Archives: News

Parliament – Sessions, Procedures, Motions, Committees etc

Derek O’Brien writes: Let’s bring laughter back to Parliament

op-ed snap | | Mains Paper 2: Parliament & State Legislatures
Central idea

The article celebrates the infusion of wit and humor in parliamentary debates, highlighting instances of playful banter among politicians. It emphasizes the positive impact of humor in diffusing tension and fostering a lighter atmosphere in the political arena. The ironic touch is noted as the article points out the absence of a dedicated “Wit and Humour” page on the Rajya Sabha website.

Key Highlights:
- Introduction: The article explores the positive impact of humor in parliamentary debates, emphasizing recent instances of wit in economic discussions.
- Historical Perspective: Various anecdotes showcase the witty exchanges among prominent politicians, such as Piloo Mody, Madhavrao Scindia, and Ram Manohar Lohia.
- Current Scenario: The article humorously notes the absence of a dedicated “Wit and Humour” page on the Rajya Sabha website, highlighting an ironic aspect of parliamentary proceedings.
Key Terms:
- Parliamentary debates
- Wit and humour
- Playful banter
- Political discourse
- Rajya Sabha
- Economic parameters
Key Phrases:
- “State of the country’s economy”
- “Friendly banter”
- “Cutthroat political colosseum”
- “Bring back some wit”
- “Lighter side of political debates”
- “Positive impact of humor”
- “Diffusing tension”
- “Ironic touch”
Key Quotes:
- “It is because you had a good governor for three years.” – Chairman of the House
- “Let me confirm, sir, that is the only reason all this (progress) happened in Bengal.” – Response to the Chairman’s remark
- “‘Wit and Humour’ page on the Rajya Sabha website reads ‘Feature under Development.’”
Anecdotes:
- Piloo Mody’s witty response to disagreeing with a minister’s speech.
- Madhavrao Scindia’s comment on the Janata government’s performance.
- Ram Manohar Lohia’s anecdote about Nehru’s grandfather being a chaprasi in the Mughal court.
- Mahavir Tyagi’s humorous remark on Nehru’s statement about Aksai Chin.
Key Statements:
- “In the cutthroat political colosseum, let’s bring back some wit into Parliamentary debates.”
- “Nothing like friendly banter to cool off a heated exchange.”
Key Examples and References:
- Instances of witty exchanges involving Piloo Mody, Madhavrao Scindia, Ram Manohar Lohia, Mahavir Tyagi, and others.
- The absence of a dedicated “Wit and Humour” page on the Rajya Sabha website.
Critical Analysis:
- While the article positively highlights the role of humor, a more critical analysis could explore potential drawbacks or criticisms associated with the use of wit in parliamentary discussions.
Way Forward:
- Encourage more friendly banter and wit in parliamentary discussions to foster a congenial atmosphere.
- Consider developing a dedicated “Wit and Humour” page on parliamentary websites to showcase the lighter side of politics.
- Conduct a more in-depth analysis of the impact of humor on political discourse, addressing potential challenges or criticisms.
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Foreign Policy Watch: India-China

India’s growing neighbourhood dilemmas

op-ed snap | | Mains Paper 2: India & Its Neighborhood – Relations
Central idea

The central idea revolves around the challenges in India’s neighborhood, marked by politically anti-India regimes, China’s growing influence, and a changing geopolitical landscape. The dilemmas stem from a shift in power dynamics, policy stances, and mistaken assumptions, necessitating a realistic approach, proactive diplomacy, and addressing workforce shortages for effective foreign policy implementation.

Key Highlights:

Neighbourhood Challenges: The Achilles heel of Indian foreign policy lies in its neighbourhood, posing three types of dilemmas: politically anti-India regimes, structural challenges from Beijing’s growing influence, and the overarching geopolitical architecture.

China’s Rising Influence: China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) and strategic outreach in South Asia present challenges, making India geopolitically vulnerable within an unfriendly neighbourhood.

