Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: What are semiconductors?
Mains level: Current state of semiconductor fabrication and Semiconductor manufacturing process
Why in the news?
The binary revolution (0s and 1s) constantly shape the way we interact with technology and with each other daily and the beating heart of this binary revolution is the semiconductor device.
What are semiconductors?
Semiconductors are materials that possess properties intermediate between those of conductors and insulators. They can conduct electricity under certain conditions but not as effectively as conductors, nor do they block it entirely like insulators.
How are semiconductors made?
- Silicon Wafer Selection: Engineers begin by selecting a silicon wafer as the foundation for the semiconductor.
- Purification of Silicon: Silicon, sourced from sand, undergoes meticulous purification to achieve ultra-pure levels with impurity levels as low as a few parts per billion.
- Photolithography Process: A crucial step where the circuit pattern is carved on the wafer using photolithography. The wafer is coated with a light-sensitive material (photoresist), and a mask with small gaps in the circuit pattern shape is used to shine light onto the wafer, eroding parts of the photoresist to acquire the pattern.
- Chemical and Physical Techniques: After photolithography, engineers use chemical and/or physical techniques to remove uncarved parts of the photoresist, leaving behind the circuit’s structure on the silicon substrate.
- Doping of Semiconductor: Impurities are deliberately added to specific parts of the semiconductor to alter its electrical properties.
- Deposition of Thin Layers: Thin layers of materials such as metals or insulators are deposited onto the wafer’s surface to form electrical connections or insulate components.
- Packaging and Testing: The resulting product undergoes packaging, where individual chips are separated, encapsulated, and tested to ensure functionality and reliability.Finally, the semiconductor chips are integrated into electronic devices.
Need Expertise
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- Need high precision and diverse scientific principle-Each step in semiconductor fabrication demands ultra-high precision and harnesses a blend of diverse scientific principles. For example, to make the most advanced transistors, the photolithography process requires a light source emitting electromagnetic radiation at a wavelength of 13.5 nm.
- Specializing in specific domains-The semiconductor manufacturing process is characterised by specialisation, leading to an oligopoly controlled by companies specializing in specific domains. For example ASML, a spin-off of Philips, is in fact the sole provider of photolithography machines for cutting-edge semiconductor technology worldwide
Status of India in fabrication –
-
- Bengaluru serves as a hub for chip design, showcasing India’s leading role in this field.Despite its prowess in chip design, India lacks ownership of the intellectual property rights (IPR) necessary to execute these designs.
- Most IPR for chip designs is retained by parent companies or Arm, limiting India’s autonomy to being a mere user of their products.The situation resembles the McDonald’s business model, where India hosts outlets but lacks ownership of the recipe and supply chain, controlled by a parent company elsewhere.
Significance of semiconductors:
- Ubiquitous Influence: Semiconductors power various technologies beyond smartphones and computers, including smart air-conditioners, space telescopes, and more.
- Critical Solutions for Crises: Semiconductors are crucial for addressing 21st-century challenges like artificial intelligence, electric vehicles, space exploration, and personalized healthcare, highlighting their significance for human survival and progress.
- Innovation and Job Creation: Semiconductor technology facilities foster innovation, create high-paying jobs, and nurture deep-tech start-ups, contributing to advancements in various fields like materials science, computer engineering, and chip design.
- Geopolitical Significance: Semiconductors have become a focal point of geopolitical interest, with nations competing to establish fabrication facilities and imposing sanctions on others to control access to advanced technology, driving efforts to bolster domestic semiconductor production capabilities.
Challenges related to semiconductor manufacturing in India:
- Intellectual Property Rights (IPR): India faces limitations due to a lack of ownership of IPR necessary for chip fabrication.
- Technology Transfer: Despite advancements in chip design, India struggles with technology transfer issues.
- Infrastructure: Developing semiconductor manufacturing facilities requires significant investment in infrastructure
- Skilled Workforce: The semiconductor industry demands highly skilled professionals proficient in various aspects of chip design, fabrication, and testing.
- Regulatory Environment: India’s regulatory environment, including policies related to intellectual property, taxation, and investment, may not be conducive to attracting semiconductor manufacturing investments.
Measures to address challenges related to semiconductor manufacturing in India:
- Education and training programs: Offer specialized courses and certifications to equip individuals with the necessary skills for the industry.
- Policy reforms: Implement policy reforms to create a conducive regulatory environment for semiconductor manufacturing sector.
- Diversification of suppliers: Encourage diversification of semiconductor supply chains by supporting domestic suppliers and fostering partnerships with global manufacturers
- Government grants and incentives: Provide financial support and incentives for semiconductor R&D projects
- Strategic partnerships: Forge strategic partnerships with leading semiconductor-producing countries and organizations to leverage their expertise, share best practices, and facilitate technology transfer and knowledge exchange.
Conclusion: Addressing challenges in semiconductor manufacturing in India requires collaborative efforts, investment in infrastructure and education, regulatory reforms, and strategic partnerships. These measures are vital for India to strengthen its position in the global semiconductor industry.
Mains PYQ-
Q- Account for the present location of iron and steel industries away from the source of raw material, by giving examples. ( 2020 )
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Provisions of RPA
Mains level: Implication of Section 123(3) of RPA and Suprem court judgement related to it
Why in the news?
Recently, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) lodged a complaint with the Election Commission of India (ECI) against Rahul Gandhi for hurting the sentiments of Hindus through his remark on ‘Shakti’.
What does the law say?
- Section 123(3): Representation of the People Act, 1951 (RP Act) provides that appeals by a candidate, or any other person with the consent of a candidate, to vote or refrain from voting on the grounds of his religion, race, caste, community or language is a corrupt electoral practice.
- Section 123(3A): It denounces any attempt by a candidate to promote feelings of enmity or hatred among citizens on these grounds during elections.
- Punishment: The RP Act further provides that anyone found guilty of corrupt electoral practice can be debarred from contesting elections for a maximum period of up to six years.
What does the MCC provide?
- The Model Code of Conduct (MCC) is a set of guidelines issued by the Election Commission of India to regulate the conduct of political parties and their candidates in the run-up to elections. They have consented to abide by the principles embodied in the said code.
- Candidates cannot promote hatred or difference: It provides that no party or candidate shall indulge in any activity that may aggravate existing differences create mutual hatred or cause tension between different castes, religious or linguistic communities. It also provides that there shall be no appeal to caste or communal feelings for securing votes
- Candidate cannot use worship place: Mosques, churches, temples, or other places of worship shall not be used as a forum for election propaganda. Though the MCC does not have any statutory backing, it has come to acquire strength in the past three decades because of its strict enforcement by the ECI.
Historical Background:
- Amendment in 1961: Section 123(3) of the Representation of the People Act (RP Act) was amended to remove the term “systemic” regarding appeals based on religion, race, caste, or community. This broadened the scope of what constitutes corrupt electoral practice.
- Purpose of the Amendment: The amendment aimed to curb communal, fissiparous, and separatist tendencies in electoral politics by disfavoring even isolated appeals based on religion or narrow communal affiliations.
- Instances of Appeals Based on Religion: Despite legal provisions, there have been numerous instances where political parties and leaders have openly appealed for votes in the name of religion.Bal Thackeray of Shiv Sena was the only notable leader convicted by the Supreme Court for this corrupt electoral practice in 1995.
- Election Commission’s Response: The Election Commission of India (ECI) typically imposes short bans on campaigning for leaders found in violation of the Model Code of Conduct (MCC), usually lasting two to three days.
What has the Supreme Court ruled?
- Abhiram Singh versus C. D. Commachen (2017): A seven-judge Bench by a majority of 4:3 held that candidates shall not appeal for votes on the basis of not just his/her religion but also that of the voters.
- Purposive interpretation’ to Section 123(3): The majority view provided a ‘purposive interpretation’ to Section 123(3) rather than just a literal one thereby rendering any appeal in the name of religion of even the voters as a corrupt electoral practice.
- Elections are secular exercise: The elections to Parliament or State legislatures are a secular exercise; constitutional ethos forbids the mixing of religious considerations with the secular functions of the State. Religion should remain a matter of personal faith.
Measures Needed:
- Raise legitimate concerns: Political parties and candidates are likely to raise legitimate concerns of citizens faced by them based on traits having origin in religion, caste, community or language in a democratic election process.
- Addressing Grievances: These concerns should be addressed through appropriate policies without compromising the secular fabric and fraternity of the country.
- Use of Places of Worship: Places of worship have always been used overtly and covertly as a forum for canvass. Religious leaders have thrown their weight behind candidates of various parties. These practices should ideally be avoided to ensure that politics and religion are not mixed up
- Responsibility of Political Leaders: The primary responsibility for avoiding appeals based on religion lies with political party leaders and candidates because campaigning based on religion not only disrupts the secular nature of Indian politics but also constitutes a clear violation of the law.
- Role of Election Commission and Courts: Mechanisms should be devised by the Election Commission of India (ECI) and courts for swift action against those who violate laws regarding appeals based on religion in electoral campaigns.
Conclusion: The legal framework prohibits appeals based on religion in electoral campaigns to maintain the secular nature of elections. The Election Commission enforces the Model Code of Conduct, with penalties for violators, ensuring fair and unbiased electoral practices.
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: What is DEMP and its elements
Mains level: Role of its elements in ensuring transparent and efficient electoral processes
Why in the news?
The conduct of elections has become increasingly complex and multifaceted, requiring meticulous planning and execution to ensure a free, fair, and inclusive electoral process
- A cornerstone of this planning process is the District Election Management Plan (DEMP), a comprehensive document that uses statistics and analysis to ensure the smooth conduct of elections.
Context:
- What goes into a smooth and efficient electoral process?
- How are electoral booths prepared before polling?
When is the DEMP prepared?
