Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Places of Worship Act
Mains level: Read the attached story
Introduction
- The Places of Worship (Special Provisions) Act, 1991, has once again come into focus due to ongoing civil suits challenging the religious character of mosques in Varanasi and Mathura.
Enactment of the Places of Worship Act
- Background: The Act was enacted in September 1991, during the Babri-Masjid Ram Janmabhoomi dispute, to address issues related to the status of places of worship.
- Objectives: It aimed to freeze the religious character of places of worship as it existed on August 15, 1947, and prevent the conversion of places of worship from one denomination to another.
Key Provisions of the Act
- Continuity of Religious Character: The Act ensures that the religious character of a place of worship remains unchanged from its status on August 15, 1947.
- Prohibition on Conversion: It prohibits the conversion of a place of worship of any religious denomination into one of a different denomination.
- Abatement of Pending Cases: All pending legal proceedings regarding the conversion of a place of worship, initiated before August 15, 1947, would abate upon the Act coming into force, and no new proceedings can be initiated.
Exceptions to the Rule
- Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Sites: The Act does not apply to ancient and historical monuments and archaeological sites protected under the Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains Act, 1958.
- Settled Disputes: It does not apply to suits that were already settled or disposed of or to conversions by acquiescence.
Status of Ongoing Cases on the Gyanvapi Mosque
- Current Litigation: Ongoing civil suits in Varanasi involve claims by Hindu worshippers asserting their right to worship deities within the Gyanvapi mosque premises.
- Basis for Suits: The Hindu side claims that an old temple of Lord Vishweshwar existed at the center of the mosque compound, demolished by Emperor Aurangzeb in 1669.
- Court Orders: Court orders have favored the position that these suits are not barred by the Places of Worship Act. The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) conducted a survey that reported the existence of a temple before the mosque.
Implications of the Act in the Mathura Dispute
- Shahi Idgah Mosque: Civil suits in Mathura pertain to the Shahi Idgah mosque near the Krishna Janmabhoomi Temple, with claims that it was built over Lord Krishna’s birthplace.
- Challenging Compromise: The suits challenge a compromise reached in 1968 between Sri Krishna Janmasthan Seva Sansthan and the Shahi Idgah Trust. The Allahabad High Court has transferred all Mathura dispute suits to itself.
- Act’s Applicability: Court decisions have held that the Act does not bar these suits. In the Mathura dispute, the Act is not applicable as the compromise decree predates its enactment.
Conclusion
- The Places of Worship Act, enacted to freeze the status of places of worship, is facing challenges in ongoing disputes, particularly in Varanasi and Mathura.
- Courts have ruled that the Act does not prohibit these suits, emphasizing the need for a case-by-case examination to determine religious character.
- These developments underscore the complexities and legal interpretations surrounding the Act’s application in the context of evolving disputes.
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Adjournment of Court
Mains level: Issues with Judicial Functioning
Introduction
- During the Supreme Court’s 75th-year Foundation Day address, the Chief Justice of India (CJI) highlighted four crucial issues within the judiciary that require “difficult conversations.”
- This article delves into these issues and their historical context.
Major Issues with Legal Profession
[1] Problem of “Adjournment Culture”
- Definition: Adjournment culture refers to the practice of lawyers repeatedly seeking adjournments, delaying scheduled hearings.
- Effect on Justice: Prolonged adjournments lead to case delays and contribute to the growing backlog of pending cases.
- Legal Framework: Order XVII of the Civil Procedure Code, 1908 sets rules for granting adjournments, limiting them to three times, with sufficient cause shown.
- Vicious Cycle: Advocates exploit heavy workloads to seek adjournments, perpetuating delays.
[2] Managing Lengthy Oral Arguments
- Constitutional Bench Matters: The court directs parties to schedule oral arguments to avoid repetition in important cases.
- Mixed Success: Past cases, like the Ayodhya title dispute, had lengthy hearings despite scheduling.
- Recent Improvements: Under CJI UU Lalit, a Constitution Bench case involving EWS reservations achieved efficiency through time scheduling.
- US Model: The US Supreme Court restricts oral arguments to 30 minutes per side, considered but not adopted in India.
[3] Alternatives to Extended Court Vacations
- Flexi-Time: Introducing flexi-time for lawyers and judges is suggested, allowing them to choose working hours within a specified total.
- Philippines Example: The Philippines implemented flexi-time for court employees based on valid reasons.
- Historical Suggestions: Past reports and government recommendations aimed to reduce court vacations to tackle case backlog.
- Supreme Court Rules: In 2014, the court limited summer vacations to seven weeks instead of ten.
[4] Ensuring Equal Opportunities for First-Generation Lawyers
- Leveling the Field: The CJI emphasizes providing a level playing field for first-generation lawyers and marginalized segments with the potential to succeed.
- Progress: Over 50% of junior civil judge exam candidates are women, and 41% of Supreme Court law clerk candidates are women.
- Inclusivity Efforts: Initiatives by the Supreme Court Advocates-on-Record Association (SCAORA) aim to support diversity, including giving weightage to first-generation lawyers for Senior Advocate designations.
- Judicial Recognition: The judiciary acknowledges the growth and contributions of first-generation lawyers, dismissing claims that recognition is solely based on wealth and proximity.
Conclusion
- The judiciary faces multifaceted challenges, including adjournment culture, oral argument lengths, court vacations, and ensuring a fair platform for first-generation lawyers.
- Addressing these issues requires frank discussions, reforms, and continued efforts to uphold the principles of justice and inclusivity within the legal profession.
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Fiscal Deficit
Mains level: Not Much
Introduction
- In her Budget speech, FM revealed the government’s plans to reduce the fiscal deficit to 5.1% of GDP in 2024-25 and below 4.5% by 2025-26, surprising many analysts who expected slightly higher deficit targets.
- This article explains fiscal deficit, its significance, how the government funds it, and the implications of reducing the deficit.
What is Fiscal Deficit?
- Definition: Fiscal deficit represents the gap between a government’s revenue and its expenditure. When expenses exceed revenues, the government must borrow money or sell assets to cover the deficit.
- Revenue Sources: Taxes are the primary source of government revenue. In 2024-25, tax receipts are expected to be ₹26.02 lakh crore, while total revenue is estimated at ₹30.8 lakh crore. Total government expenditure for the same period is projected at ₹47.66 lakh crore.
Government Funding of Fiscal Deficit
- Borrowing: To finance the fiscal deficit, the government borrows money from the bond market, where lenders compete to purchase government-issued bonds.
- Central Banks: Central banks, such as the Reserve Bank of India (RBI), play a significant role in the credit market by purchasing government bonds in the secondary market, indirectly providing funds to the government.
- Borrowing Amount: In 2024-25, the Centre aims to borrow ₹14.13 lakh crore from the market, lower than the target for 2023-24.
Why Does Fiscal Deficit Matter?
