Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: NA
Mains level: Empathy in higher education and role of IITS in reducing social inequality in local communities
Central Idea
- The recent spate of suicides among IIT students and the subsequent media attention, which has brought to the fore the social behavior and anxieties within the IIT student community. It emphasizes that studying at the IITs can be highly stressful, especially for students from socially marginalized backgrounds.
For instance: JEE Exam and Social Inequality
- There are disparities among students from different social strata in the JEE Advanced entrance exam, with lower cut-offs for SC/ST students compared to general category students.
- This disparity in scores can be attributed to cultural and material inequalities faced by SC students, such as lack of basic amenities like water, sanitation, and transportation.
What is mean by material inequality?
- Unequal distribution of resources and basic amenities: Material inequality refers to the unequal distribution of resources and basic amenities such as food, water, shelter, healthcare, education, and access to opportunities, among individuals or groups in a society.
- Factors responsible: It is a result of various factors such as income, social class, gender, race, ethnicity, and geographical location.
- Negative effects: Material inequality can have negative effects on the well-being and opportunities of individuals and communities, leading to disparities in access to resources and basic needs.
How IITs can engage with local communities?
- Conduct Field and Community Studies: Students from all disciplines can conduct field and community studies to understand the causes of material inequality in the surrounding areas. This will provide them with insights into the problems that exist and help them design effective solutions.
- Interdisciplinary Field Work: IITs can adopt an interdisciplinary fieldwork pedagogy where professors from different disciplines work together to design solutions for societal challenges. This will help students to develop mutual respect, empathy, and a collective understanding of how the state and the market work.
- Local Problem Areas: IITs can identify and work on concrete problems of all sizes and difficulty levels, such as cooking energy, public transport, small enterprises, and pollution, in the surrounding districts. Faculty members can work with district administrations to address these and involve both IIT and local college students.
- Collaboration and Teamwork: Engaging with local communities will reduce competitive stress and increase collaboration and teamwork within the student body. Students will appreciate the diversity of backgrounds and understand the adversities many among them have had to face.
- Democratic Science: Students should demand training in a science of empathy and diversity that probes and explores all nooks and crannies of knowledge and society. Only when Indian science turns more democratic will the university become more empathetic and the society more equal and prosperous.
Value addition box
IIT Bombay as an example:
- IIT Bombay can use the communities in surrounding districts as problem areas for research and academics. From cooking energy to public transport, there are concrete problems of all sizes for students and faculty members to grapple with.
- Faculty members can work with district administrations to involve both IIT and local college students, thereby creating an ecosystem of higher education that satisfies its institutional and cultural roles.
|
What is empathy?
- Empathy is the ability to understand and share the feelings of another person. It involves being able to put oneself in another person’s shoes and perceive things from their perspective.
- Empathy allows individuals to connect with others emotionally, recognize their needs and respond with sensitivity and compassion.
- It is an important aspect of emotional intelligence and plays a crucial role in building strong relationships, effective communication, and social cohesion.
What do you understand by mean science of empathy?
- Science of empathy refers to the study and application of empathy as a scientific concept, including understanding its mechanisms, impact, and potential applications in various fields such as healthcare, education, and social justice.
- It involves using scientific methods to study empathy, including neuroscience, psychology, and social science research.
- The goal is to deepen our understanding of empathy and how it can be applied to improve social and emotional outcomes for individuals and communities.
Why Empathy is important in IITs?
- Addressing social inequalities: IITs are known for their rigorous academic curriculum and high-achieving students, but they also have a responsibility to address social inequalities that exist in society. Empathy can help students and faculty understand the challenges faced by underprivileged communities and develop solutions that address these challenges.
- Fostering collaboration: Empathy can help IIT students and faculty work together more effectively by understanding each other’s perspectives and experiences. This can lead to better collaboration and teamwork, which is essential for tackling complex problems.
- Developing socially responsible professionals: IITs aim to produce professionals who can make a positive impact on society. Empathy is an important quality for professionals who want to understand the needs and concerns of their clients or users, and develop solutions that meet those needs.
- Enhancing research: Empathy can also enhance research by promoting interdisciplinary collaborations that consider a wide range of perspectives and experiences. This can lead to more innovative and effective solutions to complex problems.
- Social Responsibility: Higher education institutions have a social responsibility to produce graduates who understand the societal impacts of their work and who are capable of creating solutions that benefit all members of society. Empathy helps students to understand the perspectives of those who may be affected by their work and to create solutions that are more inclusive and equitable.
- Collaborative Work: In higher education, collaborative work is increasingly common across disciplines, cultures, and even national borders. Empathy enables students to understand the needs and motivations of their collaborators and to work effectively as part of a team.
- Diversity and Inclusion: Diversity and inclusion are key principles of higher education, and empathy plays a crucial role in achieving these goals. Empathy helps students to understand and appreciate the experiences and perspectives of others who come from different backgrounds, leading to a more inclusive and welcoming learning environment.
- Ethical Considerations: Science and technology can have ethical implications, and empathy is necessary to understand the impact of scientific and technological advancements on different groups of people. Empathy can help students to identify potential ethical dilemmas and to create solutions that align with ethical principles.
Conclusion
- The issues of social inequality and stress among students in the Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs) suggests the need for an empathetic and inclusive approach towards higher education. Interdisciplinary fieldwork and community engagement can create a diverse and inclusive ecosystem of higher education, preparing students to become better professionals and citizens.
Mains Question
Q. Empathy along with science is an essential ingredient in higher education in India. In light of this statement discuss how IITs can play a critical role in promoting empathy and reducing social inequalities in India.
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: NA
Mains level: Europe- France-US and China Complex relations
Central idea
- French President Emmanuel Macron’s recent declaration that France is an ally but not a vassal of the United States and his comments that Paris does not share Washington’s hostility towards China have generated significant reactions in the US and Europe. Beijing’s official media has praised Macron’s strategic autonomy approach towards China, and Russia hopes that France and other European countries will be less politically tied to the US.
Macron’s comments on China and Taiwan and reactions
- Outrage in the US and Europe: Macron’s comments that France does not share the US’s hostility towards China and does not see the Taiwan crisis as a threat to Europe have generated outrage in the US and Europe.
- China praised: Beijing sees Macron’s model of strategic autonomy as a positive example for other nations to follow regarding China.
- India criticized: India has criticized the remarks, noting that the principle and power are at stake in both Ukraine and Taiwan.
What is mean by Vassalisation?
- The term vassalisation refers to a state or country that is in a subordinate or dependent relationship with another, usually more powerful, state or country.
- It suggests a lack of independence and autonomy in decision-making and an obligation to follow the policies and interests of the more powerful state.
Important trends highlighted by the debate on the vassalisation of Europe and Russia
- Different perspectives on Taiwan and Ukraine
- Macron’s claim on Taiwan not being a concern to Europe reinforces India’s External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar’s criticism of Europe’s mindset that their problems are the world’s problems.
- The Ukraine conflict has debilitating consequences for the world, and a shooting war between the US and China over Taiwan could be more devastating and costly to the international system.
- Macron’s contradictory approach to the Indo-Pacific is disappointing, and his wavering resolve on China may lead Asian countries to think less of French resolve.
- Macron does not represent all of Europe
- President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, has a different take on China than Macron.
- Central Europeans trust the US more than France or Germany to defend their security interests.
- Europe is deeply divided on how to address contemporary security challenges, undermining Macron’s ambition to turn Europe into the world’s third superpower.
- The only common belief in Europe today is the political faith in Beijing’s capacity to end Russia’s war in Ukraine.
- A weaker and divided Europe enhances the prospects for a bipolar world
- Multipolarity has been an important objective of India’s foreign policy for over three decades.
- The talk of multipolarity could become academic as the US and China pull way ahead of other powers, get deeper into confrontation, and shape the choices of the rest of the world.
- The belief that Europe and Russia can act as elements of a multipolar world is becoming increasingly untenable.
- India’s possibilities in Europe and Russia
- Delhi should not turn its back on Europe despite its current predicament with China.
- Macron’s China push underlines India’s own possibilities in Europe.
- Western Europe that follows the money in China could do the same in India, providing much strategic benefit to India in its partnerships with Brussels and individual European actors.
- India is stepping up its engagement with Russia on the calculation that Moscow’s current dependence on Beijing is temporary.
- India needs to work more closely with the US and its Asian allies
- The inability or unwillingness of both Russia and Western Europe to balance China means India needs to work much more closely with the US and its Asian allies to secure a more favourable balance of power in its Indo-Pacific neighbourhood.