- Preparation of DEMP: As per the Election Commission of India, the DEMP is to be prepared at least six months before the tentative poll day. However, many things become clearer as the election is notified, so it becomes necessary to revise/update the plan occasionally.
- Execution of DEMP: Executing the DEMP requires a collaborative effort involving election officials, administrative authorities, law enforcement agencies etc. Regular interactions with political parties and media are also planned to brief them on electoral rules.
What are the elements of DEMP?
- The foundation of the electoral strategy: The plan starts with a district profile that serves as the foundation of the electoral strategy which includes a political map outlining constituencies, key demographic and infrastructure statistics, and a brief on the district’s administrative setup and socio-economic features.
- Accessibility of polling stations: The plan encompasses detailed strategies for improving the availability and accessibility of polling stations, ensuring that all stations have essential facilities like ramps, electricity, lighting, drinking water, toilets, and internet connectivity.
- Voting for essential service personnel: Special attention is given to voters with disabilities (PwD) and senior citizens through help desks, 24/7 control rooms, home voting options, and advanced postal ballot voting for essential service personnel.
Systematic Voters’ Education and Electoral Participation (SVEEP) plan:
- The Systematic Voters’ Education and Electoral Participation (SVEEP) plan, focuses on increasing electoral participation which involves analyzing voter turnout data to identify polling stations with below-average or significantly low turnout and tailoring activities to address these issues.
- It includes the use of social media, engagement with various community and youth organizations, and organizing events leading up to the poll day to increase awareness and participation.
- Comprehensive Strategy: DEMP outlines a comprehensive strategy for planning, training, welfare, and deployment of election personnel.
- Poll Personnel Database: Emphasizes the importance of creating a database of poll personnel, categorizing them by cadre and group, and assessing their requirements.
- Addressing Personnel Gaps: Strategies are devised to address gaps in personnel needs across various election roles.
- Force Deployment Plan: Detailed planning for force deployment involves coordination with district police. This includes vulnerability mapping of polling stations based on past disturbances and voter turnout.
- Training Programs: Training programs are provided for district-level teams to enforce the Model Code of Conduct (MCC) and for all election personnel to ensure they possess necessary skills and knowledge.
What about EVMs?
Material management in the Detailed Election Management Plan (DEMP):
- Crucial Component: Material management is identified as a critical aspect of DEMP. It involves procuring 61 essential items, including indelible ink, seals, stamps, stationary, and statutory forms.
- Categorization: Items are categorized based on the level at which they are to be procured, either at the State/U.T. level or the district level.
- Procurement Timelines: Timelines for procurement vary, ranging from two-to-three weeks to four months before the election.Emphasizes the importance of timely acquisition to ensure preparedness for the electoral process.
Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) management in the Detailed Election Management Plan (DEMP)
- Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) management is crucial for maintaining the integrity of the electoral process, with plans necessary for secure storage and availability of EVMs and Voter Verifiable Paper Audit Trails (VVPATs), including plans for their transportation and maintenance.
Significance of the Detailed Election Management Plan (DEMP):
- Enhanced Voting Experience: DEMP enhances the voting experience by ensuring that the electoral process is organized, accessible, and efficient for all voters, promoting democratic participation and inclusivity.
- Data-Driven Decisions: Using statistics and analysis, the DEMP enables data-driven decisions, highlighting the significance of evidence-based policymaking and strategic planning in effectively addressing challenges.
- Stakeholder Collaboration: The collaborative effort involved in executing the DEMP underscores the importance of engaging stakeholders from various sectors, fostering cooperation and synergy to achieve common goals.
- Transparency and Accountability: The emphasis on transparency in the DEMP promotes accountability in electoral processes, setting a precedent for openness and integrity in governance practices.
- Adaptability and Resilience: The DEMP’s adaptability to changing circumstances and occasional revisions underscores the importance of resilience and flexibility in governance frameworks to address evolving needs and circumstances.
Conclusion: The District Election Management Plan (DEMP) ensures organized, inclusive elections. Challenges include timely preparation, accurate electoral strategy foundation, polling station accessibility, and effective voter education. Overcoming these ensures transparent and efficient electoral processes.
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Robusta, Arabica Variety
Mains level: NA
What is the news?
- Robusta Coffee farmers in South India are celebrating as their produce fetches an all-time high price.
- The farmgate price of raw Robusta coffee berries reached ₹172 per kilogram (kg) in the Wayanad market, a significant increase from ₹115 per kg last year.
Coffee Cultivation in India
- The coffee cultivation in India began with the planting of 7 seeds of coffee during 1600 AD by saint Baba Budan, in the courtyard of his hermitage in Chikmagalur, Karnataka.
- Commercial plantations of coffee started in the 18th century under British entrepreneurship.
- Today, India is among the top 10 coffee-producing countries, with about 3% of the global output.
Major Varieties Cultivated
|
Characteristics |
Altitude Range |
Flavor Profile |
Popular Varieties |
Regions |
| Arabica Coffee |
Known for mild flavor, aromatic profile, and smooth taste. |
800 – 1600 meters above sea level |
Mild, slightly sweeter, softer taste |
Kents, S.795, Cauvery, Chandragiri |
Coorg (Karnataka), Wayanad (Kerala), Nilgiris (Tamil Nadu), Chikmagalur (Karnataka) |
| Robusta Coffee |
Characterized by strong and bold flavor, higher caffeine content, and somewhat bitter taste. |
Sea level to about 800 meters |
Strong, bold, somewhat bitter |
S.274, CxR hybrids |
Chikmagalur (Karnataka), Coorg (Karnataka), Wayanad (Kerala), Araku Valley (Andhra Pradesh) |
| Liberica and Excelsa |
Less common varieties, with limited plantings in specific regions. |
Variable |
Variable |
Variable |
Limited plantings; sporadic regions |
Agro-climatic conditions needed for Coffee:
- Indian coffee has a unique position as it is shade-grown and grown at elevations, while other major producing countries grow coffee in flat lands.
- It is a tropical plant which is also grown in semi-tropical climate.
- 16° – 28°C temperature, 150-250cm rainfall and well-drained slopes are essential for its growth.
- Low temperature, frost, dry weather for a long time and harsh sunshine are harmful for its plant.
- Coffee plants grow better in the laterite soils of Karnataka in India.
Market Dynamics
- Karnataka is the largest producer accounting for about 70% of the total coffee production in India.
- It is followed by Kerala and Tamil Nadu. Orissa and the North-eastern areas have a smaller proportion of production.
- Arabica has high market value than Robusta coffee due to its mild aromatic flavor.
- The country exports over 70% of its production. According to The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), India is the eighth largest exporter of coffee by volume.
- Indian coffee exports display a seasonality, with exports peaking from March to June.
Coffee Board of India
- The Coffee Board of India is an organization managed by the Ministry of Commerce and Industry and was established in 1942.
- It is headquartered in Bangalore.
- The activities of the Board are broadly aimed at:
- Enhancement of production, productivity & quality;
- Export promotion for achieving higher value returns for Indian Coffee and
- Supporting development of Domestic market.
- Until 1995 the Coffee Board marketed the coffee of a pooled supply.
- Later, coffee marketing became a private-sector activity due to the economic liberalisation in India.
- The Board comprises 33 members including the Chairman, who is the Chief Executive and appointed by the Government of India.
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PYQ:
2010: Though coffee and tea both are cultivated on hill slopes, there is some difference between them regarding their cultivation. In this context, consider the following statements:
- Coffee plant requires a hot and humid climate of tropical areas whereas tea can be cultivated in both tropical and subtropical areas.
- Coffee is propagated by seeds but tea is propagated by stem cuttings only.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
- 1 only
- 2 only
- Both 1 and 2
- Neither 1 nor 2
Practice MCQ:
With reference to the Coffee Cultivation in India, consider the following statements:
- Kerala is the largest producer accounting for about 70% of the total coffee production in India.
- Robusta coffee has high market value than Arabica due to its mild aromatic flavor.
- Indian coffee exports display a perennial nature.
How many of the given statements is/are correct?
- One
- Two
- Three
- None
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Corals, Coral bleaching, Gulf of Mannar
Mains level: NA
What is the news?
- Rising sea temperatures have triggered severe bleaching events, leading to significant coral mortality in Gulf of Mannar.
- Annual surveys show a decline in live coral cover from 37% in 2005 to 27.3% in 2021.
Corals in Gulf of Mannar
- The Gulf of Mannar is a large shallow bay forming part of the Laccadive Sea in the Indian Ocean with an average depth of 5.8 m.
- It lies between the southeastern tip of India and the west coast of Sri Lanka, in the Coromandel Coast region.
- A significant portion of the Gulf of Mannar is designated as the Gulf of Mannar Marine National Park, established to protect its marine ecosystems, including coral reefs.
- The park covers approximately 560 square kilometers and encompasses 21 islands and coral reefs.
- Around 117 hard coral species have been recorded in the Gulf of Mannar.
- Many islands, like Shingle, Krusadai, and Pullivasal, have witnessed substantial losses in coral cover.
- For instance, Shingle Island suffered the most with the loss of 72% of its coral cover.
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About Corals
- Coral are made up of genetically identical organisms called polyps.
- These polyps have microscopic algae called zooxanthellae living within their tissues in a mutualistic relationship.
- The coral provides the zooxanthellae with the compounds necessary for photosynthesis.
- In return, the zooxanthellae supply the coral with organic products of photosynthesis, like carbohydrates, which are utilized by the coral polyps for synthesis of their calcium carbonate skeletons.
- Corals are marine invertebrates or animals which do not possess a spine.
- They are the largest living structures on the planet.
- Each coral is called a polyp and thousands of such polyps live together to form a colony, which grow when polyps multiply to make copies of themselves.
- Coral reefs are also called the “rainforests of the seas”.
