Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Meerut, 1857 Uprising
Mains level: Not Much
Central Idea
- The article highlights the historical significance of Meerut, a city in western Uttar Pradesh.
- Alamgirpur, the easternmost settlement of the Harappa civilization, is located in Meerut and has archaeological importance.
- However, Meerut gained fame for its role in India’s First War of Independence on May 10, 1857, also known as the Indian Mutiny or Revolt.
Meerut: Historical origins and name
- Meerut has historical origins, possibly deriving its name from Mayarashtra, the capital of Mayasura, who was Ravana’s father-in-law.
- The archaeological site of Vidura-ka-tila, located northeast of Meerut, is believed to be the remains of Hastinapur, the ancient capital of the Kauravas and Pandavas from the Mahabharata.
- Meerut was ruled by the Scindias before being ceded to the British in 1803, which eventually paved the way for the British exit from India.
The 1857 Rebellion
- The rebellion in Meerut was sparked by the introduction of the Enfield rifle and the use of cartridges rumored to be greased with a mixture of cow and pig fat.
- Sepoys (Indian soldiers) who refused to use the cartridges were punished and stripped of their uniforms.
- This incident led to a rebellion among the sepoys and a call for the uprising against British rule.
Outbreak of the Mutiny
- On May 10, 1857, while the European residents of Meerut were attending church, the sound of musketry and columns of smoke signalled the revolt of the native troops.
- The sepoys, having revolted, marched towards Delhi, considering it the power center and the capital of Mughal India.
Meerut’s Significance
- Meerut played a crucial role in the Indian Mutiny, serving as the starting point for the rebellion that spread across the country.
- The mutiny in Meerut inspired and influenced the subsequent events of the uprising.
- D. Savarkar later referred to the Mutiny as the First War of Independence.
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From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Guld Countries
Mains level: India's strengthening relations with Gulf countries, opportunities, challenges and way ahead
Central Idea
- The recent meeting in Riyadh between Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and the national security advisers of the US, UAE, and India highlights India’s new possibilities in the Arabian Peninsula. The growing strategic convergence between India and USA in the Gulf and the opportunities and challenges for India in the emerging.
India-US Gulf Partnership: Departure from Traditional Approaches
- Shedding the Anti-Western Lens: The Nehruvian foreign policy of keeping a distance from the US in the Middle East is being discarded, and India is working with the US in the Gulf region.
- Building New Partnerships: The formation of a four-nation grouping called I2U2, comprising the US, India, Israel, and the UAE, highlights the growing strategic convergence between Delhi and Washington in the Gulf.
- Rejection of Ideological Taboo: India is shedding its ideological taboo of keeping its distance from Israel, and transforming its relations with the two Arabian kingdoms, Saudi Arabia and the UAE, into solid strategic partnerships.
- Expansion of Partnerships: In addition to the US, India is beginning to work with France in the Gulf and the Western Indian Ocean.
- Change in Perception: The US is leading the West to discard its pro-Pakistan bias and rethink the relationship between the Subcontinent and the Gulf.
New Strategic Opportunities for India in the Gulf
- Economic growth: The emerging Arabian Peninsula presents enormous new possibilities for India’s economic growth, given the massive financial capital and ambitious economic transformation of Gulf kingdoms like Saudi Arabia and the UAE.
- Connectivity and security: India can play a productive role in promoting connectivity and security within Arabia and between it and abutting regions, including Africa, the Middle East, Eastern Mediterranean, and the Subcontinent.
- Overcoming extremism: The engagement with the Gulf can also help India overcome the dangerous forces of violent religious extremism within the Subcontinent.
- Elevating India’s standing: The new opportunities in Arabia and the emerging possibilities for partnership with the US and the West position India to rapidly elevate its own standing in the region.
Challenges that India may face in pursuing strategic opportunities in the Gulf
- Regional instability: The Gulf region is prone to political and security instability due to ongoing conflicts, political tensions, and the presence of non-state actors. This can pose a challenge for India in pursuing its interests in the region.
- Dependence on hydrocarbons: India is heavily dependent on hydrocarbon imports from the Gulf, which makes it vulnerable to supply disruptions and price volatility. The shift towards renewable energy sources and reducing dependence on hydrocarbons may take time and require significant investments.
- Competition with other powers: India faces competition from other major powers such as China, the United States, and European countries, who are also seeking to expand their strategic presence in the Gulf region.
- Cultural differences: There may be cultural differences between India and some Gulf countries, which could pose challenges in developing strong partnerships and cooperation in areas such as security and counter-terrorism.
- Domestic political constraints: Domestic political constraints, such as political opposition to closer ties with certain Gulf countries, could hinder India’s efforts to deepen its strategic engagement in the region.
Way ahead: Steps is to continue building on the momentum
- Strengthening economic ties: India should focus on deepening its economic relations with the Gulf countries, including diversifying its trade and investment portfolio, exploring opportunities in non-oil sectors, and leveraging its expertise in areas such as technology, healthcare, and renewable energy.
- Enhancing security cooperation: India should work with its Gulf partners to enhance security cooperation, including counter-terrorism and intelligence sharing, and contribute to regional stability and security.
- Promoting people-to-people ties: India should encourage greater people-to-people exchanges with the Gulf countries, including through cultural and educational exchanges, tourism, and sports.
- Supporting regional initiatives: India should support regional initiatives aimed at promoting stability, connectivity, and development in the Gulf and the wider Middle East region.
- Balancing relations with various actors: India should strive to balance its relations with various actors in the region, including the US, France, Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and Iran, and avoid getting embroiled in regional rivalries.
Conclusion
- The emerging India-US partnership in the Gulf region presents a new era of cooperation that has the potential to promote economic growth, connectivity, and security within the region. The partnership marks a departure from traditional approaches to the Middle East and has the potential to elevate India’s standing in the Gulf.
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Clean energy solutions
Mains level: Energy crisis and Need of Transition towards renewables
Central Idea
- Access to affordable and reliable energy is essential for economic development and public services. However, the global energy market has been disrupted due to demand and supply-side factors leading to rising prices and disruptions in energy supply chains. As a result, countries with a high dependence on fossil fuels, including India, faced a significant challenge.
The correlation: Energy availability and economic development
- The correlation between energy availability and economic development is that energy availability and accessibility are essential inputs for many public services, and securing affordable and reliable access to energy remains a central political and economic imperative for almost all governments.
- Energy availability and accessibility are necessary for economic growth and development, and a lack of access to energy can hamper the growth of industries, limit productivity, and impede social development.
Factors that contributed to the Global Energy Crisis
- Demand and Supply-side Factors: There have been disruptions in the oil and gas supply chains due to the ongoing Russia and Ukraine war. Additionally, energy prices came under pressure due to a sudden rise in demand resulting from abnormally high temperatures and associated heatwaves across the globe. These factors inflated the international price of oil and natural gas.
- Dependence on Finite Fossil Fuels: Fossil fuels account for over 80% of global energy requirements and over 64% of electricity generation worldwide. Additionally, most countries are net importers of fossil fuels, and thus prone to adverse supply shocks resulting from various geopolitical and economic events.
- Overdependence on Fossil Fuels: Many countries turned to coal to meet their energy needs, while those already using coal intensified its exploitation, putting immense pressure on the coal market.
- Increased Cost of Electricity: The increased cost of electricity due to a higher usage of fossil fuel-based sources imposed a heavy burden on low-income households since they spend a larger share of their incomes on electricity and gas.
- Widespread Power Outages: Widespread power outages in many countries due to disruptions in electricity supply threw lives out of gear.
- Dependence on Imported Fossil Fuels: Europe, for instance, faced a challenging situation due to its historic high dependence on imported gas from Russia to meet its energy requirements.
- Climate Change: Fossil fuels account for 75% of global greenhouse gas emissions and around 90% of carbon dioxide emissions. Climate events, such as floods and droughts, cause immense human and economic loss.
Impact on countries
- High energy prices: The increased cost of electricity due to a higher usage of fossil fuel-based sources imposes a heavy burden on low-income households since they spend a larger share of their incomes on electricity and gas.
- Power outages: Widespread power outages in many countries due to disruptions in electricity supply throw lives out of gear. For instance, Bangladesh witnessed a countrywide blackout as many gas- and diesel-based power plants, responsible for approximately 85 percent of the country’s electricity generation, were forced to shut down due to fuel shortages.
- Slowdown in economic growth: Increased prices and disrupted supply severely impacted those countries with a high dependence on fossil fuels, particularly its import, and led to a slowdown in global economic growth, forcing some countries and regions into recession.
- Environmental degradation: Overdependence on fossil fuels impacts countries adversely in the form of air and water pollution and soil degradation, while also being a significant cause of climate change.
- Foreign exchange reserves: The dependence on fossil fuels also affects countries’ foreign exchange reserves, as the fluctuations in prices of fossil fuels affect their import bills and balance of payments.
