From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: NSSO
Mains level: Key highlights of NSSO Report;
Why in the news?
The National Sample Survey Office has released the Household Consumption Expenditure Survey (HCES) report for 2022-23, along with public access to unit-level data on household expenditures.
What does the recent NSSO Report tell us?
The report utilizes various definitions of poverty established by past committees, with the poverty line (PL) being anchored to calorie norms of 2,400 kcal for rural and 2,100 kcal for urban areas as per the Lakdawala Committee. The Rangarajan Committee’s approach considers broader normative levels, including non-food expenses.
The average per capita calorie requirement (PCCR) is estimated at 2,172 kcal for rural and 2,135 kcal for urban populations. The report highlights that the average per capita calorie intake (PCCI) for the poorest segments falls significantly below these requirements, indicating nutritional deficiencies.
The total monthly per capita consumption expenditure (MPCE) thresholds are set at ₹2,197 for rural and ₹3,077 for urban areas, with proportions of the population identified as ‘poor’ being 17.1% in rural and 14% in urban contexts. If non-food expenditures for the poorest 10% are considered, these thresholds rise, increasing the proportion of the deprived.
Approach for measurement is the Issue:
Defining Poverty: The report defines the poor based on MPCE, which is linked to the ability to purchase essential food and non-food items.
The reliance on MPCE does not adequately address nutritional needs. While the poverty line is linked to the ability to purchase food and non-food items.
Caloric Requirement Calculation: The PCCR is derived from the ICMR-National Institute of Nutrition’s latest recommendations, weighted by the population distribution across age-sex-activity categories.
The ICMR-National Institute of Nutrition’s (ICMR-NIN) recommendations for caloric requirements in India are derived from the Recommended Dietary Allowances (RDA) for Indians.
The RDA does not adequately account for regional and cultural differences in dietary habits and food availability.
Fractile Class Analysis: Households are categorized into 20 fractile classes based on MPCE, allowing for the calculation of average PCCI and MPCE for each class.
Each fractile class represents 5% of the population, allowing for a detailed understanding of expenditure distribution and nutritional intake variations within the population
MPCE reflects consumption patterns but does not capture the full spectrum of economic well-being or deprivation.
State-Specific Adjustments: The all-India thresholds are adjusted for regional price differences to derive state-specific MPCE thresholds.
The methodology for deriving state-specific MPCE thresholds relies on regional price indexes, which can vary significantly in their construction and accuracy.
Recommendations for Improving Nutritional Levels (Way Forward)
Nutritional Schemes: Govt. needs to develop and expand schemes specifically aimed at improving the nutritional intake of the poorest households.
Awareness and Education: Govt. should increase awareness about nutrition and healthy eating practices among low-income households.
Subsidized Food Programs: Need to enhance access to subsidised food items to ensure that households can meet their caloric and nutritional needs.
Monitoring and evaluation: Govt. should establish robust mechanisms to monitor the effectiveness of nutritional interventions and adjust strategies as necessary.
Conclusion: The NSSO HCES 2022-23 report reveals significant nutritional deficiencies among the poorest. To align with SDG goals, expanding targeted nutritional schemes, subsidized food programs, and robust monitoring is essential.
Mains PYQ:
Q How far do you agree with the view that the focus on the lack of availability of food as the main cause of hunger takes the attention away from ineffective human development policies in India? (2013)
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Key highlights of RCF Report
Why in the News?
The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) released the “Report on Currency and Finance (RCF)” for the year 2023-24 with the theme – India’s Digital Revolution.
What is the Report on Currency and Finance (RCF)?
The RCF is an annual publication by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI).
It covers various aspects of the Indian economy and financial system, providing insights and analysis on current economic conditions, financial stability, and policy issues.
The theme for the 2023-24 report is “India’s Digital Revolution.”
Focus: It focuses on the transformative impact of digitalization across various sectors in India, especially in the financial sector.
Highlights: The report highlights how digital technologies are reshaping economic growth, financial inclusion, public infrastructure, and the regulatory landscape. It also addresses the opportunities and challenges associated with digitalization.
Key Highlights of the RCF:
[1] Digital Revolution
The RCF emphasizes India’s leading role in the global digital revolution.
With robust digital public infrastructure (DPI), evolving institutional frameworks, and a tech-savvy population, India has emerged as a frontrunner in this arena.
Key initiatives such as Aadhaar, the world’s largest biometric-based identification system, and the UPI, a real-time, low-cost transaction platform, have revolutionized service delivery and financial inclusion.
[2] Digitalization in Finance
The above-discussed initiatives have made retail payments faster and more convenient, while the RBI’s pilot runs of the E-Rupee position India at the forefront of digital currency initiatives.
The digital lending ecosystem is also vibrant, with the Open Credit Enablement Network and the Open Network for Digital Commerce (ONDC) driving growth.
[3] Remittance Inflows in India
India continues to lead as the highest remittance recipient globally, with US$ 115.3 billion in 2023, accounting for 13.5% of the world’s total remittances.
The RCF highlights that more than half of India’s inward remittances in 2021 came from the Gulf countries, with North America contributing 22%.
The remittance-to-GDP ratio for India has risen from 2.8% in 2000 to 3.2% in 2023, surpassing the gross FDI inflows to GDP ratio of 1.9% in 2023.
Looking forward, India is poised to remain a leading supplier of labor, with its working-age population expected to rise until 2048, potentially propelling remittances to around $160 billion by 2029.
[4]Smartphones Penetration
India’s mobile penetration has seen remarkable growth, with internet penetration reaching 55% in 2023 and an increase of 199 million internet users over the past three years.
The cost per gigabyte of data in India is the lowest globally, at an average of Rs. 13.32 per GB.
India has one of the highest mobile data consumption rates worldwide, with an average per-user per-month consumption of 24.1 GB in 2023.
The number of smartphone users in India was about 750 million in 2023, expected to reach 1 billion by 2026.
The RCF projects that India will become the second-largest smartphone manufacturer within the next 5 years.
PYQ:
[2017] Which of the following is the most likely consequence of implementing the ‘Unified Payments Interface (UPI)’?
(a) Mobile wallets will not be necessary for online payments.
(b) Digital currency will replace physical currency in about two decades.
(c) FDI inflows will drastically increase.
(d) Direct transfer of subsidies to poor people will become very effective.
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: GST on Health Insurance
Why in the News?
