Research students have raised concerns about the disparity in scholarship amounts under the Maulana Azad National Fellowship (MANF) compared to other research fellowships.
About Maulana Azad National Fellowship
Details
Objective
To support students from minority communities in pursuing M.Phil. and Ph.D.
Launch
Launched by the Ministry of Minority Affairs, Government of India
Eligibility
Students from minority communities (Muslims, Sikhs, Christians, Buddhists, Zoroastrians, Jains) who have cleared CBSE/NTA-UGC NET or CSIR NET
Financial Assistance
Covers university fee, maintenance allowance, and other necessary allowances; granted for up to 5 years
Administration
Managed by the Ministry of Minority Affairs; University Grants Commission (UGC) as the nodal agency
Selection Process
JRF-NET (Junior Research Fellow- National Eligibility Test) examination
Purpose and Impact
Encourages higher studies and research in various fields; aims at educational and socio-economic development of minority communities
Recent Developments and Concerns
Discontinuation of MANF: Union Minority Affairs Minister announced the discontinuation of MANF, citing overlaps with similar scholarships.
Research Community’s Reaction: The research community, represented by the All India Research Scholars Association (AIRSA), has expressed disappointment, emphasizing the role of research in socio-economic development and the importance of MANF for financially constrained minority students.
Comparison with Other Fellowships
Last Revision in 2019: The last increase in MANF scholarship amounts was in 2019, while other scholarships have seen recent revisions.
Current Fellowship Amounts: UGC-approved schemes now offer ₹37,000 for junior researchers and ₹42,000 for senior researchers, a significant increase from previous amounts.
India’s eight core sectors experienced a significant slowdown, growing by 7.8% in November, down from 12% in October.
About Core Industries in India
The main or key industries constitute the core sectors of an economy.
In India, eight sectors are considered the core sectors.
These sectors are in decreasing order of their weightage: Refinery Products> Electricity> Steel> Coal> Crude Oil> Natural Gas> Cement> Fertilizers.
About Index of Eight Core Industries
The monthly Index of Eight Core Industries (ICI) is a production volume index.
ICI measures the collective and individual performance of production in selected eight core industries viz. Coal, Crude Oil, Natural Gas, Refinery Products, Fertilizers, Steel, Cement and Electricity.
Before the 2004-05 series six core industries namely Coal, Cement, Finished Steel, Electricity, Crude petroleum and Refinery products constituted the index basket.
Two more industries i.e. Fertilizer and Natural Gas were added to the index basket in the 2004-05 series. The ICI series with base 2011-12 will continue to have eight core industries.
The components covered in these eight industries for compilation of the index are as follows:
Coal – Coal Production excluding Coking coal.
Crude Oil – Total Crude Oil Production.
Natural Gas – Total Natural Gas Production.
Refinery Products – Total Refinery Production (in terms of Crude Throughput).
Steel – Production of Alloy and Non-Alloy Steel only.
Cement – Production of Large Plants and Mini Plants.
Electricity – Actual Electricity Generation of Thermal, Nuclear, Hydro, imports from Bhutan.
Recent data: Sector-Wise Growth Details
Decline in ICI: The ICI witnessed a 3.34% drop from October, marking its lowest since March 2023.
Sector-Specific Trends: Notably, only refinery products and coal showed month-on-month growth, with significant year-on-year increases.
Steel Production: Growth in steel production hit a 13-month low at 9.1%.
Crude Oil and Fertilizer: Crude oil saw a contraction, while fertilizer production growth decelerated.
Natural Gas and Electricity: Both natural gas output and electricity generation growth slowed down considerably in November.
Comparative Analysis with Previous Year
Year-on-Year Comparison: The core sectors had a 5.7% growth in November 2022.
Influence of Base Effects: Last year’s high growth in certain sectors like cement significantly influenced this year’s comparative figures.
Economic Insights and Projections
Bank of Baroda’s Perspective: The slowdown in fertilizer growth aligns with the end of the rabi sowing season, as per the bank’s chief economist.
