A regional partnership of 10 countries announced that an agreement on the equitable use of Nile River water resources has come into effect, despite Egypt’s opposition.
Why discuss this?
The legal status of the “cooperative framework” was confirmed by the African Union after South Sudan joined the treaty.
The treaty is backed by the Nile Basin Initiative.
Countries Involved:
Ethiopia, Uganda, Rwanda, Burundi, and Tanzania have ratified the agreement.
Egypt and Sudan have refused to sign.
Congo abstained, while Kenya has yet to submit its ratification documents.
About Nile River:
Details
Length
Approximately 6,650 km (4,130 miles), making it the longest river in the world.
Tributaries
White Nile (originating from Lake Victoria in Uganda) and Blue Nile (originating from Lake Tana in Ethiopia).
Countries Traversed
11 countries: Uganda, Rwanda, Burundi, DR Congo, Tanzania, Kenya, Ethiopia, South Sudan, Sudan, and Egypt.
Source
White Nile from Lake Victoria,
Blue Nile from Lake Tana.
Mouth
Mediterranean Sea, forming the Nile Delta in Egypt.
Major Cities
Includes Cairo, Khartoum, and Alexandria.
Key Dams
Aswan High Dam (Egypt), controls flooding, generates hydroelectric power, and forms Lake Nasser.
Built in 1970 across the Nile in Aswan, Egypt; helps in irrigation, flood control, and hydroelectric power generation but also disrupts silt flow.
Economic Importance
Provides over 90% of water for Egypt and Sudan; vital for agriculture, fishing, industry, and energy production.
Disputes
Between Ethiopia, Egypt, and Sudan over water rights, particularly due to the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD).
Historical Treaties
1929 and 1959 Nile Water Agreements allocated water mostly to Egypt and Sudan; upstream countries seek revision.
Nile Basin Initiative (NBI): Established in 1999, it is a partnership among Nile Basin countries aimed at promoting cooperation, development, and sustainable management of the Nile’s resources.
PYQ:
[2020] Consider the following pairs:
River
Flows into
1.
Mekong
Andaman Sea
2.
Thames
Irish Sea
3.
Volga
Caspian Sea
4.
Zambezi
Indian Ocean
Which of the pairs given above is/are correctly matched?
UPSC भारत में एक केंद्रीय निकाय है जो सिविल सेवा परीक्षा (CSE) जैसी परीक्षाओं का आयोजन करता है, जिसके माध्यम से IAS, IPS, IFS आदि जैसी शीर्ष सरकारी सेवाओं में उम्मीदवारों की भर्ती की जाती है। UPSC सिविल सेवा के साथ-साथ रक्षा सेवाओं के लिए भी उम्मीदवारों की भर्ती करता है।
सामग्री सूची
UPSC पद सूची और वेतन
UPSC सेवाओं की सूची
IAS अधिकारी की नौकरी और वेतन
भारत में IPS अधिकारी का मासिक वेतन
IFS – UPSC नौकरियों की सूची और वेतन
IRS – UPSC नौकरियों की सूची
UPSC नौकरियां – पात्रता
CSE तैयारी रणनीति पर ऑनलाइन कार्यशाला
UPSC पद सूची और वेतन सिविल सेवा परीक्षा (CSE) एक राष्ट्रीय स्तर की प्रतिस्पर्धात्मक परीक्षा है। यह परीक्षा UPSC द्वारा लगभग हर साल आयोजित की जाती है।
CSE को आमतौर पर IAS परीक्षा के नाम से भी जाना जाता है।
UPSC CSE के माध्यम से भारत सरकार के अंतर्गत 3 सेवाओं के लिए नौकरशाहों (सिविल सेवकों/उच्च सरकारी अधिकारियों) की भर्ती की जाती है:
अखिल भारतीय सेवाएं
ग्रुप A सेवाएं या केंद्रीय सेवाएं
ग्रुप B सेवाएं या राज्य सेवाएं
ग्रुप A और ग्रुप B दोनों अधिकारियों का प्रारंभिक वेतन INR 56,100 से शुरू होता है, जिसमें यात्रा भत्ता (TA), महंगाई भत्ता (DA), और मकान किराया भत्ता (HRA) शामिल नहीं हैं। कैबिनेट सचिव के पद के लिए IAS अधिकारी का अधिकतम मासिक वेतन INR 2,50,000 तक पहुंच सकता है। हालांकि, वेतन वरिष्ठता और पद के अनुसार बदलता है।
