Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Contributory Pension Scheme
Mains level: Read the attached story
Central Idea
- A report on Kerala’s contributory pension scheme (introduced in 2013) has been released after a recent Supreme Court verdict.
- This scheme, introduced in 2013, has sparked a debate due to its financial impact on the state.
- Let’s take a closer look at the National Pension System (NPS), Kerala’s pension scenario, and the findings of the review committee report.
NPS: A Quick Recap
- What is NPS? The National Pension System (NPS) is a contributory pension scheme initiated by the Indian government in 2004, extending to various states, including Kerala.
- How It Works: Under NPS, a fund is built from contributions made by employees and employers during their employment. Unlike the previous pension scheme funded by the government, NPS involves purchasing an annuity scheme at retirement, providing the pensioner with an annuity.
Kerala’s Pension Scenario
- Pension Challenges: Kerala faces rising pension liabilities, mainly due to a high life expectancy post-retirement and an increasing number of employees enrolled in NPS.
- Budget Impact: The state allocates a significant portion of its budget to committed expenditure, including salaries, pensions, and interest payments. Pension accounts for 21% of this expenditure.
- Contributions: Employees who joined after April 2013 contribute 10% of their salary (including dearness allowance) to the NPS corpus.
The Review Committee Report
- No Revocation Recommended: The review committee did not recommend scrapping the NPS, stating it was legally sound.
- Alternative Recommendations: It suggested raising the state government’s contribution from 10% to 14% and including dearness allowance at 14%. The report also proposed allowing death-cum-retirement gratuity for NPS subscribers.
Why the Report Supports NPS?
- Long-Term Perspective: The committee viewed pension matters from a long-term perspective, stating that continuing NPS would eventually reduce pension outgo as a share of the state’s GDP.
- Reducing Revenue Deficit: As pension outgo decreases, the share of revenue deficit also falls, freeing up resources for capital spending and social services.
Arguments against NPS in Kerala
- Low Annuities: Retirees under NPS have reported receiving meager annuities compared to the old pension scheme.
- Market Risks: Concerns exist about the impact of stock market crashes on NPS investments, as contributions are invested in various assets.
- Demand for Reintroduction: Some states have reintroduced statutory pension schemes due to employee demand.
Conclusion
- The review report favors retaining NPS in Kerala, emphasizing its long-term financial benefits.
- However, concerns about low annuities and market risks persist, prompting some states to consider returning to the old pension scheme.
- The debate over Kerala’s contributory pension scheme continues amid financial and welfare considerations.
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: NA
Mains level: Guidelines for Speedy Disposal of Cases against Lawmakers
Central Idea
- The Supreme Court has issued guidelines to ensure the quick resolution of criminal cases involving Members of Parliament (MPs) and Members of Legislative Assemblies (MLAs) across India.
- These guidelines aim to address the long-pending issue of lawmakers facing criminal charges.
Background
- Advocate’s Plea: These directions were issued in response to a plea filed by advocate Ashwini Kumar Upadhyay in August 2016.
- Key Demands: Upadhyay’s plea sought the swift handling of cases involving legislators and a lifetime ban on convicted politicians, including those currently in office, instead of the existing six-year disqualification mentioned in Section 8(3) of the Representation of People Act, 1951.
Understanding the Representation of People Act (RPA), 1951
- Purpose: The RPA, 1951, introduced by Dr. BR Ambedkar, governs the conduct of elections to India’s parliament and state legislatures.
- Content: It covers various aspects, including qualifications and disqualifications for membership, corrupt practices, and offenses related to elections.
- Section 8: Section 8 of the RPA deals specifically with the disqualification of legislators on conviction for certain offenses, such as promoting enmity between groups, bribery, undue influence, and offenses related to hoarding, profiteering, or adulteration of food or drugs.
- Section 8(3): This subsection states that a person convicted of an offense and sentenced to imprisonment for at least two years will be disqualified from the date of conviction and continue to be disqualified for an additional six years after release. In essence, it imposes a six-year disqualification on individuals convicted of offenses with a minimum two-year prison sentence.
Supreme Court’s Ruling
- Guidelines for Speedy Disposal: The Supreme Court, led by CJI DY Chandrachud, laid down guidelines for the prompt resolution of pending criminal cases against lawmakers.
- Suo Motu Cases: High courts across India are directed to establish a “special bench” to oversee criminal cases involving legislators. High courts can also register such cases on their own initiative.
- Flexible Approach: The court allows the chief justices of high courts to hear these cases or designate specific benches for this purpose. These cases may be listed regularly if needed, and the special bench can seek assistance from the advocate general or prosecutor.
- High Court Role: To efficiently manage these cases, the Supreme Court leaves it to high courts to devise suitable measures.
- Priority Cases: The court emphasizes prioritizing cases against lawmakers that carry the possibility of death or life imprisonment. Cases with sentences of five years or more are also given priority.
- HC’s Authority: High courts are empowered to issue similar orders and directions for effective case disposal. They can involve the Principal District and Sessions Judge in allocating cases to appropriate courts.
Conclusion
- The Supreme Court’s guidelines are aimed at expediting the resolution of criminal cases against MPs and MLAs and ensuring justice is served promptly.
- While these guidelines address the issue of speedy disposal, the larger question of replacing the six-year disqualification with a lifetime ban remains open for future consideration.
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Election Expenditure in India
Mains level: Read the attached story
Central Idea
- Campaign financing plays a pivotal role in democratic societies, yet the approach to regulating it must be tailored to the nuances of each country’s political system.
- As exemplified by the United States and India, where political dynamics vary significantly, it is imperative to adopt a framework that aligns with the prevailing political landscape.
Tap to read more about Ceiling on Election Expenditures in India
https://www.civilsdaily.com/news/election-campaign-funding-by-political-parties/ |
Understanding Political Systems:
- US Individual-Centric Elections: In the United States, elections revolve around individual candidates and their campaign machinery, even at the national presidential level.
- India’s Party-Centric Politics: Conversely, India, akin to most parliamentary systems, places political parties at the core of electoral politics. Therefore, India’s campaign finance framework should primarily focus on parties rather than individual candidates.
Key Aspects of an Effective Framework:
A comprehensive campaign finance framework necessitates attention to four critical facets: regulating donations, imposing expenditure limits, public financing, and disclosure requirements.
(A) Donations:
- Regulation and Limitation: To prevent undue influence, some individuals or organizations, such as foreign entities, may be prohibited from making contributions.
- Donation Limits: Donation limits are crucial to thwart the dominance of a few major donors, be they individuals, corporations, or civil society organizations. For instance, the US employs varying contribution limits based on donor types, while the UK relies on expenditure limits.
(B) Expenditure Limits:
- Balancing Political Competitiveness: Expenditure limits serve as a bulwark against a financial arms race among political parties, allowing them to focus on winning votes rather than fundraising.
- Examples: In the UK, political parties are restricted from spending more than £30,000 per contested seat. However, the US’s expansive interpretation of the First Amendment has hindered efforts to impose expenditure limits.
(C) Public Financing:
- Two Approaches: Public funding can be allocated based on predetermined criteria, like Germany’s system that considers past votes, membership fees, and private donations. Alternatively, democracy vouchers, as seen in Seattle, USA, allow voters to allocate public funds to candidates of their choice.
- Challenge: Public funding may complement private donations but does not fully address the task of regulating private money.
(D) Disclosure Requirements:
- Balancing Transparency and Anonymity: Disclosure nudges voters away from electing politicians involved in quid pro quo arrangements. However, mandatory disclosure isn’t always desirable, as it may deter donations by exposing donors to retaliation.
- Anonymity’s Role: Anonymity can protect donors from retribution or extortion. Striking a balance between transparency and anonymity is a challenge faced by many jurisdictions.
Chilean Experiment: Complete Anonymity?
- Chile’s “Reserved Contributions”: Chile’s system aimed at “complete anonymity” allowed donors to contribute to political parties via the Electoral Service, which forwarded the sum without revealing the donor’s identity.
- Coordination Challenges: Despite the intent for complete anonymity, coordination between donors and parties compromised the system’s efficacy.
