Education Standards: The Act raised concerns regarding its conflict with Section 22 of the University Grants Commission (UGC) Act, 1956, which led to questions about its compliance with higher education norms
Conclusion: Madrasas in Uttar Pradesh are under scrutiny due to a recent Supreme Court stay on the Allahabad High Court ruling, citing infringement of fundamental rights. Concerns persist over grants, quality of education, and compatibility with higher education standards.
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Consumer Confidence Survey (CCS)
Mains level: NA
Why in the news?
- The latest Consumer Confidence Survey conducted by the Reserve Bank of India in March 2024 reveals a significant boost in consumer confidence, particularly regarding future expectations.
- It says consumer confidence has hit highest level in nearly 5 years.
What is Consumer Confidence Survey (CCS)?
- The RBI conducts a bi-monthly Consumer Confidence Survey to measure consumers’ perceptions of the prevailing economic situation.
- It was started in 2015 with surveys in 13 major cities.
- The survey is conducted across various cities and measures consumer confidence on parameters such as the economy, employment, price, income, and spending.
- The survey consists of questions regarding consumers’ sentiments over various factors in the current situation and future.
Here are a few parameters that help aggregate overall confidence:
- Spending: The consumer is asked about the willingness to spend on major consumer durables, purchasing vehicles, or real estate. This measures the overall spending scenario on necessities as well as luxuries for the next quarter.
- Employment: The consumer is asked about current and future ideas on employment situations, joblessness, job security, which reflects the sentiments of the current or expected employment in the country.
- Inflation: The consumer is asked about interest rates and levels of prices of all goods, tracking the price expected by consumers and their spending on basic necessities.
Components of CCS:
- Current Situation Index (CSI): It measures overall consumer sentiment regarding the present economic situation.
- Future Expectations Index (FEI): It analyses consumer sentiment for the next 12 months.
CSI and FEI are calculated based on people’s views about the economy, their income, spending, job opportunities, and prices compared to the previous year and expectations for the year ahead.
Key Highlights of the recent report
- Future Expectations Index (FEI) has climbed by 2.1 points to reach 125.2, marking its highest level since mid-2019, indicating heightened optimism among consumers for the year ahead.
- Current Situation Index (CSI) has surged by 3.4 points to reach 98.5, marking its highest level since mid-2019.
PYQ:
[2018] As per the NSSO 70th Round “Situation Assessment Survey of Agricultural Households”, consider the following statements-
1. Rajasthan has the highest percentage share of agricultural households among its rural households.
2. Out of the total agricultural households in the country, a little over 60 percent belong to OBCs.
3. In Kerala, a little over 60 percent of agricultural households reported to have received maximum income from sources other than agricultural activities.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 2 and 3 only
(b) 2 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3 |
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Provincial Elections of 1937, GoI Act, 1935, Muslim League, Hindu Mahasabha
Mains level: NA
Why in the news?
- Prime Minister recently suggested a link between the Congress manifesto and the Muslim League (which is responsible for the Partition of India), prompting a political debate.
- In rebuttal, critics reminded of a coalition governments formed by Hindu Mahasabha in Bengal, Sindh, and North-West Frontier Province (NWFP) in the 1940s with the Muslim League.
Provincial Elections of 1937:
[A] Indian National Congress
- Congress performed admirably in the 1937 provincial elections, held under the mandate of the Government of India Act of 1935.
- It won 711 of a total 1,585 provincial assembly seats, with absolute majorities in 5 of the 11 provinces (Madras, Bihar, Orissa, Central Provinces, and United Provinces) and a near-majority in Bombay (86 out of 175).
- Congress ministries were formed in all of these provinces.
- Sometime later, the Congress also formed governments in the North West Frontier Province (NWFP) and Assam.
[B] Non-Congress Parties
- Non-Congress governments were formed in the remaining 3 provinces — Sindh, Punjab, and Bengal.
- In Sindh, a coalition led by the Sind United Party formed the government; in Punjab, Sikandar Hayat Khan’s Unionist Party won a majority.
- And in Bengal, Fazlul Huq’s Krishak Praja Party (KPP) formed a coalition government with the Muslim League— even though the Congress was the single largest party with 54 seats.
[C] Religion based Parties
- Notably, the Muslim League, which claimed to be the sole representative of Indian Muslims, performed abysmally in the elections.
- The League won just 106 out of the 482 seats allotted to Muslims under separate electorates, and it failed to win even a single seat in the NWFP.
- The Hindu Mahasabha, which had entered electoral politics in the 1930s under V D Savarkar’s leadership, too fared miserable.
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Ideological Alignment and Political Alliances
- Dr. B.R. Ambedkar noted ideological similarities between the Hindu Mahasabha and the Muslim League, both advocating for the two-nation theory.
- This ideological convergence paved the way for short-lived political alliances, particularly during the turmoil following Congress’s resignation from provincial ministries in 1939.