हर साल लाखों भारतीय युवा इस परीक्षा की तैयारी शुरू करते हैं, लेकिन केवल कुछ ही उम्मीदवार इसे पास कर पाते हैं क्योंकि यह देश की सबसे कठिन और अप्रत्याशित परीक्षाओं में से एक है।
UPSC सेवाओं की सूची
अखिल भारतीय सेवाएं:
भारतीय प्रशासनिक सेवा (IAS)
भारतीय विदेश सेवा (IFS)
भारतीय पुलिस सेवा (IPS)
ग्रुप A सेवाएं या केंद्रीय सेवाएं:
भारतीय लेखा और लेखा परीक्षा सेवा (IA&AS)
भारतीय सिविल लेखा सेवा (ICAS)
भारतीय कॉर्पोरेट कानून सेवा (ICLS)
भारतीय रक्षा लेखा सेवा (IDAS)
भारतीय रक्षा संपदा सेवा (IDES)
भारतीय सूचना सेवा, जूनियर ग्रेड (IIS)
भारतीय डाक सेवा (IPoS)
भारतीय P&T लेखा और वित्त सेवा (IP&TAFS)
भारतीय रेलवे सुरक्षा बल सेवा (IRPFS)
भारतीय राजस्व सेवा (कस्टम और अप्रत्यक्ष कर) (IRS-C&IT)
भारतीय राजस्व सेवा (आयकर) (IRS-IT)
भारतीय व्यापार सेवा (ITS)
ग्रुप B सेवाएं या राज्य सेवाएं:
सशस्त्र बल मुख्यालय सेवा
दिल्ली, अंडमान और निकोबार द्वीप समूह, लक्षद्वीप, दमन और दीव, और दादरा और नगर हवेली सिविल सेवा (DANICS)
दिल्ली, अंडमान और निकोबार द्वीप समूह, लक्षद्वीप, दमन और दीव, और दादरा और नगर हवेली पुलिस सेवा (DANIPS)
पांडिचेरी सिविल सेवा (PONDICS)
UPSC नौकरी सूची और वेतन सभी UPSC पदों की वेतन संरचना लेवल 10 पे मैट्रिक्स से शुरू होती है, और वेतन बैंड ₹56,100 से ₹2,50,000 प्रति माह के बीच होता है।
यह वेतनमान वरिष्ठता, अनुभव और पद के अनुसार बढ़ता जाता है, जिसमें ग्रुप A और ग्रुप B अधिकारियों को भी अन्य भत्ते जैसे महंगाई भत्ता (DA), यात्रा भत्ता (TA), और मकान किराया भत्ता (HRA) प्रदान किए जाते हैं।
उच्चतम पद, जैसे कैबिनेट सचिव के लिए, वेतन ₹2,50,000 प्रति माह तक हो सकता है।
भारतीय प्रशासनिक सेवा (IAS), भारतीय विदेश सेवा (IFS), और भारतीय पुलिस सेवा (IPS) के लिए उम्मीदवार को भारत का नागरिक होना चाहिए।
अन्य सेवाओं के लिए, उम्मीदवार निम्न में से कोई भी हो सकता है: (a) भारत का नागरिक (b) नेपाल का नागरिक (c) भूटान का नागरिक (d) तिब्बती शरणार्थी जो 1 जनवरी 1962 से पहले भारत आए थे और स्थायी रूप से भारत में बसने का इरादा रखते थे (e) भारतीय मूल का व्यक्ति जो पाकिस्तान, बर्मा, श्रीलंका, केन्या, उगांडा, संयुक्त गणराज्य तंजानिया, जाम्बिया, मलावी, जायर, इथियोपिया और वियतनाम से भारत में स्थायी रूप से बसने का इरादा रखते हुए आया हो।
ध्यान दें: उम्मीदवारों में से जिनके लिए पात्रता प्रमाणपत्र की आवश्यकता है, उन्हें परीक्षा में सम्मिलित किया जा सकता है, लेकिन नियुक्ति का प्रस्ताव केवल तब दिया जाएगा जब उन्हें भारत सरकार द्वारा आवश्यक पात्रता प्रमाणपत्र जारी किया जाएगा।
न्यूनतम शैक्षिक योग्यता:
मापदंड
विवरण
न्यूनतम शैक्षिक योग्यता
उम्मीदवार के पास किसी भी मान्यता प्राप्त विश्वविद्यालय से स्नातक (ग्रेजुएट) डिग्री होनी चाहिए, जो भारत के केंद्रीय या राज्य विधानमंडल द्वारा अधिनियमित हो, या संसद द्वारा स्थापित संस्थानों से प्राप्त हो, या विश्वविद्यालय अनुदान आयोग अधिनियम, 1956 की धारा 3 के तहत विश्वविद्यालय के रूप में मान्यता प्राप्त हो, या समकक्ष योग्यता प्राप्त हो।
आयु सीमा
(1) उम्मीदवार की आयु कम से कम 21 वर्ष और अधिकतम 32 वर्ष होनी चाहिए।
आयु में छूट
अधिकतम आयु सीमा को निम्नलिखित के अनुसार छूट दी जा सकती है:
(a) अनुसूचित जाति/जनजाति (SC/ST)
5 वर्ष तक
(b) अन्य पिछड़ा वर्ग (OBC)
3 वर्ष तक (आरक्षण के पात्र उम्मीदवारों के लिए)
(c) रक्षा सेवा के कर्मी
3 वर्ष तक (यदि विदेशी देश के साथ युद्ध के दौरान या disturbed क्षेत्र में ऑपरेशन के दौरान विकलांग हुए हैं)
(d) पूर्व सैनिक/कमिशन अधिकारी (ECOs/SSCOs)
5 वर्ष तक (पूर्व सैनिकों के लिए, जिनका कम से कम 5 वर्षों का सैन्य सेवा अनुभव है और जो रिहा हो गए हैं)
(e) ECOs/SSCOs
5 वर्ष तक (जो 5 वर्षों की सैन्य सेवा पूरी कर चुके हैं और जिनकी नियुक्ति बढ़ाई गई है)
(f) बेंचमार्क विकलांगता वाले व्यक्ति (PwBD)
10 वर्ष तक (जिनमें अंधत्व/दृष्टिहीनता, बहरापन/कम सुनाई देना, मोटर डिसेबिलिटी, मानसिक बीमारी, मस्तिष्क पक्षाघात आदि शामिल हैं)