- India’s strategic value will only go up for the US amidst the European reluctance to stand up to China’s hegemonic ambitions.
- Few countries in Asia face more urgent and daunting challenges from China than India, and few Asian capitals have more political will to stand up to Beijing than Delhi.
- The reduced standing of Europe and Russia in great power relations is accompanied by Asia’s rise, with emerging strategic opportunities for Japan, India, and South Korea.
- Europe-China relations have been complex and multi-faceted over the years: On the one hand, China is Europe’s second-largest trading partner, and there is a lot of economic interdependence between the two. On the other hand, there are concerns about human rights violations, lack of market access for European companies in China, and China’s increasing assertiveness in the Asia-Pacific region.
- Some important developments include
- The EU-China Comprehensive Agreement on Investment (CAI): Negotiated in December 2020, the CAI is a landmark investment deal between the EU and China aimed at improving market access for European companies in China and increasing investment flows between the two regions. However, the agreement has been met with criticism from some EU member states and civil society groups, who argue that it does not do enough to address human rights abuses in China.
- Increasing concern over Chinese human rights abuses: Europe has been increasingly critical of China’s human rights record, particularly in the wake of the crackdown on pro-democracy protesters in Hong Kong and the treatment of Uighur Muslims in Xinjiang. The EU has imposed sanctions on Chinese officials involved in human rights abuses, and there is growing support for a boycott of the 2022 Winter Olympics in Beijing.
- Growing competition in the Indo-Pacific region: Europe is becoming more engaged in the Indo-Pacific region, which is seen as a key area of strategic competition between China and the US. Some EU member states, such as France and Germany, have developed their own Indo-Pacific strategies and are seeking to deepen security partnerships with countries in the region.
- Belt and Road Initiative (BRI): China’s massive infrastructure project, the BRI, has raised concerns in Europe about China’s growing influence in the region. Some EU member states, such as Italy and Greece, have signed on to the initiative, while others have been more cautious.
Facts for prelims
|
Category
|
Information
|
| Location |
East Asia |
| Capital |
Taipei |
| Population |
23.58 million (2021) |
| Official language |
Mandarin Chinese, Hokkien, Hakka, and indigenous languages |
| Currency |
New Taiwan dollar |
| Form of government |
Unitary semi-presidential constitutional republic |
| Topography |
Mountainous with fertile plains in the west |
| Climate |
Subtropical |
Conclusion
- Macron’s comments on China have sparked debates about Europe and Russia’s relationship with China and the US. A weaker and divided Europe enhances the prospects for a bipolar world dominated by the US and China, which makes it important for India needs greater engagement with European geopolitics and to work closely with the US and its Asian allies to secure a more favorable balance of power in the Indo-Pacific region.
Mains Question
Q. What do you understand by mean vassalisation in terms of international politics? Discuss the latest trends that have emerged from the debate on the vassalisation of Europe derived from French president Macron’s recent comments on China.
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Stablecoins
Mains level: Read the attached story
The US Congress (Parliament) has made another attempt to create a legislative framework for the increasingly popular stablecoins, a sort of cryptocurrency that is pegged to a particular commodity or currency.
What are Stablecoins?
- Stablecoins are cryptocurrencies designed to maintain a stable value, typically by being pegged to a stable asset such as the US dollar.
- Investing in stablecoins can help mitigate market volatility because they are less susceptible to price fluctuations than other cryptocurrencies such as Bitcoin or Ethereum or any other.
Types of stablecoins
| Fiat-backed stablecoins |
Backed by reserves of fiat currency held in a bank account or other secure location. Example: Tether (USDT) |
| Commodity-backed stablecoins |
Backed by reserves of a physical commodity, such as gold or silver. Example: PAX Gold (PAXG) |
| Algorithmic stablecoins |
Use algorithms or smart contracts to maintain a stable value. Example: Dai stablecoin (DAI) |
How can Stablecoin mitigate market volatility?
|
Explanation |
| Hedging against volatility |
- Help investors hedge against volatility and reduce their risk exposure.
- Pegged to a stable asset, which can provide a haven during market turbulence.
- If the value of Bitcoin or Ethereum drops suddenly, investors can move their funds into stablecoins to protect their portfolio from further losses.
|
| Greater flexibility in transferring funds |
- Greater flexibility and convenience compared to traditional fiat currencies.
- Quickly and easily transferred between wallets and exchanges, making them ideal for cross-border transactions.
- Investors take advantage of investment opportunities in other markets and avoid currency exchange fees and delays.
|
| Arbitrage trading |
- Used for arbitrage trading, which involves buying an asset in one market and selling it in another market for a higher price.
- As stablecoins are pegged to a stable asset, investors can quickly move funds between exchanges without worrying about price fluctuations, making arbitrage trading easier and potentially more profitable.
|
What are the risks?
|
Explanation |
| Stability of the asset |
- Stablecoins are reliant on the stability of the asset they are pegged to.
- If the value of that asset drops, it can lead to a drop in the stablecoin’s value as well.
- This could result in losses for investors who hold the stablecoin.
|
| Transparency and regulation |
- There are concerns over the transparency and regulation of stablecoin issuers.
- This could result in a loss of trust in the stablecoin and a subsequent drop in its value.
- There is no proper regulation and oversight.
- There is a risk that stablecoin issuers may engage in fraudulent or unethical behaviour, which could lead to losses for investors.
- It is important for investors to carefully assess the reputation and credibility of the stablecoin issuer before investing in a stablecoin.
|
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: EMIC Waves
Mains level: Indian Antarctic Program
Central idea
- Scientists working at the Indian Antarctic Station, Maitri, have identified and probed Electromagnetic Ion Cyclotron (EMIC) waves to study their characteristics.
- The study aims to understand the impact of energetic particles in the radiation belts on low orbiting satellites.
About Indian Antarctic Station, Maitri
|
Description |
| Name |
Maitri Antarctic Station (Friendship Research Centre) |
| Establishment |
1984 |
| Location |
Schirmacher Oasis, East Antarctica |
| Distance from other stations |
5 km away from Novolazarevskaya Station |
| Purpose |
Conducting scientific research as part of the Indian Antarctic Programme |
| Features |
Second permanent research station of India in Antarctica |
| Named by |
Then-PM Indira Gandhi |
| First camp commander |
Squadron Leader D.P. Joshi |
| First huts |
Completed in 1989 by the IV Antarctica Expedition |
What are EMIC Waves?
- Electromagnetic Ion Cyclotron (EMIC) waves are a type of plasma wave that occurs in the Earth’s magnetosphere.
- They are caused by the interaction of energetic particles in the radiation belts with the Earth’s magnetic field.
- These waves have frequencies in the range of a few hundred hertz to a few kilohertz and are known to play an important role in the acceleration and loss of energetic particles in the Earth’s magnetosphere.
- The study of EMIC waves is important for understanding the effects of space weather on satellite communication and navigation systems.
Identification and study of EMIC waves
- A team of scientists from the Indian Institute of Geomagnetism (IIG) analysed data collected between 2011 and 2017 by the Induction Coil Magnetometer.
- The device was installed at the Indian Antarctic station Maitri to bring out several aspects of the ground observation of the EMIC waves.
Significance of the study
- This study is important to improve our understanding of EMIC wave modulation and how they interact with energetic particles that impact satellites and their communication.
- It could help understand the impact of energetic particles in the radiation belts on low orbiting satellites and lead to improved satellite communication systems.
Back2Basics: Indian Antarctic Programme
- It is a scientific program run by the National Centre for Antarctic and Ocean Research under the Ministry of Earth Sciences.
- It was launched in 1981 and since then India has been operating research stations in Antarctica.
- It gained global acceptance with India’s signing of the Antarctic Treaty and subsequent construction of the Dakshin Gangotri Antarctic research base in 1983, superseded by the Maitri base from 1989.
- The program conducts research in areas such as geology, oceanography, atmospheric sciences, and earth sciences.
- India currently operates two permanent research stations in Antarctica – Maitri and Bharati.
- The program also has plans to set up a third research station called ‘Siddhanta’ in the coming years.
- Apart from conducting research, the program also engages in logistics support, environmental monitoring, and outreach activities.
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: TeLEOS-2 Satellite, PSLV
Mains level: NA
The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) will launch Singapore’s TeLEOS-2 satellite this week, from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota.
What is TeLEOS-2?
- TeLEOS-2 is a Singaporean Earth Observation satellite built by ST Electronics (Satellite Systems).
