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  • Modern Indian History-Events and Personalities

    An under-discussed facet of colonial history

    op-ed snap | | Mains Paper 1: Modern Indian History,World History

    Central idea

    The article explores the historical exploitation of indentured labor, particularly focusing on the plight of Plantation Tamils in Sri Lanka. Shashi Tharoor emphasizes the challenges, discrimination, and struggles faced by this community, calling for a post-colonial, inclusive identity and highlighting the importance of decolonization in shaping a more equitable future for nations with colonial histories.

    What is indentured labour?

    • Definition: Indentured labor is a historical practice where individuals, often from impoverished backgrounds, enter a contract (indenture) with an employer.
    • Terms: In exchange for their service, laborers receive passage, accommodation, and sometimes wages, binding them to work for a specified number of years (typically 4 to 7).
    • Purpose: Common during the 17th to 20th centuries, indentured labor served as a substitute for slavery, especially in regions where slavery had been abolished.

    Key Highlights:

    • Bicentenary Commemoration: The article discusses the recent commemoration of the bicentenary of Tamil indentured laborers’ arrival in Sri Lanka, emphasizing the historical significance of this event.
    • Impact of British Empire: Shashi Tharoor highlights the detrimental impact of the British Empire’s policies, including the exploitation of colonies, draining of resources, and the introduction of indentured labor as a form of bonded servitude.
    • Plight of Plantation Tamils: The article sheds light on the challenges faced by Plantation Tamils in Sri Lanka, detailing their exploitation, discrimination, and struggles for basic rights, identity, and integration.
    • Identity and Integration: Despite adversities, Plantation Tamils forged an identity rooted in Tamil traditions and values. The article acknowledges their journey towards integration and efforts to reclaim their heritage as equal citizens of Sri Lanka.

    Challenges faced by these labors :

    • Indentured Labor Exploitation: The article highlights the exploitative nature of indentured labor, depicting the harsh conditions, misinformation, and economic hardships faced by laborers brought to distant lands.
    • Discrimination and Statelessness: Plantation Tamils faced discrimination by colonial practices, being labeled “foreigners” and rendered stateless. Discriminatory laws, like the Citizenship Act of 1948, further marginalized them.
    • Kangani System: The detrimental role of the sub-contractor system, known as kanganies, is discussed, emphasizing the abuse of power and exploitation faced by Indian laborers even after the indenture period.
    Highly important term from prelims perspective

     

    Kangani System:

     

    Role: Kangani was like a boss who hired and supervised workers.

    Function: Managed laborers on plantations, overseeing their work.

    Abuse of Power: Kangani could be unfair, exploiting workers and causing them to be in debt.

    After Work Ended: Unlike other workers, Plantation Tamils had no escape from the kangani system even after their work time was over.

    Restrictions: Workers couldn’t ask to go home or buy land because of unclear contracts with the kangani.

    Key Phrases:

    • Licensed Looting: Describes the initial phase of the British imperial project as a form of licensed looting in service of crude capitalism.
    • Indentured Labour: Refers to the replacement of slavery with bonded servitude, termed “indentured labor,” as a consequence of the abolition of slavery.
    • New Kind of Slavery: Hugh Tinker’s characterization of indentured labor, highlighting its exploitative and degrading nature.
    • Decolonization: Stresses the importance of post-colonial countries breaking free from oppressive practices and attitudes inherited from their imperial rulers.

    Analysis: Tharoor critically analyzes the historical exploitation by the British Empire, juxtaposing the wave of liberal humanism in Europe with the continued oppression in the colonies. He underscores the challenges faced by Plantation Tamils, portraying their struggle for identity and integration as a valorous subaltern endeavor.

    Key Data/Facts:

    • Bicentenary: Marks the 200th anniversary of Tamil indentured laborers’ arrival in Sri Lanka in November 1823.
    • Citizenship Act of 1948: The legislation rendered Plantation Tamils stateless, hindering their assimilation into Sri Lankan society.
    • Economic Shift to Tea: The shift from coffee to tea plantations in Sri Lanka resulted in a massive transfer of Indian Tamils due to increased demand for labor.