उम्मीदवार के पास किसी भी मान्यता प्राप्त विश्वविद्यालय से स्नातक (ग्रेजुएट) डिग्री होनी चाहिए, जो भारत के केंद्रीय या राज्य विधानमंडल द्वारा अधिनियमित हो, या संसद द्वारा स्थापित किसी अन्य शैक्षिक संस्थान से प्राप्त हो, या विश्वविद्यालय अनुदान आयोग अधिनियम, 1956 की धारा 3 के तहत विश्वविद्यालय के रूप में घोषित हो, या समकक्ष योग्यता प्राप्त हो।
आयु:
(1) उम्मीदवार की आयु 21 वर्ष होनी चाहिए और 32 वर्ष से अधिक नहीं होनी चाहिए।
(2) उपर्युक्त निर्धारित आयु सीमा में निम्नलिखित परिस्थितियों में छूट दी जा सकती है:
(a) अनुसूचित जाति या अनुसूचित जनजाति से संबंधित उम्मीदवारों के लिए अधिकतम पांच वर्ष की छूट।
(b) अन्य पिछड़ा वर्ग (OBC) से संबंधित उम्मीदवारों के लिए अधिकतम तीन वर्ष की छूट, यदि वे आरक्षण का लाभ लेने के योग्य हैं।
(c) रक्षा सेवा कर्मियों के लिए अधिकतम तीन वर्ष की छूट, जो किसी विदेशी देश के साथ युद्ध या disturbed क्षेत्र में ऑपरेशन के दौरान विकलांग हो गए हैं और इसके परिणामस्वरूप रिहा हुए हैं।
(d) पूर्व सैनिकों के लिए, जिनमें कम से कम पांच वर्षों की सैन्य सेवा की हो, और जिनमें कमिशन अधिकारी और इमरजेंसी कमिशन अधिकारी (ECOs)/शॉर्ट सर्विस कमिशन अधिकारी (SSCOs) शामिल हैं, अधिकतम पांच वर्ष की छूट।
(e) ECOs/SSCOs के लिए जिन्होंने सैन्य सेवा के पांच वर्षों का प्रारंभिक कार्यकाल पूरा किया है, अधिकतम पांच वर्ष की छूट।
(f) बेंचमार्क विकलांगता वाले व्यक्तियों (PwBD) के लिए अधिकतम 10 वर्ष की छूट, जिनमें निम्नलिखित विकलांगताएं शामिल हैं: (i) अंधता और दृष्टिहीनता; (ii) बहरापन और सुनने में कठिनाई; (iii) मोटर विकलांगता जिसमें मस्तिष्क पक्षाघात, कुष्ठ रोग, बौनेपन, अम्लीय हमले के शिकार, और मांसपेशियों का कमजोर होना शामिल है; (iv) आत्मकेंद्रित, बौद्धिक विकलांगता, विशेष शैक्षिक विकलांगता और मानसिक बीमारी; (v) उपर्युक्त श्रेणियों (i) से (iv) में से किसी एक या अधिक विकलांगताओं के साथ व्यक्तियों में से बहु-विकलांगता, जिसमें बहरा-अंधा होना भी शामिल है।
प्रवेश प्रयासों की संख्या:
प्रत्येक उम्मीदवार, जो परीक्षा में बैठने के योग्य है, उसे CSE में कुल छह (6) प्रयास की अनुमति होगी। हालांकि, SC/ST/OBC और PwBD श्रेणी के उम्मीदवारों के लिए प्रयासों की संख्या में छूट उपलब्ध होगी, जो अन्यथा योग्य हैं। इस श्रेणी के उम्मीदवारों के लिए उपलब्ध प्रयासों की संख्या छूट के अनुसार निम्नलिखित है:
फीस:
उम्मीदवारों (महिला/SC/ST/बेंचमार्क विकलांगता वाले उम्मीदवारों को छोड़कर, जिन्हें शुल्क भुगतान से छूट प्राप्त है) को 100 रुपये (सिर्फ सौ रुपये) की शुल्क राशि का भुगतान करना आवश्यक है।
Q) “Access to affordable, reliable, sustainable, and modern energy is the sine qua non to achieve Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)”.Comment on the progress made in India in this regard. (UPSC CSE 2018)
Q) Discussion the various social problems which originated out of the speedy process of urbanization in India.(UPSC CSE 2014)
Q) To what extent has the urban planning and culture of the Indus Valley Civilization provided inputs to the present-day urbanization? Discuss. (UPSC CSE 2013)
Mentor’s Comment: The SDG 11 for sustainable cities addresses the challenges of urbanization and aims to ensure that all urban areas provide equitable opportunities and improved living conditions for their residents.
Presently, our Indian cities are termed “heat traps” due to unbalanced urban growth, which has led to the depletion of water bodies and increased greenhouse gas emissions. Urban areas are significantly warmer than rural counterparts, exacerbated by concrete and glass structures that retain heat. Studies indicate urban areas can be 5-7°C hotter than surrounding rural areas. Vulnerable groups such as delivery workers, auto drivers, and street vendors face severe consequences from heat exposure, with limited access to hydration and shade.
