💥UPSC 2027,2028 Mentorship (May Batch) + Access XFactor Notes & Microthemes PDF
Talk to mentor

Civilsdaily

Login

Archives: News

  • Human Rights Issues

    NHRC Notice to Centre on Worker Rights Violation in Haryana

    Prelims Only | Polity | Mains Paper 2: Statutory, Regulatory & Various Quasi-Judicial Bodies

    Why in the News?

    • The National Human Right Commission (NHRC) issued notice to the Centre over reports from a Amazon company’s warehouse in Haryana’s Manesar.
      • Employees were allegedly forced to pledge not to take toilet or water breaks until unloading six trucks post 30-minute tea break.

    NHRC’s Observations and Actions

    • NHRC views this as a serious human rights violation, potentially breaching labour laws and Ministry guidelines.
    • Notice was issued to the Secretary, Union Ministry of Labour and Employment for a detailed report within a week.

    About National Human Rights Commission (NHRC)

    Details
    Establishment
    • A Statutory Body;
    • Established under the Protection of Human Rights Act, 1993.
    Functions
    • Inquire into any violation of human rights
    • Recommend immediate interim relief to victims or their families
    • Intervene in court proceedings involving human rights violations
    • Review constitutional and legal safeguards for human rights
    • Study international instruments on human rights
    • Promote human rights literacy
    • Support the efforts of NGOs working in the field of human rights
    Powers
    • Regulate its own procedure
    • Possess all the powers of a civil court
    • Proceedings have a judicial character
    Chairperson
    • Must be a former Justice of the Supreme Court or Chief Justice of the Supreme Court
    • Appointed by the President of India
    Members Four full-time members;

    • Chairperson: former Supreme Court Justice or Chief Justice;
    • Other Member: former Judge of the Supreme Court;
    • Other Member: former Chief Justice of a High Court;
    • Three Members: with knowledge or experience in human rights, including at least one woman –

    Seven ex-officio members:  Chairpersons of National Commissions viz., National Commission for Scheduled Castes, National Commission for Scheduled Tribes, National Commission for Women , National Commission for Minorities, National Commission for Backward Classes, National Commission for Protection of Child Rights; and the Chief Commissioner for Persons with Disabilities.
    Appointment
    • Appointed by the President, based on a committee recommendation including the Prime Minister, Speaker of Lok Sabha, Home Minister, Leaders of the Opposition in Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha, and others
    • Consultation with the Chief Justice of India for judicial appointments
    Removal
    • Removal by order of the President of India
    • Consultation with the Supreme Court before removal
    Terms of Office
    • Hold office for a term of three years or until the age of 70
    • Ineligibility for further government employment after office
    • Eligible for reappointment
    Salaries Determined by the Central government
    Reporting
    • Submits annual or special reports to the Central government and the concerned State government
    • Reports laid before the respective legislatures, along with a memorandum of action taken on the recommendations and reasons for non-acceptance of any recommendations
    Limitations
    • The commission is not empowered to inquire into any matter after the expiry of one year from the date on which the act constituting the violation of human rights is alleged to have been committed
    • Functions are recommendatory in nature, with no power to punish or award relief to violators
    • Limited role concerning armed forces violations

    Government Initiatives for Worker Welfare in India:

    Description
    Constitutional Framework Labour falls under the Concurrent List, allowing both Central and State governments to enact laws.

    Articles 14, 16, and 39(c) ensure equality and welfare principles.
    Judicial Interpretation under Randhir Singh vs Union of India (1982) Upholds ‘Equal pay for Equal work’ through constitutional articles, promoting fairness in employment.
    Legislative Framework Introduction of 4 labour codes:

    • Code of Wages, 2019: Standardizes wage payments across sectors.
    • Industrial Relations Code, 2020: Consolidates laws related to industrial disputes and trade unions.
    • Social Security Code, 2020: Expands social security benefits coverage for workers.
    • Occupational Safety, Health and Working Conditions Code, 2020:  Ensures safety and welfare standards in workplaces.
    “Shramev Jayate” Initiative Launched in 2014 to maximize benefits for workers through enhanced welfare initiatives.
    Maternity Benefit Amendment Act, 2017 Increases paid maternity leave from 12 to 26 weeks, supporting maternal health and childcare.

