Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Global Tax Evasion Report
Mains level: Call for tax on billionaires
Central Idea
- The release of the ‘Global Tax Evasion Report’ marks a pivotal moment in the global fight against tax evasion.
- This report serves as a comprehensive analysis of the state of global taxation and its implications.
About Global Tax Evasion Report
- The ‘Global Tax Evasion Report’ is compiled by the EU Tax Observatory, a research institution specializing in international tax matters, established in 2021.
- This inaugural edition of the report is the result of collaborative efforts involving over 100 researchers from across the globe, working alongside tax authorities.
- It represents the first systematic attempt to analyze available data in the field of taxation.
Global Minimum Tax for MNCs
- Established in October 2021 by 136 countries, including India, setting a 15% global minimum tax rate for MNCs.
- Major economies are aiming to discourage multinational companies from shifting profits – and tax revenues – to low-tax countries regardless of where their sales are made.
|
Tax Haven
A tax haven is a foreign country or corporation used to avoid or reduce income taxes, especially by investors from another country. A tax haven is a country or place that has a low rate of tax so that people choose to live there or register companies there in order to avoid paying higher tax in their own countries. |
Key Findings of the GTE Report
The report uncovers the following pivotal findings:
- Reduction in Offshore Tax Evasion: Wealthy individuals’ offshore tax evasion has significantly declined over the past decade, primarily due to the automatic exchange of bank information, resulting in a three-fold reduction in evasion.
- Profit Shifting to Tax Havens: MNCs shifted approximately $1 trillion to tax havens in 2022, accounting for 35% of their global profits. This has led to a substantial loss in global corporate tax revenues, impacting approximately 10% of total collections, with U.S. multinationals playing a prominent role.
- Global Minimum Tax Impact: The expected positive impact of the 15% global minimum tax rate on MNCs has been weakened by various loopholes.
- Low Taxation for Billionaires: Billionaires globally often experience effective tax rates ranging from 0% to 0.5% of their wealth, utilizing shell companies to evade income taxes.
- Aggressive Tax Competition: New forms of aggressive tax competition have emerged, eroding government revenues and exacerbating inequality.
Proposed solutions
- Empowering ‘Automatic Exchange of Bank Information’: Launched in 2017 to combat offshore tax evasion by affluent individuals. Facilitated the sharing of deposit information with foreign tax authorities.
- Global Minimum Tax on Billionaires: Proposes a 2% global minimum tax on billionaires, mirroring the model for MNCs, ensuring minimum tax rates for the wealthiest individuals.
- Strengthening Global Minimum Tax for MNCs: Advocates for reinforcing the global minimum tax for MNCs while eliminating existing loopholes, potentially augmenting global corporate tax revenues by $250 billion annually.
- Fair Allocation of Additional Revenues: Proposes mechanisms for equitable distribution of additional tax revenues generated by these measures among countries.
Conclusion
- The GTE report illuminates substantial progress in curbing tax evasion while underscoring persistent challenges and reform opportunities.
- The proposed solutions aim to foster international collaboration in addressing tax-related issues and promoting fiscal equity on a global scale.
Get an IAS/IPS ranker as your 1: 1 personal mentor for UPSC 2024
Attend Now
Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Food Production stats
Mains level: Read the attached story
Central Idea
- Recent data from the agriculture ministry has revealed that India achieved record-high food production in the 2022-23 fiscal year.
- However, this surge in production appears to be at odds with the government’s decision to restrict the export of key staples like wheat and rice, as well as the persistent trend of rising food inflation.
Food Production Statistics
- Record-High Food Production: The agriculture ministry estimates food production for 2022-23 at a historic 329.7 million tonnes, marking a 4.5% increase from the previous year.
- Cereal Production: Major cereal production, including rice and wheat, rose by 4.9% and 2.6%, respectively. Coarse grain production surged by 12%, while pulses production experienced a 4.4% year-on-year decline but remained 6% higher than the five-year average.
- Challenges Faced: These estimations were made despite adverse conditions such as subpar monsoons affecting rice output and late rains causing damage during crop harvesting.
Inconsistencies in the Data
- Export Curbs: In September 2022, India imposed export curbs on broken rice and imposed a 20% duty on certain varieties due to expected domestic production challenges. These curbs have since intensified.
- Wheat Export Ban: Last year, a miscalculation of wheat harvest, primarily due to a heatwave, led to export bans in May 2022, despite promises to bridge global supply gaps after Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
- Rising Food Prices: Despite record production and export restrictions, retail prices for cereals have continued to surge. Wheat and rice prices have been in double digits, with consumer cereal prices up by 11% year-on-year, and pulses registering a 16.4% increase. As of October 21, retail prices for rice and wheat flour were 12.7% and 5% higher year-on-year, respectively.
Prospects for 2023-24
- Kharif Production Estimate: The first advance estimate for kharif production, typically released in September, is yet to be published. This year’s monsoon, with the lowest rainfall in five years and uneven distribution, is expected to impact rice production, the main kharif crop.
- Pulses and Oilseeds: Additionally, reduced rainfall in several states may affect pulses and oilseeds production. Retail prices for specific pulse varieties like tur (pigeon peas) have already surged by 38% compared to the previous year.
Challenges in Robust Crop Estimations
- Reliability of Data: National crop yield estimates rely on crop-cutting experiments conducted by state revenue and agriculture departments, raising concerns about the accuracy of data collection, particularly in understaffed state departments.
- Remote Sensing: India is using remote sensing to cross-verify the data, yet reliability remains a challenge, especially for crops with multiple harvests.
- Horticulture Crops: Estimating yield for horticulture crops, which are harvested in stages, is even more complex than for food grains.
Conclusion
- India’s agricultural landscape presents a perplexing scenario with record-high food production, export restrictions, and stubborn food inflation.
- The government’s efforts to stabilize prices through export curbs have not yielded the expected results.
- As India navigates the complexities of its agricultural sector, it must address the discrepancies in data collection and explore innovative approaches to ensure accurate estimates and sustainable food security.
Get an IAS/IPS ranker as your 1: 1 personal mentor for UPSC 2024
Attend Now
Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: EIA
Mains level: vulnerability of the Indian Himalayan Region and need for EIA
What’s the news?
- In light of the recent Teesta dam breach in Sikkim and floods in Himachal Pradesh, the potential negative impact of developmental activities on our ecology, especially in the mountains, is evident.
Central idea
- The recent Teesta dam breach in Sikkim and devastating floods and landslides in Himachal Pradesh have underscored the destructive consequences of our current development model. It is crucial to evaluate the environmental repercussions of significant human endeavors in order to strike a balance between development and ecological preservation.
What is EIA?
- Definition: EIA, or Environment Impact Assessment, is a process defined by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) to gauge the environmental, social, and economic impacts of a project before implementation.
- Functions: It contrasts various project alternatives, predicts environmental consequences, and suggests appropriate mitigation strategies.
EIA’s Historical Development in India
- 1976–77: A precursor to EIA began with an evaluation of river valley projects.
- 1994: The Union Ministry of Environment, Forests, and Climate Change introduced the first EIA notification.
- 2006: The 2006 notification decentralized the process, allowing states to issue EC (Environmental Clearance) in specific cases. This policy was later amended for refinement.
