From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: New criminal laws
Mains level: Impact of new criminal laws on Law and order
Why in the News?
The Bureau of Police Research and Development (BPRD) has issued Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) to assist police officers in implementing these new provisions in the criminal laws.
With the new criminal laws coming into effect, how have the basic duties of police officers changed?
Registration of FIRs: The officer in charge cannot refuse to register an FIR due to jurisdiction issues. They must register a zero FIR and transfer it to the respective station. Non-registration can attract penal action.
Electronic Filing of FIRs: Information for FIRs can be given electronically, which must be signed within three days.
Mandatory Videography: Videography is now required during searches, crime scene documentation, and property possession processes. This is to ensure transparency and integrity in investigations.
Display of Arrest Information: Information about arrested individuals must be displayed prominently in police stations, ensuring transparency and accountability.
What are some of the changed provisions concerning arrests of elderly and infirm people?
Permission from an officer not below the rank of DySP is required to arrest individuals above 60 years or those who are infirm for offenses punishable by less than three years.
Handcuffing is restricted and can only be used if there is a possibility of the person escaping custody or causing harm. This aligns with the Supreme Court guidelines.
What about preserving electronic evidence?
The new laws emphasize maintaining the sequence of custody for electronic devices to ensure the integrity of evidence.
The investigating officer must inform the informant or victim about the progress of the investigation within 90 days.
How can electronic evidence be stored?
Use of eSakshya App: A cloud-based mobile app, eSakshya, allows police to capture photos and videos, ensuring they are geo-tagged and time-stamped.
Integration with ICJS: The data captured via eSakshya is part of the Inter-operable Criminal Justice System (ICJS), making it accessible to the judiciary, prosecution, and forensic experts.
Training and Equipment: Investigating officers must be provided with electronic devices and proper training to handle and preserve electronic evidence effectively.
Challenges and Implementation Issues:
Implementation and Training: The transition to new protocols, such as mandatory videography and electronic filing of FIRs, requires extensive training for police officers.
Ensuring that all officers are proficient with the new technology and understand the updated procedures can be a significant logistical and financial challenge.
Infrastructure and Connectivity: Effective implementation of electronic evidence preservation and zero FIR registration demands robust digital infrastructure and reliable internet connectivity, especially in remote or rural areas.
Many police stations may lack the necessary resources or face frequent connectivity issues, potentially hindering the timely and accurate processing of electronic evidence and FIRs.
Way forward:
Need Enhanced Training Programs: Implement comprehensive training programs for police officers nationwide to familiarize them with the new criminal laws and technological advancements.
Need Improved Digital Infrastructure: Invest in upgrading digital infrastructure and ensuring reliable internet connectivity across all police stations, especially in rural and remote areas.
Mains PYQ:
Q The jurisdiction of the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) regarding lodging an FIR and conducting probe within a particular State is being questioned by various States. However, the power of the States to withhold consent to the CBI is not absolute. Explain with special reference to the federal character of India. (UPSC IAS/2021)
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Regenerative Braking and its Working
Why in the News?
The Regenerative Braking device market is set to witness immense growth during the period 2024-2031 due to rise in prominence of e-vehicles.
What is Regenerative Braking?
Regenerative braking is a technology used in electric and hybrid vehicles to capture and reuse energy that would otherwise be lost during braking.
How Does It Work?
Normal Braking: In a traditional vehicle, when you brake, the car’s kinetic energy (the energy it has while moving) is turned into heat and wasted.
Regenerative Braking:
In cars with regenerative braking, when you press the brake pedal, the electric motor runs in reverse.
This reverse action slows down the car, just like traditional brakes.
Instead of converting kinetic energy into heat, the motor converts it back into electrical energy.
This electrical energy is then stored in the vehicle’s battery for later use.
Energy Conversion: This reversed motor converts the kinetic energy of the moving car into electrical energy.
Energy Storage: The electrical energy produced is sent back to the car’s battery and stored for future use, such as powering the vehicle or running electrical systems.
Significance:
Energy Efficiency: Saves energy by reusing it, reducing the need for frequent battery recharges.
Extended Range: Helps electric and hybrid vehicles travel further on a single charge.
Less Wear and Tear: Reduces wear on traditional brake components, leading to lower maintenance costs.
Example: Imagine riding a bicycle down a hill. Normally, if you press the brakes, you slow down and the energy goes away as heat. But if you could somehow capture that energy and use it to help you pedal back up the hill, that would be similar to what regenerative braking does in a car.
How does a Motor become a Generator?
A motor consists of a rotor (which rotates) and a stator (which is stationary).
The stator contains magnets or electromagnets, while the rotor has current-carrying coils.
The Lorentz Force acts on the charged particles in the magnetic field, causing the rotor to spin.
In a generator, mechanical energy induces a current in the stator EVs can implement regenerative braking by switching the traction motor between these configurations.
Downsides of Regenerative Braking
Regenerative braking alone often cannot bring a vehicle to a complete stop and must be supplemented by conventional braking systems.
Regenerative brakes may not prevent vehicles from backsliding downhill.
The efficiency of energy recovery drops as the vehicle’s speed decreases, though regenerative brakes are beneficial in stop-start traffic.
Other Ways to Recover Energy
The design of a regenerative brake depends on the form of energy conversion. EVs convert mechanical energy into electrical energy stored in batteries or supercapacitors.
Flywheels can store mechanical energy by increasing angular momentum, useful in applications like Formula One racing and satellite navigation.
Kinetic energy can also be used to compress air, which can be useful for starting internal combustion engines.
PYQ:
[2021] Magnetite particles, suspected to cause neurodegenerative problems, are generated as environmental pollutants from which of the following?
1. Brakes of motor vehicles
2. Engines of motor vehicles
3. Microwave stoves within homes
4. Power plants
5. Telephone line
Select the correct answer using the code given below.
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: IMF and its bailout packages.
Why in the News?
Argentina faces one of the world’s highest inflation rates and a decade-long economic stagnation.
The International Monetary Fund’s (IMF) earlier decision to release $4.7 billion from a $57 billion bailout package to Argentina, despite missed targets, raised eyebrows.
IMF’s Controversial Decision:
The IMF dispersed $4.7 billion, including overdue and advanced payments, to bolster President Milei’s nascent government.
This move contradicted IMF guidelines requiring adherence to economic conditions, signaling geopolitical influence and strategic support.
Argentina’s Economic Struggles
Persistent fiscal deficits and chronic inflation have plagued Argentina, with historical inflation averaging 190% from 1944 to 2023.
The government defaulted on sovereign debt nine times, exacerbating economic instability.
Since 2009, fiscal deficits persisted, reaching 4.4% of GDP in 2023, fueled by overspending and reliance on the inflation tax.
Milei’s administration targets fiscal reform to eliminate large deficits, contrasting with past failed attempts like the Austral Plan.
Alfonsín launched the Austral Plan, an austerity program that implemented a new currency (the austral), wage and price controls, and currency devaluations.
IMF and its Bailout
The IMF is an international organization (190 member countries) that provides loans, technical assistance, and policy advice to member countries.
Established in 1944 to promote international monetary cooperation, exchange rate stability, balanced economic growth, and poverty reduction.
Hq: Washington, D.C.
An IMF bailout, or an IMF program, is a loan package provided to financially troubled countries.
Bailout programs have specific terms and conditions that borrowing countries must meet to access the funds.
Types of IMF Bailout Packages:
Description
Duration
Conditionality
Stand-by Arrangements
Short-term lending programs for countries with temporary balance of payments problems.
1-2 years
Specific macroeconomic policies for stabilization
Extended Fund Facility
Medium-term lending programs to address balance of payments difficulties from structural weaknesses.
Longer-term
Extensive conditionality and significant reforms
Rapid Financing Instrument
Loan program providing quick financing for countries with urgent balance of payments needs.
Flexible
Fewer conditions and shorter application process
PYQ:
[2016] With reference to the International Monetary and Financial Committee (IMFC), consider the following statements:
1. IMFC discusses matters of concern affecting the global economy and advises the International Monetary Fund (IMF) on the direction of its work.
2. The World Bank participates as an observer in IMFC’s meetings.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Nociceptors, Sexual dimorphism in pain perception
Why in the News?
Recent research has uncovered significant differences in how male and female nociceptors (pain receptors) are activated, paving the way for more precise, sex-specific pain management therapies.
