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  • Modern Indian History-Events and Personalities

    Indian National Congress (INC): From Foundation to Present Day

    29 December 2023 | Prelims Only |
    Mains Paper 1: Modern Indian History

    inc

    Central Idea

    • On December 28, 1885, the Indian National Congress (INC) was established, marking the beginning of a significant journey in Indian politics.
    • The INC’s journey from influencing British policy to leading India’s nationalist movement, dominating post-independence politics, and its current decline offers a rich political narrative.

    Indian National Congress: Inception in 1885

    • Founding by AO Hume: Allan Octavian Hume, an English bureaucrat, founded the INC to advocate for greater self-governance in India.
    • First Session: The inaugural session in Bombay saw 72 reformers, journalists, and lawyers unite, aiming not for independence but to influence British policies favorably for Indians.
    • Safety Valve Theory: The INC initially served as a platform for Indians to express grievances, seeking to unify diverse population segments and regenerate the nation across various dimensions.

    Politics of Petitions

    • Early Challenges: The Congress faced criticism from both the British and Indians; the former for disrupting the status quo and the latter for its passive resistance approach.
    • Composition and Critique: Dominated by educated, upper-class individuals, the INC was often seen as too moderate and not sufficiently representative of all Indians.
    • Internal Divisions: By 1906, ideological differences led to a split between the moderates (Gopal Krishna Gokhale, Surendranath Banerjea) and the extremists (Bal Gangadhar Tilak), particularly over responses to the Bengal Partition.

    Leadership under Mahatma Gandhi

    • Reunification and Transformation: The INC, under Gandhi’s influence from 1915, transformed into a mass movement, focusing on social issues like caste discrimination and poverty.
    • Diverse Membership: Despite its Hindu upper-caste dominance, the party included members from various ethnic and religious backgrounds.
    • Purna Swaraj Declaration: At the 1929 Lahore session, the INC, under Jawaharlal Nehru’s presidency, committed to complete independence, a goal achieved in 1947 but marred by Partition.

    Dominance in Post-Independence India

    • Electoral Success: The INC’s legacy and organizational strength led to victories in the first six general elections.
    • Policy Direction: Under Nehru, the party promoted secularism, socialist economics, and non-aligned foreign policy.
    • Internal Power Struggles: Post-Nehru, internal conflicts emerged, notably between Indira Gandhi and the party’s old guard, leading to a split into Congress (R) and Congress (O).

    Onset of Decline

    • Electoral Setbacks: The Emergency period (1975-77) led to the INC’s first national electoral defeat in 1977.
    • Fluctuating Fortunes: While it regained power, the 1989 loss marked the end of its dominance, with the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) emerging as a strong alternative.
    • Recent Struggles: The INC’s significant reduction in parliamentary strength in the 2014 and 2016 elections underscores its ongoing decline.

    Back2Basics: Important Sessions of INC

    • 1896, Calcutta: Presided over by Rahimtulla M. Sayani, where the national song “Vande Mataram” was sung for the first time.
    • 1906, Calcutta: Presided over by Dadabhai Naoroji, where the goal of Swaraj (self-rule) was formally adopted.
    • 1917, Calcutta: Annie Besant became the first woman president of the INC.
    • 1924, Belgaum: The only session presided over by Mahatma Gandhi.
    • 1937, Faizpur: The first session held in a rural area, reflecting the INC’s commitment to rural issues and agrarian reform.
    • 1938, Haripura: Subhas Chandra Bose elected as President, which marked a shift towards a more radical approach in the freedom struggle.
    • 1940, Ramgarh: Last session presided over by Mahatma Gandhi; emphasized on individual Satyagraha.
    • 1955, Avadi (Madras): Adoption of the ‘Avadi Resolution’ which called for a socialist pattern of society.
    • 1964, Bhubaneswar: First session after the death of Jawaharlal Nehru, marking a new era in the party’s leadership.