Types of Coral
Corals are of two types — hard corals and soft corals:
- Hard corals extract calcium carbonate from seawater to build hard, white coral exoskeletons. Hard corals are in a way the engineers of reef ecosystems and measuring the extent of hard coral is a widely-accepted metric for measuring the condition of coral reefs.
- Soft corals attach themselves to such skeletons and older skeletons built by their ancestors. Soft corals also add their own skeletons to the hard structure over the years. These growing multiplying structures gradually form coral reefs.
Conditions needed for Corals to Flourish
- Extensive submarine platforms for the formation of colonies by the coral polyps (not more than 90m below sea level).
- High mean annual temperature ranging 20-21 degree Celsius.
- Clean sediment-free water because muddy water or turbid water clogs the mouths of coral polyps resulting into their death.
- Oceanic salinity ranging between 27-30 ppt.
- Ocean currents and waves, as they bring food supply for the polyps.
How do corals bleach?
- When exposed to conditions like heat stress, pollution, or high levels of ocean acidity, the zooxanthellae start producing reactive oxygen species not beneficial to the corals.
- So, the corals kick out the colour-giving algae from their polyps, exposing their pale white exoskeleton and leading to coral starvation as corals cannot produce their own food.
- Severe bleaching and prolonged stress in the external environment can lead to coral death.
Reasons for the Decline
- Climatic Vagaries: Predicted coral bleaching events pose a dire threat to the already fragile ecosystem of the Gulf of Mannar. The IPCC predicts a decline of 70-90% in global coral reefs with a warming of 1.5°C.
- Ocean Acidification: Increased acidity levels in the ocean due to carbon dioxide absorption exacerbate coral stress and hinder their ability to calcify.
PYQ:
2014: Which of the following have coral reefs?
- Andaman and Nicobar Islands
- Gulf of Kachchh
- Gulf of Mannar
- Sunderbans
Select the correct answer using the code given below.
- 1, 2 and 3 only
- 2 and 4 only
- 1 and 3 only
- 1, 2, 3 and 4
2018: Consider the following statements
- Most of the world’s coral reefs are in tropical waters.
- More than one-third of the world’s coral reefs are located in the territories of Australia, Indonesia and Philippines.
- Coral reefs host far more number of animal phyla than those hosted by tropical rainforests.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
- 1 and 2 only
- 3 only
- 1and 3 only
- 1, 2 and 3
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Krutrim AI Model
Mains level: NA
Why in the news?
Krutrim AI is Ola’s homegrown AI assistant, designed to cater to the diverse needs and nuances of Indian consumers, bridging the gap between conventional AI and specific cultural contexts.
Krutrim’s Capabilities
- Multilingual Support: Krutrim boasts the ability to converse in English, Hindi, Tamil, Telugu, Malayalam, Marathi, Kannada, Bengali, Gujarati, and Hinglish, catering to the linguistic diversity of India.
- Multi-Functionality: Users can leverage Krutrim for a range of tasks, including writing emails, seeking information, learning new skills, planning travel, discovering recipes, and more.
Technology behind Krutrim AI
- Sophisticated AI Model: Krutrim operates on a sophisticated AI model trained on vast datasets encompassing Indian languages, social contexts, and cultural references.
- Natural Language Processing (NLP): Utilizes NLP to comprehend human language nuances, including colloquialisms and cultural contexts, enhancing user interactions.
- Machine Learning (ML): ML algorithms enable Krutrim to learn from datasets, continuously improving responses and understanding user intent.
- Deep Learning: Leverages Deep Learning to recognize patterns and analyze complex data, crucial for contextual responses and performance enhancement.
Applications and Benefits for Users
- Enhanced User Experience: Krutrim AI enhances user experiences across various sectors by offering culturally sensitive interactions, personalized learning in education, and automating administrative tasks.
- Support for Content Creators: Content creators can leverage Krutrim for ideation and localization, making content more relatable and engaging.
- Automating Repetitive Tasks: Krutrim’s capabilities extend to automating repetitive administrative tasks across industries, boosting efficiency and productivity.
PYQ:
2018: When the alarm of your smartphone rings in the morning, you wake up and tap it to stop the alarm which causes your geyser to be switched on automatically. The smart minor in your bathroom shows the day’s weather and also indicates the level of water in your overhead tank. After you take some groceries from your refrigerator for making breakfast, it recognises the shortage of stock in it and places an order for the supply of fresh grocery items. When you step out of your house and lock the door, all lights, fans, geysers and AC machines get switched off automatically. On your way to office, your car warns you about traffic congestion ahead and suggests an alternative route, and if you are late for a meeting, it sends a- message to your office accordingly.
In the context of emerging communication technologies, which one of the following term” best applies to the above scenario?
- Border Gateway Protocol
- Internet of Things
- Internet Protocol
- Virtual Private Network
Practice MCQ:
Consider the following statements about the ‘Krutrim AI’:
- It is a homegrown AI assistant developed by the Centre for Development of Advanced Computing (C-DACs).
- It can converse in regional languages of India.
Which of the given statements are correct?
- Only 1
- Only 2
- Both 1 and 2
- Neither 1 nor 2
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: North Atlantic Right Whales
Mains level: NA
Why in the news?
- North Atlantic right whales face a grave threat due to entanglement in fishing gear, contributing to their critically endangered status.
- Entanglement not only leads to physical harm but also affects reproductive success, exacerbating the species’ decline.
Impact of Entanglement
- Lethal and Sublethal Effects: Entanglement in fishing gear leads to energy expenditure, reduced feeding efficiency, and physical injuries, ultimately impacting whales’ ability to reproduce and survive. Even minor entanglements have devastating consequences on female right whales.
- Reproductive Implications: Females experiencing entanglement events, even classified as “minor,” exhibit reduced breeding rates, with potential long-term consequences for population recovery. Poor health and physical condition further impede breeding success.
About Right Whales
- Right whales are a group of large baleen whales belonging to the family Balaenidae.
- There are three species of right whales:
- North Atlantic right whale (Eubalaena glacialis),
- North Pacific right whale (Eubalaena japonica), and
- Southern right whale (Eubalaena australis).
- They are distinguished by their geographic distribution and slight differences in physical characteristics.
- Right whales inhabit temperate and subpolar waters of the North Atlantic, North Pacific, and Southern Hemisphere.
- They are often found in coastal areas during their feeding and breeding seasons but may migrate over long distances.
- All three species of right whales are listed as endangered or critically endangered by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN).
North Atlantic Right Whales
- It is listed as Critically Endangered in the IUCN Red List.
- Only around 360 individuals remain, with almost 90% having experienced entanglement at least once.
|
PYQ:
2015: With reference to the International Union for Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources (IUCN) and the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES), which of the following statements is/are correct?
- IUCN is an organ of the United Nations and CITES is an international agreement between governments
- IUCN runs thousands of field projects around the world to better manage natural environments.
- CITES is legally binding on the States that have joined it, but this Convention does not take the place of national laws.
Select the correct answer using the codes given below:
- 1 only
- 2 and 3 only
- 1 and 3 only
- 1, 2 and 3
Practice MCQ:
The North Atlantic Right Whales were recently seen in news for a peculiar behaviour. Identify the correct statement about the North Atlantic Right Whales:
- Entanglement in fishing net has led to permanent loss of breeding capability.
- Extinct due to commercial hunting.
- Generates large amounts of Aspergis, an aromatic substance.
- In-situ breeding was successful.
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Exchange Traded Funds (ETFs)
Mains level: NA
What is the news?
SEBI has instructed mutual fund houses to halt new inflows into schemes investing in overseas exchange-traded funds (ETFs) from April 1, 2024.
What are Exchange Traded Funds (ETFs)?
- ETFs are marketable securities that track various assets, including indices, commodities, or bonds, and trade on stock exchanges like regular stocks.
- ETFs were started in 2001 in India.
- Types of ETFs: Equity ETFs, bonds ETFs, commodity ETFs, international ETFs, and sectoral/thematic ETFs cater to diverse investment preferences.
Market dynamics of ETFs
- ETFs can be purchased or sold on a stock exchange in the same way that regular stocks can, unlike the mutual funds.
- The traded price of an ETF changes throughout the day like any other stock, as it is bought and sold on the stock exchange.
- The trading value of an ETF is based on the net asset value of the underlying stocks that it represents.
- These funds offer higher liquidity, lower fees, and tax efficiency compared to traditional mutual funds, appealing to individual investors.
Reasons behind SEBI’s Directive
- Cap Proximity: The mutual fund industry has nearly reached 95% of the $1 billion investment limit in overseas ETFs, prompting SEBI’s intervention.
- Temporary Measure: SEBI’s directive aims to temporarily curb inflows into these schemes until the investment limit is revised or additional measures are implemented.
- Existing Caps: Currently, mutual funds are subject to an overall cap of $7 billion for investments in overseas stocks or mutual funds, with a specific limit of $1 billion for ETFs.
PYQ:
2013: The product diversification of financial institutions and insurance companies, resulting in overlapping of products and services strengthens the case for the merger of the two regulatory agencies, namely SEBI and IRDA. Justify.
2020: With reference to Foreign Direct Investment in India, which one of the following is considered its major characteristic?
- It is the investment through capital instruments essentially in a listed company.
- It is a largely non-debt creating capital flow.
- It is the investment which involves debt-servicing.
- It is the investment made by foreign institutional investors in the Government securities.
Practice MCQ:
With reference to the Exchange Traded Funds (ETFs), consider the following statements:
- ETFs are marketable securities that track various assets, including indices, commodities, or bonds, and trade on stock exchanges like regular stocks.
- ETFs were started in 2021 in India.
- ETFs can be purchased like the mutual funds.
How many of the given statements is/are correct?
- One
- Two
- Three
- None
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: NA
Mains level: Social Issues; Measures to improve women's participation;
Why in the news?