About Pain and Differences in Perception:
The International Association for the Study of Pain defines it as “an unpleasant sensory and emotional experience associated with actual or potential tissue damage, or described in terms of such damage.”
Subjectivity: Pain perception is highly personal and varies among individuals.
Scientific Findings: Recent research by the University of Arizona Health Sciences demonstrated functional sexual dimorphism in nociceptors, the nerve cells responsible for perceiving pain
Why do we perceive Pain?
Role of Nociceptors: Nociceptors are nerve cells with bare endings found throughout the body. They detect extreme pressure, temperature, and chemical signals, converting them into electrical signals sent to the brain via the spinal cord.
Activation Mechanism: Nociceptors in both men and women produce similar pain perceptions but are activated differently.
Normally, they respond to high-intensity stimuli, but their activation threshold can decrease under certain conditions, causing low-intensity stimuli to trigger pain.
Nociceptor Response Threshold
Gender Differences: Females generally have a lower nociceptor response threshold than males.
Peripheral Nociceptor Sensitisation: External factors can lower the pain threshold, causing nociceptors to react to stimuli they would normally ignore.
The Old Vs New Study
Previous research showed that the hormone prolactin increases pain responses in female rodents, while the neurotransmitter orexin B sensitized male rodents to pain.
According to the New study, the Prolactin hormone increased nociceptor activation in female mice, while orexin-B had a similar effect in male mice. These findings were consistent across monkeys and humans.
Nociceptors in males and females canbe differentially sensitized, leading to varying pain thresholds.
Significance of this Pain Research
Sex-Specific Pain Treatment: Current pain management often overlooks the patient’s sex, despite differences in pain conditions between men and women.
Conditions like irritable bowel syndrome, migraines, and painful bladder syndrome are more common in women, while cluster headaches and gout are more frequent in men.
PYQ:
[2021] What are the research and developmental achievements in applied biotechnology? How will these achievements help to uplift the poorer sections of the society?
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: DPTA, 1994; Definition of tree and tree felling.
Why in the News?
The Supreme Court and the Delhi government are at loggerheads due to alleged felling of trees in the Asola-Bhati Wildlife Sanctuary under the Delhi Preservation of Trees Act (DPTA), 1994.
Forest Cover in Delhi: ISFR Report Findings
Largest Cover: According to the ‘India State of Forest Report 2021’ (ISFR) published by the Forest Survey of India (FSI), Delhi has the largest forest cover among seven major megacities, with 195 sq. km, followed by Mumbai (110.77 sq. km) and Bengaluru (89.02 sq. km).
Delhi’s forest cover constitutes 13.15% of its geographical area, while its tree cover spans 147 sq. km (9.91%).
Growth over Time: Despite extensive urban development, the city’s overall green cover (forest and tree cover) has increased from 151 sq. km (10.2%) in 2001 to 342 sq. km (23.6%) in 2021.
What is the case against the DDA?
The Supreme Court is hearing a contempt petition against DDA’s Vice Chairman for the felling of about 1,100 trees, in violation of the SC’s orders, for road expansion in the ridge area, which falls under the eco-sensitive zone around Asola-Bhati Wildlife Sanctuary.
On March 4, the DDA submitted an application to the SC seeking permission to cut trees for the construction of the Gaushala Road. The court directed the DDA to re-examine the proposal with the help of field experts.
An affidavit from the DDA’s Vice Chairman revealed that tree felling had already begun in February and continued for ten days. By February 26, all intended trees were cut down even before the application reached the SC. This material fact was not disclosed when the court heard the application on March 4.
The Bench reprimanded DDA for not providing records of the Delhi LG’s (Chairman of the DDA) February 3 visit to the site, which allegedly led to the tree felling order. The Delhi government was also reprimanded for usurping the Tree Officer’s authority in granting permission.
The apex court has halted the DDA’s work and directed a team from the FSI to assess the number of trees cut and the environmental damage.
Law governing Tree Protection in Delhi:
Delhi Preservation of Trees Act (DPTA), 1994 provides legal protection to trees in the national capital against actions that could harm their growth or regeneration.
The Act defines a tree as “a woody plant that has branches supported by a trunk or a body of at least 5cm diameterand is at least 1 metre highfrom the ground”.
Section 2 (h) of the Act defines “to fell a tree” to include severing the trunk from the roots, uprooting, bulldozing, cutting, girdling, lopping, pollarding, applying arboricides, burning, or any other damaging method.
Under Section 8, no tree or forest produce can be removed on any land without prior permission from the ‘Tree Officer’, even on privately owned property. The ‘Tree Officer’ must respond within 60 days after inspection.
Violations of this Act may result in imprisonment for up to one year, a fine up to ₹1,000, or both.
The Act outlines a ‘Tree Authority’ responsible for conducting tree censuses, managing nurseries, and reviewing government and private construction proposals.
Delhi’s Tree Transplantation Policy, 2020 mandates that 80% of identified trees slated for felling must be transplanted. However, an affidavit submitted by the government to the Delhi High Court in 2022 disclosed that only 33.33% of transplanted trees had survived.
About Asola Bhatti WLS
Situated in the southern part of Delhi and extends into Faridabad and Gurugram districts of Haryana.
Occupies 32.71 sq. km on the Aravalli hill range’s Southern Delhi Ridge, bordering Delhi and Haryana.
Forms a part of Rajasthan’s Sariska Tiger Reserve to the Delhi Ridge.
Classified under Northern Tropical Thorn Forests.
PlantFeatures plants with xerophytic characteristics like thorns, wax-coated and succulent leaves.
Characterized by the presence of the exotic Prosopis juliflora and the native Diospyros montana.
Home to species such as Golden Jackals, Striped-Hyenas, Indian Crested-Porcupines, Civets, Jungle Cats, various snakes, Monitor Lizards, and Mongoose.
Conclusion: The Supreme Court’s directive to enhance Delhi’s green cover is a crucial step towards mitigating the impacts of extreme heat waves and improving the city’s air quality.
PYQ:
[2022] “The most significant achievement of modern law in India is the constitutionalization of environmental problems by the Supreme Court.” Discuss this statement with the help of relevant case laws.
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Permitted artificial colors; Rhodamine B.
Why in the News?
Karnataka’s Food Safety Department ordered action after 40 kebab samples showed unsafe artificial colours, extending the crackdown to Panipuri, Cotton candy, and Gobi Manchurian.
Artificial Colours in the Controversy
Some artificial colours under scrutiny include:
Sunset Yellow (Yellow 6, E110): Approved in the US but requires a warning label in the EU.
Carmoisine (Red No. 10, E122): A deep red dye often used in food.
Rhodamine B: A banned textile dye sometimes illegally used in food.
Different countries have varying regulations for these dyes. For example, tartrazine (E102 in the EU, Yellow 5 in the US) is permitted but only in limited quantities.
Legal Action against FBOs
To take legal action, the department collects a survey sample from an FBO and, if found unsafe, collects four more legal samples for further testing at the Central Food Technological Research Institute (CFTRI).
If CFTRI deems the samples unfit for consumption, the FBO is booked under the Food Safety Act and tried at a court of Judicial Magistrate of First Class (JMFC). Penalties can include a fine of up to Rs 10 lakh and imprisonment for 7 years.
Role of FSSAI in Food Safety and Colorants Regulation
The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) plays a crucial role in regulating and ensuring food safety across the country under the Food Safety & Standards Act, 2006.
Ingredients legally banned in India by the FSSAI and various states initiatives:
Parameters
Details
Ingredients Banned in India
Rhodamine B: A textile dye sometimes illegally used as a food colorant.
Potassium Bromate: A flour treatment agent linked to cancer.
Oxytocin: A hormone used unethically in the dairy industry to increase milk production.
Calcium Carbide: Used for ripening fruits, which is hazardous to health.
Formalin: Used in fish preservation, which is carcinogenic.
Brominated Vegetable Oil (BVO): Used in soft drinks, which is linked to various health issues.
State Initiatives for Food Safety
Karnataka: Crackdown on use of unsafe food colorants in kebabs, pani puri, cotton candy, and gobi manchurian.
Maharashtra: Rigorous checks on milk adulteration and stringent actions against offenders.
Kerala: Implementation of ‘Safe Food’ campaign focusing on reducing pesticide use in vegetables.