    Way Forward:

    • Decolonization: Tharoor emphasizes the need for post-colonial countries like Sri Lanka to actively decolonize themselves from oppressive practices inherited from imperial rulers.
    • Inclusive Identity: The article suggests that forging an inclusive, post-colonial identity for all people in Sri Lanka should be central to the nation-building process.
    • Land Ownership: The government’s potential plan to divide plantations, making workers owners of the land they work on, is seen as a positive step, representing a potential way forward.

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  • Health Sector – UHC, National Health Policy, Family Planning, Health Insurance, etc.

    Hypertension Care: Insights from India’s Healthcare Landscape

    Prelims Only | Governance | Mains Paper 2: Health & Education

    hypertension

    Central Idea

    • An analysis of recent National Family Health Survey data, as published in the journal JAMA, has revealed substantial disparities in the prevalence, diagnosis, treatment, and control of hypertension within Indian states and districts.
    • These disparities underscore the need for targeted and decentralized solutions to address the complexities of hypertension care across the nation.

    What is Hypertension?

    • Hypertension, commonly known as high blood pressure, is a medical condition in which the force of blood against the walls of the arteries is consistently too high.
    • Blood pressure is measured in millimetres of mercury (mm Hg) and is expressed as two numbers: systolic pressure over diastolic pressure.
    • The systolic pressure represents the force when the heart contracts, while the diastolic pressure represents the force when the heart is at rest between beats.
    • Normal blood pressure is typically around 120/80 mm Hg. Hypertension is diagnosed when blood pressure consistently measures at or above 130/80 mm Hg.
    • However, different organizations may have slightly different guidelines for defining hypertension.

    Key Findings of the Study

    • National-Level Observations: The national-level data reveals a common trend – a significant proportion of individuals with hypertension remain undiagnosed, and even among those diagnosed, many do not initiate treatment. Moreover, among those who commence treatment, few achieve adequate blood pressure control.
    • Inter-State Variation: The study notes that while the prevalence of hypertension is comparable in southern states, it is notably higher than the national average, with 29.9% of the population in these states affected compared to 26.8% nationally.
    • District-Level Disparities: The study highlights substantial variations within states. For instance, in Meghalaya, the prevalence of hypertension differs significantly across Garo Hills, Jaintia Hills, and Khasi Hills districts, affecting the diagnosis rates. A similar scenario is observed in Karnataka’s Chikmagalur, Shimoga, Udupi, and Chitradurga districts.

    Impact of Demographics and Education

    • Gender and Age: Despite hypertension being more prevalent in men, the data surprisingly reveals that women are more likely to be diagnosed, receive treatment, and achieve blood pressure control.
    • Socio-Economic Status: Individuals in the wealthiest quintile demonstrate higher rates of prevalence, diagnosis, treatment initiation, and control.
    • Education Level: Completion of schooling correlates with better rates of diagnosis, treatment, and control compared to those with no schooling or up to Class 11.

    Significance of Inter-State and Inter-District Variability

    • Resource Allocation: District-level data can guide state governments in allocating resources efficiently. It helps identify districts with a high prevalence of hypertension that may require increased screening and diagnostic facilities or better accessibility to medicines.
    • Continuum of Care: Managing chronic conditions like hypertension requires a distinct healthcare approach. Ensuring regular availability of medicines, digitization of records for follow-ups, and the establishment of accessible treatment centers are critical components of an effective continuum of care.

    Controlling Hypertension in India

    • WHO’s Call to Action: The World Health Organization (WHO) emphasizes the potential to avert nearly 4.6 million deaths in India by 2040 if half of hypertensive individuals can control their blood pressure.
    • Government Initiative: India launched a comprehensive initiative in 2023 to treat 75 million people with hypertension or diabetes by 2025. This endeavor extends beyond infrastructure expansion to active screening, treatment initiation, medication accessibility, and follow-up mechanisms.

    Conclusion

    • India’s quest to bridge the gaps in hypertension care demands a multifaceted approach.
    • The district-level insights offered by this study can guide policymakers in crafting targeted solutions, ultimately enhancing the continuum of care for hypertension and contributing to better public health outcomes.

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  • Textile Sector – Cotton, Jute, Wool, Silk, Handloom, etc.

    Genetics of Silk Moth Domestication

    Prelims Only | Science Tech | Mains Paper 3: S&T – Applications In Everyday Life

    silk

    Central Idea

    • Silk, often hailed as the queen of fibers, boasts a rich and diverse history, with roots stretching back over 5,000 years to ancient China.
    • Its story encompasses the transition from the wild silk moth (Bombyx mandarina) to the domesticated silk moth (Bombyx mori), offering a fascinating glimpse into human ingenuity and nature’s adaptability.