The year 2024 is being hailed as the biggest year for democracy, with 45% of the global population preparing to exercise their voting rights or having already cast their ballots
Context:
- Women’s representation in political spheres improved in the latter half of the 20th century, with significant progress made in many nations in securing voting rights and parliamentary seats, and in climbing to the highest political offices.
- Despite substantial gains, women continue to constitute a minority in most parliamentary bodies and are rarely seen in top political leadership positions.
Major two observations in recent times:
1) The share of countries with universal Right to Vote: Initially, there was a significant gap between men and women regarding political participation, with men gaining voting rights while women were excluded in many nations.
- New Zealand’s Role: New Zealand stands out as a pioneer in breaking this pattern by granting universal suffrage to women in 1893, thus allowing them to vote alongside men.
- Widening Gap: Despite women gaining suffrage in more countries, the gap between male and female political participation widened in the early 20th century. Men’s voting rights continued to expand while women remained excluded in many places.
- World War II: By the onset of World War II, men had voting rights in a higher proportion of countries compared to women. The disparity was stark, with men having voting rights in one out of three countries, while women had them in only one out of six countries.
- Rapid Closure of the Gap: The gap between male and female political participation rapidly closed after the discrimination against women in voting rights ended in many countries. Both men and women gained the right to vote in many nations, leading to greater equality in political participation.
2) Gender gap in the Chief-executive roles: “Chief-executive” refers to the head of state or head of government, depending on who holds more power within the political system. While women’s representation in parliament is crucial, it’s equally important for women to hold the highest political office in a country.
- Gender Disparity in Political Chief Executives: Data from the V-Dem project indicates a significant gender gap in political chief executives. At any given time, the vast majority of political chief executives have been men.
- Limited Increase in Female Leadership: Over the last three decades, there has been a slight increase in the proportion of countries led by women. However, the overall share of countries where women occupy the post of chief executive remains low, accounting for less than 10%.
- Persistent Gender Disparity: Despite some progress, the data underscores the persistent gender disparity in holding the highest political office globally. Women continue to be underrepresented in top political leadership positions.
Global Scenario for women’s share as a Parliamentarian:
- Absence of Women in National Parliaments: In the early 20th century, women were largely absent from national parliaments across the globe.
- Norway marked a significant milestone in 1907 when women first entered parliament. Nearly 10% of the parliamentary seats were occupied by women, indicating progress in political representation.
- Surge in Women Entering Parliament: The latter half of the 20th century witnessed a notable increase in the number of women entering parliaments worldwide.
- This trend of increasing female representation in parliaments accelerated notably in the late 20th and early 21st centuries.
- Rwanda’s Remarkable Achievement: Rwanda stands out as a remarkable example, with its parliamentary composition surpassing the 50% mark for women’s representation in 2008. This achievement set a notable precedent for gender equality in political representation.
- Other Countries’ Progress: In 2008, several other countries, including Argentina, Cuba, Finland, and Sweden, had significant proportions of women parliamentarians, ranging between 40% and 50%. This indicates a global trend toward greater gender parity in political representation.
Recent Trend since 2022:
- Low Representation in Many Countries: Despite advancements, women’s political representation remains constrained and inconsistent globally. Women constitute approximately half of the population but are significantly underrepresented in parliaments worldwide.
- Persistent Gender Gap: Only a few countries have achieved gender parity in political representation, where women make up about half of all representatives. In the majority of countries, the share of women in parliament remains low. As of 2022, in nearly 60 countries, women’s representation in parliament was 20% or less.
- Extreme Cases: In three countries, no women are represented in parliament, indicating extreme gender disparities in political participation and representation.
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Suggestive Measures to improve Women’s representation in Parliament:
- Implement Quotas for Female Representation: Setting quotas for the number of women parliamentarians has proven effective in increasing female representation. Countries with quotas have significantly higher percentages of women in parliament compared to those without quotas
- End Violence Against Women in Politics: Gender-based violence, including physical, sexual, and psychological violence, is a significant barrier for women in politics. Establishing measures to combat violence, harassment, and hate speech is crucial to creating a safer environment for women parliamentarians
- Increase Women’s Participation in Media: Addressing gender stereotypes perpetuated by the media is essential. Media coverage often focuses on irrelevant aspects of women politicians’ lives, reinforcing stereotypes. Educating journalists and monitoring media coverage can help combat gender bias and promote a more balanced portrayal of women in politics
- Expand Participation through Women’s Caucuses: Women’s parliamentary caucuses provide a platform for women to amplify their voices and influence in parliament. Supporting these caucuses with resources, leadership, and organizational backing can empower women to promote legal reforms and advocate for gender equality in politics
Significant steps taken to improve women’s participation in parliament
- Gender Quota Legislation: India has approved a landmark bill reserving 33% of seats in parliament for women. This quota is expected to lead to the promotion of women-friendly policies related to health, education, and jobs.
- Political Will and Proactive Measures: Despite challenges and slow progress, there is a growing recognition of the importance of women’s representation in Indian politics. Some political parties are taking proactive measures to nominate more women for assembly and parliament elections. However, there is a need for greater political will to address gender disparities and ensure a more inclusive political landscape
- Empowerment through Representation: Increasing women’s representation in political parties and building a pipeline of female leaders are crucial steps to enhance women’s political participation.
Conclusion: Despite strides, global women’s political representation remains low. Quotas, combatting violence, media reform, and supporting women’s caucuses are vital to enhancing female participation in parliaments and fostering inclusive democracy.
Practice questions for the Mains
Q) Discuss the trajectory of women’s representation in global parliaments, highlighting persistent gender disparities and measures to enhance female participation. (250 words)
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Science and Tech; Diseases
Mains level: Science and Tech; Diseases; Measures to control
Why in the news?
Mumps, an acute viral infection that historically affects children, has been spreading like wildfire in Kerala, for the past few months.
Context:
- Despite being a vaccine-preventable disease, mumps has never been a part of the Universal Immunisation Programme (UIP) because of the disease’s no-mortality profile and the perception that it has low public health significance.
- According to the World Health Organization (WHO), vaccination strategies targeting mumps control should be closely integrated with existing measles elimination and rubella control.
About: Mumps is an airborne viral disease primarily affecting children and adolescents. It manifests with symptoms like fever, headache, and painful swelling of the salivary glands, particularly the parotid glands on both sides of the face.
Is it a cause for concern?
- Self-Limiting Disease: Mumps is described as a self-limiting disease, meaning it typically resolves on its own with rest and symptomatic management within about two weeks.
- Underreporting: Due to approximately half of infected children developing classical symptoms and around 30% remaining asymptomatic, many cases of mumps go unreported. This suggests that reported cases are likely a significant underestimation of the actual prevalence in the community.
- Public Health Perspective: Historically, measles has been prioritized in public health efforts due to its potential for severe morbidity and mortality, overshadowing the attention given to mumps.
- Emerging Concerns: Despite being less prioritized, recent reports indicate a surge in mumps cases, including complications such as encephalitis, epilepsy, aseptic meningitis, and acute pancreatitis, particularly at Kozhikode Medical College hospital.
- Impact on Reproductive Health: Mumps can affect the gonads (reproductive glands) in both males and females. In males, it poses the rare but significant risk of infertility or reduced sperm count in the long term.
Why is the mumps vaccine not part of the national immunization schedule?
- Lack of Mortality: Mumps typically does not result in fatalities, further contributing to the belief that it may not warrant inclusion in routine vaccination schedules.
- Underestimation of Public Health Significance: Despite arguments from organizations like the Indian Academy of Pediatrics (IAP) that mumps’ public health significance is underestimated, there has been insufficient evidence or data to prompt its inclusion in national immunization programs.
- Poor Documentation and Lack of Studies: Limited documentation of clinical cases, complications, and follow-up data, as well as a scarcity of published studies on mumps, have hindered efforts to fully understand its impact and advocate for its vaccine inclusion.
- Absence of Nationally Representative Data: The lack of nationally representative data on the incidence of mumps in India makes it challenging to assess its burden accurately and advocate for vaccine inclusion based on epidemiological evidence.
- Limited Information on Long-Term Morbidity: While mumps is known to have some impact on reproductive organs, there is very little information available on its actual long-term morbidity profile, further complicating decisions regarding vaccine inclusion.
How can the current outbreaks be controlled?
- Public Awareness Campaigns: Launch comprehensive public awareness campaigns to educate the community about mumps, its symptoms, transmission, and the importance of isolation. Emphasize the significance of vaccination and maintaining good hygiene practices.
- Improve Immunization Coverage: Strengthen efforts to improve general immunization coverage, especially targeting unimmunized children and adolescents. Ensure accessibility to vaccination services in all communities.
- Strict Isolation Measures: Enforce strict isolation measures for mumps patients for the full three-week duration to limit disease transmission. Provide clear guidelines to healthcare facilities and schools on managing mumps cases and preventing spread.
- School Closure: Consider temporary closure of schools during outbreaks to prevent further transmission, especially if a significant number of cases are reported among students. Use the summer break as an opportunity to break the chain of transmission.
- Enhanced Surveillance and Reporting: Implement robust surveillance systems to promptly detect and report mumps cases. Ensure healthcare providers are vigilant in diagnosing and reporting suspected cases to public health authorities for timely intervention.
- Contact Tracing and Monitoring: Conduct thorough contact tracing of individuals who have been in close contact with confirmed mumps cases. Monitor them for symptoms and enforce isolation measures if necessary to prevent secondary transmission.
- Healthcare Provider Training: Provide training to healthcare providers on mumps diagnosis, management, and reporting protocols. Ensure they are equipped to identify and manage cases effectively.
- Community Engagement: Engage with community leaders, schools, and parents to encourage cooperation with control measures. Encourage individuals to seek medical care promptly if they develop symptoms suggestive of mumps.
Way Forward:
- Assessment of Vaccine Effectiveness: Despite the lack of studies on the effectiveness of the mumps vaccine in India, global data suggests that two doses of the MMR vaccine can provide protection ranging from 70% to 95%, provided that coverage is high.