Reasons for such Alliance
- Opposition to Quit India Movement: When Mahatma Gandhi launched the Quit India Movement in 1942, the Muslim League and Hindu Mahasabha refrained from participating, opting to support the British war effort.
- Support for British War Efforts: Savarkar, in a letter, instructed Mahasabha members to remain loyal to their positions and not join the movement, while Syama Prasad Mookerjee pledged support to suppress any internal disturbances.
- Increased Push for Partition: Jinnah, meanwhile, intensified his campaign for Pakistan, capitalizing on the absence of Congress leaders and positioning himself as the sole spokesman for Muslims.
Muslim League:
- The All India Muslim League was formed in 1906 in Dhaka, Bengal Presidency, British India.
- It was established in response to the perceived marginalization and political underrepresentation of Muslims in the Indian National Congress.
- The founding members of the Muslim League included prominent Muslim leaders such as Nawab Salimullah Khan of Dhaka, Nawab Viqar-ul-Mulk, Aga Khan III, and Muhammad Ali Jinnah, who later emerged as its most influential leader.
- The primary objective of the Muslim League was to safeguard the political rights and interests of Muslims in India.
- It advocated for separate electorates for Muslims, reservations in government jobs and legislative bodies, and other measures to protect Muslim identity and interests.
Hindu Mahasabha:
- The Hindu Mahasabha was founded in 1915 in Amritsar, Punjab, by Madan Mohan Malaviya and others.
- It aimed to unite Hindus under one political umbrella and promote Hindu nationalism.
- Besides Madan Mohan Malaviya, prominent leaders included Lala Lajpat Rai, B. S. Moonje, and Vinayak Damodar Savarkar.
- It promoted the idea of Akhand Bharat (Undivided India) and opposed the partition of India on religious lines.
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Implications of this Coalition
- The period following Congress’s participation in the Quit India Movement saw the rise of the Muslim League’s influence, with League ministries established in several provinces by 1943.
- Jinnah’s strategy to capitalize on Congress’s absence contributed to his claim as the sole representative of Indian Muslims, furthering the demand for Pakistan.
PYQ:
[2018] In the Federation established by The Government of India Act of 1935, Residuary Power were given to the:
(a) Federal Legislature
(b) Governor General
(c) Provincial Legislature
(d) Provincial Governors |
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Sittwe Port , Kaladan Project
Mains level: NA
Why in the news?
- After Chabahar, India has gained the rights to operate a second overseas port, Sittwe, in Myanmar.
- This development is part of the Kaladan Multimodal Transit Transport project, which aims to provide alternate connectivity from the eastern coast of India to the northeastern states through the Sittwe port.
About India Ports Global (IPGL)
- The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has approved a proposal for India Ports Global (IPGL) to take over the operations of the entire port located on the Kaladan River.
- IPGL is a company 100% owned by the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways.
- It is a joint venture between Jawaharlal Nehru Port Trust (JNPT) and Deendayal Port Trust (Erstwhile Kandla Port Trust).
- It was created and incorporated in January 2015 under the Companies Act, 2013, as per directions of Ministry of Shipping (MoS), for development of ports overseas.
- The MoS has presently assigned IPGL the task of equipping and operation of container/multi-purpose terminals at Chabahar Port in Iran.
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About Sittwe Port
- The Sittwe Port, located in the Rakhine State of Myanmar, is a crucial component of the Kaladan multi-modal transit transport project.
- It has been developed under a framework agreement between India and Myanmar for the construction and operation of a multimodal transit transport facility on the Kaladan River.
- It is a deep-water port serving as a maritime gateway, enhancing trade and connectivity between India and Myanmar.
Significance of Sittwe Port
- The Sittwe Port is part of the Kaladan multi-modal transit transport project.
- The project aims to connect the eastern Indian seaport of Kolkata with Sittwe seaport in Myanmar by sea.
- It further link Sittwe Port to Paletwa in Myanmar via Kaladan river waterway, and connect Paletwa to Zorinpui in Mizoram through a road component.
- This link will not only offer an alternative route for shipping goods to the northeastern states, but will significantly reduce the cost and distance from Kolkata to Mizoram and beyond.
- It will also reduce dependency on the Siliguri Corridor, known as the chicken’s neck, which is squeezed between Bhutan and Bangladesh.
Kaladan Multi-Modal Transit Transport Project
- It connects the seaport of Kolkata in India to Sittwe seaport in Rakhine State, Myanmar, by sea.
- In Myanmar, the project links Sittwe seaport to Paletwa in Chin State via the Kaladan river boat route and then from Paletwa by road to Mizoram state in Northeast India.
- The project is being funded by the Indian government and is aimed at reducing the distance from Kolkata to Sittwe by approximately 1,328 km.
- It was initially scheduled to be completed by 2014.
- The project is affected by Chin conflict, Rohingya conflict, and militant groups such as Arakan Army and Arakan Rohingya Salvation Army (ARSA).
- There are different sections of the Kaladan Multi-Modal Transit Transport Project, which combines multi-modes of transport, including sea, river, and road routes.