Today’s editorial emphasizes the need for the privileged classes to confront the realities of urban life, as their comfort-driven lifestyles, facilitated by technology, contribute to systemic urban issues.
_
Let’s learn!
Why in the News?
Cities like Delhi that are exceeding 50°C, highlight how poor urban planning disproportionately affects vulnerable groups, who suffer the most from extreme weather conditions.
This exacerbates inequalities and diminishes empathy towards those who serve.
There is a need for a reconnection with urban environments, urging the elite to leverage their influence to advocate for equitable improvements in living conditions for all.
How does poor urban planning impact marginalized sections of the urban society?
Delivery boys, who navigate city streets to meet the demand for online orders, face relentless heat with little relief.
Auto drivers are directly exposed to the scorching heat of the day as they strive to earn a living.
Construction workers are forced to work long hours outdoors, enduring the hot sun without adequate shade or hydration.
Domestic women workers frequently travel by foot, and street vendors constantly battle the whims of the weather, with their earnings declining as foot traffic reduces due to the heat.
Other challenges of poor Urban Planning and Technology’s impact
Disproportionate Effects: Poor urban planning primarily impacts marginalized communities, while the privileged remain largely unaffected.
Technology-Induced Inaction: Comforts of technology, like air conditioning and delivery apps, insulate the elite from urban challenges, reducing their motivation to advocate for change.
Reduced Outdoor Engagement: Grocery delivery and ride-hailing apps minimize the need to engage with the urban environment, fostering detachment.
The reliance on technology diminishes empathy towards service workers, as interactions are minimized.
Comfort Trap: A tech-enabled lifestyle creates a false sense of luxury, leading to greater human domestication and reduced social engagement.
Reactive Governance: Urban issues gain attention only when they affect the elite, prompting swift governmental action in affluent areas but neglecting broader community needs.
Cycle of Decline: Heat waves and poor conditions drive people indoors, increasing reliance on technology and further deteriorating public services.
Aggravated Inequalities: The integration of technology into urban living exacerbates existing inequalities and creates new ones, failing to improve overall quality of life.
Initiatives taken by the government:
• Heat Action Plans (HAPs): Cities like Ahmedabad have implemented HAPs that include establishing cooling centers, early warning systems, and public awareness campaigns about heat-related illnesses. Delhi Heat Wave Action Plan focuses on profiling heat hotspots, enhancing healthcare capacity, and developing emergency response protocols. • Budgetary Allocations: The Union Budget 2024-25 allocated significant funds for urban transformation projects, including Rs 10,400 crore for the Atal Mission for Rejuvenation and Urban Transformation (AMRUT) and Rs 80,761 crore for the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (PMAY).
What needs to be done?
Breaking the Comfort Trap: Reconnecting with cities and communities is essential for collective survival, moving beyond a false sense of comfort.