- The 2020 draft EIA was criticized as favoring industries while neglecting ecological concerns.
EIA 2006 Notification’s Scope and Limitations
- It establishes the procedure for giving EC.
- Only specific projects listed in the attached schedule require an EC.
- It categorizes projects (e.g., mining, power generation). However, the threshold limits for requiring an EIA remain consistent nationwide.
The Potential of EIA for Sustainable Development
- Informed Decision-Making: EIA provides data for informed choices that balance development with environmental concerns.
- Early Risk Identification: EIA identifies and mitigates potential environmental harm, promoting sustainable project designs.
- Public Participation: EIA’s public consultations enhance transparency and inclusive decision-making.
- Legal Framework: EIA is part of the legal framework for environmental protection, ensuring adherence to standards.
- Long-Term Focus: EIA emphasizes long-term sustainability by assessing projects’ lasting impacts.
Ignoring the Himalayan region
- Inconsistency: Despite understanding the unique needs of the Indian Himalayan Region (IHR), its vulnerabilities aren’t addressed separately in the EIA.
- Issue: Both the old and 2020 draft notifications don’t differentiate the IHR from the rest of India in terms of development needs.
- Impact: This oversight results in the Himalayan States facing yearly devastation from extreme weather conditions.
Flaws in the Graded Approach
- The current approach differentiates risk based on location (e.g., reserved forest, national park). But the IHR, despite its ecological significance, is treated the same as other regions.
Proposed Solutions
- Differentiate environmental standards for projects in the IHR.
- Address IHR-specific concerns at all EIA stages.
- Include provisions about the IHR in general conditions for all projects.
Existing Issues with the EIA
- Lack of Oversight: There is no national regulator for transparent project appraisal and monitoring.
- Reactive Nature: EIA currently reacts to proposals rather than preempting them.
- Biased Assessments: Often, EIAs are in favor of projects because they’re funded by the project proponent.
- Limited Scope: The current process doesn’t adequately consider the cumulative impacts of multiple projects in a region.
Conclusion
- The EIA process, especially concerning the IHR, requires a comprehensive review. Exploring tools like strategic environmental assessment can be more effective in addressing the cumulative impact of development in regions like the IHR. Policymakers should prioritize the environment and ecology in their developmental plans.
Get an IAS/IPS ranker as your 1: 1 personal mentor for UPSC 2024
Attend Now
Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Siena Galaxy Atlas
Mains level: Not Much
Central Idea
- The Siena Galaxy Atlas (SGA) is an impressive digital collection showcasing approximately 400,000 galaxies located in the vicinity of our Milky Way.
Siena Galaxy Atlas
- The SGA was created by amalgamating data from 3 distinct astronomical surveys conducted between 2014 and 2017.
- These surveys took place at two observatories, namely the Cerro Tololo Inter-American Observatory (CTIO) and the Kitt Peak National Observatory (KPNO).
- These surveys are collectively known as the DESI Legacy Surveys, laid the foundation for the SGA.
Purpose of this Cosmic Atlas
- Cosmic atlases like the SGA play a crucial role in enabling astronomers to discern intricate patterns within the universe.
- They assist in categorizing various celestial phenomena, including transient stars, and identifying objects that merit further in-depth studies.
- The SGA excels in terms of precision and accuracy, ensuring that it remains aligned with the latest astronomical revelations.
- It facilitates investigations into the birth and evolution of galaxies, the distribution of mysterious dark matter, and the transmission of gravitational waves throughout space.
Get an IAS/IPS ranker as your 1: 1 personal mentor for UPSC 2024
Attend Now
Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Alupa Dynasty Inscription
Mains level: NA
Central Idea
- An eminent archaeologist made a remarkable discovery during an archaeological expedition near Mangaluru.
- They uncovered a rare inscription linked to the Alupa dynasty, shedding new light on the region’s historical tapestry.
About Alupa Dynasty
- Alupa Dynasty: The inscription marks the first recorded mention of the Alupa dynasty, a historically significant ruling lineage of the region of Tulu Nadu.
- Regal Demise: Notably, the inscription commemorates the death of an Alupa king, providing a unique glimpse into this ancient dynasty’s history.
- Siri Cult References: The inscription also contains terms related to the Siri cult, including Siri, Dalya, and Chattara (Chatra), hinting at cultural and religious practices of the era.
Archaeological Findings
- Keerthi Sthamba: The inscription highlights the role of Kesava in erecting a monument dedicated to Kulashekara Alupendra. A Keerthi sthamba, a pillar, found within the inscription mirrors an original pillar located in Kulashekara, a suburb of Mangaluru.
- Intricate Details: The inscription features two panels at the top, with a Kannada script below, showcasing 12th-century characters and announcing the death of Alupendra I.
- Royal Depictions: Human figures within the inscription represent Kulashekara Alupendra. One panel portrays him in a Tribhanga posture, wielding a sword and holding a gurani (shield). Adjacent to it, the king is depicted seated in a meditative pose, resting his palms on his legs.
Significance in Tuluva History
- Tuluva Culture: This discovery provides valuable insights into the customs, beliefs, and societal structure of the Alupa dynasty’s time.
- Soma Cult: The Soma cult, established by Soma Sharma in the 11th century AD in Gujarat, finds a connection to this region. The Someshwara temple, built in honor of Soma during Kulashekara Alupendra’s reign, stands as a testament to this cultural fusion.
Who was Kulashekara Alupendra?
- The Alupa Legacy: Kulashekara Alupendra I, a prominent ruler of the Alupas in South Canara, played a pivotal role in shaping the region’s history.
- City Establishment: He founded the city of Kulashekara in Mangaluru and enacted stringent regulations for temple administration, which continue to influence temple governance in the region.
- Language and Culture: Alupendra I was a patron of the Tulu language and culture, contributing to their preservation and promotion. His reign spanned from 1156 to 1215 A.D., with this inscription datable to the 12th century based on palaeography.
Get an IAS/IPS ranker as your 1: 1 personal mentor for UPSC 2024
Attend Now
Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Vienna Convention
Mains level: Not Much
Central Idea
- The India-Canada crisis took a fresh turn as 41 diplomats were withdrawn from the country.
- India insisted that its actions are consistent with the tenets set forth in Article 11.1 of the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations.
What is the Vienna Convention?
- The Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations is an international treaty signed by 61 countries in 1961.
- It puts forth a framework for diplomatic interactions between independent nations and aims to ensure the ‘development of friendly relations among nations’.
- At present 193 countries are party to the document including India.
Key Features
|
Explanation |
| Diplomatic Immunity (Articles 29 to 36) |
- Diplomats and their families are granted immunity from the jurisdiction of the host country’s legal system for their official actions.
- Extends to criminal and civil matters and ensures that diplomats cannot be prosecuted or sued in the host country’s courts.
|
| Inviolability of Diplomatic Premises (Articles 22 to 27) |
- Diplomatic premises, such as embassies and consulates, are considered inviolable.
- They cannot be entered or searched by the host country’s authorities without the permission of the sending state.
|
| Non-Interference (Article 41) |
- Diplomatic agents are expected not to interfere in the internal affairs of the host country.