- It carries a made-in-Singapore Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) capable of providing 1 m resolution data.
- It will be equipped with a 500 GB onboard recorder for recording the data captured and a high speed 800 Mbps downlink.
- In 2015, ISRO launched TeLEOS-1, the first Singapore commercial Earth Observation Satellite, which was launched into a low Earth orbit for remote sensing applications.
- ISRO has so far launched nine satellites belonging to Singapore.
About the launch vehicle: PSLV-CA
- The PSLV-CA was manufactured by ISRO with the first launch on 2007-04-23.
- CA means “Core Alone”, model premiered on 23 April 2007.
- PSLV-CA has 15 successful launches and 0 failed launches with a total of 15 launches.
- The CA model does not include the six strap-on boosters used by the PSLV standard variant.
- The fourth stage of the CA variant has 400 kg less propellant when compared to its standard version.
- It currently has the capability to launch 1,100 kg to a 622 km Sun-synchronous orbit.
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Civil Unions
Mains level: Same sex marriages
Central idea
- The Indian judiciary is currently hearing arguments about the legal recognition of same-sex unions under the Special Marriage Act.
- The Centre has contested the maintainability of the petitions, and the judiciary’s right to confer legal recognition on the “socio-legal institution” of marriage.
- However, the CJI has clarified that the scope of the hearing would be limited to developing a notion of a Civil Union that finds legal recognition under the Act.
- This article explains what civil unions are, how they differ from marriage, and which countries allow them.
What is a Civil Union?
- A civil union is a legal status that allows same-sex couples specific rights and responsibilities normally conferred upon married couples.
- Civil unions resemble marriages and bring with them employment, inheritance, property, and parental rights, among other things.
How is a civil union different from marriage?
- In the US, prior to the Supreme Court’s landmark ruling in “Obergefell v. Hodges” in 2015, a majority of the states had civil union laws that allowed same-sex couples to marry without providing them formal recognition of the same.
- Civil unions were recognised solely by issuing states and not by federal law, which meant that such couples could not enjoy the benefits of being in a civil union uniformly across all states.
- After the legalisation of same-sex marriages, several civil unions were converted into marriages.
What other countries allow civil unions?
- Several countries allow civil unions.
- Before Sweden legalised same-sex marriages in 2009, LGBTQ couples there could apply for civil unions and enjoy benefits such as the right to adopt.
- In Norway, couples could enter into civil unions from 1993, which gave way to a new law 15 years later allowing such couples to marry, adopt, and undergo state-sponsored artificial insemination.
- In Austria, same-sex couples could form civil partnerships between 2010-2017 until a court ruling deemed civil unions discriminatory, and such marriages were legalised.
- Similarly, countries like Brazil, Uruguay, Andorra, and Chile recognised the right of same-sex couples to enter into civil unions even before they formally recognised their legal right to marriage.
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: JC Bose and his contributions
Mains level: NA
Central idea
- A recent discovery by researchers from Tel Aviv University in Israel, that plants make distinct sounds in the ultrasonic range when faced with stress, made headlines around the world.
- However, Indians who had grown up hearing about Jagadish Chandra Bose’s work, more than a century ago, on plant physiology and their ability to feel pleasure and pain, were not surprised.
|
Details |
| Who was JC Bose? |
– Born in 1858 in Mymensingh, Bengal.
– A polymath who made significant contributions to physics, biophysics, and plant physiology
– Graduated from Calcutta University with honors in physics and studied in London and Cambridge. |
| Notable works |
– Developed sensitive instruments for wireless telegraphy and demonstrated the first-ever wireless transmission of microwaves in 1895.
– Showed that plants produce electrical signals in response to stimuli and made significant contributions to biophysics. |
| Recognition & Controversy |
– Despite his contributions, he was not awarded a Nobel Prize, which many believe he deserved.
– Refused to obtain patents for his work and rejected the idea of making money from science.
– Claimed that even inanimate inorganic matter could respond to stimulus and regarded plants as intermediates in a continuum between animals and non-living materials, which was not easily accepted by his contemporaries. |
| Legacy and Significance |
– Founded the Bose Institute, a premier research institute in India.
– The crater Bose on the Moon is named after him.
– Regarded as one of India’s greatest scientists, and his legacy continues to inspire future generations of scientists. |
| Significance |
– Bose’s work on plant physiology and biophysics was ahead of his time and not fully understood by his contemporaries.
– However, over the years, much of his work has been confirmed. |
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Consumer Confidence Index (CCI)
Mains level: Not Much
Central idea
- The Consumer Confidence Survey was conducted in the first half of March 2023 across 19 cities.
- This article analyses the survey results, released this month, and breaks down the findings under different sections.
What is Consumer Confidence Survey?
- The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) conducts a Consumer Confidence Survey to measure consumers’ perceptions of the prevailing economic situation.
- The survey is conducted across various cities and measures consumer confidence on parameters such as the economy, employment, price, income, and spending.
- The survey consists of questions regarding consumers’ sentiments over various factors in the current situation and future.
Here are a few parameters that help aggregate overall confidence:
- Spending: The consumer is asked about the willingness to spend on major consumer durables, purchasing vehicles, or real estate. This measures the overall spending scenario on necessities as well as luxuries for the next quarter.
- Employment: The consumer is asked about current and future ideas on employment situations, joblessness, job security, which reflects the sentiments of the current or expected employment in the country.
- Inflation: The consumer is asked about interest rates and levels of prices of all goods, tracking the price expected by consumers and their spending on basic necessities.
About the Consumer Confidence Index (CCI)
- CCI is a survey that is conducted every two months to measure how optimistic or pessimistic the consumers are regarding their financial situation.
- The index measures the change in consumer perception on the financial situation in the last year and the future expectations index measures what the consumer thinks about his financial situation in the coming one year.
- The main variables of the survey are: Economic situation, Employment, Price Level, Income and Spending.
Current perceptions of the survey
- The survey estimates current perceptions and a year-ahead expectations on the economy, employment, price, income, and spending.
- The results show that consumer confidence continues to recover from its historic low of mid-2021, but still remains pessimistic at 87.0, a 2.2 point increase from previous results.
- The assessment of inflation conditions improved for the current period reflecting a higher confidence in prevailing economic conditions.
- With regards to spending, sentiments were positive with signs of improvement compared to the last round conducted in January 2023.
What does this imply?
- The survey shows that while consumer confidence is slowly recovering, it still remains pessimistic.
- The survey results indicate positive sentiments on employment and spending, but a marginal dip in the country’s future economic situation.
- Credit growth numbers indicate a rise in consumer spending.
- The upcoming state and general elections could have an impact on the economy, and it remains to be seen how it will play out.
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: NA
Mains level: Same-sex marriage, Legal recognition analysis
Central Idea
- The legalisation of same-sex marriage is a natural progression towards accepting and integrating the LGBTQIA+ community in India, which has been marginalized and hounded for decades. While the decriminalisation of homosexuality was a positive step towards acceptance, granting civil rights such as marriage and adoption is essential in creating a more diverse and inclusive society.
LGBTQIA+ community
- LGBTQIA+ is an acronym for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer/Questioning, Intersex, Asexual/Ally. The plus sign is often added to include other identities and orientations that are not explicitly mentioned in the acronym.
- It is a term used to refer to individuals who identify as any of these sexual orientations or gender identities.
- The community is made up of individuals who may face discrimination, marginalization, and stigma based on their sexual orientation or gender identity. The community advocates for equal rights and acceptance, and works towards achieving societal and legal recognition and protection.
Problems faced by LGBTQIA+ community in India
- Discrimination: Members of the LGBTQIA+ community are often subjected to discrimination, harassment, and violence due to their sexual orientation or gender identity.
- Social Stigma: Homosexuality is still stigmatized in many parts of Indian society, and people who identify as LGBTQIA+ are often ostracized, bullied, and excluded from social activities.
- Lack of legal protection: The Indian legal system does not offer comprehensive legal protection against discrimination and violence based on sexual orientation and gender identity.
- Health issues: Members of the LGBTQIA+ community often face health issues such as HIV/AIDS, depression, anxiety, and substance abuse due to the stress and discrimination they face.
- Limited access to healthcare: Due to social stigma and discrimination, many members of the LGBTQIA+ community face barriers in accessing healthcare services, including mental health care and HIV/AIDS treatment.
- Family rejection: Many members of the LGBTQIA+ community face rejection and disownment by their families, which can lead to mental health issues, homelessness, and financial instability.