- Sea Route: It includes- Kolkata-Sittwe shipping route, Sittwe seaport to Paletwa inland jetty river boat route, Sittwe Special Economic Zone at Ponnagyun town, Paletwa inland jetty to Zorinpui road route in Myanmar, and the Zorinpui to Aizawl road route in India.
- Road: This project will complement the river-road route of the Kaladan Multi-Modal Transit Transport Project in Myanmar-Mizoram.
- Railway: It has the Sittwe-Kyaukhtu railway in Myanmar, Kyaukhtu-Zorinpui in Myanmar, and the Zochawchhuah (Zorinpui)-Sairang railway in India.
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PYQ:
[2015] In the Mekong-Ganga Cooperation, an initiative of six countries, which of the following is/are not a participant/ participants?
1. Bangladesh
2. Cambodia
3. China
4. Myanmar
5. Thailand
Select the correct answer using the codes given below:
(a) 1 only
(b) 2, 3 and 4
(c) 1 and 3
(d) 1, 2 and 5 |
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: VVPATs, EVM
Mains level: NA
Why in the news?
The Supreme Court has decided to address petitions advocating for a comprehensive verification of Voter Verified Paper Audit Trail (VVPAT) slips in upcoming general elections.
What are VVPATs?
- VVPAT machines, attached to Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs), print a slip showing the voter’s choice, allowing voters to verify their vote for 7 seconds before the slip drops into a secured box.
- The concept emerged in 2010, leading to the creation of prototypes by Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL) and Electronics Corporation of India (ECIL).
- After trials and feedback, the design was approved in February 2013.
- The Conduct of Elections Rules, 1961, were amended to incorporate VVPATs.
- They were first used in Nagaland’s Noksen Assembly constituency in 2013 and were implemented in all polling stations by the 2019 Lok Sabha elections.
Current VVPAT Slip Counting Protocol
- In 2018, the ECI consulted the Indian Statistical Institute (ISI) to determine a statistically robust sample size for VVPAT slip verification.
- Initially, VVPAT slips of one randomly selected polling station per Assembly constituency were counted.
- This was increased to five polling stations per Assembly seat after a Supreme Court judgment in 2019.
- The ISI suggested counting VVPAT slips from 479 EVMs to ensure a high confidence level that the proportion of defective EVMs is less than 2%.
Recent petitions regarding VVPAT
- Opposition parties advocate for heightened VVPAT verification, ranging from 50% to 100%, to bolster electoral transparency and uphold the sanctity of democratic processes.
- However, the Election Commission emphasizes the need to balance transparency with operational constraints, citing logistical challenges and potential delays in result declaration.
About Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) in India
|
Details |
| Introduction |
EVMs introduced in Paravur Assembly Constituency, Kerala, 1982. |
| Adoption |
- Election Commission increasingly used EVMs since 1998. All state elections and by-elections used EVMs by 2003.
- Use of EVMs for Lok Sabha elections implemented in 2004.
|
| Development |
- Developed by the Technical Experts Committee (TEC) of Election Commission, with Bharat Electronics Ltd,
- Bangalore, and Electronic Corporation of India Ltd, Hyderabad.
|
| Functionality |
- Consists of Control Unit and Balloting Unit connected by cable.
- Voters press blue button on Ballot Unit to record vote.
|
| Key Features |
- Each EVM records up to 2,000 votes.
- Operates without electricity, powered by battery from Bharat Electronics Ltd/Electronic Corporation of India.
- Uses one-time programmable/masked chip for security.
- Stand-alone machines without an operating system for enhanced security.
|
PYQ:
[2017] Right to vote and to be elected in India is a
(a) Fundamental Right
(b) Natural Right
(c) Constitutional Right
(d) Legal Right |
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Sodium Cyanide , Anti-dumping Duty
Mains level: NA
Why in the news?
The Directorate General of Trade Remedies (DGTR) has recently recommended the imposition of an anti-dumping duty on sodium cyanide (NaCN) imported from China, the European Union, Japan, and Korea.
Sodium Cyanide and Its Applications
- Sodium cyanide is a deadly toxic, white, crystalline compound with the chemical formula NaCN.
- It is a water-soluble solid, mainly used in gold mining, electroplating, and in the synthesis of organic chemicals.
- It is hygroscopice. it quickly absorbs water from the air.
- In gold mining, sodium cyanide is used to dissolve and separate gold from its ores.
- It plays a pivotal role in various industrial processes, electroplating, metal heat treatment, and the production of insecticides, dyes, pigments, and pharmaceuticals.
What is Anti-Dumping Duty?
- An anti-dumping duty is a protectionist tariff that a domestic government imposes on foreign imports that it believes are priced below the price at which it is sold in the exporters’ domestic market.
- This is imposed with the rationale that these products have the potential to undercut local businesses and the local economy.
- The World Trade Organization (WTO) operates a set of international trade rules for the regulation of anti-dumping measures.