    PYQ:

    [2015] “Success of ‘Make in India’ programme depends on the success of ‘Skill India’ programme and radical labour reforms.” Discuss with logical arguments.

    [2011] Consider the following:

    1. Right to education.
    2. Right to equal access to public service.
    3. Right to food.

    Which of the above is/are Human Right/Rights under “Universal Declaration of Human Rights”?

    (a) 1 only

    (b) 1 and 2 only

    (c) 3 only

    (d) 1, 2 and 3

    Get an IAS/IPS ranker as your 1: 1 personal mentor

  • Wildlife Conservation Efforts

    In news: Pobitora Wildlife Sanctuary

    National Parks/WS | Enviro & Biodiversity | Mains Paper 3: Conservation, Environmental Pollution & Degradation, Eia

    Why in the News?

    The monsoon has brought a measure of relief to animals especially the one-horned rhinoceros in Pobitora Wildlife Sanctuary dealing with extreme heat.

    About Pobitora Wildlife Sanctuary 

    • Pobitora Wildlife Sanctuary boasts the highest density of one-horned rhinos globally, second only to Kaziranga National Park in Assam.
    • Often dubbed as ‘Mini Kaziranga,’ Pobitora shares a similar landscape and vegetation to its renowned counterpart.
    • The sanctuary shelters various endangered species, including one-horned rhinoceros, leopards, leopard cats, fishing cats, jungle cats, feral buffaloes, wild pigs, and Chinese pangolins.
    • Approximately 72% of Pobitora’s area comprises a wet savannah dominated by Arundo donax and Saccharum grasses, while the rest is covered by water bodies.

    About One-Horned Rhino:

    • IUCN Red List Status: Vulnerable.
    • Habitat– Rhinos are mainly found in Assam, West Bengal and Uttar Pradesh.
      • Assam has an estimated 2,640 rhinos in four protected areas, i.e. Pobitora Wildlife Reserve, Rajiv Gandhi Orang National Park, Kaziranga National Park, and Manas National Park.

    Note: About 2,400 of them are in the Kaziranga National Park and Tiger Reserve (KNPTR).

     

    PYQ:

    [2019] Consider the following statements:

    1. The Asian lion is naturally found in India only
    2. Double-humped camel is naturally found in India only
    3. One-horned rhinoceros is naturally found in India only

    Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

    (a) 1 only

    (b) 2 only

    (c) 1 and 3 only

    (d) 1, 2 and 3

    Get an IAS/IPS ranker as your 1: 1 personal mentor

  • Coal and Mining Sector

    Critical Minerals under iCET

    Prelims Only | Enviro & Biodiversity | Mains Paper 1: Distribution Of Key Natural Resources Across The World

    Why in the News?

    What are Critical Minerals?

    • Critical minerals are elements that are crucial to modern-day technologies and are at risk of supply chain disruptions.
    • These minerals are mostly used in making electronic equipment such as mobile phones, computers, batteries, electric vehicles, and green technologies like solar panels and wind turbines.
    • Many of these are required to meet the manufacturing needs of green technologies, high-tech equipment, aviation, and national defence.

    List of critical minerals includes:

    The centre has released a list of 30 critical minerals for India in 2023:

    1. Identified Minerals: Antimony, Beryllium, Bismuth, Cobalt, Copper, Gallium, Germanium, Graphite, Hafnium, Indium, Lithium, Molybdenum, Niobium, Nickel, Platinum Group elements (PGE), Phosphorous, Potash, Rare Earth Elements (REE), Rhenium, Silicon, Strontium, Tantalum, Tellurium, Tin, Titanium, Tungsten, Vanadium, Zirconium, Selenium and Cadmium.
    2. Fertilizer Minerals: Two minerals critical for fertilizer production, phosphorous and potash, are also included in the above list.

    Critical Mineral Blocks in India

    • Distribution: There are 20 blocks spread across eight states, including Tamil Nadu, Odisha, Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, Gujarat, Jharkhand, Chhattisgarh, and Jammu & Kashmir.
    • Types of Licenses: Four blocks are for a Mining License (ML), allowing immediate mining post-clearance. The remaining 16 blocks are for a Composite License (CL), permitting further exploration before potentially converting to an ML.
    • Approvals Required: Licensees must obtain various approvals, including forest clearance and environmental clearance.
    • Forest Land: Approximately 17% of the total concession area, or 1,234 hectares, is forest land.