Balancing Transparency and Anonymity in Political Finance
- An Effective Approach: Many jurisdictions strike a balance by allowing anonymity for small donors while mandating disclosure for large donations.
- Examples: In the UK, political parties must report donations exceeding £7,500 in a year, while the US and Germany set limits at $200 and €10,000, respectively.
- Rationale: Small donors typically have less influence and are more vulnerable to partisan victimization, while large donors may engage in quid pro quo arrangements.
Challenges in India’s Framework
- Lack of Donation Limits: India has no limits on individual or corporate contributions, and the 2017 Finance Act removed official contribution limits.
- Expenditure Limits: Parties can spend freely, albeit not on individual candidates.
- Disclosure Requirements: Parties are only obligated to disclose donations exceeding ₹20,000, creating a loophole as they split large donations into smaller amounts.
- Electoral Bonds: Since 2017, electoral bonds have allowed large donors to hide their contributions.
Changing Dynamics in Indian Politics
- Involvement of Third Parties: India has witnessed a surge in the engagement of political consultancies, campaign groups, and civil society organizations in political campaigns, mirroring trends seen in the US.
- Need for Rethinking: The evolving political landscape necessitates a reevaluation of India’s 20th-century political funding framework.
Conclusion
- Crafting a campaign finance framework requires an astute understanding of a nation’s political system and its nuances.
- By adapting strategies that regulate donations, impose expenditure limits, facilitate public financing, and balance transparency with anonymity, countries like India can ensure that their campaign finance frameworks evolve to meet the challenges of the modern political landscape.
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Central idea
Delhi grapples with severe smog, prompting emergency measures to curb pollution, including restricting vehicles. Despite past efforts to mitigate vehicular emissions, the city faces challenges in reducing dependence on personal vehicles. The article emphasizes the need for stronger political will, effective restraints, and enhanced public transport to address the persistent air quality and mobility crisis in Delhi.
Key Highlights:
- Delhi faces severe smog, prompting emergency measures to curb pollution, including restrictions on vehicles.
- Vehicles contribute significantly to Delhi’s air pollution, with official data indicating a 40% emission of particulate load.
- Despite previous efforts, vehicular emissions remain challenging to mitigate, with over 80 lakh on-road vehicles in Delhi.
Challenges:
- Cumulative emissions from increasing vehicle numbers and congestion undermine emission improvements per unit.
- Personal automobile dependence persists, with a 47% growth in car numbers during 2022-23.
- The shift to public transport is hindered by inadequate infrastructure, low passenger numbers per bus, and a lack of effective restraints on personal vehicle usage.
Key Phrases:
- “Crippling mobility crisis” in Delhi due to emergency measures restricting vehicles.
- “Gut reaction” to underplay the role of vehicles in air pollution amid public criticism.
Analysis: The article underscores the persistent challenge of vehicular emissions in Delhi, despite past efforts to curb pollution. It highlights the need for a substantial shift to public transport to address the mobility crisis and reduce dependence on personal vehicles.
Key Data:
- Over 80 lakh on-road vehicles in Delhi, with car numbers witnessing a 47% growth in 2022-23.
- Transport diesel consumption reduced by 46% between 2014 and 2022.
- Only 7,041 buses against the mandated 10,000, with a 48% drop in passengers carried per bus since 2017-18.
Key Facts:
- Despite emission improvements, Delhi’s air quality remains a concern, leading to emergency measures.
- Public transport ridership faces challenges, with a drop in passengers per bus and increased empty kilometres.
- The article emphasizes the need for stronger political will to restrain personal vehicle usage and promote public transport.
Way Forward:
- Strengthen political will to implement effective restraints on personal vehicle usage, such as parking rules and congestion pricing.
- Focus on making integrated public transport more convenient, accessible, and affordable.
- Implement scalable solutions, including a dense street network for walking and cycling, and housing closer to transit nodes.
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Schemes and facts
Mains level: Evaluation of schemes
Central idea
The article scrutinizes various Union government welfare schemes, citing issues in health insurance, education, water mission, nutrition, financial inclusion, and minority scholarships. It urges corrective measures to rectify identified challenges, emphasizing the reassessment of budget allocations for improved transparency and program efficacy.
Key Highlights:
- Critique of BJP’s welfare schemes, questioning their effectiveness and highlighting discrepancies.
- Examination of schemes like Ayushman Bharat, Beti Bachao Beti Padhao, Jal Jeevan Mission, PM POSHAN, Jan Dhan Yojana, and Minority Scholarships.
- Mention of the Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) report exposing issues in Ayushman Bharat, including fraudulent practices.
- Emphasis on the allocation and utilization of funds in schemes like Beti Bachao Beti Padhao and PM POSHAN.
- Challenges in the implementation of Jal Jeevan Mission, particularly the slow progress in providing functional tap connections.
- Criticism of the decrease in allocation for PM POSHAN despite the persisting issue of child malnutrition.
- Statistics revealing issues in Jan Dhan Yojana, including a high percentage of zero-balance accounts and decreased claim settlements.
Key Phrases for mains marks enhancement:
- “Hype than substance” in describing BJP’s welfare schemes.
- “Glaring discrepancies” in the Ayushman Bharat scheme, as highlighted by CAG.
- “Measly budget allocation” for Beti Bachao Beti Padhao and structural barriers to girls’ education.
- “Certified” villages under Jal Jeevan Mission and the slow progress in providing tap connections.
- “Decrease in allocation” for PM POSHAN despite the prevalence of child malnutrition.
- “Zero balance accounts” and “dormant or inoperative” Jan Dhan accounts.
- “Discontinuation” and “reduction of funding” for Minority Scholarships, impacting educational opportunities.
Analysis:
The article critically examines several welfare schemes launched by the BJP government, questioning their impact and effectiveness. It highlights discrepancies in implementation, allocation, and utilization of funds in schemes related to healthcare, education, water supply, nutrition, and financial inclusion. The analysis draws attention to issues such as fraudulent practices, slow progress in achieving objectives, and reductions in budget allocations despite persistent challenges.
Key Data:
- 5 lakh beneficiaries linked with a single cell phone number in Ayushman Bharat.
- 80% of Beti Bachao Beti Padhao funds spent on media campaigns.
- Only 35% of villages under Jal Jeevan Mission certified for providing drinking water.
- Rs 11,600 crore allocation for PM POSHAN in 2023, a 9% decrease from the previous year.
- Over 8% of Jan Dhan accounts as zero balance, and 18% either dormant or inoperative.
- Discontinuation of the Maulana Azad Fellowship scheme and reduction of funds for Minority Scholarships.
Ayushman Bharat:
- Challenges: Glaring discrepancies highlighted by the CAG, including fraudulent practices and data manipulation.
- Analysis: The scheme faces credibility issues due to these discrepancies, raising questions about its transparency and effectiveness.
- Way Forward: Implement corrective measures based on the CAG report findings to ensure transparency and accountability.
Beti Bachao Beti Padhao:
- Challenges: Heavy spending on media campaigns (80%), structural barriers hindering girls’ education.
- Analysis: Allocation concerns and structural barriers indicate shortcomings in achieving the scheme’s objectives.
- Way Forward: Reevaluate budget allocations, focusing on direct implementation and addressing barriers to girls’ education.
Jal Jeevan Mission:
- Challenges: Slow progress in providing functional tap connections, only 35% of villages certified.
- Analysis: Concerns about achieving objectives by the 2024 deadline due to slow progress and incomplete certifications.
- Way Forward: Intensify efforts to expedite tap connections and ensure the certification of remaining villages.
PM POSHAN:
- Challenges: Decreased budget allocation (9% reduction), persisting child malnutrition issues.
- Analysis: Despite the prevalence of child malnutrition, reduced funding raises concerns about the scheme’s impact.
- Way Forward: Reconsider budget decisions to align with the magnitude of challenges and enhance the effectiveness of nutritional interventions.
Jan Dhan Yojana:
- Challenges: High percentage of zero-balance accounts (8%) and decreased claim settlements.
- Analysis: Issues with inactive accounts and declining claim settlements indicate challenges in the scheme’s implementation.
- Way Forward: Enhance outreach and awareness programs to ensure the effective utilization of financial inclusion schemes.