- This principle promotes peaceful coexistence and respectful relations between states.
|
| Protection of Diplomatic Missions (Articles 22 to 27) |
- Host country is responsible for ensuring the security and protection of diplomatic missions and their staff.
- Includes safeguarding the physical premises and preventing any intrusion or damage.
|
| Termination of Diplomatic Relations (Articles 45 to 50) |
- Outlines procedures for the termination of diplomatic relations between states.
- Includes orderly withdrawal of diplomatic personnel and the closure of diplomatic missions.
|
What is Article 11.1 about?
- It deals with the size of international missions within other countries.
- In the absence of a specific agreement as to the size of the mission, the receiving State may require that the size of a mission be kept within limits considered to be reasonable and normal.
Get an IAS/IPS ranker as your 1: 1 personal mentor for UPSC 2024
Attend Now
Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Types of Questions in Parliament
Mains level: NA
Central Idea
- A Parliamentarian is being questioned by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) and the Lok Sabha Ethics Committee, in her alleged involvement in ‘cash for query’ allegations.
- This has thrust the spotlight on the importance and procedure of asking questions in the Lok Sabha.
Procedure for Raising Questions
- Rules and Directions: The process of raising questions is governed by Rules 32 to 54 of the “Rules of Procedure and Conduct of Business in Lok Sabha” and Directions 10 to 18 issued by the Speaker, Lok Sabha.
- Notice Submission: MPs initiate the process by submitting a notice addressed to the Secretary-General of the Lok Sabha, specifying the question’s text, the relevant Minister, desired answer date, and order of preference if multiple questions are tabled.
- Limitations: MPs are allowed to submit a maximum of five notices for oral and written answers combined, per day, with any excess notices considered for the subsequent session days.
- Notice Period: The notice period for a question is usually not less than 15 days.
- Submission Modes: MPs can submit notices through the online ‘Member’s Portal’ using their login credentials or physical forms available in the Parliamentary Notice Office.
Conditions for Admissibility of Questions
- Admissibility Rules: Various rules govern the admissibility of questions, such as a limit of 150 words, prohibition of arguments or defamatory statements, avoidance of character or conduct references except in official capacity, and disallowance of policy-related queries.
- Legal Matters: Questions concerning subjects under court consideration or those that may compromise national unity and integrity are inadmissible.
Types of Questions
- Starred Questions: MPs pose starred questions for oral responses from the Minister-in-charge. These questions require submission at least 15 days in advance, with a maximum of 20 listed for oral answers each day.
- Unstarred Questions: Unstarred questions receive written replies from the Ministry and must also be submitted 15 days ahead. A daily limit of 230 unanswered questions for written answers exists.
- Short Notice Questions: Pertaining to urgent public concerns, these questions can be asked with less than 10 days’ notice, accompanied by a valid reason.
- Questions to Private Members: Addressed to the MP themselves, these are posed when the subject relates to bills, resolutions, or House-related matters under that MP’s responsibility.
Importance of Raising Questions
- Parliamentary Right: MPs have an inherent and unrestricted parliamentary right to raise questions, serving as a legislative control mechanism over executive actions.
- Information and Critique: Questions help obtain administration and government activity details, critique government policies, expose lapses, and prompt ministers to take corrective actions.
- Government Feedback: For the government, questions gauge public sentiment towards policies, and administration, and can lead to parliamentary commissions, inquiries, or legislative actions in response.
Get an IAS/IPS ranker as your 1: 1 personal mentor for UPSC 2024
Attend Now
Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Durga Puja
Mains level: Read the attached story
Central Idea
- India is joyously celebrating the festival of Navratri and Durga Puja.
- While this festival holds deep religious significance, its roots in modern times are intertwined with the colonial era.
Robert Clive and the Mythical Beginning
- Multiple Origin Stories: Durga Puja has various origin stories, with one popular tale linked to the aftermath of the Battle of Plassey in 1757.
- Robert Clive’s Role: Following his victory over Nawab Siraj ud Daula, Robert Clive wished to express gratitude to God. In the absence of a church, Nabakishan Deb, Clive’s Persian translator, suggested offering prayers to Goddess Durga. This marked the initiation of Calcutta’s first Durga Puja.
- Historical Scrutiny: While this narrative is widely known, historical records raise doubts about its accuracy. Nevertheless, it symbolizes the social beginnings of Durga Puja in Calcutta, driven by the connections between Bengali zamindars, merchants, and the East India Company.
Sociological Changes under Colonial Rule
- Rise of Zamindars: With the decline of the Mughal Empire, Bengal’s zamindars, hereditary landowners, gained authority, effectively governing their territories. The Permanent Settlement Act of 1793 formalized their role as intermediaries.
- Emergence of Prosperous Merchants: Calcutta, as a growing urban center, witnessed the swift rise of affluent Bengali merchants during Company rule. Economic opportunities led to rapid wealth accumulation by families like the Tagores and the Mullicks.
- Conspicuous Consumption: Durga Puja became a platform for the nouveau riche to flaunt their affluence. Lavish celebrations, gold-adorned idols, and entertainment from nautch girls characterized these grand events, fostering competition among rival families.
Durga Puja Takes a Nationalistic Turn
- Late 19th-Century Nationalism: In the late 19th century, feelings of nationalism began to surge among the Bengali intelligentsia. Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay’s “Ananda Math,” published in 1882, popularized the phrase “Bande Mataram” and introduced the concept of the “mother” nation.
- Durga as a Symbol: Goddess Durga, revered as “Ma” (mother) Durga, came to symbolize the nation and its potential saviour from foreign rule. Durga Puja became an integral part of the burgeoning nationalist movement.
- Response to Partition: Lord Curzon’s decision to Partition Bengal in 1905 fueled the Swadeshi Movement, with “Bande Mataram” as its rallying cry. Communal festivities, including Durga Puja, played a pivotal role in forging collective consciousness and action.
- Swadeshi Symbolism: Durga Puja underwent a transformation during this period, with advertisements promoting indigenous products and festivities emphasizing indigenous values. British elites became less welcome at the pujas, reflecting a growing sense of nationalism.
Shift towards Public Celebrations
- 1920s Transformation: In the 1920s, public Durga Pujas emerged, marking a shift from exclusive festivals for the wealthy elite to inclusive celebrations for all. The first “sarbojanin” or “universal” Puja was organized in 1926 in Calcutta’s Maniktala area.
- Inclusive Tradition: These public Pujas, organized by locality, welcomed people regardless of their caste or residence. Temporary temples, known as pandals, sprung up in public spaces, making the festivities accessible to a broader audience.
Conclusion
- The evolution of Durga Puja, from its colonial-era origins to a celebration of nationalism and inclusivity, reflects the dynamic nature of culture and society.
- It has transformed from an occasion for the elite to showcase wealth to a festival that unites people across backgrounds, embracing unity in diversity.
- Durga Puja continues to be a cherished tradition that weaves together history, culture, and the essence of Bengal.
Get an IAS/IPS ranker as your 1: 1 personal mentor for UPSC 2024
Attend Now
Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Digital Health initiatives
Mains level: Digital Health's Transformative Potential and the Role of the G20
Central idea
- Digital health, a transformative force, can revolutionize global healthcare by improving quality, accessibility, and efficiency, with the G20 nations wielding substantial influence due to their GDP and population share.