- Employment discrimination: Members of the LGBTQIA+ community often face discrimination in the workplace, including being denied jobs, promotions, and other opportunities due to their sexual orientation or gender identity.
- Limited legal recognition: Same-sex marriage is not recognized in India, and LGBTQIA+ couples do not have the same legal rights and protections as heterosexual couples.
What is mean by homosexuality?
- Homosexuality refers to a sexual orientation where an individual is primarily attracted to people of the same gender. It is a natural variation of human sexuality and is not considered a disorder or mental illness. The term is used to describe a person’s identity, behavior, and desire towards people of the same gender.
What is the stigma around homosexuality in India?
- Cultural and religious beliefs: India is a culturally and religiously diverse country with deep-seated traditional values. Many people believe that homosexuality is against these values and that it is a sin.
- Lack of awareness and education: There is still a lack of awareness and education about homosexuality in India, which leads to many misconceptions and negative stereotypes.
- Discrimination and harassment: People who are open about their homosexuality often face discrimination and harassment from society, including family, friends, and colleagues.
- Legal status: Until recently, homosexuality was illegal in India, which further stigmatized the community.
- Masculinity norms: Indian society often associates masculinity with traditional gender roles, which can make it difficult for people who do not conform to these norms.
- Lack of representation: The representation of LGBTQ+ people in Indian media and popular culture is limited, which can contribute to a lack of understanding and empathy for their experiences.
- Same-sex marriage is the legal recognition of a marriage between two individuals of the same sex.
- It grants same-sex couples the same legal and social recognition, rights, and privileges that are traditionally associated with marriage, including property rights, inheritance rights, and the ability to make decisions for each other in medical emergencies.
- The recognition of same-sex marriage varies around the world, with some countries legalizing it while others do not.
- The issue has been the subject of much debate and controversy, with arguments for and against same-sex marriage based on religious, cultural, social, and legal considerations.
Arguments in favor of same-sex marriage
- Civil Rights: Legalizing same-sex marriage is a matter of civil rights, which ensures equal treatment under the law for all individuals, regardless of their sexual orientation.
- Equality: All citizens should have the right to marry the person they love, irrespective of their gender or sexual orientation.
- Family: Same-sex couples should have the same legal rights as heterosexual couples when it comes to adoption, inheritance, and other family-related matters.
- Mental Health: Same-sex couples who can marry experience greater mental health benefits due to increased social support, greater economic stability, and increased social acceptance.
- Social Stability: Legalizing same-sex marriage can help promote social stability by increasing the number of legally recognized families and reducing social stigmas.
Arguments against same-sex marriage
- Religious Beliefs: Many people oppose same-sex marriage because of their religious beliefs and consider it to be a sin.
- Traditional Family: Some people believe that same-sex marriage is a threat to traditional family values.
- Children: There are concerns that children may be negatively affected by growing up in same-sex households.
- Social Consequences: Some people believe that legalizing same-sex marriage will have negative social consequences, including the breakdown of the family and moral decay.
- Slippery Slope: Some people believe that legalizing same-sex marriage could lead to a slippery slope, where other forms of non-traditional marriage become legal as well.
Way ahead
- Education and Awareness: A sustained education and awareness campaign could be launched at various levels, including schools, universities, media, and community organizations to address the social stigma and prejudice against LGBTQIA+ individuals. This could also involve sensitization training for various public and private sector employees to reduce discrimination and bias in the workplace.
- Advocacy: Pro-LGBTQIA+ advocacy groups could play a significant role in lobbying for the legal recognition of same-sex marriages. This could involve building alliances with other civil society organizations, engaging with lawmakers, and using social media to spread awareness about the issue.
- Legal Framework: A new legal framework could be developed to recognize same-sex marriages, which would include rights and protections for LGBTQIA+ individuals. This framework would need to address issues such as inheritance rights, joint property ownership, and the legal recognition of children born to same-sex couples through surrogacy or adoption.
- Consultation: A wide-ranging consultation process could be initiated with stakeholders from different communities, including religious leaders, civil society organizations, and members of the LGBTQIA+ community, to build consensus on the issue.
- Balancing Interests: The government could take a cautious approach to legalizing same-sex marriage, considering the positive effects such as social inclusion and individual rights, and the potential negative effects, such as religious sensitivities and family values. This could involve striking a balance between individual rights and social cohesion, taking into account the unique cultural and social contexts of India.
- Monitoring and Evaluation: The government could set up an independent body to monitor the implementation of same-sex marriage legislation and evaluate its impact on society. This could help to identify areas of success and potential areas for improvement, and ensure that the legal recognition of same-sex marriages is a positive step forward for Indian society as a whole.
Conclusion
- The hallmark of a progressive nation is reflected in its ability to accept diversity, include minorities, and integrate the marginalised. Legalising same-sex marriage may pave the way for generations to come and become a big step towards reclaiming the diverse, multicultural, and inclusive civilisation that India has always been. Government should strike a balance between individual rights and social cohesion, taking into account the unique cultural and social contexts of India.
Mains Question
Q. What do you understand by mean by Homosexuality? Decriminalization of homosexuality in India is considered as a positive step. In this backdrop analyze the issue of Same Sex Marriage in India.
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: IT Rules
Mains level: Fake news, IT Rules amendments and issues
Central Idea
- The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) has created powers to determine fake or false or misleading internet content about any business of the Central Government, which is inspired by George Orwell’s novel 1984 and its concept of Newspeak. While the government claims that these changes are for an Open, Safe & Trusted and Accountable Internet, this claim is questionable, and their impact on natural justice, transparency, and trust in government.
- Fake news refers to intentionally fabricated or misleading information presented as if it were real news. It can be spread through traditional media sources like newspapers or television, but it is more commonly associated with social media platforms and other online sources.
- Fake news can range from completely made-up stories to misleading headlines and selectively edited or out-of-context information designed to deceive readers.
- It is often used for political purposes, to manipulate public opinion or to spread misinformation about individuals, organizations or events.
What makes Government’s claim questionable?
1. No safeguards for natural justice
- Against the principle of natural justice: The IT Amendment Rules, 2023, contain powers that allow the government to act as a judge in its own case. This goes against the principles of natural justice, where a transparent process with a fair chance of hearing and a legal order is essential.
- Government censorship: The absence of such safeguards in the IT Rules could result in government censorship, where press releases and tweets by the government may rally citizens to its cause without providing legal reasoning or the remedy of a legal challenge.
2. Government censorship in the name of safety
- Swift take-down of the content: With the new powers, the determination of fake or false or misleading information by a fact-checking unit of the Central Government will result in a swift take-down of the content, making it inaccessible not only on social media but also on the news portal’s website.
- Prevents critical understanding: This will prevent readers from developing a critical understanding of facts, which is a natural outcome of a democratic system. Thus, the IT Rules undermine the administration of justice and assume that the executive alone knows what is best for the citizen.
3. Lack of details on fact-checking body composition
- Lack of details and autonomy of the fact checking body: For a trusted internet, the fact-checking body’s composition and design of regulatory institutions are important. When these bodies are not insulated or formed with financial and functional autonomy, they become subservient to government and political interests. This undermines the basis of trust in government built through scrutiny.
- Government the sole arbiter of truth: The present system makes the Union Government the sole arbiter of truth, leaving citizens with little choice but to trust the government.
The basis of accountability
- Accountability requires remedial actions that are neither an artificial measure of placation nor a disproportionate or aggressive penalty.
- The IT Rules target institutions that work towards accountability, making it difficult to achieve its purpose.
- The mission of journalists is to report facts and speak truth to power, and the slogan Open, Safe & Trusted and Accountable Internet means little in a Digital India, where Newspeak-like rules prevent the free exchange of information.
Conclusion
- IT Rules of 2023, inspired by Orwell’s Newspeak, could lead to government censorship, lack of natural justice, and trust in government. The government needs to provide transparency, impartiality, and accountability in the regulatory institutions’ design to build trust among citizens. Instead of relying on a fact-checking unit of the Central Government, it is essential to establish independent regulatory bodies with financial and functional autonomy to promote a truly open, safe, and trusted internet.
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Golden crescent and golden traingle
Mains level: Menace of Drug trafficking in India
Central Idea
- Narcotics trade is a global social problem that has harmful effects on the youth and families. This trade generates money that is diverted to disruptive activities having bearing on national security, keeping the law enforcement agencies on tenterhooks. India is also facing the problem of drug trafficking, and the issue is assuming dangerous proportions.
What is Narcotics trade?
- The narcotics trade refers to the illegal production, distribution, and sale of drugs such as opium, heroin, cocaine, and methamphetamine.