- Revenue loss: Many regions and their economies, especially in developing countries, depend on incomes derived from fossil fuel-based employment, such as mining, power generation, transmission, and distribution and storage. In many regions, governments are also dependent on the revenue generated from fossil fuels to enhance infrastructure that enables local communities to expand and diversify their livelihood options.
Challenges in way of transition to renewable sources of energy
- Mobilizing capital: While the cost of clean energy is declining, many clean energy technologies require high upfront investment costs, which may be beyond the capacities of most developing countries. Additionally, international support for developing countries is lacking, making it difficult for them to transition to renewable energy sources without supportive international actions.
- Ensuring a just transition: There is a need to ensure decent work opportunities and social support for people likely to lose their livelihoods in the process of transitioning to low-carbon and renewable-based economies. Many people are employed in the fossil fuel industry globally, and there is a risk of destabilizing local economies during the transition process.
- Technical challenges: The transition to renewable energy sources may require significant upgrades to infrastructure, including energy storage and transmission systems, which can be costly.
- Policy and regulatory challenges: The transition to renewable energy sources requires significant policy and regulatory changes, including reforms to subsidy systems, pricing mechanisms, and energy markets.
- Reliability and intermittency of renewable sources: Unlike fossil fuels, renewable energy sources are often intermittent, making it difficult to guarantee a stable supply of electricity. This may require investments in energy storage and backup power systems to ensure reliable supply.
- Public acceptance: The transition to renewable energy sources may face resistance from some stakeholders, including those who are reliant on fossil fuels for their livelihoods or those who are concerned about the visual and environmental impacts of renewable energy infrastructure.
Way ahead: Addressing these challenges
- Mobilizing capital: Developed countries need to fulfill their commitment to providing climate finance to developing countries. Innovative financial instruments such as green bonds and blended finance could also be used to attract private investment.
- Ensuring a just transition: Governments need to develop comprehensive plans that protect workers and communities affected by the shift to renewable energy. This could involve retraining programs, investment in new industries, and social safety nets.
- Investing in research and development: Governments, international organizations, and the private sector need to invest in research and development to drive down the costs of renewable energy technologies and improve their efficiency.
- Promoting energy efficiency: Governments and businesses need to prioritize energy efficiency measures such as retrofitting buildings and improving industrial processes to reduce energy demand and costs.
- Accelerating deployment of renewable energy: Governments need to set ambitious targets for renewable energy deployment and create policy frameworks that incentivize investment in clean energy.
- Building energy infrastructure: Governments need to invest in building the infrastructure needed to support the deployment of renewable energy, including grid upgrades, energy storage, and electric vehicle charging stations.
- Promoting international cooperation: The transition to renewable energy requires international cooperation, especially between developed and developing countries. Developed countries can support developing countries through technology transfer, capacity building, and financial support.
Facts for prelims
Distributed Renewable Energy (DRE)
- DRE refers to the generation and distribution of electricity from renewable energy sources, such as solar, wind, hydro, geothermal, and biomass, through small-scale, decentralized systems.
- These systems are often installed in remote or rural areas where it is difficult or expensive to connect to a centralized power grid.
- DRE systems can range from individual rooftop solar panels to small-scale wind turbines, mini-hydro systems, and biomass generators.
- They are typically designed to serve a single household or community, rather than a large urban or industrial center.
- DRE systems are also known as off-grid or mini-grid systems, and they can be standalone or connected to a larger power grid.
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Conclusion
- The transition towards renewables is an attractive option for countries to hedge against the risks associated with fossil fuel-based energy sources. However, this requires access to affordable finance and international support to enable a just transition through on-the-job retraining programs, infrastructure investments, and so on. Access to affordable and reliable energy is crucial for sustainable economic development.
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From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Major Tribes and features
Mains level: Inter-community struggles and reconciliation ans state governence
Central Idea
- The recent communal riots in Manipur have led to unprecedented human displacement, loss of lives and property, and destruction of the geopolitical foundations of Manipur beyond any immediate repair. To secure future stability and peace, there is a need to confront the truth about the nature of these riots and their principal cause and take adequate measures to ensure institutional accountability, recognition, and accommodation of distinctive rights and identities.
What is the principal cause?
- The principal cause of the riots in Manipur is the failure of the state government to recognize and accommodate the territorial rights and identities of the different communities in the state.
- The state’s aggressive integrationist project, which seeks to dissolve tribal land rights in the valley areas, has been a major source of tension between the Meitei and tribal communities.
- Additionally, the lack of functional sub-state asymmetrical institutions and the weakness of the state-society model have contributed to the instability and ethnic security dilemma in the state.
Who are the Meiteis?
- Largest community: The Meiteis are the largest community in Manipur.
- Community’s Language: They speak the Meitei language (officially called Manipuri), one of the 22 official languages of India and the sole official language of Manipur State.
- Geographical Distribution: Manipur is geographically divided into the Imphal Valley and the surrounding hills. The Imphal Valley is dominated by the Meitei community, which accounts for more than 64% of the population. The hills, which comprise 90% of Manipur’s geographical area, are inhabited by more than 35% recognized tribes, which are largely Christians.
- Major Festivals: festivals of meiteis are Lai Haraoba, Cheiraoba, Yaosang among others. Also, The Manipuri martial art Thang-ta had its origin in the Meitei knights during the king’s rule.
Need for recognition and accommodation: Illustration
- Recognition of territorial rights: The stability and integrity of a pillarized society like Manipur can only be secured through recognition of territorial rights and identities of all communities. This means recognizing the land rights and heritage of the Meiteis and the tribals in the hills.
- Substantive accommodation: In addition to recognition, it is necessary to provide substantive accommodation to different communities. This can involve granting tribal communities more autonomy in decision-making and representation in government.
- Genuine dialogue: Accommodation requires genuine dialogue between communities that is based on mutual respect and a willingness to compromise. This is crucial for building trust and reducing tensions.
- End of aggressive integrationist projects: The idea that one community should dominate others must be replaced with a more inclusive approach that values diversity and recognizes the rights of all communities.
- Working institutions: Accommodation requires that institutions function effectively and equitably. The weak state-society model in Manipur needs to be strengthened and institutional trust and legitimacy must be restored.
- Respect for differences: Recognition and accommodation require a respect for differences and a commitment to finding common ground. This can be facilitated by an appreciation of the historical pedigree of extant sub-State constitutional asymmetry and a willingness to address the concerns of all communities.
Way ahead: Steps to promote State-building
- Strengthening state institutions: The state government should focus on building strong and effective institutions that can deliver basic services to citizens, maintain law and order, and protect the rights of all communities. This could involve reforming the police force, improving the efficiency of the bureaucracy, and strengthening the judiciary.
- Promoting inclusivity: The state government should ensure that all communities, including tribal and non-tribal groups, have equal access to government services and are included in the political process. This could involve implementing affirmative action policies and promoting dialogue between different communities.
- Improving infrastructure: The state government should invest in improving infrastructure, including roads, water supply, and electricity, to promote economic growth and development. This could help reduce poverty and inequality and improve the quality of life for all citizens.
- Addressing grievances: The state government should address the grievances of different communities, including land rights issues, to build trust and promote peace. This could involve setting up a judicial commission to investigate past violence and ensure accountability for those responsible.
- Building regional partnerships: The state government should work with other states in the region and the central government to promote regional cooperation and address common challenges. This could involve promoting trade and investment, sharing resources, and collaborating on regional security issues.
Facts for prelims: Major tribes of Manipur
- Naga Tribes: The Nagas are one of the largest and most prominent tribes in Manipur. They are primarily concentrated in the hill areas of the state, and are known for their distinct culture and traditions.
- Kuki Tribes: The Kukis are another major tribe in Manipur, and are also primarily concentrated in the hill areas. They are known for their love of music and dance, and have a rich cultural heritage.
- Meitei Tribe: The Meitei are the dominant community in the valley areas of Manipur, and have their own distinct language and culture. They are known for their love of traditional sports such as Thang Ta (a form of martial arts) and Sagol Kangjei (a game similar to polo).
- Hmar Tribe: The Hmars are a smaller tribe in Manipur, but are still an important part of the state’s cultural fabric. They are known for their traditional dance forms, such as the Cheraw and Chheihlam
- Zomi Tribe: The Zomis are another smaller tribe in Manipur, but are spread across several states in Northeast India. They are known for their love of music and dance, and have a rich cultural heritage.
- Pangal Tribe: The Pangal tribe, also known as the Manipuri Muslims, is a minority community in Manipur. They have a distinct culture and language and are primarily concentrated in the valley region.
- Anal Tribe: The Anal tribe is a smaller ethnic group in Manipur and is primarily concentrated in the hill areas. They have a unique culture and are known for their traditional dress, dance, and music.
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Conclusion
- Serious and concerted inter-community reconciliation efforts must be initiated immediately if Manipur as an inclusive idea and a geopolitical space of accommodation were to be revived. Any prolonged conflagrations will be mutually destructive and self-defeating. The government must adopt even-handedness in its dealing with diverse communities and must not cave into the pressure of the majority in the future.