    India’s Critical Mineral Imports

    • Lithium Imports: In FY23, India imported 2,145 tonnes of lithium carbonate and lithium oxide, costing Rs 732 crore.
    • Nickel and Copper Imports: The country imported 32,000 tonnes of unwrought nickel and 1.2 million tonnes of copper ore, costing Rs 6,549 crore and Rs 27,374 crore, respectively.
    • Import Dependence: India relies entirely on imports for lithium and nickel, and 93% for copper.

    Country-wise dependence:

    1. China: India heavily relies on China for the import of critical minerals like lithium, cobalt, nickel, and graphite.
    2. Australia: India is actively engaged with Australia for acquiring mineral assets, particularly lithium and cobalt, to secure its supply chain for critical minerals.
    3. Argentina, Bolivia, and Chile: India is engaging with these countries, known for their reserves of battery metals like lithium and cobalt, to diversify its sources for critical minerals.

    India’s Strategic Mineral Initiatives

    • Amendments to the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Act, 1957 support expanded exploration.
    • Establishment of Khanij Bidesh India Ltd. (KABIL) with equity from National Aluminium Company Ltd, Hindustan Copper Ltd, and Mineral Exploration and Consultancy Ltd for global mineral asset acquisition.

    International Collaborations and Partnerships

    • India joined the U.S.-led mineral security partnership to secure critical mineral supply chains.
    • Creation of an India-U.S. advanced materials research forum to foster collaboration in universities, laboratories, and private sectors.
    • Bilateral technology collaboration on neodymium-iron-boron and studies on minerals like lithium, titanium, gallium, and vanadium.

    Back2Basics: Indo-US Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (iCET)

    Details
    Initiation Announced in May 2022, officially launched in January 2023
    Management Overseen by the National Security Councils of India and the US
    Objectives Enhance bilateral cooperation in critical and emerging technologies
    Focus Areas of the Initiative
    1. AI Research Agency Partnership
    2. Defense Industrial and Technological Cooperation
    3. Innovation Ecosystems
    4. Semiconductor Ecosystem Development
    5. Cooperation on Human Spaceflight
    6. Advancement in 5G and 6G Technologies
    Key Achievements
    • Quantum Coordination Mechanism
    • Public-private dialogues on telecommunications and AI
    • MoU on semiconductor supply chain
    • Defense industrial cooperation roadmap
    Upcoming Initiatives
    • Finalization of major jet engine deal
    • Launch of India-US Defence Acceleration Ecosystem (INDUS-X)
    • Strategic Trade Dialogue establishment

     

    PYQ:

    [2019] With reference to the management of minor minerals in India, consider the following statements:

    1. Sand is a ‘minor mineral’ according to the prevailing law in the country.
    2. State governments have the power to grant mining leases of minor minerals, but the powers regarding the formation of rules related to the grant of minor minerals lie with the Central Government.
    3. State Governments have the power to frame rules to prevent illegal mining of minor minerals.

    Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

    (a) 1 and 3

    (b) 2 and 3

    (c) 3 only

    (d) 1, 2 and 3

    Get an IAS/IPS ranker as your 1: 1 personal mentor

  • Artificial Intelligence (AI) Breakthrough

    How will AlphaFold 3 change life sciences research?

    Prelims Only | Science Tech | Mains Paper 3: Awareness in various sc and tech fields

    Why in the News?

    AlphaFold 3, and AI System introduced in a May 2024 Nature paper, extends capabilities to predict protein-protein interactions, DNA, RNA structures, and their interactions.

    Importance of Proteins

    • Proteins are crucial molecules regulating nearly every biological function.
    • They are composed of amino acids, which determine their structure and function.
    • Understanding protein folding is essential for comprehending cellular and organismal functions.

    The Protein-Folding Problem

    • The process of protein folding is complex and not fully understood, known as the protein-folding problem.
    • It is vital for deciphering how cells, organisms, and life itself operate.
    • Frank Uhlmann emphasizes the significance of understanding protein structure for molecular biology.

    What is AlphaFold?