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  • Inland Waterways

    India’s stationary course in the shipping value chain

    29 December 2023 | op-ed snap | Economics
    Mains Paper 3: Infrastructure: Energy, Ports, Roads, Airports, Railways Etc.

    Jal Marg Vikas Project (JMVP) - Objectives & Components | UPSC

    Central idea 

    The article explores the contrasting trajectories of China and India in the maritime industry, emphasizing China’s dominance in shipbuilding and India’s focus on seafaring labor and ship management. It underscores the missed opportunities for India in shipbuilding, leading to a decline in its global maritime standing. The absence of a strategic focus on shipbuilding and the decline of state-owned enterprises pose challenges for India’s maritime growth.

    Key Highlights:

    • The Yangtze River, deeply embedded in China’s history, serves as a blend of tradition, culture, and modern commerce, symbolized by the Three Gorges project.
    • China’s maritime success, highlighted by its dominance in shipbuilding, stands in contrast to India’s focus on seafaring labor and ship management.
    • India, once ahead in maritime endeavors, faces challenges as its shipbuilding capabilities lag, impacting the overall growth of the shipping industry.

    Key Challenges:

    • India’s maritime industry confronts limitations in shipbuilding, ownership, and financing, contributing to a decline in its global standing.
    • The absence of a strategic focus on shipbuilding, coupled with the decline of the state-owned Shipping Corporation of India, has hindered India’s maritime progress.

    Key Terms:

    • Three Gorges project: A monumental hydropower initiative on the Yangtze River, symbolizing China’s modern engineering achievements.
    • Seafarer: An individual engaged in maritime activities, such as navigation, on vessels like ships and boats.

    Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways on X: "Infrastructure development under Jal Marg vikas project will provide enhanced connectivity and provide access to global markets to Indian farmers, MSMEs and businessmen, giving

    Key Quotes:

    • “China, by 2020, was making half of all ships in the world,” a stark contrast to India’s negligible share in shipbuilding.
    • “Indian seafarers and their management companies contribute an estimated $6 billion in foreign exchange annually.“
    • “India’s Maritime India Vision 2030 lacks a clear plan for shipbuilding and owning,” hindering its growth in the maritime industry.

    Key Statements:

    • The article underscores the transformative significance of the Three Gorges project, symbolizing China’s advancement in modern engineering.
    • India’s historical lead in maritime activities has been overshadowed by its limited involvement in shipbuilding and related sectors.

    Key Examples and References:

    • The Three Gorges project exemplifies China’s commitment to modern infrastructure and technological prowess.
    • The decline of the state-owned Shipping Corporation of India serves as a reference point for India’s challenges in sustaining its maritime industry.

    Key Facts and Data:

    • China, contributing to 50% of global ship production by 2020, reflects its dominance in the shipbuilding sector.
    • Indian seafarers and their management companies collectively contribute an estimated $6 billion in foreign exchange annually.

    Critical Analysis:

    • The critical analysis emphasizes the missed opportunities for India in the shipbuilding sector and the resultant impact on its overall maritime growth.
    • The decline of the state-owned Shipping Corporation of India is presented as a significant factor influencing India’s maritime capabilities.

    Way Forward:

    • The article suggests that India should strategically prioritize shipbuilding to enhance its global maritime presence, emphasizing economic and strategic benefits.
    • An integrated approach to shipbuilding would not only contribute to economic growth but also strengthen India’s naval capabilities, enhancing its geopolitical standing.