Insurance premiums on health and life policies have increased this year, and the 18% Goods and Services Tax (GST) has made insurance less affordable for many people.
Medical inflation, estimated at 14% towards the end of last year, along with increased premiums, has made buying medical insurance difficult for many.
What is the GST on Health and Life Insurance Premiums?
GST replaced all indirect taxes like service tax and cess from July 1, 2017.
Currently, GST on health and life insurance policies is fixed at 18%.
According to the formula, the Centre collects 9% GST with a matching collection by states.
Before GST, life insurance premiums were subject to 15% service taxes, including Basic Service Tax, Swachh Bharat cess, and Krishi Kalyan cess.
Rational behind the Tax
GST Council Recommendations:
GST rates and exemptions on all services, including insurance, are prescribed on the recommendations of the GST Council, which includes the Union Finance Minister and ministers nominated by state governments.
Insurance is considered a service, and policyholders pay tax on their premiums, generating significant revenue for the government.
Tax Deductions:
Insurance policies allow certain deductions while computing income tax under Sections 80C and 80D of the Income Tax Act, 1961. Customers can avail deductions on the premium, including the GST applicable.
Arguments for Withdrawing the GST on Premiums
High Premium Increases:
Significant increases in premiums on health insurance policies this year have been observed, with some public sector insurers hiking premiums by 50%.
The renewal rate of policies is declining due to frequent premium hikes and medical inflation.
Comparative GST Rates:
The Confederation of General Insurance Agents’ Associations of India points out that GST on insurance in India is the highest in the world.
The high GST rate is seen as a deterrent to insurance penetration, which conflicts with the goal of “Insurance for All by 2047”.
Recommendations for Rationalisation:
The Standing Committee on Finance recommended rationalising the GST rate on insurance products to make them more affordable.
Suggestions include reducing GST rates for health insurance, especially for senior citizens, micro-insurance policies, and term policies.
Insurance Penetration in India:
According to a Swiss Re Sigma report, insurance penetration in India’s life insurance sector reduced from 3.2% in 2021-22 to 3% in 2022-23, while the non-life insurance sector remained stagnant at 1%.
Overall insurance penetration reduced to 4% in 2022-23 from 4.2% in 2021-22.
PYQ:
[2018] Consider the following items:
1. Cereal grains hulled
2. Chicken eggs cooked
3. Fish processed and canned
4. Newspapers containing advertising material
Which of the above items is/are exempted under GST (Goods and Services Tax)?
Prelims Only | Polity | Mains Paper 2: Indian Constitution - historical underpinnings, evolution, features, amendments, significant provisions and basic structure
Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Anti-Defection Law and its Features
Why in the News?
Numerous examples in recent time exist in the history of Parliament and State Assemblies where MPs or MLAs have defected from their party.
These activities often led to the frequent falling of governments.
What is Anti-Defection Law?
The 52nd Constitutional Amendment introduced the anti-defection law through the Tenth Schedule in 1985.
It aimed at tackling political defections destabilizing governments, especially after the 1967 general elections.
According to this Schedule, a member of the State Legislature or the House of Parliament who voluntarily resigns from their political party or abstains from voting in the House contrary to the party’s instruction may be removed from the House.
This voting instruction is issued by the party whip, a member of the parliamentary party nominated by the political party in the House.
Process of Disqualification under Anti-Defection Law
Petition:
Any member of the House can initiate the process by filing a petition/complaint with the Speaker (Lok Sabha) or Chairman (Rajya Sabha) alleging defection by another member.
The Presiding Officer CANNOT initiate disqualification proceedings suo moto and can only act upon a formal complaint.
Deciding Authority:
The Speaker of Lok Sabha, the Chairman of Rajya Sabha, or the State Legislative Assembly decides disqualification petitions under the anti-defection law.
Timeframe:
The law does not specify a strict timeline for the decision, which has led to criticism due to potential delays.
Judicial Review:
The decision can be challenged in courts, ensuring a system of checks and balances.
The landmark judgment in Kihoto Hollohan vs. Zachillhu and Others (1992) upheld the constitutionality of the anti-defection law and affirmed that decisions regarding disqualification are subject to judicial review.
Exceptions:
No disqualification if 1/3rd members of the legislature party split to form a separate group (provision DELETED by the 91st Amendment in 2003).
Mergers of political parties are allowed when 2/3rd of the members of a legislative party agree to merge with another party.
Three-Test Formula of the Supreme Court:
The Supreme Court in Sadiq Ali versus Election Commission of India (1971) laid down the three-test formula for recognizing the original political party:
Test of Aims and Objectives of the party.
Test of Party Constitution, which reflects inner-party democracy.
Test of Majority in the legislative and organizational wings.
Limitations of the Anti-Defection Law
Dictatorship of Party: The law has been criticized for undermining democratic principles by restricting legislators’ freedom of speech and making them more accountable to party leaders than their constituents.
Limited Political Choice: The law discriminates against independent members, disqualifying them immediately if they join a political party, while nominated members have a six-month grace period.
Partial Law: The law needs a more precise timeline for resolving defection cases. It allows large-group defections, fostering opportunistic mergers and “horse-trading”, destabilizing the political system.
Promotes Defection: It fails to address root causes like intra-party democracy, corruption, and electoral malpractices.
Recommendations on Reforming the Law
Dinesh Goswami Committee (1990):
Disqualification should be limited to cases of voluntarily giving up membership or voting/abstention contrary to the party direction only in specific motions.
Decision on disqualification should be made by the President or Governor based on the advice of the Election Commission.
Law Commission of India (2015):
Proposed shifting the power to decide disqualification petitions from the Presiding Officer to the President or Governor based on the advice of the Election Commission.
Supreme Court in K. M. Singh v. Speaker of Manipur (2020):
Recommended transferring the Speaker’s decision-making authority over disqualification petitions to an independent tribunal presided over by judges.
Committee Led by Rahul Narwekar:
Announced by Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla to review the nation’s anti-defection law.
PYQ:
[2022] With reference to anti-defection law in India, consider the following statements:
The law specifies that a nominated legislator cannot join any political party within six months of being appointed to the House.
The law does not provide any time-frame within which the presiding officer has to decide a defection case.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2
[2013] The role of individual MPs (Members of Parliament) has diminished over the years and as a result healthy constructive debates on policy issues are not usually witnessed. How far can this be attributed to the anti-defection law, which was legislated but with a different intention?