    Silk Moth Domestication

    • Ancient Beginnings: Humans began domesticating silk moths from the wild Bombyx mandarina in China, marking the dawn of sericulture.
    • Global Reach: The domesticated Bombyx mori moth, significantly larger than its wild ancestor, now thrives worldwide, including in India.
    • Silk Powerhouse: India’s prowess in silk production makes it the second-largest raw silk producer globally, after China.

    Silkworms and Mulberry Leaves

    • Exclusive Diet: Caterpillars, known as silkworms, feed solely on the leaves of mulberry plants (genus Morus).
    • Cocoon Construction: The domesticated silk moth extrudes silk fibers of remarkable length, up to 900 meters, to construct larger cocoons. These caterpillars have lost the ability to fly and their pigmentation, adapting to human care.

    Diversity in Silk

    • Wild Silk Varieties: “Wild” silks, including muga, tasar, and eri, are derived from various moth species such as Antheraea assama, Antheraea mylitta, and Samia cynthia ricini.
    • Contrasting Characteristics: Non-mulberry silks differ significantly from mulberry silks, featuring shorter, coarser, and harder threads.

    The Enigmatic Cocoon Colors

    • Natural Variations: Domesticated silk moth cocoons come in a stunning array of colors, including yellow-red, gold, flesh, pink, pale green, deep green, and white.
    • Human Influence: Selective breeding for differently colored cocoons aimed to create colored silks, but these pigments are water-soluble, eventually fading. Acid dyes are used to achieve colored silks in the market.
    • Origins of Pigments: Pigments in cocoons are derived from carotenoids and flavonoids produced by mulberry leaves. Silkworms ingest these chemicals, which are then bound to silk proteins and spun into a single fiber.

    Mutant Strains and Genetic Insights

    • Valuable Resource: Mutant strains of silk moths have emerged due to mutations in genes governing pigment uptake, transport, and modification.
    • Diversity from Domestication: Silk domestication’s molecular basis has been primarily explored in China and Japan, with notable contributions from Indian scientists.

    Decoding Cocoon Colors: A Model Emerges

    • Genetic Factors: Researchers at Southwest University in Chongqing, China, proposed a model explaining how different mutations create diverse cocoon colors.
    • Key Genes: Genes like Y, C, F, Rc, and Pk play roles in pigment transportation and absorption, leading to variations in cocoon colors.
    • Green Cocoon Mystery: Mutations in the Y gene result in green cocoons when carotenoids are not absorbed, but flavonoids are. The intensity of green depends on other genes’ mutations, affecting flavonoid uptake.
    • Flavonoid Cluster: A cluster of closely related genes influences flavonoid uptake in cocoons.

    Gene Manipulation and Domestication

    • Hybrid Offspring: Researchers have created hybrid moths by interbreeding domesticated and ancestral silk moths.
    • Apontic-like Gene: Mutations in the apontic-like gene revealed differences in melanin production between domesticated and wild silk moths.
    • Regulatory Sequences: Variations in gene regulation sequences dictate when and where genes are activated or deactivated.

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  • UDAY Scheme for Discoms

    Basics of Electric Power Transmission

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

    power transmission

    Central Idea

    • In 1954, India’s first Prime Minister, Jawaharlal Nehru, referred to dams as “the temples of modern India” during a visit to the Bhakra Nangal Dam site.
    • This statement emphasized the critical role of electricity in the nation’s development and its transmission as the cornerstone of economic progress.

    This article offers a simplified introduction to the world of electric power transmission.

    Three Components of Power Supply

    1. Generation: Electricity is generated at power plants, including renewable energy installations.
    2. Transmission: It involves the distribution of electricity through a network comprising substations, switches, overhead and underground cables, transformers, and more.
    3. Distribution: The final step is delivering electricity to consumers, tailored to the requirements of various machines and applications.

    Key Principles of Electric Power Transmission

    • Efficiency and Voltage: Lower current and higher voltage enhance transmission efficiency. Transformers play a crucial role in voltage manipulation, stepping it up before transmission and reducing it for consumers.
    • Resistance and Cable Thickness: Transmission cables exhibit resistance, leading to energy loss. Thicker cables minimize losses but also increase costs.
    • Distance and Transmission Cost: Longer transmission distances result in lower costs.
    • Alternating Current (AC): AC power transmission is predominant due to its adaptability and higher efficiency compared to direct current (DC). However, higher AC frequencies result in increased resistance.