Digital Health
- Digital health encompasses the use of digital technologies and data to enhance healthcare delivery and outcomes. This field includes electronic health records, mobile health applications, telemedicine, wearable health devices, health analytics, and more.
- The goal is to make healthcare more personalized, efficient, accessible, and cost-effective by integrating technology into various aspects of patient care and health management
Key challenges facing digital health within the G20
- Disparities in National Digital Health Strategies: Different G20 member states have varying levels of advancement in their digital health strategies. These disparities can hinder collaboration and the development of a unified approach to digital health.
- Data Privacy Concerns: The collection and processing of sensitive personal health information in digital health systems raise significant data privacy concerns.
- Interoperability Issues: Interoperability, especially between electronic health record (EHR) systems, is crucial for the seamless exchange of health data. Inconsistencies in standards and infrastructure pose challenges to data sharing and healthcare coordination.
- Coordination During Global Health Crises: The COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted the need for coordinated responses to global health crises. Uneven responses and a lack of coordination among countries and healthcare providers can impede efforts to effectively manage pandemics.
The G20’s Approach
- Emphasized digital health since the initiation of the Sustainable Development Goals in 2016.
- Prioritized addressing challenges since the Argentine presidency of 2018.
- Endeavor to design consistent e-health systems, data protection measures, and interoperability improvements.
- Introduced the G20 Digital Health Task Force in 2020 for a tech-augmented pandemic response approach.
Measures to Strengthen Digital Health
- Common Minimum Framework (CMF) for Health Data Protection:
- Map existing data protection provisions and customize for health data.
- Review the roles of data control agencies.
- Enhance the security and resilience of health data systems.
- Promote awareness of health data privacy.
- Secure Cross-Border Health Data Exchange:
- Study successful cross-border data sharing initiatives.
- Develop guidelines for countries to share specific health data for research.
- Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) for Health:
- Extend the emphasis on DPI to health sector-specific DPIs.
- Promote knowledge-sharing, innovation, and public-private partnerships.
- Centers of Excellence (CoEs) in Health-Tech:
- Establish CoEs specializing in AI and emerging tech for healthcare.
- Ensure ethical and inclusive health-tech development.
- Telemedicine Task Force:
- Create a dedicated task force to promote telemedicine.
- Identify best practices, develop ethical guidelines, and explore investment opportunities.
- Financing Digital Health Innovations:
- Create a US$ 150-million fund (potentially within WHO) to support global-impact digital health startups.
- Address digital gender gap and health access for marginalized communities.
- Joint Responses to Health Crises:
- Establish an international health-tech-focused think tank.
- Led by WHO, focus on tech-enabled pandemic response strategies and capacity building.
- Digital Health Repository:
- Create a G20 Digital Health Policy Repository (DHPR) for open-access knowledge sharing.
- Host digital health laws, policies, and data protection regulations.
Conclusion
- The G20’s commitment to an interconnected digital health ecosystem is crucial. As the G20 health ministers emphasized, existing initiatives should be coordinated to maximize their impact, ensuring that digital health becomes a cornerstone of future healthcare systems.
Get an IAS/IPS ranker as your 1: 1 personal mentor for UPSC 2024
Attend Now
Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: FPOs
Mains level: Significant role of FPOs in Indian agriculture, UP case study
What’s the news?
- The Indian government’s multidimensional approach to augment farmers’ income has spotlighted the role of Farmer Producers’ Organisations (FPOs).
Central idea
- The government is employing multiple strategies to elevate farmers’ income, including productivity boosts and climate-resilient techniques. Historically, fragmented landholdings have impeded growth and investment. FPOs are introduced as a remedy to this challenge.
What are FPOs?
- FPOs are clusters of farmers grouped by geography.
- They can register as a company or a cooperative.
- Their potential lies in enabling cluster-based farming, technological adoption, quality assurance, and helping farmers in marketing produce.
Formation and Growth of FPOs
- The central government has taken proactive steps by launching a scheme aimed at creating and promoting 10,000 FPOs.
- These organizations encourage collaboration among farmers in various aspects, such as input management, value addition, and market linkages.
FPO’s: Engines of agri-innovation in UP
- Uttar Pradesh has established a dedicated FPO cell to facilitate the development of FPOs.
- With a synergy of central and state-sponsored schemes, the state plans to form one FPO in each of its 826 blocks annually for five years, commencing in 2022-23.
- The FPO Shakti portal is a noteworthy initiative that serves as a centralized platform for active FPOs in Uttar Pradesh. It offers solutions for grievance redressal, business partnerships, and convergence among various stakeholders.
- Currently, the portal boasts the participation of nearly 1,600 FPOs, collectively generating a turnover of Rs 229 crore, benefiting over six lakh farmers.
- Â UP government introduced the flagship scheme, One District One Product.
|
Financial Incentives and Support
- Interest Subvention: The Agriculture Infrastructure Fund, constituted by the central government, provides a 3% interest subvention for credit extended to develop post-harvest infrastructure. Uttar Pradesh’s state government offers an additional 3% subvention to FPO’s and agriculture entrepreneurs, effectively reducing the interest rate to approximately 3%.
- Convergence of Schemes: The government is actively fostering the convergence of various schemes related to farm mechanization, seed production and processing, agri-marketing, MSP-based procurement, nutrition mission, and supply of inputs like seeds, fertilizers, pesticides, technological interventions, and organic farming.
Success Stories and Innovations
- Crop Diversification: FPOs have played a pivotal role in crop diversification and value addition in Uttar Pradesh. They are involved in various sectors, including cereals, horticulture, pulses, oilseeds, millets, medicinal and aromatic crops, and sugarcane-based products. Seed processing units, Farm Machinery Banks, and climate-resilient strategies like direct seeding of rice are being facilitated through FPOs.
- Nutrition Enhancement: FPOs are promoting nutrition-rich agri-products like millets, mushrooms, moringa, and fortified cereals. Collaborations with district administrations have improved nutritive outcomes in the region.
- Business Collaborations: Over 200 MoUs have been signed between FPOs and companies for commodity marketing, input supply, technical dealership, and financial linkage. These collaborations are facilitated by the government and have led to the registration of local products under Geographical Indications (GI), further promoting indigenous agriculture.
Conclusion
- FPO’s are the evolving backbone of Indian agriculture. Their role is pivotal in modernizing practices, introducing innovations, and reshaping the agrarian landscape to be more sustainable and profitable.
Get an IAS/IPS ranker as your 1: 1 personal mentor for UPSC 2024
Attend Now
Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Gyan Sahayak Scheme
Mains level: Not Much
Central Idea
- The Gyan Sahayak Scheme, introduced by the Gujarat state government, has stirred controversy, facing opposition from various quarters of society.
Why discuss this?
- The scheme seeks to address teacher vacancies in government schools through contractual appointments until regular appointments are finalized.
- Many states in India have opted for the contractual filling of govt job vacancies ever since the regime change in 2014.
Understanding the Gyan Sahayak Scheme
- Interim Solution: The scheme aims to temporarily fill teaching positions in primary, secondary, and higher secondary government schools until regular appointments could be made.