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Waqf Amendment Bill 2024; Waqf Act of 1995;
Mains level: Waqf Amendment Bill 2024; Waqf Act of 1995;
Why in the News?
The government has introduced the Waqf Act Amendment Bill 2024, in order to improve administration and management of the Waqf properties.
Aim: To address existing issues in the management and administration of Waqf properties, ensuring better transparency and efficiency.
It also seeks to improve the legal framework governing Waqf boards and their operations across India.
Background:
The Waqf Board Amendment Bill 2024 proposes changes to the Waqf Act of 1995.
The Waqf Board Act, initially enacted in 1995, is a legal framework governing the administration of Waqf properties in India.
Waqf refers to the endowment of property for religious or charitable purposes, and the act outlines the structure, functions, and powers of Waqf boards responsible for managing these properties.
The Central Waqf Council is a statutory body that advises and oversees the functioning of state-level Waqf Boards in India, established under the Waqf Act.
Wakf board’s income is exempt from Income Tax but revenue generated from leasing of properties can be taxed under the service tax and GST laws.
Features of the Proposed Bill:
Waqf Board will mandatorily have two Non-Muslim members.
District magistrates may be involved in overseeing waqf properties to ensure proper management. The survey is to be carried out by the district collector, not by Waqf.
Properties are to be registered through a Centralized Portal for better scrutiny. Properties already claimed by boards will undergo new verification processes to resolve disputes and prevent misuse.
Waqf will lose the right to decide whether any property is a Waqf Asset or not.
Present Composition of Waqf Board
Chairperson
Leads the Board
State government nominees
Representatives appointed by the state. (The Waqf Board operates under the supervision of the state government as per the provision of the Wakf Act 1995).
Legislators and parliamentarians
State representatives from the Muslim community
State Bar Council members
Muslim Legal experts providing guidance
Mutawalis
Managers of waqf with an annual income of Rs 1 lakh and above
Islamic scholars
Religious experts contributing to decision-making
Significance of the Waqf Board Amendment Bill 2024:
The bill seeks to bring about significant administrative reforms and ensure more inclusive and efficient management of Waqf assets. Here are some of the significances of the Waqf Board Amendment Bill 2024:
Enhanced Transparency: The bill includes provisions to digitize records and create a centralized database. This will make it easier to track and manage Waqf properties, reducing the potential for fraud and mismanagement.
Improved Governance: Administrative reforms proposed in the bill by the government will lead to more professional and efficient management of Waqf properties. This could result in better utilization of these resources for charitable and religious purposes.
Protection of Waqf Properties: The bill aims to protect Waqf properties by regulating leasing and preventing encroachments. Unauthorized use and exploitation of these properties will be prevented, ensuring they are used for their intended religious and charitable purposes.
Inclusion and Representation: Including Muslim women and non-Muslims in Waqf Boards is a step toward more inclusive governance, ensuring diverse perspectives in decision-making.
Efficient Dispute Resolution: The new dispute resolution mechanism will help in resolving conflicts related to Waqf properties more effectively, reducing the burden on regular courts and ensuring quicker justice.
Explained | Economics | Mains Paper 3: Effects Of Liberalization On The Economy, Changes In Industrial Policy and their effects on Industrial Growth
Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Ethanol production in India,
Mains level: Challenges to ethanol production,
Why in the News?
The Finance Ministry has reversed the proposed post-Budget customs duty hike on imported laboratory chemicals following an outcry from scientists.
What are the different kinds of chemicals which are imported into the country?
Inorganic Chemicals: This category includes substances like ammonia, phosphoric acid, and sulfuric acid, which are essential for various industrial applications.
Organic Chemicals: Key imports in this category are methanol, acetic acid, and phenol, which are used in the production of plastics, solvents, and pharmaceuticals.
Petrochemicals: Significant imports include polyethene, polypropylene, and styrene, which are crucial for manufacturing plastics and synthetic materials.
Speciality Chemicals: Chemicals such as ethyl vinyl acetate and maleic anhydride are imported for specific applications in industries like adhesives and coatings.
Agrochemicals: This includes various pesticides and herbicides, which are vital for agricultural productivity and crop protection.
How important are these chemicals for scientific research?
Foundation for Experimental Work: Laboratory chemicals are essential for conducting experiments in various scientific fields, enabling researchers to test hypotheses and validate results.
Facilitate Innovation: These chemicals allow for the development of new products and technologies, driving advancements in industries such as pharmaceuticals, biotechnology, and materials science.
Support Medical Diagnostics: Laboratory chemicals play a crucial role in medical testing and diagnostics, aiding in disease detection and treatment monitoring, which is vital for public health.
What was the issue?
Steep Duty Increase: The hike in customs duty on laboratory chemicals alarmed the scientific community, with prices of essential chemicals projected to rise dramatically, such as a batch that typically costs ₹1,00,000 now estimated at ₹2,50,000.
Impact on Research: Researchers expressed concerns that the increased costs would hinder scientific research and experimentation, as many essential chemicals are imported and the hike could disrupt ongoing projects.
Is Ethanol also imported into the country?
Import Volume: India imported approximately 635 million liters of ethanol in 2022, primarily for use as fuel and in industrial applications.
Types of Ethanol: There are two main types of ethanol relevant to India:
Denatured Ethanol: This type is mixed with additives to make it unfit for consumption and is primarily used in laboratories and industrial applications. India has reduced the import tariff on denatured ethanol to encourage its use in manufacturing.
Undenatured Ethanol: This type incurs a higher import tariff of 150% and is generally used for beverage production.
Domestic Production Challenges: Although India has a significant capacity for ethanol production, it often faces challenges such as insufficient molasses supply. The government has set ambitious goals for ethanol blending in gasoline, aiming for a 20% blend by 2025.
How was the issue resolved?
The Finance Ministry clarified that all imported laboratory chemicals, except undenatured ethyl alcohol, will be taxed at the original 10% customs duty rate instead of the proposed 150% hike.
The customs department had initially hiked the duty to 150% to curb the import of undenatured ethyl alcohol that was being mis-declared as laboratory chemicals to avoid the higher 150% duty on undenatured ethanol.
Way forward:
Strengthen Local Production of Niche Chemicals: Need to invest in domestic manufacturing capabilities for niche and specialty chemicals to reduce dependency on imports, enhance self-sufficiency, and lower costs for research institutions.