- In general, the WTO agreement permits governments to act against dumping “if it causes or threatens material injury to an established industry in the territory of a contracting party.
Anti-Dumping Mechanism in India:
- The Anti-Dumping mechanism in India is administered by the Directorate General of Anti-Dumping and Allied Dutites (DGAD) under the Ministry of Finance.
- The anti-dumping law in India is covered under the Customs Tariff Act, 1975, and the Customs Tariff Rules, 1995.
- The DGAD conducts anti-dumping investigations to determine if the domestic industry has been hurt by a surge in below-cost imports.
How is Anti-Dumping Duty calculated?
- The anti-dumping duty is calculated as the difference between the normal value and the export value of the product.
- The normal value is the market value of the product in the domestic market, while the export value is the price at which the product is exported to India.
- The anti-dumping duty is imposed to offset the price difference and prevent the domestic industry from being harmed by cheap imports.
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PYQ:
[2015] In India, the steel production industry requires the import of-
(a) Saltpetre
(b) Rock phosphate
(c) Coking coal
(d) All of the above |
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Gape Limitation
Mains level: NA
This newscard is an excerpt from the original article published in TH.
What is Gape Limitation?
- In ecology, the concept of ‘gape limitation’ sheds light on a simple yet crucial idea: predators can only eat prey that fit into their mouths.
- It dictates the range of prey accessible to predators, influencing the dynamics of ecological communities.
Imagine a predator fish species with a relatively small mouth or gape size. This fish species primarily feeds on small aquatic invertebrates like zooplankton and small crustaceans. Due to its limited gape size, it cannot consume larger prey items such as larger fish or large insects.Now, let’s introduce a different predator fish species with a larger mouth or gape size. This predator has a broader diet and can consume a wider range of prey items, including smaller fish and larger invertebrates.In this scenario, the predator with the larger gape size has a competitive advantage over the predator with the smaller gape size. It can exploit a greater variety of prey resources, potentially leading to differences in foraging success, growth rates, and overall fitness between the two predator species.This example demonstrates how gape limitation can influence the feeding ecology and interactions between predator and prey species in an ecosystem. |
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Science and Technology; Semiconductor, wafer and Transistor;
Mains level: India’s semiconductor ecosystem;
Why in the News?
The Union Cabinet has sanctioned the setup of three semiconductor facilities as part of the initiative to develop semiconductor and display manufacturing ecosystems in the country. One is in Assam and the other two are in Gujarat.
Need for Semiconductor hub in India:
- Right now, only a few countries in the world make computer chips. Due to the issues like COVID-19 pandemic and geopolitical tensions between countries, it’s become clear that we need more countries to manufacture these chips instead of Depending on the single country (Taiwan issue).
- For example, the TATA Group, working with a company from Taiwan called Powerchip Semiconductor Manufacturing Corporation (PSMC), is building a factory in Gujarat to make chips.
BACK2BASICS:
What is a Semiconductor chip? How is it manufactured?
It is a tiny electronic device made of semiconductor material (usually silicon or germanium) that serves as the basic building block of most electronic circuits. These chips can perform various functions, such as processing data, storing information, or controlling electronic devices.
What is a transistor?
A transistor is a semiconductor device used to amplify or switch electronic signals and electrical power. It is a fundamental building block of modern electronic devices and circuits. Transistors can be thought of as electronic switches that can be turned on or off, or can be used to amplify electrical signals.
What is fabrication technology?
Fabrication technology, often referred to as semiconductor fabrication technology or semiconductor manufacturing, is the process of creating electronic devices and integrated circuits (ICs) on semiconductor materials such as silicon. It involves a series of complex steps to build electronic components, including transistors, diodes, and resistors, as well as connecting them to create functional electronic circuits.
What is known as a wafer?
A wafer refers to a thin, flat slice of semiconductor material, typically made of silicon. Silicon wafers are the primary substrate used in the fabrication of integrated circuits (ICs) and other semiconductor devices. |
Efforts made by the Indian Government to build Semiconductor Ecosystem:
- India Semiconductor Mission (ISM): The Indian government is actively promoting semiconductor industry growth through initiatives and incentives, including the establishment of the India Semiconductor Mission (ISM) and a significant financial package to boost semiconductor and display manufacturing.
- Effort to boost Domestic manufacturing: India is also working to attract international investments to bolster domestic manufacturing. An example of this is Micron Technology’s planned Assembly, Test, Mark, and Pack (ATMP) facility in Gujarat, with a total investment of $2.75 billion, set to produce the first “Made in India” chip by the end of 2024
- International Partnership: The US Semiconductor Industry Association (SIA) and the India Electronics and Semiconductor Association (IESA) have decided to establish a partnership, with the US presently having a ‘Chip 4’ alliance with the world’s top semiconductor makers – Taiwan, Japan
Conclusion: India’s semiconductor ecosystem is proliferating, backed by government initiatives like the India Semiconductor Mission and partnerships with global players. Efforts to boost domestic manufacturing and international collaborations signify India’s emergence as a key player in the semiconductor industry.