- Inflation: High fiscal deficits can lead to inflation, as the government may resort to printing money to fund the deficit.
- Market Confidence: Fiscal discipline, reflected in lower deficits, can boost confidence among lenders, potentially improving bond ratings and reducing borrowing costs.
- Debt Management: A high fiscal deficit can strain the government’s ability to manage public debt. India’s public debt may rise significantly, affecting the country’s fiscal health.
- International Borrowing: A lower fiscal deficit may make it easier for the government to issue bonds overseas and access cheaper credit.
Future Prospects
- Reducing Fiscal Deficit: The government plans to lower the fiscal deficit to 5.1% of GDP in 2024-25. It aims to achieve this primarily through increased tax collections, expecting a rise of 11.5%.
- Balancing Act: Balancing the budget through tax hikes could dampen economic growth, but achieving the ambitious fiscal deficit target remains uncertain.
Conclusion
- Fiscal deficit, the gap between government revenue and expenditure, holds significant implications for inflation, market confidence, debt management, and international borrowing.
- The government’s plan to reduce the fiscal deficit in the coming years involves a delicate balance of revenue generation and expenditure control.
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: NA
Mains level: Higher education in foreign countries
Introduction
- Indian students aspiring to pursue higher education in English-speaking countries, notably Canada and the U.K., are facing increased difficulties due to tightening immigration rules.
- This shift in regulations is affecting various aspects of the admission process and has raised concerns among higher education experts.
Recent Policy Changes
[1] Canada’s Revised Requirements:
- The Canadian government, responding to political tensions with India, revised its requirements in December 2023 to enhance the protection of international students.
- Notable Changes:
- The Guaranteed Investment Certificate (GIC) amount, necessary for visa applications, increased from 10,000 Canadian dollars (approximately ₹6.15 lakh) to 20,635 Canadian dollars (around ₹12.7 lakh).
- Canada has limited the total number of study permits or student visas to be issued to 3.6 lakh, down from nearly four lakh.
[2] UK’s Restriction on Dependant Family:
- Starting in 2024, international students in the UK will be prohibited from bringing dependant family members while pursuing their studies.
[3] Increased GIC Requirements in Other Countries:
- Countries like Germany and Australia have steadily raised their GIC amounts by around 10% annually, with Germany requiring 11,208 euros (₹10 lakh) for visa applications as of May 2023.
Impact on Students
- Financial Challenges: The substantial increase in GIC requirements, such as in Canada, poses financial challenges for Indian students, making it difficult to afford living expenses in expensive countries.
- Reduced Visa Accessibility: Canada’s reduction in the number of study permits affects Indian students’ access to higher education in the country.
- Change in Study Choices: The stricter rules have led to changes in study preferences, with some students considering countries like Germany, Australia, New Zealand, Ireland, the Netherlands, Finland, Taiwan, and Israel as alternative destinations for their education.
Mixed Implications
- Addressing Diploma Mills: Canada’s measures are aimed at curbing the issue of ‘diploma mills,’ improving the quality of education, and discouraging unethical practices by agents.
- Impact on Bachelor’s Degree Seekers: While master’s program students benefit from eased norms, those pursuing bachelor’s degrees in Canada face uncertainty and delays in their visa applications.
Conclusion
- The recent changes in admission rules for Indian students seeking higher education abroad highlight the evolving landscape of international education.
- These alterations necessitate adaptability among students and have sparked shifts in study preferences towards countries with more accessible pathways
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Rare Dusted Apollo Butterfly
Mains level: Not Much
Introduction
- In a remarkable discovery, the elusive Dusted Apollo butterfly (Parnassius stenosemus) was sighted and photographed for the first time in Himachal Pradesh.
Dusted Apollo
- Historical Rarity: Dusted Apollo is a rare high-altitude butterfly, initially discovered in 1890.
- Sighting Details: The butterfly was spotted and photographed in September 2023 during a trek to Manimahesh Lake in Chamba.
- Wide Range: The Dusted Apollo’s distribution extends from Ladakh to West Nepal.
- Altitude Preference: This unique butterfly thrives at altitudes ranging from 3,500 to 4,800 meters in the inner Himalayas.
- Comparing Species: Dusted Apollo closely resembles Ladakh Banded Apollo (Parnnasius stoliczkanus) but exhibits distinct features.
Implications for Conservation
- Rare Find: Dusted Apollo had never been photographed in Himachal Pradesh before.
- Additional Discovery: Another rare species, Regal Apollo (Parnnasius charltonius), was also photographed at Manimahesh, protected under Schedule II of the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972.
- Commercial Significance: Apollo butterflies are commercially valuable and are targeted by poachers, emphasizing the need for conservation.
- Endangered Species: Many Apollo butterfly species are endangered and require immediate conservation efforts.
- Community Awareness: Raising awareness about poaching and the significance of these species is vital for their protection.
- Conservation Measures: Suggested measures include establishing butterfly parks and conservation reserves in the state to safeguard these fragile creatures.
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Buffalo and bulbul fights
Mains level: Read the attached story
Introduction
- The Assam government’s bid to revive traditional ‘Moh-Juj’ buffalo and bulbul (songbird) fighting during Magh Bihu has encountered a legal challenge from People for Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) in the Gauhati High Court.
- PETA India seeks to ban these activities.
Buffalo and bulbul fights: Age-Old Tradition
- Folk Culture: Buffalo and bulbul fights are part of the folk culture during the Assamese winter harvest festival of Magh Bihu.
- Location: Buffalo fights are prominent in places like Ahatguri in Nagaon district, while bulbul fights are held at the Hayagriv Madhab Mandir in Hajo.
- Religious Significance: Bulbul fights are tied to religion, involving rituals, lamps, and offerings to Lord Vishnu.
- Historical Legacy: The practice has roots in the traditions of the Ahom rulers.
Discontinuation after SC Ruling
- Supreme Court’s Intervention: The fights were discontinued after the Supreme Court’s 2014 judgment banned the use of bulls as performing animals in events like jallikattu.
- Animal Welfare Board of India (AWBI): Following the SC ruling, the AWBI urged the Assam government to stop animal and bird fights during Bihu celebrations.
- Resistance: Despite the prohibition, some continued to hold buffalo fights in defiance, leading to legal challenges.
Revival Efforts after SC Clears Path
- SC Ruling in 2021: The Supreme Court overturned its 2014 judgment, allowing states like Tamil Nadu, Maharashtra, and Karnataka to conduct traditional events involving bulls and animals.
- Assam Government’s SOPs: The Assam Cabinet approved Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for buffalo and bulbul fights without deliberate cruelty.
- Guidelines: SOPs permit fights in traditional locations, set specific dates, forbid harm to animals, and ban the use of intoxicating substances.
- Revival: Buffalo and bulbul fights were resumed in Magh Bihu, with Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma supporting the revival as part of Assam’s Bihu traditions.