    • Google DeepMind’s AlphaFold debuted in 2020, employs AI and machine learning to predict protein structures.
    • AlphaFold 2, released in 2021, significantly improved accuracy in protein structure prediction.
    • Derek Lowe acknowledges AlphaFold’s achievement in predicting structures effectively, although the deeper biological principles remain less explored.
    • AlphaFold 3’s Advancements:
      • It democratizes research by offering accessible structure prediction tools, even for non-experts.

    Technology behind AlphaFold 3

    • Unlike its predecessors, AlphaFold 3 utilizes a diffusion model akin to image-generating software.
    • This approach involves training on noisy data and de-noising to predict accurate protein structures.
    • Working:
      • Given an input list of molecules, AlphaFold 3 generates their joint 3D structure, revealing how they all fit together.
      • It models large biomolecules such as proteins, DNA and RNA, as well as small molecules, also known as ligands — a category encompassing many drugs.

    Applications of AlphaFold 3

    • AlphaFold 3 excels in predicting protein structures and interactions, aiding drug discovery efforts.
    • DeepMind’s spin-off, Isomorphic Labs, utilizes AlphaFold 3 for drug candidate identification.

    Challenges

    • The model’s code restriction has sparked criticism among researchers for hindering scientific collaboration and transparency.
    • DeepMind initially withheld AlphaFold 3’s full code, prompting calls for open access from the scientific community.
    • Responding to backlash, DeepMind plans to release the complete code within six months.

    PYQ:

    [2020] With the present state of development, Artificial Intelligence can effectively do which of the following?

    1. Bring down electricity consumption in industrial units
    2. Create meaningful short stories and songs
    3. Disease diagnosis
    4. Text-to-Speech Conversion
    5. Wireless transmission of electrical energy

    Select the correct answer using the code given below:

    (a) 1, 2, 3 and 5 only

    (b) 1, 3 and 4 only

    (c) 2, 4 and 5 only

    (d) 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5

    Get an IAS/IPS ranker as your 1: 1 personal mentor

  • Electric and Hybrid Cars – FAME, National Electric Mobility Mission, etc.

    The high cost of a Global Economic Decoupling

    Explained | Economics | Mains Paper 3: Infrastructure: Energy, Ports, Roads, Airports, Railways Etc.

    Why in the News?

    The announcement by United States President Joe Biden in May to impose a new set of tariffs on various Chinese imports has reignited concerns about a new phase of economic decoupling globally.

    • According to the World Economic Forum, Economic Decoupling is a policy change that raises barriers to trade in goods and services where firms respond to these changes. If policy decoupling occurs despite the efforts of economic agents, the global economy is negatively affected.

    Latest Tariff on Chinese Electric Vehicles (EV) by USA:

    • Reason for Tariff: The U.S. imports few EVs from China, and the decision to impose high tariffs on them reinforces President Biden’s pro-union stance and support for the United Auto Workers (UAW) efforts to increase domestic EV manufacturing.
    • Tariff Increase: The tariffs on Chinese EVs have been quadrupled from 25%.
    • Pre-emptive Measure: This tariff acts as a pre-emptive measure to protect the American auto industry from the fast-growing Chinese car and battery industry. The tariff aims to support traditional domestic automakers and the American auto union against competition from China.

    Significant Observations of these decisions made by the USA on Global Geo-politics:

    • Firstly, the latest tariffs imposed by the USA which include steep increases for several other products, ranging from semiconductors to needles and syringes are the final nail in the coffin of US-China trade cooperation. The US and China are now in a full-blown economic war which will have far-reaching geopolitical consequences.
    • Secondly, the tariffs signal defeat. Biden and his political party feel obliged to join the anti-China, anti-trade fervor that has emerged as one of the very few unifying issues in a polarized country. Moreover, the tariffs, combined with US complaints that China is producing too much and putting pressure on the global economic system, speak to a deep-seated anxiety about America’s international competitiveness.