Tamil Nadu: Regular inspections of street food vendors and training programs on food safety.
Delhi: Special drives to monitor and control the use of banned substances in sweets during festive seasons.
State Food Safety Index (SFSI) by FSSAI sheds light on the performance of Indian states in ensuring food safety.
PYQ:
[2021] Elaborate the policy taken by the Government of India to meet the challenges of the food processing sector.
[2018] Consider the following statements:
The Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006 replaced the Prevention of Food Adulteration Act, 1954.
The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) is under the charge of Director General of Health Services in the Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare.
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
Q) Climate change’ is a global problem. How India will be affected by climate change? How Himalayan and coastal states of India will be affected by climate change? (UPSC CSE 2017)
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. (UPSC CSE 2022)
Note4Students:
Prelims: Supreme court judgements related to climate change impact,
Mains: Role of state and local Government to address the impact of climate change,
Mentor comment: Climate change poses grave threats to human rights, including the rights to life, health, food, water, housing, and an adequate standard of living. Extreme weather events, sea-level rise, and environmental degradation disproportionately impact vulnerable populations. Governments have a legal obligation to curb climate change, and corporations must respect human rights by reducing emissions and adapting to climate impacts. Addressing climate change is crucial to upholding human rights and ensuring a sustainable future for all.
Let’s learn!
__ __
Why in the news?
In a landmark judgment, the Supreme Court of India recently recognized a right to be “free from the adverse impacts of climate change” in “M.K. Ranjitsinh and Others vs Union of India”, deriving it from the right to life and the right to equality.
Law to inform development choices
Integrating Climate Objectives into Development: Ensure that low-carbon and climate-resilient futures are prioritized in routine decision-making at all levels of development. Embed climate objectives in the legal framework to guide sustainable development choices.
Grounding Climate Action in Social Justice: Design laws to protect vulnerable populations disproportionately affected by climate change. Ensure the energy transition is just and equitable, advancing social justice and inclusive development.
Adopting a Comprehensive and Flexible Approach: Move beyond top-down emission targets to address broader developmental choices and their long-term impacts. Establish well-defined legal procedures that promote continuous consideration of low-carbon and climate-resilient futures.
Building a Robust Institutional Framework: Create an institutional structure to strategize, prioritize, troubleshoot, and evaluate climate policies. Enhance governance capacity to ensure credible and accountable climate action across all levels of government.
Tailoring Framework Climate Laws to the Indian Context: Adapt elements of global framework climate laws to suit India’s specific needs, focusing on maximising development per unit of carbon emitted. Emphasize climate resilience and social equity, ensuring development progresses in a low-carbon direction while building resilience to pervasive climate impacts.
Need for a Low-Carbon Development Body
Rigorous Policy Analysis and Knowledge Generation: Establish a knowledge body in government to rigorously analyze policy options and their potential futures. Enable informed decision-making through a comprehensive understanding of low-carbon development and resilience strategies.
Expertise and Technical Guidance: Create an independent ‘low-carbon development commission’ staffed with experts and technical personnel. Provide national and state governments with practical guidance on achieving low-carbon growth and resilience.
Deliberative Decision-Making and Stakeholder Consultation: Facilitate a platform for deliberative decision-making involving multiple stakeholders. Systematically consult vulnerable communities and those adversely affected by technological changes to ensure their concerns are heard and integrated, leading to more sustainable and inclusive policy outcomes.
Strategic Direction and Whole-of-Government Coordination: Form a high-level strategic body, or ‘climate cabinet,’ comprising key Ministers and representation from State Chief Ministers to drive climate strategy across government. Address the challenge of siloed decision-making by promoting a whole-of-government approach with dedicated coordination mechanisms.
Enhanced Governance and Legal Empowerment: Complement the role of the Ministry of Environment, Forest, and Climate Change with higher-level coordination bodies. Reinforce existing structures like the Executive Committee on Climate Change with clearly defined legal powers and duties to ensure effective implementation and accountability in climate governance.
Role of State and Local Governments in Climate Law
Engagement with Federal Structure: Recognize the importance of India’s federal structure in climate governance. Acknowledge that crucial areas for emission reduction and resilience improvement, such as electricity, agriculture, water, health, and soil, are managed by State and local governments.
First Responders to Climate Impacts: Understand that climate impacts are felt first and most intensely at local levels. Ensure that any institutional structure or regulatory instrument engages meaningfully with subnational governments.
Access to National Scientific Capacity: Establish channels for subnational governments to access national scientific resources and expertise. Utilize the low-carbon development commission as an intermediary to enhance local climate scientific capacity.
Financing Local Action: Develop mechanisms for financing local climate actions. Align centrally-sponsored schemes with climate goals and require national departments to climate-tag expenditures to enhance local climate resilience.
Coordination Mechanisms and Unified Goals: Create coordination mechanisms for the Centre and States to consult on major climate decisions. Require periodic updates of medium-term climate plans from both Centre and States, built around unified climate goals.
State-Specific Solutions and Institutions: Enable States to develop complementary institutions to those at the Centre, providing local knowledge, strategy-setting, deliberation, and coordination functions. Foster the development of State-specific solutions that address unique local climate challenges.
Steps taken by Government to address the impact of climate change:
International Solar Alliance (ISA): Launched in 2015, this alliance aims to efficiently utilize solar energy and reduce dependence on non-renewable sources like fossil fuels.
One Sun, One World, One Grid (OSOWOG) project with the UK: This project aims to build and scale inter-regional energy grids to share solar energy globally.
Swachh Bharat Mission: This program emphasized cleaning India’s cities and villages by providing toilets for every household.
National Clean Air Programme: Launched in 2019 to reduce particulate matter concentrations in the atmosphere.
Green Skill Development Programme: Launched to develop green skills and provide employment in the environment and forest sectors.
Commitment to get 50% of energy from renewable sources and reduce total projected carbon emissions by 1 billion tonnes by 2030: The government aims to ensure sustainable development of the environment.
Faster Adoption and Manufacturing of Hybrid & Electric Vehicles (FAME) India scheme: Launched in 2015 to promote electric vehicles and decrease coal consumption.
Way forward:
Strengthen Institutional and Legal Frameworks: Establish robust institutions like an independent low-carbon development commission to provide expert guidance, facilitate stakeholder consultations, and ensure informed decision-making.
Promote Inclusive and Equitable Climate Action: Integrate social equity considerations into climate policies by systematically consulting vulnerable communities and those affected by technological changes.
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: About Hepatitis A, B, C ;
Mains level: Diseases and their successful case studies in Federal states;
Why in the News?
Hepatitis A infection in Kerala is shifting from early childhood to adolescents and young adults due to better sanitation and hygiene practices.
The inclusion of hepatitis A vaccination into the mainstream immunization program for both one-year-old children and 15-year-old individuals in Kerala shows cost-effectiveness and success.
Present State in Kerala and Overall India:
At the Regional level (Kerala): Kerala has been experiencing regular hepatitis A outbreaks, with the 2024 outbreak being particularly severe.
As of May 30, over 2,400 cases and 18 deaths have been reported, mainly in districts like Kozhikode, Malappuram, Thrissur, and Ernakulam.
At the National Level: Severity in Different Age Groups: Almost 50% of children aged 1-5 years in India were found to be susceptible to the hepatitis A virus.
However, the hepatitis A vaccine is currently only available for those who can afford it, and is not part of the national immunization program.
About Hepatitis A infection:
The infection is usually mild or asymptomatic in children under six years but can be symptomatic and severe in older children, adolescents, and adults, occasionally leading to liver injury and fatalities.
India has recently launched its first indigenously developed hepatitis A vaccine, called Havisure:
Havisure was launched in January 2024 by Indian Immunologicals Limited (IIL), a subsidiary of the National Dairy Development Board.
IIL plans to manufacture up to 1 million doses of Havisure per year initially, focusing on the domestic market first.
Types of Hepatitis
Cause
Vaccine
Hepatitis A (HAV)
Spread through ingestion of contaminated food or water.
Hepatitis A vaccine (e.g., Havrix, Vaqta)
Hepatitis B (HBV)
Spread through contact with infectious body fluids (blood, semen, etc.)
Hepatitis B vaccine (e.g., Engerix-B, Recombivax HB)
Hepatitis C (HCV)
Spread primarily through blood-to-blood contact, often via injection drug use or unsafe medical procedures.