    Understanding AC Power

    • Three-Phase AC: AC power transmission commonly utilizes three-phase AC, where voltage periodically changes polarity.
    • Phases in AC: In a three-phase AC circuit, three wires carry AC current in different phases, typically at 120°, 240°, and 360°.
    • AC in Household Appliances: Consumers receive three-phase AC power, which is used in household appliances for ease of control.

    Transmission Process

    • Voltage Stepping: Voltage is stepped up at power plants using transformers before being transmitted.
    • Transmission Lines: Suspended from transmission towers, transmission lines carry the electricity across long distances.
    • Safety Measures: Insulators, circuit-breakers, grounding, arresters, and dampers ensure safe and stable transmission.
    • Switches: Used to control current availability and to redirect currents between lines.
    • Substations: Different types of substations perform tasks like power collection, frequency modification, voltage reduction for distribution, and diagnostics.

    Operation of Power Grids

    • National Grids: A national grid encompasses generation, transmission, and distribution. It must accommodate various power sources, production locations, and consumption patterns.
    • Storage Facilities: Grids include storage systems to manage surplus and deficit power supply.
    • Flexible Sources: Gas turbines and automated systems respond to fluctuating consumer demand or emergencies.
    • Grid Management: Grids maintain synchronized frequencies, manage demand, control voltage, and improve power factor.
    • Wide-Area Synchronous Grids: Such grids, where all generators produce AC at the same frequency, result in lower costs but require measures to prevent cascading failures.

    Key agencies in Power Transmission

    India’s power transmission sector relies on key agencies to manage and enhance the electricity grid. These include:

    • State Transmission Utilities (STUs): Managing intrastate power transmission within each state.
    • National Load Despatch Centre (NLDC): Maintaining national power balance and grid security.
    • Regional Load Despatch Centres (RLDCs): Overseeing regional power operations and grid stability.
    • Central Electricity Regulatory Commission (CERC): Regulating tariffs and power transmission at the national level.
    • State Electricity Regulatory Commissions (SERCs): Regulating power transmission within individual states.
    • Private Transmission Companies: Collaborating with government agencies for grid expansion and modernization.

    Conclusion

    • Electric power transmission is a complex but vital aspect of modern civilization, serving as the backbone of economic development.
    • Understanding its basic principles sheds light on the intricate network that powers our lives and fuels progress.

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  • Social Media: Prospect and Challenges

    Rashmika Mandanna’s deepfake: Regulate AI, don’t ban it

    op-ed snap | | Mains Paper 3: Awareness in various sc and tech fields

    Deepfake

    Central idea

    The article highlights challenges in deepfake regulation using the example of the Rashmika Mandanna video. It calls for a balanced regulatory approach, citing existing frameworks like the IT Act, and recommends clear guidelines, public awareness, and potential amendments in upcoming legislation such as the Digital India Act to effectively tackle deepfake complexities.

    What is deepfake?

    • Definition: Deepfake involves using advanced artificial intelligence (AI), particularly deep learning algorithms, to create manipulated content like videos or audio recordings.
    • Manipulation: It can replace or superimpose one person’s likeness onto another, making it appear as though the targeted individual is involved in activities they never participated in.
    • Concerns: Deepfakes raise concerns about misinformation, fake news, and identity theft, as the technology can create convincing but entirely fabricated scenarios.
    • Legitimate Use: Despite concerns, deepfake technology has legitimate uses, such as special effects in the film industry or anonymizing individuals, like journalists reporting from sensitive or dangerous situations.
    • Sophistication Challenge: The increasing sophistication of AI algorithms makes it challenging to distinguish between genuine and manipulated content.

    Key Highlights:

    • Deepfake Impact: The article discusses the impact of deepfake technology, citing the example of a viral video of actor Rashmika Mandanna, which turned out to be a deepfake.
    • Regulatory Responses: It explores different approaches to regulate deepfakes, highlighting the need for a balanced response that considers both AI and platform regulation. Minister Rajeev Chandrasekhar’s mention of regulations under the IT Act is discussed.
    • Legitimate Uses: The article recognizes that while deepfakes can be misused for scams and fake videos, there are also legitimate uses, such as protecting journalists in oppressive regimes.