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  • How Imroz’s love built Amrita Pritam, as a woman and a poet

    29 December 2023 | op-ed snap | Trivia
    Mains Paper 1: Arts & Culture

    51 Amrita pritam ideas in 2023 | amrita pritam, gulzar quotes, zindagi quotes

    Who is amrita pritam?
    • Amrita Pritam (1919–2005) was a renowned Indian poet and writer, hailed as one of the leading literary figures in the Punjabi language and Hindi literature. She is best known for her poignant poetry, which often explored themes of love, loss, and the socio-political issues of her time. Amrita Pritam’s notable works include “Ajj aakhaan Waris Shah nu” (Today I invoke Waris Shah), a poem expressing the anguish of the partition of India in 1947.
    • She received several literary awards, including the Sahitya Akademi Award, the Jnanpith Award, and the Padma Vibhushan, one of the highest civilian honors in India. Amrita Pritam’s writing, characterized by its emotional depth and social consciousness, left a lasting impact on Indian literature.

    Central idea 

    The central idea revolves around the enduring 45-year relationship between Amrita Pritam and Imroz, marked by deep respect and devotion. Imroz’s recent passing is seen as a second loss of Amrita, emphasizing their inseparable connection and the profound impact of supportive relationships in shaping artistic legacies. The narrative explores unconventional expressions of love, challenges societal norms, and highlights the importance of understanding and preserving unique bonds between artists.

    Key Highlights:

    • The 45-year-long relationship between Amrita Pritam and Imroz is marked by deep respect, admiration, and devotion.
    • Imroz’s preferred term for Amrita was “Madam,” reflecting his acknowledgment of her seniority.
    • Amrita’s enduring presence is attributed not only to her literary work but also to Imroz’s reflections on her after his recent passing at 97.

    Key Challenges:

    • The loss of Imroz feels like losing Amrita again, emphasizing the inseparable connection between the two artists.
    • The challenge lies in preserving and understanding the unique bond that shaped Amrita Pritam’s identity and creativity.

    Key Phrases:

    • “Too empty an expression”: Imroz’s perspective on not using the term ‘love’ with Amrita, opting for deeper connections.
    • “Lost Amrita all over again”: Imroz’s passing is seen as a second loss of Amrita, underlining their inseparable connection.

    Key Quotes:

    • “We never used the term ‘love’ or that we loved each other. It was too empty an expression.” – Imroz’s perspective on the depth of their connection.
    • “While passing through your poem, I fear that I’m stepping onto Imroz’s wet canvas.” – Gulzar’s tribute, expressing the intertwining of poetry and art.

    Key Statements:

    • Amrita’s courageous exploration of sexuality and self-realization was groundbreaking in Indian literature.
    • Imroz’s unwavering support and understanding of Amrita’s complex relationships contributed to their enduring bond.

    Key Examples and References:

    • Amrita’s relationship with poet Sahir Ludhianvi and Imroz’s dignified response to her affections.
    • Imroz’s role in supporting Amrita during her last years, caring for her children and her ailing husband.

    Key Facts:

    • Imroz, born Indarjeet Singh, was an illustrator for the Urdu magazine Shama before meeting Amrita.
    • Amrita Pritam passed away in 2005, but her legacy lives on through her extensive body of work.

    Critical Analysis:

    • The relationship between Amrita and Imroz challenges societal norms, with Imroz providing unwavering support and understanding.
    • The loss of Imroz is seen as a profound impact, suggesting that their connection was vital in preserving Amrita’s legacy.

    Way Forward:

    • The challenge lies in understanding and preserving the unique bond between artists like Amrita and Imroz for future generations.
    • Recognition of the profound impact of supportive relationships in shaping artists and their work.

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  • Artificial Intelligence (AI) Breakthrough

    AI in 2024: The dangers and the hope

    29 December 2023 | op-ed snap | Science Tech
    Mains Paper 3: Awareness in various sc and tech fields

    What is Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Why People Should Learn About it - UCF Business Incubation Program - University of Central Florida

    Central idea 

    The central idea is that in 2023, the AI landscape saw significant growth and investment, particularly in large language models. However, the industry’s emphasis on speculative threats, termed “doomwashing,” overshadowed concrete harms, leading to calls for greater democratic involvement in shaping AI policy for a balanced and ethical approach in the future.

