The Indian student team, supported by the REACHOUT (Research, Education, Training and Outreach) scheme, achieved remarkable success at the 17th edition of the International Earth Sciences Olympiad (IESO) held in Beijing, China.
The scheme aims to enhance the understanding and dissemination of Earth system sciences through research, education, and outreach activities.
About the International Earth Sciences Olympiad (IESO)
The IESO was established in 2003 during the International Geoscience Education Organization Council Meeting in Calgary, Canada.
The competition focuses on promoting interest in earth system sciences, particularly in addressing climate change, environmental challenges, and natural disasters.
India’s Participation:
India has participated in the IESO since 2007 and hosted the 10th edition in Mysore.
The Indian National Earth Science Olympiad (INESO) serves as a national-level prelude to the IESO, held across schools in India.
Top-performing students from INESO represent India at the IESO, with support from MoES and the Geological Society of India.
PYQ:
[2019] Atal Innovation Mission is set up under the
(a) Department of Science and Technology
(b) Ministry of Labour and Employment
(c) NITI Aayog
(d) Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship
Recently, followers of the two rival groups within the Namdhari religious sect clashed violently in Haryana.
About Namdhari Sect
Details
Founder
Satguru Ram Singh in 1857 (on Baisakhi)
Also known as Kuka Movement
Primary Beliefs
– Belief in a living human Guru; Also known as Kuka/Kukaism
– Guru Granth Sahib is considered the Supreme Gurbani
– Strict vegetarianism and teetotalism (alcohol is forbidden)
Key Practices
– Wearing white attire as a sign of mourning
– Rejection of caste distinctions
– Promotion of widow remarriage
– Non-violent resistance– Cow is the sacred animal
Headquarters
Bhaini Sahib, Ludhiana, Punjab
Global Presence
– Deras across Punjab and Haryana
– Presence in countries such as the UK, Canada, and Kenya
Role in Independence
– Early opposition to British rule
– Adoption of non-cooperation and boycott of British goods
– Victims of severe British reprisals
Notable Historical Event
Malerkotla Massacre (1872) – 66 Namdharis executed by the British
Leadership Succession
– After Ram Singh: His brother Satguru Hari Singh
– Later Successors: Satguru Partap Singh, Satguru Jagjit Singh
– Current leaders: Uday Singh and Dalip Singh (factional dispute)
PYQ:
[2013] Consider the following Bhakti Saints :
1. Dadu Dayal
2. Guru Nanak
3. Tyagaraja
Who among the above was/were preaching when the Lodi dynasty fell and Babur took over?
Lok Sabha Speaker has constituted six new Parliamentary Committees, for a tenure of 1year:
Origin
Composition
Functions
Public Accounts Committee (PAC)
Established in 1921 under the Government of India Act, 1919
22 members: 15 Lok Sabha + 7 Rajya Sabha;
Chairman from the Opposition,
Appointed by the LS Speaker.
Examines public expenditure, scrutinizes CAG reports, and ensures efficient use of public funds.
Committee on Estimates
Traces back to 1921; reconstituted in 1950 (recommended by John Mathai)
30 members,
All from Lok Sabha;
Elected annually through proportional representation.
Minister CANNOT be a member.
Examines budget estimates, suggests economic efficiencies, and recommends alternative policies.
Committee on Public Undertakings
Established in 1964 based on the Krishna Menon Committee
22 members: 15 Lok Sabha + 7 Rajya Sabha;
Chairman appointed by the Speaker,
Chosen from Lok Sabha members
Examines accounts and reports of PSUs, and provides recommendations without interfering in operations.
Committee on Welfare of OBCs
The committee was constituted in June 2012
It comprises 30 members, with 20 from the Lok Sabha and 10 from the Rajya Sabha
Focuses on the implementation of policies for OBC welfare, evaluates reservations, and suggests improvements.
Committee on Welfare of SC/ST
N/A
The committee consists of 30 members, with 20 elected from the Lok Sabha and 10 from the Rajya Sabha.
Ensures implementation of safeguards for SCs and STs, reviews welfare programs, and suggests enhancements.
Joint Committee on Office of Profit
Joint Committee on Office of Profit was established by the Lok Sabha on July 23, 2019
15 members; 10 Lok + 5 from Rajya Sabha.
Examines cases of MPs/MLAs holding offices of profit, determine qualification, and maintains legislative integrity.