    Challenges:

    • Regulatory Dilemma: The article points out the challenge of finding a balanced regulatory approach, acknowledging the difficulty in distinguishing between lawful and unlawful uses of deepfake technology.
    • Detection Difficulty: Advancements in AI have made it increasingly difficult to detect deepfake videos, posing a threat to individuals depicted in such content and undermining trust in video evidence.
    • Legal Ambiguities: The article highlights legal ambiguities around deepfakes, as creating false content is not inherently illegal, and distinguishing between obscene, defamatory, or satirical content can be challenging.

    Key Facts:

    • The article mentions the viral deepfake video of Rashmika Mandanna and its impact on the debate surrounding deepfake regulations.
    • It highlights the challenges in detecting the new generation of almost indistinguishable deepfakes.

    Government Actions:

    • Legal Frameworks in Action: The Indian government relies on the Information Technology (IT) Act to regulate online content. For instance, platforms are obligated to remove unlawful content within specific timeframes, demonstrating an initial approach to content moderation.
    • Policy Discussions on Deepfakes: Policymakers are actively engaging in discussions regarding amendments to the IT Act to explicitly address deepfake-related challenges. This includes considerations for adapting existing legal frameworks to the evolving landscape of AI-generated content.

    What more needs to be done:

    • Legislative Clarity for Platforms: Governments should provide explicit guidance within legislative frameworks, instructing online platforms on the prompt identification and removal of deepfake content. For instance, specifying mechanisms to ensure compliance with content moderation obligations within stringent timelines.
    • AI Regulation Example: Develop targeted regulations for AI technologies involved in deepfake creation. China’s approach, requiring providers to obtain consent from individuals featured in deepfakes, serves as a specific example. Such regulations could be incorporated into existing legal frameworks.
    • Public Awareness Campaigns: Drawing inspiration from successful public awareness initiatives in other domains, governments can implement campaigns similar to those addressing cybersecurity. These campaigns would educate citizens about the existence and potential threats of deepfakes, empowering them to identify and report such content.
    • Global Collaboration Instances: Emphasizing the need for global collaboration, governments can cite successful instances of information-sharing agreements. For example, collaboration frameworks established between countries to combat cyber threats could serve as a model for addressing cross-border challenges posed by deepfakes.
    • Technological Innovation Support: Encourage research and development by providing grants or incentives for technological solutions. Specific examples include initiatives that have successfully advanced cybersecurity technologies, showcasing the government’s commitment to staying ahead of evolving threats like deepfake.

    Way Forward:

    • Multi-pronged Regulatory Response: The article suggests avoiding reactionary calls for specialized regulation and instead opting for a comprehensive regulatory approach that addresses both AI and platform regulation.
    • Digital India Act: The upcoming Digital India Act is seen as an opportunity to address deepfake-related issues by regulating AI, emerging technologies, and online platforms.

     

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  • Air Pollution

    Cancer, heart disease, diabetes – odd-even scheme is not the answer to pollution woes

    op-ed snap | Enviro & Biodiversity | Mains Paper 1: Urbanization, Their Problems & Remedies

    One Health approach

    Central idea

    The article delves into the alarming air pollution crisis in Delhi and the National Capital Region, highlighting global and local concerns. It emphasizes the health impact of air pollution, particularly on vulnerable groups like children, and evaluates India’s National Clean Air Programme (NCAP) and potential strategies for effective air quality management.

    Key Highlights:

    • Air Quality Crisis: Delhi and the National Capital Region face a severe air pollution crisis, with the Air Quality Index (AQI) touching 500, prompting various restrictions and interventions.
    • Global Air Pollution Concerns: Air pollution is a global issue, affecting low- and middle-income countries the most. The World Health Assembly Resolution 68.8 emphasizes addressing the health impact of air pollution, highlighting its role in millions of global deaths.
    • India’s Efforts: The National Clean Air Programme (NCAP) launched in 2019 aims to reduce PM10 and PM2.5 concentrations by 20-30% by 2024 through diverse interventions targeting vehicular pollution, industrial emissions, waste management, and more.
    Let’s revise for prelims

     

    India’s National Clean Air Programme (NCAP)

     

    Ministry Under Which NCAP Operates: Operated under the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC).