    Key Highlights:

    • AI Impact: AI, especially large language models (LLMs), had a significant impact on social and economic relations in 2023.
    • Investments: Microsoft invested $10 billion in OpenAI, and Google introduced its chatbot, Bard, contributing to the AI hype.
    • Industry Growth: NVIDIA reached a trillion-dollar market cap due to increased demand for AI-related hardware.
    • Platform Offerings: Amazon introduced Bedrock, while Google and Microsoft enhanced their services with generative models.

    Key Challenges:

    • AI Dangers: Concerns about the dangers of LLMs and publicly deployed AI systems emerged, but the specific perils were contested.
    • AI Safety Letter: Over 2,900 experts signed a letter calling for a halt on powerful AI systems, focusing on speculative existential threats rather than concrete harms.
    • Doomwashing: The industry’s newfound caution led to “doomwashing,” emphasizing self-regulation and downplaying the need for external oversight.

    Key Terms:

    • LLMs: Large Language Models.
    • AGI: Artificial General Intelligence.
    • Doomwashing: Emphasizing AI dangers without addressing concrete issues for self-regulation purposes.
    • Ethicswashing: Using ethical claims to deflect from underlying issues.

    Key Phrases:

    • Political Economy of AI: The impact of AI on data privacy, labor conditions, and democratic processes.
    • AI Panic: Inflating the importance of industry, reinforcing the idea that AI is too complex for government regulation.

    Key Quotes:

    • “The danger of AI was portrayed as a mystical future variant, ignoring concrete harms for an industry-centric worldview.”
    • “Doomwashing, akin to ethicswashing, plagued AI policy discussions, emphasizing self-regulation by industry leaders.”

    Key Statements:

    • The AI safety letter focused on speculative threats, neglecting the immediate political-economic implications of AI deployment.
    • Industry leaders embraced caution, promoting self-regulation through doomwashing, sidelining government intervention.

    Key Examples and References:

    • Microsoft’s $10 billion investment in OpenAI.
    • NVIDIA’s trillion-dollar market cap due to increased demand for AI-related hardware.
    • Amazon’s introduction of Bedrock and Google’s enhancement of its search engine with generative models.

    Key Facts:

    • In July, the US government persuaded major AI companies to follow “voluntary rules” for product safety.
    • The EU passed the AI Act in December, becoming the only AI-specific law globally.

    Critical Analysis:

    • The AI safety letter focused on speculative threats, diverting attention from concrete harms and the political-economic implications of AI.
    • Doomwashing reinforced the industry-centric narrative, diminishing the role of government regulation.

    Way Forward:

    • Advocate for greater socialization of AI policy, involving democratic voices in shaping regulations.
    • Address concrete harms of AI deployment, ensuring a balance between innovation and ethical considerations.

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  • Capital Markets: Challenges and Developments

    Rise in Participatory Notes Investment

    28 December 2023 | Prelims Only | Economics
    Mains Paper 3: Effects Of Liberalization On The Economy, Changes In Industrial Policy and their effects on Industrial Growth

    Central Idea

    • Indian capital markets witnessed a significant increase in investments through participatory notes (P-notes), reaching ₹1.31 lakh crore by the end of November.

    What are Participatory Notes?

    Details
    Nature of Instrument Offshore derivative instruments with Indian shares as underlying assets.
    Issuers Issued by registered Foreign Institutional Investors (FIIs) to overseas investors.
    Purpose To allow foreign investors to invest in Indian stock markets without direct registration.
    Anonymity Provide anonymity for foreign investors; beneficiary details are not disclosed to Indian regulators.
    Regulatory Oversight Governed by the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI).
    Compliance FIIs issuing P-Notes are required to adhere to KYC norms and other regulatory standards.
    Controversies Associated with risks of money laundering and contributing to market volatility.
    Regulatory Reforms SEBI has tightened norms over time, including enhanced KYC and disclosure requirements.
    Economic Impact Significant source of foreign portfolio investment; influences market sentiment and foreign investor behavior.
    Impact of Regulatory Changes Changes in regulations have affected the flow of investments through P-Notes.