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From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: IED (Improvised Explosive Device)
Mains level: Explosives control
Central Idea: The article discusses various measures that need to be taken to minimise errors in anti-terrorist operations. This has been particularly discussed after recent incidents of IED (improvised explosive device) explosions.
What are IED (Improvised Explosive Device)?
- IEDs are homemade explosive device made from commonly available materials such as fertilizer, diesel fuel, and metal scraps.
- They are typically used as a form of guerrilla warfare by non-state actors such as terrorists, insurgents, and other militant groups.
Why discuss IEDs?
- IEDs are a popular choice for such groups as they are relatively easy to construct, difficult to detect, and can be triggered by a range of mechanisms including pressure plates, remote control, and tripwires.
- IEDs are often responsible for a large number of casualties and fatalities in conflict zones.
Disadvantage faced by Indian armed forces
- The security forces are dealing with an enemy who is faceless, unidentifiable, and hidden among the people.
- Security personnel can open fire only in self-defence, not on apprehension, giving militants the ‘first mover advantage’.
- The reaction or the response time available for “Immediate Action (IA) or Counter Ambush drill” is a few seconds.
- All standard operating systems and procedures, technological measures, etc., are directed towards the identification and detection of IEDs/landmines and to avoid being caught in them.
Preventing IED Fatalities
(1) Minimizing Errors
- Avoid vehicle travel: To avoid casualties/fatalities in Maoist territories, vehicle travel should be avoided.
- Foot patrolling: Routine operations like area domination, cordon-and-search, long-range patrolling, ambush-cum-patrolling should only be undertaken on foot.
- Route security: If vehicle travel is essential, the onward and return journeys should never be by the same route, nor undertaken during the daytime.
- Smaller convoys: Security forces should travel in a convoy of a minimum of two to three vehicles, maintaining a distance of at least 40 to 50 meters between them.
(2) Camouflage and Protective Gear
- In certain war zones, vehicular deployment is inevitable.
- Security forces should be equipped with appropriate protective gear and their vehicles should be equipped with V-shaped and armour-plated hull, blast-resistant technology, and proper sandbagging to minimize damage in the event of an explosion.
(3) Making a Region Safe for Travel
- Detection: Rigorous and regular implementation of various detection methods, such as metal detectors, ground-penetrating radar, and trained sniffer dogs, to locate and clear landmines and IEDs, is essential.
- Multi strata surveillance: This carried out through drones and road opening parties equipped with UGVs (Unmanned Ground Vehicles) can detect the presence of terrorists and pick tell-tale signs of a likely ambush.
- Mapping of such areas: Areas known or suspected to contain landmines or IEDs can be mapped, and contingency plans prepared for them.
(4) Intelligence Inputs and Investigation
- Confidence building: Winning of hearts and minds is essential to gather actionable intelligence.
- Diligent and scientific investigation: Establishment of linkages through meticulous collection and marshalling of evidence, framing of chargesheets, followed by speedy trials and conviction, serve as a strong deterrent to terrorism.
Policy measures required
- Regulating explosives: Legislative measures are required for the mandatory addition of odoriferous chemicals and/or biosensors to explosives used in industry and mining for their easy detection during transport.
- Collaboration with international organizations: Other countries have taken several counter-IED measures, such as the U.S. setting up the Joint Improvised-Threat Defeat Organization and spending about $20 billion on counter-IED measures since 2005.
- Overarching agency: It is needed under the Ministry of Home Affairs to coordinate the efforts of both the GoI and the states, and to provide legislative, technological, and procedural support to law enforcement agencies.
Conclusion
- It is crucial for governments to take necessary measures to protect their security personnel and prevent casualties caused by IEDs.
- Again it is essential to raise awareness about the challenges and dangers faced by security personnel in conflict zones and to find effective solutions to mitigate the risks.
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From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Surrogacy Law
Mains level: Read the attached story
The govt in the Supreme Court has said that same-sex couples and live-in partners are not included in surrogacy and assisted reproduction laws to avoid ‘misuse’ and provide children a ‘complete family’.
Government’s stance
- Same-sex couples and live-in partners are excluded from surrogacy and assisted reproduction laws to avoid ‘misuse.’
- The welfare of the child should be prioritized over any notions of equality among prospective parents or couples.
- No special provisions or additional rights have been granted to same-sex couples and live-in partners despite the decriminalization of their relationships.
Why in news?
- The government’s perspective is not in tune with several Supreme Court judgments that long live-in relationships “presume” marriage.
- Live-in partners are not bound by law, and the safety of the child born through surrogacy cannot be guaranteed.
Judiciary in support
- Same-sex couples are fighting for their right to marry and raise a family as equal parents.
- CJI heading the Constitution Bench, has remarked that same-sex couples could offer as stable and loving a home, if not better, to children as heterosexual married parents.
Distinct features of the Surrogacy (Regulation) Act, 2021
- Definition of surrogacy: It defines surrogacy as a practice where a woman gives birth to a child for an intending couple with the intention to hand over the child after the birth to the intending couple.
- Regulation of surrogacy: It prohibits commercial surrogacy, but allows altruistic surrogacy which involves no monetary compensation to the surrogate mother other than the medical expenses and insurance.
- Purposes for which surrogacy is permitted: Surrogacy is permitted when it is: (i) for intending couples who suffer from proven infertility; (ii) altruistic; (iii) not for commercial purposes; (iv) not for producing children for sale, prostitution or other forms of exploitation; and (v) for any condition or disease specified through regulations.
- Eligibility criteria: The intending couple should have a ‘certificate of essentiality’ and a ‘certificate of eligibility’ issued by the appropriate authority ex. District Medical Board.
Eligibility criteria for surrogate mother:
- To obtain a certificate of eligibility from the appropriate authority, the surrogate mother has to be:
- A close relative of the intending couple;
- A married woman having a child of her own;
- 25 to 35 years old;
- A surrogate only once in her lifetime; and
- Possess a certificate of medical and psychological fitness for surrogacy.
- Further, the surrogate mother cannot provide her own gametes for surrogacy.
Basis of the Petition: Right to Reproductive Autonomy
- The personal decision of a single person about the birth of a baby through surrogacy, i.e., the right of reproductive autonomy is a facet of the right to privacy guaranteed under Article 21 of the Constitution.
- Thus, the right to privacy of every citizen or person affecting a decision to bear or beget a child through surrogacy cannot be taken away.
Other issues with Surrogacy Law
- Medical issue necessity: Married women can only avail surrogacy services if they are unable to produce a child due to medical conditions.
- Widow/Divorced: Otherwise, for women to avail of surrogacy services, they must be aged between 35 and 45 and widowed or divorced.
- One child obligation: Women can only offer surrogacy if they are aged between 25 and 35 and married with at least one biological child.
- Genetic relation obligation: The laws also require a surrogate to be genetically related to the couple who intend to have a child through this method.
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From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: CPEC
Mains level: India's territorial sovereignty breach
Central Idea: Pakistan, China and Afghanistan have agreed to extending the Beijing-backed China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) to Afghanistan to fully harness the country’s potential as a hub for regional connectivity.
What is CPEC?
- The CPEC, one of the most ambitious components of Beijing’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), was announced to great fanfare in 2015.
- CPEC is a collection of infrastructure projects that are under construction throughout Pakistan beginning in 2013.
- Originally valued at $47 billion, the value of CPEC projects is worth $62 billion as of 2020.
- It is intended to rapidly upgrade Pakistan’s required infrastructure and strengthen its economy by the construction of modern transportation networks, numerous energy projects, and SEZs.
- On 13 November 2016, CPEC became partly operational when Chinese cargo was transported overland to Gwadar Port for onward maritime shipment to Africa and West Asia.
India’s reservation against CPEC
Ans. Sovereignty breach
- India which shares tense relations with Pakistan, objects to the CPEC project as upgrade works to the Karakoram Highway are taking place in Gilgit-Baltistan.
- This is the territory illicitly occupied by Pakistan in 1947-48.
- During the visit of Indian PM Modi to China in 2015, the Indian FM, Sushma Swaraj reportedly told the Chinese.
- India did not object to the Chinese construction of the Karakoram Highway which was built between 1959 and 1979.
Why CPEC?
- Economic push for Pak: CPEC has consistently been held up as a “gamechanger” for Pakistan’s economy.
- Debt trap diplomacy: At the same time, China is the only country that is heavily investing in Pakistan.
Progress status
- Slow pace: Gwadar, despite being the epicenter of multibillion-dollar projects, lacks basic necessities like reliable access to water and electricity, let alone other facilities.
- At standstill: But the road to completion has proved long and winding. Reports indicate that the pace of CPEC projects has been slowing down in Pakistan in recent years.
- Baloch freedom movement: This is another impediment to the stalled project where Chinese officials are targeted and killed.
- Consistent security threat: China is also seeking to deploy its Army in the CPEC projects, to which Pakistan has contested.