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Banking; RBI; The Monetary Policy Committee (MPC);
Mains level: Banking; RBI; Functions of the RBI;
Why in the news?
Recently, the Monetary Policy Committee (MPC), which met here from April 3 to 5, decided to keep the repo rate unchanged at 6.5% and maintain the policy stance of ‘withdrawal of accommodation’ in the monetary policy.
- Withdrawal of accommodation means reducing the money supply in the system which will rein in inflation further. (Temporary Provision)
Why the RBI has been wary of declaring an early victory over inflation?
- Persistent Food Inflation: Despite expectations of moderation in inflation, food inflation has remained a concern, especially due to the high prices of food grains and vegetables. In February, food inflation was at 8.7%, with foodgrain inflation still high at 9.8%.
- Inflation Gap between Bottom and Top of Urban Population: Food inflation disproportionately affects lower-income deciles more than higher ones. In February, the bottom 20% of the urban population faced 5.5% inflation compared to 4.7% for the top 20%. This pattern is similar in rural areas as well.
- Management Issues: The RBI faces challenges in managing inflation while maintaining growth, especially when inflation persists due to Geopolitical conditions. While central bank policy moves cannot directly bring down supply shock-driven inflation, they can prevent high prices from spilling over.
Why RBI has kept policy rates unchanged?
- High Economic Growth: The RBI is focused on maintaining price and financial stability to sustain high growth. The central bank expects the Indian economy to grow at 7% in fiscal year 2024-25
- Benign Core Inflation: Benign core inflation, which has declined steadily over the past months, indicates that strong growth has not been inflationary. The RBI finds comfort in the declining core inflation levels
- Monetary Policy Stance associated with food inflation: The RBI is likely to maintain policy rates until October 2024 to assess evolving risks associated with food inflation. The central bank is cautious and prefers to adopt a risk-minimization mode to align inflation towards the target while supporting growth
- Global Economic Conditions: The RBI is monitoring global economic trends and external factors that could impact domestic inflation and growth. The central bank is aware of the risks posed by geopolitical tensions, volatility in international financial markets, and geo-economic fragmentation
BACK2BASICS
The Monetary Policy Committee (MPC)
- It is a key body responsible for formulating the country’s monetary policy. It is a statutory body constituted as per Section 45ZB under the RBI Act of 1934 by the Central Government
- It is a six-member committee established under the amended Reserve Bank of India Act, of 1934. The MPC’s primary objective is to determine the policy rate required to achieve the inflation target set by the government. The committee consists of the following members:
- RBI Governor (ex officio chairperson)
- Deputy Governor in charge of monetary policy
- An officer of the Bank nominated by the Central Board
- Three members appointed by the central government
- The MPC meets at least four times a year, and decisions taken by the committee are binding on the Reserve Bank of India.
- The committee’s composition ensures a mix of expertise in economics, banking, finance, and monetary policy to effectively manage the country’s Monetary Policy Framework.
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Conclusion: The RBI has been cautious due to persistent food inflation impacting lower income groups, challenges in managing it, and the need to assess evolving risks. MPC’s unchanged policy rates reflect this caution amidst high growth and benign core inflation.
Mains pyq
Q 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)
Source https://indianexpress.com/article/opinion/columns/why-rbi-wary-of-declaring-early-victory-over-inflation-9253330/
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Government Schemes and Policies in News; National Health Policy, 2017;
Mains level: Social Issues and Justice; Health Issues in India; Government Schemes and Policies in News;
Why in the news?
On the eve of World Health Day (7th April), many countries aim to implement UHC (Universal Health Coverage) in the same way as India introduced its National Health Policy, in 2017. However, there exist challenges in India too for implementing it.
Background:
- On December 12, 2012, the UN General Assembly unanimously endorsed a resolution urging countries to accelerate progress towards UHC.
- In India, the high-level expert group report, submitted to the Planning Commission in 2011, outlined a government intent to increase public financing for health to 2.5% of India’s GDP during the 12th Plan (2012-17).
BACK2BASICS:
About National Health Policy, 2017:
It aims to achieve Universal Health Coverage and deliver quality healthcare services to all at an affordable cost. It focuses on improving health status through preventive, promotive, curative, palliative, and rehabilitative services with an emphasis on quality. |
What are the challenges in the Implementation of UHC in India?
- Federal Issue: Health is a state subject in India, but UHC policy is envisaged at the national level. This can lead to challenges in coordination between the central government and state governments.
- While the Directive Principles of State Policy provide a basis for the right to health, the absence of a specific constitutional guarantee may create challenges in ensuring consistent and enforceable healthcare rights.
- Migrant Population and Urban Slums: Due to issues such as overcrowding, poor sanitation, and limited infrastructure, a significant portion of the population living in urban slums face issues with the availability and accessibility of Primary Health Services is hard to provide.