    Correlation with FPI Flows

    • P-Notes and FPI Trends: The investment through P-notes typically mirrors the trends in foreign portfolio investor (FPI) flows.
    • Global Risk Influence: In times of global risk, investment through P-notes tends to increase, and the opposite occurs when the risk subsides.

    Factors Influencing the Recent Increase

    • U.S. Treasury Bond Yields: The decline in U.S. treasury bond yields is believed to have redirected FPIs’ attention to the Indian market for potentially higher returns.
    • IPO Attraction: The listing of Initial Public Offerings (IPOs) in India has also been a factor in attracting foreign investors back to the market.

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  • Innovations in Biotechnology and Medical Sciences

    Huntington’s Disease: Insights from Medical Genetics and Fruit Fly Research

    28 December 2023 | Prelims Only | Science Tech
    Mains Paper 3: Awareness in various sc and tech fields

    Central Idea

    • The Nizam’s Institute of Medical Sciences in Hyderabad reports three to four cases of Huntington’s disease monthly, with each case impacting entire families.

    Understanding Huntington’s Disease  

    Details
    Nature of Disorder Genetic, progressive brain disorder
    Genetic Cause Mutation in the huntingtin gene on chromosome 4
    Inheritance Pattern Autosomal dominant disorder (only one copy of the defective gene, from either parent, is enough for disease onset)
    Symptoms Movement Disorders: Involuntary movements (chorea), muscle problems (dystonia), abnormal eye movements.

    Cognitive Disorders: Difficulty in organizing and focusing, lack of flexibility, impulse control issues.

    Psychiatric Disorders: Depression, mood swings, changes in personality
    Age of Onset Typically between 30 and 50 years of age, but can vary widely

    Gradual onset, worsening over 10-25 years, leading to severe disabilities
    Diagnosis Genetic testing to detect the presence of the defective gene
    Treatment No cure; treatment focuses on managing symptoms, including medication for movement and psychiatric disorders, and therapy
    Impact on Life Expectancy Can shorten life expectancy, particularly if onset is at a younger age

     

    Role of the HTT Gene and Glutamine Repeats

    • Genetic Mutation: Huntington’s disease is caused by a mutation in the HTT gene, leading to abnormal huntingtin (Htt) proteins that damage neurons.
    • Polyglutamine Tracts: The severity of the disease correlates with the length of glutamine repeats in the Htt protein; longer repeats result in earlier and more severe symptoms.
    • Inheritance Pattern: The disease manifests even if only one copy of the HTT gene is mutated, demonstrating its dominant nature.
    • Similar Proteins and Diseases: Other proteins with polyglutamine tracts, when mutated, can also cause neuronal degeneration, leading to disorders like spinocerebellar ataxia.

    Fruit Fly Study: A Model for Understanding Huntington’s

    • Genetic Engineering in Flies: Researchers engineered fruit flies to express the human HTT gene with extended polyglutamine tracts in their neurons.
    • Gal4/UAS System: Utilizing the Gal4 gene from baker’s yeast, the study induced expression of mutated HTT in fly neurons.
    • Symptoms in Flies: Flies with longer glutamine tracts exhibited symptoms similar to Huntington’s disease, unlike those with shorter, normal tracts.

    Yod1 Gene Discovery

    • Gene Expression Experiment: The study explored the effects of altering the expression of 32 genes on disease-like symptoms in fruit flies.
    • Yod1’s Protective Role: Overexpression of the Yod1 gene eliminated neurodegeneration and other disease-like effects in flies with longer glutamine tracts.

    Broader Implications and Future Research

    • Potential in Human Treatment: If overexpression of the human version of Yod1 shows similar benefits in fruit flies, it could be a promising avenue for treating Huntington’s in humans.
    • Value of Model Organisms: Studies in fruit flies and yeasts are pivotal for understanding molecular mechanisms of diseases like Huntington’s.