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From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Uniforms, Ranks and Insignia
Mains level: Not Much
Central Idea: A decision has been taken at the recent Army Commanders Conference to change the uniforms worn by senior Army officers.
Changes in Uniform
- All officers of the rank of Brigadier and above will now wear common uniform items.
- The common uniform items include berets, badges of rank, belt buckle, and pattern of shoes.
- Regimental lanyards and shoulder flashes will no longer be worn by officers of these higher ranks.
- There will be no item of uniform that will identify them as belonging to a particular Regiment or Corps.
Present Uniform Accoutrements
- Officers from the rank of Lieutenant to General currently wear uniform accoutrements as per their regimental or corps affiliation.
- Each Infantry Regiment and Corps has its own pattern of lanyard, badges of rank, buttons, and belt buckle as per regimental traditions.
Reason for Change
- Regimental service in the Army ends at the rank of Colonel for most officers who rise further.
- Senior officers commanding troops of mixed regimental lineage should present themselves in a neutral uniform rather than a regimental one.
Reversion to Past Practice
- The Army is now reverting to the practice that was followed almost 40 years ago, when the changes towards wearing regimental affiliations took hold in the service.
- Until about the mid-1980s, officers of the rank of Colonel and above had common uniform patterns and insignia.
Tradition in Other Armies
- In the British army, the uniform worn by officers of the rank of Colonel and above is referred to as the Staff uniform, to distinguish it from the Regimental uniform.
- Among neighbouring countries, the Pakistan and Bangladesh armies follow the same pattern as the British army.
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From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Local Security forces and their mandate
Mains level: Challenges for employing local tribal youth against Insurgency and solutions
Central Idea
- The April 26 attack on District Reserve Guard (DRG) personnel and a civilian driver by Maoists in Dantewada, Chhattisgarh highlights the need for a comprehensive approach to tackling the insurgency. Despite claims of a weakened Maoist movement, the attack shows that they still have the ability to strike at will.
About District Reserve Guards (DRG)
- District Reserve Guards (DRG) is a special unit of the police force in some Indian states, primarily in Chhattisgarh, that is trained and equipped to combat Naxalite and Maoist insurgency.
- DRG personnel are typically drawn from local tribal communities and are familiar with the local terrain, which makes them effective in fighting the insurgency.
- They are provided with specialized training in guerrilla warfare, jungle warfare, and use of modern weaponry.
- The DRG is often at the forefront of anti-Naxalite operations and is considered a vital component of the Indian government’s efforts to counter the Maoist insurgency in the country.
Maoist ability to strike at will
- Strategic planning by Maoist Central Committee: A strike such as the one carried out on April 26 cannot be the brainchild of a local Maoist unit; it is highly likely that this was a trap laid out under the directions of the Maoist Central Committee, indicating the sustained hierarchy of the Maoists.
- Timing of attacks: The Maoists carry out maximum attacks against security forces during the tactical counter-offensive campaign which is the period between February and June every year. Out of a total of 17 major strikes in Chhattisgarh (2010-2023), six were carried out in April alone, indicating a pattern that should give the government enough leads to plan its strategy.
- Flouting of standard operating procedures: Standard operating procedures and protocols were blatantly flouted during the unfortunate strike on April 26. It is imperative that the security forces remain extra cautious during the months of the tactical counter-offensive campaign by strictly adhering to standard operating procedures and protocols.
Challenges associated with employing local tribal youth for the DRG
- False sense of empowerment: When armed, local tribal youth often get a false sense of empowerment, which can lead to feuds with the Maoists. This is because they are familiar with the ecosystem of the Maoists and may harbor resentment towards them.
- Intelligence network: During the April 26 incident, the intelligence network of the DRG was outclassed by that of the Maoists. This highlights the need for better training and support for local tribal youth who are employed by the DRG.
- Ad-hoc planning: The DRG personnel, in this case, seem to have acted independently, exposing their ad-hoc planning. This demonstrates the need for better coordination and control over the DRG by the state police.
- Lack of discipline: Although the combat-worthiness of the DRG is beyond doubt, it is not complemented by the rigor of discipline, which is an imperative quality for troops in any protracted counter-insurgency campaign. The track record of the DRG regarding discipline is not too encouraging, with many of the cadres having been cashiered on disciplinary grounds and some having been found to be involved in crime. This highlights the need for better training and support to ensure that the DRG personnel are adequately disciplined and accountable for their actions.
Way ahead: Lasting solutions
- Effective Policing: Effective policing in insurgency-affected regions is the function of a strong State police force. It is widely acknowledged that Central police forces should supplement and not supplant the State police.
- Vacancies in State Police Force: According to data of the Bureau of Police Research and Development, there are many vacancies in the State police forces. Without comprehensive transformation of the State police, Central forces would achieve little beyond random and misplaced killings.
- Control on Local Tribal Youth: Local tribal youth should be employed for the DRG in a controlled manner by the State police. Security should not be simply outsourced to them.
- DRG Personnel Discipline: The combat-worthiness of the DRG is beyond doubt, but it is not complemented by the rigour of discipline. This is an imperative quality for troops in any protracted counter-insurgency campaign. The track record of the DRG regarding discipline is not too encouraging.
- Deeper reflection on the discontent and dispossession of tribal people: The incident calls for a deeper reflection on the discontent and dispossession of the tribal people of central India, who are in all respects the most disadvantaged of citizens.
- Perception management: The government needs to pay adequate attention to perception management. The government should communicate that extensive road construction projects in Bastar will ease the lives of the local population and not just enhance the reach of the security forces.
- Weaken the Maoist ideology: The futility of the Maoist ideology in current times is not adequately exposed to weaken the insurgency. Security is no doubt necessary, but the focus needs to be beyond security and development.
Conclusion
- The Dantewada attack highlights the need for a comprehensive approach to tackling the insurgency, taking into account the tactical counter-offensive campaign, the need for strong state police forces, and the controlled employment of DRG personnel. The government should focus on addressing the root causes of the insurgency, paying attention to perception management and exposing the futility of Maoist ideology
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: findings of All-India Survey on Higher Education
Mains level: Sachar Committee Report, Higher education enrollment of Marginalized communities
Central Idea
- The recently released All India Survey on Higher Education 2020–21 has shown some alarming trends. While there have been improvements in the enrollment of certain communities in higher education, there has been a drastic drop in the enrollment of Muslim students. The survey provides a grim picture of the marginalisation of the Muslim community in higher education and the need for the government to take action to address.
Findings of the survey
- Enrollment overview:
- Enrollment of Dalits, Adivasis and OBCs in higher education increased by 4.2%, 11.9%, and 4% respectively compared to 2019-20.
- The upper castes showed the highest growth rate of 13.6%, after declining with the implementation of Mandal II in the late 2000s.
- Enrollment of Muslim students:
- The enrollment of Muslim students dropped by 8% from 2019-20, by 1,79,147 students. This level of absolute decline has never happened in the recent past for any group.
- UP accounts for 36% of the total decline in Muslim enrollment, followed by Jammu and Kashmir (26%), Maharashtra (8.5%), Tamil Nadu (8.1%), Gujarat (6.1%), Bihar (5.7%) and Karnataka (3.7%).
- Muslims constitute about 4.6% of total enrollment in higher education while they represent about 15% of society.
- Among major states, in 2020-21, Muslims did not do better than Dalits except in Tamil Nadu, Telangana and Delhi. Kerala tops in the percentage of Muslim youth (43%) who are currently attending higher education.
Factors behind declining enrollment of Muslim students
- Lack of job opportunities: Muslim students face a high unemployment rate, which means that they may not see higher education as a path to a good job.
- Discrimination: There is discrimination in the job market against Muslim candidates. Studies have shown that Muslim candidates are less likely to be invited to job interviews compared to candidates with Brahmin or Dalit names.
- Economic factors: Muslim students may not have the financial means to pursue higher education, and may have to work to support themselves and their families. This can lead to a high dropout rate.
- Violence and ghettoization: Violence against Muslims has increased, which has led to a sense of fear and insecurity, and has restricted their mobility. This has resulted in a trend towards ghettoization.
- Discriminatory policies: Some state governments have stopped providing financial support to Muslim students pursuing higher education. This has made it more difficult for them to access higher education opportunities.
All you need to know about Sachar Committee report, 2006
- The Sachar Committee was commissioned by the Indian government in response to concerns about the social and economic status of Muslims in India.
- The committee surveyed the status of Muslims across various parameters, including education, employment, and access to social services.
- The report found that Muslims in India were disproportionately affected by poverty, illiteracy, and lack of access to basic services such as healthcare and sanitation.
- The report highlighted the need for affirmative action policies to address the marginalization of Muslims, such as reservations in education and employment.
- The report also recommended the establishment of an Equal Opportunities Commission to address discrimination against Muslims and other minority communities in India.
- The Sachar Committee Report sparked a national debate about the social and economic status of Muslims in India and led to increased attention on the issue of affirmative action for marginalized communities.