No vaccine is available currently. Treatment focuses on antiviral medications
Hepatitis D (HDV)
Requires HBV as a co-infection to cause illness.
No specific vaccine for HDV. Prevention relies on hepatitis B vaccination.
Hepatitis E (HEV)
Spread through ingestion of contaminated water, similar to HAV
A vaccine is available in some regions (e.g., Hecolin in China), but not widely used. Prevention mainly involves improving sanitation and safe drinking water
Benefits of Hepatitis A Vaccination in Kerala:
Lifelong Immunity: Vaccination provides lifelong immunity against the hepatitis A virus, protecting individuals from severe infections and health complications later in life.
Less Out-of-Pocket Expenditure: Studies have shown that vaccinating children aged one year and adolescents aged 15 years in Kerala using either live attenuated or inactivated vaccines is cost-effective.
Vaccination prevents future healthcare expenditures associated with treating hepatitis A infections.
Increase in Household savings: Implementing vaccination for adolescents could save Kerala ₹5,872 million to ₹10,553 million over five years, depending on the type of vaccine used.
Equal and Universal Accessibility: Due to the inclusion in the universal immunization program, these vaccines are accessible throughout all sections of society, whether rich or poor.
Government Initiatives:
National Viral Hepatitis Control Program (NVHCP): The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare launched the NVHCP in July 2018 to prevent and control viral hepatitis in India.
The program aims to combat hepatitis and achieve country-wide elimination of hepatitis C by 2030, reduce morbidity and mortality associated with hepatitis B and C, and reduce the risk, morbidity, and mortality due to hepatitis A and E.
State-Level Initiatives: Some states like Punjab, Assam, Manipur, Tripura, and Haryana have started free or subsidized hepatitis C treatment programs.
Haryana launched its own Hepatitis Control Program in 2013 at PGIMS Rohtak, which was later expanded to all district civil hospitals in the state in 2017.
What is the Prime challenge?
Achieving high vaccination coverage among adolescents, who are not covered under the universal immunization program, remains a challenge. Strategies such as school-based vaccination campaigns are proposed to enhance this kind of coverage.
Conclusion: Implement targeted vaccination campaigns in schools and communities to ensure high coverage among adolescents aged 15 years, who are not currently included in Kerala’s universal immunization program. This can be achieved through collaboration with schools, healthcare providers, and community organizations to raise awareness and facilitate easy access to vaccinations.
Mains PYQ:
Q What is the basic principle behind vaccine development? How do vaccines work? What approaches were adopted by the Indian vaccine manufacturers to produce COVID-19 vaccines? (UPSC IAS/2022)
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Motion of Thanks; Parliamentary privileges; Article 87; Rajya Sabha and Loksabha Rules;
Mains level: Can a member of the Lok Sabha direct a remark against a Minister?
Why in the News?
The 18th Lok Sabha’s special session featured intense debates on the ‘Motion of Thanks’ to the President’s address, culminating in disputes over expunged remarks by Opposition leaders.
What are expunged remarks?
Expunged remarks in Parliament refer to the words deemed defamatory, indecent, or unparliamentary by the presiding officer and are deleted from the official record.
What is a ‘Motion of Thanks’?
A Motion of Thanks is moved in the Lok Sabha and the Rajya Sabha after the President’s address (Article 87) by an MP of the ruling party, following which it is debated in both the Houses.
It is a customary practice, adopted from the British Parliament. The Indian Constitution does not provide for any such motion, except direction that each House shall discuss the matters contained in the address.
In most cases, three days are set aside for a discussion of the Motion of Thanks and the members are at liberty to speak on any matter of national or international importance and other issues.
Why did the Opposition engage in a war of words with the government over expunging certain remarks?
The expunging of critical remarks escalated tensions between the Opposition and the government, leading to a verbal clash during the parliamentary session.
There were concerns about transparency in the expunction process, with accusations of biased decisions by the presiding officers.
The opposition alleged that there were different standards for expunging remarks made by their leaders compared to those made by ruling party members.
Opposition members argued that their remarks critical of the Prime Minister and the ruling party were unfairly expunged, infringing on their Parliamentary Privilege of Free speech.
What is the process for ‘expunging remarks’ in Parliament?
Presiding Officer’s Discretion: Under Rule 261 in Rajya Sabha and Rules 380 and 381 in Lok Sabha, the Chairman or Speaker can order expunction if words are deemed defamatory, indecent, unparliamentary, or undignified.
If objectionable words are used, the Chair may request their withdrawal; if not complied with, the words are expunged immediately.
Recording Changes: Expunged portions are marked with asterisks and a footnote explaining that they were expunged as ordered by the Chair.
Publication Restrictions: Media are provided with a list of expunged words/phrases and are prohibited from publishing them to avoid a breach of parliamentary privilege.
Can a member of the Lok Sabha direct a remark against a Minister?
Parliamentary Privilege: Members of Parliament (MPs) have the privilege of ‘Freedom of Speech and Expression’ within the House.
This includes the right to question the conduct, policies, or actions of Ministers during parliamentary debates without fear of legal repercussions.
Procedural Requirements: According to parliamentary rules (Rule 353 in Lok Sabha), if an MP wishes to make an allegation against a Minister, they are required to provide advance notice.
This notice allows the Minister in question to prepare a response or provide facts to address the allegation during the debate.
Government Accountability: MPs play a crucial role in holding the government accountable to Parliament and the public. Allegations made against Ministers are part of this oversight function, ensuring transparency and accountability in governance.
However, these allegations must be made in adherence to parliamentary decorum and procedural rules to maintain fairness and order in debates.
What do the various rules state?
Rajya Sabha (Rule 261): Allows the Chairman to expunge defamatory, indecent, unparliamentary, or undignified words from proceedings.
Lok Sabha (Rules 380 and 381): Similar provisions for the Speaker to expunge objectionable remarks from parliamentary records.
Scope of Expunction: Rules also cover situations where remarks are detrimental to the national interest, offensive to dignitaries, or likely to affect religious or communal sensitivities.
Digital Age Challenges: Despite expunction, digital recordings and social media can perpetuate expunged remarks, challenging the effectiveness of traditional expunction practices.
Way forward:
Enhanced Monitoring and Control: Implement advanced monitoring tools that can detect and automatically blur or mute expunged remarks in live broadcasts and recordings of parliamentary proceedings. This can help prevent the inadvertent spread of expunged content on digital platforms.
Public Awareness and Education: Encourage responsible reporting and sharing practices to uphold the integrity of expunctions in parliamentary records.
Mains PYQ:
Q ‘Once a Speaker, Always a Speaker’! Do you think this practice should be adopted to impart objectivity to the office of the Speaker of Lok Sabha? What could be its implications for the robust functioning of parliamentary business in India? (UPSC IAS/2020)
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: About the 2019 National Research Foundation (NRF) Project Report
Mains level: Steps taken by Government for RD
Why in the News?
In 2023, the Anusandhan National Research Foundation (ANRF) Bill was passed by both Houses of Parliament, heralding a significant new initiative aimed at promoting and advancing research in India, particularly within the country’s universities and colleges.
About 2019 National Research Foundation (NRF) Project Report
Objective: The 2019 NRF project report emphasized the goal of seeding, growing, and facilitating research in India, particularly within universities and colleges.
Aim: The project aimed to create an environment where research could thrive free from bureaucratic constraints, providing a funding boost and fostering collaboration with industry partners.
Scope and Structure: NRF will have five major divisions: Sciences, Technology, Social Sciences, Humanities, and Arts
Priority: A top priority mentioned in the report was “growing outstanding research cells already existing at State Universities.”
Lack of Industry Representation in India:
Governing Bodies Composition: The ANRF Governing Board and Executive Council lack representation from key organizations, such as Central and State universities or colleges.
Current Members: Members primarily include Secretaries from various government science departments, directors of top research institutions, and international figures, but not from Indian industry or local academia.
Industry and Academia Input: There is a critical need for representatives who understand the practical challenges and bottlenecks of the current university system and have ground-level experience.
Diversity Issues: There is minimal representation from the industry and a lack of diversity, with the sole industry representative being an Indian-American based in Silicon Valley and the only woman representative being the Secretary of the DSIR.
R&D underfunding:
Current Funding Levels: India significantly underfunds research and development, allocating less than 1% of GDP to R&D. There is a pressing need to increase this to at least 4% to make Indian innovation globally competitive.