- Basis in National Education Policy (NEP) 2020: The scheme draws inspiration from the NEP 2020, which emphasizes the need for teachers with interdisciplinary skills, beyond traditional academic subjects.
Scope of the Scheme
- Applicability: The Gyan Sahayak Scheme is applicable to government and grant-in-aid schools, particularly Mission Schools of Excellence.
- Vacancy Statistics: The government announced the hiring of 15,000 Gyan Sahayaks for primary schools and 11,500 for secondary and higher secondary schools.
- Salary Structure: Gyan Sahaks receive varying monthly salaries based on their school level: Rs 21,000 for primary, Rs 24,000 for secondary, and Rs 26,000 for higher secondary.
- Vacancy Context: Gujarat reports an estimated 32,000 teaching vacancies in government and grant-in-aid schools, primarily affecting primary and secondary schools. Some secondary schools rely on Pravasi teachers to meet staffing needs.
Eligibility Criteria
- Primary Gyan Sahayak: Candidates must have cleared the Gujarat Examination Board’s Teachers Eligibility Test (TET)-2.
- Secondary and Higher Secondary Gyan Sahayak: Candidates should have cleared the Teacher Aptitude Test (TAT).
- Age Limit: Both primary and secondary school Gyan Sahayaks must be under 40 years of age, while higher secondary school Gyan Sahayaks can be up to 42 years old.
- Merit-Based Selection: Selection involves the preparation of a merit list based on percentile ranks from TET-2 results, followed by the allocation of Gyan Sahayak positions to School Management Committees (SMCs) through district education officers.
Get an IAS/IPS ranker as your 1: 1 personal mentor for UPSC 2024
Attend Now
Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Pamir Knot, Tectonic Plates
Mains level: Earthquakes
Central Idea
- On October 15, Afghanistan was struck by a formidable earthquake with a magnitude of 6.3, adding to the woes of a nation still reeling from a series of devastating quakes just days earlier.
- This recent seismic activity reflects Afghanistan’s turbulent history of earthquakes, often with catastrophic consequences.
Understanding Earthquakes
- Tectonic Plate Movement: The Earth’s lithosphere consists of tectonic plates that move due to internal heat energy. Fault lines are formed along the discontinuities where these plates interact.
- Earthquake Mechanism: Earthquakes occur when these lithospheric plates suddenly slip past one another, releasing energy that propagates as seismic waves. The point where the slip starts is known as the focus or hypocenter, with the epicenter being its surface projection.
What exactly causes Earthquakes?
- As we know, the earth’s outermost surface, crust, is fragmented into tectonic plates.
- The edges of the plates are called plate boundaries, which are made up of faults.
- The tectonic plates constantly move at a slow pace, sliding past one another and bumping into each other.
- As the edges of the plates are quite rough, they get stuck with one another while the rest of the plate keeps moving.
- Earthquake occurs when the plate has moved far enough and the edges unstick on one of the faults.
- The location below the earth’s surface where the earthquake starts are called the hypocenter, and the location directly above it on the surface of the earth is called the epicentre.
Afghanistan’s Seismic Vulnerability
- Tectonic Plate Intersection: Afghanistan’s location atop the convergence of the Indian and Eurasian tectonic plates results in frequent seismic activity.
- Eurasian Plate: Afghanistan sits on the Eurasian Plate, with the Arabian Plate subducting northward in the west and the Indian Plate doing the same in the east.
- Complex Geology: The Hindu Kush mountain range and the Pamir Knot add complexity to this geological region, leading to folding, faulting, and earthquakes.
- Continual Compression: The northward movement of the Indian Plate toward Eurasia causes compression, uplifting the Himalayas, and transmitting tectonic stress. This leads to crustal deformation, faulting, and seismic activity.
- Active Fault Systems: Afghanistan is intersected by active fault systems like the Chaman Fault and the Main Pamir Thrust, which are prolific sources of earthquakes.
History of Earthquake Afghanistan
- October 11 Quakes: In October 2023, a series of powerful earthquakes, including a magnitude 6.3 tremor, wreaked havoc in Herat province, claiming the lives of at least a thousand people.
- June 2022 Tragedy: A magnitude 6.1 earthquake in Khost and Paktika provinces in June 2022 left over 1,000 casualties.
- 2015 Catastrophe: A major earthquake in northeastern Afghanistan in 2015 claimed over 200 lives in Afghanistan and northern Pakistan.
- 2002 Devastation: A 6.1-magnitude earthquake in 2002 resulted in approximately 1,000 casualties in northern Afghanistan.
- 1998 Disaster: In 1998, northeast Afghanistan experienced a catastrophic earthquake and subsequent tremors, causing the loss of at least 4,500 lives.
Get an IAS/IPS ranker as your 1: 1 personal mentor for UPSC 2024
Attend Now
Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: SLL
Mains level: Reforming criminal justice system
Central Idea
- Recent legislative bills aimed at amending criminal laws in India have garnered significant attention for ushering in long-awaited reforms.
- However, these reforms primarily focus on one aspect of India’s complex criminal justice system.
- What remains often overlooked are the extensive Special and Local Laws (SLLs) that encompass some of the most critical offences and procedures.
What are Special and Local Laws (SLLs)?
- Cognizable crimes are categorized either under the ‘Indian Penal Code (IPC)’ or under the ‘Special and Local Laws (SLL)’.
- The SLL identify criminal activities that the state government frames for specific issues.
Significance of SLLs
- Quantitative Importance: In 2021, nearly 39.9% of all cognizable offenses registered fell under SLLs, according to Crime in India Statistics.
- Qualitative Relevance: SLLs have ignited crucial debates concerning the boundaries of the state’s power in criminalization, particularly with respect to individual rights and liberties.
Need for Reform in SLLs
- Diverse Substantive Issues: SLLs, like the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, 1967 (UAPA) and the Maharashtra Control of Organised Crime Act, 1999 (MCOCA), suffer from ambiguous and vague definitions of offenses, raising concerns about their application to civil or regulatory wrongs.
- Procedural Challenges: SLLs have diluted universally accepted due process values, with examples like expanded search and seizure powers under the UAPA and admissibility of police-recorded confessions under the MCOCA.
- Bail Hurdles: Stringent provisions under SLLs, such as Section 43(D)(5) of the UAPA and Section 37 of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act, 1985, make securing bail nearly impossible.
Shift from Complete Codification
- IPC’s Original Vision: The Indian Penal Code (IPC), enacted in 1860, aimed to comprehensively codify all criminal laws, inspired by Jeremy Bentham’s idea of a “Pannomion”—a single, comprehensive collection of rules.
- Changing Landscape: Over time, there has been a shift towards enacting and applying SLLs, which has deviated from the original concept of complete codification.
- Unsuccessful Aspects: While the IPC faces criticism for its archaic morality and colonial roots, it is essential to acknowledge its success in codifying penal laws.
Addressing the Limitation: A Second Generation of Reforms
- Incorporating SLLs: All SLLs that criminalize or seek to criminalize specific conduct should be integrated as separate chapters within the larger penal code.