- It is a global issue that poses a serious threat to public health and safety, as well as national security.
- The trade is often controlled by criminal organizations, and the money generated from it is often used to fund other illicit activities such as terrorism and money laundering.
Prevalence of Narcotics trade in India
- Significant challenge: The Narcotics trade is a serious problem in India, affecting the youth and families, and leading to the diversion of money for disruptive activities that have a bearing on national security.
- Sandwiched between golden Crecent and golden triangle: India is a big market and a transit route for other countries. India has been seen as sandwiched between the Death (Golden) Crescent and Death (Golden) Triangle.
- Use of drones to supply drugs: The use of drones to supply drugs and weapons across the border in Punjab is a new phenomenon.
- Hot destination for cocaine: India has surprisingly become a hot destination for cocaine, which is controlled by South American drug cartels. Investigations have revealed the connection of these cartels with NRIs based in Canada, Australia, Singapore, Hong Kong, and several European countries along with local drug lords and gangsters in India.
- Social and health impact: Narcotics trade harms youth and families, leading to addiction and health problems.
- Diversion of funds for disruptive activities: The money generated from the narcotics trade is diverted for disruptive activities that have bearings on national security.
- Increase in terrorism: Drug traffickers from across borders have been found to have connections with terrorist organizations like Lashkar-e-Toiba and Hizbul Mujahideen, and the illegal money is used for terror activities sponsored by the ISI.
- Infiltration of organized crime: Organized gangs, which primarily used to carry out extortion activities in their local areas, are getting hooked to the narcotics trade network, and are being used for drug trafficking and gun running. This creates a nexus between terrorists and organized gangs/underworld, which poses a new and disturbing trend that needs to be tackled effectively by security agencies.
- Proliferation of darknet markets: Studies reveal that 62 per cent of the darknet is being used for illicit drug trafficking. The anonymity and low risks of darknet transactions are disrupting traditional drug markets.
- Border security: The heroin and methamphetamine-producing areas have porous borders and are reportedly under the control of rebel groups indirectly supported by intelligence setups. Illicit arms are manufactured here and supplied to underground groups active in India.
Facts for prelims
- The Golden Crescent: The Golden Crescent is a region in South Asia that is known for the production of illicit drugs, particularly opium. The region includes parts of Afghanistan, Iran, and Pakistan. It is one of the two major drug-producing areas in the world, along with the Golden Triangle, which is located in Southeast Asia.
- The Golden Triangle: The Golden Triangle is a region in Southeast Asia that encompasses parts of Myanmar, Thailand, Laos, and Vietnam. It is one of the world’s largest opium-producing areas and is named after the shape formed by the overlapping mountains of these countries.
- Nearly 90% of the world’s demand for heroin and methamphetamine is being met from these regions.
|
Why drug trafficking is a serious security issue?
- Illegal money: Drug trafficking generates a significant amount of illegal money, which can be used to fund other illegal activities such as terrorism, money laundering, and human trafficking.
- Social and economic consequences: Drug addiction and abuse can have severe social and economic consequences, including increased crime rates, loss of productivity, and strain on the healthcare system.
- Organized crime syndicates: Drug trafficking often involves organized crime syndicates, which can undermine the rule of law and weaken the state’s ability to maintain law and order.
- Impacts regional stability: Drug trafficking can create instability in regions that are already vulnerable to conflict and violence, as rival groups compete for control of the lucrative trade.
Steps taken by India to address the issue of drug trafficking
- National Policy on Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances: India has a comprehensive policy framework to address the issue of narcotics trade. The National Policy on Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances provides a framework for controlling the illicit traffic in drugs, preventing drug abuse, and providing care and rehabilitation to drug addicts.
- Narcotics Control Bureau: The Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) is the nodal agency for combating drug trafficking in India. It works closely with other law enforcement agencies to prevent drug trafficking, intercept drug shipments, and prosecute drug traffickers.
- International cooperation: India has been cooperating with other countries to combat the narcotics trade. It has signed several bilateral and multilateral agreements to strengthen cooperation on drug trafficking, including the SAARC Convention on Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances and the UN Convention against Illicit Traffic in Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances.
- Seizure of drugs: Law enforcement agencies have been seizing large quantities of drugs in recent years. In 2020, the NCB seized over 9,500 kg of drugs and arrested over 5,000 people in drug-related cases.
- Awareness campaigns: The government has been running awareness campaigns to educate people about the dangers of drug abuse. It has also been working with NGOs and civil society organizations to provide care and rehabilitation to drug addicts.
- Use of technology: Law enforcement agencies are using technology to track drug trafficking. For example, the NCB has been using social media and the dark web to track drug trafficking.
- Strengthening border security: India has been strengthening its border security to prevent the entry of drugs into the country. The government has been using modern technology, such as drones and sensors, to monitor the borders.
- Use of financial intelligence: Law enforcement agencies are using financial intelligence to track the money trail of drug traffickers. They are working closely with banks and financial institutions to identify suspicious transactions and freeze the assets of drug traffickers.
Way ahead
- International cooperation: India needs to engage with its neighboring countries to ensure that they take steps to prevent the production and transit of narcotics through their territories. India should also collaborate with international agencies like the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) to share intelligence and develop a coordinated approach towards combating the drug menace.
- Strengthening law enforcement: India should strengthen its law enforcement agencies and provide them with the necessary resources and training to effectively tackle the narcotics trade. The Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) should be given more teeth and made more proactive in tracking down drug traffickers and seizing drugs.
- Public awareness: India needs to launch a sustained public awareness campaign to educate people about the harmful effects of drugs and the links between drug trafficking and terrorism. The government should also work with civil society organizations to mobilize communities to report drug-related activities in their neighborhoods.
- Stricter punishment: India needs to introduce stricter punishment for drug traffickers and increase the penalties for drug-related crimes. This will act as a deterrent and make it more difficult for drug traffickers to operate in India.
- Use of technology: India needs to leverage technology to track and intercept drug shipments. The use of drones and other unmanned aerial vehicles can be explored to monitor the movement of drugs across borders.
- Monitoring darknet activities: India needs to monitor activities on the darknet and take action against those engaged in drug trafficking through this channel. The NCB can work with international agencies to track down drug traffickers operating on the darknet.
- Rehabilitation: India needs to focus on rehabilitating drug addicts and providing them with the necessary support to overcome their addiction. This will help in reducing demand for drugs and prevent people from getting into the trap of drug trafficking.
Conclusion
- The problem of drug trafficking is a growing threat to India’s security, and the issue needs to be addressed urgently. Concerted and coordinated efforts of all the agencies will be required to tackle this growing threat. The nexus between terrorists and organized gangs/underworld is a new and disturbing trend and the law enforcement agencies must develop new strategies to counter the new trends.
Mains Question
Q. The problem of drug trafficking is a growing threat to India’s security. In this backdrop discuss the concerns regarding narcotics trade in India and suggest a way ahead
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Indian Exports
Mains level: Not Much
Central idea: The article discusses the top exporting districts in India and their contribution to the country’s overall exports. It also provides information on the top exported commodities in each district.
Top Exporting Districts in India
| Rank |
District |
State |
Share of India’s Exports |
| 1 |
Jamnagar |
Gujarat |
24% |
| 2 |
Surat |
Gujarat |
4.5% |
| 3 |
Mumbai Suburban |
Maharashtra |
4.5% |
| 4 |
Dakshina Kannada |
Karnataka |
– |
| 5 |
Devbhumi Dwarka, Bharuch, Kachchh |
Gujarat |
– |
| 6 |
Mumbai |
Maharashtra |
– |
| 7 |
Kancheepuram |
Tamil Nadu |
– |
| 8 |
Gautam Buddha Nagar |
Uttar Pradesh |
– |
Top Exporting Districts in Each State
- Map 1 shows the district that formed the highest share of a State’s exports in FY23.
- The size of the circle in the map corresponds to the value of exports.
- Most top exporting districts in the north-eastern States formed as much as 90% of a State’s exports, while some top exporting districts formed only around 20% of a State’s exports.
Top Exported Commodities
- Jamnagar’s dominance can be attributed to the fact that it formed a lion’s share of India’s surging petroleum exports, while Kancheepuram’s most exported commodity was smartphones.
- Map 1 also lists the top exported commodity of the top exporting districts in each State.
Top Exporting Districts for Each Commodity
- Maps 2A-2F show the top five exporting districts for the top six commodities exported by India.