     

    Establishment and Jurisdiction: Launched in 2019 to address air pollution and improve air quality. Encompasses various interventions to reduce pollution levels.

     

    Objective: Aims to achieve a 20-30% reduction in concentrations of PM10 and PM2.5 by 2024 (base year, 2017).

     

    Key Components: Focuses on reducing vehicular pollution through regulatory norms. Promotes public transport and enhances infrastructure. Addresses industrial emissions, waste management, and stubble burning.

     

    Legal Framework: Aligned with existing environmental laws and regulations. Operates within the framework of the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986.

    Challenges:

    • Health Impact: Air pollution, laden with pollutants like PM2.5, leads to severe health consequences, including cancer, cardiovascular diseases, respiratory issues, and neurological disorders.
    • Vulnerability of Children: Children are particularly vulnerable due to developing lungs, higher exposure, and increased susceptibility to neurotoxic compounds, leading to various health issues.
    • Social Gradient in Exposure: Studies indicate that air pollution often exhibits a social gradient, impacting marginalized communities more, challenging the notion that it affects everyone equally.

    Key Phrases:

    • Air Quality Index (AQI): Measures air pollution levels, categorized into ranges with associated health advisories. Delhi’s AQI touching 500 signifies hazardous air quality.
    • NCAP: India’s National Clean Air Programme, launched to combat air pollution, emphasizing reductions in PM10 and PM2.5 concentrations through diverse strategies.
    • One Health Approach: Recognizes the interconnectedness of human, animal, and environmental health, urging comprehensive actions to address the impact of land, air, and water use on well-being.

    Analysis:

    • Global Concerns: Nearly 90% of the global population breathes air exceeding prescribed pollution limits, with low- and middle-income countries facing the most significant impact.
    • NCAP Effectiveness: The NCAP outlines specific interventions to combat air pollution, but the effectiveness of measures like the odd-even scheme in Delhi is debated, with studies showing mixed results.

    Key Data:

    • Health Impact: Air pollution contributes to chronic diseases and cancer, with a third of deaths from major diseases linked to air pollution, rivaling the impact of smoking.
    • Global Scenario: Delhi ranked as the most polluted city globally in terms of fine particulate matter, emphasizing the urgent need for comprehensive air quality management.

    Way Forward:

    • Stringent Standards: Evolve more stringent air quality standards, considering the absence of safe thresholds, especially for particulates and ozone.
    • Airshed-Centric Approach: Transition from city-centric to airshed-centric air quality management, recognizing the local factors affecting pollutant dispersion.
    • Global Cooperation: Leverage international platforms like the G20 to address pollution in the context of climate action and promote a One Health approach globally.

    In essence, the article underscores the critical need for immediate and comprehensive measures to combat the escalating air pollution crisis, emphasizing the global and local impact on health and the environment.

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  • Human Rights Issues

    Only 3% of Kota’s students have visited a mental health professional

    op-ed snap | Governance | Mains Paper 2: Health & Education

    Mental Health

    Central idea

    The article sheds light on the alarming rates of student suicides in Kota, primarily attributed to academic pressure. It explores the various pressures students face, their coping mechanisms, and the significant impact on mental health, emphasizing the urgent need for institutionalized counseling and holistic well-being programs.

    Key Highlights:

    • Student Suicides in Kota: According to NCRB data in 2021, student suicides in India accounted for 8% of total suicides. Kota, a prominent coaching hub, witnessed 25 suicides this year, raising concerns about academic pressure.
    • Impact of NEET and JEE Exams: Students believe clearing these exams is crucial for a better life, leading to heightened stress. Almost 20% often suffer from thoughts related to under-performing, impacting mental health.
    • Contributing Factors: Parental pressure, financial stress, and peer pressure contribute to students’ anxieties. Loneliness is prevalent, with 53% experiencing it occasionally.

    Different Kinds of Pressures:

    • NEET and JEE Significance: Students perceive success in NEET and JEE exams as vital for a better future, intensifying academic pressure.
    • Fear of Under-Performance: Nearly 20% constantly grapple with thoughts of potential consequences if they under-perform, leading to heightened stress levels.
    • Immediate Family Influence: Students with family members who studied in Kota before them often face additional academic pressure.
    • Parental Expectations: Almost 10% experience frequent parental pressure, while a quarter encounters it occasionally, affecting mental well-being.
    • Gender Disparity: Girls tend to face slightly higher parental pressure compared to boys, highlighting gender-specific challenges.
    • Financial Pressure: 6% of students frequently feel financial stress, and 25% experience it occasionally, adding to the array of pressures.