    Long-term Effects

    • Protectionism: Continued tariffs may lead to a vicious cycle of tit-for-tat measures, exacerbating protectionism worldwide.
    • Global Green Transition: New import restrictions on Chinese clean energy products could delay global green transition targets and the expansion of renewables.
    • Economic Impact on Multinationals: Western multinationals dependent on China’s consumer market may see a dip in earnings due to China’s slowing growth and rising household debts.
    • Impact on Resource-rich Countries: Countries like Australia and Brazil, heavily reliant on exports to China, may face economic challenges due to a slowing Chinese economy and falling commodity prices.
    • Supply Chain Risks: The European Union’s de-risking strategy might lead to China tightening its control over critical raw mineral supply chains, complicating the global value chain of rare earths.
    • Southeast Asia’s Challenges: Despite potential benefits from shifting production and investment from China, Southeast Asia remains highly dependent on Chinese technology and investment.
    • India’s Manufacturing Struggles: India’s prospects of benefiting from decoupling dynamics are uncertain due to competition from neighboring countries and deep economic ties with China.

    Potential Crisis

    • Psychological Impact on Investors: The cycle of escalation in tariffs and decoupling creates significant psychological effects on global investors.
    • Distance from WTO: The U.S. strategy involves deliberate distancing from the World Trade Organization (WTO), evidenced by blocking the appointment of judges to the WTO Appellate Body.
    • Geopolitical Rivalry: The intensifying geopolitical rivalry and fragmentation of the global economy pose a high risk to the liberal international order.
    • Risk to Global Stability: The ongoing decoupling strategy is likely to benefit neither the U.S., China, nor the rest of the world, leading to potential global instability.

    Conclusion: The new tariffs and decoupling strategies, while aiming to protect domestic interests, risk escalating global protectionism and instability, highlighting the need for balanced, multilateral trade policies.

    Mains PYQ:

    Q What are the key areas of reform if the WTO has to survive in the present context of ‘Trade War’, especially keeping in mind the interest of India? (15M) (UPSC IAS/2018)

    Get an IAS/IPS ranker as your 1: 1 personal mentor

  • Women empowerment issues – Jobs,Reservation and education

    Time for a Census, come what may

    | Polity | Mains Paper 2: Indian Constitution – historical underpinnings, evolution, features, amendments, significant provisions and basic structure

    Why in the news?

    Why has the 2021 Census been delayed for so long? One plausible explanation is that the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) is postponing the Census to expedite the “delimitation” process in preparation for the 2029 Lok Sabha elections.

    The 84th Amendment of the Constitution

    • Delimitation Based on Census: The 84th Amendment specifies that the next delimitation exercise must be based on the first census conducted after 2026.
    • Timing for Delimitation: If the next census occurs before 2026, delimitation would be delayed until after the subsequent census in the 2030s.
    • Impact on State Representation: Delimitation aims to adjust the shares of different states in Lok Sabha seats to match their population shares, and ensure similar population sizes across constituencies.
    • Shift in Seat Balance: The upcoming delimitation is expected to favour northern states with faster population growth since 1973, potentially at the expense of southern states.

    About the 106th Amendment

    • Women’s Reservation: Passed in September 2023, this amendment provides for one-third reservation of seats for women in the Lok Sabha and State Assemblies.
    • Implementation: The reservation is to come into effect “after an exercise of delimitation is undertaken for this purpose after the relevant figures for the first census taken after [2023] have been published.”
    • Separate Delimitation for Women: The phrase “for this purpose” suggests that women’s reservation could be implemented through its own delimitation exercise, separate from the broader delimitation mandated by the 84th Amendment.
    • Interpretation: This allows for the possibility of initiating women’s reservation based on an early census, without waiting for the larger delimitation exercise.

    Overall Implications

    Impact on the Southern States:

    • Seat Redistribution: Delimitation is expected to shift more Lok Sabha seats to northern states with higher population growth, potentially reducing the representation of southern states.
    • Political Backlash: Southern states may react negatively to losing representation, which could lead to increased regional tensions and opposition to the BJP in these areas.

    Women’s Reservation:

    • Implementation Delay: Postponing the census could delay the implementation of the 106th amendment, which mandates one-third reservation for women in the Lok Sabha and State Assemblies.
    • Separate Delimitation: There is a possibility of initiating women’s reservation through a separate delimitation exercise, independent of the broader delimitation mandated by the 84th Amendment.

    Welfare and Entitlements:

    • Updated Data Needs: Census data are crucial for implementing welfare schemes and ensuring that resources are allocated based on the most recent population figures.
    • Impact on Beneficiaries: Delaying the census deprives millions of people of updated entitlements, such as food rations under the National Food Security Act, affecting their access to essential services.