Facilitate Smooth Import Processes: Govt. should streamline import regulations for essential laboratory chemicals, ensuring clear guidelines and minimal delays, while maintaining necessary checks to prevent misclassification and misuse.
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Clean energy
Mains level: Govt. initiative related to clean energy
Why in the News?
In her seventh consecutive Budget address, the Finance Minister unveiled initiatives demonstrating India’s dedication to advancing its clean energy transition.
Recent Observations
In a seventh consecutive Budget speech, the Finance Minister announced measures indicating India’s commitment to its clean energy transition, including developing policies on pumped hydro storage, energy transition pathways to support nuclear energy, and energy efficiency.
The memories of this summer’s record-breaking heatwaves, which drove up power demand, reflect both a growing economy and a warming climate.
India has achieved 3 key milestones in the last decade:
Near-universal electrification through the Saubhagya scheme;
Five-fold increase in installed renewable energy capacity making India the fourth-largest country globally, and
40% drop in aggregate losses of power distribution companies.
India’s annual electricity demand has been growing by 7-9% every year since the COVID-19 pandemic, with peak demand rising even faster. Climate change-induced weather extremes further exacerbate these challenges.
In 2023 alone, China added 300 GW of solar and wind capacity, while the European Union added 73 GW. As of March, India’s cumulative renewable capacity stood at 144 GW, with another 128 GW in the pipeline
Investing in a cleaner, flexible, and resilient power grid will help our economy grow sustainably and create jobs in the clean energy sectors
Infrastructure Development: The government has allocated significant resources for infrastructure development, recognizing that a robust energy grid is crucial for economic growth.
Renewable Energy Capacity Goals: India aims to achieve 500 GW of renewable energy capacity by 2030. This goal is part of a broader strategy to increase the share of renewables in the energy mix, which currently stands at only 13%.
Job Creation: Investments in clean energy infrastructure are expected to create numerous jobs.
Diverse Clean Energy Resources: The Budget encourages the faster deployment of various clean energy resources, including solar and wind, to meet rising energy demands.
Energy Storage Solutions: The emphasis on developing pumped energy storage systems and battery storage solutions is crucial for addressing the intermittency of renewable energy sources, enhancing grid flexibility and reliability.
Taxonomy for Climate Finance: The introduction of a taxonomy to identify green activities aims to attract climate finance, facilitating investments in clean energy projects and supporting the transition to a sustainable energy economy.
Way forward:
Accelerate Renewable Energy Deployment: Need to expedite the deployment of solar, wind, and other renewable energy projects to meet the 500 GW target by 2030.
Enhance Energy Storage and Grid Resilience: Need to develop robust energy storage solutions, such as pumped hydro and battery storage, to address renewable energy intermittency.
Mains PYQ:
Q Clean energy is the order of the day.’ Describe briefly India’s changing policy towards climate change in various international fora in the context of geopolitics. (2022)
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Gender-based laws
Mains level: Weak implementation of gender-based law
Why in the News?
India’s election had 642 million voters, mostly women, but few candidates focused on women’s safety, failing to address the pervasive institutional violence that millions of survivors endure daily.
Gender-based Violence: Prolonged and Institutional
Judicial and Police Challenges: A significant barrier to justice is the perception among police officers that complaints of gender-based violence are often baseless as per the report published in 2019 by J-PAL, a global policy think tank.
Survivors frequently encounter a judicial process that is lengthy and traumatizing, which perpetuates a cycle of violence and silence.
Silence Among Survivors: Many women endure violence in silence due to societal stigma and fear of further victimization.
National Crime Records Bureau reported405,861 cases of crimes against women in 2021, including 32,033 cases of rape. However, these figures are believed to represent only a fraction of the actual incidents due to underreporting driven by societal stigma and fear of retaliation
Problems in Rural India
Caste and Gender Dynamics: In rural areas, the dominance of male and upper-caste individuals in local governance (panchayats) creates additional barriers for women seeking justice.
The socio-cultural norms often discourage women from reporting violence, as divorce and legal recourse are rarely options available to them.
Access to Justice: The backlog of court cases (estimated at 40 million) disproportionately affects survivors from marginalized communities, making it even more difficult for them to seek redress.
Strong laws:
The Dowry Prohibition Act 1961: Made giving and receiving dowry a crime
The Criminal Law (Amendment) Act 2013: Introduced new offences like stalking, voyeurism, and acid attacks
The Protection of Women from Domestic Violence Act 2005: Defines domestic violence and provides legal recourse for survivors.
Issue of Weak Implementation of Law:
Ineffective Enforcement: Despite having strong laws, the enforcement is often inadequate. For example, there are approximately 40 million pending court cases in India, leading to significant delays in justice.
Corruption and Indifference:Corruption within law enforcement and the judiciary hampers the implementation of laws. Police officials may exhibit insensitivity towards marginalized communities, leading to a lack of trust in the system.
Administrative Fragmentation: The structure of local governance, particularly through panchayats, is often disempowered and fragmented. This limits their capacity to address local issues effectively, as they lack the necessary funds and authority to implement programs that meet community needs.
Lack of Coordination: Multiple departmental organizations operate separately, leading to a lack of coordinated action.
For instance, local officials may be unable to address pressing community issues due to rigid departmental mandates that do not align with the actual needs of the population.
Inadequate Resources and Training: Many implementing organizations suffer from inadequate staffing and lack of expertise.
For example, while there may be a sufficient number of government personnel, they often lack the necessary training and resources to execute their duties effectively.
Cultural and Societal Barriers: Societal attitudes and stigma surrounding issues like gender-based violence can lead to underreporting and a reluctance to seek help.
Way forward:
Enhance Law Enforcement Training: Need to implement comprehensive training programs for police and judicial personnel focused on gender sensitivity, trauma-informed responses, and the legal rights of survivors.
Empower Local Communities: Engage community leaders and organizations to create support networks for survivors of gender-based violence. This can include establishing helplines, counseling services, and safe spaces for women to seek help without fear of stigma or retaliation.
Mains PYQ:
Q Women empowerment in India needs gender budgeting. What are the requirements and status of gender budgeting in the Indian context? (2016)
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: How much of India consumes liquor?
Mains level: Impact of liquor consumption over society
Why in the News?