- Procedural Integration: SLLs creating distinct procedures for reporting offenses, arrests, investigations, prosecutions, trials, evidence, and bail should be included either as separate procedures within the CrPC or as exceptions to its general provisions.
Conclusion
- As India increasingly relies on Special and Local Laws for various reasons, it is vital to ensure that these laws do not overshadow the original concept of codifying penal laws, as embodied in the IPC and CrPC.
- Failing to incorporate the substantive and procedural aspects of SLLs into ongoing reform efforts represents a significant limitation.
- Therefore, a second generation of reforms is imperative to address these gaps and maintain the integrity of India’s criminal justice system.
Get an IAS/IPS ranker as your 1: 1 personal mentor for UPSC 2024
Attend Now
Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: TV-D1 Mission
Mains level: Read the attached story
Central Idea
- ISRO detailed about Gaganyaan mission’s Test Vehicle-Demonstration 1 (TV-D1) Mission which is scheduled for tomorrow.
- TV-D1 will demonstrate the performance of the crew escape system.
Flight Test Vehicle Abort Mission
- Objective: The mission involves launching a rocket to an altitude of approximately 17 km, followed by a simulated abort signal, resulting in the separation of the crew module.
- Safety Test: The crew module will descend safely using a parachute, ultimately splashing down in the Bay of Bengal.
- Duration: This comprehensive test mission is scheduled to last 532 seconds, from liftoff at 8 am to the crew module’s splashdown, situated about 10 km from the Sriharikota coast.
- Empty Module: It’s important to note that the crew module will remain uncrewed during this test.
What will be tested?
- New Test Vehicle: This mission introduces the new Test Vehicle, aptly named Test Vehicle-Demonstration 1 (TV-D1), and designed specifically for testing systems and procedures.
- Crew Module Functionality: A basic version of the crew module, the capsule in which astronauts will eventually journey into space, will be tested for functions such as mid-flight emergency crew module separation and astronaut escape.
- Technical Terminology: ISRO’s technical definition of the mission is “In-flight Abort Demonstration of Crew Escape System (CES),” which simulates abort conditions during ascent corresponding to a Mach number of 1.2, a critical aspect of the Gaganyaan mission.
About the New Test Vehicle
- Cost-Effective Testing: The TV-D1 mission employs a low-cost Test Vehicle, optimized for system testing, instead of the more expensive GSLV Mk III rocket used in previous tests.
- Innovations: It uses existing liquid propulsion technology but includes innovations such as the throttleable and restartable L110 Vikas engine.
Key Feature: Crew Escape System
- Safety Precedence: The TV-D1 mission underscores ISRO’s unwavering commitment to astronaut safety, particularly in emergencies.
- Environmental Control Systems: ISRO is actively developing environmental control and life support systems for the crew module.
- Integrated Vehicle Health Management: The program includes an integrated system to monitor the vehicle’s health and initiate mission-abort procedures when necessary.
- Testing Milestones: Some of these systems were previously assessed in the Crew module Atmospheric Re-Entry Experiment (CARE) and the Pad Abort Test-PAT in 2018.
Stages of TV-D1 Mission
- Critical Phases: The mission involves key stages, including the separation of the Crew Escape System from the Test Vehicle and the subsequent separation of the crew module.
- Parachute Deployment: Parachutes will be deployed for a safe descent over approximately seven minutes.
- Navy’s Involvement: The Indian Navy will play a crucial role in recovering the crew module from the Bay of Bengal.
- Milestone Setting: The TV-D1 mission serves as a significant milestone, marking the integration of a near-complete system for flight testing.
Status of Preparations
- Unmanned Mission: An unmanned mission is scheduled for early next year, followed by abort missions, with the manned mission targeted for late 2024 or early 2025.
- Technical Readiness: The human-rated LVM 3 rocket has successfully undergone testing, and essential components such as solid rocket boosters and liquid propellant engines are ready.
- Training: Four astronauts from the Indian Air Force have undergone training in Russia and will receive further training to prepare for the final mission.
Conclusion
- ISRO’s relentless pursuit of space exploration reaches a pivotal juncture with the TV-D1 mission.
- As India inches closer to sending its astronauts into space, these planned tests and safety measures underscore ISRO’s commitment to ensuring a safe and successful Gaganyaan mission.
Get an IAS/IPS ranker as your 1: 1 personal mentor for UPSC 2024
Attend Now
Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Regional Rapid Transit System (RRTS)
Mains level: Read the attached story
Central Idea
- PM Modi is set to inaugurate the first segment of India’s groundbreaking Regional Rapid Transit System (RRTS), a high-speed rail network aimed at enhancing regional connectivity.
Understanding the RRTS Project
- Integrated Mass Transit Network: The RRTS is an integrated mass transit network aimed at promoting balanced and sustainable urban development by enhancing connectivity and accessibility across the NCR.
- Origin of the Idea: The concept of RRTS emerged from a study commissioned to Indian Railways in 1998-99, envisioning fast commuter trains connecting various NCR locations.
- National Capital Region Planning: The National Capital Region Planning Board (NCRPB) adopted the RRTS concept while developing its “Functional Plan on Transport for NCR-2032” and recommended eight RRTS corridors to connect NCR towns.
Development Agency
- Nodal Agency: NCRTC, a joint venture of the Central government, Delhi, Haryana, Rajasthan, and Uttar Pradesh, is responsible for building the RRTS, also known as “Namo Bharat.” It operates under the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs.
- Scope of the Project: The RRTS project spans across the vast NCR, covering approximately 55,000 square kilometers and serving a population of over 46 crore with a combined GDP of an estimated $370 billion.
How RRTS differ from existing Systems?
- Impressive Speed: RRTS trains are designed to operate at speeds of 160 km/hour, with the capability to reach a maximum speed of 180 km/hour.
- Comparatively faster: In comparison, Delhi Metro trains typically operate at speeds of 100 km/hour to 120 km/hour.
- Coverage: Compared to existing metro systems, the RRTS offers higher speeds, making it ideal for covering relatively longer distances across the NCR swiftly.
- Frequency and Comfort: In contrast to Indian Railways, while RRTS covers shorter distances, it operates at higher frequencies and provides enhanced passenger comfort.
- International Models: The RRTS draws inspiration from successful international models like the RER in Paris, Regional-Express trains in Germany and Austria, and the SEPTA Regional Rail in the United States, among others.
Objectives of the RRTS Project
- Enhancing Connectivity: The RRTS aims to unlock the NCR’s potential by improving multi-modal connectivity at existing transportation hubs.
- Decongesting Roads and Rails: One of the primary goals is to encourage public transportation, thus alleviating congestion on roads, highways, metro, and railway networks.
- Economic Growth: By facilitating shorter travel times, the RRTS seeks to boost economic productivity in the region, allowing more economic activity to thrive around suburban locations in Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, and Haryana.
Corridors under the RRTS Project
- Eight Corridors: The RRTS project encompasses eight corridors, with three being developed under Phase I:
-
- Delhi-Ghaziabad-Meerut (82 km)
- Delhi-Gurugram-SNB-Alwar (164 km)
- Delhi-Panipat (103 km)
- Future Development: Future corridors include routes like Delhi – Faridabad – Ballabgarh – Palwal, Ghaziabad – Khurja, Delhi – Bahadurgarh – Rohtak, Ghaziabad-Hapur, and Delhi-Shahadra-Baraut.