Minority Scholarships:
- Challenges: Discontinuation of Maulana Azad Fellowship, reduction of funds for educational opportunities.
- Analysis: Discontinuation and reduced funding impact educational opportunities for minorities.
- Way Forward: Reconsider decisions to discontinue or reduce funding, supporting educational opportunities for minorities.
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Statistical data
Mains level: Growth sectors
Central idea
India’s robust economic growth faces challenges in digital inclusion, governance equity, and managing post-COVID-19 effects. Government initiatives, encompassing reforms, infrastructure focus, and poverty alleviation, drive progress. Recognizing successes and addressing shortcomings is vital for informed public discourse and sustained development momentum.
Key Highlights:
- Impressive Economic Growth: India’s post-COVID-19 economic growth is remarkable, with FY2023 showing a YoY growth of 7.2%, the fastest among major economies.
- Policy Reforms Driving Growth: Government initiatives, including economic liberalization, Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code (IBC), demonetization, GST, and corporate tax reduction, have propelled India’s economic trajectory.
- Inclusive Growth Focus: The government’s commitment to “Sabka Saath Sabka Vikas” reflects in poverty alleviation, rural welfare, and inclusive growth measures, leading to improved living standards.
- Multidimensional Poverty Reduction: NITI Aayog’s report indicates a significant reduction in multidimensional poverty, with 13.5 crore Indians escaping poverty between 2015-16 and 2019-21.
- Agricultural Success: Support for agriculture has resulted in unprecedented growth in fruits, vegetables, dairy, livestock, and fishery, enhancing the nutritional value of the food basket.
Challenges:
- Critique of Growth Metrics: Some critics argue for using compound annual growth rates post-COVID-19, questioning the validity of YoY growth rates as a true measure of economic progress.
- Long Road to High-Income Status: Acknowledging the challenges, India recognizes the need for sustained efforts to achieve high-income status and a high quality of life for its citizens.
Key Phrases for mains value addition:
- “Fastest-growing major economy”: The tagline emphasizes India’s rapid economic growth in the global context, driven by its large size and robust domestic demand.
- “Sabka Saath Sabka Vikas”: The government’s inclusive growth mantra focusing on uplifting people above the poverty line through various support initiatives.
- “Multidimensional Poverty”: NITI Aayog’s report highlights a significant decline in multidimensional poverty, reflecting comprehensive progress.
Analysis:
The article underscores the importance of considering YoY growth rates as a measure of post-pandemic progress and highlights the success of government reforms in driving economic growth and inclusive development.
Key Facts/Data for value addition:
- India is the fifth largest economy globally and projected to become the third largest by 2027.
- The Capex budget of the central government has risen from 1.6% of GDP in FY19 to 2.7% in FY23, further budgeted to increase to 3.3% in FY24.
Government Measures Since 2014:
- Government initiatives post-2014 aim to boost the economy, including liberalization, the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code, demonetization, GST rollout, and corporate tax reduction.
- In FY22, a substantial Capex program and state-level resource support aimed to bridge infrastructure gaps and attract private corporate investment.
Poverty Alleviation and Rural Welfare:
- Government commitment to ‘Sabka Saath Sabka Vikas’ reflects a focus on inclusive growth, poverty reduction, skill development, and infrastructure enhancement.
- NITI Aayog’s report highlights a significant reduction in multidimensional poverty, particularly in rural areas, with improved living standards and health indicators.
Innovative Way Forward:
- Digital Inclusion for Economic Growth: Accelerate digital inclusion strategies to empower citizens, enhance education, and facilitate online business, fostering economic growth.
- Green Infrastructure Development: Prioritize sustainable and green infrastructure projects, aligning with global environmental goals, to ensure long-term economic resilience.
- Blockchain for Financial Inclusion: Leverage blockchain technology to enhance financial inclusion, enabling secure and transparent transactions, especially in rural and underserved areas.
- AI-driven Skill Development: Implement artificial intelligence (AI) in skill development programs, customizing learning paths and enhancing employability in emerging sectors.
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Pusa-2090
Mains level: NA
Central Idea
- In response to stubble burning challenge, the Indian Agricultural Research Institute (IARI) has developed Pusa-2090, an improved version of Pusa-44, offering similar yields but with a shorter maturity period.
About Pusa-2090
- Development: IARI developed Pusa-2090 by crossing Pusa-44 with CB-501, an early-maturing Japonica rice line known for stronger stems and higher grain production.
- Advantages: Pusa-2090 offers the same high yields as Pusa-44 but matures in just 120-125 days, addressing the stubble-burning issue.
- Field Testing: The variety has undergone successful trials in Delhi and Odisha, and Punjab farmers have reported promising results.
- Economic Benefits: Pusa-2090’s potential to match Pusa-44’s yields with a shorter duration makes it an attractive option for farmers.
Replacing Pusa-44
- Pusa-44 in Punjab: In the current kharif season, Punjab has planted 5.48 lakh hectares with Pusa-44, accounting for over 17% of the state’s total paddy area.
- Long Maturation Period: Pusa-44 takes 155-160 days to mature, delaying the availability of fields for the next wheat crop.
- Stubble Burning: To prepare fields for the next crop, farmers resort to burning the remaining stubble after harvesting Pusa-44, contributing to air pollution.
- Alternative Varieties: While there are alternative varieties like PR-126 with a shorter maturation period, their yields are lower than Pusa-44, impacting farmers’ income.
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Kerala Organic Farming Mission
Mains level: NA
Central Idea
- In a proactive move towards sustainable and climate-smart farming, the Kerala Government has launched the Organic Farming Mission.
Kerala Organic Farming Mission
| Objective |
Expand organic farming to 5,000 hectares in 5 years |
| Annual Target |
Convert 1,000 hectares annually |
| Governance Structure |
Governing council chaired by Agriculture Minister
Executive committee with government and farm sector reps |
| Area Allocation |
State Agriculture department’s farms allocate 10% for organic |
| Long-term Commitment |
Beneficiaries commit to organic farming for at least 5 years |
| Certification & Marketing |
Enhance certification, branding, and marketing
Implement organic farming protocols aligned with standards |
| Value Addition |
Focus on adding value to organic products |
| Access to Resources |
Ensure access to quality seeds and production equipment
Utilize various channels like small-scale units, collectives,Karshika Karma Sena, Kudumbasree, Krishisree Centre, Agro Service Centres |
| Local Engagement |
Collaborate with Krishikoottam collectives and FPOs |
| Complementary Mission |
Poshaka Samriddhi Mission dedicated to millet and vegetable production for sustainable agriculture |
Complementary Mission: Poshaka Samriddhi
- In addition to the Organic Farming Mission, the Kerala Government created the Poshaka Samriddhi Mission in September 2023.
- This initiative is dedicated to ramping up millet and vegetable production, furthering the state’s commitment to sustainable agriculture.
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: GM Insects
Mains level: Read the attached story
Central Idea
- In April 2023, the Department of Biotechnology (DBT) issued the ‘Guidelines for Genetically Engineered (GE) Insects’.
- The guidelines note that GE insects are becoming globally available and are intended to help Indian researchers navigate regulatory requirements.
- However, the guidelines don’t specify the purposes for which GE insects may be approved in India or how the DBT, as a promoter of biotechnology, envisions their use.
Genetically Modified Insects (GE Insects)
- A genetically modified insect is any insect whose genetic material has been altered using genetic engineering techniques.
- GE insects offer multiple benefits, such as reducing disease burden, ensuring food security, and conserving the environment.
- India’s bioeconomy contribution is expected to reach 5% of GDP by 2030, and GE insects play a crucial role in achieving this goal.
- GE insects find applications in vector management, crop pest control, healthcare product production, and genetic improvement of beneficial insects.
Guidelines for GM Insects
- Nodal Agency: The Department of Biotechnology (DBT) under the Ministry of Science and Technology (MoST) is the nodal agency and promoter of biotechnology in India.
- Purpose: The Guidelines provide procedural roadmaps for those interested in creating GE insects.
- Harmonization: The guidelines have been harmonized with guidance from the World Health Organization on GE mosquitoes, emphasizing their potential applications in disease control.