Systemic Overhaul: The current funding system requires a significant overhaul to boost research. This includes implementing a robust grant management system, ensuring timely disbursal of funds, and minimizing bureaucratic hurdles at both the funding body and grantee institutions.
Grant and Fellowship Disbursal: Timely disbursal of research grants and student fellowships is crucial. The aim should be a quick turnaround time of less than six months between application and fund disbursal to maintain the momentum of research activities.
Flexibility in Spending: Researchers need flexibility in spending research funds. The current system’s stringent general financial rules (GFR) and the requirement to use the Government e-marketplace (GeM) portal can hinder efficient resource utilization.
Diverse and Competent Leadership: The ANRF should be staffed with diverse representatives from practising natural and social scientists, young entrepreneurs, and women.
Other steps taken by the Government:
Atal Innovation Mission (AIM): It is a flagship initiative to promote innovation and entrepreneurship in the country. It aims to create an ecosystem for innovation and provide support to startups through incubators, accelerators, and mentorship programs.
Impacting Research Innovation and Technology (IMPRINT) Program: IMPRINT is a joint initiative of the Ministry of Education and the Ministry of Science and Technology to promote translational research.
Uchhatar Avishkar Yojana (UAY): UAY is a scheme to promote industry-specific need-based research in premier institutions.
Conclusion: The ANRF should actively involve representatives from both Indian industry and academia in its Governing Board and Executive Council. This inclusion will ensure that decision-making processes are informed by practical insights and ground-level experiences.
Mains PYQ:
Q Scientific research in Indian universities is declining, because a career in science is not as attractive as are business professions, engineering or administration, and the universities are becoming consumer-oriented. Critically comment. (UPSC IAS/2014)
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Who are Gig workers?
Mains level: Why are safeguards necessary for Gig workers?
Why in the News?
The Karnataka government released the draft of the Karnataka Platform-based Gig Workers (Social Security and Welfare) Bill, becoming the second Indian state to take such an initiative, following Rajasthan.
Who are the Gig workers?
Gig workers are independent contractors, freelancers, or temporary workers who are hired for specific projects or tasks, often through online platforms, rather than being employed in traditional long-term employer-employee relationships.
Key highlight of the Bill proposed for the welfare of gig workers:
Social Security and Welfare Fund: Establishment of a welfare boards, social security and welfare fund for gig workers, funded by a welfare fee on transactions or company turnover, and contributions from the Union and State governments.
Grievance Redressal Mechanism: Introduction of a two-level grievance redressal mechanism to address workers’ complaints and ensure transparency in the automated monitoring and decision-making systems used by platforms.
Fair Termination Procedures: Requirement for contracts to list exhaustive grounds for termination, with a 14-day prior notice and valid reasons in writing needed before terminating a worker.
Payment and Deductions: Mandate weekly payments to workers, with clear communication regarding any payment deductions, and the right for workers to refuse a specified number of gigs per week without adverse consequences.
Safe Working Conditions and Contract Transparency: Obligation for aggregators to provide reasonable and safe working conditions, registration of all gig workers, and contracts to be written in simple language with a 14-day notice for any changes, allowing workers to terminate the contract without losing existing entitlements.
What are the impacts of the labour market in a larger domain, and why are safeguards necessary?
Lack of Basic Rights and Social Security: Gig workers are often classified as “partners” rather than employees, leaving them security outside the purview of labour protection laws and without access to basic rights and social benefits.
Arbitrary Terminations and Lack of Grievance Redressal: Instances of arbitrary terminations, blacklisting, and dismissals without hearing the worker’s side are common in the absence of regulatory laws. Automated monitoring and decision-making systems often make these decisions, leaving no room for grievance redressal.
Reduced Payments and Exploitation: Over the years, gig workers have faced reduced payments, arbitrary deductions, and exploitation due to the lack of regulatory laws governing the gig economy.
The wide gap between the purchasing power of these workers and the affluent consumers they serve raises questions about the long-term sustainability of this model.
Need for Transparency and Fair Contracts: The absence of transparency in automated monitoring systems and decision-making by platforms, as well as the lack of fair contracts, has led to the exploitation of gig workers.
There is a need for the state to review contract templates and ensure fair contracts with gig workers.
Lack of Access to Credit and Skill Development: Gig workers often lack access to credit and skill development opportunities, hindering their growth and formalization.
There is a need for enabling platforms to provide these benefits to gig workers.
State-level and National level Initiatives taken previously:
Code on Social Security, 2020: At the national level, the Code on Social Security, 2020 recognized those who freelance or work under short-term contracts. It mandated employers to provide benefits similar to those of regular employees to gig workers.
Rajasthan Platform-Based Gig Workers (Registration and Welfare) Act: Rajasthan became the first state to introduce a bill for the welfare of gig workers in 2023.
The bill, which became an Act in September 2023, sought to establish a welfare board and fund for gig workers.
However, the Act has gone into cold storage after the changed government in November 2023.
Haryana Gig Workers Welfare Board Bill: The bill aims to establish a state-level board dedicated to the social and economic security of gig workers involved in delivering goods, services, and food at doorsteps.
Case study:
In California (USA), the Proposition 22 ballot measure allows app-based transportation and delivery companies to classify drivers as independent contractors while providing them with some benefits like a health insurance subsidy and minimum earnings guarantee.
New York City (USA) has passed legislation requiring food delivery apps to provide workers with benefits like paid sick leave and minimum pay.
Way forward:
Unified Legislation: Introduce a comprehensive national-level legal framework specifically addressing the rights and welfare of gig workers. This legislation should encompass social security, fair wages, occupational safety, and grievance redressal mechanisms.
Strict Enforcement: Ensure robust enforcement of these laws through dedicated government bodies and regular audits of gig economy platforms. Penalties for non-compliance should be substantial enough to deter exploitative practices.
Mains PYQ:
Q Examine the role of ‘Gig Economy’ in the process of empowerment of women in India. (UPSC IAS/2021)
There have been four cases, including three deaths, of the rare, but fatal brain-eating primary amoebic Meningoencephalitis (PAM) in Kerala in the last two months.
What is Primary Amoebic Meningoencephalitis (PAM)?
PAM is a rare brain infection caused by Naegleria fowleri, a free-living amoeba found in warm freshwater and soil worldwide.
An amoeba is a type of cell or unicellular organism with the ability to alter its shape, primarily by extending and retracting pseudopods.
Higher temperatures of up to 115°F (46°C) are conducive to its growth and it can survive for short periods in warm environments.
The amoeba enters the body through the nose, typically during activities like swimming, and travels to the brain, causing severe damage.
According to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), most people with PAM die within 1 to 18 days after symptoms begin. It usually leads to coma and death after 5 days.
Diagnosis and Treatment:
Currently, there are no established effective treatments for PAM.
Diagnosis involves PCR tests of cerebrospinal fluid, though detection can be challenging due to the rarity of PAM.
Treatment followsCDC guidelines, including miltefosine, Azithromycin, and Amphotericin B, with miltefosine recently procured by the State Health Department from Germany.
Medical interventions typically involve a combination of drugs, including amphotericin B, azithromycin, fluconazole, rifampin, miltefosine, and dexamethasone.
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Chandravalli Caves
Why in the News?
Observations made by previous historians who had found painted pottery and coins from the Shatavahana empire and the pre-historic period were once again in the news.
About Chandravalli Caves (also known as Ankali Math)
Chandravalli, a cave temple near Chitradurga, is also a pre-historic site.
Observations at the Site:
Previous excavations were carried out by Mortimer Wheeler under the guidance of the Archaeological Survey of India in 1947.
The cave features multiple chambers including a puja place with a shivlinga, a drawing room, a bedroom, and a water outlet connected to an internal tank.
The caves are accessible only through a narrow entrance, with interiors visible only with the help of a powerful torch hence they are also called as “Dark Caves”.
Presently, Excavations have revealed artifacts such as coins, painted bowls, and earthen pots from various dynasties such as the Hoysala, the Satavahana, and the Vijayanagara.
Excavation reports show that human habitation existed here even during the Iron Age.
Historical Aspect:
They were named after a saint from Ankalagi in Belagavi district who is believed to have settled here.
The cave also contains a rock inscription of Mayurasharma, the founder of the Kadamba dynasty, dating back to AD 450.