IIP Forecast: The core sectors are expected to contribute to an IIP growth of 7%-8%.
Economists’ View: Experts predict a continued slowdown in core sector growth due to strong base effects from the previous fiscal year.
Future Expectations and Challenges
India Ratings and Research Predictions: A slowdown in core sector growth is anticipated in the coming months, influenced by the strong base effect.
Broader Economic Impact: This slowdown is indicative of larger economic challenges, potentially affecting future policy and market expectations.
Conclusion
Economic Resilience Test: The trends in India’s core sectors underscore the challenges in sustaining growth amid diverse economic conditions.
Need for Strategic Economic Planning: Addressing these slowdowns will require astute economic planning and possibly new strategies to boost growth in these key sectors.
The grounding of a chartered plane in France reveals the desperate and perilous journeys of Indian migrants seeking illegal routes to the U.S. and Canada. It emphasizes the role of agents, tragic incidents, and the necessity for international collaboration to address the root causes and dismantle illegal immigration networks, highlighting the human cost of such endeavors.
Key Highlights:
A chartered plane from the UAE to Nicaragua, carrying 303 Indians, was grounded in France for a human trafficking probe.
The flight was hired by a non-European client, and passengers were possibly trafficked, leading to a French investigation.
The passengers claimed they boarded willingly, and the flight was eventually forced to return to Mumbai.
Gujarat and Punjab have high numbers of illegal Indian migrants to the U.S. and Canada, often taking risky “donkey routes.”
Key Challenges:
Lack of opportunities in Gujarat pushes people to seek better prospects abroad, leading to illegal migration.
Human trafficking networks operate, exploiting the desperation of individuals seeking a better life.
The dangers of “donkey routes” involve traversing various countries with lenient visa policies, risking lives in harsh conditions.
Key Terms and Phrases:
Donkey routes: Illegal migration paths involving multiple countries with lenient visa policies.
Human trafficking: Exploitative practices involving illegal transportation of individuals.
Chartered flight: Private aircraft hired for specific travel purposes.
Asylum seekers: Individuals seeking protection and refuge in a foreign country.
Key Quotes:
“The French authorities had received a tip-off and took it very seriously.”
“The episode has once again called attention to the staggering number of Indians who migrate illegally to the U.S. or Canada.”
“People don’t find any opportunities here. There are no well-paying jobs and sometimes no jobs at all.”
Anecdotes:
Two passengers seeking asylum in France carried multiple passports and a substantial amount of money.
Families taking extreme risks, like freezing to death near the U.S. border or drowning in attempts to cross rivers.
Key Statements:
French authorities stopped exploring human trafficking angle after passengers claimed they boarded willingly.
Gujarat Police cracking down on agents facilitating illegal immigration through donkey routes.
Key Examples and References:
Shashi Kiran Reddy, a Hyderabad-based agent, behind the chartered flight facilitating illegal immigration.
Instances of families freezing to death near the U.S. border or drowning while attempting to cross rivers.
Critical Analysis:
Lack of opportunities and frustration in Gujarat and Punjab contribute to the high number of illegal migrants.
The existence of human trafficking networks highlights the exploitation of individuals seeking better prospects.
Way Forward:
Address root causes like lack of opportunities and corruption to discourage illegal migration.
Strengthen efforts to dismantle human trafficking networks, collaborating with international agencies.
Enhance awareness about legal migration pathways and associated risks to deter individuals from choosing illegal routes.
Dr. Ennapadam S. Krishnamoorthy advocates for prioritizing rehabilitation services globally, emphasizing their crucial role in treating neuropsychiatric disorders across the lifespan. He highlights the need for awareness, collaboration, and innovative solutions to address the significant burden of disabilities and enhance the quality of life for affected individuals.
Key Highlights:
Dr. Ennapadam S. Krishnamoorthy emphasizes the importance of transformative solutions for persons with neuropsychiatric disorders, spanning childhood to old age.