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

    The quest for ‘happiness’ in the Viksit Bharat odyssey

    28 December 2023 | op-ed snap | Governance
    Mains Paper 2: Health & Education

    Huge Disparities in Children's Well-Being Across India, says Report | NewsClick

    Central idea 

    The article calls for a reimagining of India’s development strategy, shifting from an economic-centric model to prioritizing happiness and well-being. It critiques the current focus on GDP, highlighting the need for comprehensive social indicators in the development narrative. The central idea is to envision a “Happy India-Developed India” by 2047, where happiness becomes the central pursuit, transcending conventional economic measures.

    Key Highlights:

    • Viksit Bharat Launch: The launch of Viksit Bharat aims to make India a developed nation by its 100th Independence year in 2047.
    • Economic Overemphasis: Critics argue that Viksit Bharat places excessive emphasis on economic development, overlooking other crucial aspects.
    • Happiness as Central Pursuit: The author suggests reimagining the theme as ‘Happy India-Developed India,’ focusing on happiness as a central pursuit for meaningful development.
    • Happiness Metrics: The World Happiness Report measures happiness through variables like GDP per capita, life expectancy, generosity, social support, freedom, and perception of corruption.
    • Social Connections and Well-being: Countries like Finland and Denmark, ranked highest in happiness, emphasize social connections and support systems, contributing to well-being.

    Key Challenges:

    • Economic-Centric Development: The challenge lies in shifting the development narrative from an economic-centric model to one that prioritizes happiness and well-being.
    • Social Disruption: The current economic-focused development model may lead to social disruption, imbalances, and contradictions.
    • Disregard for Social Indicators: The conventional focus on GDP fails to consider crucial social indicators, neglecting human and social aspects of development.

    Key Terms and Phrases:

    • Viksit Bharat: The development initiative launched with the goal of making India a developed nation by 2047.
    • World Happiness Report: An annual report measuring happiness using multiple variables and indicators.
    • Human Development Index (HDI): An index considering life expectancy, educational attainment, and income level.
    • Green Index: A World Bank-developed index measuring a nation’s wealth based on produced assets, natural resources, and human resources.
    • Social Development Index: Introduced by the UN Research Institute for Social Development, it includes 16 core indicators.
    • Global Innovation Index, Rule of Law Index, Poverty Index, Corruption Perceptions Index, Gender Equality Index, and World Press Freedom Index: Various indices significant for comprehensive national development.

    Key Quotes:

    • “Without achieving happiness, development has no meaning.”
    • “Happiness ought to be the central pursuit in this journey.”
    • “The nations have developed, but people are not happy.”

    Critical Analysis: The article critically examines the conventional economic-focused development model and advocates for a paradigm shift towards happiness-centric development. It emphasizes the inadequacy of GDP-centric measures and highlights the importance of considering social indicators for a more inclusive and balanced development approach.

    Way Forward: The way forward involves reimagining the development narrative, giving importance to happiness metrics, and incorporating a broader set of indicators such as the Human Development Index, Green Index, and others. Prioritizing social connections, well-being, and happiness in development strategies will contribute to a more holistic and sustainable vision for Viksit Bharat@2047.

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  • Cyber Security – CERTs, Policy, etc

    We want a Digital India. Just not the one we are living in

    28 December 2023 | op-ed snap | Security Issues
    Mains Paper 3: Cyber Security

    Dark Web Investigations: Risk Academy Certification to check - Indiaforensic

    Central idea 

    The increasing frequency of data breaches in India, exemplified by the recent dark web sale of sensitive personal information of 815 million citizens, underscores a pressing cybersecurity challenge. India’s inadequate incident response strategies, lack of transparency, and failure to prioritize cybersecurity pose risks to individuals and national security. A comprehensive approach, focusing on prevention, detection, and transparency, is imperative for building a resilient and secure digital infrastructure in India.