Causes of Dilemmas: Regional geopolitical architecture, China’s ascendance, normative approach vs. China’s non-normative stance, and the shift from resident to non-resident power dynamics contribute to India’s dilemmas.

Policy Stance Dilemma: India’s status quo bias in dealing with regional politics and a focus on power centers contribute to path-dependencies and sometimes alienate other centers of power or opposition leaders.

Mistaken Assumptions: Assumptions that South Asia minus Pakistan would align with Indian geopolitical reasoning and that cultural connections would ensure better relations have proven inaccurate.

Key Challenges:

Changing Balance of Power: India must adapt to the changed balance of power in Southern Asia, acknowledging China’s emergence as a serious contender for regional primacy.

Involvement of External Actors: Proactively involving friendly external actors in the region is crucial to prevent it from becoming Sino-centric.

Flexible Diplomacy: Indian diplomacy needs to be flexible, engaging multiple actors in each neighboring country and focusing on lessening anti-India attitudes rather than solely dealing with those in power.

Diplomatic Workforce Shortage: The shortage of diplomats is a critical challenge, hindering India’s ability to implement foreign policy effectively and respond to global opportunities or crises.

Key Quotes:

“India’s neighbours and periphery are China’s too, even if we do not like it.”

“Dealing with whoever is in power is a good policy, but engaging only those in power is a bad policy.”

Critical Analysis:

India faces complex geopolitical challenges in its neighborhood, requiring a pragmatic approach to the changed power dynamics. The need for a mental switch, proactive diplomacy, and addressing workforce shortages emerges as critical. The evolving scenario necessitates a shift from traditional assumptions and a more nuanced engagement strategy.

Way Forward:

Realistic Framing: India should acknowledge the fundamental changes in the regional balance of power and operate within the framework of a new geopolitical reality.

External Actor Engagement: Actively involve friendly external actors to counterbalance China’s influence in the region.

Flexible Diplomacy: Adopt a flexible diplomatic approach that engages with multiple actors in neighboring countries, focusing on reducing anti-India sentiments.

Diplomatic Workforce Enhancement: Address the shortage of diplomats by significantly enhancing India’s diplomatic workforce to effectively implement foreign policy objectives.
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Festivals, Dances, Theatre, Literature, Art in News