Policy recommendations to address low Muslim students enrollment
- Initiate positive discrimination policies: The government could implement policies such as sub-quotas for Muslims within the OBC quota to improve their access to higher education opportunities.
- Provide scholarships and fellowships: The government could provide greater financial support to minority students pursuing higher education, such as scholarships and fellowships, to help them overcome economic barriers.
- Address discrimination in the job market: The government could work to create more job opportunities for Muslims and address discrimination in the job market to help improve their economic prospects.
- Promote social and economic equality: The overall goal should be to promote greater social and economic equality for Muslims in India, which could involve a range of policies and initiatives focused on education, employment, and other areas.
Conclusion
- The All-India Survey on Higher Education highlights the deepening marginalisation of the Muslim community in higher education and the need for the government to take action to address the situation. Positive discrimination in favour of Muslims, as recommended by the Sachar Committee Report, is the need of the hour to ensure equitable access to higher education for all communities. Without such efforts, India will not be able to realise its potential and contribute to the harmonious development of society.
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Global Buddhist Summit and Buddhist tourism circuit and other related facts
Mains level: India's Buddhist Diplomacy
Central Idea
- India’s recent two-day global Buddhist summit in New Delhi was a significant opportunity for India to strengthen its soft power and connect with the global Buddhist community. India has been investing in Buddhist diplomacy efforts, with a focus on promoting tourism through the development of the Buddhist tourist circuit and by visiting Buddhist sites during Southeast and East Asian visits.
What is global Buddhist summit?
- A global Buddhist summit is a high-level gathering of key figures from the global Buddhist community, including prominent scholars, sangha leaders, dharma practitioners, and government officials, to discuss and promote the teachings and values of Buddhism, as well as to strengthen ties within the global Buddhist community.
- The summit provides an opportunity to exchange ideas and explore ways to address contemporary challenges faced by society, guided by the principles of Buddhism.
- These summits also provide a platform for countries with strong historical and cultural ties to Buddhism, such as India, to project and connect with the global Buddhist population, thereby strengthening their soft power.
Facts for prelims: Global Buddhist summit, New Delhi
| Organized by |
Ministry of Culture in collaboration with the International Buddhist Confederation |
| Attendees |
171 foreign delegates from South Korea, Thailand, Cambodia, Japan, and Taiwan, along with 150 delegates from Indian Buddhist organizations |
| Key Figures |
The Dalai Lama, prominent scholars, sangha leaders, and dharma practitioners |
| Theme |
“Responses to Contemporary Challenges: Philosophy to Praxis” |
| Emphasis |
Continuing relevance of Buddha’s teachings in today’s world and India’s commitment to preserving and promoting Buddhist culture and heritage |
| Focus |
Promotion of tourism through the development of the “Buddhist tourist circuit” and strengthening ties with the global Buddhist community |
| Highlighted Efforts |
India’s Buddhist diplomacy and cultural exchange, promoting regional cohesion |
| Objectives |
To shape the discourse around Buddhist issues on the global stage, to reinforce India’s soft power, and to maintain its edge over China in promoting Buddhist heritage |
| Importance |
A valuable opportunity for cultural exchange, sharing of ideas, and strengthening ties within the global Buddhist community |
The Panchamrit: Current Indian government’s guiding principles for foreign policy
- Samman (Respect): To build a foreign policy based on mutual respect and recognition of the sovereignty and territorial integrity of all nations.
- Samvad (Dialogue): To promote dialogue and engagement with all nations to resolve disputes and build understanding.
- Sahyog (Cooperation): To promote cooperation and collaboration with other nations to achieve common goals and address shared challenges.
- Shanti (Peace): To promote peace and stability in the region and beyond, and to work towards global disarmament and non-proliferation.
- Sanskriti Evam Sabhyata (Culture and Civilization): To promote cultural and civilizational links with other nations, and to work towards the preservation and promotion of India’s rich cultural heritage.
How China used Buddhist diplomacy during the Cold War?
- During the Cold War, China used Buddhist diplomacy as a tool to engage with neighboring countries and gain influence in the region.
- Sponsoring exchanges: China sponsored exchanges between Chinese Buddhist leaders and their counterparts in other countries, which often involved the exchange of gifts and the establishment of cultural centers to promote Chinese culture and Buddhism abroad.
- Offering scholarships: China offered scholarships to foreign students to study Buddhism in China, which helped promote Chinese culture and build goodwill among the international community.
- Sending Buddhist delegations: China sent Buddhist delegations to participate in international events, which helped promote Chinese culture and enhance China’s image as a responsible global power.
- Promoting regional cooperation and peace: China promoted Buddhism as a source of common values and cultural heritage, which helped foster a vision of regional cooperation and peace that would serve China’s interests in the region.
- Using Buddhism to promote domestic policies: During the Cultural Revolution, China promoted its own brand of Buddhism, which was heavily influenced by Marxist-Leninist ideology. This version of Buddhism promoted the idea of a Buddhist socialist state and was used to promote loyalty to the Chinese Communist Party.
How India can leverage its Buddhist diplomacy?
- India can leverage its Buddhist diplomacy in several ways to promote its interests and reinforce its soft power. Here are some of the ways in which India can do this:
- Promote Buddhism at the highest levels of government: India can continue to promote Buddhism and its rich cultural heritage at the highest levels of government, by organizing high-profile events and promoting cultural exchanges.
- Organize cultural events: India can organize cultural events that showcase its Buddhist history and heritage, and promote cultural exchange between India and other countries.
- Strengthen ties with key Buddhist institutions and leaders: India can work to strengthen its ties with key Buddhist institutions and leaders around the world, to build stronger relationships and promote greater cooperation.
- Utilize Bollywood to promote Buddhist heritage: India can utilize the reach of Bollywood to promote its Buddhist heritage, by producing films and television shows that highlight the importance of Buddhism and its role in Indian history and culture.
- Collaborate with the Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR): The Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR) can play a significant role in promoting cultural events within and outside India, and India can collaborate with ICCR to promote its Buddhist diplomacy efforts.
- Develop the Buddhist tourist circuit: India can continue to develop the Buddhist tourist circuit to promote tourism and cultural exchange, by investing in infrastructure and promoting Buddhist pilgrimage sites.
- Strengthen ties with the global Buddhist community: India can continue to strengthen its ties with the global Buddhist community, by participating in international events and promoting greater understanding and cooperation between nations.
Facts for prelims: Quick revision box from civils daily
| Council |
Timeline |
Location |
Sponsor |
Outcome |
| First Buddhist Council |
483 BCE |
Rajagriha |
King Ajatashatru |
Compilation of the Tripitaka scriptures |
| Second Buddhist Council |
4th BCE |
Vaishali |
Unknown |
Established two separate sects of Buddhism |
| Third Buddhist Council |
3rd BCE |
Pataliputra |
Emperor Ashoka |
Compilation of the Abhidhamma Pitaka |
| Fourth Buddhist Council |
1st century CE |
Kundalavana, Kashmir |
Emperor Kanishka |
Compilation of the Mahayana Buddhist scriptures |
Conclusion
- India must act to ensure that it remains a key player in the global Buddhist community. As Buddha was the first diplomat of peace, his teachings of peace and cooperation can become the guiding light of Indian diplomacy on the world stage, especially in these tough times.
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Types of coal
Mains level: India's coal import
Central Idea
- India’s coal imports increased by 30% to 162.46 million tonnes in the 2022-23 financial year compared to 124.99 MT in the previous year, according to a report.
- The report was released by mjunction, a B2B e-commerce platform that is a joint venture between Steel Authority of India (SAIL) and Tata Steel.
India’s coal production and consumption
- India is among the top five coal-producing countries in the world.
- Despite being a major producer, India also imports coal to meet some of its demand.
- India is a significant consumer of coal, which is used for power generation and industrial processes.
Import of Coking Coal
- Coking Coal: The import of coking coal rose by 5.44% to 54.46 MT over 51.65 MT in FY22, as per the report by mjunction. Coking coal is a key raw material used in steel making.
- Non-coking coal: In March 2023, non-coking coal import stood at 13.88 MT against 12.61 MT in the same month last year.
- Other imports: The total imports of various types of coal like anthracite, pulverised coal injection (PCI coal), met coke and pet coke, along with coking and non-coking coal, were at 249.06 MT in FY23, up from 200.71 MT in FY22, a rise of over 24%.
Key inferences from this
- The high demand for steam coal in India and the weakening of seaborne prices led to increased volumes during March.
- This trend might continue in the coming months due to above-normal average temperatures expected during the summer.
Why does India import coal?
India imports coal primarily due to the following reasons:
- Lack of good quality coal: India’s domestic coal reserves have limitations in terms of quality, and the country does not have sufficient reserves of good quality coking coal, which is used in steelmaking and allied industries. Therefore, India imports coal to compensate for the lack of good quality coal.
- Growing energy demand: India’s energy demand is continuously increasing due to population growth and rapid urbanization. Coal is a significant contributor to India’s energy mix, and the country needs to import coal to meet its growing energy demand.