About Kadamba dynasty
The Kadambas of Goa were vassals of the Chalukya dynasty of Kalyana. In recognition of his assistance in defeating the Rashtrakutas, Chalukyan emperor Tailapa II appointed Kadamba Shasthadeva as the provincial governor (Mahamandaleshwara) of Goa.
In 960 AD, Shasthadeva captured the city of Chandavara from the Shilaharas and later seized control of the port of Gopakapattana, which is present-day Goa.
Talara Nevayya’s son Gundayya may have fought alongside Shasthadeva in the conquest of the port but died in the battle after successfully capturing it.
Coins from Indian kings like Krishnaraja Wodeyar III, Krishnadevaraya, various Satavahana kings, and Viraraya of the Hoysala kingdom have been discovered.
Among the foreign coins found are denarii of Roman ruler Augustus Caesar and a coin of Chinese Han dynasty Emperor Wu Ti.
Geographical Aspects:
The area is semi-arid with scrub vegetation and a stream running through it.
These caves are surrounded by three hills: Chitradurga, Kirabanakallu, and Jolagudda.
PYQ:
[2021] Which one of the following statements is correct?
(a) Ajanta Caves lie in the gorge of Waghora river.
(b) Sanchi Stupa lies in the gorge of Chambal river.
(c) Pandu-lena Cave Shrines lie in the gorge of Narmada river.
(d) Amaravati Stupa lies in the gorge of Godavari river.
Prelims Only | 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 :
This trend, aimed at reducing import duties by the traders, poses potential long-term revenue losses for India.
India’s Silver Imports
India imported a record 4,172 metric tons of silver in the first four months of 2024, far exceeding the total of 3,625 tons imported in all of 2023.
In February 2024 alone, India imported a record 2,295 metric tons of silver, up from 637 tons in January. This represents a 260% increase.
The surge in imports has been driven by increasing demand from the Solar panel industryas well as a rise in Speculative Investment, with investors betting on silver outperforming gold.
Nearly half of India’s silver imports in 2024 so far have come from the United Arab Emirates (UAE) due to a lower import duty under the India-UAE Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA).
India generally imposes a 15% import duty on silver.
However, because of the CEPA signed between India and the UAE in 2022, allows private traders to import silver through the India International Bullion Exchange (IIBX) paying 9% duty, and an extra 3% in value-added tax.
The government is now concerned about the 647-fold spike in silver imports from the UAE and plans to discuss the issue with Abu Dhabi.
The Gift City exchange, while clearing imports from Dubai since December 2023, is under scrutiny for potential violations of these rules compared to imports from other ports.
About India International Bullion Exchange (IIBX)
Bullion refers to physical gold and silver of high purity that is often kept in the form of bars, ingots, or coins.
The IIBX was announced during the 2020 budget speech by the Finance Minister.
It is set up at the International Financial Services Center (IFSC) located in GIFT City, Gandhinagar.
It is India’s first bullion exchange, launched on 29 July 2022 in Gujarat.
It is the 3rd exchange of its kind in the globe.
Regulations and Setup:
The International Financial Services Centres Authority (Bullion Exchange) Regulations, 2020, were notified in December 2020 specifically for the trading of precious metals, including gold and silver.
These regulations encompass the operations of the bullion exchange, Clearing Corporation, depository, and vaults associated with IIBX.
Operational Framework
Previously, India had liberalized gold imports through nominated banks and agencies in the 1990s.
With IIBX, eligible qualified jewellers in India can directly import gold.
Jewellers need to become trading partners or clients of an existing trading member to participate in the exchange.
Comparison with Previous Practices
Previously, bullion in India was imported under a consignment modelby nominated banks and agencies approved by the RBI, which added handling fees and premiums.
The introduction of IIBX aims to streamline the supply chain by allowing direct imports through the exchange, potentially reducing costs for traders and consumers alike.
Recommendations for Addressing Challenges
Renegotiation of CEPA Terms: The Global Trade Research Initiative (GTRI) advocates for revising CEPA terms to curb duty arbitrage and enforce stricter checks on value addition claims by Gift City exchange.
Enhanced Regulatory Oversight: GTRI proposes limiting silver imports to RBI/DGFT-nominated agencies to mitigate risks associated with mis-declared imports and ensure compliance with CEPA conditions.
Investigation and Oversight: There is a call for a thorough investigation into relationships between export and import firms to identify and mitigate conflicts of interest or familial ties that could influence import practices.
PYQ:
[2016] What is/are the purpose/purposes of Government’s ‘Sovereign Gold Bond Scheme’ and ‘Gold Monetization Scheme’?
To bring the idle gold lying with Indian households into the economy.
To promote FDI in the gold and jewellery sector.
To reduce India’s dependence on gold imports.
Select the correct answer using the code given below:
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: General Zorawar; LT Zorawar
Why in the News?
The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) and private company Larsen & Toubro (L&T) unveiled the prototype of the Zorawar light tank.
Note:
India primarily has T-90S Bhishma and T-72 Ajeya produced under license from Russia.
The Future Ready Combat Vehicle (FRCV) program aims to develop and induct next-generation Indigenous main battle tanks to replace the ageing T-72 fleet starting from 2030 onwards
What is Zorawar Tank?
The Zorawar Tank was developed jointly by the DRDO and Larsen & Toubro (L&T).
It is an indigenous light tank designed specifically for operations in high-altitude regions like Ladakh and Sikkim.
It has been developed under ‘Project Zorawar’, named after General Zorawar Singh of Jammu.
Its prototype was unveiled in July 2023, with internal testing completed at L&T’s facility in Gujarat.
It has been scheduled for extensive trials in various conditions, including summer, winter, and high-altitude environments, with plans for inductionby August 2025.
Who was General Zorawar Singh (1784–1841)?
Zorawar Singh Chandel was a military general of theDogra Rajput ruler, Gulab Singh of Jammu.
He served as the governor (wazir-e-wazarat) of Kishtwar and extended the territories of the kingdom by conquering Ladakh and Baltistan.
He also boldly attempted the conquest of Western Tibet (Ngari Khorsum) but was killed in battle of To-yo during the Dogra-Tibetan war.
About his legacy of conquests in the Himalayas including Ladakh, Tibet, Baltistan and Skardu as General and Wazir, Zorowar Singh has been referred to as the “Napoleon of India“, and “Conqueror of Ladakh“.
Operational Capabilities:
Designed to operate effectively in extreme weather conditions and at high altitudes (above 15,000 feet) with minimal logistic support.
Intended for use in challenging terrains where heavier tanks like T-72 and T-90 face limitations.
Includes thermal sights, night-fighting capabilities, and features to reduce visual, sound, heat, and electromagnetic signatures.
Technical Specifications:
Weight: Approximately 25 tons, allowing for air transportation.
Armament: Equipped with a 105mm turret from John Cockerill.
Firepower: Capable of firing advanced smart munitions and anti-tank guided missiles.
Mobility: Agile and manoeuvrable on steep slopes and riverine regions, designed to be amphibious.
Engine and Power:
Initially planned with a German engine, but due to delays, currently powered by a Cummins engine assembled in India.
DRDO is concurrently working on developing a new power pack and a 1400 HP engine to enhance performance.
Various Indigenous Tanks in the Indian Army
Features
Vijayanta (1965)
First indigenous main battle tank of the Indian Army
Based on a licensed design of the Vickers Mk.1 tank
Equipped with a 105mm rifled gun
Top speed of 52 km/h and range of 201 km
Crew of 4 (commander, gunner, loader, driver)
Upgrades included an improved fire control system, armour, and engine
Arjun (2004)
India’s first fully Indigenous main battle tank developed by the Combat Vehicles Research and Development Establishment
Equipped with a 120mm rifled gun and has top speed of 67 km/h and range of 483 km
Crew of 4 (commander, gunner, loader, driver)
Features advanced fire control system, composite armor, and NBC protection
Arjun Mk-1A variant with improved capabilities entered service in 2022
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Four-year undergraduate program
Why in the News?
Kerala CM Pinarayi Vijayan inaugurated the curriculum of Four-Year Undergraduate Programmes (FYUP) in the state, stressing that it is in line with changes in the Global Education System where the focus is equally on imparting knowledge as well as the transfer of skills and vocational training.
About Four-Year Undergraduate Program (FYUP):
Parameters
Details
Key features
Students can choose their major and minor subjects freely, for example science students can pursue humanities courses.