Garba makes it to UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage list

Prelims Only | History | Mains Paper 1: Arts & Culture
Central Idea
- Garba, a traditional dance form from Gujarat, was included in the UNESCO list of Intangible Cultural Heritage.
- This recognition makes Garba the 15th cultural item from India to be featured on the UNESCO list, following Kolkata’s Durga Puja, which was added two years ago.
About Garba
- What is it? Garba is a traditional dance form from Gujarat, India, primarily performed during the Navratri festival to worship the Hindu goddess Durga.
- Origins and Meaning: The term “Garba” comes from “Garbha” (womb) and “Deep” (lamp). The dance is performed around a central lamp or a representation of the Goddess, symbolizing life, death, and rebirth.
- Dance Style: Garba is characterized by energetic, circular movements, clapping hands, and intricate footwork, reflecting the cyclical nature of life.
- Music and Instruments: The dance is accompanied by rhythmic music, traditionally using instruments like the dhol (drum), harmonium, and flute, with modern adaptations including electronic instruments.
- Traditional Attire: Women wear a chaniya choli (a colorful, embroidered skirt set) and men don a kediyu and dhoti or pajama, often embellished with mirrors and embroidery.
- Dandiya Raas Association: Garba is often followed by Dandiya Raas, another dance form using sticks (dandiyas), especially after the Aarti (worship ritual).
- Inclusivity and Community Aspect: The dance is inclusive, attracting people of all ages and backgrounds, and emphasizing community participation.
About UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage (ICH)
- ICH means the practices, representations, expressions, knowledge, skills – as well as the instruments, objects, artefacts and cultural spaces associated with them that communities, groups and, in some cases, individuals recognize as a part of their cultural heritage.
- Furthermore, its importance is not in the cultural manifestation itself, but in the wealth of knowledge, know-how and skills that are transmitted from one generation to the next.
- The adoption of the Convention for the Safeguarding of the ICH by the General Conference of UNESCO in 2003 was a crucial step towards preserving intangible heritage.
- UNESCO’s list of Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity was established in the year 2008.
Criteria for the selection
- There are three criteria for an intangible cultural heritage to be inscribed in the United Nations list.
- The entity must-
1. be recognized by communities, groups and, in some cases, individuals as part of their cultural heritage,
2. be transmitted from generation to generation and be constantly recreated by communities and groups in response to their environment, their interaction with nature and their history and
3. provide them with a sense of identity and continuity, thus promoting respect for cultural diversity and human creativity
India’s ICH on the UNESCO list
- Sangeet Natak Akademi is the nodal organisation which looks after this function, and files nominations of intangible cultural entities from India, for evaluation by the international body.
- ICG from India include Kolkata’s Durga Puja (2021), Kumbh Mela (2017), Navroz (2016), Yoga (2016), traditional brass and copper craft of utensil-making among coppersmiths of Punjab (2014), Sankirtana, a ritual musical performance of Manipur (2013), and the Buddhist chanting of Ladakh (2012).
- Before 2011, the list included Chhau dance, Kalbelia folk songs and dance of Rajasthan, and Mudiyettu, a dance drama from Kerala (2010), Ramman, a religious festival and theatre performance of Garhwal in the Himalayas (2009), and Kutiyattam or Sanskrit theatre, and Vedic chanting (2008).
- Ramlila, a traditional performance of Ramayana, was also included in 2008.
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Panchayati Raj Institutions: Issues and Challenges

[pib] Panchayat Development Index (PDI)

DOMR | Governance | Mains Paper 2: Panchayats & Local Bodies
Central Idea
- The Ministry of Panchayati Raj is leading the effort to localize Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) as part of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.
- A report on the Panchayat Development Index (PDI) has been released to evaluate the progress of grassroots institutions in achieving Localized SDGs (LSDGs).
About Panchayat Development Index (PDI)
- PDI is a comprehensive, multi-domain, and multi-sectoral index designed to assess the holistic development, performance, and progress of panchayats.
- It incorporates various socio-economic indicators to measure the well-being and development status of local communities under a panchayat’s jurisdiction.
- PDI is crucial for evaluating performance and tracking progress in the localization of Sustainable Development Goals in rural areas.
- The Index is based on a framework of local indicators encompassing nine themes related to sustainable development in villages.
Nine Themes of PDI
1. Poverty-Free and Enhanced Livelihood in Village
2. Healthy Village
3. Child-Friendly Village
4. Water-Sufficient Village
5. Clean and Green Village
6. Village with Self-Sufficient Infrastructure
7. Socially Just and Secured Villages
8. Village with Good Governance
9. Women-Friendly Village
Ranking and Grading System

Panchayats are ranked based on their scores and categorized into four grades:
1. Grade A+: Scores above 90%
2. Grade A: Scores between 75-90%
3. Grade B: Scores between 60-75%
4. Grade C: Scores between 40-60%
5. Grade D: Scores under 40%
Significance of the Panchayat Development Index
- Insightful Analysis: PDI provides critical insights into areas needing improvement in rural jurisdictions.
- Identifying Disparities: It helps in pinpointing disparities and the achievement of development goals.
- Policy Formulation: The Index aids in creating targeted policies and interventions to enhance the well-being and quality of life in rural communities.
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Coal and Mining Sector