The focus is on enhancing activities of daily life and quality of life for individuals affected by various neuropsychiatric conditions.
Rehabilitation services are crucial, with 2.41 billion individuals globally requiring rehabilitation according to the WHO’s Global Burden of Disease study.
Key Challenges:
Rehabilitation is often seen as a disability-specific service, leading to under-prioritization despite its significant societal benefits.
Lack of awareness in the community that disablement can be treated and, in some cases, reversed.
The need for a shift in perception among medical professionals to recognize rehabilitation as an essential service.
Key Terms:
Neuropsychiatric disorders
Transformative solutions
Rehabilitation
Non-invasive brain stimulation (NIBS)
Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (rTMS)
The Interview Stage is the most important stage and a chance for you to very easily score 190+ provided you are guided with the right feedback.
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Top Rankers with CD Mock Interview
Mr. Shankar Aggarwal is a retired IAS Officer of 1980 batch from U.P. Cadre. He holds a Bachelor of Engineering Degree in Electronics and Communications from the University of Roorkee (now IIT, Roorkee) and a Master’s Degree in Computer Technology from IIT, Delhi. For his contributions and achievements, he has been awarded the lifetime achievement award by IIT Roorkee.
He has had a distinguished career in Civil Services. Retired as Secretary, Ministry of Women and Child Development, Government of India where he worked on key initiatives such as reforms in Juvenile Justice Act, establishment of Nirbhaya centres, Beti Bachao Beti Padhao scheme etc.
As Secretary, Ministry of Labour and Employment, he introduced 4 Labour Codes replacing 44 Central Labour Laws. He also brought far reaching amendments in Maternity Benefits Act by enhancing the paid leave period from 12 weeks to 26 weeks.
As Secretary, Ministry of Urban Development, he was Chairman of all Metro Corporations of the country and introduced many new metro rail projects. He is also credited with launching of Swacch Bharat Abhiyan, Urban Rejuvenation Program, Smart City Program and Rapid Rail Mass Transport.
He has extremely rich and varied experience or working in sensitive and important ministries and departments for Government of India and State Governments.
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In the last 3 years, a lot has changed about UPSC CSE
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Read what Rohit sir has to say about UPSC preparation and approach
“Hey, this is Rohit Pande here, and I’m excited to talk about something that I deeply believe in: “The art of meticulous planning in UPSC preparation.”
It’s a common misconception that clearing the UPSC in your first attempt is all about studying randomly for a year. Let me tell you, it’s much more than that. Every IAS ranker who has achieved this feat did not rely on just standard resources or mock tests. They had a plan, a blueprint for success that they followed with unwavering dedication.
As we are stepping into the UPSC 2025 preparation cycle, it’s crucial to assess your strategy. How do you plan to approach this mammoth exam? This is where I come in.
I’m hosting a webinar on 1st January 2024, at 6 PM on Zoom, and you’re invited.
This isn’t just another session where I’ll be talking about what books to read or generic strategies. Instead, I’ll be sharing the exact study plans of IAS rankers who cracked the UPSC in their first attempt. We’ll dissect these plans, understand their core, and then, most importantly, adapt them to fit your unique needs and preparation stage.
This masterclass is not only a reality check on modern-day UPSC preparation but also an opportunity for you to get personalized inputs on your current strategy.
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These masterclasses are packed with value. They are conducted in private with a closed community. We rarely open these webinars for everyone for free. This time we are keeping it for 300 seats only.
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See you at 5PM on Civilsdaily YouTube Live + 1 LGF Apsara Arcade classroom.
This is Dinesh Sir on this side. I was overwhelmed with the response that the Polity NCERT Challenge has received in its very 1st edition. Close to 6k students turned up for the 1st session and overall over 30k students participated in the Challenge. This is huge!
We are back with the 15-Day Economics NCERT Challenge. We have already had the Orientation Session.
This is not your regular Economics Course. You have done so many of them and you still haven’t understood the crux of the subject.