PYQ:
[2018] With reference to the Parliament of India, which of the following Parliamentary Committees scrutinizes and reports to the house whether the powers to make regulations, rules, sub-rules, by-laws, etc., conferred by the Constitution or delegated by the Parliament are being properly exercised by the Executive within the scope of such delegation?
The Advertising Standards Council of India (ASCI) has released a report highlighting the use of deceptive dark patterns in Indian apps.
Key highlights of the ASCI Study:
The ASCI report aims to raise awareness among marketersand designers about the ethical implications of these deceptive patterns.
The study analyzed 12,000 screens across 53 leading Indian apps in 9 different industries.
The report identified the use of one or more of 12 deceptive patterns in most of these apps.
What are Deceptive Dark Patterns?
These practices use elements of digital choice architecture, particularly in user interfaces.
The goal is to manipulate or impair consumer autonomy, decision-making, or choice.
These patterns are often subtle, directing users toward decisions that may not align with their true preferences.
As a result, they compromise the ability of users to make informed choices.
Examples of Deceptive Patterns:
Description
Example
Interface Interference
Directs users to specific choices using visual tricks.
Highlighting preferred options with bright colors.
Confirm Shaming
Uses guilt to push users toward certain actions.
Options like “Upgrade now” vs. “I don’t want a smarter software.”
Basket Sneaking
Adds unwanted items to cart without consent.
Automatically adding a donation to the shopping cart.
Privacy Deception
Tricks users into sharing more personal data.
Requiring unnecessary personal info during signup.
Drip Pricing
Reveals extra fees late in the purchase process.
Adding hidden charges at checkout.
Subscription Trap
Leads to unintended subscriptions without clear notice.
“Free trial” that auto-renews to a paid plan.
Importance of Ethical Design
Raising Awareness: Marketers are encouraged to study the guidelines issued by ASCI and the Department of Consumer Affairs to avoid unethical practices.
Conscious Patterns Website: Marketers can use resources like the Conscious Patterns website to test their apps and obtain a “conscious score” to ensure that their apps balance business needs with user interests.
Digital Responsibility: As the digital world evolves, ethical design practices are crucial for building and maintaining trust with customers.
Marketer and Designer Roles: Both marketers and app designers need to be vigilant about pursuing ethical design to create safe and trustworthy online environments.
PYQ
[2015] What are the impediments in marketing and supply chain management in developing the food processing industry in India? Can e-commerce help in overcoming this bottleneck?
Q.1) Do you agree with the view that steady GDP growth and low inflation have left the Indian economy in good shape? Give reasons in support of your arguments. (UPSC IAS/2019)
Q.2) Besides the welfare schemes, India needs deft management of inflation and unemployment to serve the poor and the underprivileged sections of society. Discuss. (UPSC IAS/2022)
Mentor comment: Food inflation in India significantly impacts the economy, particularly affecting low-income households that spend over 50% of their income on food. High food prices can lead to increased overall inflation, influencing wage demands and inflation expectations. This creates second-round effects, where rising food costs contribute to broader inflationary pressures. The persistence of food inflation complicates monetary policy, as the Reserve Bank of India struggles to control inflation without directly addressing food prices, which are influenced by supply-side factors beyond its control. Thus, food inflation remains a critical challenge for economic stability.
Let’s learn!
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Why in the news?
The Economic Survey suggests removing food prices from the RBI’s inflation target, shifting focus from headline to core inflation, and impacting inflation control strategies.
Challenges related to Food Inflation:
Persistent High Food Inflation: Food price inflation in India has been elevated since 2019, with a year-on-year increase of close to 10% reported in June 2024. This trend indicates that high food inflation is not solely a consequence of external factors like the COVID-19 pandemic or the Ukraine war, but also reflects underlying domestic issues.
Impact on Overall Inflation: Food prices constitute a significant portion of the consumer price index (CPI), accounting for nearly 50% of household expenditure in India. This high share means that fluctuations in food prices directly influence overall inflation rates, which have been higher than usual due to persistent food price increases.
Food Prices as a Determinant of Core Inflation: Research indicates that food price inflation significantly affects core inflation in India. Rising food costs can lead to increased wages, which are a major component of production costs for firms. Thus, ignoring food prices in inflation targeting undermines the effectiveness of monetary policy.
Long-Term Food Inflation Issues: Food price inflation has not been negative in any of the past 13 years, highlighting a persistent issue in the Indian economy. food inflation is a structural problem that needs to be addressed through comprehensive economic policies.