Strategic Auction of Critical Mineral Blocks

Explained | Economics | Mains Paper 3: Effects Of Liberalization On The Economy, Changes In Industrial Policy and their effects on Industrial Growth
Central Idea
- The Centre is auctioning twenty blocks of critical minerals for commercial mining by the private sector.
- These blocks contain lithium ore and 10 of the 30 minerals declared as “critical” by the government in July.
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 used in making mobile phones, computers, batteries, electric vehicles, and green technologies like solar panels and wind turbines.
- Minerals such as antimony, cobalt, gallium, graphite, lithium, nickel, niobium, and strontium are among the 22 assessed to be critical for India.
- 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:
1. Identified Minerals: The assessment resulted in a list of 30 critical minerals, including antimony, beryllium, cobalt, copper, lithium, nickel, rare earth elements, silicon, tin, titanium, tungsten, and others.
2. Fertilizer Minerals: Two minerals critical for fertilizer production, phosphorous and potash, are also included.
Significance of Lithium Ore Auction
- First Instance: This auction marks the first time that rights for lithium ore mining are being offered to private parties in India.
- Other Critical Minerals: The blocks also include nickel, copper, molybdenum, and rare earth elements (REEs), crucial for various industries.
Location and Rights of Mineral Blocks
- Distribution: The 20 blocks are 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.
Reserve Estimates and Key Minerals
- Lithium Reserves: The two lithium reserve blocks, one each in J&K and Chhattisgarh, are auctioned for CL.
- Nickel and Copper Reserves: Nickel ore reserves are found in Bihar, Gujarat, and Odisha, with the Odisha block also containing copper reserves.
India’s Current 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.
Post-Auction Plans and Policy Initiatives
- Future Auctions: A second tranche of critical mineral blocks, including new lithium reserves in Rajasthan and Jharkhand, is expected.
- Geological Surveys: The Geological Survey of India is conducting 125 projects to explore critical mineral reserves.
- Centre of Excellence: A recommendation to establish a Centre of Excellence for Critical Minerals aims to develop a complete value chain in the country.
Conclusion
- The auction of critical mineral blocks is a significant step towards reducing India’s reliance on imported minerals, particularly lithium, nickel, and copper.
- This initiative aligns with the #AatmanirbharBharat vision and is expected to bolster India’s position in vital industries like battery manufacturing and electric vehicles.
- The success of these auctions will be crucial in shaping India’s resource independence and industrial future.
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Civil Services Reforms

SC approves extension of Delhi Chief Secretary: Why governments keep their favourite bureaucrats

op-ed snap | Governance | Mains Paper 2: Civil Service
Central idea

The Supreme Court’s approval of a six-month extension for Delhi’s Chief Secretary, Naresh Kumar, sparks debates on judicial intervention in administrative decisions. Amid corruption allegations and public scrutiny, the extension raises broader questions about retirement age and the need for transparent benchmarks in recognizing exemplary service.
Key Highlights:

Supreme Court’s Approval: The Supreme Court sanctioned a six-month extension for Delhi’s Chief Secretary, Naresh Kumar, deeming it compliant with existing rules.

Common Practice: Granting extensions to top officers is not new and offers a sense of continuity and familiarity for the government.

Legislation and Justification: The All India Services Act permits exceptions for extensions, and the impending general elections in Delhi provide justification for the decision.

Legal Considerations: The legality of the 2023 amendment to the NCT Act, determining authority over services, remains under scrutiny by the Supreme Court.

Key Challenges:

Corruption Allegations: Accusations of corruption against Naresh Kumar and his son have significantly impacted public perception and raised concerns about the extension.

Judicial Involvement Debate: The judiciary’s intervention in administrative matters has sparked debates about its role and authority in such decisions.

Broader Questions: The practice of granting extensions prompts broader discussions about retirement age and the need for transparent benchmarks for recognizing service.