Provision for students to complete the degree in 2.5 years if they secure the required credits.
Offers 16 FYUP honors programs with research across science, arts, commerce and business streams at the University of Kerala.
FYUP curriculum
It is designed to provide students with knowledge, intellectual abilities, multidisciplinary perspectives, flexible skills, social commitment and research aptitude to make them responsible citizens and offer multiple opportunities in research and employment
Includes online courses, skill development, internships and research projects.
Eligibility criteria
Students need a CGPA of 7.5 or above to advance to the 4th year and get an honors degree with research.
Admission based on 12th marks for now, entrance exam planned from next year.
Administrative and Technological Upgrades required:
Regulatory Revisions: Plans for a comprehensive revision of University Acts and Regulations to streamline academic processes and enhance efficiency.
K-REAP Initiative: Introduction of Kerala Resources for Education Administration and Planning (K-REAP), a governance software to centralize institutional activities.
Issues with FYUP Program
Implementation Challenges: The introduction of the FYUP faced logistical and administrative hurdles, impacting its rollout across Kerala’s higher educational institutions.
Curriculum Adaptation: Critics argue that the FYUP’s curriculum overhaul lacks sufficient alignment with industry needs and fails to adequately prepare students for real-world challenges.
Student Adaptation: Some students and educators have expressed concerns about the abrupt shift in academic structure and its impact on learning outcomes and student performance.
Evaluation Methods: There is ongoing debate over the effectiveness of the FYUP’s assessment methods, with some stakeholders questioning its ability to accurately gauge student knowledge and skills.
Policy Revisions: Continuous revisions and adjustments to the FYUP’s policies and regulations are needed to address evolving educational needs and feedback from various stakeholders.
New Education Policy (NEP), 2020:
The New Education Policy (NEP) 2020 introduced by the Government of India aims to transform the educational landscape of the country.
One of the key changes in the NEP is the restructuring of the duration and framework of undergraduate programs.
The NEP 2020 introduces a four-year undergraduate program as a standard duration for bachelor’s degrees, replacing the traditional three-year format.
Students can exit the program at different stages with a qualification. For example:
After 1 Year: Certificate
After 2 Years: Diploma
After 3 Years: Bachelor’s Degree
After 4 Years: Bachelor’s Degree with Research
PYQ:
[2015] The quality of higher education in India requires major improvement to make it internationally competitive. Do you think that the entry of foreign educational institutions would help improve the quality of technical and higher education in the country. Discuss.
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Constitutional Provisions
Mains level: Basic Structure and foundational principles should never be allowed to be eclipsed
Why in the news?
Voters have cleverly embraced the idea of constitutional principles to protect their freedoms. It’s now everyone’s responsibility, including elected officials, citizens, and the judiciary, to ensure that there’s no overreach.
Constitutional Provisions:
Article 99: Mandates that every member of Parliament must take an oath or affirmation to uphold the Constitution.
Third Schedule: Specifies the form of oath or affirmation that members of Parliament, judges of the Supreme Court, and High Courts must take.
Part III (Fundamental Rights): Guarantees civil liberties, such as the rights to equality, freedom of speech, and right to life.
Part IV (Directive Principles of State Policy): Provides guidelines for governance, directing the state in certain policy matters for the welfare of citizens.
Basic Structure and Foundational Principles:
Kesavananda Bharati Case (1973): Established the doctrine that certain features of the Constitution are beyond the amending power of Parliament if they violate its “Basic Structure”, ensuring that fundamental principles like democracy, secularism, judicial review, and federalism cannot be altered.
Foundational Principles: Include the rule of law, separation of powers, judicial independence, and protection of fundamental rights.
Basic Structure and foundational principles should never be allowed to be eclipsed
Protection of Fundamental Rights: The Basic Structure doctrine protects fundamental rights and core principles like democracy, secularism, judicial independence, and federalism in India.
Preservation of Constitutional Balance: Eclipsing the Basic Structure and foundational principles could upset the delicate balance of powers among the legislature, executive, and judiciary. These principles ensure that no single branch of government becomes disproportionately powerful, thereby maintaining the checks and balances essential for democratic governance.
Upholding the Rule of Law: The Basic Structure doctrine reinforces the supremacy of the Constitution as the supreme law of the land. By preventing its core principles from being undermined or diluted through constitutional amendments or legislative actions, it ensures that all state actions, including laws passed by Parliament, are consistent with constitutional norms and the rule of law.
Significance of “Judicial Overreach”:
Protection of Rights: Judicial overreach often arises when courts intervene to protect fundamental rights guaranteed by the Constitution, especially when legislative or executive actions are perceived to violate these rights.
Checks and Balances: It serves as a crucial check on the powers of the legislature and executive, ensuring that their actions conform to constitutional principles and do not exceed their authority.
Defending the Constitution: Courts may intervene to uphold the supremacy of the Constitution, ensuring that laws and actions comply with its provisions, including the Basic Structure doctrine established in the Kesavananda Bharati case.
Criticisms of judicial overreach:
Interference with the Separation of Powers: Critics argue that judicial overreach interferes with the constitutional principle of separation of powers.
Lack of Accountability: Another criticism of judicial overreach is that the judiciary is not accountable to the people in the same way that elected representatives are. Because Judges are appointed, not elected
Dilution of Democracy: Some critics argue that judicial overreach can undermine the democratic process by taking important decisions out of the hands of elected officials and placing them in the hands of judges.
Mains PYQ:
Q What was held in the Coelho case? In this context, can you say that judicial review is of key importance amongst the basic features of the Constitution? (UPSC IAS/2016)
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Fintech Sector
Mains level: Challenges and significance of the fintech sector,
Why in the news?
Despite achieving a significant milestone in H1 2024, the fintech sector has encountered notable funding difficulties.
What is the Fintech Sector?
The fintech sector encompasses technologies and innovations that aim to compete with traditional financial methods in the delivery of financial services. This includes a wide range of applications like mobile banking, online payments, digital lending, and blockchain technology.
Present Report Insights
Funding Decline: The Indian fintech sector recorded $795 million in funding in H1 2024, a decrease of 11% from H2 2023 and 59% from H1 2023.
Global Ranking: Despite the decline, the Indian fintech ecosystem ranked among the top three globally funded sectors alongside the US and UK in H1 2024.
Major Transactions: Only two funding rounds exceeded $100 million in 2024, with Perfios becoming the only unicorn. Bengaluru led the funding, followed by Mumbai and Pune.
Segment Performance: Alternative Lending, RegTech, and BankingTech were the top-performing segments, with Alternative Lending securing $646 million, making up 81% of the total funding.
Acquisitions and IPOs: There were six acquisitions and five IPOs in H1 2024, marking significant activity despite the overall funding challenges.
Significance of Fintech Sector
Financial Inclusion: Fintech innovations enhance financial inclusion by providing access to financial services to unbanked and underbanked populations.
Economic Growth: The sector contributes significantly to economic growth by fostering innovation, creating jobs, and boosting consumer spending.
Efficiency and Transparency: Fintech solutions improve efficiency and transparency in financial transactions, reducing costs and fraud.
Support for Startups: The sector offers numerous opportunities for startups, driving entrepreneurship and competition.
Challenges
Data Security: Fintech companies must implement strong security measures to protect sensitive customer data from cyber-attacks and data breaches. For example, Acko, a leading Indian fintech startup, has faced issues with data breaches in the past, highlighting the importance of robust data security protocols in the industry.
Regulatory Compliance: The fintech industry is highly regulated, requiring companies to stay updated on the latest government policies and ensure compliance to avoid penalties. For example, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has issued guidelines to protect consumers from predatory lending practices by digital lenders, underscoring the need for fintech firms to navigate the evolving regulatory landscape.
Customer Acquisition and Retention: Attracting and retaining customers is critical for fintech firms. For example, BharatPe, a prominent Indian fintech company, has faced challenges in customer retention due to its focus on merchant acquisition.
Funding and Investment: Securing adequate funding and investments remains a challenge for many fintech startups. For example, Paytm, one of India’s largest fintech companies, has faced scrutiny from investors due to its inability to achieve profitability
How India Can Improve Its Fintech Sector
Supportive Regulatory Environment: Create a regulatory framework that encourages innovation while ensuring consumer protection and systemic stability, facilitating a balanced growth of the fintech ecosystem.