- Infrastructure constraints: India’s domestic coal production is limited due to various factors such as geological constraints, land acquisition issues, and environmental regulations. Moreover, India’s domestic coal transport infrastructure is insufficient, and many power plants are located far away from the coal mines, making imports a more viable option.
- Better quality and cost-effectiveness: Importing coal from other countries can sometimes be more cost-effective than producing it domestically, especially when the quality of imported coal is better than domestic coal.
Key terminologies
Coking coal: a type of coal that is used in the production of steel.
Anthracite: a hard and compact type of coal that has a high carbon content.
Pulverised coal injection (PCI coal): a method of injecting pulverized coal into a blast furnace to improve the efficiency of the iron-making process.
Met coke: a type of coke made by heating coal in the absence of air, which is used as a fuel in blast furnaces to produce iron.
Pet coke: a carbon-rich solid material that is derived from oil refining. It is used as a fuel in industrial processes. |
Try this PYQ from CSP 2012:
Despite having large reserves of coal, why does India import millions of tonnes of coal?
- It is the policy of India to save its own coal reserves for the future, and import them from other countries for the present use.
- Most of the power plants in India are coal-based and they are not able to get sufficient supplies of coal from within the country.
- Steel companies need a large quantity of coking coal which has to be imported.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
Post your answers here
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Gold Reserves
Mains level: India's forex reserves and its implications
Central Idea: The RBI has increased its gold reserves by 34.22 tonnes YoY to reach 794.64 tonnes at the end of March 2023, according to the central bank’s data.
What are Gold Reserves?
- Gold reserves refer to the physical gold holdings that a central bank or a country holds as a part of its foreign exchange reserves.
- Central banks may acquire gold reserves through various means, including purchases from other central banks, international organizations, or commercial banks, and from domestic production or importation.
- Gold reserves are typically held in the form of gold bars, which are stored in secure vaults or depositories.
Why Gold?
- Gold is considered a safe-haven asset and has been historically used to back a country’s currency.
- Holding gold reserves is seen as a way to hedge against inflation, currency fluctuations, and other economic uncertainties.
Significance of Gold Reserves
- Economic stability: Gold reserves are often seen as a symbol of economic stability and confidence, especially during times of financial crisis or uncertainty. Holding gold reserves can help central banks to maintain the stability of their currency and the economy.
- Diversification: Gold is considered a safe-haven asset and can provide diversification to a country’s foreign exchange reserves portfolio. Diversification helps to reduce the risks associated with any single asset class.
- Hedge against inflation: Gold is considered an inflation hedge as its value tends to increase during times of high inflation or when the value of a currency is depreciating. Holding gold reserves can help to protect the purchasing power of a country’s currency.
- International transactions: Gold reserves can be used as collateral for loans and international transactions. Countries can also use gold reserves to settle international debts.
- Confidence-building: The level of a country’s gold reserves can be an indicator of the country’s financial strength and stability. High levels of gold reserves can help to build confidence among investors and other countries.
Breakdown of RBI’s gold reserves
- Total: As of March-end 2023, the RBI held 794.64 metric tonnes of gold, including gold deposits of 56.32 metric tonnes.
- Domestic and abroad: Out of the total gold reserves, 437.22 metric tonnes of gold is held overseas in safe custody with the Bank of England and the Bank of International Settlements (BIS), while 301.10 metric tonnes of gold is held domestically.
How much do these gold reserves value?
- In value terms (USD), the share of gold in the total foreign exchange reserves increased from about 7.06% as of September-end 2022 to about 7.81% as of March-end 2023, as per the RBI’s report.
- During the half-year period, the reserves increased from $532.66 billion as of September-end 2022 to $578.45 billion as of March-end 2023.
New terminologies
Foreign currency assets (FCA): a component of forex reserves that includes major traded currencies held by the central bank of a country.
Special drawing rights (SDRs): an international reserve asset created by the International Monetary Fund (IMF) to supplement member countries’ official reserves.
Reserve tranche position: a component of IMF’s financial accounts that represents a country’s reserve position in the organization. |
Back2Basics: Foreign Exchange (Forex) Reserve
- Foreign exchange reserves are important assets held by the central bank in foreign currencies as reserves.
- They are commonly used to support the exchange rate and set monetary policy.
- In India’s case, foreign reserves include Gold, Dollars, and the IMF’s quota for Special Drawing Rights.
- Most of the reserves are usually held in US dollars, given the currency’s importance in the international financial and trading system.
- Some central banks keep reserves in Euros, British pounds, Japanese yen, or Chinese yuan, in addition to their US dollar reserves.
India’s forex reserves cover:
- Foreign Currency Assets (FCAs)
- Special Drawing Rights (SDRs)
- Gold Reserves
- Reserve position with the International Monetary Fund (IMF)
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Drug Recalls
Mains level: Read the attached story
Central Idea
- Abbot published a public notice in newspapers, alerting people about a mislabelled batch of medicine that it had inadvertently shipped to the market.
- Such recalls take place regularly in the US but it is uncommon in India for domestic or foreign pharmaceutical companies to recall substandard or mislabelled drugs.
Recall of Medicines: India story
India has been mulling the creation of a mandatory recall law for substandard drugs since 1976.
- Drugs Consultative Committee (DCC) meeting in 1976: Resolved to have greater cooperation between state drug controllers to recall and destroy drugs that failed tests.
- DCC meetings in 1989, 1996, 1998, 2004, 2007, and 2011: Issue of recalls came up but resulted in no amendments to the Drugs & Cosmetics Act.
- CDSCO proposes draft recall guidelines in 2012: National regulator lacks power to convert guidelines into binding law
- DCC and Drugs Technical Advisory Board meetings in 2016 and 2018-2019: Issue of recalls resurfaces but India still lacks a recall law, 46 years on.
Why there is no concrete law in India?
- Complex drug regulatory issues: The Drug Regulation Section of the Union health ministry is not equipped to tackle complex drug regulatory issues.
- Multiple agencies: India has highly fragmented regulatory structure, with each state having its own drug regulator.
- Exposing the loopholes: India’s drug regulators are aware that a mandatory drug recall system, will bring to public attention the poor state of affairs in India’s pharmaceutical industry.
- Evading accountability: The delay in implementing a recall law exposes the lack of accountability and interest in protecting public health.
Consequences of delay
- Drug failure hazard: Dozens of drugs fail random testing in government laboratories every month.
- Substandard quality: The lack of a mandatory recall law means substandard drugs, even those with dangerous consequences for consumers, can circulate in the market.
- Public health crisis: People, including children, are likely dying or suffering from adverse health events because substandard drugs are not swiftly removed from the market.
Reasons behind
The lack of a mandatory recall law in India can be attributed to various factors, including-
- Lack of expertise
- Apathy
- Vested interests in enabling the growth of the pharmaceutical industry.
Way forward
- Implementation of a mandatory drug recall law: The Indian government can take steps to implement a mandatory drug recall law. This law should have teeth to hold pharmaceutical companies accountable for their products.
- Centralization of regulatory powers: To create an effective recall mechanism, the responsibility of recalling drugs has to be centralized, with one authority that has the legal power to hold companies liable for failures to recall drugs from across the country, and further, to also search and seize batches of failed medicine.
- Streamlining of regulatory processes: The Indian government can take steps to streamline regulatory processes to reduce the time taken for approvals and ensure that drugs are tested thoroughly before they enter the market.
- Capacity building of regulatory bodies: The Drug Regulation Section of the Union health ministry should be equipped with the necessary resources, expertise and mandate to tackle complex drug regulatory issues.
- Encouragement of ethical pharmaceutical companies: The Indian government can encourage ethical pharmaceutical companies by providing incentives to companies that comply with regulatory standards, penalizing those that do not, and promoting transparency in drug pricing.
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Scheduled Tribes
Mains level: Manipur Riots
Central Idea
- The Chief Justice of India has questioned why a 23-year-old Constitution Bench judgment was not shown to the Manipur High Court, which directed the state government to consider the inclusion of Meetei/Meitei community in the Scheduled Tribe list.
- The Chief Justice observed that a High Court does not have the power to direct changes in the Scheduled Tribes List, as it is a Presidential power to designate a Scheduled Caste or Scheduled Tribe.
What is the Scheduled Tribes List?
- Article 342(1) of the Constitution states that it is entirely the President’s power to designate a Scheduled Caste or Scheduled Tribe.
- It is not open to State governments, courts, tribunals, or any other authority to modify, amend or alter the list of Scheduled Tribes specified in the notification issued under clause (1) of Article 342.
- A notification issued under clause (1) of Article 342 can be amended only by law to be made by Parliament.
Notable Judgements:
(1) The State of Maharashtra vs. Milind verdict
- The five-judge Constitution Bench in State of Maharashtra versus Milind, in November 2000, held that a notification issued under clause (1) of Article 342, specifying Scheduled Tribes, can be amended only by law to be made by Parliament.