    Way forward: 

    • Timely Census Completion: Ensure the 2021 Census is conducted promptly to provide accurate data for welfare schemes and fair resource allocation, benefiting millions of citizens who rely on updated population figures for essential services.
    • Separate Delimitation for Women’s Reservation: Implement women’s reservation through a separate delimitation exercise as allowed by the 106th Amendment, enabling the reservation to take effect without waiting for the broader delimitation mandated by the 84th Amendment.

    Mains PYQ:

    Q Empowering women is the key to controlling the population growth.” Discuss. (UPSC IAS/2019)

    Get an IAS/IPS ranker as your 1: 1 personal mentor

  • Zoonotic Diseases: Medical Sciences Involved & Preventive Measures

    Does H5N1 pose a threat for humans? | Explained

    Explained | Science Tech | Mains Paper 3: Awareness in various sc and tech fields

    Why in the news?

    The highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) H5N1’s spread to cattle and first human cases in U.S. dairy workers heighten fears of wider human transmission.

    Can the highly pathogenic avian influenza H5N1 strain spread from cattle to humans?

    • Recent Infections: Three cases of human infection in dairy farm workers were reported in the U.S., indicating the potential for the virus to spread from cattle to humans.
    • Transmission: The virus appears to spread to humans who are in close interaction with infected birds or animals without adequate personal protection.
    • Current Risk Level: Scientists note that the virus currently lacks changes that would make it better adapted to human-to-human transmission, keeping the risk to human health low. However, the potential for the virus to rapidly evolve remains a concern.

    What is the strategy to identify and contain the spread of the virus?

    • Surveillance in Kerala: Kerala has implemented a community-based disease surveillance network involving 2.5 lakh volunteers trained in the ‘One Health’ concept across four districts: Alappuzha, Pathanamthitta, Kottayam, and Idukki.
    • Early Warning System: These volunteers report any unusual events or deaths of animals/birds in their locality, allowing for early warning and prompt preventive or control measures.
    • Global Coordination: There is a call for a robust and coordinated response to H5N1, as emphasized in a recent editorial by The Lancet.

    What is the concept of ‘One Health’ 

    • ‘One Health’ Concept: ‘One Health’ is an approach that recognizes the interconnection between people, animals, plants, and their shared environment, emphasizing the need for collaborative efforts across different sectors to achieve optimal health outcomes.

    How is Kerala using it to limit the spread of avian influenza?

    • Implementation of the ‘One Health’ concept in Kerala: Kerala has operationalized the ‘One Health’ concept through the World Bank-aided ‘Rebuild Kerala’ project. This involves a community-based disease surveillance network where volunteers are trained to monitor and report on animal and bird health, ensuring early detection and response to potential outbreaks.
    • Other Operational Measures: The state has taken proactive steps beyond the conceptual framework of ‘One Health’ by establishing an on-ground, volunteer-driven network for disease monitoring and control.

    Way forward:

    • Strengthen Global Surveillance and Collaboration: Enhance international cooperation for surveillance, data sharing, and rapid response mechanisms to monitor and control the spread of H5N1, leveraging the ‘One Health’ approach for coordinated action across human, animal, and environmental health sectors.
    • Implement Rigorous Biosecurity and Safety Protocols: Ensure strict biosecurity measures and personal protective equipment (PPE) for workers in close contact with animals, particularly in high-risk areas, to prevent zoonotic transmission and reduce the potential for human infections.

    Mains PYQ: 

    Q The public health system has limitations in providing universal health coverage. Do you think that the private sector can help in bridging the gap? What other viable alternatives do you suggest? (UPSC IAS/2015)

    Get an IAS/IPS ranker as your 1: 1 personal mentor

  • Minority Issues – SC, ST, Dalits, OBC, Reservations, etc.

    Why caste should inform debates on inequality in the country?

    Explained | Governance | Mains Paper 2: Laws, Institutions & Bodies Constituted For The Vulnerable Sections

    Why in the News?

    A recent working paper from the World Inequality Lab has sparked renewed debate about the growing divide between the rich and the poor.