You are repeatedly getting questions wrong from NCERT because you are not looking at the right place.
Lets kill it with Economics. For the next 15 days, there will be live lectures + you will be asked to submit Proof of Work(PoW) for EVERY chapter-Notes, assignments, research that I will announce in every live class.
The Press and Registration of Periodicals Bill, 2023, faced opposition uproar but was passed in the Rajya Sabha on August 3. Subsequently, it was approved in the Lok Sabha on December 21, marking its legislative passage.
Press and Registration of Periodicals Bill: Purpose and Objectives
Repealing the 1867 Act: The Bill aims to repeal the Press and Registration of Books Act, 1867, modernizing the regulatory framework for periodicals.
Key Provisions: It includes a notable clause preventing individuals convicted of terrorism or acting against state security from publishing periodicals.
Rationale for Introduction: The Bill focuses on easing business processes for publishers, removing procedural hurdles, and reducing the administrative burden of declarations and filings.
Comparison with the 1867 Act
Exclusion of Books: Unlike the 1867 Act, the 2023 Bill excludes books from its purview, as they fall under the HRD Ministry’s jurisdiction.
Penalty Structure: The new Bill replaces imprisonment with fines for certain violations and introduces an appellate mechanism led by the Press Council of India Chairman.
Shift in Administrative Power: Power is transferred from the District Magistrate to the newly established Press Registrar General, centralizing the registration and regulation process.
Declaration and Registration Process
Simplification of Procedures: The Bill simplifies the declaration process, eliminating the need for DM involvement and allowing online intimations for printing presses.
Simultaneous Processing: It enables concurrent processing of title allotment and registration applications, streamlining the procedure.
Time-Bound Responses: The specified authority must provide feedback within 60 days, expediting the registration process.
UAPA Provision in the Bill
Restriction on Convicted Individuals: The Bill bars individuals convicted of terrorist acts or unlawful activities, as defined under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, 1967, from publishing periodicals.
Security Concerns: This provision addresses concerns about the misuse of periodicals for activities threatening national security or sovereignty.
Conclusion
Modernizing Media Regulation: The Press and Registration of Periodicals Bill, 2023, represents a significant overhaul of India’s media regulatory framework, aligning it with contemporary needs.
Balancing Ease of Business and Security: While the Bill aims to facilitate easier operations for publishers, it also incorporates measures to safeguard against security threats.
Potential for Debate and Discussion: The Bill’s passage, amidst opposition concerns, suggests ongoing debates about media freedom, security, and regulatory oversight in India’s evolving democratic landscape.
Contradiction in Global Aspirations: Despite calls for peace, 2023 witnessed the continuation and emergence of significant conflicts, notably between Russia and Ukraine, and in the Gaza Strip.
China’s Stance: Amidst its economic challenges, China’s aggressive posture remains a concern for the West and India, adding to the global tension.
2023: Strategic Realities and Challenges
Crisis in the Middle East: The Hamas attack disrupted efforts to normalize Israel-Arab relations, leading to a devastating response from Israel and derailing the reconciliation process.
Stress in India-US Ties: Allegations of an Indian official’s involvement in an assassination plot have strained relations, with India promising to investigate if provided with information.
Russia-Ukraine War Fatigue: The prolonged conflict sees the West grappling with funding challenges, while Russia, despite sanctions, maintains resilience, partly due to its closeness with China.
India’s Maldives Challenge: The new government’s request for India to withdraw military personnel and terminate agreements reflects its proximity to China, complicating India’s strategic position.
China, the Biggest Worry: The ongoing border standoff and China’s influence in the region, including its ties with Russia and the Maldives, continue to be India’s primary strategic concerns.
G20 and Global South Positioning: India’s leadership in the G20 and its role in uniting the Global South reflect its aspiration to continue the legacy of Non-Alignment adapted to modern realities.
Engagement in Kabul: India’s cautious engagement with the Taliban and coordination for consular services indicate a nuanced approach to Afghanistan, balancing security and diplomatic needs.