- Lack of Finance: Implementing UHC requires significant financial resources. Reducing out-of-pocket expenditure and strengthening primary healthcare services necessitate substantial investments, which may strain government budgets and require innovative financing mechanisms to ensure sustainability.
- Lack of Healthcare Infrastructure and Human Resources: India faces shortages in both infrastructure and human resources, particularly in rural and underserved areas, which hinders efforts to improve healthcare accessibility and quality.
- The vicious cycle of poverty: The vicious cycle of poverty and poor health perpetuates inequality in various spheres of life which eventually leads to the accessibility of health services.
Suggestive Measures:
- Addressing Urban Migrants’ Health Needs: Establishing mobile healthcare units or clinics that can reach migrant communities in urban and peri-urban areas, providing essential primary healthcare services.
- Reducing Out-of-Pocket Expenditure: Simplifying the reimbursement process by digitizing healthcare payment systems and integrating them with government identification or mobile banking platforms to facilitate easy reimbursement for medical expenses.
- Creating Inclusive Health Systems: Introducing multilingual and culturally sensitive health information materials and services to bridge language barriers and ensure accessibility for diverse urban populations.
- Implementing Community-Based Primary Healthcare: Establishing community health centers or clinics in urban and peri-urban areas staffed by trained community health workers who can provide basic healthcare services and referrals.
Conclusion: Building Constitutional backing, enhancing coordination, and federal with fiscal consensus with adequate infrastructure in addressing urban health needs can improve the reach of the Universal Health Program in India.
Mains PYQ
Q Public health system has limitation in providing universal health coverage. Do you think that private sector can help in bridging the gap? What other viable alternatives do you suggest? (UPSC IAS/2015)
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Taxation; GST;
Mains level: Recent Issues in Taxation;
Why in the news?
Recently Vijay Kelkar (chaired 13th Finance Commission) attributes frauds in Indirect Tax regimes to high GST rates; Moots switched to a single 12% rate like most other countries.
Reason behind the need for a Single GST rate:
- Simplification of the structure: A single GST rate would simplify the structure, making it easier for businesses to comply with the tax system and reducing the complexity of classification issues
- Promotion of manufacturing and exports: A single GST rate could help promote manufacturing and exports by reducing the burden of multiple rates and making the tax system more predictable
- Single GST rate in many countries: In many developed and emerging market economies, a single GST or VAT rate has been successful in optimizing tax revenue and minimizing tax disputes for example Singapore, New Zealand, the United Arab Emirates, and Japan, have opted for a single GST or VAT rate
- Addressing GST frauds: High GST rates can make it lucrative for fraudsters to evade taxes. A single, lower GST rate could potentially reduce the incentive for tax evasion and make the system more transparent
- Reducing litigation: A single GST rate could help reduce litigation related to classification issues and subjective interpretation of tax rates
How does the Indian GST model compare with GST in other countries?
| Particulars |
India |
Canada |
UK |
Singapore |
| Name of GST in the Country |
Goods and Service tax |
Federal Goods and Service Tax & Harmonized Sales Tax |
Value Added Tax |
Goods and Service Tax |
| Standard Rate |
0% (for food staples), 5%, 12%, 18% and 28% (+cess on luxury items) |
GST 5% and HST varies from 0% to 15% |
20 %Reduced rates- 5 %, exempt, zero rated |
7% Reduced rates- Zero rated, exempt |
| Threeshold Exemption Limit |
Rs.40 lakh or Rs.20 lakh, depending on the state and supply |
Canadian $ 30,000 |
£ 85,000 |
Singapore $ 1 million |
| Liability arises on |
Accrual basis: Issue of invoice ORReceipt of payment-earlier |
Accrual basis: The date of issue of invoice OR the date of receiptof payment- earlier. |
Accrual Basis: Invoice OR PaymentOR Supply-earliestCash basis (T/O up to 1.35mn): Payment |
Accrual Basis: Issue of invoice OR Receipt of payment OR Supply – earliestCash basis: (T/O up to SGD$1mn): Payment |
| Reverse Charge Mechanism |
Applies on goods as well as services |
Reverse charge applies to the importation of services andintangible properties |
Applicable |
Reverse charge applies to the supply of services |
| Exempt Supplies |
Sale of land and completed buildings, certain healthcare and educational services, essential food items, etc. |
Real estate, financial services, rent (Residence), charities, health, education |
Medical, education, finance, insurance, postal services |
Real estate, Financial services, Residential rental |
Significance of sharing GST with local bodies:
- Promoting Co-operative Fiscal-federalism: Sharing GST revenues with local bodies could promote fiscal federalism by ensuring a fair distribution of tax revenues among all tiers of government.
- Strengthening of their Fiscal base: Equitable sharing of GST with the third tier of government, i.e., local bodies, would strengthen their fiscal base and enable them to undertake investments for vital infrastructure and high-quality public goods
- Building Fairness and appropriateness: GST is a consumption tax, and taxpayers should see direct benefits accruing from their payment of taxes. An arrangement for sharing GST revenues with local bodies would be fair and appropriate
- Improves Local governance: Sharing GST revenues with local bodies would bolster the quality of governance provided by local governments, as citizens’ demand for quality public goods will grow louder.