- They include petroleum products, precious stones and jewellery, rice, wheat and other cereals, smartphones and electronic parts, vehicles other than railways, and pharmaceutical products.
Share of Top Exporting Commodity
- Table 3 shows the share of the top exporting commodity of the top exporting district in India’s total exports.
- For instance, Jamnagar’s petroleum products export formed 67% of India’s total exports for that commodity, while Surat’s precious stones and jewellery exports formed 36% of India’s total exports for that commodity.
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Heatwaves, Urban heat island effect
Mains level: Climate change induces weather variability, its impact and mitigating measures
Central Idea
- India is facing an increasing heatwave due to climate change, leading to significant agricultural crop losses, urban unlivability and reduced labour productivity. India need to take range of measures to mitigate the problem, such as expanding green cover, upgrading urban building standards, embracing public transportation, and improving waste segregation and management.
What is Heat wave?
- A heatwave is a prolonged period of abnormally hot weather.
- Heatwaves usually last for several days or weeks and can occur in both dry and humid climates.
- They are characterized by temperatures that are significantly higher than the average for a particular region during that time of year. This is because climate change is causing a rise in global temperatures. As the planet heats up, it leads to more extreme weather events, such as heat waves. Its geography makes India particularly vulnerable to these events.
- Increase in frequency and intensity: India has been witnessing an increase in the frequency and intensity of heatwaves in recent years.
- For instance: In April and May 2022, around 350 million Indians were exposed to strong heat stress. On an average, five-six heat wave events occur every year over the northern parts of the country.
- Rise in summer temperatures as well as winter temperature: Summer temperatures have risen by an average of 0.5-0.9°C across districts in Punjab, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, and Rajasthan between 1990 and 2019. In addition, around 54% of India’s districts have seen a similar rise in winter temperatures.
- Temperature rise projection: It is expected that between 2021 and 2050, the maximum temperature will rise by 2-3.5°C in 100 districts and by 1.5–2°C in around 455 districts. Winter temperatures will also rise between 1°C and 1.5°C in around 485 districts
Fact for prelims: Urban Heat Island Effect
- High temperature in Urabn areas: The urban heat island effect is a phenomenon in which urban areas experience higher temperatures than the surrounding rural areas.
- For instance: Cities in India are beset with the urban heat island effect, with temperatures 4-12°C higher than rural outlying areas.
- Human activities are primary reason: This is primarily caused by human activities such as transportation, industrial processes, and energy consumption, which release heat and pollutants into the atmosphere.
- Urab landscape made up of concrete absorbs more heat: The urban landscape, with its large amounts of concrete and asphalt, also absorbs and retains more heat than natural surfaces such as forests and grasslands.
- Reduced vegetation is a contributing factor: Additionally, reduced vegetation and tree cover in urban areas contribute to the urban heat island effect, as plants help to cool the environment through evapotranspiration.
- Negative impact: The urban heat island effect can have negative impacts on human health, as well as on energy consumption, air and water quality, and ecological systems.
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The Socio-economic impact of heat waves
- Health: Heatwaves can cause heat exhaustion, heat cramps, and heat stroke, leading to hospitalization and death. People working outdoors, such as farmers, construction workers, and street vendors, are particularly vulnerable. The elderly, children, and people with pre-existing health conditions are also at a higher risk of heat-related illnesses.
- Labor productivity: High temperatures reduce work capacity and productivity, especially for outdoor workers. This can lead to income loss and lower economic growth.
- For instance: For labourers doing heavy work, heat exposure leads to a loss of 162 hours per year, as per one study. A rise in temperatures directly impacts labour productivity. About 50% of India’s workforce is estimated to be exposed to heat during their working hours. This includes marginal farmers, labourers at construction sites and street vendors parlaying their produce on the streets; increasingly, even gig economy workers are affected.
- Agriculture: Heatwaves can damage crops and livestock, leading to reduced yields and income loss for farmers. High temperatures and low soil moisture can also lead to drought and water scarcity, which can further exacerbate the agricultural impact.
- For example: 90% of India’s cumin production is from Gujarat and Rajasthan. The recent weather variability has destroyed the majority of the cumin crop in Rajasthan. From agricultural crop losses, it is a short step towards drought and higher mortality.
- Energy demand: During heatwaves, the demand for electricity and other forms of cooling increases, leading to power outages and blackouts. This can affect businesses, hospitals, and other critical infrastructure.
- Migration: Heatwaves can lead to migration as people seek cooler areas or better living conditions. This can strain resources in the destination areas and lead to social tensions.
Ways to Mitigate the Problem
- Greening could help mitigate part of the problem: Ideally, for every urban citizen in India should have at least seven trees in the urban landscape. However, many urban localities even in leafy Delhi fall short. Development plans for Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities can set up a mandate to increase urban surface area that is permeable, while pushing to increase the density and area of urban forests.
- Expanding and restoring wetlands: Expanding wetlands and restoring dead and decaying ponds/lakes may also help ensure ecological functioning along with reducing urban heat.
- Reducing the urban heat island effect: This requires a push for greater usage of permeable materials in civic infrastructure and residential construction and enhancing natural landscapes in urban areas. Urban layouts such as brick jalis for ventilation and terracotta tiles to allow hot air to escape, and curbs on anthropogenic heat emissions from vehicles, factories, etc. may be considered.
- Avoiding usage of heat absorbent material: Urban building standards should be upgraded to avoid usage of heat-absorbent galvanized iron and metal roof sheets.
- Using cleaner cooking fuels: Using cleaner cooking fuels will reduce indoor air pollution, which may also help reduce urban heat.
- Increasing natural vegetation: Streets with low ventilation may need further expansion, or an increase in natural vegetation
- Voluntary and other measures: Other measures can also be considered such as, from embracing public transportation, to reducing personal vehicle usage and, most importantly, reducing the size of landfills. A push for waste segregation, along with solid waste management at source, can help.
- Improving our forecasting ability: India needs to improve our forecasting ability, including the potential impact of heat on food production.
- Improving economic models: Current econometric models associated with food inflation primarily look at the variability in the monsoon, minimum support prices and vegetable prices. India needs to add local heat trends to the mix as well, given the impact of heat on food production, storage and sale.
- Detailed management policies: We need detailed policies and guidelines on weather variability and urban heat management at the State, district, city and municipality ward levels.
Value addition box: The Chandigarh Model, a template to build climate-responsive architecture
- Natural green belts: The city was set up by the foothills of the Shivaliks, between two river beds, while natural green belts were incorporated within the city’s master plan.
- For instance: A large green belt of mango trees was also planted around the city to help reduce urban sprawl and to serve as a buffer between the residential city and the industrial suburbs.
- Climate responsive architecture: Local architecture such as mud houses within the region was considered as a template to build climate-responsive architecture.
- City cooling plans: A small rivulet was dammed to create the Sukhna lake, to help cool the city, while small water bodies were developed near large buildings.
- Increased tree cover: Parks were planned out in every sector, along with tree plantations alongside all the major roads. Large forest areas were also reserved.
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Conclusion
- With climate change exacerbating local weather patterns, we are likely to see April-May temperatures reaching record highs every three years. Moreover, an El Niño-influenced monsoon bodes ill for marginal farmers and urban migrants. Policymakers must take mitigatory action early, while instituting structural infrastructure measures to help Indians adapt to these conditions.
Mains Question
Q. What do you understand by mean urban heat island effect? What measures can be taken to mitigate the impact of rising heatwaves and how can these efforts be integrated with broader climate change adaptation strategies?
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Ninth Schedule
Mains level: Quota limit breach
Central idea: Chhattisgarh CM has written to the Prime Minister seeking the inclusion of two amendment Bills allowing for higher quotas in jobs and educational institutions in the Ninth Schedule of the Constitution.
What is Ninth Schedule?
- The Ninth Schedule is a legal provision in the Constitution of India that provides immunity to certain laws from judicial review.
- It is a list of Central and State laws that are immune from judicial review.
- These laws are not subject to judicial scrutiny or challenge in any court of law, including the Supreme Court of India.
|
Details |
| Definition |
A list of Central and State laws that are immune from judicial review. |
| History |
Added to the Constitution by the First Amendment in 1951. |
| Purpose back then |
To protect land reforms and other progressive laws from being challenged in courts. |
| Significance |
Used to protect laws related to land reforms, reservation in education and employment, anti-defection laws, and other progressive measures aimed at social justice and equality. |
| Criticisms |
Criticised for shielding unconstitutional laws and violating fundamental rights.