- Integration with Measles and Rubella Control: The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends integrating mumps vaccination strategies with existing efforts for measles elimination and rubella control. This ensures a comprehensive approach to vaccine-preventable diseases.
- Consideration of Regional Factors: Evaluate regional factors influencing vaccine effectiveness, disease burden, and immunization coverage. Tailor vaccination strategies accordingly to address the specific needs and challenges faced in Kerala.
- Consultation with Experts and Stakeholders: Engage with public health experts, immunization specialists, and stakeholders to review the evidence, assess the impact of different vaccination strategies, and determine the most effective approach moving forward.
- Monitoring and Surveillance: Strengthen monitoring and surveillance systems to track mumps cases, vaccine coverage, and vaccine effectiveness. This data will be crucial for evaluating the impact of vaccination strategies and making informed decisions.
- Policy Decision: Based on the evidence and expert recommendations, make a policy decision regarding the inclusion of MMR vaccine in the Universal Immunization Programme. Consider factors such as vaccine availability, cost-effectiveness, and logistics.
Conclusion: Addressing the resurgence of mumps in Kerala necessitates a comprehensive approach, including vaccination integration, public awareness, strict isolation measures, and policy review guided by expert consultation and regional considerations.
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Wildlife Protection Act, 1972;
Mains level: Concerns about the Wildlife Protection Act and the establishment of private zoos;
Why in the news?
The Centre has notified a set of rules called the Captive Elephant (Transfer or Transport) Rules, 2024 that liberalises the conditions under which elephants may be transferred within or between States.
What are the rules around the transfer and transport of elephants?
- Legal Protection: Elephants are classified as Schedule I species under the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972, prohibiting their capture or trade, whether wild or captive, except for specific purposes.
- Special Purposes: Section 12 of the Act allows for the translocation of Schedule I animals for special purposes such as education, scientific research, wildlife population management, and specimen collection for recognized zoos/museums.
- Ownership of Captive Elephants: Captive elephants, due to their historical roles in forest management, timber transport, and religious ceremonies, fall under a special category and can be owned. However, strict rules govern their transfer.
- Permission Requirement: Section 40(2) of the Wildlife Protection Act mandates written permission from the Chief Wildlife Warden for the acquisition, possession, and transfer of captive elephants.
- Amendment in 2021: In 2021, the Environment Ministry introduced an amendment allowing the transfer of elephants for “religious or any other purposes,” departing from the previous restriction against transactions of a commercial nature.
- Controversy: The broad interpretation of the amendment raised concerns among activists and researchers regarding potential trafficking and illegal commercial transactions. Opposition from a standing committee, led by former Environment Minister Jairam Ramesh, was overruled, and the amendment was passed into law.
What do the updated rules say?
- Reasons for Transfer: New relaxations allow for the transfer of captive elephants when the current owner is unable to maintain them or when the Chief Wildlife Warden deems it necessary for better upkeep.
- Approval Process: Before a transfer within the state, the elephant’s health must be verified by a veterinarian, and the Deputy Conservator of Forests must confirm the suitability of both the current and prospective habitats. The Chief Wildlife Warden decides whether to approve or reject the transfer based on these documents.
- Interstate Transfer: Similar conditions apply if the transfer involves moving the elephant outside of a state. The elephant’s genetic profile must be registered with the Ministry of Environment, Forest, and Climate Change.
- Permission Process: Previously, transferring an elephant across states required permissions from the Chief Wildlife Wardens of every state the elephant would pass through. Now, only permissions from the originating and recipient states are necessary for interstate transfers.
What do the updates mean?/ concerns about the Wildlife Protection Act and the establishment of private zoos
- Lax Enforcement for Elephants: While the Wildlife Protection Act imposes restrictions on trafficking of wild animals, including elephants, critics argue that enforcement has become lax, particularly in the case of elephants.
- Establishment of Private Zoo: The establishment of India’s largest private zoo in Jamnagar, Gujarat, affiliated with the Reliance Foundation, has raised questions about the treatment and sourcing of elephants.
- Purpose of the Zoo: While the zoo is described as a rescue center aimed at rehabilitating traumatized and injured elephants, among other wildlife, concerns have been raised about its actual operations.
- Controversial Hosting: The zoo reportedly hosts around 200 elephants, including “healthy animals,” which has sparked controversy. Critics question the need to host healthy animals in a rescue center and raise doubts about the welfare and origins of these elephants.
- Source of Elephants: There are concerns that some of the elephants in the zoo may have been sourced from the wild rather than being captive-bred or rescued. This raises ethical and conservation concerns about the impact on wild elephant populations.
Conclusion: Address lax enforcement of wildlife protection laws for elephants. Ensure transparency in private zoo operations and strict adherence to ethical sourcing guidelines. Prioritize conservation efforts and welfare of captive and wild elephant populations.
PYQ Mains-
Q- How does biodiversity vary in India? How is the Biological Diversity Act,2002 helpful in conservation of flora and fauna? (250 Words, 15 Marks)
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: International Astronomical Union (IAU), Statio Shiv Shakti, Jawahar Point
Mains level: NA
What is the news?
The International Astronomical Union (IAU) working group for Planetary System Nomenclature recently sanctioned the name ‘Statio Shiv Shakti’ for the landing site of Chandrayaan-3’s Vikram lander, marking a significant milestone in planetary nomenclature.
About International Astronomical Union (IAU)
- The IAU was founded on July 28, 1919, during the Constitutive Assembly held in Brussels, Belgium.
- Its creation was prompted by the need for international collaboration in astronomy, especially after the devastation caused by World War I.
- It aims for promoting and safeguarding astronomy in all its aspects through international cooperation.
- IAU is now headquartered in Paris, France.
Major Activities and Initiatives
- General Assembly: The IAU holds a general assembly every three years in varying parts of the world at which professional astronomers meet to discuss research, new cooperative ventures, and similar matters of professional interest.
- Astronomical Nomenclature: IAU standardizes the nomenclature of celestial bodies, features, and phenomena. It maintains several working groups dedicated to naming conventions for stars, planets, asteroids, and other objects.
- Research and Collaboration: It promotes international cooperation in astronomical research and supports initiatives such as observational campaigns, data sharing, and joint projects.
- Education and Outreach: It is actively involved in promoting astronomy education and public outreach efforts worldwide. It supports educational programs, workshops, and resources for students, teachers, and the general public.
Membership
- IAU membership spans 92 countries. Out of those countries, 85 are National Members.
- India is represented by the Astronomical Society of India (ASI).
- Its members are professional astronomers from all over the world, at the D. level and beyond, who are active in professional research, education, and outreach in astronomy.
IAU Nomenclature Criteria
- Rule 4: It emphasizes the international nature of solar system nomenclature and encourages equitable representation of names from diverse ethnic groups, countries, and genders.
- Rule 9: The IAU adheres to Rule 9, prohibiting names with political, military, or religious connotations, except for historical political figures prior to the 19th century.
- Rule 11: It emphasizes that names should be unique within the context of celestial nomenclature to prevent confusion.
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About Statio Shiv Shakti’
- Prime Minister announced the name ‘Shiv Shakti’ for the Chandrayaan-3 landing site in August, 2023, reflecting the significance of Indian mythology and cultural heritage.
- It is located at the co-ordinates 69.373°S 32.319°E and lies between the lunar craters Manzinus C and Simpelius N.
- The name ‘Shiv Shakti’ symbolizes the masculine-feminine duality of nature, embodying strength and resolution, with a profound connection to India’s diverse cultural landscape.
| PM previously named the Chandrayaan-2 crash site ‘Tiranga point’, while former President A.P.J. Abdul Kalam suggested ‘Jawahar Point’ for the Chandrayaan-1 impact probe landing site, reflecting a tradition of honoring national figures and symbols. |
PYQ:
2021: Which one of the following is a reason why astronomical distances are measured in light-years?
- Distances among stellar bodies do not change.
- Gravity of stellar bodies does not change.
- Light always travels in straight line.
- Speed of light is always same.
Practice MCQ:
Consider the following statements about International Astronomical Union (IAU):
- It aims for promoting and safeguarding astronomy in all its aspects through international cooperation.
- India is represented by the ISRO in the IAU.
Which of the given statements are correct?
- Only 1
- Only 2
- Both 1 and 2
- Neither 1 nor 2
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Postal Ballot Voting
Mains level: NA
Why in the news?
The Election Commission of India (ECI) announced that media persons covering “polling day activities” are now eligible to vote in the upcoming Lok Sabha elections 2024 and state Assembly polls through postal ballots.
What are Postal Ballots?
- Postal ballots, also known as mail-in ballots, allow registered voters to cast their votes by mail instead of physically going to a polling station.
- It is governed by the Conduct of Elections Rules, 1961.
- This system serves as a convenient alternative for individuals unable to vote in person due to various circumstances, such as being away from their home constituency, facing a disability, or performing essential services on Election Day.
Electronically Transmitted Postal Ballot System (ETPBS)
- The Conduct of Election Rules, 1961 was amended in 2016 to allow service voters to use the ETPBS. Under this system, postal ballots are sent electronically to registered service voters.
- The service voter can then download the ETPB (along with a declaration form and covers), register their mandate on the ballot and send it to the returning officer of the constituency via ordinary mail.
- The post will include an attested declaration form (after being signed by the voter in the presence of an appointed senior officer who will attest it).
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Who is eligible to cast their vote through postal ballots?
Eligible electors who can opt to vote through postal ballots include:
- Special voters: It includes President of India, Vice President, Governors, and Union Cabinet ministers, Speaker of the House and government officers on poll duty.
- Service voters: Members of the armed forces, paramilitary forces, and government employees deployed on election duty far from their home constituencies.