The privileged must leverage their influence to engage with governments and improve urban living conditions.
Confronting Urban Realities: Acknowledging the true state of urban areas is crucial for rebuilding equitable and livable spaces.
Changing Urban Landscape: Increasingly frequent extreme weather events are diminishing public spaces and outdoor activities.
Allowing convenience to dictate urban development risks the decline of cities, making them less sustainable for all.
Precision medicine is ushering in a new era of personalized healthcare, with its foundations taking shape during the completion of the Human Genome Project by scientists.
What is the current legal framework governing biobanks in India?
Lack of Comprehensive Legislation: India lacks specific, comprehensive laws governing biobanks. The current framework consists of guidelines rather than enforceable laws, creating gaps in the regulation of biobanking practices.
National Ethical Guidelines by ICMR: The Indian Council for Medical Research (ICMR) has issued guidelines on ethical practices in biomedical research involving human participants. However, these guidelines are not legally binding and do not address all aspects of biobanking, such as long-term storage and data sharing.
Department of Biotechnology (DBT) Standards: The DBT has certain practices in place for data storage and analysis, but these also lack enforceability and do not fully cover issues such as informed consent and privacy.
Absence of a Single Regulatory Authority: India currently does not have a dedicated regulatory authority to oversee biobanks, which leads to inconsistencies and limited oversight in biobanking activities.
How do privacy concerns impact biobank operations and precision medicine?
Informed Consent Issues: Participants often give consent without detailed information about how their biological samples and associated data will be used, who will have access, and for how long. This lack of transparency raises privacy concerns.
Genetic Data Privacy Risks: Genetic information can reveal intimate details about an individual’s health and predisposition to diseases, potentially affecting their family members. If data privacy is not robustly protected, it may lead to genetic discrimination in insurance or employment.
Data Sharing Without Proper Regulation: In the absence of clear legal provisions, data or samples could be shared without proper consent, risking misuse by pharmaceutical companies or research organizations, including foreign entities.
Impact on Public Trust: Weak data and privacy protections may reduce public willingness to participate in biobank projects, thus limiting the scale and diversity necessary for effective precision medicine research.
What are the ethical implications of biobanking practices in India?
Ownership and Benefit Sharing: Without legal protections, there is ambiguity regarding the ownership of biological samples. Individuals contributing samples may not receive benefits from commercial applications resulting from their data, raising ethical concerns about fair compensation.
Consent Transparency: Participants may not fully understand the scope of their consent, especially regarding future uses of their samples and data. This lack of clarity can be considered ethically problematic, as it may involve the exploitation of participants’ contributions.
Risk of Misuse or Mismanagement: Inconsistent regulations and the absence of penalties for ethical violations create a risk of mishandling samples, unauthorized data access, and exploitation, which may compromise research integrity.
Discrimination Risks: Genetic information obtained from biobanks could be used to discriminate against individuals based on their health risks or genetic traits, which raises concerns about ethical and legal safeguards.
Way forward:
Establish Comprehensive Legislation: Develop and implement a comprehensive legal framework specifically governing biobanks, including clear guidelines on informed consent, data protection, ownership rights, and benefit sharing.
Create a Regulatory Authority: Establish a dedicated regulatory authority to oversee biobank operations, ensuring compliance with ethical standards and legal requirements.
The Delhi High Court recently issued directives to enhance the availability of “orphan drugs” to combat rare diseases.
About the Delhi High Court Verdict:
The Delhi High Court issued directions aimed at improving the availability of “orphan drugs,” which are used to treat rare diseases.
This intervention seeks to address challenges related to the high cost of these treatments and the barriers to access for patients with rare diseases in India.
Rare Diseases in India and Their Classification:
Definition: According to the World Health Organization (WHO), rare diseases are debilitating, lifelong conditions that affect 1 or fewer individuals in 1,000.
Conditions Recognized as Rare Diseases in India: Approximately 55 conditions, including Gaucher’s disease, Lysosomal Storage Disorders (LSDs), and certain muscular dystrophies, are classified as rare diseases.
National Registry: The Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) manages the National Registry for Rare and Other Inherited Disorders (NRROID), which has documented 14,472 patients with rare diseases.
Classification of Rare Diseases in India:
Group 1: Diseases that can be treated with a one-time curative procedure (e.g., certain enzyme replacement therapies).
Group 2: Conditions requiring long-term or lifelong treatment, which are relatively less expensive and have documented benefits. Regular medical check-ups are necessary for patients.
Group 3: Diseases for which effective treatments are available, but they are highly costly and require ongoing, lifelong therapy. Selecting beneficiaries for these treatments presents a challenge due to the high costs.