Key Terms and Phrases:

All India Services Act

NCT Act

Chief Secretary

All-India Services

Continuity and familiarity

Transparency and benchmarks

Retirement age

Key Quotes:

“Why can’t the CM and LG resolve the issue together?” – Supreme Court

“An extension here or there? In the larger scheme, those who govern have more to gain by giving extensions than run the risk of disrupting carefully laid plans with newcomers.” – Author

Critical Analysis:

The extension of Chief Secretary Naresh Kumar’s term, while legally sound as per the Supreme Court, has ignited debates about the judiciary’s role in administrative matters. Corruption allegations and public perception challenges highlight the complexities of such decisions. The practice of extensions triggers broader discussions on retirement age and the necessity for transparent criteria to recognize exemplary service.

Way Forward:

Reevaluation: Reassess the practice of extensions, considering transparent benchmarks and criteria for recognizing exceptional service.

Retirement Age Consideration: Explore the potential of pushing up the retirement age for All India Services.

Public Trust Maintenance: Address public concerns and strike a balance between administrative decisions and judicial scrutiny.
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Biofuel Policy

To venture or not to venture: Emerging compressed biogas sector lucrative for enterpreneurs but present dilemmas

op-ed snap | Economics | Mains Paper 3: Infrastructure: Energy, Ports, Roads, Airports, Railways Etc.
Central idea

Entrepreneurs in India’s Compressed Biogas (CBG) sector face challenges in feedstock disparities, operational complexities, and financial vulnerabilities. The three-day training by the Centre for Science and Environment highlights the sector’s need for robust mechanisms in feedstock pricing, market creation, and sustainable practices.
Key Highlights:

Budding entrepreneurs in the compressed biogas (CBG) space in India are grappling with the viability of the sector despite government support.

The CBG industry faces challenges such as feedstock availability, varying prices, and complex plant operations due to multiplicity of feedstock.

The profitability of CBG production is impacted by fixed or one-off take prices irrespective of feedstock prices, leading to financial vulnerability.

A fair and robust pricing mechanism for feedstock is crucial for the long-term availability and sustainability of the CBG sector.

Sustainability involves creating a market for CBG and ensuring the sustainable disposal of the by-product, fermented organic manure (FOM).

Key Challenges:

Feedstock Availability: Disparities in feedstock availability across regions pose a challenge, leading to the exploration of growing dedicated energy crops.

Multiplicity of Feedstock: Handling multiple feedstocks adds complexity to plant operations, increasing capital and operating costs.

Varying Feedstock Prices: The fixed or one-off take price of CBG regardless of feedstock prices makes the business financially volatile.

Market Creation for FOM: Sustainability requires creating a market for FOM, the by-product, necessitating innovation in market development.

Key Terms and Phrases:

Compressed Biogas (CBG)

Feedstock Pricing Mechanism

Fermented Organic Manure (FOM)

Market Development Assistance

Anaerobic Digestion

Technology Selection

Multiplicity of Feedstock

Cluster Approach

Community-Driven Models

Voluntary Carbon Market

Key Quotes and Anecdotes:

“Choice and availability of feedstock is one among many concerns, with entrepreneurs exploring the possibility of growing dedicated energy crops.”

“Multiplicity of feedstock adds to the complexities in plant operation, resulting in larger investments towards capital and operating costs.”

“Fair and robust pricing mechanism for feedstock is needed for the long-term availability and visibility of the feedstock supply chain.”

“Sustainability involves creating a market for CBG and equally important sustainable disposal of the by-product, fermented organic manure (FOM).”

Key Statements:

The CBG sector struggles with challenges such as feedstock availability, varying prices, and complex plant operations due to multiplicity of feedstock.

The industry needs to shift from being cost-sensitive to cost-aware for long-term viability and operational sustainability.

A proactive approach by industry stakeholders is crucial to developing a robust mechanism for feedstock pricing, off-take, and market creation for FOM.

Key Examples and References:

The state of Uttar Pradesh is implementing a catchment area approach for CBG units, defining specific areas for supply chain coordination.

Key Facts and Data:

The CBG sector requires a collective approach to address challenges and create a healthy competition among stakeholders.