    Key Highlights:

    • Resecurity, a US company, revealed the sale of sensitive personal data of around 815 million Indians on the dark web.
    • The data included Aadhaar numbers, passport information, and addresses, posing a significant threat to individuals.
    • Previous instances of data leaks in India, such as the CoWin website breach and AIIMS ransomware attack, highlight a recurring issue.

    Key Challenges:

    • India faces a rising trend of data breaches, with the potential for severe consequences like identity theft and financial scams.
    • Lack of effective incident response strategies in India compared to countries like the US, where cybersecurity standards are being strengthened.

    Key Terms:

    • Dark web, Aadhaar, Passport number, Ransomware, Cybersecurity, Data breach, Incident response.

    Key Phrases:

    • “Leaking of sensitive information poses a severe threat to individuals’ financial well-being.”
    • “India’s mobile phone usage, enhanced banking access, and growing market size make it an attractive target for bad actors.”

    Key Quotes:

    • “The constant flow of news about data breaches is normalizing massive losses of personal data.”
    • “India’s response to data breaches is criticized for its lack of transparency, accountability, and effective incident response.”

    Key Statements:

    • “Data breaches are at an all-time high globally, and India is particularly vulnerable due to its economic growth and large population.”
    • “Incident response strategies in India are characterized by denials and lack of transparent communication with affected citizens.”

    Key Examples and References:

    • Resecurity’s revelation of the sale of Indians’ personal data on the dark web.
    • Previous data breaches in India, including the CoWin website leak and the AIIMS ransomware attack.

    Key Facts:

    • The data set on the dark web contained personally identifiable information of approximately 815 million Indian citizens.
    • India lacks a long-term cybersecurity strategy, leading to inadequate handling of data breaches.

    Key Data:

    • The sensitive personal data of 815 million Indians was available on the dark web for a price of $80,000.

    Critical Analysis:

    • India’s response to data breaches is criticized for its lack of transparency, accountability, and effective incident response.
    • The Data Protection Act in India is deemed insufficient, especially in addressing sensitive health information.

    Way Forward:

    • Prioritize the prevention, detection, assessment, and remediation of cyber incidents in India.
    • Establish a cybersecurity board with government and private sector participation for concrete recommendations.
    • Adopt a zero-trust architecture and mandate a standardized playbook for responding to cybersecurity vulnerabilities.
    • Inform and empower citizens immediately, taking responsibility for their protection and remediation in the aftermath of cyber incidents.

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  • Make in India: Challenges & Prospects

    There is no substitute for an industrial policy

    28 December 2023 | op-ed snap | Economics
    Mains Paper 3: Indian Economy

    Make In India Registration

    Central idea 

    Make in India (MII) represents a departure from India’s historical self-sufficiency approach, prioritizing global competitiveness. The article critiques potential protectionist tendencies within MII, emphasizing the need for job creation and competitiveness. The efficacy of MII in delivering on promises, particularly in labor-intensive sectors, is a key focus for evaluating its impact.

    Key Highlights:

    • Make in India (MII) diverges significantly from India’s historical self-sufficiency approach, focusing on global competitiveness rather than isolation.
    • The article critiques potential protectionist tendencies within MII, drawing attention to historical pitfalls of reckless protection in the 1970s and 1980s.
    • The piece discusses the critical need for MII to deliver on promises, particularly in creating a competitive manufacturing sector, and emphasizes the importance of job creation for India’s abundant labor force.

    Key Challenges:

    • Concerns are raised about the implementation of MII, especially in sectors where tariff duties are increased for protection, potentially leading to negative consequences.
    • The article questions the efficacy of MII in comparison to its objectives, urging a closer examination of its impact on job creation and competitiveness.