- Any tribe or tribal community or part of or group within any tribe can be included or excluded from the list of Scheduled Tribes only by Parliament by law and by no other authority.
(2) FCI vs. Jagdish Balaram Bahira
- The settled law in the Milind verdict was referred to by a July 2017 judgment authored by Justice Chandrachud for a three-judge Bench of the Supreme Court in CMD, FCI versus Jagdish Balaram Bahira to note that the Presidential Order under Article 342 regarding Scheduled Tribes was always “final”.
Back2Basics: Scheduled Tribes
- The term ‘Scheduled Tribes’ first appeared in the Constitution of India.
- Article 366 (25) defined scheduled tribes as “such tribes or tribal communities or parts of or groups within such tribes or tribal communities as are deemed under Article 342 to be Scheduled Tribes for the purposes of this constitution”.
- Article 342 prescribes procedures to be followed in the matter of specification of scheduled tribes.
- Among the tribal groups, several have adapted to modern life but there are tribal groups who are more vulnerable.
- The Dhebar Commission (1973) created a separate category “Primitive Tribal Groups (PTGs)” which was renamed in 2006 as “Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs)”.
How are STs notified?
- The first specification of Scheduled Tribes in relation to a particular State/ Union Territory is by a notified order of the President, after consultation with the State governments concerned.
- These orders can be modified subsequently only through an Act of Parliament.
Status of STs in India
- The Census 2011 has revealed that there are said to be 705 ethnic groups notified as Scheduled Tribes (STs).
- Over 10 crore Indians are notified as STs, of which 1.04 crore live in urban areas.
- The STs constitute 8.6% of the population and 11.3% of the rural population.
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: NA
Mains level: Food safety governance in India
Central idea: Misleading claims
- FSSAI flagged 32 cases of food business operators (FBOs) making misleading claims and advertisements in contravention of the Food Safety and Standards (Advertisements & Claims) Regulations, 2018.
- The cumulative count of such offences has shot up to 170 in the last six months.
- FBOs urged to avoid making unscientific and exaggerated claims for larger consumer interest.
Regulations for tackling misleading ads and claims
- FSSAI’s Food Safety and Standards (Advertisements & Claims) Regulations, 2018
- CCPA’s regulations, and Cable Television Network Rules, 1994.
- FSSAI seeks truthful, unambiguous, meaningful, and scientifically substantiated claims.
- Claims suggesting suitability for prevention, alleviation, treatment, or cure of a disease, disorder, or particular psychological condition prohibited unless permitted under the regulations of the FSS Act, 2006.
Response of FSSAI
- Scrutinized products in categories such as health supplements, organic products, fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) products, and staples endorsing certain health and product claims.
- Alleged violators include manufacturers and/or marketers of nutraceutical products, refined oils, pulses, flours, millet products, and ghee.
- Cases referred to concerned licensing authorities to issue notices and withdraw the misleading claims or scientifically substantiate them.
- Failure to comply would invite penalties of up to Rs 10 lakh, suspension, or cancellation of licenses for repeated offenses.
Recent observations in the food advertising ecosystem
- Non-disclosure: Close to 788 ads processed against food advertising, about 299 related to non-disclosure by food influencers, and 490+ ads found to be misleading.
- Fairly violative sector: Violations across different food categories and food.
Definitions of various terms
- Natural food product: A single food derived from a recognized natural source with no additives or chemicals.
- Fresh: This reference is allowed only for products not processed except washing, peeling, chilling, trimming, cutting, or low-dose irradiation.
- Pure: It is used for single-ingredient foods with nothing added and devoid of all avoidable contamination.
Expectations from a consumer’s point of view
- Clinical data: Companies need to provide clinical data about the outcomes pertaining to the control group, the administered group, and the observed period of the claimed outcomes.
- Interpretable ads: Advertisements need to be modified in a way a consumer can interpret.
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Cyclone Mocha
Mains level: Not Much
Central Idea: The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) has warned of a developing cyclonic or low-pressure area in the Bay of Bengal. It would be named Cyclone Mocha (pronounced ‘Mokha’).
What is a cyclone and how are they formed?
- A cyclone is a low-pressure system that forms over warm waters.
- Warm seas present ripe conditions for the development and strengthening of cyclones.
- The air rises and blows in an anticlockwise direction around the low in the northern hemisphere and in a clockwise direction in the southern hemisphere.
- As warm air rises and cools, water vapour condenses to form clouds and this can lead to rains.
- Cyclones can cause significant impacts on life and property, including storm surge, flooding, extreme winds, tornadoes and lightning.
Requirements for a Cyclone to form
There are six main requirements for tropical cyclogenesis:
- Sufficiently warm sea surface temperatures
- Atmospheric instability
- High humidity in the lower to middle levels of the troposphere
- Enough Coriolis force to develop a low-pressure centre
- A pre-existing low-level focus or disturbance
- Low vertical wind shear
How are cyclones named?
- Cyclones that form in every ocean basin across the world are named by the regional specialized meteorological centres (RSMCs) and Tropical Cyclone Warning Centres (TCWCs).
- The IMD names the cyclones developing over the north Indian Ocean after following a standard procedure.
- In 2000, a group of nations called WMO/ESCAP decided to start naming cyclones in the region.
- After each country sent in suggestions, the WMO/ESCAP Panel on Tropical Cyclones (PTC) finalized the list.
- This cyclone will be named Mocha (Mokha), a name suggested by Yemen after the Red Sea port city, which is known to have introduced coffee to the world over 500 years ago.
Why is it important to name cyclones?
- Adopting names for cyclones makes it easier for people to remember, as opposed to numbers and technical terms.
- It’s easier and less confusing to say “Cyclone Titli” than remember the storm’s number or its longitude and latitude.
- Apart from the general public, it also helps the scientific community, the media, disaster managers etc.
- With a name, it is also easy to identify individual cyclones, create awareness of its development, rapidly disseminate warnings to increase community preparedness etc.
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Sovereignty
Mains level: Not Much
Central Idea
- The article revolves around the issue of a political party filing a complaint against a politician of foreign origin with the Election Commission of India (ECI).
- She had allegedly been advocating the secession of Karnataka from India in her election speeches.
Definition of sovereignty
- Sovereignty is the idea of having supreme authority over a defined territory.
- In Western philosophy, the concept is used to describe the supremacy of the state over the people being governed.
- The state has a legitimate claim to sovereignty in exchange for providing protection to its citizens, keeping society cohesive and at peace, and controlling law and order.
Sovereignty in India’s Constitution
- The word sovereignty appears in the beginning of the Preamble to the Constitution of India as the first attribute of the independent republic of India.
- Its placement as the first among the core principles of the republic underlines its importance in the Constitution.
- Sovereignty is invoked in the Indian Constitution to “declare the ultimate sovereignty of the people of India and that the Constitution rests on their authority.”
- It is mentioned in the Constitution under Fundamental Duties, and citizens have a duty to uphold and protect the sovereignty, unity, and integrity of India.
Relationship of Indian states with the sovereign Union
- The Indian political system is described as “quasi-federal.”
- India is a Union of States, and the component units have no freedom to secede or break away from it.
- The Indian setup is more unitary in nature than the federal one, and the central government has more powers than the states.
- The choice of a unitary bias that the Constitution makers made was possibly rooted in the difficulty of getting around 600 princely states to accede to India.
Provisions attesting to the superior position of the Centre
- The States in India need not be consulted in the matter of amendment to the bulk of the Constitution.
- Governors in states are appointed “during the pleasure” of the President and are seen as representatives of the Union in the States.
- The Sixteenth Amendment of 1963 laid down that even the advocacy of succession under Article 19 (1) will not be protected under law in the name of Freedom of Speech as directed under Article 19 (2).
- The right to alter the boundaries of states and to create new states lies with Parliament alone.
- The Constitution offers no guarantee to the States against their territorial integrity without their consent since it was not a result of an ‘agreement’ between the States.
These provisions demonstrate the superior position of the Centre in the Indian political system.
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: NA
Mains level: Lessons learned form COVID-19 pandemic and the future of Health governance
Central Idea
- COVID-19 has transitioned from a population-level challenge to more of an individual health concern, and it is time for India to shift gears and apply the lessons learned from the pandemic.
WHO Announcements on COVID-19
- On January 30, 2020, COVID-19 was announced as a public health emergency of international concern.
- On May 5, 2023, WHO declared that COVID-19 was no longer a public health emergency of international concern.
Issues of misinformation during the second wave of COVID-19 in India
- False claims about a third wave affecting children: In April-May 2021, there was a COVID-19 misinformation blitzkrieg that a third wave in India would affect children, leading to children being repeatedly asked to wear masks and deprived of schooling and learning.
- Lack of scientific evidence: School closure and making masks mandatory for schoolchildren had their origin in nearly identical challenges of actions not being supported by scientific evidence.
- Influencers’ impact on public discourse: Social media influencers, not necessarily subject experts, were shaping the public discourse, which was not effectively addressed by governments.