- Absentee voters: Individuals unable to vote in person due to reasons like work commitments, illness, or disability. Senior citizens above 80 years are also included.
- Electors on election duty: Government officials and polling staff assigned duties at polling stations other than their own.
- Electors under preventive detention: Individuals detained under preventive custody orders during the election period.
- Divyangjans: In October 2019, the Ministry of Law and Justice amended the Conduct of Election Rules, 1961, lowered the age from 85 to 80 and allowed Persons with Disabilities (PwDs) to cast votes through postal ballots in the 2020 Delhi Assembly polls.
- Essential services covering polling day activities: Media persons with authorisation letters from the EC and those involved in essential services such as metros, railways, and healthcare have the option to vote using postal ballots in Lok Sabha and four state Assembly polls.
Applying for a postal ballot
- To apply for a postal ballot, eligible voters must apply, Form 12 D, to the returning officer (RO) of their respective constituency.
- The application typically requires personal details, voter identification information, and the reason for seeking a postal ballot.
- For service voters, the RO sends the postal ballot paper through the record office, directly or through the Ministry of External Affairs for service voters serving outside India.
- For senior citizens, a team of two polling officials, a videographer, and security personnel will visit the residence of the elector to facilitate this process.
What is the process of postal voting?
- Receiving the postal ballot: Once approved, the RO sends the postal ballot to the voter’s registered address, including the ballot paper, declaration form, secrecy sleeve, and pre-paid return envelope.
- Marking the ballot: Voters mark their preferred candidate(s) on the ballot paper in the secrecy sleeve to ensure confidentiality.
- Completing the declaration form: Voters fill out the declaration form, providing their signature and other relevant details.
- Sealing the envelope: Voters seal the marked ballot paper and declaration form inside the secrecy sleeve and place it into the pre-paid return envelope.
- Returning the postal ballot: Voters affix the postage stamp and mail the return envelope to the designated address within the specified time.
Counting of postal ballots
- Postal ballots are counted separately from votes cast at polling stations.
- On the designated counting day, postal ballots are collected by postal authorities and brought to the counting centre.
- The RO and election officials scrutinise postal ballots for validity and integrity, adding valid ballots to the respective candidate’s vote count.
PYQ:
Q.For election to the Lok Sabha, a nomination paper can be filed by-
- Anyone residing in India.
- A resident of the constituency from which the election is to be contested.
- Any citizen of India whose name appears in the electoral roll of a constituency.
- Any citizen of India.
Practice MCQ:
Q.Consider the following statements:
- The right to cast vote is not a fundamental right
- NRI settled in foreign land can become an elector in the electoral roll in India
- Individuals in lawful custody of the police and those serving a sentence of imprisonment after conviction cannot vote
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
- 1 only
- 2 and 3
- 1 and 3
- 1,2 and 3
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: MTBVAC, TB, DOTS Regimen, Nikshay Poshan Yojana
Mains level: NA
What is the news?
- Bharat Biotech, in collaboration with Spanish biopharmaceutical company Biofabri, has initiated clinical trials for the Mycobacterium Tuberculosis Vaccine (MTBVAC) in India, marking a significant milestone in TB vaccine development.
- The only currently available TB vaccine, the Bacillus Calmette-Guérin vaccine (BCG), was developed 100 years ago and is less effective.
About MTBVAC
- MTBVAC is a unique TB vaccine based on a genetically modified form of Mycobacterium tuberculosis, containing all antigens present in human-infecting strains, unlike the BCG vaccine.
- It is developed in the laboratory of the University of Zaragoza with contributions from Dr. Brigitte Gicquel of the Pasteur Institute, Paris.
- MTBVAC is designed to offer superior and potentially longer-lasting protection compared to the BCG vaccine, particularly for newborns and in preventing TB in adults and adolescents.
Objectives of Clinical Trials in India
- Safety and Immunogenicity: The ongoing trials in India aim to evaluate the safety and immunogenicity of MTBVAC, with plans for a pivotal Phase 3 trial in 2025.
- Population Significance: Studying the vaccine’s efficacy in India, with its high TB burden, is crucial for advancing TB vaccine research and addressing the global TB epidemic.
What is Tuberculosis?
- Tuberculosis is an infection caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis.
- Robert Koch discovered Mycobacterium tuberculosis which causes TB, and his discovery opened the way towards diagnosing and curing this disease.
- It can practically affect any organ of the body.
- The most common ones are lungs, pleura (lining around the lungs), lymph nodes, intestines, spine, and brain.
Transmission:
It is an airborne infection that spreads through close contact with the infected, especially in densely populated spaces with poor ventilation.
Symptoms:
Common symptoms of active lung TB are cough with sputum and blood at times, chest pains, weakness, weight loss, fever and night sweats.
Treatment Facilities in India:
- DOTS (Directly Observed Treatment, Short-Course) regimen: It is the recommended treatment approach for TB by the WHO. Patients receive a combination of four antibiotics: isoniazid, rifampicin, pyrazinamide, and ethambutol. These drugs are usually administered daily for the first two months of treatment, followed by a continuation phase with isoniazid and rifampicin for an additional four to seven months.
- Nikshay Poshan Yojana (2018): It was launched to support every Tuberculosis (TB) Patient by providing a Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) of Rs 500 per month for nutritional needs.
Issues in TB Treatment: Drug Resistance
Drug resistance emerges when anti-TB medicines are used inappropriately, through incorrect prescription by health care providers, poor quality drugs, and patients stopping treatment prematurely.
- Multidrug-resistant tuberculosis (MDR-TB): Itis a form of TB caused by bacteria that do not respond to isoniazid and rifampicin, the 2 most powerful, first-line anti-TB drugs. MDR-TB is treatable and curable by using second-line drugs such as
- Extensively drug-resistant TB (XDR-TB): Itis a more serious form of MDR-TB caused by bacteria that do not respond to the most effective second-line anti-TB drugs, often leaving patients without any further treatment options.
PYQ:
2014: Can overuse and free availability of antibiotics without Doctor’s prescription, be contributors to the emergence of drug-resistant diseases in India? What are the available mechanisms for monitoring and control? Critically discuss the various issues involved.
Practice MCQ:
With reference to the Tuberculosis (TB), consider the following statements:
- TB is an infection caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis.
- It only targets Lungs.
- Nikshay Poshan Yojana aims for TB support is essentially a Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT).
How many of the given statements is/are correct?
- One
- Two
- Three
- None
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Project ANAGRANINF, AMR
Mains level: NA
What is the news?
- The Technology Development Board (TDB) has allocated a grant of ₹75 Lakhs for the project “ANAGRANINF – Development of a Novel Class of Antibiotics against Gram-Negative Bacterial-Infections,” totalling ₹1.5 crores.
What is Project ANAGRANINF?
- Project ANAGRANINF is titled “Development of a Novel Class of Antibiotics Against Gram-Negative Bacterial-Infections.”
- It is a collaborative initiative involving M/s Peptris Technologies Pvt. Ltd. and the Foundation for Neglected Disease Research (FNDR) in India, along with ABAC THERAPEUTICS SL from Spain.
- The primary objective of the project is-
- To develop a novel antibiotic capable of inhibiting the FabI enzyme and
- Combating critical gram-negative pathogens.
- Project ANAGRANINF aims to produce a series of compounds with enhanced efficacy against gram-negative bacterial infections.
- The project aims to identify a candidate molecule that meets WHO’s innovation criteria, ensuring a new chemical structure, no cross-resistance with existing antibiotic classes, and a novel mechanism of action.
About the Candidate Molecule ‘MMV1578564’
The selected hit molecule from the project, MMV1578564, has exhibited promising activity against gram-negative pathogens, providing a foundation for further research and development efforts.
Back2Basics:
- Gram-Negative Bacteria:
- Gram-negative bacteria have a thin peptidoglycan layer in their cell wall, which is located between the outer and inner membranes.
- They stain pink or red when subjected to the Gram staining technique.
- Gram-negative bacteria are generally more resistant to antibiotics due to the presence of an outer membrane that acts as a barrier against certain antibiotics.
- Examples of gram-negative bacteria include Escherichia coli (E. coli), Salmonella spp., Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Neisseria gonorrhoeae.
- They are known to cause infections like pneumonia, bloodstream infections, wound infections, and meningitis in healthcare settings
- Gram-Positive Bacteria:
- Gram-positive bacteria have a thick layer of peptidoglycan in their cell wall, which retains the crystal violet stain used in the Gram staining technique.
- They appear purple or blue under a microscope after staining.
- Gram-positive bacteria are generally more susceptible to antibiotics because their thick peptidoglycan layer allows antibiotics to penetrate more easily.
- Examples of gram-positive bacteria include Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus pneumoniae, Bacillus subtilis, and Clostridium difficile.
- Some examples of diseases caused by Gram-positive bacteria include anthrax, diphtheria, enterococcal infections, erysipelothricosis, and listeriosis.These bacteria can cause a range of infections from food poisoning to serious respiratory diseases and may require specific antibiotics for treatment.
PYQ:
2021: Consider the following:
- Bacteria
- Fungi
- Virus
Which of the above can be cultured in artificial/synthetic medium?
- 1 and 2 only
- 2 and 3 only
- 1 and 3 only
- 1, 2 and 3
Practice MCQ:
The recently launched Project ‘ANAGRANINF’ deals with:
- Agricultural Grant
- Artificial Intelligence
- Antibiotics Development
- None of these
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Pushpak Reusable Landing Vehicle (RLV), Low Earth Orbits, Gaganyaan
Mains level: NA
What is the news?
- The ISRO has conducted the Pushpak Reusable Landing Vehicle (RLV) LEX 02 landing experiment at the Aeronautical Test Range in Chitradurga. It was lifted by an Indian Air Force Chinook helicopter and released from an altitude of 4.5 km.
- This experiment marks a significant milestone in ISRO’s pursuit of reusable space technology.