    Disparities in Consumption Patterns:

    • Population vs. Consumption Share: Scheduled Tribes (ST): Despite making up 9% of the population, their consumption share is only 7%. Scheduled Castes (SC): Represent 20% of the population but have a consumption share of 16%. Other Backward Classes (OBC): Align more closely with their population percentage, constituting 43% of the population and a 41% consumption share.General Category: Comprises 28% of the population but commands a significantly higher consumption share of 36%.
    • Reduction in Consumption Inequality: The overall Gini coefficient decreased from 0.359 in 2017-18 to 0.309 in 2022-23. Gini coefficients for ST, SC, OBC, and General categories also saw reductions, indicating a slight improvement in the equitable distribution of consumption within these communities.

    • Economic Disparities Among Social Groups: The bottom 20% decile experienced a decrease in consumption levels for ST, SC, and OBC groups, although marginally. The General category saw a more pronounced decrease in consumption levels among the poorest segment, highlighting a relative decline in consumption among this group.
    • Concentration of Wealth in Higher Deciles: Consumption has increased for all social groups in the top 20% decile. The General category experienced a significant 10% points surge in consumption between 2017-18 and 2022-23, implying a potential concentration of wealth among high-caste elites and persistent economic disparities.

    Efforts to Augment Income Generation Abilities:

    • Targeted Policies:
      • Reservation: Affirmative action programs to improve opportunities for SCs, STs, and OBCs.
      • Rural Development Initiatives: Policies aimed at enhancing infrastructure, education, and healthcare in rural areas.
      • Direct Benefit Transfers (DBT): Financial aid is directly transferred to beneficiaries to ensure they receive the intended benefits without middlemen.
    • Focus on Lower Deciles: Emphasis on increasing income generation and consumption abilities, particularly within the lower deciles of SC, ST, and OBC communities—the importance of fostering social harmony and economic stability through equitable income distribution.
    • Monitoring and Intervention: Continuous monitoring of consumption trends and economic disparities. They are implementing targeted interventions addressing the specific socio-economic challenges faced by different groups to ensure sustained progress towards economic equity.

    Way forward:

    • Strengthen and Expand Affirmative Action Programs: Enhance and rigorously implement affirmative action policies such as reservations in education and employment for SCs, STs, and OBCs. This should include increasing access to quality education, vocational training, and skill development programs to empower these communities economically and socially. 
    • Promote Inclusive Economic Development Initiatives: Implement comprehensive rural development initiatives that focus on improving infrastructure, healthcare, and education in marginalized areas.

    Mains PYQ: 

    Q What are the main factors responsible for gender inequality in India? Discuss the contribution of Savitribai Phule in this regard.(UPSC IAS/2020)

    Get an IAS/IPS ranker as your 1: 1 personal mentor

  • Parliament – Sessions, Procedures, Motions, Committees etc

    Who is the Pro-Tem Speaker of Lok Sabha and how is an MP chosen for the role?

    Prelims Only | Polity | Mains Paper 2: Parliament & State Legislatures

    Why in the News?

    • The 18th Lok Sabha will convene its first session very soon. A new Speaker of the House will be elected during this session.
      • Until the election of the new Speaker, a pro-tem Speaker will be appointed to administer the oath to the new Members of Parliament.

    Who is a Pro-tem Speaker?

    • The Speaker of the Lok Sabha oversees the day-to-day proceedings of the House.
    • According to Article 94 of the Indian Constitution, the outgoing Speaker continues in office until the first meeting of the new Lok Sabha.
    • A pro-tem Speaker is appointed temporarily to manage certain duties until the new Speaker is elected.
    • The Constitution does NOT mention explicitly about the post.
      • However, the ‘Handbook on the Working of the Ministry of Parliamentary Affairs provides guidelines on the appointment and duties of the Speaker pro-tem.
    • Functions:
      • The primary duty of the pro-tem Speaker is to administer oaths to the new MPs, as mandated by Article 99 of the Constitution.

    Appointment of the Pro-tem Speaker

    • When the Speaker’s post is vacant before the new Lok Sabha convenes, the PRESIDENT appoints a Member of the House as the Speaker pro-tem.
      • The President administers the oath to the Speaker pro-tem at the Rashtrapati Bhawan.
    • Generally, three other elected members of the Lok Sabha are also appointed by the President to assist in the oath-taking process.
    • The SENIORMOST members, in terms of years of service, are usually chosen for this role, though there can be exceptions.