BACK2BASICS:
About Goods and Services Tax:
- GST was introduced through the 101st Constitution Amendment Act, 2016. It is one of the biggest indirect tax reforms in the country.
- It was introduced with the slogan of ‘One Nation One Tax’.The GST has subsumed indirect taxes like excise duty, Value Added Tax (VAT), service tax, luxury tax etc.
- It is essentially a consumption tax and is levied at the final consumption point.
- Tax Structure:
- Central GST to cover Excise duty, Service tax etc, State GST to cover VAT, luxury tax etc. and Integrated GST (IGST) to cover inter-state trade.
- IGST per se is not a tax but a system to coordinate state and union taxes.
- It has a 4-tier tax structure for all goods and services under the slabs- 5%, 12%, 18% and 28%.
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Conclusion: Implementing a single GST rate streamlines compliance, promotes economic growth, and curbs fraud. Sharing GST revenue with local bodies strengthens fiscal bases, fosters fairness, enhances governance, and supports fiscal federalism for equitable distribution.
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Why in the news?
A rare Total Solar Eclipse will be visible across North America on April 8.
What are Eclipses?
- Eclipses are astronomical events that occur when the sun, moon, and Earth align in specific ways.
- There are two primary types of eclipses: solar and lunar.
- A solar eclipse happens when the moon comes between the sun and Earth during a new moon, blocking out the sun’s light.
- Conversely, a lunar eclipse occurs when the Earth is positioned between the sun and the moon during a full moon, casting a shadow on the moon.
What is a Total Solar Eclipse?
- During a total solar eclipse, the moon passes between the sun and Earth, entirely covering the face of the sun along a small path of our planet’s surface.
- This is called the “path of totality.”
- The daytime sky turns dark, similar to dusk or dawn, and nocturnal animals have been known to wake up, confused into believing night has arrived.
Stages of a Total Solar Eclipse
A total solar eclipse unfolds in several distinct stages.
- It starts with a partial eclipse phase as the moon begins to pass between Earth and the sun, partially blocking it and leaving the sun looking like it has a crescent shape.
- In the subsequent Baily’s Beads phase, points of light from the sun shine around the moon’s edges because of the irregular lunar topography, producing small beads of light.
- In the diamond ring phase, a single bright spot appears along the lunar edge even as the sun’s atmosphere leaves a ring of light around the moon. This phenomenon precedes totality.
- After totality, the other phases repeat as the moon keeps moving along its path until the eclipse ends.
Other types of solar eclipses:
- Partial Solar Eclipse
- This happens when the sun, moon and Earth are not exactly lined up.
- The sun appears to have a dark shadow on only a small part of its surface.
- Annular Solar Eclipse
- An annular eclipse happens when the moon is farthest from Earth. Because the moon is farther away from Earth, it seems smaller. It does not block the entire view of the sun. The moon in front of the sun looks like a dark disk on top of a larger sun-coloured disk. This creates what looks like a ring around the moon.
- During a solar eclipse, the moon casts two shadows on Earth. The first shadow is called the Umbra. This shadow gets smaller as it reaches Earth. It is the dark centre of the moon’s shadow.
- The second shadow is called the Penumbra. The penumbra gets larger as it reaches Earth. People standing in the penumbra will see a partial eclipse. People standing in the umbra will see a total eclipse.
Why don’t solar eclipses happen at every New Moon?
- The reason is that the Moon’s orbit tilts 5° to Earth’s orbit around the Sun.
- Astronomers call the two intersections of these paths nodes.
- Eclipses only occur when the Sun lies at one node and the Moon is at its New (for solar eclipses) or Full (for lunar eclipses) phase.
- During most (lunar) months, the Sun lies either above or below one of the nodes, and no eclipse happens.
PYQ:
2013:
Consider the following phenomena
1. Size of the sun at dusk
2. Colure of the sun at dawn
3. Moon being visible at dawn
4. Twinkle of stars in the sky
5. Polestar being visible in the sky
Which of the above are optical illusions?
(a) 1, 2 and 3
(b) 3, 4 and 5
(c) 1, 2 and 4
(d) 2, 3 and 5
Practice MCQ:
Which of the following statements best characterizes a Total Solar Eclipse?
(a) A total solar eclipse occurs when the Moon partially blocks the Sun, leaving a visible ring of sunlight around the Moon’s silhouette.
(b) During a total solar eclipse, the Moon completely covers the Sun, casting a shadow on a narrow path on the Earth’s surface called the umbra.
(c) Total solar eclipses occur more frequently than partial solar eclipses due to the precise alignment of the Sun, Earth, and Moon.
(d) Total solar eclipses can only be observed from specific locations on Earth, making them rare and highly sought-after astronomical events. |
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Why in the news?