About Pushpak Reusable Landing Vehicle (RLV)
- The Pushpak RLV is a winged vehicle, equipped with aerodynamic surfaces that enable controlled flight during re-entry into the Earth’s atmosphere.
- The RLV is designed to autonomously land on a designated runway after completing its mission in space, thereby demonstrating India’s capability in autonomous space vehicle landing.
- It is equipped with sophisticated navigation, control, and landing gear systems that allow it to autonomously navigate and land on a predefined runway.
Key Features
- The RLV is a space plane with a low lift-to-drag ratio, requiring an approach at high glide angles that necessitates landing at high velocities of 350 km/h.
- This design allows it to transport payloads to Low Earth orbits and return to Earth for future use.
Future Prospects
- Iterative Testing: ISRO conducts a series of experiments, such as the RLV LEX 02 landing experiment, to test and validate the performance of the RLV in various scenarios.
- Orbital Re-entry Missions: The successful demonstration of the Pushpak RLV’s capabilities paves the way for future orbital re-entry missions, where reusable vehicles can be deployed for various scientific and commercial purposes.
PYQ:
2018: With reference to India’s satellite launch vehicles, consider the following statements:
- PSLVs launch the satellites useful for Earth resources monitoring whereas GSLVs are designed mainly to launch communication satellites.
- Satellites launched by PSLV appear to remain permanently fixed in the same position in the sky, as viewed from a particular location on Earth.
- GSLV Mk III is a four-stage launch l vehicle with the first and third stages l using solid rocket motors; and the second and fourth stages using liquid rocket engines.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
- 1 only
- 2 and 3
- 1 and 2
- 3 only
Practice MCQ:
Consider the following statements about the ‘Pushpak’ Reusable Landing Vehicle (RLV):
- It is a winged vehicle.
- It can transport payloads to Low Earth orbits and return to Earth with the help of a parachute.
Which of the given statements are correct?
- Only 1
- Only 2
- Both 1 and 2
- Neither 1 nor 2
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Forest in Kerala and comparison with forest in other states
Mains level: Measures to address human-wildlife conflict
Why in the news?
- Instances of human-animal conflict are on the rise in Kerala with the summer heat, scarcity of food, and loss of habitat forcing wild animals to stray into human habitations for sustenance.
Context-
- Vulnerability of tribal communities living in such areas. While they have intricate knowledge of the forest and its resources, they lack the protective measures and resources available to more urbanized populations, leaving them more susceptible to the dangers of wildlife encounters.
Human-animal conflict in Kerala-
- Surge in Incidents: Kerala has experienced a significant increase in human-animal conflict incidents across its districts, attributed to the state’s significant forest cover and densely populated settlements near wildlife habitats.
- Human Casualties: Human-wildlife conflicts have resulted in a substantial loss of human lives, with 93 reported deaths in 2023-24. The previous year recorded 98 human casualties.
- Hotspot District: Wayanad stands out as a hotspot for human-animal conflicts, with 69 reported deaths between 2011 and 2024. Incidents involve encounters with wild elephants and, in one case, a tiger attack.
- Diverse Wildlife Involved: Human-animal conflicts in Kerala involve various species, including elephants, tigers, leopards, bears, wild gaurs, wild boars, and monkeys. This diversity underscores the complexity of managing conflicts across different ecosystems and habitats.
- Impact on Livelihoods: The conflicts have severe repercussions on people’s livelihoods, particularly those dependent on agriculture and farming. Attacks by wild animals prevent farmers from cultivating their land, leading to economic hardship and food insecurity.
- Vulnerable Communities: Vulnerable communities like tribal groups and small-scale farmers are disproportionately affected by human-animal conflicts. Limited resources and infrastructure exacerbate their vulnerability to wildlife attacks, as seen in the case of Abraham Palatt and his family.
Steps taken by Government to deal these issues –
- State-Specific Disaster: The Kerala government declared human-animal conflict as a state-specific disaster in March, becoming the first state to do so. This decision signifies the severity and urgency of addressing the issue.
- Responsibility Shift: Management of human-animal conflicts now falls under the purview of the Kerala State Disaster Management Authority (KSDMA), with a committee headed by the Chief Minister established for this purpose.
- Community Involvement: The government plans to involve local communities through neighborhood groups to enhance surveillance on forest fringes. These groups will collaborate with government agencies and elected representatives to disseminate alerts about wildlife presence.
- Recruitment and Equipment: The government aims to strengthen surveillance by recruiting more forest watchers and establishing rapid response teams equipped with firearms, surveillance devices, drones, tranquilizing guns, and advance warning systems.
- Inter-State Collaboration: An inter-State coordination committee involving the Forest departments of Karnataka, Kerala, and Tamil Nadu has been formed to address human-wildlife conflicts collectively. This initiative aims to share intelligence and resources to mitigate conflicts, particularly along interstate borders.
Measures to address human-wildlife conflict-
- Forest Quality Improvement: Improving the quality of forests through measures such as reducing fragmentation and patchiness can help create healthier ecosystems that support a more balanced coexistence between humans and wildlife.
- Conservation Mission with Tribal Communities: Involving tribal communities in conservation efforts ensures their participation and traditional knowledge is valued. Collaborative conservation initiatives can promote sustainable practices and protect both biodiversity and livelihoods.
- Rejuvenation of Natural Forest Streams: Restoring natural water sources in forests is crucial for wildlife habitat and can help mitigate conflicts by providing essential resources within their natural environment.
- Removal of Invasive Plants and Replanting Indigenous Species: Removing invasive plant species and replanting indigenous ones can restore ecological balance and support native wildlife populations, reducing their reliance on human-impacted areas.
- Utilization of MGNREGS: Leveraging government schemes like the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme (MGNREGS) to support conservation efforts can provide employment opportunities while simultaneously contributing to environmental restoration projects.
- Awareness Programs on Responsible Tourism: Educating tourists about responsible behavior around wildlife can minimize human-wildlife conflicts caused by human disturbance. This includes emphasizing the importance of maintaining a safe distance and respecting wildlife habitats.
- Effective Institutional Framework: Establishing a robust institutional framework at various levels of governance, from local to inter-state, is essential for coordinated action in managing human-wildlife conflicts. This involves collaboration between different government departments, wildlife authorities, and local communities.
Conclusion-
Human-wildlife conflicts surge in Kerala, endangering lives and livelihoods. Government initiatives, community involvement, and conservation efforts are crucial for mitigating conflicts and fostering coexistence, ensuring a sustainable future for both humans and wildlife.
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Border dispute between India and china
Mains level: role of usa in resolving dispute between India and China
Why in the news?
China on Thursday said it firmly opposes the US recognition of Arunachal Pradesh as part of Indian territory
Context-
- China’s strong reaction came hours after US State Department Principal Deputy Spokesperson Vedant Patel’s remarks that the United States “recognises Arunachal Pradesh as Indian territory.
- US representative strongly oppose any unilateral attempts to advance territorial claims by incursions or encroachments, military or civilian, across the Line of Actual Control.
Border Issues between Indian and China-
- Aksai Chin: China administers it as part of Xinjiang, while India claims it as part of Ladakh.Aksai Chin holds strategic importance due to its proximity to the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) and its potential as a military route.
- Arunachal Pradesh: China claims the entire state as “South Tibet,” while India administers it as a northeastern state.
- Lack of Clear Demarcation: The border between India and China lacks clear demarcation throughout. The Line of Actual Control (LAC) was established after the 1962 Indo-China war, contributing to the complexity of the situation.Absence of a mutually agreed Line of Actual Control (LAC) along certain stretches leads to ambiguity and potential for conflicts.
Military Standoffs between India and China-
- 1962 Sino-Indian War– It was a conflict over border disputes, primarily centered around Aksai Chin and Arunachal Pradesh, resulting in a decisive victory for China.
- Confrontations have escalated since 2013-The most serious conflict were in Galwan Valley in Ladakh in 2020 and in Tawang in Arunachal Pradesh in 2022.
Border Dispute Settlement Mechanisms between India and China-
- Panchsheel Agreement of 1954: The Panchsheel doctrine distinctly expressed a commitment to respect each other’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.
- Peace and Tranquility Agreements1993: Both countries have signed several agreements aimed at maintaining peace and tranquility along the border, such as the Agreement on the Maintenance of Peace and Tranquility along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) in the India-China Border Areas signed in 1993.
- The Agreement on Confidence Building Measures in the Military Field along the LAC- It was signed in 1996, which laid down pledges on non-aggression, prior notification of large troop movements, and exchange of maps to resolve disagreements over the LAC.
- Working Mechanism for Consultation and Coordination on India-China Border Affairs (WMCC): This mechanism, established in 2012, aims to address day-to-day management of the border, enhance communication, and prevent misunderstandings or conflicts.
- Joint Military Exercises: India and China occasionally conduct joint military exercises aimed at improving mutual understanding and cooperation, which indirectly contributes to confidence-building measures. For example Hand in Hand.
Suggestive measures to resolve the border dispute between India and China:
- Diplomatic Dialogue: Both countries should engage in sustained diplomatic negotiations at various levels to address the underlying issues causing the dispute.
- Bilateral Agreements: Continuation and reinforcement of existing bilateral agreements aimed at maintaining peace and tranquillity along the border.
- Border Management Mechanisms: Strengthening and enhancing border management mechanisms such as Border Personnel Meetings (BPMs) and the Working Mechanism for Consultation and Coordination on India-China Border Affairs (WMCC) to effectively manage and resolve disputes.
- Clarification of LAC: Work towards mutual clarification and delineation of the Line of Actual Control (LAC) to reduce ambiguity and prevent misunderstandings.
- Disengagement and De-escalation: Prioritize efforts to disengage troops and de-escalate tensions in disputed areas along the border.
- Conflict Prevention: Implement measures aimed at preventing confrontations and conflicts, such as prior notification of military exercises and troop movements.