Delhi, Karnataka, Haryana, Punjab, Tamil Nadu, Goa, and Kerala are considering or have considered allowing doorstep delivery of alcohol through platforms such as Swiggy, BigBasket, and Zomato.
Arguments in favour of Online Delivery of Alcohol:
Revenue Generation: Excise taxes on alcohol sales can help generate significant revenue for Central and State governments.
Reduce Drunk-Driving Incidents: Doorstep delivery can potentially reduce drunk-driving incidents and prevent road traffic crashes and injuries.
Access and Safety for Women: Doorstep delivery may reduce on-premise violence against women and allow women to access alcohol without facing social stigma.
Arguments against Online Delivery of Alcohol:
Economic Costs vs. Benefits: The costs due to alcohol use often exceed the economic benefits from alcohol sales.
Increased Consumption and Binge Drinking: The availability of alcohol on-demand can increase consumption, promote binge drinking, and lead to alcohol-related harms.
Public Health Concerns: Alcohol is associated with various health risks including cancers, mental illnesses, liver disease, and increased risk of inter-partner violence.
Consumption of Liquor in India:
India is the sixth-largest alcohol market worldwide with $52 billion in revenue.
Per capita alcohol consumption has increased from 1.6 litres in 2003-2005 to 5.5 litres in 2016-2018.
According to a 2019 survey, there were about 16 crore alcohol users in India in 2018.
Of these, 5.7 crore frequently consumed alcohol leading to social or interpersonal problems, and 2.9 crore were dependent users requiring therapeutic intervention.
Can such a system make it safer for women to access alcohol?
Doorstep delivery may help women access alcohol without dealing with social stigma.
There is some evidence that it could reduce on-premise violence against women, as seen in Kerala. However, domestic violence related to alcohol use is rampant, and the overall safety of women cannot be presumed.
How should governments regulate liquor consumption? (Way forward)
Restrict Availability and Marketing: Implement policies to limit the availability and marketing of alcohol.
Higher Taxes: Increase taxes on alcohol to deter consumption and generate revenue.
Enforce Drunk-Driving Laws: Strengthen the enforcement of drunk-driving laws with stringent penalties.
Invest in Treatment Programs: Allocate funds for psychosocial treatments of alcohol-use disorders and mental health initiatives.
Monitor and Evaluate Impact: Governments should work with health departments to monitor and evaluate the impact of doorstep delivery on alcohol consumption and revise policies if necessary.
Uniform Policy Standards: Develop more uniform policy standards and ensure better implementation grounded in public health priorities over revenue generation.
Mains question for practice:
Q Analyze the trends in alcohol consumption in India over the past two decades. How has this trend impacted public health and social dynamics? 10M
Prelims Only | Polity | Mains Paper 2: Indian Constitution - historical underpinnings, evolution, features, amendments, significant provisions and basic structure
Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Articles 370 and 35(A)
Why in the News?
The Prime Minister recalled the Parliament’s 5-year-old decision to abrogate Articles 370 and 35(A), calling it a watershed moment.
About Articles 370 and 35(A) of the Indian Constitution
[1] Article 370:
Description
Provision
Grants special autonomous status to the state of Jammu and Kashmir.
Nature
Initially intended as a temporary provision, subject to eventual change or abrogation.
Powers of State
Allowed J&K to have its own Constitution and autonomyover internal matters except defense, foreign affairs, finance, and communications.
Presidential Order
President of India could extend or modify the application of Indian laws to J&K with the concurrence of the state government.
Autonomy Details
Provides a degree of autonomy to the state and permits the state to give some special privileges to its “permanent residents”.
Emergency Provisions
Emergency provisions are not applicable to the state on the grounds of “internal disturbance” without the concurrence of the State.
State Boundaries
Name and boundaries of the State cannot be alteredwithout the consent of its legislature.
Separate Institutions
State has its own constitution, a separate flag, and a separate penal code (Ranbir Penal Code).
Assembly Duration
Duration of the state’s Assembly is 6 years, unlike five in the rest of India.
Parliamentary Jurisdiction
Indian Parliament can pass laws regarding J&K in the matters of defense, external affairs, and communication only.
Any other law formed by Union will only be applicable in J&K by presidential order if it concurs with the state assembly.
Abolishment Condition
President may, by public notification, declare that this Article shall cease to be operative but only on the recommendation of the Constituent Assembly of the State.
Abolishment
In August 5, 2019, through a Presidential Order and a resolution passed by the Indian Parliament.
Impact of Abrogation
J&K’s special status was revoked.
It was reorganized into two Union Territories: Jammu and Kashmir, and Ladakh.
[2] Article 35A:
Description
Provision
Empowers the J&K legislature to define permanent residents of the state and provide them with special rights and privileges.
Insertion
Added to the Constitution through a Presidential Order in 1954.
Permanent Residents
Defined by the state as those who were state subjects on May 14, 1954, or have been residents for 10 years, and lawfully acquired immovable property.
Special Rights
Permanent residents were given exclusive rights to employment under the state government, acquisition of immovable property in the state, and scholarships.
Constitutionality Debate
Debated on the grounds that it was not added via an amendment procedure.
Criticism
Criticized for being discriminatory and creating a sense of separation from the rest of India.
Revocation
Along with Article 370, Article 35A was effectively nullified on August 5, 2019.
PYQ:
[2016] To what extent is Article 370 of the Indian Constitution, bearing marginal note “Temporary provision with respect to the State of Jammu and Kashmir”, temporary? Discuss The future prospects of this provision in the context of Indian polity.
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: National Coastal Mission Scheme (NCM)
Why in the News?
The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC) has expanded the National Coastal Mission Scheme (NCM) to address the challenges posed by rising sea levels.
About National Coastal Mission Scheme (NCM)
The NCM was launched in July 2014.
It aims to address the climate change impact on coastal areas and ensure sustainable development of coastal regions.
It is part of India’s National Action Plan on Climate Change (NAPCC), focusing on sustainable development and climate resilience in coastal areas.
Key Areas:
Coastal protection
Conservation of coastal ecosystems
Development of sustainable livelihoods
Enhancing climate resilience
The MoEFCC, Government of India, is responsible for implementing the scheme.
Key Strategies
Coastal Protection: Construction and maintenance of coastal protection infrastructure to prevent erosion and manage coastal disasters.
Ecosystem Conservation: Conservation and restoration of mangroves, coral reefs, and other critical coastal ecosystems.