The reason behind removing food prices from the RBI’s inflation target:
High Sensitivity of Food Prices: Food prices in India are highly susceptible to supply shocks, such as erratic monsoon rains and agricultural disruptions. This volatility can lead to significant fluctuations in headline inflation, making it difficult for the RBI to maintain a stable inflation target when food prices are included in the calculation.
Overshadow the impact of Monetary policy: Food constitutes about 46% of the Consumer Price Index (CPI) basket in India. This high weight can dilute the effectiveness of monetary policy aimed at controlling inflation, as changes in food prices can overshadow the impact of policy rate adjustments on core inflation measures.
Core Inflation as a More Stable Measure: By focusing on core inflation, which excludes food and energy prices, the RBI could potentially achieve a more stable and manageable inflation target. This shift is based on the premise that core inflation is less influenced by volatile food prices and can provide a clearer picture of underlying inflation trends
Way forward:
Strengthening Agricultural Infrastructure and Supply Chain Management: To tackle the persistent issue of high food inflation, it is crucial to invest in and strengthen agricultural infrastructure, including irrigation systems, storage facilities, and transportation networks.
Integrated Monetary and Fiscal Policy Approach: A more holistic approach is needed, where monetary policy is complemented by targeted fiscal interventions to manage food inflation.
The RBI should coordinate with the government to develop policies that address food price volatility, such as creating strategic food reserves, implementing effective buffer stock management, and providing targeted subsidies to protect vulnerable populations.
On July 29, 2024, Rahul Gandhi (Leader of the opposition) pointed out the absence of SC/ST officers in framing the 2024 Budget.
Issue of Upper Caste Domination in Services:
Lack of Representation: During his parliamentary address, the Leader of the opposition (Rahul Gandhi) highlighted the absence of Scheduled Caste (SC) and Scheduled Tribe (ST) officers among the 20 officials involved in framing the 2024 Budget proposals. He pointed out that only one officer from the minorities and one from the Other Backward Classes (OBC) were included, underscoring a systemic lack of representation for marginalized communities in key government functions.
Upper Caste Dominance: The dominance of upper castes in senior civil service positions was confirmed by Minister of State (Jitendra Singh), who stated that out of 322 officers holding Joint Secretary and Secretary posts, 254 belonged to the general category, while only 16 were from SC, 13 from ST, and 39 from OBC categories. This indicates a significant underrepresentation of SC/ST officers in policy-making roles.
About Eligibility:
Age Limits: General category candidates can appear for the civil services examination between 21 and 32 years, with a maximum of six attempts.
SC/ST candidates can take the exam until 37 years of age with unlimited attempts.
While OBC candidates have an upper age limit of 35 years with nine attempts.
The upper age limit for Persons with Benchmark Disabilities (PwBD) is 42 years.
Reason behind the underrepresentation of SCs, STs and OBCs in upper posts of civil services:
Late Entry Disadvantage: SC/ST and PwBD candidates often join the civil services later in life and are unable to reach the highest positions due to retirement before attaining senior roles.
Cabinet Secretariat data (2nd ARC) from 2004 shows that on average, unreserved candidates enter the service at the age of 24.7 years, whereas SC, ST, and OBC members do so at 27.6 years, 26.9 years, and 27.1 years respectively.
The Solution Lies in Having a Fixed Tenure: (Way forward)
Fixed Tenure Proposal: To address the disparity, it is proposed that all civil servants, regardless of their age of entry, should have a fixed tenure of service, such as 35 years.
Retirement Age Adjustment: The retirement age limits could be adjusted to ensure all civil servants retire by around 67 years of age, with annual medical fitness checks after the age of 62.
Independent Committee Recommendation: It is suggested that an independent, multi-disciplinary committee with adequate SC/ST, OBC, and PwBD representation be established to examine this fixed tenure proposal to ensure social justice and broader representation at the highest levels of government.
Mains PYQ:
Q What are the two major legal initiatives by the state since Independence, addressing discrimination against Scheduled Tribes (ST)? (UPSC IAS/2017)
On Tuesday, the Bombay High Court affirmed that sperm or egg donors cannot claim biological parenthood or legal rights over a child born using their gametes.
About the Present Case and Rival Contentions
Background of the Case: The Bombay High Court ruled on a custody dispute involving twin girls born through altruistic surrogacy. The mother, a 42-year-old woman, sought visitation rights after her estranged husband took the children to live with him and her younger sister, who was the egg donor.