- Sarai Kale Khan Hub: The RRTS station at Sarai Kale Khan will serve as the project’s central hub, connecting all three Phase I corridors, bridging the gap between Delhi and Uttar Pradesh, Haryana, and Rajasthan.
Get an IAS/IPS ranker as your 1: 1 personal mentor for UPSC 2024
Attend Now
Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: BRI, CPEC, IMEC etc
Mains level: BRI, objectives, achievements, challenges and global alternatives
What’s the news?
- The Third Belt and Road Forum for International Cooperation convened in Beijing, China (October 17–18).
Central idea
- The recent Third Belt and Road Forum for International Cooperation held in Beijing, China, has once again brought the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) into the spotlight. The BRI, initiated by Chinese President Xi Jinping, has been a cornerstone of China’s foreign policy and global aspirations.
Objectives of the Belt and Road Initiative
- Transition to a Global Power: The BRI seeks to transform China from a regional power with global influence into a comprehensive global power. It aims to elevate China’s status on the world stage.
- Reboot Globalization: The BRI is viewed as China’s effort to rejuvenate and reshape globalization. It intends to address perceived shortcomings in the current global order and advance a new form of global economic integration.
- Alternative Trade Routes: China aims to develop alternative transportation and trade routes through the BRI to reduce its dependence on the Strait of Malacca, a critical trade route for China’s economy.
- Promoting Local Currency in Trade: President Xi Jinping advocates the use of local currencies in trade to lessen reliance on the US dollar, thereby reshaping the global economic order.
Achievements of the BRI
- Establishment of the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB): China has established the AIIB with a substantial $100 billion, challenging existing lending institutions and enabling early gains from the BRI.
- Global Branding for Xi Jinping: The BRI has provided President Xi Jinping with a platform to establish himself as a global statesman and project China’s power and influence overseas. It has been incorporated into China’s domestic political framework.
- BRI Cooperation Pacts: Over 200 BRI cooperation pacts have been signed with more than 150 nations, demonstrating the initiative’s global reach and influence.
- Addressing the Global Infrastructure Deficit: The BRI aims to bridge the global infrastructure deficit, including access to electricity, clean water, and broadband, with projects ranging from motorways to digital infrastructure.
Challenges of the BRI
- Ecological Damage: BRI projects have been criticized for causing ecological harm, including deforestation and environmental degradation.
- Displacement of People: Some BRI projects have led to the displacement of local communities, raising social and humanitarian concerns.
- Disputes and Labor Unrest: Disputes have arisen over issues such as payouts and labor conditions, impacting the smooth execution of BRI projects.
- Debt Concerns: Concerns about unsustainable debt have emerged, particularly in cases like Laos, where the country owes a significant proportion of its GDP to China.
- Unequal Benefits: In cases like the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), there are perceptions that the BRI disproportionately benefits China, raising questions about the initiative’s win-win cooperation tagline.
Global Alternatives to the BRI
- United States-Japan Initiatives: During the Trump era, the United States and Japan initiated infrastructure investment alternatives in the Indo-Pacific region as a response to the BRI.
- Build Back Better World (B3W) Initiative: The Biden administration introduced the ‘Build Back Better World’ initiative, aiming to channel private capital into sectors like climate change, energy security, healthcare, digital technology, and gender equity as a counter to the BRI.
- India-Middle East-Europe Corridor (IMEC): The G-20 Delhi summit proposed the India-Middle East-Europe Corridor, envisioning trade connectivity, electricity and digital infrastructure, and clean hydrogen export pipelines, offering an alternative to the BRI.
Conclusion
- As the BRI nears its second decade, it faces pivotal choices. Despite notable global infrastructure achievements, sustainability, fairness, and environmental issues pose challenges. Emerging global alternatives signal diverse visions for international cooperation, shaping the BRI’s future based on China’s ability to address these challenges and adapt to evolving global dynamics.
Get an IAS/IPS ranker as your 1: 1 personal mentor for UPSC 2024
Attend Now
Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: World food day
Mains level: Challenges in ensuring a sustainable and resilient food system
What’s the news?
- World Food Day underscores the challenges of India’s food system, which caters to the world’s largest population.
Central idea
- India, with its enormous population, faces unique challenges in ensuring a sustainable and resilient food system. This system must not only guarantee nutrition security but also provide reasonable economic returns for food producers while safeguarding the environment.
The Complex Nexus of Nutrition, Livelihoods, and Environment Security
- Nutrition Challenges:
- Despite progress, a significant portion of the population still suffers from nutrient deficiencies.
- The National Family Health Survey 2019-21 reports alarming statistics, with 35% of children being stunted, and 57% of women and 25% of men being anaemic.
- Simultaneously, imbalanced diets and sedentary lifestyles have led to increasing rates of obesity, affecting 24% of adult women and 23% of adult men.
- Livelihood Issues:
- Farm incomes in India are inadequate to sustain marginal and small farmers.
- Over 68% of marginal farmers supplement their income with non-farm activities, highlighting a lack of skills or opportunities for income diversification.
- Environmental Vulnerabilities:
- Depleting natural resources and changing climate patterns pose a significant threat to India’s food production.
- Nearly half of India’s cultivable land is deficient in organic carbon, a critical indicator of soil health.
- Groundwater, a primary source of irrigation, is rapidly depleting, particularly in states like Punjab.
A Three-Pronged Approach to Transformation
- Shifting Consumer Demand:
- Encourage a shift towards healthier and sustainable diets.
- Engage the private sector, civil society, and health community to promote locally-grown, nutritious foods.
- Leverage public sector touchpoints like the Public Distribution System, mid-day meals, and institutional procurement to improve the quality of food consumed by the majority.
- Supporting Farmers:
- Promote the transition of farmers towards remunerative and regenerative agricultural practices.
- Increase funding for sustainable agriculture initiatives, such as the National Mission on Natural Farming.
- Shift from input subsidies to direct cash support per hectare to promote efficient input use.
- Transforming Value Chains:
- Encourage middlemen and corporations to procure directly from farmers, prioritize sustainably harvested produce, and implement fair trade practices.
- Support young agri-tech enterprises facilitating farm-to-buyer linkages.
- Enable trading of produce between Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs) to ensure a fair share of value for farmers.
Conclusion
- Transforming India’s food system is a formidable task, but the magnitude of the challenge should not deter our ambitions. By acting swiftly and strategically, India can set an example for the world in building a sustainable and resilient food system that ensures nutrition security, supports livelihoods, and protects the environment.
Get an IAS/IPS ranker as your 1: 1 personal mentor for UPSC 2024
Attend Now
Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: MDBs
Mains level: MDBs and Their Traditional Roles, challenges and call for reforms
What’s the news?
- A G20 expert panel on strengthening multilateral development banks (MDBs) suggests a paradigm shift.
Central idea
- Multilateral Development Banks (MDBs) play a pivotal role in financing and fostering sustainable development globally. However, a G20 expert panel has proposed significant reforms aimed at making MDBs more effective and adaptive to the evolving challenges of our time.