Sustainable Livelihoods: Promotion of sustainable livelihoods for coastal communities through skill development and capacity building.
Climate Resilience: Improving the resilience of coastal communities and infrastructure to climate change impacts.
Major Initiatives:
Management Action Plan on Conservation of Mangroves and Coral Reefs
Research & Development in Marine and Coastal ecosystem
Sustainable Development of Beaches under Beach Environment & Aesthetic Management Service
Capacity Building / Outreach Programme of Coastal States/UTs on conservation of marine and coastal ecosystem including beach cleaning drive.
PYQ:
[2022] Explain the causes and effects of coastal erosion in India. What are the available coastal management techniques for combating the hazard?
[2011] The 2004 Tsunami made people realize that mangroves can serve as a reliable safety hedge against coastal calamities. How do mangroves function as a safety hedge?
(a) The mangrove swamps separate the human settlements from the sea by a wide zone in which people neither live nor venture out.
(b) The mangroves provide both food and medicines which people are in need of after any natural disaster.
(c) The mangrove trees are tall with dense canopies and serve as an excellent shelter during a cyclone or tsunami.
(d) The mangrove trees do not get uprooted by storms and tides because of their extensive roots.
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Bhoj Wetland
Why in the News?
The Madhya Pradesh State Wetland Authority has reported that Bhoj Wetland in Bhopal is not at risk of being removed from the Ramsar Convention List of important international wetlands.
About Bhoj Wetland
Bhoj Wetland is located in the center of Bhopal district in Madhya Pradesh.
The wetland includes two man-made lakes: the upper lake and the lower lake.
Since August 2002, they have been recognized as a wetland of international importance under the Ramsar Convention.
The upper lake, created by King Bhoj in the 11th century, is one of the oldest large man-made lakes in central India.
It was formed by building an earthen dam across the Kolans River, which used to be a tributary of the HalaliRiver.
Now, the upper part of the Kolans River and the Bhojtal drain into the Kaliasot River through a diversion channel.
Bhadbhada Dam, built in 1965, controls the outflow to the Kaliasot River.
The lower lake was created in 1794 by Nawab ChhoteKhan to beautify the city.
It also has an earthen dam and drains into the Halali River through the lower part of the Kolans River, now called the Patra Drain.
Both the Kaliasot and Halali Rivers flow into the Betwa River.
Significance of Bhoj Wetland
The upper lake provides 40% of Bhopal’s drinking water, while the lower lake supplies raw water and enhances the city’s beauty.
It supports over 700 species of plants and animals, including zooplankton and phytoplankton.
Both lakes are rich in biodiversity, supporting various fish species, birds, insects, reptiles, and amphibians.
PYQ:
[2018] Which one of the following is an artificial lake?
Explained | Economics | Mains Paper 3: Effects Of Liberalization On The Economy, Changes In Industrial Policy and their effects on Industrial Growth
Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: About Business Responsibility and Sustainability Report (BRSR)
Mains level: Key Features of the BRSR Framework
Why in the News?
In 2023, the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) introduced an updated framework for corporate sustainability reporting.
The revised Business Responsibility and Sustainability Report (BRSR) framework mandates that companies assess and disclose the environmental impact of their entire value chain.
Business Responsibility and Sustainability Report (BRSR)
In 2021, the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) introduced the Business Responsibility and Sustainability Report (BRSR) framework, mandating that the top 1,000 listed companies in India disclose their performance on environmental, social, and governance (ESG) parameters.
This initiative aimed to enhance transparency and encourage responsible business practices, building on the earlier Business Responsibility Report (BRR) introduced in 2012.
Key Features of the BRSR Framework
Expanded Reporting Requirements: The BRSR Core builds upon the initial Business Responsibility and Sustainability Report (BRSR) introduced in 2021, which mandated the top 1,000 listed companies in India to disclose their ESG performance.
Mandatory Assurance: Starting from FY 2023-24, the BRSR Core mandates that the top 150 companies obtain reasonable assurance on their ESG disclosures. This requirement aims to improve the credibility of the reported data and combat greenwashing, ensuring that companies provide reliable information about their sustainability practices.
Nine ESG Attributes: The framework is structured around nine critical ESG attributes, which include greenhouse gas emissions, water usage, energy consumption, and employee well-being.
Comply or Explain Principle: SEBI has adopted a “comply or explain” approach, allowing companies to either adhere to the specified reporting requirements or provide valid reasons for non-compliance.
Alignment with International Standards: The BRSR Core is aligned with several internationally recognized frameworks, such as the EU Taxonomy and the Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) standards.
Focus on Value Chain: A significant aspect of the BRSR Core is its emphasis on assessing the ESG impacts of a company’s supply chain.
For India, every economic sector must contribute to greener means of production
For India to achieve its sustainability goals and contribute effectively to greener means of production, every economic sector must play a vital role.
Importance of Sectoral Contribution to Sustainability
Diverse Economic Sectors: The key sectors such as agriculture, construction, power, manufacturing, transport, and tourism are crucial for transitioning to a green economy. For example, electric transport and eco-tourism.
Government Initiatives: The Indian government is actively promoting green growth through investments in priority sectors, which include manufacturing, renewable energy, and electric mobility. For example, An allocation of ₹19,700 crore for the production of green hydrogen.
Green Manufacturing: The manufacturing sector is a significant focus for greening efforts, with studies indicating that sustainable manufacturing practices can lead to substantial reductions in greenhouse gas emissions. For example, the (Zero Defect Zero Effect) ZED initiative aims to create a competitive, qualitative, and clean manufacturing ecosystem.
Renewable Energy Commitment: India has set ambitious targets for increasing its non-fossil energy capacity to 500 gigawatts by 2030.
Collaboration and Policy Frameworks: Initiatives like the Partnership for Action on Green Economy (PAGE) and various policy dialogues aim to facilitate collaboration among sectors to promote inclusive and sustainable economic growth.
Way forward:
Enhanced Accountability: Ensure stricter enforcement of the BRSR and BRSR Core frameworks, expanding the scope to cover more companies and sectors beyond the top 1,000 listed companies.
Capacity Building: Provide training and resources to companies, especially small and medium enterprises (SMEs), to improve their ESG reporting capabilities and integrate sustainability into their core operations.