Note: Altruistic surrogacy is a type of surrogacy arrangement where the surrogate mother carries a pregnancy for intended parents without receiving any monetary compensation for her services, aside from reimbursement for medical and pregnancy-related expenses.
Family Dynamics: The egg donor is the younger sister of the mother and had donated her eggs to help her sister and brother-in-law conceive. After the egg donation, the sister faced a tragic accident that resulted in the loss of her husband and daughter, complicating the family dynamics further.
Rival Claims: The mother argued that her daughters are legitimate children born within wedlock (being married), asserting her rights as the biological mother. In contrast, the estranged husband claimed that the egg donor had legitimate rights over the children, arguing that she should be recognized as a biological parent.
Legal Framework: The case was governed by the 2005 National Guidelines on Assisted Reproductive Technologies (ART) since the surrogacy agreement was signed before the enactment of the Surrogacy (Regulation) Act, 2021. The guidelines say that both the donor and surrogate give up all rights as parents.
Other key provisions of the Surrogacy (Regulation) Act, 2021:
The Surrogacy (Regulation) Act, 2021 permits only altruistic surrogacy in India, where the surrogate mother cannot receive any monetary compensation beyond reimbursement for medical expenses and insurance coverage.
Commercial surrogacy, which involves payment beyond medical costs, is strictly prohibited.
Eligibility Criteria: Intended parents must be a legally married couple, with the female partner aged between 23 and 50 years and the male partner between 26 and 55 years. They must not have any biological children from previous marriages or through surrogacy. The surrogate must be married and have at least one child of her own.
What the Bombay High Court Ruled
No Parental Rights for Egg Donors: The Bombay High Court ruled that an egg donor does not have legal rights as a biological parent. The court emphasised that while the egg donor may be considered a genetic mother, she cannot claim parental rights over the children born through surrogacy.
Recognition of Legal Parents: The court affirmed that the twin girls are the daughters of the petitioner (the mother) and her estranged husband, as they were born from their wedlock with their consent. The ruling highlighted that the couple signed the surrogacy agreement, establishing them as the intending parents.
Legal Precedent: The ruling clarified the legal standing of sperm and egg donors in surrogacy arrangements, reinforcing that they do not retain any parental rights or duties in relation to the child, as per the existing guidelines.
Conclusion: The Bombay High Court confirmed that egg donors have no parental rights. The ruling reaffirmed that legal parentage lies with the intending parents as per surrogacy guidelines and existing laws.
The Aravalli range is facing severe threats from illegal mining, deforestation, and encroachments which causing environmental degradation.
About the Aravalli Range:
The Aravalli Range is one of the oldest mountain ranges in the world, stretching from Gujarat to Delhi through Rajasthan.
It acts as a natural green wall in the northwestern part of India, forming an ecotone zone between the Thar Desert and the Gangetic Plain in a semi-arid environment.
The range spans 692 km in length and varies in width from 10 km to 120 km, with over 500 hillocks. The highest peak is Guru Shikhar in Mount Abu, which is 1,722 meters above sea level.
Rajasthan contains 80% of the range, while the remaining 20% is shared by Haryana, Delhi, and Gujarat.
Change in Forest Area and High Rates of Carbon Influx:
Reduction of forest cover: The Aravalli range has experienced a significant reduction in forest cover, with a 0.9% decrease from 1999 to 2019. The forest area decreased from 29,915 sq. km in 1999 to 29,210 sq. km in 2019.
Increased Human settlement and reduced water bodies: Human settlements in the region increased from 4.5% in 1975 to 13.3% in 2019, while waterbodies initially increased and then began to reduce over time.
Expansion of mining activities: Mining activities have expanded, particularly in districts like Jaipur, Sikar, Alwar, Ajmer, Bhilwara, Chittorgarh, and Rajsamand.
High rate of carbon influx: The study identified regions in the upper and lower Aravalli range with high positive rates of carbon flux due to high rainfall and protected areas. In contrast, areas near the Thar Desert in the main middle range showed negative rates of carbon flux, indicating a decline in carbon sequestration.
How Drone Survey Can Help:
Use of LiDAR technology: A comprehensive drone survey using Light Detection and Ranging (LiDAR) technology is recommended to assess the Aravalli region’s surface and objects in 3D dimensions.
The LiDAR survey can help identify and mitigate illegal mining activities by providing detailed information on the surface structure which will allow authorities to take prompt enforcement actions.