Entrepreneurs in the CBG sector need to exercise caution in technology and feedstock selection to ensure sustainability.

Critical Analysis:

The CBG sector’s complexity lies in numerous variables along the value chain, requiring a shift from cost sensitivity to cost awareness for long-term viability. A fair feedstock pricing mechanism and innovative market development for by-products are essential for sustainability. Capacity-building initiatives are crucial for entrepreneurs to make informed decisions in this evolving sector.

Way Forward:

Collaborative Approach: Industry stakeholders should collaborate to develop robust mechanisms for feedstock pricing, off-take, and FOM market creation.

Cluster Approach: Adopting a cluster approach can provide visibility to feedstock availability, eliminating competing demands from neighboring CBG producers.

Community-Driven Models: Community engagement and ownership of feedstock suppliers, such as farmer-producer organizations, can enhance sustainability.

Technological Awareness: Entrepreneurs must prioritize awareness and proper guidance in technology selection to avoid compromising plant performance and product quality.

Sustainability Focus: The CBG industry needs to focus on sustainable disposal and application of by-products to prevent environmental challenges and ensure further expansion.

The training program successfully achieved its objective of providing necessary considerations to entrepreneurs, indicating a need for more capacity-building initiatives in the CBG sector.
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Women empowerment issues – Jobs,Reservation and education

Finally, a plus-size beauty at Miss Universe

op-ed snap | Indian Society | Mains Paper 1: Role Of Women & Women Organization
Central idea

The article reflects on the author’s childhood fascination with beauty contests and the absence of plus-size representation, celebrating the recent participation of Miss Nepal as a pivotal moment challenging traditional beauty standards. It critically analyzes the persistent norms in the beauty industry, advocates for a transformative shift towards inclusivity, and emphasizes the empowering impact on children’s dreams, urging a redefinition of beauty beyond conventional ideals.