    Key Terms:

    • Make in India (MII): A policy initiative launched in 2014 to transform India into a global manufacturing and design hub.
    • License Raj: A regulatory system in India during the pre-1991 era that required businesses to obtain licenses for various activities, leading to bureaucracy and inefficiency.
    • Production-Linked Incentive (PLI): A scheme aimed at attracting investments in key sectors and cutting-edge technology to enhance efficiency in the manufacturing sector.

    Key Phrases:

    • “MII is very different from self-sufficiency, and we should move on from this baseless comparison.”
    • “Every country that has ‘taken off’ before us has been export competitive.”
    • “Devising an industrial policy for mass job creation in India is the touchstone against which success ought to be gauged.”

    Key Quotes:

    • “Job creation for our abundant factor, especially women, is key, and that is only possible with labor-intensive manufacturing.”
    • “In the absence of high frequency data on PLI, either on value added or jobs generated, a moral compass to shape a better world ought to be employed in abundant measure.”

    Critical Analysis:

    • The article critically examines the potential protectionist aspects of MII, drawing parallels with historical challenges.
    • It highlights the importance of job creation, especially in labor-intensive sectors, as a crucial metric for evaluating the success of MII.
    • The absence of high-frequency data on PLI is emphasized, calling for a balance between data interpretation and moral considerations in policymaking.

    Way Forward:

    • The article suggests that industrial policies, including the National Industrial Policy (NIP), should prioritize labor-intensive sectors to promote mass job creation.
    • It emphasizes the need for MII to continue focusing on excelling in labor-intensive manufacturing for the overall betterment of India’s economic landscape.

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  • International Space Agencies – Missions and Discoveries

    Japan’s Smart Lander for Investigating Moon (SLIM) Mission

    28 December 2023 | Prelims Only | Science Tech
    Mains Paper 3: Achievements Of Indians In S&T

    slim

    Central Idea

    • Japan’s Smart Lander for Investigating Moon (SLIM) spacecraft successfully entered lunar orbit on December 25, ahead of its planned moon landing on January 19.
    • If successful, Japan will join an elite group of nations to achieve a soft lunar landing, following India’s Chandrayaan 3 mission in August.

    SLIM: An Overview

    • Launch and Design: Launched by JAXA on September 7, 2023, SLIM is a lightweight spacecraft, weighing only 590 kg, compared to Chandrayaan 3’s 3,900 kg.
    • Mission Objectives: SLIM aims to demonstrate precise lunar landing capabilities, targeting a landing within 100 meters of its chosen site near the Shioli Crater.

    Journey to the Moon

    • Fuel-Efficient Trajectory: Unlike Chandrayaan 3’s Hohmann transfer orbit, SLIM followed a longer, fuel-efficient path based on weak-stability boundary theory, taking four months to reach the moon.
    • Orbital Mechanics: SLIM utilized Earth’s gravity to build kinetic energy, eventually aligning its trajectory with the moon’s orbit for a slower approach and capture.

    SLIM’s Lunar Mission Goals

    • Precision Landing: SLIM’s attempt to land with minimal deviation from its target site sets a new standard for lunar missions.
    • Scientific Payload: The spacecraft will deploy two small rovers, LEV-1 and LEV-2, to study the lunar surface, temperature, radiation, and potentially the moon’s mantle.

    Impact on Chandrayaan 4

    • Lunar South Pole Exploration: Chandrayaan 4, a joint Indian-Japanese mission (LUPEX), aims to explore regions closer to the moon’s south pole, requiring precise landing technologies.
    • Technological Synergy: Technologies and insights from SLIM, particularly in navigation and feature-matching algorithms, will be crucial for the success of Chandrayaan 4.

    Challenges of Lunar South Pole Exploration

    • Rugged Terrain: The moon’s polar regions, characterized by rocky terrain, craters, and steep slopes, demand highly accurate landing capabilities.
    • Water-Ice Exploration: These regions contain water ice, making them prime targets for future lunar missions and resource utilization.

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