Why discuss this?
- India’s bioeconomy, currently contributing 2.6% to the GDP, aspires to reach 5% by 2030, requiring substantial investment and supportive policies.
- However, the Department of Biotechnology (DBT) faces challenges in both funding and policy alignment with these goals.
Challenges in Biotechnology Funding
- Stagnating Funding: Biotechnology funding in India has stagnated, with no return to pre-pandemic levels. The current allocation stands at a mere 0.0001% of India’s GDP, insufficient to drive meaningful growth.
- Impact on Pandemic Preparedness: Inadequate funding hampers pandemic preparedness efforts, undermining national interests and health security.
- Lack of Private Investment: Attracting private investment for biotechnology research and development is challenging and necessitates enhanced funding efforts.
Policies for a Thriving Bioeconomy
Guidelines for Genetically Engineered (GE) Insects: In April 2023, the DBT released guidelines for GE insects, offering procedural guidance but revealing three key issues.
(1) Uncertainty of Purpose
- The guidelines lack clarity regarding the purposes for which GE insects may be approved in India, hindering alignment with the broader bioeconomy commitment.
- Emphasis is placed on improving disease management, food security, and environmental conservation, but the economic potential of GE insects is underemphasized.
(2) Uncertainty for Researchers
- The guidelines only apply to research and not confined trials or deployment, limiting researchers’ options.
- Deployment of GE insects requires community engagement and monitoring due to potential environmental impacts, but criteria for approval remain unclear.
- The absence of clarity on government support for specific insect applications discourages research investment.
(3) Uncertainty of Ambit
- Ambiguity surrounds the definition of ‘beneficial’ GE insects, creating uncertainty among funders and scientists.
- Lack of precise guidelines inhibits progress, particularly in a country with limited public and private funding.
- Inadequate consideration of potential misuse or unintended consequences adds to the uncertainty.
Way forward
- To achieve the ambitious bioeconomy goals set out in the Bioeconomy 2022 report, India must address challenges in biotechnology funding and policy alignment.
- Increased funding, private sector engagement, and clear, supportive policies are essential.
- The guidelines for GE insects should reflect economic opportunities and research priorities, fostering a thriving bioeconomy that benefits India’s society, economy, and environment.
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Loss and Damage Fund (LDF)
Mains level: Read the attached story
Central Idea
- In the escalating climate crisis, the terms “adaptation” and “loss and damage” (L&D) have taken center stage.
- While the concept was embraced at COP 27, recent meetings of the Transitional Committee (TC) to operationalize the fund have encountered major roadblocks.
Birth of the L&D Fund
- Historic Pollution Accountability: The call for affluent nations to acknowledge their historical pollution accountability dates back over 30 years.
- COP 19 Agreement: In 2013, at COP 19 in Warsaw, Poland, member countries formalized the creation of the L&D fund. It aimed to provide financial and technical support to economically developing nations grappling with L&D due to climate change.
- Subsequent Developments: COP 25 introduced the Santiago Network for L&D, and COP 26 established the Glasgow Dialogue on finance for L&D. COP 27 in November 2022 saw the creation of the L&D fund and a Transitional Committee (TC) tasked with operationalizing the fund.
Challenges in Creation of the L&D Fund
- Contentious Issues: TC meetings have grappled with contentious issues such as hosting the fund at the World Bank, the principle of common but differentiated responsibilities (CBDR), climate reparations, and eligibility criteria for developing nations.
- Developed vs. Developing Nations: These disagreements have deepened the divide between developed and developing nations, hampering progress.
Outcome of TC4 and TC5 Meetings
- TC4 Impasse: The fourth meeting of the TC concluded without a consensus on how to operationalize the L&D fund, reflecting divisions on key issues.
- TC5 Draft Recommendations: An impromptu fifth meeting of the TC led to draft recommendations forwarded to COP 28. Developing nations conceded to the fund being hosted by the World Bank temporarily, but developed nations, including the U.S., remained non-committal regarding primary donor status and rejected references to CBDR, equity, and liability in the draft.
- Lack of Clarity: The draft does not specify the fund’s size due to pressure from certain developed nations.
A blow to climate multilateralism
- Erosion of Trust: The outcome underscores a severe trust deficit between affluent and emerging economies concerning historical responsibilities, deepening the rift between wealthy and impoverished nations.
- Failure to Fulfill Commitments: The unwillingness of wealthy nations to fulfill intended commitments undermines global climate negotiations, cooperation, and climate justice.
- Humanitarian Consequences: The watering down of the L&D fund can lead to humanitarian crises, food shortages, displacement, conflict, and exacerbate the suffering of vulnerable communities.
- Economic and Environmental Impact: It also has economic consequences, with potential financial crises and environmental degradation, exacerbating global economic instability.
- Security Implications: Climate-induced instability may lead to security implications as conflicts emerge in vulnerable nations, threatening to spill across borders.
L&D as Part of Climate Justice
- Balancing Adaptation and L&D: Adaptation and L&D are not mutually exclusive but coexist on the continuum of climate resilience.
- Moral and Financial Responsibility: Addressing L&D is a moral and financial responsibility of affluent nations, ensuring climate justice, equity, and solidarity.
- Global Climate Action: Failure to meet these obligations can derail global climate action, adding pressure to future COP talks.
Conclusion
- The protracted impasse surrounding the Loss and Damage fund reflects a troubling lack of consensus and trust between nations, hindering climate justice and cooperation.
- As the world grapples with the consequences of climate change, balancing adaptation and addressing L&D remains paramount.
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Airshed
Mains level: Transboundary nature of Delhi Air Pollution Menace
Central Idea
- The annual recurrence of ‘severe’ air quality levels in the Delhi-National Capital region and surrounding areas during winter often leads to the misconception that air pollution is a seasonal issue primarily driven by farm residue burning.
- However, this perception falls short of the complex, year-round, multi-source, and multi-pollutant nature of the problem.
This article highlights the need to adopt a comprehensive, science-backed approach to address air pollution effectively.
Year-round, Multi-source Pollution
- Misconception: Labelling air pollution as a ‘winter’ problem caused solely by farm residue burning oversimplifies the issue.
- Complex Reality: Air pollution is a continuous problem arising from various sources, not confined to a particular season.
- Ineffectiveness of City-Centric Strategies: Current initiatives like the National Clean Air Programme (NCAP) focus on cities, ignoring the transboundary nature of pollution.
Transboundary Air Pollution
- Understanding Dispersion: Pollution emitted in one region can significantly impact air quality in another due to transboundary dispersion.
- Inter-state Implications: Weather, topography, and climatic conditions influence transboundary dispersion, creating challenges for downwind regions.
- Limited Jurisdictional Power: Downwind regions often lack the authority to regulate upwind pollution sources, rendering mitigation strategies ineffective.
Need for Airshed Air Pollution Management
- Defining Airsheds: An airshed is a geographic area governed by common meteorology, topography, and climate, impacting air mass dispersion.
- Global Precedents: Countries like the United States, China, and the European Union have implemented effective regional airshed-level frameworks.
Policy Levers in India
- Existing Legal Framework: The Commission for Air Quality Management in National Capital and Adjoining Areas (CAQM) Act, 2021 recognizes the transboundary nature of air pollution.
- Expanding Scope: The Air Act, 1981, can be expanded to cover multiple jurisdictions and pollution sources under a single air quality management framework.
- Global Experiences: Drawing lessons from frameworks like the Cross-State Air Pollution Rule (CSAPR) in the US and the Long Range Transboundary Air Pollution (LRTAP) in Europe can inform India’s approach.
Implementation Challenges
- Accountability: Holding upwind polluting regions accountable for transboundary pollution remains a challenge, necessitating legal mechanisms and cooperation.
- Conflict Resolution: Implementing a formal procedure for resolving conflicts arising from the interpretation or application of airshed-level frameworks is crucial.
- Political Will: Ensuring consistent implementation of air quality management measures despite bureaucratic cycles and political considerations is a persistent challenge.
- Cross-Boundary Cooperation: Encouraging cooperation between jurisdictions and regions to collectively address air pollution requires coordinated efforts.