Current Funding Policy in India:
National Policy for Rare Diseases (NPRD) 2021: Launched to provide financial support for the treatment of rare diseases. Patients receiving treatment at designated Centres of Excellence (CoE) can get financial assistance up to Rs 50 lakh.
Centres of Excellence: The CoEs include institutions such as AIIMS in Delhi, PGIMER in Chandigarh, and the Institute of Postgraduate Medical Education and Research at Kolkata’s SSKM Hospital.
Crowdfunding and Voluntary Donations Portal (2022): The Health Ministry launched a digital platform that allows donors to contribute toward the treatment of rare disease patients at CoEs. The portal provides details about patients, their conditions, estimated treatment costs, and bank account information of the CoEs.
Did you know?
Murine Typhus (a rare disease) is a flea-borne bacterial disease caused by Rickettsia typhi, transmitted through infected flea bites, primarily from rodents and not contagious between humans.
A 75-year-old man from Kerala’s capital Thiruvananthapuram was recently diagnosed with Murine Typhus after travelling to Vietnam and Cambodia.
Challenges Associated with Orphan Drugs:
Limited Treatment Options: Therapies are available for fewer than 5% of rare diseases, resulting in less than 10% of patients receiving disease-specific treatment.
High Treatment Costs: Many existing therapies for rare diseases are prohibitively expensive, putting a significant financial burden on patients and their families.
Regulatory Delays: Approval processes, such as those from the Drug Controller General of India (DCGI), can be slow. For instance, delays in approving US-based Sarepta Therapeutics’ medicines in India have affected the timely availability of treatments.
Bureaucratic Hurdles: Decision-making delays and administrative red tape further complicate access to necessary drugs, impacting patient care.
Challenges in Beneficiary Selection: Due to high treatment costs, identifying and prioritizing beneficiaries for financial assistance is difficult, potentially leaving some patients without support.
Way forward:
Streamline Regulatory Approvals: Expedite the approval process for orphan drugs by reducing bureaucratic hurdles and establishing a fast-track mechanism for essential treatments, ensuring timely access to life-saving medications.
Increase Financial Support and Expand Coverage: Enhance the funding cap under the National Policy for Rare Diseases and extend financial assistance to more patients, while encouraging public-private partnerships and innovative funding mechanisms like insurance coverage for rare disease treatments.
Governments are undermining the RTI Act by delaying the appointment of information commissioners, causing commissions to struggle with increasing backlogs, according to a 2023-24 report of Satark Nagrik Sangathan.
About Satark Nagrik Sangathan (SNS):
Satark Nagrik Sangathan (SNS) is not a government-based organization; rather, it is a citizens’ organization focused on promoting transparency, accountability, and good governance in India.
A citizen organization is a non-governmental group formed by individuals who come together to advocate for specific causes, promote social change, or address community issues..
Current Challenges Facing the Implementation of the RTI Act:
Vacant Posts in Information Commissions: Many information commissions have unfilled vacancies, which severely affects their functioning. For instance, the Central Information Commission has eight out of 11 positions vacant. Some state commissions, like those in Jharkhand, Tripura, and Telangana, have been defunct for years.
Mounting Backlogs: The lack of sufficient information commissioners has led to over 4 lakh pending appeals and complaints. In some states, such as Chhattisgarh and Bihar, a fresh appeal may not be disposed of until 2029.
Bias in Appointments: A majority of appointed commissioners are retired government officials or individuals with political affiliations, leading to reluctance to take action against transparency violations.
Failure to Impose Penalties: Commissions rarely penalize officials for violations, with penalties imposed in only 5% of cases where applicable. This promotes a culture of impunity and discourages proper adherence to the RTI Act.
Regressive Amendments: Amendments to the RTI Act in 2019 reduced the autonomy of information commissions by giving the central government control over tenure, salaries, and entitlements of commissioners. The 2023 Digital Personal Data Protection (DPDP) Act further restricted the disclosure of personal information under the RTI Act.
Threats and Attacks on RTI Activists: There have been nearly 100 killings and thousands of cases of assault, intimidation, and legal harassment against individuals using the RTI Act.
How the Erosion of RTI Undermines Democratic Principles:
Weakening of Accountability and Transparency: The RTI Act empowers citizens to seek information and hold the government accountable. Erosion of this right leads to reduced government transparency, weakening the democratic process of checks and balances.
Increased Impunity and Abuse of Power: The failure to impose penalties and enforce accountability fosters a culture where officials can evade scrutiny without facing consequences, allowing for corruption and abuse of power to thrive.
Diminished Public Participation in Governance: The RTI Act plays a crucial role in empowering citizens to participate in governance by providing access to information. Restrictions on this access limit citizens’ ability to make informed decisions and engage with government policies effectively.