Mains question for practice:
Q Discuss the significance of the Business Responsibility and Sustainability Report (BRSR) framework introduced by the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) in promoting sustainable business practices among Indian corporations. 15M
Explained | Polity | Mains Paper 2: Indian Constitution - historical underpinnings, evolution, features, amendments, significant provisions and basic structure
Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Mains level: Why did the Supreme Court Overrule a Five-Judge Decision of 2004 related to the subcategorisation of SC?
Why in the News?
A seven-judge Bench of the Supreme Court has ruled that States can subdivide Scheduled Castes (SC) into groups to allocate sub-quotas within the Dalit reservation.
Will the Weaker Among Dalits Get Representation from Further Sub-Classification?
The Supreme Court’s ruling allows states to create sub-classifications within the SC category, which is expected to enable states to earmark sub-quotas for the most marginalized sections of Dalits.
This decision aims to ensure better representation for weaker groups within the SC community who have historically been underrepresented and have not benefitted adequately from existing reservations.
The ruling emphasizes that treating SC communities as a homogeneous group undermines the objective of reservations, as there are significant differences in advancement and discrimination among various SC communities.
Why Did the Supreme Court Overrule a Five-Judge Decision of 2004?
The 2004 judgment in E.V. Chinnaiah vs. State of Andhra Pradesh held that SCs constitute a single homogeneous class and that any sub-classification was unconstitutional, as it violated Article 341, which empowers the President to notify the list of SCs.
The recent seven-judge Bench, led by Chief Justice D.Y. Chandrachud, found this ruling to be incorrect, stating that SC communities are not homogeneous and that there are inter se differences among them.
The majority opinion argued that the act of notifying a list of SCs does not create a uniform class, and sub-classification is permissible based on “intelligible differentia” and should have a rational nexus to the purpose of doing it.
What are the views on Creamy layer exclusion?
The concept of the creamy layer, which excludes more advanced members of a community from benefiting from affirmative action, is currently applicable only to Other Backward Classes (OBCs) and has not been extended to Dalit communities.
Justice B.R. Gavai, in a separate opinion, emphasized the need to identify and exclude the more advanced among SCs from affirmative action benefits, arguing that treating all members equally disregards the principle of equality.
The opinions regarding creamy layer exclusion do not constitute a directive for the government to implement this concept for SCs, as the issue was not directly addressed in the current case.
Do the Judges’ Opinions on this Constitute a Direction to the Government?
The judges’ opinions on sub-classification and creamy layer exclusion provide a legal framework for states to follow but do not serve as a direct mandate for the government to implement changes.
The ruling establishes that states have the authority to sub-classify SCs for the purpose of extending reservation benefits, but the specific implementation details and parameters for creamy layer exclusion remain open for further consideration and do not compel immediate action from the government.
Way forward:
Implementation Framework for Sub-Classification: The government should establish a comprehensive framework that outlines the criteria and process for sub-classification of SCs.
Addressing Creamy Layer Exclusion: The government should consider developing specific criteria for identifying the “creamy layer” within SCs, similar to the criteria used for OBCs.
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: About the Dotson Ice Shelf (DIS) in the Amundsen Sea
Mains level: Reasons behind ocean warming
Why in the News?
New research has documented previously unseen shapes at the base of a West Antarctic ice shelf.
Base of a West Antarctic Ice Shelf
Basal Melt Dynamics: The base of West Antarctic ice shelves, including the Dotson Ice Shelf, experiences basal melt driven by warm ocean water. This process leads to thinning and hollows out cavities beneath the ice, reducing structural support for the grounded ice above.
Autonomous Underwater Vehicle (AUV) Research: Recent research utilized an AUV equipped with multibeam sonar to explore the topography of the basal melt cavity beneath the Dotson Ice Shelf, revealing previously unquantified melt mechanisms and unique formations at the ice shelf’s base.
Warm salty water, which is transported through ocean currents, significantly contributes to the melting of ice shelves. This bottom-up melting is critical to understanding the dynamics of ice loss and its implications for global sea level rise.
The AUV discovered tear-shaped indents and other unique shapes at the base of the ice shelf, indicating diverse melting patterns influenced by the flow of warm water.
About the Dotson Ice Shelf (DIS) in Amundsen Sea
Dotson Ice Shelf is part of the West Antarctic ice sheet and is located next to Thwaites Glacier in the Amundsen Sea.
Thwaites Glacier is considered to have a potentially large impact on future sea level rise due to its size and location.
Reasons behind ocean warming
Greenhouse Gas Emissions: Since the Industrial Revolution, human activities such as burning fossil fuels have significantly increased greenhouse gas (GHG) concentrations in the atmosphere, including carbon dioxide, methane, and nitrous oxide. These gases trap heat, leading to global warming.
Heat Absorption: The oceans have absorbed more than 93% of the excess heat from greenhouse gas emissions since the 1970s. This resulted in an average increase in ocean temperature of about 1°F (0.6°C) over the past century.
Impact of El Niño: The El Niño weather pattern, characterized by the abnormal warming of surface waters in the equatorial Pacific Ocean, contributes to both ocean warming and rising global surface temperatures.
International Efforts and Agreements
The United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) was signed by 166 countries in 1992, acknowledging humanity’s role in climate change.
The Paris Agreement, adopted in 2015, sets the international community the goal of limiting global warming to “well below” 2°C in this century.
The Green Climate Fund, established in 2010, aims to help developing countries adopt initiatives to combat climate change and deforestation
Way forward:
Enhanced Global Commitments: Nations need to reinforce their commitments under international agreements like the Paris Agreement. This includes setting more ambitious targets for reducing greenhouse gas emissions and adhering to these goals through stringent policies and regulations.
Funding and Technology Transfer: Developed countries should increase financial contributions to climate funds such as the Green Climate Fund to support mitigation and adaptation efforts in developing countries.
Mains Question for practice:
Q Bring out the relationship between the shrinking Himalayan glaciers and the symptoms of climate change in the Indian sub-continent. (2014)
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Mains level: Concerns about the sidelining of basic research and stagnation in research funding
Why in the News?
Modi’s government launched advanced tech missions and boosted private space participation, achieving a moon landing, amid concerns over basic research neglect and stagnant research funding.
Priority areas – productivity and resilience in agriculture, energy security, and manufacturing and services:
Productivity and Resilience in Agriculture
The Union Budget emphasizes transforming agricultural research to enhance productivity and climate resilience.