PETA’s Legal Challenge
- PETA’s Petitions: PETA India filed petitions in the Gauhati High Court seeking a ban on both activities and an interim stay during the proceedings.
- Allegations: PETA claimed that buffalo owners instigated fights through slapping, shoving, and using wooden sticks, resulting in injuries. Bulbuls were allegedly captured and forced to fight.
- Court’s Response: The court heard PETA’s application and noted that organizing buffalo fights beyond January 25 violates government guidelines. It instructed the petitioners to inform the relevant authorities to prevent the event in violation of SOPs.
Conclusion
- The legal battle over the revival of traditional animal fights in Assam reflects the clash between cultural traditions, religious significance, and animal welfare concerns.
- The Gauhati High Court’s decision will shape the future of these practices in the region.
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Ammonia Emission
Mains level: Read the attached story
Introduction
- Researchers have harnessed machine learning to provide precise estimates of ammonia emissions stemming from rice, wheat, and maize crops.
- Their dataset allows for a crop-specific assessment of emission reduction potential, suggesting that effective fertilizer management in these crops could decrease atmospheric ammonia emissions from agriculture by up to 38%.
Ammonia Emissions in Agriculture
Ammonia (NH3) emissions primarily originate from agricultural activities, particularly livestock farming and the application of synthetic and organic fertilizers.
- Livestock Farming: Livestock, such as cattle, poultry, and swine, produce ammonia through the breakdown of urea in their urine and faeces. Confined animal feeding operations (CAFOs) are major contributors to ammonia emissions.
- Fertilizer Application: Ammonia is released when synthetic fertilizers containing ammonium-based compounds (e.g., ammonium nitrate) are applied to crops. Manure from livestock can also be used as organic fertilizer, contributing to ammonia emissions.
Why it matters?
- Environmental Impact: Ammonia emissions can lead to air pollution, especially in areas with intensive agriculture. It can react with other pollutants to form fine particulate matter (PM2.5) and contribute to the formation of ground-level ozone, which has adverse effects on human health and the environment.
- Acid Deposition: Ammonia can undergo atmospheric transformation and contribute to acid rain, which can harm aquatic ecosystems, forests, and infrastructure.
- Nutrient Loss: Ammonia emissions represent a loss of valuable nitrogen nutrients from agricultural systems. This can reduce the efficiency of fertilizer use and contribute to nitrogen pollution in water bodies.
Significance of Ammonia Emissions
- Environmental Impact: Atmospheric ammonia is a significant environmental pollutant, affecting ecosystems and human health globally.
- Crop-Related Emissions: A substantial portion of anthropogenic ammonia emissions, 51-60%, originates from crop cultivation. Rice, wheat, and maize are responsible for approximately half of these emissions.
Machine Learning-Based Modeling
- Researchers’ Approach: The study employed machine learning to model ammonia emissions from rice, wheat, and maize farming worldwide. This modelling considered various factors such as climate, soil characteristics, crop types, irrigation, tillage practices, and fertilization methods.
- Dataset Development: To train the model, researchers curated a dataset comprising ammonia emissions data from over 2,700 observations, gathered through a systematic review of published literature.
- Global Emission Estimate: The model’s estimates revealed that global ammonia emissions reached 4.3 teragrams (4.3 billion kilograms) in 2018.
Emission Reduction Potential
- Optimizing Fertilizer Management: By spatially optimizing fertilizer management according to the model’s guidance, ammonia emissions from the three crops could potentially be reduced by 38%.
- Strategies: The optimized strategy involves deeper placement of enhanced-efficiency fertilizers into the soil using conventional tillage practices during the growing season.
Crop-Specific Contributions
- Reduction Potential: Under the proposed fertilizer management scenario, rice crops could contribute to 47% of the total reduction potential. Maize and wheat could contribute 27% and 26%, respectively.
- Emission Projections: Without management strategies, ammonia emissions could increase by 4.6% to 15.8% by 2100, depending on future greenhouse gas emissions levels.
Conclusion
- This study showcases how machine learning can provide valuable insights into ammonia emissions from crop cultivation.
- By optimizing fertilizer management practices, substantial reductions in ammonia emissions from rice, wheat, and maize crops can be achieved, contributing to environmental sustainability.
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Bharat Ratna: India's highest civilian award.
Mains level: Advani's contributions, emphasizing his commitment to Indian values, secularism, and nationalism.
Central Idea:
The article praises Lal Krishna Advani’s significant contributions to Indian public life, emphasizing his role in promoting Indian civilizational values, correcting historical distortions, and fostering national unity. It highlights his quiet yet effective leadership, dedication to a new India, and his instrumental role in the formation and growth of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). The author commends the government’s decision to confer the Bharat Ratna, India’s highest civilian award, on Advani.
Key Highlights:
- Advani’s life mission focused on promoting the glory of Indian thought and building a modern, united nation.
- His extensive travels and yatras played a crucial role in shaping public opinion on critical issues.
- Instrumental in founding the BJP, Advani, along with Atal Bihari Vajpayee, contributed to the party’s remarkable rise.
- Advani’s commitment to a new India, drawing strength from its past and rising to its potential, is highlighted.
- He vehemently opposed historical distortions, pseudo-secularism, and advocated for the right spirit of secularism and nationalism.
Key Challenges: The article does not explicitly mention challenges. However, it may be inferred that Advani faced challenges in steering Indian thought away from historical distortions and in promoting a vision of nationalism that unifies all Indians.
Key Terms/Phrases:
- Bharat Ratna: India’s highest civilian award.
- Yatras: Extensive travels or journeys for a specific purpose, often used in the context of political or religious outreach.
- BJP: Bharatiya Janata Party, a prominent political party in India.
- Pseudo-secularism: The article criticizes false narratives and distortions in presenting the concept of secularism.
- Rath Yatra: A chariot procession, referring to Advani’s national movement in 1990.
- Ram Mandir: Refers to the recently consecrated temple dedicated to Lord Ram.
Key Quotes/Statements:
- “Advaniji emerged as one of the leading voices of India during the 70 years of his public life.”
- “His life’s mission has been to create awareness about the glory of Indian thought and build a modern united nation.”
- “He spared no effort to correct historical distortions and insults to the idea of India.”
- “Advaniji is more a man of deeds and less of words.”
Key Examples and References:
- Advani’s role in launching a Rath Yatra from Somnath in 1990.
- The successful partnership between Advani and Atal Bihari Vajpayee in founding and expanding the BJP.
- Reference to the recently consecrated Ram Mandir and Advani’s contribution to unleashing the power of nationalism.
Key Facts/Data:
- Advani’s public life spanning 70 years.
- The BJP’s parliamentary performance in 1984 and its subsequent rise to a national political force.
- Advani’s role as the Home Minister and efforts to fortify internal security.
Critical Analysis:
The article presents a positive and appreciative view of Advani’s contributions, emphasizing his commitment to Indian values, secularism, and nationalism. It portrays him as a quiet yet effective leader, focusing on tangible results. The author applauds the government’s decision to confer the Bharat Ratna on Advani.