- Data Integration: Integrating data from diverse sources and ensuring uniformity in air quality monitoring can be challenging.
Way Forward
- Legal Framework Expansion: Expanding the scope of the Air Act, 1981, to encompass multiple jurisdictions and pollution sources under a single air quality management framework.
- Global Lessons: Drawing lessons from international frameworks like the Cross-State Air Pollution Rule (CSAPR) and Long Range Transboundary Air Pollution (LRTAP) to inform India’s approach.
- Accountability Measures: Legally binding upwind polluters to address transboundary pollution through mitigation plans.
- Scientific Independence: Separating scientific and technical activities from political negotiations to ensure data-driven decisions.
- Conflict Resolution Mechanism: Implementing a mechanism for resolving disputes arising from framework interpretation or application.
- Promoting Change: Integrating an airshed-level framework within existing legal structures or introducing a new framework to deliver cleaner air for citizens.
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: CAG
Mains level: Social Audit
Central idea
The article highlights the pivotal role of the Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) in India’s democracy, emphasizing citizen engagement, social audits, and capacity building for local governance. It underscores challenges in finding skilled personnel and the imperative to ensure effective grassroots service delivery. The way forward involves an international center for local governance and online courses to address competency gaps.
Key Highlights:
- Role of CAG in Democracy: Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) ensures transparency, accountability, and financial integrity. Maintains separation of powers and promotes good governance through audit findings.
- Citizen-Centric Approach: Emphasis on citizen engagement for better audit focus. Use of technology and digital solutions to enhance citizen involvement.
- Social Audit and Local Governance: Introduction of social audit as a tool for citizen oversight. Empowering Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs) and urban local bodies for grassroots participation.
- Capacity Building and Online Courses: Collaboration with Institute of Chartered Accountants for online courses. Aiming to create a pool of competent accountants for local governance.
Challenges:
- Competent Accountants Shortage: Difficulty in finding skilled accountants for local governments, especially in remote areas.
- Grassroots Service Delivery: Ensuring effective delivery of devolved functions at the grassroots level.
- Capacity Building Imperatives: The article highlights the necessity for robust capacity-building initiatives to overcome challenges and strengthen local self-governance.
Key Terms:
- Devolved Functions: Functions transferred to local governments for implementation.
- Audit Diwas: Day marking the commencement of registration for online courses on November 16, 2023.
Key Phrases:
- Citizen Oversight: Involving citizens in identifying high-risk areas for audit.
- Social Audit: Facilitating citizen engagement through regular audits and follow-up actions.
- Capacity Building: Strengthening local governance through training and online courses.
Analysis:
The article underscores the critical role of CAG in upholding democratic principles and the evolving strategies to enhance citizen engagement. It highlights challenges in local governance, emphasizing the need for skilled personnel and effective service delivery at the grassroots.
Key Facts/Data:
- The Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Audit of Scheme Rules was notified in 2011 to facilitate social audits.
- The 73rd and 74th Constitutional amendments created a three-tier structure for rural self-governance.
Way Forward:
- International Centre for Local Governance: Establishing a center for excellence to enhance the capacity of local government auditors globally.
- Online Courses: Introducing online courses to address the shortage of competent accountants for local bodies.
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: cognisable offences
Mains level: e-FIR
Central idea
The Law Commission proposes e-FIR registration for unknown accused in cognizable offenses, combining electronic submission with physical signing within three days. Despite ensuring swift crime registration, concerns arise over limited efficacy, emphasizing the importance of human intervention, especially in cases requiring immediate police involvement. The article suggests exploring e-authentication techniques for enhanced verification.
What is e-FIR?
- Definition: Digital system for reporting crimes to the police.
- Process: Information submitted online through a national portal. Complainant required to physically sign the report within a specified timeframe (usually three days).
- Objective: Streamline crime registration with initial electronic submission.
Key provisions of law commissions report
- e-FIR Recommendation: Proposal for e-FIR registration in all cognizable offenses with unknown accused. Verification through OTP and Aadhaar ID proof suggested by the Law Commission.
- Verification Process: Complainant verification through OTP for authenticity. Aadhaar ID proof mandated to confirm the complainant’s identity.
- Information Deletion: Automatic deletion of unverified information within two weeks. Complainant’s failure to sign the e-FIR within the prescribed time leads to deletion.
- Timeframe for Physical Signing: Complainants given three days to physically sign the e-FIR for formal registration. Failure to sign within the stipulated time results in non-registration.
- Human Intervention: The article emphasizes the importance of human interaction in certain cases, suggesting that electronic registration may be suitable only for offenses where immediate police interaction is not crucial.
What are cognisable offences?
- Cognizable Offenses Definition: Offenses for which police can make an arrest without a warrant. Immediate police action is permissible upon receiving information or a complaint.
- Serious Nature: Generally involves more severe crimes. Examples include murder, robbery, kidnapping, and certain types of fraud.
- No Court Permission Needed: Law enforcement can initiate an investigation without court authorization. Immediate action can be taken by the police upon learning about the offense.
- Jurisdictional Variations: Classification as cognizable or non-cognizable may vary in different legal systems. The severity and nature of offenses determine their categorization.
Challenges:
- Limited Efficacy: The concept of e-FIR relies on obtaining information electronically but requires physical signatures within a prescribed time, limiting the effectiveness of the online process.
- Lack of Discussion: The article notes that the Law Commission did not discuss models adopted by states currently lodging e-FIRs, leading to potential gaps in understanding the practical implementation.
Key Phrases:
- Cognizable Offenses: Offenses for which police can make an arrest without a warrant.
- E-authentication Technique: The use of digital signatures or e-authentication techniques, not extensively discussed in the Law Commission’s recommendations.
- Human Interaction: Highlighted as crucial, especially in cases like kidnapping, where immediate police involvement is essential for both medical examinations and crime scene visits.
Key Facts/Data:
- Verification Methods: OTP and Aadhaar are suggested as methods for verifying the complainant’s identity in the e-FIR process.
- Three-Day Timeframe: Complainants have three days to physically sign the e-FIR; otherwise, the information is automatically deleted from the portal.
Way Forward:
- Mandating E-authentication: The article suggests considering the use of e-authentication techniques, such as digital signatures, to enhance the verification process and facilitate immediate e-FIR registration.
- Clarification on Models: The Law Commission and states should provide clearer insights into the practical models adopted for e-FIR registration, addressing potential gaps in the recommendations.
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Kangani System
Mains level: Decolonization
Central idea
The article explores the historical exploitation of indentured labor, particularly focusing on the plight of Plantation Tamils in Sri Lanka. Shashi Tharoor emphasizes the challenges, discrimination, and struggles faced by this community, calling for a post-colonial, inclusive identity and highlighting the importance of decolonization in shaping a more equitable future for nations with colonial histories.
What is indentured labour?
- Definition: Indentured labor is a historical practice where individuals, often from impoverished backgrounds, enter a contract (indenture) with an employer.
- Terms: In exchange for their service, laborers receive passage, accommodation, and sometimes wages, binding them to work for a specified number of years (typically 4 to 7).
- Purpose: Common during the 17th to 20th centuries, indentured labor served as a substitute for slavery, especially in regions where slavery had been abolished.
Key Highlights:
- Bicentenary Commemoration: The article discusses the recent commemoration of the bicentenary of Tamil indentured laborers’ arrival in Sri Lanka, emphasizing the historical significance of this event.
- Impact of British Empire: Shashi Tharoor highlights the detrimental impact of the British Empire’s policies, including the exploitation of colonies, draining of resources, and the introduction of indentured labor as a form of bonded servitude.
- Plight of Plantation Tamils: The article sheds light on the challenges faced by Plantation Tamils in Sri Lanka, detailing their exploitation, discrimination, and struggles for basic rights, identity, and integration.
- Identity and Integration: Despite adversities, Plantation Tamils forged an identity rooted in Tamil traditions and values. The article acknowledges their journey towards integration and efforts to reclaim their heritage as equal citizens of Sri Lanka.
Challenges faced by these labors :
- Indentured Labor Exploitation: The article highlights the exploitative nature of indentured labor, depicting the harsh conditions, misinformation, and economic hardships faced by laborers brought to distant lands.