Chilling Effect on Whistleblowers and Activists: Threats and violence against RTI users deter citizens from using the law to expose wrongdoing, leading to a decrease in transparency and whistleblowing.
Measures to Strengthen the RTI Framework in India: (Way forward)
Fill Vacancies and Increase Capacity: Appoint information commissioners promptly to reduce backlogs and ensure commissions function efficiently. Strengthen the infrastructure and manpower of commissions to handle increasing workloads.
Restore Autonomy and Accountability: Reverse regressive amendments and ensure that information commissions operate independently. Implement stricter measures for imposing penalties on officials who violate RTI norms.
Strengthen Legal Protections for RTI Users: Operationalize the Whistleblowers Protection Act, 2014, to protect those who face retaliation for using the RTI Act. Provide security and legal assistance to activists and whistleblowers.
Promote Digital Solutions: Enhance the use of digital platforms to file RTI applications and appeals, and improve the efficiency of the information disclosure process. This can help reduce delays and improve transparency.
Public Awareness and Training Programs: Conduct regular public awareness campaigns to educate citizens about their rights under the RTI Act. Provide training to information officers to improve their understanding of the law and ensure timely and accurate responses.
Mains PYQ:
Q Recent amendments to the Right to Information Act will have a profound impact on the autonomy and independence of the Information Commission”. Discuss. (UPSC IAS/2020)
India has expressed concerns about the safety of UN peacekeepers stationed in south Lebanon, after they came under fire from Israeli forces.
Among the peacekeepers are 600 Indian soldiers, who are part of the UN peacekeeping mission and are stationed along the 120-km Blue Line on the Israel-Lebanon border.
What is UNIFIL (United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon)?
Details
Established
March 1978, following Israel’s invasion of Lebanon
UN Resolutions
Established under UNSC Resolutions 425 and 426
Primary Objectives
Confirm Israeli withdrawal from Lebanon
Restore international peace and security
Assist the Government of Lebanon in regaining control over southern Lebanon
Area of Operation
Southern Lebanon, near the border with Israel (Blue Line)
Personnel
Over 10,000 peacekeepers from 50 countries (both civilian and military personnel)
Mission
Prevent hostilities and maintain peace along the 121-km Blue Line
Ensure that no weapons or fighters are present in the region
Report violations to the UN Security Council
Rules of Engagement
Peacekeepers are armed but are only allowed to use force when their safety or civilian safety is at risk
Headquarters
Naqoura, southern Lebanon
Peacekeeper Status
Not soldiers but impartial peacekeepers, present with the consent of the host country, Lebanon
Significance of UNIFIL
Conflict Prevention: UNIFIL monitors the Blue Line and prevents escalations between Israel and Lebanon.
Civilian Protection: It safeguards civilians and supports humanitarian aid efforts in conflict zones.
Support for Lebanon: UNIFIL helps the Lebanese government extend control in the south alongside the Lebanese Armed Forces.
PYQ:
[2015] Discuss the impediments India is facing in its pursuit of a permanent seat in UN Security Council.
The harvest of water chestnuts, locally known as goer has begun around “Wular Lake” in Kashmir.
About Wular Lake:
Details
Location
Bandipore district, Jammu and Kashmir
Size
Largest freshwater lake in India, second-largest in Asia
Area
Covers 200 sq. km, with a length of 24 km and breadth of 10 km
Source
Fed by the Jhelum River; Streams Madhumati and Arin.
Formation
Formed due to tectonic activity; possibly a remnant of the ancient Satisar Lake
Island formation
Features a small island called Zaina Lank, constructed by King Zainul-Abidin
Ecological Significance
Ramsar Wetland Site (since 1990), supports wintering, staging, and breeding of many bird species
Wildlife
Important for bird species like black-eared kite, Himalayan monal, Himalayan golden eagle
Fish Habitat
Accounts for 60% of the fish production in Jammu and Kashmir
Wetland status
Designated as a Wetland of International Importance in 1990 under the Ramsar Convention
Tulbul Project
Located at the mouth of Wular Lake, aims to regulate the flow of water from the lake into the Jhelum River to enhance navigation and ensure year-round water availability.
Controversial due to objections raised by Pakistan under the Indus Waters Treaty. Currently, the project remains stalled.
PYQ:
[2018] Which one of the following is an artificial lake?
After the floods and landslides in Wayanad in July 2024, the Union Ministry of Earth Sciences approved the installation of an “X-band radar” in the district.
What is an X-Band Radar?
An X-band radar is a type of radar that operates in the 8-12 GHz frequency range of the electromagnetic spectrum, with wavelengths of 2-4 cm.
This radar is particularly useful for detecting smaller particles like raindrops, fog, and other fine materials due to its shorter wavelengths, which allow for higher resolution images.