Way Forward:
The article does not explicitly suggest a way forward. However, it implies that Advani’s legacy will endure through the principles and morals he upheld, the leaders he mentored, and the impact of his contributions on shaping the idea of India.
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: National Credit Framework (NCrF)
Mains level: more active role of Higher Education Institutes (HEIs)
Central Idea:
The article advocates for a more active role of Higher Education Institutes (HEIs) in India to enhance students’ employability by incorporating micro-credentials, short-duration learning activities validating specific skills. It emphasizes the need to bridge the gap between traditional education and current job requirements, highlighting the flexibility and accessibility of micro-credentials. The evolving hiring practices, prioritizing skills over degrees, further reinforce the significance of these short-duration learning programs.
Key Highlights:
- Micro-Credentials Definition: Short-duration learning activities proving specific outcomes, offering flexibility for learners.
- Changing Hiring Practices: Shift towards prioritizing skills over degrees in recruitment.
- Industry Players: Various organizations and universities globally providing micro-credentials.
- National Credit Framework (NCrF): In India, a framework outlining learning outcomes and credits for progression.
- Quality Benchmarking: The importance of ensuring consistent quality standards and regulations for micro-credentials.
- Trust Building: Reliable assessment methods critical to fostering trust in micro-credentials.
- Potential Impact: Micro-credentials as a valuable addition to traditional education, enhancing students’ skills.
Key Challenges:
- Quality Assurance: Ensuring consistent quality in micro-credentials to prevent divergence in learning outcomes.
- Regulation: The need for clear regulations to facilitate recognition and endorsement in workplaces and educational institutes.
- Assessment Methods: Developing reliable assessment methods critical for establishing trust in micro-credentials.
Key Terms and Phrases:
- Micro-Credentials: Short-duration learning activities proving specific outcomes.
- National Credit Framework (NCrF): Framework in India outlining learning outcomes and credits.
- Just-in-Time Skills: Acquiring skills when needed, addressing the gap between traditional education and current job requirements.
Key Quotes:
- “Hiring practices are changing, with a tendency to prioritize skills over degrees.”
- “Micro-credentials are evolving as the new normal in higher education.”
Key Statements:
- The article asserts the need for HEIs to play a more active role in enhancing students’ employability.
- Micro-credentials are presented as a disruptive solution to bridge the knowledge gap between traditional education and job requirements.
Key Examples and References:
- Atingi, Alison.com, Credly, Coursera, edX, FutureLearn, Google, Linkedin, Microsoft, PwC, and Udacity are mentioned as organizations providing micro-credentials.
- Reference to the National Credit Framework (NCrF) in India as a guideline for learning outcomes and credits.
Key Facts and Data:
- The National Education Policy 2020 focuses on providing skilled education from school to higher levels.
- Micro-credentials can be one to five credit short modules, aligning with the NCrF.
Critical Analysis:
The article underscores the evolving nature of education and employment, recognizing the importance of skills over traditional degrees. It emphasizes the potential of micro-credentials in addressing these shifts and encourages collaboration between HEIs and industries.
Way Forward:
- Collaboration: Encourage collaboration between HEIs and industries for the development of credit-based micro-credentials.
- Regulation: Establish clear regulations to harmonize micro-credentials with existing academic programs.
- Quality Assurance: Ensure consistent quality in micro-credentials through reliable assessment methods.
- Awareness: Raise awareness among students and employers about the value of micro-credentials in enhancing skills and employability.
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Pathalgadi movement of tribals in Jharkhand
Mains level: an inclusive and plural civil society that recognizes the equal standing of all communities
Central Idea:
The article explores the importance of the phrase “We the People” in the Indian Constitution’s Preamble, emphasizing the need to understand popular sovereignty as a dynamic force rather than a static concept. It delves into the role of different spheres within civil society, highlighting the contrast between the elite public sphere and the non-elite counter-sphere. The article draws on the perspectives of constitutional scholar Sarbani Sen, B.R. Ambedkar, and Mahatma Gandhi to underscore the significance of inclusive dialogue, empathy, and a pluralist civil society for the true realization of constitutional principles.
Key Highlights:
- Controversy over the omission of ‘Socialist’ and ‘Secular’ in copies of the Indian Constitution during Parliament’s inaugural session.
- Emphasis on the revolutionary potential of the Constitution rooted in the spirit of “We the People.”
- The distinction between the elite public sphere and the non-elite counter-sphere in civil society.
- Recognition of the powerful democratic assertions from movements and groups outside the traditional elite sphere.
- B.R. Ambedkar’s framing of the Preamble and his emphasis on morality as a governing principle.
- Gandhi’s concept of ‘Swaraj’ as a creative process of self-realization and the importance of dialogue and empathy.
Key Challenges:
- Inertia of the elite public sphere in addressing challenges to constitutional governance.
- The tendency to marginalize non-elite counter-sphere movements as “sectional” or emotional.
- Potential loss of liberatory potential if the counter-sphere is not given equal standing in civil society.
- The need to move beyond chauvinistic pride and engage in honest, introspective dialogue.
Key Terms:
- Popular Sovereignty
- Elite Public Sphere
- Non-elite Counter-sphere
- Swaraj
- Satyagraha
- Deliberative Democracy
Key Phrases:
- “We the People”
- “Counterbalancing the state”
- “Radically democratic forms of popular assertions”
- “Sovereignty of the political community”
- “Liberty, equality, and fraternity”
- “Empathetic engagement with the concerns of others”
- “Inclusive dialogue”
- “Plural civil society”
Key Quotes:
- “Without equality, liberty would produce the supremacy of the few over the many.” – B.R. Ambedkar
- “Swaraj… a creative process of self-realization through which one might reach out towards a more secure and substantive plane of freedom and equality.” – Ajay Skaria
- “Every self is deeply fissured, and sovereignty is ubiquitous, always exercised everyday by the self.” – Ajay Skaria
Key Statements:
- The Constitution’s revolutionary potential lies in the spirit of popular sovereignty.
- Inclusivity and equal standing of all communities are crucial for a plural civil society.
- The liberal public sphere has been inert in the face of challenges to constitutional governance.
Key Examples and References:
- Una agitation by Dalits
- Pathalgadi movement of tribals in Jharkhand
- Farmers’ movements in Punjab and Haryana
- Nationwide protests by Muslims against the Citizenship (Amendment) Act
Key Facts and Data:
- Controversy during the inaugural session of the new Parliament over the omission of ‘Socialist’ and ‘Secular’ in the Constitution copies.
- Reference to the book “The Constitution of India: Popular Sovereignty and Democratic Transformations” by Sarbani Sen.
Critical Analysis:
- The article critiques the inertia of the elite public sphere in addressing constitutional challenges.
- It highlights the potential danger of marginalizing non-elite counter-sphere movements as emotional or sectional.