- Discrimination and Statelessness: Plantation Tamils faced discrimination by colonial practices, being labeled “foreigners” and rendered stateless. Discriminatory laws, like the Citizenship Act of 1948, further marginalized them.
- Kangani System: The detrimental role of the sub-contractor system, known as kanganies, is discussed, emphasizing the abuse of power and exploitation faced by Indian laborers even after the indenture period.
| Highly important term from prelims perspective
Kangani System:
Role: Kangani was like a boss who hired and supervised workers.
Function: Managed laborers on plantations, overseeing their work.
Abuse of Power: Kangani could be unfair, exploiting workers and causing them to be in debt.
After Work Ended: Unlike other workers, Plantation Tamils had no escape from the kangani system even after their work time was over.
Restrictions: Workers couldn’t ask to go home or buy land because of unclear contracts with the kangani. |
Key Phrases:
- Licensed Looting: Describes the initial phase of the British imperial project as a form of licensed looting in service of crude capitalism.
- Indentured Labour: Refers to the replacement of slavery with bonded servitude, termed “indentured labor,” as a consequence of the abolition of slavery.
- New Kind of Slavery: Hugh Tinker’s characterization of indentured labor, highlighting its exploitative and degrading nature.
- Decolonization: Stresses the importance of post-colonial countries breaking free from oppressive practices and attitudes inherited from their imperial rulers.
Analysis: Tharoor critically analyzes the historical exploitation by the British Empire, juxtaposing the wave of liberal humanism in Europe with the continued oppression in the colonies. He underscores the challenges faced by Plantation Tamils, portraying their struggle for identity and integration as a valorous subaltern endeavor.
Key Data/Facts:
- Bicentenary: Marks the 200th anniversary of Tamil indentured laborers’ arrival in Sri Lanka in November 1823.
- Citizenship Act of 1948: The legislation rendered Plantation Tamils stateless, hindering their assimilation into Sri Lankan society.
- Economic Shift to Tea: The shift from coffee to tea plantations in Sri Lanka resulted in a massive transfer of Indian Tamils due to increased demand for labor.
Way Forward:
- Decolonization: Tharoor emphasizes the need for post-colonial countries like Sri Lanka to actively decolonize themselves from oppressive practices inherited from imperial rulers.
- Inclusive Identity: The article suggests that forging an inclusive, post-colonial identity for all people in Sri Lanka should be central to the nation-building process.
- Land Ownership: The government’s potential plan to divide plantations, making workers owners of the land they work on, is seen as a positive step, representing a potential way forward.
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Hypertension
Mains level: Not Much
Central Idea
- An analysis of recent National Family Health Survey data, as published in the journal JAMA, has revealed substantial disparities in the prevalence, diagnosis, treatment, and control of hypertension within Indian states and districts.
- These disparities underscore the need for targeted and decentralized solutions to address the complexities of hypertension care across the nation.
What is Hypertension?
- Hypertension, commonly known as high blood pressure, is a medical condition in which the force of blood against the walls of the arteries is consistently too high.
- Blood pressure is measured in millimetres of mercury (mm Hg) and is expressed as two numbers: systolic pressure over diastolic pressure.
- The systolic pressure represents the force when the heart contracts, while the diastolic pressure represents the force when the heart is at rest between beats.
- Normal blood pressure is typically around 120/80 mm Hg. Hypertension is diagnosed when blood pressure consistently measures at or above 130/80 mm Hg.
- However, different organizations may have slightly different guidelines for defining hypertension.
Key Findings of the Study
- National-Level Observations: The national-level data reveals a common trend – a significant proportion of individuals with hypertension remain undiagnosed, and even among those diagnosed, many do not initiate treatment. Moreover, among those who commence treatment, few achieve adequate blood pressure control.
- Inter-State Variation: The study notes that while the prevalence of hypertension is comparable in southern states, it is notably higher than the national average, with 29.9% of the population in these states affected compared to 26.8% nationally.
- District-Level Disparities: The study highlights substantial variations within states. For instance, in Meghalaya, the prevalence of hypertension differs significantly across Garo Hills, Jaintia Hills, and Khasi Hills districts, affecting the diagnosis rates. A similar scenario is observed in Karnataka’s Chikmagalur, Shimoga, Udupi, and Chitradurga districts.
Impact of Demographics and Education
- Gender and Age: Despite hypertension being more prevalent in men, the data surprisingly reveals that women are more likely to be diagnosed, receive treatment, and achieve blood pressure control.
- Socio-Economic Status: Individuals in the wealthiest quintile demonstrate higher rates of prevalence, diagnosis, treatment initiation, and control.
- Education Level: Completion of schooling correlates with better rates of diagnosis, treatment, and control compared to those with no schooling or up to Class 11.
Significance of Inter-State and Inter-District Variability
- Resource Allocation: District-level data can guide state governments in allocating resources efficiently. It helps identify districts with a high prevalence of hypertension that may require increased screening and diagnostic facilities or better accessibility to medicines.
- Continuum of Care: Managing chronic conditions like hypertension requires a distinct healthcare approach. Ensuring regular availability of medicines, digitization of records for follow-ups, and the establishment of accessible treatment centers are critical components of an effective continuum of care.
Controlling Hypertension in India
- WHO’s Call to Action: The World Health Organization (WHO) emphasizes the potential to avert nearly 4.6 million deaths in India by 2040 if half of hypertensive individuals can control their blood pressure.
- Government Initiative: India launched a comprehensive initiative in 2023 to treat 75 million people with hypertension or diabetes by 2025. This endeavor extends beyond infrastructure expansion to active screening, treatment initiation, medication accessibility, and follow-up mechanisms.
Conclusion
- India’s quest to bridge the gaps in hypertension care demands a multifaceted approach.
- The district-level insights offered by this study can guide policymakers in crafting targeted solutions, ultimately enhancing the continuum of care for hypertension and contributing to better public health outcomes.
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Read the attached story
Mains level: NA
Central Idea
- Silk, often hailed as the queen of fibers, boasts a rich and diverse history, with roots stretching back over 5,000 years to ancient China.
- Its story encompasses the transition from the wild silk moth (Bombyx mandarina) to the domesticated silk moth (Bombyx mori), offering a fascinating glimpse into human ingenuity and nature’s adaptability.
Silk Moth Domestication
- Ancient Beginnings: Humans began domesticating silk moths from the wild Bombyx mandarina in China, marking the dawn of sericulture.
- Global Reach: The domesticated Bombyx mori moth, significantly larger than its wild ancestor, now thrives worldwide, including in India.
- Silk Powerhouse: India’s prowess in silk production makes it the second-largest raw silk producer globally, after China.
Silkworms and Mulberry Leaves
- Exclusive Diet: Caterpillars, known as silkworms, feed solely on the leaves of mulberry plants (genus Morus).
- Cocoon Construction: The domesticated silk moth extrudes silk fibers of remarkable length, up to 900 meters, to construct larger cocoons. These caterpillars have lost the ability to fly and their pigmentation, adapting to human care.
Diversity in Silk
- Wild Silk Varieties: “Wild” silks, including muga, tasar, and eri, are derived from various moth species such as Antheraea assama, Antheraea mylitta, and Samia cynthia ricini.
- Contrasting Characteristics: Non-mulberry silks differ significantly from mulberry silks, featuring shorter, coarser, and harder threads.
The Enigmatic Cocoon Colors
- Natural Variations: Domesticated silk moth cocoons come in a stunning array of colors, including yellow-red, gold, flesh, pink, pale green, deep green, and white.
- Human Influence: Selective breeding for differently colored cocoons aimed to create colored silks, but these pigments are water-soluble, eventually fading. Acid dyes are used to achieve colored silks in the market.
- Origins of Pigments: Pigments in cocoons are derived from carotenoids and flavonoids produced by mulberry leaves. Silkworms ingest these chemicals, which are then bound to silk proteins and spun into a single fiber.
Mutant Strains and Genetic Insights
- Valuable Resource: Mutant strains of silk moths have emerged due to mutations in genes governing pigment uptake, transport, and modification.
- Diversity from Domestication: Silk domestication’s molecular basis has been primarily explored in China and Japan, with notable contributions from Indian scientists.