Key Features of X-Band Radar:
High Resolution: The shorter wavelength provides more detailed images, making it ideal for tracking weather phenomena, including precipitation and particle movements.
Limited Range: They have a relatively shorter range compared to other types like S-band radars because higher frequency signals get attenuated (weakened) faster as they travel through the atmosphere.
Applications: In weather forecasting, X-band radars are used for short-range weather monitoring, such as predicting rainfall intensity and landslides. They are also used in air traffic control and military applications.
What is a Doppler Radar?
A Doppler radar is a type of radar used primarily in meteorology to measure the velocity and movement of weather formations, such as clouds and storms.
It works on the principle of the Doppler effect, which refers to the change in frequency of waves as their source moves relative to the observer.
It’s applications:
Velocity Measurement: By measuring these changes in frequency, Doppler radar can determine how fast the object (e.g., rain cloud) is moving and in which direction.
Weather Monitoring: Doppler radar helps in tracking rainfall intensity, detecting wind patterns, and predicting the formation of storms or tornadoes.
India’s Radar Network
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) began using radars in weather applications in the 1950s.
The first indigenously designed X-band storm detection radar was installed in 1970 in New Delhi.
In 1996, the IMD replaced 10 outdated X-band radars with digital X-band radars.
India’s radar network includes both wind-finding and storm-detecting X-band radars. The country also uses S-band radars (2-4 GHz) for long-range detection. The first S-band cyclone detection radar was installed in Visakhapatnam in 1970.
Recent Developments:
In September 2024, the Ministry of Earth Sciences announced that India would install 56 additional Doppler radars over the next few years.
On September 11, 2024, the Union Cabinet approved the ₹2,000-crore ‘Mission Mausam’, which aims to upgrade meteorological infrastructure, including the installation of up to 60 radars by 2026.
The Wayanad radar initiative also includes the installation of a C-band radar (4-8 GHz) in Mangaluru, with an observational range of 250 km.
About the NISAR
NISAR, short for NASA-ISRO Synthetic Aperture Radar, is a joint satellite mission being developed by NASA and ISRO.
NISAR will use radar imaging to create a high-resolution map of the earth’s landmasses, tracking changes in natural processes.
Its payload consists of an L-band radar (1.25 GHz, 24 cm) built by NASA and an S-band radar (3.2 GHz, 9.3 cm) built by ISRO.
NISAR is expected to launch in 2025 aboard an ISRO GSLV Mk II rocket, with a total cost of $1.5 billion, primarily funded by NASA.
PYQ:
[2016] Discuss India’s achievements in the field of Space Science and Technology. How the application of this technology has helped India in its socio-economic development?
Taiwanese authorities recently stated that the People’s Liberation Army (PLA) is using an ‘anaconda strategy’ to put pressure on Taiwan.
China’s Military Maneuvers around Taiwan
China has been steadily increasing its military activities around Taiwan, both by air and sea:
Air incursions into the Taiwan Strait have increased significantly, from 36 incursions in January to 193 in September.
Chinese ships operating around Taiwan has also risen, from 142 in early 2024 to 282 by August.
These maneuvers seem designed to wear down Taiwan’s navy and air force, creating constant pressure.
What is the Anaconda Strategy?
The ‘anaconda strategy’ involves a combination of military tactics, psychological pressure, and cyber warfare.
The goal is to weaken Taiwan’s defenses and force the island into submission without the need for a full-scale invasion.
China’s approach is one of relentless pressure.
It is trying to tire out Taiwan and force it into making mistakes, which could then be used as a pretext to launch a blockade.
Its ultimate goal appears to be to make Taiwan vulnerable without resorting to direct military conflict, keeping Taiwan’s forces on the defensive.
Other Unconventional Strategies used by China:
Wolf Warrior Diplomacy: A confrontational and assertive style of diplomacy used by Chinese officials, characterized by aggressive rhetoric and nationalistic stances, often aimed at defending China’s interests and countering foreign criticism.
Gray-Zone Tactics: A set of covert strategies that fall between war and peace, including actions like cyberattacks, propaganda, and incremental territorial gains, aimed at advancing a nation’s goals without triggering a full-scale military conflict.
Salami Slicing: A strategy where small, incremental actions are taken over time to achieve a larger goal without triggering a strong reaction. It is often used to gain control or advantage bit by bit, avoiding immediate confrontation.
PYQ:
[2021] The US is facing an existential threat in the form of a China that is much more challenging than the erstwhile Soviet Union. Explain.
[2017] “China is using its economic relations and positive trade surplus as tools to develop potential military power status in Asia”. In the light of this statement, discuss its impact on India as her neighbour.