- Emphasis on the need for honest and introspective dialogue for a pluralist civil society.
Way Forward:
- Advocate for an inclusive and plural civil society that recognizes the equal standing of all communities.
- Promote empathetic engagement and dialogue to foster mutual understanding.
- Encourage active participation in civil society, especially from non-elite counter-sphere movements.
- Stress the importance of moral principles in governance and societal interactions.
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: $7 Trillion Economy
Mains level: Read the attached story
Introduction
- The Indian government’s recent review of the economy has set an ambitious target of achieving a $7 trillion economy by 2030.
- This article analyzes the feasibility of this goal and explores the factors that contribute to India’s economic outlook.
$7 Trillion Economy: Key Findings
- Robust Growth: The review expects India to sustain a growth rate of 7% or higher in the fiscal years 2023-24 and beyond.
- Economic Strengths: The government highlights significant strengths, including substantial infrastructure investments, a healthy financial sector, strong household finances, comfortable forex reserves, controlled inflation, and a decreasing fiscal deficit.
- $7 Trillion Vision: Based on these factors, the review envisions India reaching a $7 trillion economy by 2030.
India’s Economic Journey
- Historic Growth: India took 60 years to reach a $1 trillion economy (2007-08), achieved $2 trillion in just seven years (2014-15), and surpassed $3 trillion by 2021-22.
- Current Status: India is now the world’s fifth-largest economy, with a GDP estimated to reach $3.7 trillion by the end of 2023-24.
Obstacles to Rapid Growth
- Slower Growth Phase: After a period of rapid growth, India’s economy began to decelerate post-2014, exacerbated by events such as demonetization in 2016 and the pandemic-induced contraction.
- Ambitious Targets: India had set ambitious targets of becoming a $5 trillion economy by 2024-25 and a $10 trillion economy by 2029-30, but achieving them will require overcoming challenges.
- Growth Rate Hurdle: To reach a $7 trillion economy by 2030, India must achieve a compounded annual growth rate (CAGR) of 11.9% from 2023-24 to 2029-30, compared to the expected CAGR of 6.7% from 2013-14 to 2023-24.
Challenges Ahead
- Global Economic Trends: Developed economies are facing declining growth due to inflation and environmental concerns, which could affect India’s export prospects.
- Protectionism: Increasing protectionism in the global trade landscape poses challenges for India’s export-oriented growth.
- Geo-Political Uncertainties: Geo-political tensions can fuel inflation and hinder economic growth, presenting additional hurdles.
Conclusion
- While India’s economic potential remains substantial, achieving a $7 trillion economy by 2030 is a formidable challenge.
- The nation must navigate global economic shifts, tackle protectionist policies, and address geo-political uncertainties to realize this ambitious vision.
- Success will require sustained efforts and innovative strategies to drive economic growth and resilience.
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Multidimensional Poverty
Mains level: Read the attached story
Introduction
- Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman announced in her Interim Budget speech that 25 crore Indians were lifted out of poverty over the past decade.
- This remarkable achievement reflects the government’s commitment to inclusivity.
Data from NITI Aayog’s Discussion Paper
- NITI Aayog’s Insight: The data comes from a discussion paper titled “Multidimensional Poverty in India Since 2005-06,” authored by Ramesh Chand and Yogesh Suri from NITI Aayog, with inputs from the UNDP and OPHI.
- Decline in Multidimensional Poverty: The paper reveals that multidimensional poverty in India reduced from 29.17% in 2013-14 to 11.28% in 2022-23, with around 24.82 crore individuals escaping poverty during this period.
- State-Level Impact: Uttar Pradesh topped the list with 5.94 crore individuals escaping poverty, followed by Bihar at 3.77 crore and Madhya Pradesh at 2.30 crore.
Understanding the Multidimensional Poverty Index (MPI)
- A Novel Approach: MPI differs from traditional poverty measures, incorporating health, education, and living standards. These three dimensions each hold one-third weight in the index.
- Indicators: MPI uses 10 indicators, including nutrition, child mortality, education, housing, and access to basic amenities, offering a comprehensive view of poverty.
- India’s Unique MPI: India’s MPI includes additional indicators focusing on maternal health and access to bank accounts, aligning it with national priorities.
Calculating MPI
- Identifying “MPI Poor”: If an individual is deprived in at least one-third of the 10 weighted indicators, they are considered “MPI poor.”
- Three Key Calculations: MPI requires three calculations:
-
- Incidence of Multidimensional Poverty (H): The proportion of MPI poor individuals in the population.
- Intensity of Poverty (A): The average proportion of deprivation experienced by MPI poor individuals.
- MPI Value: Obtained by multiplying H and A, revealing the share of weighted deprivations faced by MPI poor individuals.
Data Sources and Estimations
- Health Metrics: Data for health indicators relies on the National Family Health Survey (NFHS), conducted every five years. The last round covered the 2019-21 period.
- Calculating MPI for 2012-13 and 2022-23: The paper used interpolation for 2013-14 estimates and extrapolation for 2022-23, enabling a comparison of poverty and deprivation trends.
Conclusion
- The reduction in multidimensional poverty over the last decade signifies the government’s dedication to inclusive development, improving the lives of millions of Indians.
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: 1970 UNESCO Convention
Mains level: Return of Artifacts
Introduction
- European museums have faced increasing pressure to return cultural artifacts to their countries of origin.
- The restitution of these artifacts carries significant implications for diplomacy and international relations.
France’s Pledge and Precedent
- France’s Commitment: President Emmanuel Macron pledged support during the visit of Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet to return Khmer artifacts and expand the National Museum of Cambodia.
- First European Leader: Macron became the first European leader to address demands for the return of looted antiquities in 2017, emphasizing France’s commitment to restoring cultural heritage.
Cases of Repatriation
- Musee Guimet’s Return: France’s National Museum of Asian art, Musee Guimet, agreed to return a seventh-century Khmer statue to Cambodia, taken during the colonial era.
- Global Initiatives: Germany and France allocated funds for reviewing African heritage objects, possibly signaling similar efforts for Asian artifacts.
- The Met’s Decision: The Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York pledged to return sculptures to Cambodia and Thailand, setting a precedent for other institutions.
Legal Basis and Challenges
- UNESCO Convention: 1970 UNESCO Convention on the Means of Prohibiting and Preventing the Illicit Import, Export and Transfer of Ownership of Cultural Property
- Non-binding: It is a key legal framework for repatriation, but it doesn’t apply retrospectively to colonial-era looting.
- National Legislation: Some countries, like Austria, are proposing national laws for returning objects acquired during colonialism.
Reasons for repatriation
- Soft Power Benefits: Repatriation can enhance a nation’s soft power, showcasing a commitment to international law, reconciliation, and better relations with affected countries.
- Rebranding Opportunity: Returning artifacts is seen as an opportunity for Western governments to rebrand and mend historical wrongs, especially in regions like Southeast Asia.