2024: Anticipating Challenges and Opportunities
Impact of Lok Sabha Elections: The election outcome will significantly influence India’s foreign policy, with a stronger mandate potentially leading to more assertive stances, while a weaker mandate might reflect coalition compulsions.
US & Canada Relationships: Navigating the complexities arising from the assassination plot allegations and maintaining robust ties with both nations will be crucial for India.
New Government in Pakistan: The post-election scenario in Pakistan might offer a window for re-engagement, depending on the political dynamics and India’s strategic choices.
Outcome in Bangladesh: India’s interest in the continuation of Sheikh Hasina’s government reflects security and connectivity priorities, with the opposition viewed with caution.
Continuing Deadlock with China: The border standoff and its potential escalation will be a critical factor in India’s security and diplomatic strategy, especially in an election year.
West Asia Dynamics: India’s evolving stance in the Israel-Hamas conflict and its implications for its position in the Global South will be closely watched, with a focus on balancing relations and principles.
Future of the War in Ukraine: India’s balancing act between its economic interests and international pressures, especially in its relationship with Russia, will continue to be a delicate matter.
Trade Pacts and Tech Partnerships: Finalizing trade agreements and enhancing tech partnerships with the West will be key areas of focus, with potential major developments expected in 2024.
Conclusion
Balancing Act: India’s foreign policy in the coming years will involve navigating a complex array of global conflicts, bilateral tensions, and internal political dynamics.
Strategic Posture: The outcomes of various global and regional conflicts, along with India’s own electoral politics, will shape its strategic and foreign policy posture, reflecting a blend of continuity and change.
In the ongoing investigation of the Parliament security breach, Delhi Police sought court permission for polygraph tests on six accused to uncover their motives.
A polygraph test, commonly known as a lie detector test, measures physiological responses believed to differ when a person lies.
Mechanics of a Polygraph Test
Physiological Monitoring: The test involves attaching instruments like cardio-cuffs or sensitive electrodes to monitor blood pressure, pulse, and other variables.
Response Analysis: As questions are asked, responses are numerically evaluated to determine truthfulness, deception, or uncertainty.
Historical Origin: First conducted in the 19th century by Cesare Lombroso, an Italian criminologist, to measure blood pressure changes in suspects during interrogation.
Constitutional and Legal Provisions
Article 20(3) of the Indian Constitution: This article protects against self-incrimination, stating that no accused shall be compelled to be a witness against themselves.
Infringement Concerns: Forcing an accused to undergo polygraph or narcoanalysis tests is seen as a violation of Article 20(3), making consent essential.
Article 21 and Human Rights: Polygraph tests are criticized for mental torture, potentially violating the right to life and privacy under Article 21.
Limitations and Challenges
Scientific Reliability: Neither polygraph nor narco tests are scientifically proven to be 100% accurate, raising questions about their reliability.
Impact on Vulnerable Individuals: These tests can adversely affect those unaware of their rights or unable to access legal advice, leading to potential abuse and media exploitation.
Legal and Constitutional Rulings
Selvi vs State of Karnataka & Anr (2010): The Supreme Court ruled that lie detector tests should be voluntary, with legal implications explained to the accused.
D.K. Basu vs. State of West Bengal (1997): The Court deemed involuntary administration of these tests as potentially violating the Right to Life and Liberty and the Right to Privacy.
Indian Evidence Act, 1871: The results of these tests are not admissible as evidence in court.
National Human Rights Commission Guidelines (1999): Established consent and procedural guidelines for administering polygraph tests.
Way Forward
Role as Investigative Tools: While not reliable for conclusive evidence, polygraph tests can aid in complex investigations.
Balancing Scientific Techniques and Rights: The government should promote scientific methods in investigations while ensuring strict adherence to ethical and legal standards.
Consent and Decency: The administration of these tests must be consensual, respecting the dignity and rights of the individuals involved.