- Telangana’s Department of Heritage has recently unearthed a lead coin hoard belonging to Ikshvaku Period at Phanigiri, a renowned Buddhist heritage site.
- The coins numbering 3,730 bore an elephant symbol on the obverse and a Ujjain symbol on the reverse.
Who were the Ikshvaku (225-340 A.D)?
- Origin and Rule
- The Ikshvaku dynasty was a feudatory under the patronage of the Satavahanas.
- Their capital was located at Vijayapuri, modern-day Nagarjunakonda in Andhra Pradesh.
- They ruled over the delta of the Krishna and Godavari rivers on the east coast of the Andhra region.
- They claimed to be descendants of the legendary king Ikshvaku, mentioned in ancient Sanskrit texts such as the Rigveda and Ramayana.
- The dynasty’s founder was Vasishthiputra Chamtamula, who rose to power after the decline of the Satavahana dynasty.
- Cultural Affiliations
- The Ikshvakus were Shaivites and performed Vedic rites, but they also patronized Buddhism, which flourished during their reign.
- Under the reign of Vasishthi-putra Ehuvala Chamtamula, the Ikshvaku kingdom reached its zenith, marked by the construction of numerous Hindu and Buddhist shrines.
- Their inscriptions and coins have been discovered at various archaeological sites, including Nagarjunakonda, Jaggayyapeta, Kottampalugu, Gurazala, Rentala, and Uppugunduru.
- Decline:
- Successive rulers, such as Mathari-putra Vira-purusha-datta, Vasishthi-putra Ehuvala Chamtamula, and Vasishthi-putra Rudra-purusha-datta, contributed to the expansion and governance of the kingdom.
- By the mid-4th century, the Pallavas had gained control of the former Ikshvaku territory, marking the decline of the dynasty.
About Phanigiri
- Phanigiri village derived its name from the shape of the hillock, which appears to be like a snake hood.
- The word Phani in Sanskrit means snake and Giri means hillock.
- Studies suggest that the village had a vibrant life from 1000 BC to 18th century AD.
- Phanigiri is believed to be one of the important Buddhist monasteries strategically located on the hilltop, on the ancient trade route (Dakshinapatha) connecting the west and the east coast of the Deccan.
- Various stages of earlier excavations here discovered Mahastupa, apsidal Chaityagrihas, Votive stupas, pillared congregation halls, Viharas, platforms with staircases at various levels, octagonal stupa chaitya, 24-pillared mandapam, circular Chaitya.
- Cultural materials included terracotta beads, semi-precious beads, iron objects, Brahmi label inscriptions and holy relic casket.
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PYQ:
[2017] How do you justify the view that the level of excellence of Gupta Numismatic Art is not at all noticeable in later times? |
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Why in the news?
It was on April 8th 167 years ago in 1857, Mangal Pandey was hanged.
Who was Mangal Pandey?
- Mangal Pandey, born on July 19, 1827, in Nagwa village of the Ballia district in present-day Uttar Pradesh.
- He belonged to the kingdom of Awadh, which had been treacherously annexed by the British in 1856.
- At the age of 22, he enlisted as a soldier in the British East India Company’s army, joining the 34th Bengal Native Infantry.
Recap of his revolutionary activities
- Annexation of Awadh
- The Begums of Awadh had an understanding with the British, and had been abiding by the terms of the agreement.
- In spite of this, Awadh was annexed, in February 1856, which was greatly resented by the people.
- Awadh was a region that supplied large numbers of soldiers of war to the Company’s army.
- There were 75,000 soldiers from Awadh, and almost every agricultural family in the kingdom had a representative in the army.
- Whatever happened in Awadh was of immediate concern to the Sepoy.
- Rise of Resentment
- The deposition of the Nawab and the confiscation of the villages of taluqdars during the land revenue settlement of 1856 caused outrage.
- Some 14,000 petitions were received from the Sepoys about the hardships they faced on account of the revenue system.
- Mangal Pandey represented the discontent that the misery of British rule had brought upon peasant families.
- Flashpoint and the mutiny
- Mangal Pandey was stationed at Barrackpore, near Calcutta (now Kolkata), where he became involved in a significant event that would later be known as the Sepoy Mutiny of 1857.
- He refused to use the newly introduced Enfield rifle, the cartridges of which had a covering that was believed to be made of animal fat (beef and pork), and which had to be bit open before the cartridges could be used.
- This was viewed by the soldiers as a direct assault on their religious beliefs by the British who intended to bring an end to their religion and propagate Christianity.
- On March 29, 1857, Pandey mutinied and fired at his Senior Sergeant Major.
- He was overpowered and hanged on April 8, 1857, by the order of a Court Martial at Lal Bagan in Barrackpore.
- His regiment was disbanded, like the 19th infantry at Behrampore, for showing resentment.
PYQ:
[2019] The 1857 Uprising was the culmination of the recurrent big and small local rebellions that had occurred in the preceding hundred years of British Rule. Elucidate. |
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