- EU’s Role: The European Parliament discusses the need for recognizing and addressing colonial legacies and restitution, potentially creating a permanent EU body on restorative justice.
- Cooperation is Key: To gain recognition similar to the United States, European museums need to cooperate openly with the governments of the regions from which the artifacts originated.
Conclusion
- The return of cultural artifacts taken during colonialism is not only a legal and ethical issue but also a diplomatic endeavor.
- European museums that engage in proactive repatriation efforts can build goodwill, foster cooperation, and enhance their soft power on the global stage.
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Uniform Civil Code (UCC)
Mains level: Read the attached story
Introduction
- Uttarakhand is taking important steps to implement a Uniform Civil Code (UCC).
- The state has received the final report from a committee, which is a significant move towards fulfilling its commitment to equality and justice.
Tap to read everything about Uniform Civil Code:
India needs a Uniform Civil Code: PM
Uttarakhand UCC
- Expert Committee: Uttarakhand appointed a committee, led by retired Justice Ranjana Prakash Desai, to draft the UCC.
- In the State Assembly: The UCC report will be presented in the State Assembly on February 5 for discussion. It will go through a detailed review before becoming law.
Key Recommendations
- Gender Equality: The final UCC draft focuses on achieving gender equality and removing unfairness in various areas, including property rights and adoption rules.
- Language Choice: Notably, the UCC draft is around 750 pages long, entirely written in Hindi, without any Urdu or other languages.
- Protection of Tribal Community: The report suggests that the tribal community should not be included in the UCC. Their specific needs and concerns will be addressed separately.
Ensuring Equal Rights
- Ban on Regressive Practices: The UCC draft recommends strong punishments for practices like triple talaq, iddat, and halala, which relate to marriage and divorce in Muslim personal law. It also proposes banning polygamy and polyandry.
- Legalizing Live-In Relationships: The draft suggests making live-in relationships legal, with mandatory registration for such couples.
- Equal Inheritance Rights: Women are granted the same rights as men when it comes to inheritance under the proposed UCC.
- Minimum Marriage Age: The UCC draft suggests setting the minimum age for women’s marriage at 21 years.
Conclusion
- Uttarakhand’s efforts to establish a Uniform Civil Code demonstrate its commitment to ensuring equal rights and justice for all.
- The careful drafting process, inclusive approach, and strong recommendations underscore the state’s determination to promote gender equality and eliminate regressive practices.
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Political Parties
Mains level: Read the attached story
Introduction
- Tamil superstar Thalapathy Vijay’s announcement of his political party has sparked interest in the process of registering political entities in India.
Creating a Political Party
- Legal Framework: Article 324 of the Indian Constitution and Section 29A of the Representation of the People Act, 1951 empower the Election Commission to lay down guidelines for party registration.
- Application: A party seeking registration must apply to the Election Commission within 30 days of its formation.
- Public Notice: The applicant must publish the proposed party name in two national and two local daily newspapers. The notice is also posted on the Election Commission’s website.
- Documentation: The application, in a prescribed format, must be sent to the Election Commission Secretary within 30 days of party formation. It should include a demand draft of Rs. 10,000, a printed copy of the party’s memorandum, rules, or constitution, and the latest electoral rolls for at least 100 party members.
- Affidavits: An affidavit, duly signed by the President or General Secretary and sworn before a Magistrate/Notary Public, is required. Additionally, individual affidavits from 100 members confirming non-membership in any other registered political party are essential.
Need for Registration
- Not Mandatory: Registration with the Election Commission is not mandatory but comes with advantages under the Representation of the People Act, 1951.
- Symbol Allotment: Registered party candidates receive priority in the allotment of free symbols over independent candidates.
- State or National Recognition: Parties can achieve recognition as ‘state parties’ or ‘national parties,’ subject to fulfilling conditions laid out in the Election Symbols (Reservation and Allotment) Order, 1968.
Recognition Criteria
- State Party: To be recognized as a state party, a registered party must meet any of these five conditions:
- Secure at least 6% of valid votes and win at least 2 seats in an Assembly General Election.
- Secure at least 6% of valid votes and win at least 1 seat in a Lok Sabha General Election.
- Win at least 3% of the seats or at least 3 seats, whichever is more, in an Assembly General Election.
- Win at least 1 out of every 25 seats from a state in a Lok Sabha General Election.
- Secure at least 8% of the total valid vote in an Assembly or Lok Sabha General Election.
- National Party: To attain national party status, a registered party must meet any of these three conditions:
- Secure at least 6% of valid votes in an Assembly or Lok Sabha General Election in four or more states and win at least 4 seats in a Lok Sabha General Election from any state.
- Win at least 2% of total Lok Sabha seats in a Lok Sabha General Election, spanning at least 3 states.
- The party is recognized as a State Party in at least four states.
Benefits of Recognition
- Reserved Symbol: State parties receive a reserved symbol within the state, while national parties can use the reserved symbol across the country.
- Nomination Ease: Such parties require only one proposer for filing nominations.
- Free Electoral Rolls: They are entitled to two sets of electoral rolls free of cost.
- Media Access: Recognized parties can use state-owned Akashvani/Doordarshan facilities for broadcasting/telecasting during general elections.
- Additional Perks: Recognized parties can avail of other advantages such as subsidized land for party offices, among others.
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Criminal Defamation, Law Commission
Mains level: Read the attached story
Introduction
- The 22nd Law Commission has recommended retaining criminal defamation as an offence in the new legal framework of Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita.
- The Law Commission’s report highlights the importance of protecting an individual’s reputation, grounded in Article 21 of the Constitution, which safeguards the right to life and personal liberty.
Key Recommendations: Upholding Reputation
- Invisible Asset: Reputation, a valuable asset, cannot be seen but is diligently built over a lifetime and can be tarnished in an instant.
- Essence of Protection: The jurisprudence around criminal defamation laws is rooted in the essence of safeguarding one’s reputation.
- Balancing Act: While acknowledging that criminal defamation might seem contradictory to freedom of speech and expression, the Law Commission suggests treading carefully.
- Harmful Speech: The Commission advises that speech should only be deemed illegal when it intends substantial harm, and when such harm becomes a reality.
What is Criminal Defamation?
- Defamation: Defamation entails the act of publishing damaging content that diminishes an individual’s or entity’s reputation, from the viewpoint of an ordinary person. In India, defamation is both a civil and criminal offense.
- Sections 499 and 500: These sections in the Indian Penal Code address criminal defamation. Section 499 defines the offense, while Section 500 outlines the associated punishment.
Arguments in Favor of Retaining Criminal Defamation
- Protection of Reputation: An individual’s reputation, an integral part of Article 21, is as vital as free speech.
- Balancing Act: The right to free speech (Article 19(1)(a)) must be balanced against the right to reputation (Article 21).
- Inadequate Compensation: Monetary compensation in civil defamation may not proportionately compensate for reputation harm.