Infrastructure Development: Invest in digital infrastructure, such as high-speed internet and mobile connectivity, to support the widespread adoption and efficient functioning of fintech applications across the country.
Focus on Cybersecurity: Ensure robust cybersecurity measures to protect against fraud and cyber-attacks, building trust among users and maintaining the integrity of fintech services.
Steps taken by the government:
Regulatory Sandbox: The Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) introduced a framework for regulatory sandbox in 2020 to allow fintech companies to experiment with new products and services in a controlled environment.
Digital Personal Data Protection Bill: Introduced in 2022, this bill aims to create a framework for the protection of personal data collected by fintech companies.
Guidelines on Digital Lending: In 2022, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) issued guidelines to protect consumers from predatory lending practices by digital lenders.
Promoting Financial Inclusion: The Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana (PMJDY) has helped in enrolling over 523.9 million beneficiaries for new bank accounts, enabling fintech startups to reach a large consumer base.
Aadhar and UPI: The unique biometric identification system Aadhar and the Unified Payments Interface (UPI) have improved transparency and delivery of financial service
Conclusion: Fintech companies in India face challenges including data security, regulatory compliance, customer acquisition, and securing investments. Addressing these ensures sustainable growth and trust in a competitive market environment.
Mains PYQ:
Q Has digital illiteracy, particularly in rural areas, coupled with a lack of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) accessibility hindered socio-economic development? Examine with justification. (UPSC IAS/2021)
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: What is Neofascism?
Mains level: Impact of Neofascism on Europe
Why in the news?
Before France’s UEFA Euro 2024 opener, Kylian Mbappé warned against extremist power, saying he doesn’t want to represent a country that opposes his values. Marcus Thuram urged against supporting Marine Le Pen’s party.
Who is Kylian Mbappé?
Kylian Mbappé is a French professional footballer who plays as a forward for Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) and the French national team.
Ultra-Right encompasses broader right-wing ideologies, focusing on nationalism, conservatism, and anti-immigration without necessarily adhering to fascist roots.
Neo-fascists often seek to mainstream their image, while ultra-right movements vary widely in intensity and focus on cultural and economic issues.
Key characteristics of Neofascism:
Ultra-nationalism: Extreme patriotism and loyalty to one’s country
Racial supremacy: Belief in the superiority of certain races over others
Populism: Appealing to the interests and concerns of ordinary people, especially against a perceived elite establishment
Authoritarianism: Favoring or enforcing strict obedience to authority at the expense of personal freedom
Nativism: Promoting the interests of native inhabitants against those of immigrants
Xenophobia: Intense or irrational dislike or fear of people from other countries
Opposition to liberal democracy: Rejecting the principles of liberal democracy such as individual rights, political pluralism and the rule of law
The spectre of the Ultra-Right and Neo-Fascism
Rise of the Ultra-Right in Europe: The ultra-right and neo-fascism are gaining significant traction across Europe. The recent European Union (EU) elections saw substantial gains for ultra-right parties, indicating a shift in political dynamics.
Impact on French Politics: Kylian Mbappé and Marcus Thuram’s comments highlight the concerns about the rise of extremist parties in France. Marine Le Pen’s National Rally (RN) party has seen increasing support, posing a challenge to traditional political structures. Emmanuel Macron called for a snap parliamentary election in response to RN’s success, hoping to rally moderate and progressive voters.
European Context: The spectre of nationalism and fascism is reminiscent of pre-World War II Europe. Timothy Garton Ash noted the irony of Europe celebrating liberation from fascism while facing a resurgence of similar ideologies.
Effect of the Growth of the Far Right Over the African and Asian Region
Anti-Immigration Sentiment: The far-right’s rise is partly driven by opposition to immigration from Africa and Asia. This sentiment is a legacy of colonialism and has been exacerbated by recent socio-economic challenges.
Integration Challenges: Prominent French footballers of African and Arab descent, like Kylian Mbappé and Karim Benzema, symbolize the integration issues within French society. Benzema’s quote, “If I score, I’m French… if I don’t, I’m an Arab,” underscores the conditional acceptance faced by immigrants and their descendants.
Policy Implications: Far-right governments may implement stricter immigration policies, affecting migrants and refugees from Africa and Asia. These policies could lead to increased xenophobia and social divisions.
How French Elections Could Turn Out to Be a Change Point in Both French and European History
Potential Shift in Political Power: The success of the RN in the French elections could signify a major shift in political power. If the RN wins the upcoming elections, it could lead to a reconfiguration of French politics, with far-reaching implications for Europe.
Influence on European Politics: A far-right victory in France could embolden similar movements across Europe. The trend seen in Italy, Sweden, Germany, Spain, and other countries suggests a broader European shift towards the far-right.
Long-Term Implications: The rise of the ultra-right could lead to significant changes in EU policies, particularly regarding immigration, national sovereignty, and international relations. Historical patterns suggest that while such political waves eventually stabilize, the impacts of this shift could be long-lasting and transformative for Europe.
Conclusion: Need to Implement policies to reduce socio-economic disparities, focusing on marginalized communities, and creating opportunities for employment, education, and social mobility. Invest in social welfare programs to alleviate poverty and economic insecurity, which are often exploited by far-right movements to garner support.
Mains PYQ:
Q ‘In the context of the neo-liberal paradigm of development planning, multi-level planning is expected to make operations cost-effective and remove many implementation blockages.” Discuss. (UPSC IAS/2019)
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: British Parliamentary system
Mains level: Impact on India-UK relations
Why in the news?
Keir Starmer is poised to become the next Prime Minister of the UK, following Labour’s landmark victory securing a substantial majority.
Labour Party Comes to Power after 14 Years of Conservative Rule:
Electoral Outcome: Labour secures a decisive victory in the UK elections, winning 412 seats in the House of Commons, ending 14 years of Conservative governance.
Majority: Labour has achieved the largest majority in British politics since the early 20th century, with over 290 seats ahead of the Tories.
Voter Sentiment: The election reflects a strong anti-conservative sentiment rather than a resounding endorsement of Labour, with significant losses in Conservative strongholds.
Strategic Shifts: Labour’s success is attributed to strategic moves to appeal to rural and traditionally Conservative areas, contrasting with losses in urban and progressive strongholds.
Left and Right Streams in the UK:
Left Stream (Labour Party):
Traditionally advocates for social justice, welfare state policies, and government intervention in the economy to reduce inequality.Strong support from urban areas, progressive voters, trade unions, and historically marginalised groups such as minorities and low-income earners.
Under Keir Starmer, Labour has moved towards the centre, focusing on appealing to more rural and traditionally Conservative constituencies.
Right Stream (Conservative Party):
Favors free-market policies, limited government intervention, and emphasises individual responsibility and economic freedom. Strong support from affluent voters, business interests, rural communities, and traditionally conservative values such as patriotism and national sovereignty.
The Conservative Party has faced challenges with internal divisions over Brexit and criticism for austerity measures implemented during previous administrations.
Impact on India:
India-UK FTA: The Labour Party has maintained its commitment to completing the FTA, though the timelines will remain uncertain for some time. Key sticking points include India’s demand for greater access for its skilled professionals in the UK market and the UK’s push for lower import duties on goods like Scotch whisky and electric vehicles.
Defence and Security Cooperation: The India-UK defence and security partnership is likely to continue strengthening, building on recent momentum from the 2+2 mechanism and Defence Minister Rajnath Singh’s visit in early 2024. The UK is expected to maintain its support for a rules-based order and continue working with India to promote a “free and open Indo-Pacific”.
Visa Rules: India has been in talks with the UK for the past few years to relax visa rules for its citizens. With the Labour Party coming into power, there might be some uncertainty around the progress of these discussions.
Carbon Tax: While the FTA might reduce or eliminate tariffs, Indian exports could still face hefty carbon taxes, unlike UK exports to India. The Labour Party has always been in favour of imposing a carbon tax, which could impact Indian industries
Conclusion: India should leverage diplomatic channels to strengthen economic cooperation with the UK under Keir Starmer’s leadership. This could include negotiating bilateral trade agreements, promoting investment opportunities, and collaborating on emerging sectors like technology and renewable energy.
Mains question for practice:
Q Discuss the potential implications of Keir Starmer’s ascension to UK Prime Minister on India-UK relations. 10M