Key Takeaways
- MDBs should align their financial and analytical operations to assist national governments in setting up platforms for prioritized sustainable development goals (SDGs).
- The emphasis is on goals that demonstrate the commitment of country leadership and significant national investment.
What are Multilateral Development Banks (MDBs)?
- MDBs are international institutions consisting of multiple developed and developing countries.
- Role:
- Facilitate developmental objectives.
- Offer financial and technical assistance across sectors like transport, energy, and urban infrastructure.
- Major contributions to the lending pool from developed nations, while developing nations largely borrow for developmental projects.
The need for reform within MDBs
- Addressing the Climate Crisis: The expert group cites global challenges such as the climate crisis. There’s knowledge of mitigation measures but a lack of global mechanisms, particularly in emerging markets and developing economies (EMDEs).
- In Sync with National Priorities: MDBs should resonate with individual nations’ developmental priorities.
- Engaging the Private Sector: The call is to integrate the private sector more closely into MDB operations. Breaking past limited interactions between private and sovereign financing will be key.
- Coordinated Effort: Greater synchrony among stakeholders is essential for MDB success. The expert group seeks more involvement from national governments to create a unified vision encompassing goals, policies, investments, and financing.
- Changing MDB Perceptions: Currently, MDBs’ bureaucratic and risk-averse nature might deter private sector engagement. Given the MDBs’ goal to enhance financing to $390 billion by 2030, the private sector’s involvement is crucial.
MDBs and Their Traditional Role in India
- World Bank: Established in 1944, the World Bank’s commitment in India totals $97.6 billion. It has supported sectors including public administration (19%), agriculture (15%), and transport (11%).
- Asian Development Bank (ADB): ADB, set up in 1969, has pledged assistance worth $59.7 billion in India. Notably, $20.2 billion (34%) has been for transport, $15 billion (25%) for energy, and $6.7 billion (10%) for urban infrastructure.
- Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB): Founded in 2016, AIIB has approved $9.9 billion for India. Transport (42%), energy (14%), and economic resilience (12.6%) are key sectors.
- European Investment Bank: Established in 1958, it has sanctioned 22 projects in India, totaling Euro 4.5 billion. The focus has been on transport (Euro 2.45 billion) and energy (Euro 1.5 billion).
Conclusion
- The expert group’s recommendations bring to the forefront the pressing need to recalibrate MDBs’ functions and enhance their impact. Aligning with national priorities, ensuring broader stakeholder coordination, and actively involving the private sector can transform the developmental landscape and address global challenges more effectively.
Get an IAS/IPS ranker as your 1: 1 personal mentor for UPSC 2024
Attend Now
Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Rafah Crossing
Mains level: NA
Central Idea
- Palestinians have been gathering at the Rafah border crossing with Egypt in the southern Gaza Strip.
- Meanwhile, Egypt has opened the borders for UN humanitarian aid for Palestinians.
What is Rafah Crossing?
- The Rafah Crossing is a border crossing point between the Gaza Strip and Egypt, located in the southern Gaza Strip.
- It serves as one of the few access points for people and goods to enter or exit the Gaza Strip, which is a Palestinian territory along the eastern coast of the Mediterranean Sea.
- Egypt has maintained strict movement restrictions at the Rafah crossing for years, raising concerns that it indirectly supports Israel’s Gaza blockade, which began in 2007 after Hamas took control.
Egypt’s Role and Restrictions
- Security Concerns: Security concerns in North Sinai, where Egypt has battled jihadists linked to Al Qaeda, have largely justified these restrictions.
- Avoiding Exodus: Egypt may be reluctant to open the crossing without clear conditions and guarantees to avoid a mass exodus of Palestinians from Gaza.
- Responsibility Concerns: Egypt is concerned about being responsible for a large influx of Gazans if the crossing is opened indefinitely.
- Permanent Resettlement: Egypt is reluctant to facilitate a permanent resettlement of hundreds of thousands of Palestinians from Gaza.
Get an IAS/IPS ranker as your 1: 1 personal mentor for UPSC 2024
Attend Now
Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: OBCs, Various commissions mentioned
Mains level: Read the attached story
Central Idea
- The recent publication of Bihar’s caste survey results has sparked discussions about the possibility of similar exercises in other states as India enters a new electoral cycle.
- Enumerating castes and sub-categorizing Other Backward Classes (OBCs) for equitable reservation distribution have long been contentious issues.
Who are Other Backward Classes (OBCs)?
- Origins of OBCs: OBCs represent communities and castes considered socially and educationally backward, distinct from Scheduled Castes (SCs) and Scheduled Tribes (STs).
- Constitutional Mandate: The Indian Constitution mandates affirmative action for OBCs through Articles 15(4) and 16(4), enabling special provisions and reservations.
Diverse Categories within OBCs
- Occupational Classification: OBCs have historically been identified based on their occupations, including land ownership, farming, labor, and artisanal work.
- Two Broad Categories: OBCs can be broadly categorized into landowners (e.g., Yadavs and Kurmis in Bihar and Uttar Pradesh) and non-landowners.
- Inequality Concerns: A demand for reservation within OBCs has emerged, as a few “upper” OBCs have reportedly benefitted disproportionately from the existing 27% reservation, a result of the Mandal Commission’s recommendations over 30 years ago.
EBCs in Bihar
- EBC Identification: Bihar’s caste survey identified 27% of the population as “pichhda” (backward) and 36% as “atyant pichhda” (Extremely Backward Classes, or EBCs).
- Historical Context: The state had previously categorized castes as “more backward,” and the Karpoori Thakur Formula, implemented in the 1970s, offered reservation benefits to various groups, including OBCs, economically backward OBCs, women, and the economically disadvantaged from “upper castes.”
Historical OBC Commissions
- Kaka Kalekar Commission (1953): Established in 1953, it recommended identifying socially and educationally backward classes and 25-40% reservation in government jobs.
- Mandal Commission (1979): Appointed in 1979 but implemented in 1990, it identified 3,743 OBC castes, suggested 27% reservation in government jobs and educational institutions, and proposed no sub-categorization.
State-specific Subcategorization
- Diverse State Approaches: Various states have implemented subcategorization within their OBC quotas based on unique criteria.
- Examples: Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Jharkhand, West Bengal, Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, and Kerala have subgroups within their OBC reservations.
Subcategorization at the National Level
- Subcategorization Initiative: In 2015, the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment tasked the National Commission for Backward Classes (NCBC) with examining the subcategorization of OBCs.
- NCBC’s Recommendation: The NCBC proposed subcategorization into Extremely Backward Classes, More Backward Classes, and Backward Classes.
Recent Developments: Rohini Commission
- In October 2017, the Rohini Commission was formed to explore OBC subcategorization.
- It submitted its report in July 2023, although its contents remain undisclosed.
Conclusion
- The issue of caste enumeration and subcategorization of OBCs in India reflects complex social and political dynamics.
- While it aims to ensure equitable distribution of reservation benefits, it also highlights the need for nuanced, state-specific approaches to address the diverse composition of OBC communities.
- The recent report by the Rohini Commission holds potential significance, but its implications and recommendations await public scrutiny and debate.
Get an IAS/IPS ranker as your 1: 1 personal mentor for UPSC 2024
Attend Now