- Editorial Responsibility: Editors bear the responsibility for published content, with significant consequences for individuals and the nation.
- Counteracting Online Defamation: In the absence of an effective internet censorship mechanism, criminalizing defamation is a necessary safeguard.
- State’s Interest: Criminalizing defamation is part of the state’s compelling interest to protect citizens’ dignity and reputation.
Arguments against Retaining
- Chilling Effect: Criminal defamation may have a chilling effect on free speech, with a lower threshold for prosecution than civil damages.
- Media Freedom: Freedom of speech and media expression is crucial for vibrant democracies, and the threat of prosecution can stifle truth.
- Misinterpretation of Dissent: Dissent may be misconstrued as unpalatable criticism, leading to imprisonment under Sections 499 and 500 of IPC.
- Collective Reputation: The right to reputation cannot extend to collectives like the government, which can rectify reputational damage.
- Redundancy: Since civil defamation remedies exist, retaining criminal defamation may serve little purpose except coercion and harassment.
- Global Trend: Many nations, including neighbouring Sri Lanka and the UK, have decriminalized defamation.
- International Perspective: The International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights urges states to abolish criminal defamation as it intimidates citizens and deters exposing wrongdoing.
Conclusion
- Criminal defamation cases have been used to suppress investigative journalism, hindering democratic accountability.
- Criminal defamation should not be misused by the state, especially as the Code of Criminal Procedure gives public servants an advantage.
- Interim measures can ensure fair proceedings and prevent excessive penalties.
Back2Basics: Law Commission of India
|
Details |
| Establishment |
An executive body established by the Government of India, with the first commission established in 1955. |
| Tenure |
Each Law Commission serves a term of three years. |
| Function |
Acts as an advisory body to the Ministry of Law and Justice for legal reforms in India. |
| Recommendations |
The recommendations made by the Law Commission are not binding. |
| Historical Background |
The first Law Commission was established during the British Raj in 1834 by the Charter Act of 1833. |
| First Chairman |
The first Chairman of the Law Commission was Macaulay, who recommended the codification of laws. |
| Composition |
Typically consists of a full-time Chairperson, full-time Members, ex-officio Members, and part-time Members. |
| Terms of Reference |
Undertakes research and reviews of existing laws, recommends reforms, and studies justice delivery systems. |
| Major Reforms |
The Law Commission played a pivotal role in suggesting key enactments like the Indian Penal Code and Criminal Procedure Code. |
| Role in Legal Reforms |
Serves as both an advisory and critical body, with its recommendations often influencing legal reforms in India. |
| Supreme Court References |
The Supreme Court has referred to the work of the Law Commission and followed its recommendations in various cases. |
| Promotion of Accountability |
Aims to promote an accountable and citizen-friendly government, transparency, and the right to information. |
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Human Papillomavirus vaccination
Mains level: India's economic growth and achievements
Central Idea:
India has experienced a significant economic transformation, becoming the world’s fastest-growing economy. The Interim Budget reflects this progress, emphasizing preventive healthcare, innovation, and medical value travel. The private sector’s rising role is crucial for economic development and improving the overall quality of life.
Key Highlights:
- India’s rapid economic growth, outpacing the global average.
- Successful space program and adept management of renewable and non-renewable energy.
- Interim Budget aligns with the aspirations of a new India, emphasizing opportunities.
- Focus on preventive healthcare, particularly the promotion of HPV vaccination.
- Maternal and child health prioritized to enhance women’s participation in the workforce.
- Commitment to innovation with a ₹1 lakh crore corpus for research and technology.
- Medical value travel’s rising prominence, making India a global healthcare destination.
- Private sector’s significant role in economic growth and shaping the future.
Key Challenges:
- Ensuring sustained economic growth amidst global uncertainties.
- Scaling up preventive healthcare initiatives to cover various diseases.
- Balancing budget allocations to address healthcare needs adequately.
- Overcoming infrastructure challenges for medical value travel.
- Ensuring inclusive growth and managing disparities in economic development.
Key Terms:
- HPV Vaccination: Human Papillomavirus vaccination to prevent cervical cancer.
- Medical Value Travel: Tourism driven by healthcare services.
- Innovation Revolution: Emphasizing technology and research for development.
- Interim Budget: A temporary budget presented in the middle of a fiscal year.
Key Phrases:
- “Buoyancy of metrics and spirit.”
- “Innovation as a key pillar of development.”
- “Medical value travel transforming the landscape.”
- “Private sector rising beyond expectations.”
Key Quotes:
- “No country can afford it if its citizens fall ill.”
- “Innovation has the potential to create a significant impact at scale.”
- “India will truly be limitless if we continue to work together.”
Anecdotes:
- Reference to Aragonda in Andhra Pradesh, a village where HPV vaccination is being promoted.
- Mention of ‘Heal in India’ transforming the healthcare landscape.
Key Statements:
- “India’s space program has won the admiration of the world.”
- “Preventive health is crucial for the overall well-being of the nation.”
- “The private sector plays a meaningful role not just in the economy but in how we live our lives.”
Key Examples and References:
- India’s success in achieving a 70-year life expectancy with less than 2% budgetary allocation for health.
- The commitment of ₹1 lakh crore for innovation and technology in the Interim Budget.
Key Facts:
- India’s economic growth rate surpassing the global average.
- Increase in life expectancy from 53 to 70 years in the last four decades.
Key Data:
- ₹1 lakh crore corpus for research and technology in the Interim Budget.
- India’s growth rate compared to the global average.
Critical Analysis:
- The article provides an optimistic view of India’s economic growth and achievements.
- Emphasis on preventive healthcare and innovation aligns with global trends.
- Challenges include addressing healthcare needs comprehensively and ensuring inclusive growth.
Way Forward:
- Sustain economic growth through continued emphasis on innovation and technology.
- Strengthen preventive healthcare initiatives for comprehensive disease prevention.
- Address infrastructure challenges for medical value travel to enhance India’s global healthcare appeal.
- Ensure inclusive growth, managing economic disparities effectively.
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Fully accessible route (FAR) bonds
Mains level: India's efforts in integrating government bonds into global indices
Central Idea:
The article discusses India’s efforts to integrate its government bonds into global indices, focusing on J.P. Morgan and Bloomberg’s recent moves. It explores the potential benefits and risks associated with opening local bond markets to foreign investors, emphasizing the broader initiative to internationalize the Indian rupee. The author cautions against underestimating the risks involved in such a move and suggests a more cautious approach to currency internationalization.
Key Highlights:
- Timeline of Initiatives: The process of incorporating Indian government bonds into global indices began in 2019, with J.P. Morgan and Bloomberg making significant announcements in 2023 and 2024, respectively.
- Benefits of Internationalization: The article highlights potential benefits, including access to international resources, stability in funds tracking indices, and facilitating financing of current account and fiscal deficits.