Key Highlights:
- Personal Reflection on Beauty Contests: The author reflects on childhood memories of watching beauty contests, idolizing winners like Sushmita Sen and Lara Dutta, and the absence of plus-size representation in such contests.
- Evolution of Body Positivity: Over the years, there has been a shift in societal acceptance of diverse body sizes, with the fashion industry offering more inclusive options for plus-sized individuals.
Key Challenges:
- Traditional Beauty Standards: The beauty and glamour industry continues to uphold traditional standards, requiring women, especially pageant participants, to conform to wafer-thin ideals, perpetuating unrealistic beauty norms.
- Ongoing Scrutiny: Even after winning prestigious titles, beauty queens like Miss Universe 2021, Harnaaz Kaur Sandhu, face public scrutiny and body-shaming, highlighting the persistent pressure to maintain certain body standards.
Key Terms and Phrases:
- Chubby Girl Stigma: The author describes her childhood perception that beauty contests were not for her due to societal perceptions of beauty and body size.
- Plus-Size Representation: The article celebrates Miss Nepal, Jane Dipika Garrett, as a significant step toward inclusivity, breaking the mold of traditional beauty standards in beauty pageants.
Key Quotes:
- “In the beauty and glamour industry, things remained the same.”
- “And that it came in the form of a South Asian woman makes it even more special.”
Key Statements:
- Evolution of Fashion Industry: While life has become easier for plus-sized individuals in terms of clothing options, the beauty and glamour industry has been slow to embrace inclusivity, maintaining stringent beauty standards.
- Significance of Miss Nepal’s Participation: Miss Nepal’s confident presence at the Miss Universe stage is hailed as a major step towards inclusivity, breaking the norm of conventional body standards in beauty contests.
Key Examples and References:
- Childhood Influences: The author reminisces about childhood memories of watching beauty contests and the impact of societal beauty standards on her perception.
- Miss Universe 2021 Harnaaz Kaur Sandhu: Highlights the trolling faced by the current Miss Universe for her supposed weight gain, emphasizing the challenges faced by beauty queens even after winning titles.
Key Facts and Data:
- Miss Nepal’s Participation: Miss Nepal, Jane Dipika Garrett, is acknowledged for confidently participating in the Miss Universe contest, challenging conventional beauty norms.
Critical Analysis:
- Evolution of Beauty Standards: The article critically evaluates the persistence of traditional beauty standards within the glamour industry, noting that while progress has been made in the fashion sector, beauty contests remain slow to adapt. It underscores the need for a more dynamic and inclusive definition of beauty, challenging the industry’s resistance to change.
- Impact of Plus-Size Representation: The inclusion of Miss Nepal, Jane Dipika Garrett, is recognized as a significant breakthrough, challenging the long-standing norms of beauty pageants. The analysis delves into the potential ripple effect of her participation, sparking conversations about body diversity and fostering a more inclusive environment within the beauty industry.
- Continued Body-Shaming: The critique extends to the ongoing challenges faced by beauty queens like Miss Universe 2021, Harnaaz Kaur Sandhu, who experiences body-shaming despite her achievements. This highlights the paradox wherein even accomplished individuals in the industry are not immune to societal pressure, emphasizing the need for a cultural shift.
- Empowering Children’s Dreams: The article makes a compelling argument for allowing children, particularly young girls, to dream without restrictive societal norms. It suggests that dismantling conventional beauty ideals is crucial for fostering a generation that embraces diverse forms of beauty and self-expression.
Way Forward:
- Industry-Wide Reform: Advocates for a comprehensive reform within the beauty and glamour industry, urging stakeholders to redefine beauty standards and embrace diversity. This involves challenging established norms, fostering inclusivity in casting, and celebrating a range of body sizes and appearances.
- Educational Initiatives: Proposes educational initiatives that promote body positivity and self-acceptance, targeting both industry professionals and the wider public. By fostering a cultural shift in perceptions of beauty, these initiatives can contribute to dismantling harmful stereotypes and promoting a more accepting society.
- Advocacy for Inclusivity: Encourages influencers, celebrities, and industry leaders to actively advocate for inclusivity, leveraging their platforms to challenge beauty norms. This advocacy is seen as instrumental in driving change within the industry and influencing societal attitudes toward diverse representations of beauty.
- Policy Changes: Calls for the formulation and implementation of policies within the beauty industry that mandate diverse representation, ensuring that beauty contests actively include participants of various body sizes. This structural change aims to create a more equitable and welcoming space for individuals irrespective of their physique.
- Support for Beauty Queens: Stresses the importance of providing ongoing support and protection for beauty queens who face body-shaming and criticism. This includes implementing measures to counter cyberbullying and creating an environment that empowers individuals to embrace their bodies without fear of judgment.
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Nuclear Diplomacy and Disarmament

C Raja Mohan writes: Why India cannot afford to repeat its nuclear weapons mistakes with AI

op-ed snap | Economics | Mains Paper 3: Achievements Of Indians In S&T
Central idea

The article explores parallels between the nuclear and AI revolutions, emphasizing the shared challenges in governance, geopolitical dynamics, and the need for international cooperation. It underscores the importance of learning from India’s nuclear history to navigate the AI landscape, highlighting potential pitfalls such as exceptionalism.