    Process of Administering Oaths

    • The Legislative I Section of the Government of India prepares a list of the seniormost Lok Sabha members after the formation of the new government.
    • This list is submitted to the Minister of Parliamentary Affairs or the Prime Minister, who identifies the Speaker pro-tem and the three other members for oath-taking.
    • After the Prime Minister’s approval, the consent of the selected members is obtained by the Minister of Parliamentary Affairs, usually over the telephone.
    • The Minister then submits a note to the President seeking approval for the appointments and the date and time for the swearing-in ceremony.
    • Upon the President’s approval, the Ministry informs the Speaker pro-tem and the other members about their appointments.
    • The Speaker pro-tem then administers the oath to the other three members in the Lok Sabha.

    PYQ:

    [2024] With reference to the Speaker of the Lok Sabha, consider the following statements :

    While any resolution for the removal of the Speaker of the Lok Sabha is under consideration

    1. He/She shall not preside.
    2. He/She shall not have the right to speak.
    3. He/She shall not be entitled to vote on the resolution in the first instance.

    Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

    (a) 1 only

    (b) 1 and 2 only

    (c) 2 and 3 only

    (d) 1, 2 and 3

    Get an IAS/IPS ranker as your 1: 1 personal mentor

  • Indian Navy Updates

    [pib] INS Sunayna in Port Victoria, Seychelles

    PIB | Security Issues | Mains Paper 3: Various Security Forces, Agencies & Their Mandates

    Why in the News?

    • INS Sunayna, an Offshore Patrol Vessel based at Southern Naval Command, entered Port Victoria, Seychelles.
      • The ship will undertake joint EEZ surveillance with the Seychelles Coast Guard during the deployment.
      • The visit is aimed at further strengthening mutual cooperation in line with the vision of SAGAR (Security & Growth for All in the Region).

    About INS Sunayna

    • INS Sunayna is the second Saryu-class patrol vessel of the Indian Navy launched in 2009.
    • It was designed and constructed indigenously by the Goa Shipyard Limited.
    • It is designed to undertake fleet support operations, coastal and offshore patrolling, ocean surveillance and monitoring of sea lines of communications and offshore assets and escort duties.

    Key operations undertaken

    • In June 2018 she was deployed to Yemen’s Socotra Island as part of “Operation Nistar“, an HADR mission to evacuate around 38 stranded Indian nationals in/around Socotra after a cyclone hit the area.
    • INS Sunayna, along with INS Chennai, was sent to the Persian Gulf and Gulf of Oman in June 2019 to protect Indian shipping interests amid tensions in the Strait of Hormuz.

    Back2Basics: SAGAR Strategy

    • SAGAR stands for “Security and Growth for All in the Region.”
    • It is a strategic policy framework initiated by India in 2015, designed to enhance its engagement with countries in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR) and neighbouring islands.

    The primary objectives of SAGAR include:

    1. Security: Ensuring the safety and protection of India’s land and maritime territories, as well as its national interests in the IOR.
    2. Economic Growth: Promoting sustainable economic growth and development through collaborative efforts with IOR littoral states. This includes initiatives in marine biotechnology, ocean mineral resources, sustainable fishing practices, and ocean energy.
    3. Disaster Management: Facilitating collective action and providing assistance to IOR countries during natural disasters, thereby fostering regional cooperation and goodwill.
    4. Sustainable Development: Supporting initiatives for sustainable regional development, including marine research, eco-friendly industrial technologies, and the conservation of the maritime environment.

     

    PYQ:

    [2022] What are the maritime security challenges in India? Discuss the organisational, technical and procedural initiatives taken to improve maritime security.

    [2017] Consider the following in respect of the Indian Ocean Naval Symposium (IONS):

    1. Inaugural IONS was held in India in 2015 under the chairmanship of the Indian Navy.

    2. IONS is a voluntary initiative that seeks to increase maritime cooperation among navies of the littoral states of the Indian Ocean Region.

    Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

    (a) 1 only

    (b) 2 only

    (c) Both 1 and 2

    (d) Neither 1 nor 2

    Get an IAS/IPS ranker as your 1: 1 personal mentor

Join the Community

Join us across Social Media platforms.