Decoding Cocoon Colors: A Model Emerges
- Genetic Factors: Researchers at Southwest University in Chongqing, China, proposed a model explaining how different mutations create diverse cocoon colors.
- Key Genes: Genes like Y, C, F, Rc, and Pk play roles in pigment transportation and absorption, leading to variations in cocoon colors.
- Green Cocoon Mystery: Mutations in the Y gene result in green cocoons when carotenoids are not absorbed, but flavonoids are. The intensity of green depends on other genes’ mutations, affecting flavonoid uptake.
- Flavonoid Cluster: A cluster of closely related genes influences flavonoid uptake in cocoons.
Gene Manipulation and Domestication
- Hybrid Offspring: Researchers have created hybrid moths by interbreeding domesticated and ancestral silk moths.
- Apontic-like Gene: Mutations in the apontic-like gene revealed differences in melanin production between domesticated and wild silk moths.
- Regulatory Sequences: Variations in gene regulation sequences dictate when and where genes are activated or deactivated.
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: NA
Mains level: Power transmission
Central Idea
- In 1954, India’s first Prime Minister, Jawaharlal Nehru, referred to dams as “the temples of modern India” during a visit to the Bhakra Nangal Dam site.
- This statement emphasized the critical role of electricity in the nation’s development and its transmission as the cornerstone of economic progress.
This article offers a simplified introduction to the world of electric power transmission.
Three Components of Power Supply
- Generation: Electricity is generated at power plants, including renewable energy installations.
- Transmission: It involves the distribution of electricity through a network comprising substations, switches, overhead and underground cables, transformers, and more.
- Distribution: The final step is delivering electricity to consumers, tailored to the requirements of various machines and applications.
Key Principles of Electric Power Transmission
- Efficiency and Voltage: Lower current and higher voltage enhance transmission efficiency. Transformers play a crucial role in voltage manipulation, stepping it up before transmission and reducing it for consumers.
- Resistance and Cable Thickness: Transmission cables exhibit resistance, leading to energy loss. Thicker cables minimize losses but also increase costs.
- Distance and Transmission Cost: Longer transmission distances result in lower costs.
- Alternating Current (AC): AC power transmission is predominant due to its adaptability and higher efficiency compared to direct current (DC). However, higher AC frequencies result in increased resistance.
Understanding AC Power
- Three-Phase AC: AC power transmission commonly utilizes three-phase AC, where voltage periodically changes polarity.
- Phases in AC: In a three-phase AC circuit, three wires carry AC current in different phases, typically at 120°, 240°, and 360°.
- AC in Household Appliances: Consumers receive three-phase AC power, which is used in household appliances for ease of control.
Transmission Process
- Voltage Stepping: Voltage is stepped up at power plants using transformers before being transmitted.
- Transmission Lines: Suspended from transmission towers, transmission lines carry the electricity across long distances.
- Safety Measures: Insulators, circuit-breakers, grounding, arresters, and dampers ensure safe and stable transmission.
- Switches: Used to control current availability and to redirect currents between lines.
- Substations: Different types of substations perform tasks like power collection, frequency modification, voltage reduction for distribution, and diagnostics.
Operation of Power Grids
- National Grids: A national grid encompasses generation, transmission, and distribution. It must accommodate various power sources, production locations, and consumption patterns.
- Storage Facilities: Grids include storage systems to manage surplus and deficit power supply.
- Flexible Sources: Gas turbines and automated systems respond to fluctuating consumer demand or emergencies.
- Grid Management: Grids maintain synchronized frequencies, manage demand, control voltage, and improve power factor.
- Wide-Area Synchronous Grids: Such grids, where all generators produce AC at the same frequency, result in lower costs but require measures to prevent cascading failures.
Key agencies in Power Transmission
India’s power transmission sector relies on key agencies to manage and enhance the electricity grid. These include:
- State Transmission Utilities (STUs): Managing intrastate power transmission within each state.
- National Load Despatch Centre (NLDC): Maintaining national power balance and grid security.
- Regional Load Despatch Centres (RLDCs): Overseeing regional power operations and grid stability.
- Central Electricity Regulatory Commission (CERC): Regulating tariffs and power transmission at the national level.
- State Electricity Regulatory Commissions (SERCs): Regulating power transmission within individual states.
- Private Transmission Companies: Collaborating with government agencies for grid expansion and modernization.
Conclusion
- Electric power transmission is a complex but vital aspect of modern civilization, serving as the backbone of economic development.
- Understanding its basic principles sheds light on the intricate network that powers our lives and fuels progress.
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: deepfake
Mains level: Discussions on Deepfakes
Central idea
The article highlights challenges in deepfake regulation using the example of the Rashmika Mandanna video. It calls for a balanced regulatory approach, citing existing frameworks like the IT Act, and recommends clear guidelines, public awareness, and potential amendments in upcoming legislation such as the Digital India Act to effectively tackle deepfake complexities.
What is deepfake?
- Definition: Deepfake involves using advanced artificial intelligence (AI), particularly deep learning algorithms, to create manipulated content like videos or audio recordings.
- Manipulation: It can replace or superimpose one person’s likeness onto another, making it appear as though the targeted individual is involved in activities they never participated in.
- Concerns: Deepfakes raise concerns about misinformation, fake news, and identity theft, as the technology can create convincing but entirely fabricated scenarios.
- Legitimate Use: Despite concerns, deepfake technology has legitimate uses, such as special effects in the film industry or anonymizing individuals, like journalists reporting from sensitive or dangerous situations.
- Sophistication Challenge: The increasing sophistication of AI algorithms makes it challenging to distinguish between genuine and manipulated content.
Key Highlights:
- Deepfake Impact: The article discusses the impact of deepfake technology, citing the example of a viral video of actor Rashmika Mandanna, which turned out to be a deepfake.
- Regulatory Responses: It explores different approaches to regulate deepfakes, highlighting the need for a balanced response that considers both AI and platform regulation. Minister Rajeev Chandrasekhar’s mention of regulations under the IT Act is discussed.
- Legitimate Uses: The article recognizes that while deepfakes can be misused for scams and fake videos, there are also legitimate uses, such as protecting journalists in oppressive regimes.
Challenges:
- Regulatory Dilemma: The article points out the challenge of finding a balanced regulatory approach, acknowledging the difficulty in distinguishing between lawful and unlawful uses of deepfake technology.
- Detection Difficulty: Advancements in AI have made it increasingly difficult to detect deepfake videos, posing a threat to individuals depicted in such content and undermining trust in video evidence.
- Legal Ambiguities: The article highlights legal ambiguities around deepfakes, as creating false content is not inherently illegal, and distinguishing between obscene, defamatory, or satirical content can be challenging.
Key Facts:
- The article mentions the viral deepfake video of Rashmika Mandanna and its impact on the debate surrounding deepfake regulations.
- It highlights the challenges in detecting the new generation of almost indistinguishable deepfakes.
Government Actions:
- Legal Frameworks in Action: The Indian government relies on the Information Technology (IT) Act to regulate online content. For instance, platforms are obligated to remove unlawful content within specific timeframes, demonstrating an initial approach to content moderation.
- Policy Discussions on Deepfakes: Policymakers are actively engaging in discussions regarding amendments to the IT Act to explicitly address deepfake-related challenges. This includes considerations for adapting existing legal frameworks to the evolving landscape of AI-generated content.
What more needs to be done:
- Legislative Clarity for Platforms: Governments should provide explicit guidance within legislative frameworks, instructing online platforms on the prompt identification and removal of deepfake content. For instance, specifying mechanisms to ensure compliance with content moderation obligations within stringent timelines.
- AI Regulation Example: Develop targeted regulations for AI technologies involved in deepfake creation. China’s approach, requiring providers to obtain consent from individuals featured in deepfakes, serves as a specific example. Such regulations could be incorporated into existing legal frameworks.
- Public Awareness Campaigns: Drawing inspiration from successful public awareness initiatives in other domains, governments can implement campaigns similar to those addressing cybersecurity. These campaigns would educate citizens about the existence and potential threats of deepfakes, empowering them to identify and report such content.