Initiatives such as “speed breeding platforms” have been established to accelerate the development of climate-resilient crop varieties, allowing multiple generations of crops to be grown in a single year.
Energy Security
The budget prioritizes energy security with a focus on research and development of small and modular nuclear reactors and advanced thermal power plants.
The proposed “Critical Minerals Mission” is expected to enhance research in critical minerals essential for clean energy technologies.
Manufacturing and Services
The budget highlights the importance of enhancing domestic manufacturing capabilities and attracting foreign investment through initiatives like the Production Linked Incentive (PLI) schemes.
Plans for “plug and play” industrial parks in 100 cities are expected to facilitate the uptake of indigenous technologies and boost manufacturing output.
The focus on commercializing technologies with private sector involvement aims to strengthen the manufacturing sector’s contribution to the economy.
Concerns about the sidelining of basic research and stagnation in research funding
Sidelining of Basic Research
Focus on Advanced Technology: The previous two terms of the Indian government emphasized advanced technology missions (e.g., supercomputing, quantum technologies), which raised concerns that basic research was being neglected.
Limited Funding for Basic Research: The establishment of the Anusandhan National Research Fund (ANRF) aims to prioritize basic research, but there are concerns that the emphasis on “prototype development” alongside basic research may indicate a shift towards translational research, potentially sidelining pure scientific inquiry.
Disparity in Funding Distribution: Currently, about 65% of research funding is allocated to premier institutions like IITs, while state-run universities receive only about 11% of the funds provided by the Department of Science and Technology (DST). This disparity hampers the growth of basic research across a broader range of institutions.
Stagnation in Research Funding
Actual Expenditure vs. Allocation: Concerns were raised that the actual expenditure on science and technology and higher education in 2023-2024 was much less than the initial allocation for that year.
Demand for Increased Funding: The scientific community has long demanded higher government funding for basic research, as the private sector has shown limited interest in investing in this area.
Impact of Inflation: The nominal increases in budget allocations for research may not be sufficient to counteract inflation, leading to a real decrease in available funding for research activities.
Way forward:
Increase Research Funding: Need to boost the overall research funding as a percentage of GDP to ensure adequate resources for both basic and applied research. This includes adjusting allocations to counteract the effects of inflation.
Equitable Distribution: The government should ensure a more balanced distribution of funds across premier institutions and state-run universities to foster a broader base of scientific inquiry and innovation.
The Central government is considering the legality of declaring the landslide a national disaster.
Wayanad Landslide: Destruction and Casualties
The landslide, triggered by heavy rain, devastated at least three villages.
Kerala’s official death toll stands at 221, with over 200 people still missing.
Rescue workers continue to retrieve bodies and body parts from the mud and debris.
Approximately 9,000 people displaced by the disaster have taken refuge in government-run relief camps in Wayanad.
Defining a Disaster:
A naturaldisaster includes natural events like earthquakes, floods, landslides, cyclones, tsunamis, urban floods, and heatwaves.
Man-made disasters can include nuclear, biological, and chemical incidents.
According to the Disaster Management Act, 2005, a disaster is defined as:
A catastrophe, mishap, calamity, or grave occurrence in any area arising from natural or man-made causes.
It results in substantial loss of life or human suffering, damage to or destruction of property, or environmental degradation.
The damage must be of such a nature or magnitude that it is beyond the coping capacity of the affected community.
Is there any provision to declare a ‘National Disaster/Calamity’?
There is NO provision under the existing guidelines to declare any disaster, including floods, as a national calamity.
The guidelinesdo NOT contemplate declaring a disaster as a National Calamity.
Attempts to Define National Calamity:
National Committee (2001):
Chaired by the then Prime Minister, the committee was tasked with defining parameters for a national calamity.
The committee did not suggest any fixed criteria for such a declaration.
10th Finance Commission (1995-2000):
It proposed that a disaster be termed “a national calamity of rarest severity” if it affects one-third of a state’s population.
It did not define “calamity of rare severity” but suggested that each case be adjudged individually.
Response to such calamities in India
When a calamity is declared as such, support is provided at the national level.
The Centre considers additional assistance from the NDRF.
A Calamity Relief Fund (CRF) is established, with the corpus shared 3:1 between the Centre and the state.
If resources in the CRF are insufficient, additional assistance is considered from the National Calamity Contingency Fund (NCCF), funded entirely by the Centre.
Relief measures can include the repayment of loans or the provision of fresh loans to affected individuals on concessional terms.
PYQ:
[2020] Discuss the recent measures initiated in disaster management by the Government of India departing from the earlier reactive approach.
[2019] Vulnerability is an essential element for defining disaster impacts and its threat to people. How and in what ways can vulnerability to disasters be characterized? Discuss different types of vulnerability with reference to disasters.
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: INS SHALKI
Why in the News?
Indian Navy’s submarine INS Shalki, recently docked at Colombo Port on its two day visit to Sri Lanka.
This visit comes against the backdrop of China’s persistent attempts to enhance its strategic and military influence over the island nation.
About INS SHALKI
INS Shalki is a Shishumar classdiesel-electric submarine, commissioned into the Indian Navy on 07 Feb 1992.
Shishumar class submarines are an Indian variant of the Type 209 submarines developed by the German yard Howaldtswerke-Deutsche Werft under the internal designation “Type 1500”.
This is the first ever submarine to be built in India.
It was constructed under licence by the Mazgaon Dock Limited, Mumbai.
Significance of Sri Lanka Visit
India sends submarines to a handful of countries with whom it has close defence and strategic ties.
This is the third submarine to visit SriLanka after the visit of INS Vagir and INS Karanj in June 2023 and February 2024, respectively.
India has been expanding its defence and strategic ties with Sri Lanka amid concerns over China’s attempts to increase its military presence in the Indian Ocean.
Countering Chinese presence:
The docking of the Chinese missile and satellite tracking ship ‘Yuan Wang’ at Hambantota port in August 2022 had triggered a diplomatic row between India and Sri Lanka.
Another Chinese warship docked at the Colombo port in August last year.
PYQ:
[2017] Consider the following in respect of Indian Ocean Naval Symposium (IONS):
1. Inaugural IONS was held in India in 2015 under the chairmanship of the Indian Navy.
2. IONS is a voluntary initiative that seeks to increase maritime co-operation among navies of the littoral states of the Indian Ocean Region.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