Supreme Court of India has struck down several laws in the Ninth Schedule on the grounds that they violate the basic structure of the Constitution. |
| Amendment |
Constitution (Ninety-Sixth Amendment) Act, 2001 added a provision stating that any law added to the Ninth Schedule after April 24, 1973, can be challenged in courts on the ground that it violates the fundamental rights guaranteed by the Constitution. |
What is the request made by CG CM?
- In Chhattisgarh’s case, the two amendment Bills were passed unanimously by the State Assembly paving the way for 76% quota for Scheduled Caste, Scheduled Tribes and Other Backward Classes.
- However, the Bills are yet to receive the Governor’s nod.
- The Chhattisgarh High Court had struck down a 2013 State government order to allow 58% quota, holding that reservation above the 50% ceiling was “unconstitutional.”
Request for Inclusion in Ninth Schedule
- The CM presented the demographics of the State and wrote that the socio-economic and educational condition of the OBC people of the State is as weak as that of the SC/ST people.
- He argued that the inclusion of the amended provision in the Ninth Schedule of the Constitution is necessary for the people of the deprived and backward classes to get justice.
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: World Trade Organization (WTO)
Mains level: Read the attached story
A World Trade Organization (WTO) panel has ruled that India has violated global trading rules in a dispute with the European Union (EU), Japan, and Taiwan over import duties on IT products.
About World Trade Organization (WTO)
|
Details |
| Purpose |
Regulate and facilitate international trade between nations |
| Establishment |
1995 |
| Headquarters |
Geneva, Switzerland |
| Membership |
164 member countries as of 2023, representing over 98% of global trade |
| Goal |
Promote free and fair trade by negotiating and enforcing rules and agreements governing international trade |
| Agreements |
Administers a number of agreements, including GATT, SPS Agreement, and TRIPS Agreement |
| Dispute Resolution |
Operates a dispute settlement system to resolve conflicts between member countries |
| Technical Assistance |
Provides technical assistance and training to help developing countries participate more effectively in international trade |
| Decision-Making Body |
Ministerial Conference, which meets every two years |
| Director-General |
Chief executive responsible for overseeing the organization’s operations and activities |
| Criticisms |
Some criticize the WTO for being undemocratic, favoring developed countries, and not doing enough to promote labor and environmental standards in international trade |
What was the case?
- The case involved a dispute over India’s introduction of import duties ranging from 7.5% to 20% on a wide range of IT products, including mobile phones, components, and integrated circuits.
- The EU, Japan, and Taiwan challenged these import duties in 2019, arguing that they exceeded the maximum rate allowed under global trading rules.
- The recent ruling by the WTO panel found that India had violated these rules and recommended that India bring its measures into conformity with its obligations.
WTO Panel’s Ruling
- The WTO panel has ruled that India violated global trading rules by imposing these import duties.
- The panel recommended that India bring these measures into conformity with its obligations.
- While the panel broadly backed the complaints against India, it rejected one of Japan’s claims that India’s customs notification lacked “predictability”.
Implications of the ruling
- The EU is India’s third-largest trading partner, accounting for 10.8% of total Indian trade in 2021, according to the European Commission.
- The ruling could have implications for trade relations between India and the EU, as well as Japan and Taiwan.
- India may be required to lower or eliminate the challenged import duties.
- It remains to be seen whether India will appeal against the ruling.
- If it does, the case will sit in legal purgatory since the WTO’s top appeals bench is no longer functioning due to US opposition to judge appointments.
Conclusion
- The panel recommended that India bring such measures into conformity with its obligations, and it remains to be seen whether India will appeal against the ruling.
- The case highlights the importance of complying with global trading rules and the role of the WTO in resolving trade disputes between countries.
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Great Pacific Garbage Patch
Mains level: Not Much
Central idea: The article reports on a recent study which found evidence that coastal life forms have colonized plastic items in the Great Pacific Garbage Patch, a vast area in the North Pacific Ocean where plastic waste has accumulated due to ocean currents.
What is the Great Pacific Garbage Patch (GPGP)?
|
Features |
| Location |
North Pacific Subtropical Gyre (NPSG), north of the equator in the Pacific Ocean |
| Currents |
Kuroshio, North Pacific, California, and North Equatorial currents, moving in a clockwise direction |
| Sources |
Any trash that enters one of these currents from any of the 51 Pacific Rim countries |
| Size |
Estimated to be 1.6 million sq. km |
| Age |
More than 50 years old |
| Plastic Content |
Estimated to contain 45,000-129,000 metric tonnes of plastic, predominantly in the form of microplastics |
| Visible Objects |
Heavier, more visible objects that haven’t yet broken down into smaller particles accounted for 92% in 2018 |
Findings of the new study
- Researchers from Canada, the Netherlands, and the U.S. have reported that coastal life forms have colonized plastic items in the Great Pacific Garbage Patch.
- From November 2018 to January 2019, they collected 105 pieces of plastic debris, the most heavily plastic-polluted ocean gyre on the globe.
- Based on studying them, they reported that 98% of the debris items had invertebrate organisms.
Plastic inflicting into a coastal organism
- Organisms found on coasts were getting by on small floating islands of garbage out in the Pacific Ocean, which the researchers named the neopelagic community.
- They found organisms belonging to 46 taxa, and 37 of them were coastal; the rest were pelagic. Among both coastal and pelagic organisms, crustaceans were the most common.
- Nearly all taxa were of Northwest Pacific origin, including Japan.
- Eight of the remainder were from East Asia and five specifically from Japan. Four items were from North America.
- They found that 68% of the coastal taxa and 33% of the pelagic taxa reproduced asexually and that there was evidence of sexual reproduction among the hydroids and the crustaceans, among others.
Implications of the findings
- Marine plastic pollution has given rise to a new kind of standing coastal community in the open ocean.
- The neopelagic community is not misplaced but lives on plastic items in the garbage patch, including reproducing there.
- The finding recalls other studies that show the chemical bonding of plastic with rocks, sedimentary rocks embedded with plastic earrings in Brazil, and the formation of plastiglomerates in Hawaii.
What is neopelagic community?
- The neopelagic community refers to the group of organisms that inhabit the open ocean or the pelagic zone beyond the continental shelf.
- It is characterized by deep waters with very few physical structures or substrate for organisms to attach to.
- This community includes a wide variety of organisms, including zooplankton, fish, squid, and marine mammals, among others.
- These organisms have adapted to survive in the open ocean environment, which can be quite challenging due to factors such as temperature fluctuations, limited food availability, and the absence of physical structures for shelter.
- The neopelagic community is an important part of the global marine ecosystem, playing a key role in nutrient cycling and energy transfer between different levels of the food chain.
|
GPGP and its impact on marine life
- The GPGP has significant impacts on marine life due to the ingestion of plastic by marine animals, which can cause harm and even death.
- Plastic can also entangle and suffocate marine animals, leading to the disruption of ecosystems.
- The new study sheds light on the neopelagic community, which has adapted to living on plastic in the garbage patch.
Plastic pollution and its environmental impact
- Plastic pollution is a major environmental issue that affects land and water ecosystems worldwide.
- Plastic waste can take hundreds of years to decompose, and even then, it breaks down into microplastics that can persist in the environment indefinitely.
- The presence of plastic in the environment has negative impacts on biodiversity, ecosystem function, and human health.
Conclusion
- There are various solutions to plastic pollution, including reducing the use of single-use plastics, recycling, and promoting alternative materials.
- Governments and industries can also take steps to reduce plastic waste, such as implementing policies and regulations that reduce plastic use and increase recycling.
- Individual actions, such as reducing personal plastic consumption and properly disposing of plastic waste, can also make a difference.
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Polar Crown Prominence (PCP)
Mains level: Not Much
Central idea: The article talks about an astrophotographer named Andrew McCarthy capturing an image of a plasma waterfall on the sun. The phenomenon is called Polar Crown Prominence (PCP).
Polar Crown Prominence (PCP)
- PCP is a solar phenomenon that occurs on the sun’s Polar Regions.
- It is a type of solar prominence, which is a large, bright, gaseous feature that extends out from the sun’s surface.
- A solar prominence is a large, bright, gaseous feature that extends out from the sun’s surface.
- It is made up of ionized gas (plasma) that is held in place by magnetic fields.
- Prominences are visible during total solar eclipses and can also be observed using specialized telescopes.
- PCPs are often associated with sunspots, which are dark regions on the sun’s surface that are caused by magnetic activity.
How are PCPs Formed?
- PCPs are formed by the interaction of magnetic fields on the sun’s surface.