    Impact on Mental Health:

    • Post-Coaching Mental Health: Close to 30% report a decline in mental health after joining coaching classes, indicating the adverse impact of the academic environment.
    • Body Pain and Emotional Changes: A significant portion experiences heightened nervousness, mood swings, and physical discomfort, adversely affecting mental health.
    • Loneliness Prevalence: More than half (53%) experience loneliness occasionally, reflecting the emotional toll of the academic journey in Kota.
    • Psychological Strain: Emotional challenges such as increased nervousness, mood swings, and loneliness affect approximately three in every ten students.
    • Anger and Frustration: Nearly 30% feel a rise in anger, and over a quarter report increased frustration and fear, showcasing the multifaceted impact on emotional well-being.

    Challenges and concerns:

    • Deteriorating Mental Health: Close to 30% feel their mental health worsened after joining coaching classes. Over 40% feel more fatigued, and many report increased nervousness, loneliness, and mood swings.
    • Limited Professional Help: Despite poor mental health indicators, only 3% seek assistance from mental health professionals, emphasizing a lack of awareness and proactive initiatives.
    • Need for Proactive Measures: Almost half (48%) don’t feel the need for mental health visits, underlining the necessity for more proactive efforts in promoting mental well-being.
    • Advocacy for Mental Health: The data highlights the urgency of institutionalized counseling mechanisms and increased awareness to encourage young individuals to prioritize mental health.

    Way Forward:

    • Implementing Comprehensive Counseling: Establishing structured counseling services within coaching centers and Kota to address students’ mental health needs.
    • Promoting Awareness: Conducting awareness campaigns to emphasize the importance of seeking professional mental health support.
    • Integrating Holistic Approaches: Incorporating holistic well-being programs that address not only academic stress but also overall physical and mental health.
    • Educational Initiatives: Launching educational initiatives to equip students with coping skills and stress management techniques.
    • Scholarship Programs: Expanding scholarship programs to ease financial burdens and create a more inclusive educational environment.

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  • Food Procurement and Distribution – PDS & NFSA, Shanta Kumar Committee, FCI restructuring, Buffer stock, etc.

    Bharat Atta: Subsidized Wheat Flour Scheme

    Schemes | Governance | Mains Paper 2: Government Scheme/Policies

    Bharat Atta

    Central Idea

    • In a bid to maintain stability in food prices during the festive season, the Indian government has unveiled a subsidized packaged wheat flour initiative accessible to all consumers.
    • Termed “Bharat Atta,” the scheme aims to release a quarter of a million tonnes of state-owned wheat to various cooperative outlets and federations.

    Bharat Atta

    • Distribution Channels: The government has chosen Kendriya Bhandar, a network of cooperative general stores, along with the National Agricultural Cooperative Marketing Federation and National Cooperative Consumers’ Federation, as the primary channels for distributing Bharat Atta.
    • Reduced Price: Bharat Atta is offered at a reduced price of ₹27.50 per kilogram, which is lower than the earlier rate of ₹29.50 at Kendriya Bhandar.
    • Expansion: To ensure accessibility, the subsidized flour will be available at Kendriya Bhandar, NAFED, NCCF, government cooperative outlets, and food vans operated by NAFED and NCCF.
    • Government Support: The government is facilitating this scheme by milling the wheat through firms selected through a tender process, thereby minimizing the milling cost, which is approximately ₹1.80 per kilogram for large wheat millers.

    Why such move?

    • Free Cereals: PM recently announced that cereals would be provided free of cost to 800 million beneficiaries entitled to subsidized food for the next five years.
    • Price Controls: The government has implemented various measures such as banning wheat and rice exports, setting a floor price for onion exports, and reducing import duties on pulses to combat rising food prices.
    • Election Context: These anti-inflation measures come as India faces key assembly elections in five states and a general election in the near future.

    Challenges in implementation

    • Cereal Inflation: Despite a significant wheat harvest, India continues to grapple with high cereal inflation, which has persisted for over a year, reaching double digits.
    • Record Foodgrain Production: The fourth and final round of estimates for the 2022-23 crop output indicates a record high in foodgrain production. However, wheat production slightly decreased from initial estimates.
    • Positive Outlook: Despite minor fluctuations, wheat production remains higher than the previous year, reflecting a positive outlook for addressing food price concerns.