- Disparate viewpoints: Disparate viewpoints existed among experts and influencers living in India and abroad, with the latter making more definitive and stronger arguments for school closure and mask wearing for children in India.
- Failure to consider local context: The sub-groups of super-specialists and those staying abroad failed to factor in the local context while coming up with their opinions.
- Dogmatic stands of self-proclaimed experts: Self-proclaimed experts and influencers have adopted a dogmatic stand and have been selectively and conveniently using emerging evidence and published literature to support their stand, often misguiding gullible followers.
- COVID-foreverers: A group of disparate individuals and social media groups keep insisting on the enforcement of restrictions such as universal masking at ‘the drop of the hat’, often on frivolous grounds.
What lessons were learned from the COVID-19 pandemic?
- The importance of preparedness: The pandemic highlighted the importance of being prepared for future outbreaks and the need for robust public health infrastructure.
- The role of misinformation: The pandemic showed how misinformation can spread rapidly and have serious consequences, highlighting the need for better education and awareness to combat misinformation.
- The importance of local context: The pandemic demonstrated the importance of factoring in local context when making policy decisions, as different regions and countries may face different challenges and require different interventions.
- The danger of dogmatic thinking: The pandemic showed how dogmatic thinking can be dangerous, and the need for an open-minded and evidence-based approach to decision-making.
- The importance of nuance and context in epidemiology: The pandemic highlighted the need for nuanced understanding of epidemiology, and the importance of taking into account the broader context when interpreting scientific studies.
- The need for a shift in focus: With COVID-19 transitioning from a population-level challenge to more of an individual health concern, there is a need to shift the focus from COVID-19 fixation to tackling other pressing health challenges.
- The importance of integrating COVID-19 response with general health services: The pandemic showed the need for integration of COVID-19 response with general health services, and the importance of a balanced approach to public health.
Way forward
- Formal training courses on the principles and practice of epidemiology should be offered by the government to prepare India for more nuanced responses to outbreaks and epidemics and to curb misinformation.
- The government needs to integrate the COVID-19 response to general health services.
- India’s response to surges, outbreaks, and epidemics (of any infectious disease and not just COVID-19) should be guided by a nuanced understanding of epidemiology and not unduly derailed by social media influencers.
- Schools should not be closed for a COVID-19 uptick, and wearing masks in order to attend school should never again be made mandatory, as children were never at risk from moderate to severe COVID-19.
- It is time to drop the COVID-19 fixation and move on to tackle other more pressing health challenges in the country.
Conclusion
- The COVID-19 pandemic has presented numerous challenges and lessons for India and the world. The issues of misinformation and lack of context-based policy interventions have been major obstacles in effectively tackling the pandemic. It is time to apply the lessons learned and shift focus to other pressing health challenges while being prepared to respond to future outbreaks and epidemics with a nuanced understanding of epidemiology.
Mains Question
Q. During the COVID-19 pandemic, how did misinformation pose a significant challenge? Discuss what lessons have we learned from it?
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: common currency and reciprocal trading
Mains level: Speculations over the US Dollar as world reserve and viability of alternatives
Central Idea
- The status of the US dollar as the world reserve currency has been a topic of speculation, especially as China, India, and Russia explore alternative currencies for international trade. However, the demise of the dollar as the world reserve currency is unlikely to happen anytime soon.
Rise of the dollar: Historical Context
- The rise of the dollar as the world’s preferred currency aligns with the rise of the US as one of the world’s strongest economies with a deep financial system and stable government.
- Though the position of the dollar has been challenged over time by the Great Britain Pound, the euro, and other currencies, the dollar has maintained its dominance.
What is the current status of Dollar as forex reserve?
- According to reports from the International Monetary Fund, the dollar’s share of foreign exchange reserves has fallen over time from 80% in the 1970s to about 60% in 2022.
- The euro has made up for about 20% of the remaining 40% room created by this fall.
- Smaller currencies such as the Australian and Canadian dollars, Swedish krona, and South Korean won have claimed their share in the portfolios of various countries’ foreign exchange reserves making up most of the remaining gap of 20%, with Chinese currency taking up the rest.
How Dollar maintained its dominance as a reserve currency?
- The strength of the U.S. economy: The U.S. has one of the world’s strongest economies, with a deep financial system and a stable government. This has contributed to the popularity of the dollar as a preferred currency for international trade and as a reserve currency.
- Demand for dollar-denominated assets: Many countries hold U.S. government debt as a hedge against currency fluctuations affecting the valuation of their reserves. Additionally, many currencies are pegged to the U.S. dollar and some countries use the dollar as their own currency. This has meant that a huge proportion of U.S. dollars reside outside the U.S.
- The dollar premium: The U.S. government debt is in high demand worldwide, which allows it to issue debt at the lowest interest rate. This relaxes the fiscal constraint substantially, boosting the debt-issuing government’s capacity to borrow more without having to deal with the negative effects of such borrowing on the domestic economy. This phenomenon is often referred to as the dollar premium.
- No serious competition: Although the position of the dollar as the world currency has been challenged from time to time by other currencies, no currency has emerged as a serious contender. The only serious competitor at this point is the euro, which stands second but at quite a distance.
Facts for prelims
Common Currency or Reciprocal Trading Arrangement?
- A common currency or reciprocal trading arrangement refers to an agreement between two or more countries to use a common currency or to trade with each other using their own currencies without the involvement of a third-party currency, such as the US dollar.
- The purpose of such an arrangement is to increase trade among the participating countries and reduce the reliance on a single currency for international transactions.
- The idea of a common currency or reciprocal trading arrangement has been discussed among various countries, including China, India, and Russia, as an alternative to the US dollar-dominated international financial system.
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What are the Factors supporting the US Dollar?
- Status as Reserve Currency: The US Dollar is still the world’s most dominant reserve currency, which means that central banks and governments around the world hold significant quantities of it as part of their foreign exchange reserves.
- Large Financial Market: The US has one of the largest and most liquid financial markets in the world, which makes it an attractive destination for foreign investment.
- Safe Haven Status: The US Dollar is often seen as a safe haven during times of global economic uncertainty, due to the perceived stability of the US economy and political system.
- Demand for US Treasury Bonds: The US government issues Treasury bonds, which are widely held by foreign governments and investors as a low-risk investment.
- Petrodollars: The US Dollar is used as the currency of choice for global oil trading, which means that countries that buy oil from the OPEC countries must hold US Dollars to pay for it. This leads to a constant demand for US Dollars.
- Military and Political Influence: The US has a significant military and political influence on the world stage, which gives it leverage in global trade negotiations and financial institutions such as the IMF and World Bank.
Challenges facing the US Dollar
- Increased global competition: As more countries try to shift away from the US dollar, there is increased competition from other currencies such as the euro, the Chinese renminbi, and even cryptocurrencies. This could potentially reduce the demand for the US dollar.
- Rising US debt levels: The US has been running persistent budget deficits and adding to its national debt for many years. This could lead to inflation and a loss of confidence in the US dollar, particularly if investors begin to worry about the US government’s ability to service its debt.
- Geopolitical risks: Political tensions and instability around the world could also undermine the US dollar’s status as the world’s reserve currency. For example, sanctions imposed by the US on other countries could prompt them to look for alternatives to the US dollar in international trade.
- Emerging technologies: The rise of digital currencies and blockchain technology could challenge the dominance of traditional currencies, including the US dollar. If cryptocurrencies become more widely accepted, they could potentially weaken demand for the US dollar as a global reserve currency.
Future of the US Dollar
- Despite the challenges, the US dollar is likely to remain the dominant reserve currency for the foreseeable future due to its widespread use in international trade, its deep and liquid financial markets, and its historical stability.
- The euro and other currencies may continue to gain ground, but are unlikely to displace the dollar anytime soon.
- The growing use of digital currencies, such as Bitcoin, may also pose a challenge to the traditional reserve currency system in the future, but it remains to be seen how this will play out.
Facts for prelims: Concept box from civilsdaily
What is mean by closed capital account?
- A closed capital account is a situation where a country has restrictions on the flow of capital in and out of its borders. This means that the government regulates and limits the movement of funds across its borders.
- Closed capital accounts are often implemented to protect the domestic economy from external shocks and to maintain the stability of the local currency.
- China, for example, has a relatively closed capital account as it imposes strict controls on capital inflows and outflows.
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Conclusion
- The run of the US dollar as an international reserve currency is far from over. The only serious contender at this point is the euro, which stands second but at quite a distance. The possibility of the Chinese currency or any other common currency becoming a serious contender is thin and distant at this point. The current system may not be optimal and should be improved, but expecting a common currency between China, India, and Russia or any such reciprocal trading arrangement to replace the US dollar would be an exaggeration.
Mains Question
Q. The status of the US dollar as the world reserve currency has been a topic of speculation, especially as China, India, and Russia explore alternative currencies for international trade. In this light discuss the challenges faced by US dollar and viability of reciprocal trading arrangements.
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