- Third-Party Mediation: Consider the involvement of neutral third-party mediators or international organizations to facilitate dialogue and negotiation.
- People-to-People Contacts: Promote cultural and people-to-people exchanges to foster better understanding and trust between the two nations.
How USA can help to resolve border dispute between India and China-
- Facilitate Diplomatic Dialogue: The USA can encourage and facilitate diplomatic dialogue between India and China to resolve the border dispute peacefully.
- Mediation Role: Offer to mediate or provide assistance as a neutral third-party mediator if both parties consent to such involvement.
- Provide Strategic Support: Offer strategic support and expertise in conflict resolution to help address the complex issues underlying the dispute.
- Pressure for Peaceful Resolution: Use diplomatic channels to exert pressure on both India and China to prioritize peaceful resolution of the dispute.
- Regional Stability: Emphasize the importance of resolving the border dispute for regional stability and economic development.
- Support Existing Mechanisms: Support existing border dispute settlement mechanisms, such as the Working Mechanism for Consultation and Coordination on India-China Border Affairs (WMCC), through funding or technical assistance.
Conclusion-
China’s objection to the US recognizing Arunachal Pradesh as Indian territory underscores the need for diplomatic dialogue. The US can play a constructive role by facilitating negotiations and supporting existing mechanisms for peaceful resolution.
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Omnibus Framework
Mains level: Features of the Self-Regulatory Organization (SRO
Why in the news?
- The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) on Thursday said it had finalised the Omnibus Framework for recognising Self-Regulatory Organisations (SRO) for its Regulated Entities.
The key features of the Self-Regulatory Organization (SRO)-
- Omnibus Framework: The RBI has finalized an omnibus framework for recognizing Self-Regulatory Organizations (SROs) for regulated entities. This framework contains broad parameters such as objectives, responsibilities, eligibility criteria, governance standards, application process, and other basic conditions for granting recognition.
- Sector-Specific Guidelines: Sector-specific guidelines will be issued separately by the respective departments of the Reserve Bank for each sector where an SRO is intended to be set up. This ensures that the SROs cater to the specific needs and requirements of their respective sectors.
- Draft Framework and Public Consultation: A draft framework for SROs was issued for public comments, and based on the examination of inputs received, the omnibus framework has been finalized. This indicates a consultative approach in the development of the SRO framework.
- Credibility and Responsibility: SROs are expected to operate with credibility, objectivity, and responsibility under the oversight of the regulator. They aim to improve regulatory compliance for the healthy and sustainable development of the sectors they cater to.
- Transparency and Independence: SROs are expected to operate with transparency, professionalism, and independence to foster greater confidence in the integrity of the sector. Compliance with the highest standards of governance is a prerequisite for an effective SRO.
The significance of Self-Regulatory Organizations (SROs)-
- Enhanced Regulatory Compliance: SROs establish and enforce industry standards and best practices, leading to improved regulatory compliance among member organizations. By setting clear guidelines and monitoring adherence to them, SROs help regulated entities maintain compliance with relevant laws and regulations.
- Industry Integrity and Confidence: SROs play a crucial role in maintaining and enhancing industry integrity and public confidence. By promoting transparency, professionalism, and ethical conduct, SROs contribute to building trust among stakeholders, including customers, investors, and regulatory authorities.
- Tailored Regulation: SROs can develop sector-specific regulations and standards that are tailored to the unique characteristics and challenges of their respective industries. This flexibility allows SROs to address industry-specific issues effectively, leading to more efficient regulation.
- Effective Self-Regulation: SROs enable industry participants to self-regulate by collaboratively developing and enforcing rules and standards. This approach can often be more responsive and adaptable than traditional government regulation, as SROs can quickly respond to emerging risks and market developments.
- Reduced Regulatory Burden: SROs can help alleviate the regulatory burden on government agencies by taking on certain regulatory functions. By delegating responsibilities such as rule-making, monitoring, and enforcement to SROs, regulators can focus their resources on overseeing broader market activities and addressing systemic risks.
- Innovation and Growth: SROs can foster innovation and growth within their industries by creating a supportive regulatory environment. By providing guidance on emerging technologies and business models, SROs can encourage innovation while ensuring that it aligns with regulatory requirements and consumer protection standards.
- Expertise and Knowledge Sharing: SROs serve as repositories of industry expertise and knowledge, allowing members to benefit from collective insights and experiences. Through networking events, training programs, and knowledge-sharing initiatives, SROs facilitate collaboration and learning among industry participants.
Conclusion-
Self-Regulatory Organizations (SROs) enhance compliance, integrity, and tailored regulation. They enable effective self-regulation, reduce regulatory burden, foster innovation, and facilitate expertise sharing, ensuring sustainable industry growth and integrity.
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: What is Reverse Flipping
Mains level: Implication of Reverse Flipping
Why in the news?
- Pine Labs and Zepto are the latest new-age companies looking to move headquarters to India.
Context-
There is a significant surge in reverse flipping within India’s startup scene, characterized by a growing trend of startups choosing to relocate their headquarters or establish a presence in the country.
What is Reverse Flipping ?
- Reverse flipping is the process of shifting the domicile of an Indian company back to India after it had moved its headquarters overseas.
- Indian startups are increasingly choosing to reverse flip back into India, drawn by the country’s favorable economic policies, expanding domestic market, and increasing investor confidence in its startup ecosystem.
Recent Examples of Reverse-Flipping of Unicorns-
Several high-profile startups are opting for reverse flipping to India, indicating a trend of relocating their headquarters or establishing a base in the country.
- Walmart-owned PhonePe: PhonePe, a subsidiary of Walmart, relocated its domicile from Singapore to India. This move was likely motivated by the significant user base and potential for digital payments in the Indian market.
- Pine Labs, Meesho, and Zepto: These are identified as the latest new-age companies intending to move their headquarters to India. Their decisions suggest confidence in the opportunities and advantages offered by the Indian startup ecosystem.
- It Solidifies India’s Position as a Startup Hub: The successful execution of reverse flipping by these high-profile startups contributes to solidifying India’s position as a prominent startup hub globally.
How Reverse-Flipping is done?
- Strategic Assessment: The company conducts a strategic assessment of potential target countries, considering factors such as market size, regulatory environment, access to talent, infrastructure, tax policies, and overall business climate.
- Legal and Regulatory Considerations: The company evaluates the legal and regulatory requirements for establishing a presence in the target country. This may involve understanding company registration procedures, compliance with corporate laws, tax regulations, employment laws, and any other relevant regulations.
- Corporate Structure: The company determines the appropriate corporate structure for its operations in the target country. This may involve setting up a subsidiary, branch office, or joint venture, depending on the specific needs and objectives of the company.
- Transfer of Assets and Operations: The company transfers its assets, operations, and intellectual property rights to the new entity in the target country. This may include physical assets such as equipment and inventory, as well as intangible assets such as trademarks, patents, and proprietary technology.
- Share Swaps or Mergers: In some cases, the company may use share swaps or mergers as a method for executing the reverse flip. This involves exchanging shares with shareholders of a company in the target country or merging with an existing company to establish a presence in that jurisdiction.
- Compliance and Approval: The company ensures compliance with all legal and regulatory requirements in both the home country and the target country. This may involve obtaining approval from regulatory authorities, such as the National Company Law Tribunal (NCLT) or other relevant government agencies.
- Operational Transition: Once the reverse flip is completed, the company focuses on transitioning its operations to the new location. This may involve hiring local talent, establishing partnerships with suppliers and vendors, and adapting its business strategy to the local market dynamics
Startups are opting to reverse flip for several compelling reasons:
- Access to a Growing Economy: India is currently the world’s fifth-largest economy by GDP and is projected to become the third-largest by 2030. This growth trajectory presents significant opportunities for startups to tap into a dynamic market with increasing urbanization, disposable income, and consumption.
- Large and Educated Youth Population: India boasts the world’s largest youth population, with approximately 66% of its citizens under the age of 35. This demographic advantage provides a vast pool of skilled and educated talent, making it attractive for startups seeking a workforce with diverse skills and capabilities.
- Access to Capital Markets: The Indian capital market offers overseas startups access to a large pool of capital. The listing process on Indian stock exchanges is relatively cost-effective compared to many Western exchanges, making it an appealing option for startups with limited resources.
- Opportunity to Tap into the Consumer Market: With its rapidly growing middle class and increasing disposable income, India presents a lucrative consumer market for startups offering products and services across various sectors.
- Synergies with Indian Companies: Reverse flipping allows overseas startups to explore synergies with Indian companies, leading to partnerships, joint ventures, and acquisitions. These collaborations help startups expand their reach and operations in India while leveraging the local expertise and market knowledge of Indian companies.
Potential tax implications in this scenario:
- Corporate Tax: The company may be subject to corporate tax in the jurisdiction where it is based and operates. If the company chooses to establish its headquarters or base in India through reverse flipping, it would be subject to Indian corporate tax laws.
- Capital Gains Tax: Any gains realized from the transaction, such as the separation of PhonePe and the return of the holding company to India, could be subject to capital gains tax in the relevant jurisdictions. The quantum of this tax would depend on factors such as the valuation of the company and the applicable tax rates.
- Transfer Pricing Rules: Transfer pricing rules may apply if there are transactions between related parties as part of the reverse flip process. These rules are designed to ensure that transactions between related entities are conducted at arm’s length, and appropriate taxes are paid on profits generated from such transactions.
- Indirect Taxes: Depending on the nature of the company’s business and the jurisdictions involved, other indirect taxes such as goods and services tax (GST) may also apply.
Conclusion-
Reverse flipping, relocating headquarters to India, gains traction. Driven by favourable market dynamics, talent pool, capital access, and synergies. Potential tax implications include corporate tax, capital gains, transfer pricing, and indirect taxes.
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