Establishment of Independent Body: The establishment of an independent Aravali Development Authority, including experts from various fields, is suggested to devise and implement strategies for the sustainable preservation of the hill ecosystem.
Steps taken:
The Indian government has enacted various legal measures to protect the Aravalli Range.
In 1992, parts of the hills were designated as Ecologically Sensitive Areas, and in 2003, the central government prohibited mining operations in these regions.
The Supreme Court of India further reinforced these protections by banning mining in notified areas of the Aravalli Range in 2004 and extending this ban in 2009 to cover 448 km² across Haryana’s Faridabad, Gurgaon, and Mewat districts.
Conclusion: Need to engage local communities in conservation efforts and promote sustainable land-use practices. Establish the proposed Aravali Development Authority to coordinate and implement long-term strategies for ecological restoration and biodiversity preservation.
Mains PYQ:
Q Briefly mention the alignment of major mountain ranges of the world and explain their impact on local weather conditions, with examples. (UPSC IAS/2021)
The Finance Ministry has issued a notification amending the Foreign Exchange Management (Non-debt Instruments) Rules, 2019, to simplify Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) rules.
Key amendments made by the Finance Ministry:
Details
Cross-Border Share Swaps
Simplifies the process for Indian companies to engage in cross-border share swaps with foreign companies.
Clarity on Downstream Investments
Provides clearer guidelines on the treatment of downstream investments by OCI-owned entities on a non-repatriation basis, aligning them with NRI-owned entities.
FDI in White Label ATMs (WLAs)
Allows FDI in White Label ATMs to increase the geographical spread of ATMs, particularly in semi-urban and rural areas.
Standardization of ‘Control’ Definition
Standardizes the definition of ‘control’ to ensure consistency with other Acts and laws.
Harmonization of ‘Startup Company’ Definition
Aligns the definition of ‘startup company’ with the Government of India’s notification G.S.R. 127 (E) dated February 19, 2019.
About The Foreign Exchange Management (Non-debt Instruments) Rules, 2019
These rules govern foreign investment in India in non-debt instruments like equity shares, mutual funds, and real estate (excluding agricultural land).
These rules, effective from October 17, 2019, were issued under FEMA, 1999 (Foreign Exchange Management Act).
It covers the following key aspects:
FDI Regulation: Specifies guidelines for foreign direct investment (FDI) in various sectors, including sectoral caps and conditions.
Investment Vehicles: Allows investment through entities like Alternative Investment Funds (AIFs), Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs), and mutual funds.
Repatriation: Provides a framework for repatriation of profits, dividends, and capital by foreign investors.
Reporting: Mandates detailed reporting for companies receiving foreign investments.
Sectoral Caps and Conditions: Sets sectoral limits and approval requirements for foreign investment, with some sectors requiring government approval.
Prohibited Sectors: Prohibits foreign investment in sectors like lottery, gambling, chit funds, and agricultural land.
Transfer of Shares: Outlines guidelines for share transfer between residents and non-residents, ensuring compliance with regulatory conditions.
PYQ:
[2020] With reference to Foreign Direct Investment in India, which one of the following is considered its major characteristic?
(a) It is the investment through capital instruments essentially in a listed company.
(b) It is a largely non-debt creating capital flow.
(c) It is the investment which involves debt-servicing.
(d) It is the investment made by foreign institutional investors in the Government securities.
The Wall Street Journal has reported that a group of Ukrainian patriots carried out the sabotage of the undersea pipelines(Nord Stream pipelines) in sep,2022 that supplied gas from Russia to Europe.
AboutNord Stream Pipeline:
Details
Overview
Natural gas pipeline under the Baltic Sea.
Connects Russia and Germany.
Purpose
Built to transport natural gas from Russia to Europe, bypassing traditional transit countries like Ukraine.
Completion
Nord Stream 1: Completed in 2011, 1,224 km long, running from Vyborg, Russia to Lubmin, Germany.
Nord Stream 2: Completed in 2012, running from Ust-Luga, Russia to Lubmin, Germany, with a capacity of 55 billion cubic meters per year.
Significance of the Pipelines
(A) For Europe:
Provides a steady and cost-effective supply of natural gas, essential for heating, power, and industry which ensures stable gas prices. If reduced supply from Russia could lead to price hikes and domestic unrest in europe.
(B) For Russia:
Revenue: Critical for Russia, with around 40% of its budget coming from gas and oil sales.
Geopolitical Influence: Strengthens Russia’s influence over Europe’s energy markets by securing its position as a major gas supplier.