    Conclusion

    • The government’s subsidized wheat flour initiative, Bharat Atta, exemplifies its dedication to ensuring that the joy of the festive season is not marred by soaring food prices.

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  • Judicial Reforms

    Advocate-on-Record (AoR) in Supreme Court

    SC Judgements | Polity | Mains Paper 2: Executive & Judiciary

    advocate

    Central Idea

    • In a recent development, the Supreme Court of India dismissed a public interest litigation filed by an Advocate-on-Record (AoR), emphasizing that an AoR cannot be a mere “signing authority.”
    • This incident has sparked discussions on the role and significance of AoRs in the Indian legal system.

    Who is an Advocate-on-Record (AoR)?

    • Historical Roots: The AoR system is influenced by British legal practices, distinguishing between barristers who argue cases and solicitors who handle client matters. In India, senior advocates are designated by the Court, akin to barristers, and cannot solicit clients but are briefed by other lawyers, including AoRs.
    • Exclusive Right to File Cases: Only an AoR is authorized to file cases before the Supreme Court of India. They serve as a vital link between litigants and the highest judicial authority in the country.
    • Elite Legal Practitioners: AoRs are a select group of elite lawyers, primarily based in Delhi, whose legal practice predominantly revolves around the Supreme Court. They may also represent clients in other courts.
    • Court of Last Opportunity: The concept behind the AoR system is to ensure that a litigant is represented by a highly qualified lawyer because the Supreme Court is often considered the last resort for legal remedies.

    Becoming an AoR

    • Eligibility Criteria: To qualify as an AoR, an advocate must meet specific criteria set by the Supreme Court Rules, 2013.
    • Examination: Aspiring AoRs must clear an examination conducted by the Supreme Court, which includes subjects like Practice and Procedure, Drafting, Professional Ethics, and Leading Cases.
    • Training Requirement: Before taking the exam, an advocate must undergo training with a court-approved AoR for at least one year. This training is preceded by a minimum of four years of legal practice.

    Responsibilities and Rules Governing AoRs

    • Geographical Presence: AoRs must maintain an office in Delhi within a 16-kilometer radius of the Supreme Court.
    • Employment of Registered Clerk: Upon registration as an AoR, an undertaking is required to employ a registered clerk within one month.
    • Regulatory Authority: While Section 30 of the Advocates Act grants lawyers the right to practice law nationwide, it explicitly acknowledges the Supreme Court’s authority to establish rules under Article 145 of the Constitution for regulating its own procedure.

     

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  • Indian Ocean Power Competition

    Indo-Pacific Maritime Domain Awareness (IPMDA) Initiative

    IOCR | International Relations | Mains Paper 2: Bilateral, Regional and Global Groupings and agreements involving India

    Central Idea

    • The Indo-Pacific Maritime Domain Awareness (IPMDA) initiative, recently unveiled by the Quad grouping (India, Australia, Japan, and the U.S.), underscores a shared commitment to uphold a free, open, inclusive, and rules-based Indo-Pacific.

    What is IPMDA Initiative?

    • IPMDA Initiative was announced at the Quad Leaders’ Summit in Tokyo, 2022.
    • It primarily aims to track dark shipping.
    • Dark ships are vessels with their Automatic Identification System (AIS) – a transponder system – switched off so as not to be detectable.
    • It focuses on tracking other tactical-level activities: to respond to climate and humanitarian events and to protect their fisheries, which are vital to many Indo-Pacific economies.

    Significance of IPMDA for India

    • IPMDA represents a substantial effort to bolster security and stability in the Indo-Pacific, a region of paramount global geopolitical significance.
    • India’s Navy, currently possessing over 140 ships and submarines, is on course to achieve a formidable fleet of 170 to 180 vessels by 2028.

    Lessons from Recent Events

    • Recent global events, including the border standoff with China in eastern Ladakh, conflicts in Ukraine, and turmoil in West Asia, underscore the need for resilience and readiness in the face of uncertainties.
    • Indian Navy recognizes the importance of integrated joint operations and a holistic approach to national defense, and a well-coordinated defense strategy involving all three Services.

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