- Original Sin Problem: Opening local currency bond markets helps shift exchange rate risk onto international lenders, addressing the “original sin” problem faced by emerging economies borrowing in reserve currencies.
- Loss of Autonomy and Risks: The internationalization of bond markets exposes emerging economies to a loss of autonomy, interest rate risks, and vulnerability to global liquidity conditions, as seen in past instances.
- Currency Internationalization: Besides bonds, the article discusses the broader effort to internationalize the Indian rupee, involving offshore markets and trade settlement in INR.
Key Challenges:
- Exchange Rate Volatility: Opening local currency bond markets makes inflows volatile due to exchange rate risk, leading to sudden stops and exits by foreign investors.
- Interest Rate Risks: Increased exposure to global interest rate fluctuations can impact long-term rates and domestic bond markets during periods of global market distress.
- Speculation and Instability: The creation of offshore markets for the Indian rupee poses risks of speculation and potential instability, as seen in the experiences of Malaysia and Türkiye.
Key Terms:
- Original Sin: The inability of emerging economies to borrow internationally in their own currencies, exposing them to exchange rate risk.
- Fully Accessible Route (FAR): A segment of Indian government bonds made officially accessible to foreign investors without constraints.
- Government Bond Index-Emerging Markets (GBI-EM): An index suite that includes local currency government bonds from emerging market countries.
Key Phrases:
- “Original sin problem”
- “Fully accessible route (FAR) bonds”
- “Currency internationalisation”
- “Offshore INR market”
Key Quotes:
- “Currency internationalisation cannot be decided in one day and pursued the next. It comes about after a long evolutionary process, when all the building blocks are in place.” – Y.V. Reddy
Key Statements:
- The move to include Indian government bonds in global indices is part of a broader effort to internationalize the Indian rupee.
- The risks associated with opening local bond markets are underestimated, and caution is advised in pursuing currency internationalization.
Key Examples and References:
- Malaysia and Türkiye Experiences: Instances of offshore market speculation leading to financial distress, with Malaysia implementing capital controls in 1998 and Türkiye taking measures against offshore lira speculation in 2022.
Key Facts:
- Timeline: The process of incorporating Indian government bonds into global indices started in 2019, with J.P. Morgan and Bloomberg making significant announcements in 2023 and 2024, respectively.
Key Data:
- Number of Banks Authorized: The RBI has granted authorization to 17 banks for settling trade in the Indian rupee across 18 countries, establishing 65 offshore deposit accounts.
Critical Analysis:
- The article critically examines the potential benefits and risks associated with the internationalization of bond markets and currencies, emphasizing the importance of a sustained development process and improved economic performance.
Way Forward:
- Suggests a cautious approach to currency internationalization, highlighting the need for all building blocks to be in place and emphasizing the role of sustained financial system development and improved economic performance.
In conclusion, the article provides a comprehensive overview of India’s efforts in integrating government bonds into global indices, discussing the associated benefits, risks, and broader initiatives for currency internationalization. It underscores the importance of a cautious approach and sustained development in managing financial integration.
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Ramsar Wetlands
Mains level: Read the attached story
Introduction
- Five more Indian wetlands have been added to the global list of wetlands of international importance under the Ramsar Convention, taking the total number of such highly recognised waterlogged ecosystems in the country to 80.
- India is now the fourth-largest nation on the Ramsar map, trailing only behind the UK (175), Mexico (144), and China (82).
- Tamil Nadu continues to have the maximum number of Ramsar sites (16) followed by Uttar Pradesh (10).
List of newly designated Ramsar Sites:
[1] Ankasamudra Bird Conservation Reserve (Karnataka):
- Spread over 98.76 hectares adjoining Ankasamudra village.
- A biodiversity hotspot with over 210 plant species, 8 mammals, 25 reptiles, and 240 bird species.
- Vital nesting and roosting ground for over 30,000 waterbirds, including the Painted Stork and Black-headed Ibis.
[2] Aghanashini Estuary (Karnataka):
- Covers 4,801 hectares at the confluence of Aghanashini River with the Arabian Sea.
- Offers flood and erosion risk mitigation, biodiversity conservation, and livelihood support.
- Sustains 6,000-7,500 families through fishing, agriculture, and traditional fish farming.
- Acts as a natural barrier against storms and cyclones.
[3] Magadi Kere Conservation Reserve (Karnataka):
- A human-made wetland spanning nearly 50 hectares, originally designed for rainwater storage.
- Home to 166 bird species, including 130 migratory birds.
- Sanctuary for vulnerable and near-threatened species like the Common Pochard, River Tern, and Oriental Darter.
- A crucial wintering ground for the Bar-headed Goose.
[4] Karaivetti Bird Sanctuary (Tamil Nadu):
- Encompassing 453.72 hectares, it’s one of Tamil Nadu’s largest inland wetlands.
- Facilitates groundwater recharge and supports agricultural activities.
- Hosts around 198 bird species, including the Bar-headed Goose and Common Teal.
[5] Longwood Shola Reserve Forest (Tamil Nadu):
- Named after “Solai,” meaning tropical rainforest in Tamil.
- Integral to the Western Ghats’ unique biodiversity.
- Provides sanctuary to globally endangered and vulnerable bird species like the Nilgiri Laughing Thrush, Nilgiri Blue Robin, and Nilgiri Wood-pigeon.
- Home to 14 of the 26 endemic bird species of the Western Ghats.
Back2Basics: Ramsar Convention
|
Explanation |
| Purpose |
International treaty aimed at conserving and promoting the sustainable use of wetlands. |
| Establishment |
Established on February 2, 1971, in Ramsar, Iran. |
| Participating Countries |
171 contracting parties (countries) as of September 2021. |
| India and Ramsar Convention |
The first Ramsar Site in India, the Chilika Lake in Odisha, was designated in 1981. |
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Sphaerotheca Varshaabhu
Mains level: Read the attached story
Introduction
- In a remarkable discovery, researchers have unveiled an entirely new frog species Sphaerotheca Varshaabhu, the rain-welcoming frog, thriving within the urban landscape of Bengaluru.
About Sphaerotheca Varshaabhu
- A Fresh Discovery: Sphaerotheca Varshaabhu is not just a frog; it’s a newly identified frog species.
- Name’s Significance: The name ‘Sphaerotheca Varshaabhu’ derives its meaning from its unique behavior of emerging from burrows with the onset of early showers, symbolizing its affinity for rain.
- Distinctive Attributes: This recently unearthed amphibian boasts distinctive characteristics that differentiate it from known frog species.
- Urban Adaptation: What sets Sphaerotheca Varshaabhu apart is its remarkable adaptation to urban surroundings. It showcases behaviors and physical attributes that equip it to overcome challenges posed by urbanization.
- Scientific Confirmation: The research team employed advanced genetic analysis, in-depth morphological studies, and bio-acoustics to definitively establish the distinctiveness of this newfound amphibian.
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