- Magnetic fields are created by the movement of charged particles (plasma) in the sun’s interior.
- When these magnetic fields interact, they can create regions of intense magnetic activity, such as sunspots.
- PCPs are often associated with these regions of magnetic activity.
Why are PCPs Important?
- PCPs are important because they provide clues about the sun’s magnetic activity and how it affects the Earth’s environment.
- Solar activity, including PCPs, can cause disturbances in the Earth’s magnetic field, which can lead to auroras and disruptions in communication systems.
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Mangrove Pitta Bird
Mains level: Not Much
Central idea: The article talks about the first-ever census of mangrove pitta birds conducted in two coastal districts of Odisha, India.
About Mangrove Pitta
- The mangrove pitta (Pitta megarhyncha) belongs to the family of pittas, the Pittidae.
- The mangrove pitta species is distributed in India, Bangladesh, Myanmar, Thailand, Malaysia, Singapore and Indonesia.
- These pitta species have fragmented distribution and considered ‘Near Threatened’ by IUCN. These pittas are monotypic species.
Focus of the Census
- In this census, a total of 179 individual mangrove pitta birds were counted.
- The census mainly focused on the mangrove patches along the coasts of Kendrapara and Jagatsingpur districts.
- Information was collected on the distribution, habitat, and breeding of mangrove pittas along the coastal mangroves.
- The census was carried out by point count method, either by walking in the forest or using country boats in the creeks.
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: EC, Political parties and related provisions
Central Idea
- The Election Commission of India (EC) recently revised its list of recognised national and state parties.
The EC’s decision
- The EC recognised AAP as a national party and revoked the national party status of TMC, NCP and CPI.
- It also revoked the state party status granted to Rashtriya Lok Dal in Uttar Pradesh, Bharat Rashtra Samithi in Andhra Pradesh, People’s Democratic Alliance (Manipur), Pattali Makkal Katchi (Puducherry), Revolutionary Socialist Party (West Bengal) and Mizoram People’s Conference (Mizoram).
- The EC laid down strict technical criteria for a party to be recognised as a national party, based entirely on its electoral performance. A party may gain or lose national/state party status from time to time, depending on the fulfilment of these conditions.
Process of recognition and derecognition
- Election Symbols Order, 1968: The process of recognition and derecognition is stipulated under the Election Symbols (Reservation and Allotment) Order, 1968, which lays down the criteria for recognition as a national or state party.
- Specific stipulations: The order has specific stipulations which also find concurrence in the EC’s Political Parties and Election Symbols, 2019 Handbook.
- Based on poll performance: The EC’s decision was based on a review of the parties’ poll performances since 2014.
What is a National Party?
- The name suggests that a national party would be one that has a presence ‘nationally’, as opposed to a regional party whose presence is restricted to only a particular state or region.
- National parties are usually India’s bigger parties.
- However, some smaller parties, like the communist parties, are also recognised as national parties.
- A certain stature is sometimes associated with being a national party, but this does not necessarily translate into having a lot of national political clout.
| Criteria |
National Party |
State Party |
| At least 6% of valid votes in 4+ states OR 4 Lok Sabha seats from at least 3 states OR recognition as a state party in at least 4 states |
✓ |
|
| 2% of all Lok Sabha seats in the last such election, with MPs elected from at least three states. |
✓ |
|
| Two seats plus a 6% vote share in the last Assembly election in that state |
|
✓ |
| One seat plus a 6% vote share in the last Lok Sabha election from that state |
|
✓ |
| 3% of the total Assembly seats or 3 seats, whichever is more. |
|
✓ |
| One of every 25 Lok Sabha seats (or an equivalent fraction) from a state. |
|
✓ |
| An 8% state-wide vote share in either the last Lok Sabha or the last Assembly polls. |
|
✓ |
Benefits of recognition as a national party
| Benefit |
Description |
| Election symbol |
The election symbol of the party will remain unchanged across India, making it easier for voters to identify and vote for the party. |
| Free broadcast/telecast time |
National parties get free broadcast/telecast time on Akashvani and Doordarshan during the general election, giving them greater visibility and reach. |
| Star campaigners |
National parties can have a maximum of 40 star campaigners whose travel expenses will not be counted in the accounts of the candidates. |
| Consultation with the Election Commission |
National parties will have the privilege of consultation with the EC in the setting of election dates, and giving inputs in setting electoral rules and regulations. |
| Top slots on the EVM/ballot paper |
Top slots on the EVM/ballot paper are reserved for national parties, giving them greater visibility and prominence on the ballot. |
Perception and legal challenges
- The greater impact, however, will be concerning the public perception of the party, which is why many who have lost national party status are planning to go to courts.
- Some parties are questioning the power of the EC though it stands legitimised by the Supreme Court.
- The EC has no discretion in the matter as the rules are very specific and repeatedly emphasise that a party is eligible if, and only if it fulfils all criteria.
Conclusion
- The EC’s decision to revise the list of recognized national and state parties has faced legal challenges from some parties questioning the power of the EC. However, the EC’s decision is based on strict technical criteria laid down by the EC and the process of recognition and derecognition is stipulated under the Election Symbols (Reservation and Allotment) Order, 1968.
Mains Question
Q. The Election Commission of India (EC) recently revised its list of recognised national and state parties. In this light highlight the criteria for recognition of political parties and discuss the benefits of recognition as a national party
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Women's' rights and reforms
Mains level: Babasaheb Ambedkar's Contribution Towards Women's Rights
Central Idea
- Babasaheb Ambedkar’s contribution towards women’s rights is often overlooked, and he needs to be recognized as a champion of social justice, a visionary, and a philosopher. He advocated for women’s equal participation in both personal and professional spheres, was instrumental in drafting legislation to protect women’s rights, and played a key role in reducing working hours and improving working conditions.
Ambedkar’s Advocacy for Women’s Rights
- Equal participation of women: Ambedkar advocated for equal participation of women in both personal and professional spheres. He was the first man to raise his voice against the unequal treatment of women in factories and other workplaces.
- No of legislations: Ambedkar drafted legislation such as the Mines Maternity Benefit Act, which demanded equal pay and equal rights for coal mine workers, ensuring that the question of maternity leave for women was brought up and they were protected under labor laws.
- Improving working conditions: He was instrumental in reducing working hours and improving working conditions.
- Reproductive rights of women: Ambedkar was a strong believer in the reproductive rights of women and urged them to make their own choices about conception.
- Hindu Code Bill: Ambedkar’s most important contribution to the cause of women’s rights was the Hindu Code Bill, which revolutionized property and marriage practices and established laws of maintenance for women.
- Four acts, resulting from the Bill, were passed:
- The Hindu Marriage Act, 1955, which gave women the right to divorce and maintenance;
- The Hindu Succession Act, 1956, which gave them the legal right to inherit property;
- The Hindu Adoption and Maintenance Act, 1956, which allowed women to legally adopt a child; and
- The Hindu Minority and Guardianship Act, 1956, which allowed women to be the natural guardian of their children.
- Pro-women Acts: The influence of these reforms led to other pro-women Acts such as the Equal Remuneration Act of 1976 and the Dowry Prohibition Act of 1961, which brightened the dark roads of women’s struggles.
Ambedkar’s Vision for Women’s Rights
- Women’s right to education: Ambedkar believed that education was crucial for the country’s progress and regularly spoke up for women’s right to education, defying the Manusmriti and the Dharmashastra.
- Targeted hierarchical social order: He targeted the hierarchical social order and condemned it for degrading women, and believed that endogamy was the root cause of caste consolidation.
- Caste system and atrocities on women: His 1917 paper, titled ‘Castes in India: Their Mechanism, Genesis and Development’ outlines how atrocities on women are rooted in the caste system.
- For instance: He denounced sati, child marriage, and the condemnation of widow remarriage, which were all meant to control women.
- Vision of equality: Ambedkar’s vision of equality despite caste, gender, race, and ethnicity differences is a pioneering thought of social justice.
Conclusion
- Ambedkar’s contribution towards women’s rights is often overlooked, and he needs to be recognized as a champion of social justice, a visionary, and a philosopher. His work to empower all sections of marginalized communities needs to be acknowledged, and his vision of equality despite caste, gender, race, and ethnicity differences is a pioneering thought of social justice. Women’s rights and their liberation are crucial for building a progressive society, and Ambedkar’s values and vision continue to guide feminist principles in India.
Mains Question
Q. Ambedkar’s contribution towards women’s rights is often overlooked. In this backdrop discuss his advocacy, contribution to Women’s Rights.
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