Key Highlights:
- Historical Parallels: Drawing comparisons between the nuclear and AI revolutions.
- Global Challenges: Identifying shared issues in managing geopolitical rivalry and preventing misuse.
- US-China Dynamics: Highlighting the significance of agreements between the superpowers in AI governance.
- International Governance Proposals: Discussing the idea of an “International Agency for Artificial Intelligence” (IAAI) and the role of the Global Partnership for Artificial Intelligence (GPAI).
- Lessons for India: Emphasizing the importance of learning from India’s nuclear history in navigating the AI landscape.
Key Challenges:
- Advancements Amid Concerns: Addressing the rapid progress in AI despite calls for restrictions.
- US-China Competition: Exploring the impact of US measures to slow China’s AI development.
- Exceptionalism Risks: Warning against India’s tendency to adopt a “third way” and claim exceptionalism in AI development.
Key Terms and Phrases:
- Geopolitics of AI: Examining the political dynamics surrounding artificial intelligence.
- Arms Control Agreements: Exploring proposals for limiting military applications of AI.
- Private Sector Role: Recognizing the increasing importance of the private sector in AI research.
- S&T Sector Reform: Addressing efforts to reform Science and Technology sectors in India.
Key Quotes:
- “The AI revolution threatens an even bigger catastrophe — machines taking over from humanity and enslaving them.”
- “US-China agreements on AI are viewed as critical for the management of the new technological revolution.”
- “Building strong domestic capabilities in AI is critical to making the best out of international cooperation.”
Key Statements:
- Disarmament Realities: Acknowledging the shift from disarmament idealism in nuclear weapons to the challenges of AI governance.
- Strategic Partnerships: Emphasizing the need for India to capitalize on its partnership momentum with the US in critical technologies.
- Caution Against Exceptionalism: Highlighting the risks of India proclaiming exceptionalism in AI development.
Key Examples and References:
- Superpower Dominance: Drawing parallels between the US-Soviet dominance in the nuclear age and the current US-China dominance in AI.
- International Agencies: Referencing the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) and the proposed International Agency for Artificial Intelligence (IAAI).
- Missed Opportunities: Citing historical instances of India missing opportunities in technological cooperation with the US.
Key Facts and Data:
- GPAI Membership: Noting that the Global Partnership for Artificial Intelligence (GPAI) comprises 28 members.
- India’s Hosting Role: Highlighting India’s role in hosting the GPAI summit in Delhi.
- IAEA Establishment: Providing the year of establishment for the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) as 1957.
Critical Analysis:
- Learning from History: Encouraging India to reflect on historical mistakes and actively engage in the global AI landscape.
- Balancing Progress and Ethics: Acknowledging the challenges of balancing technological progress with ethical considerations and international cooperation.
- Provocative Perspectives: Recognizing the thought-provoking comparison between the nuclear and AI revolutions.
Way Forward:
- Leveraging Partnerships: Encouraging India to leverage its partnership with the US in AI and emerging technologies.
- Strengthening Domestic Capabilities: Advocating for a focus on building robust domestic capabilities in AI, involving the private sector.
- Avoiding Exceptionalism: Advising against the temptation of adopting a “third way” and promoting international cooperation and norms in AI development.
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Wildlife Conservation Efforts

Species in news: Doubled-humped Camels

Species | Enviro & Biodiversity | Mains Paper 3: Conservation, Environmental Pollution & Degradation, Eia
Central Idea
- Indian Army has inducted double-humped camels for patrolling and logistical support along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) in Eastern Ladakh.
About Double-Humped Camels
- The Bactrian camel (Camelus bactrianus), is also known as the Mongolian camel, domestic Bactrian camel or two-humped camel.
- Their name comes from the ancient historical region of Bactria.
- It is a large even-toed ungulate native to the steppes of Central Asia.
- It has two humps on its back, in contrast to the single-humped dromedary.
- The humps are plump and pliable. They store fat, which can be converted into water and energy when food and water resources are scarce during harsh winters.
- A small population of Bactrian camel exists in the Nubra valley of Ladakh.
Significance of deployment
- These camels serve to patrol the LAC and provide logistical aid to troops in the difficult, barren landscape of Eastern Ladakh.
- They can carry 170 kg and patrol up to 15 km without rest, surpassing the load capacity of mules previously used by the army.
- The Army’s 14 corps is deploying these camels in strategic areas like Depsang and Daulat Beg Oldie (DBO) along the LAC.
Try this PYQ from the 2019 CS Prelims:

Q. Consider the following statements:
1. Asiatic 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

Post your answers here.
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