- Global Collaboration Instances: Emphasizing the need for global collaboration, governments can cite successful instances of information-sharing agreements. For example, collaboration frameworks established between countries to combat cyber threats could serve as a model for addressing cross-border challenges posed by deepfakes.
- Technological Innovation Support: Encourage research and development by providing grants or incentives for technological solutions. Specific examples include initiatives that have successfully advanced cybersecurity technologies, showcasing the government’s commitment to staying ahead of evolving threats like deepfake.
Way Forward:
- Multi-pronged Regulatory Response: The article suggests avoiding reactionary calls for specialized regulation and instead opting for a comprehensive regulatory approach that addresses both AI and platform regulation.
- Digital India Act: The upcoming Digital India Act is seen as an opportunity to address deepfake-related issues by regulating AI, emerging technologies, and online platforms.
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: NACP
Mains level: One Health approach
Central idea
The article delves into the alarming air pollution crisis in Delhi and the National Capital Region, highlighting global and local concerns. It emphasizes the health impact of air pollution, particularly on vulnerable groups like children, and evaluates India’s National Clean Air Programme (NCAP) and potential strategies for effective air quality management.
Key Highlights:
- Air Quality Crisis: Delhi and the National Capital Region face a severe air pollution crisis, with the Air Quality Index (AQI) touching 500, prompting various restrictions and interventions.
- Global Air Pollution Concerns: Air pollution is a global issue, affecting low- and middle-income countries the most. The World Health Assembly Resolution 68.8 emphasizes addressing the health impact of air pollution, highlighting its role in millions of global deaths.
- India’s Efforts: The National Clean Air Programme (NCAP) launched in 2019 aims to reduce PM10 and PM2.5 concentrations by 20-30% by 2024 through diverse interventions targeting vehicular pollution, industrial emissions, waste management, and more.
| Let’s revise for prelims
India’s National Clean Air Programme (NCAP)
Ministry Under Which NCAP Operates: Operated under the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC).
Establishment and Jurisdiction: Launched in 2019 to address air pollution and improve air quality. Encompasses various interventions to reduce pollution levels.
Objective: Aims to achieve a 20-30% reduction in concentrations of PM10 and PM2.5 by 2024 (base year, 2017).
Key Components: Focuses on reducing vehicular pollution through regulatory norms. Promotes public transport and enhances infrastructure. Addresses industrial emissions, waste management, and stubble burning.
Legal Framework: Aligned with existing environmental laws and regulations. Operates within the framework of the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986. |
Challenges:
- Health Impact: Air pollution, laden with pollutants like PM2.5, leads to severe health consequences, including cancer, cardiovascular diseases, respiratory issues, and neurological disorders.
- Vulnerability of Children: Children are particularly vulnerable due to developing lungs, higher exposure, and increased susceptibility to neurotoxic compounds, leading to various health issues.
- Social Gradient in Exposure: Studies indicate that air pollution often exhibits a social gradient, impacting marginalized communities more, challenging the notion that it affects everyone equally.
Key Phrases:
- Air Quality Index (AQI): Measures air pollution levels, categorized into ranges with associated health advisories. Delhi’s AQI touching 500 signifies hazardous air quality.
- NCAP: India’s National Clean Air Programme, launched to combat air pollution, emphasizing reductions in PM10 and PM2.5 concentrations through diverse strategies.
- One Health Approach: Recognizes the interconnectedness of human, animal, and environmental health, urging comprehensive actions to address the impact of land, air, and water use on well-being.
Analysis:
- Global Concerns: Nearly 90% of the global population breathes air exceeding prescribed pollution limits, with low- and middle-income countries facing the most significant impact.
- NCAP Effectiveness: The NCAP outlines specific interventions to combat air pollution, but the effectiveness of measures like the odd-even scheme in Delhi is debated, with studies showing mixed results.
Key Data:
- Health Impact: Air pollution contributes to chronic diseases and cancer, with a third of deaths from major diseases linked to air pollution, rivaling the impact of smoking.
- Global Scenario: Delhi ranked as the most polluted city globally in terms of fine particulate matter, emphasizing the urgent need for comprehensive air quality management.
Way Forward:
- Stringent Standards: Evolve more stringent air quality standards, considering the absence of safe thresholds, especially for particulates and ozone.
- Airshed-Centric Approach: Transition from city-centric to airshed-centric air quality management, recognizing the local factors affecting pollutant dispersion.
- Global Cooperation: Leverage international platforms like the G20 to address pollution in the context of climate action and promote a One Health approach globally.
In essence, the article underscores the critical need for immediate and comprehensive measures to combat the escalating air pollution crisis, emphasizing the global and local impact on health and the environment.
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: NCRB
Mains level: Mental Health
Central idea
The article sheds light on the alarming rates of student suicides in Kota, primarily attributed to academic pressure. It explores the various pressures students face, their coping mechanisms, and the significant impact on mental health, emphasizing the urgent need for institutionalized counseling and holistic well-being programs.
Key Highlights:
- Student Suicides in Kota: According to NCRB data in 2021, student suicides in India accounted for 8% of total suicides. Kota, a prominent coaching hub, witnessed 25 suicides this year, raising concerns about academic pressure.
- Impact of NEET and JEE Exams: Students believe clearing these exams is crucial for a better life, leading to heightened stress. Almost 20% often suffer from thoughts related to under-performing, impacting mental health.
- Contributing Factors: Parental pressure, financial stress, and peer pressure contribute to students’ anxieties. Loneliness is prevalent, with 53% experiencing it occasionally.
Different Kinds of Pressures:
- NEET and JEE Significance: Students perceive success in NEET and JEE exams as vital for a better future, intensifying academic pressure.
- Fear of Under-Performance: Nearly 20% constantly grapple with thoughts of potential consequences if they under-perform, leading to heightened stress levels.
- Immediate Family Influence: Students with family members who studied in Kota before them often face additional academic pressure.
- Parental Expectations: Almost 10% experience frequent parental pressure, while a quarter encounters it occasionally, affecting mental well-being.
- Gender Disparity: Girls tend to face slightly higher parental pressure compared to boys, highlighting gender-specific challenges.
- Financial Pressure: 6% of students frequently feel financial stress, and 25% experience it occasionally, adding to the array of pressures.
Impact on Mental Health:
- Post-Coaching Mental Health: Close to 30% report a decline in mental health after joining coaching classes, indicating the adverse impact of the academic environment.
- Body Pain and Emotional Changes: A significant portion experiences heightened nervousness, mood swings, and physical discomfort, adversely affecting mental health.
- Loneliness Prevalence: More than half (53%) experience loneliness occasionally, reflecting the emotional toll of the academic journey in Kota.
- Psychological Strain: Emotional challenges such as increased nervousness, mood swings, and loneliness affect approximately three in every ten students.
- Anger and Frustration: Nearly 30% feel a rise in anger, and over a quarter report increased frustration and fear, showcasing the multifaceted impact on emotional well-being.
Challenges and concerns:
- Deteriorating Mental Health: Close to 30% feel their mental health worsened after joining coaching classes. Over 40% feel more fatigued, and many report increased nervousness, loneliness, and mood swings.
- Limited Professional Help: Despite poor mental health indicators, only 3% seek assistance from mental health professionals, emphasizing a lack of awareness and proactive initiatives.
- Need for Proactive Measures: Almost half (48%) don’t feel the need for mental health visits, underlining the necessity for more proactive efforts in promoting mental well-being.
- Advocacy for Mental Health: The data highlights the urgency of institutionalized counseling mechanisms and increased awareness to encourage young individuals to prioritize mental health.
Way Forward:
- Implementing Comprehensive Counseling: Establishing structured counseling services within coaching centers and Kota to address students’ mental health needs.
- Promoting Awareness: Conducting awareness campaigns to emphasize the importance of seeking professional mental health support.
- Integrating Holistic Approaches: Incorporating holistic well-being programs that address not only academic stress but also overall physical and mental health.
- Educational Initiatives: Launching educational initiatives to equip students with coping skills and stress management techniques.
- Scholarship Programs: Expanding scholarship programs to ease financial burdens and create a more inclusive educational environment.
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