The Union Ministry of Tourism is actively engaging in IMEX, Frankfurt to position India as a premier MICE destination on the International stage.
Back2Basics: IMEX
IMEX is an international trade show for the meetings, events, and incentive travel industry.
It stands for “International Meeting Exchange” and is held annually in Frankfurt, Germany.
It was established in the year 2001.
IMEX provides a platform for professionals in the global events industry to network, conduct business, and gain insights into the latest trends and innovations in event planning and management.
IMEX hosts two major annual events:
IMEX America in Las Vegas and
IMEX in Frankfurt, Germany.
These events are significant for facilitating connections within the industry, offering extensive educational opportunities, and showcasing industry innovations.
What is MICE Tourism?
MICE Tourism refers to “Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions,” representing a sector of the travel industry specializing in the planning and booking of logistics for large and small-scale corporate events.
Meetings: Involves small to large gatherings where business topics and are organized to discuss and exchange information.
Incentives: Involves company-organized trips as rewards or incentives to employees or partners to motivate them or reward them for their performance.
Conferences: These are large gatherings focused on particular topics, where participants discuss issues of mutual interest.
Exhibitions: Also known as expos, these events are where businesses showcase and demonstrate their new products and services.
This sector is highly valued for its contribution to the economic development of a region by bringing in significant numbers of visitors, who then utilize various services such as hotels, restaurants, and other amenities.
India’sFocus on MICE Tourism:
Addressing Seasonality: The Ministry of Tourism has identified MICE tourism as a niche sector to mitigate the issue of seasonality and promote India as a year-round destination for international travelers.
Meet in India Initiative: Under the umbrella of the ‘Incredible India’ campaign, the Ministry has launched the ‘Meet in India’ sub-brand, aimed at showcasing India’s robust MICE infrastructure, connectivity, and diverse tourist attractions to a global audience.
Success Stories and Global Recognition:
G20 Presidency Impact: India’s G20 Presidency witnessed over 200 meetings in 56 cities nationwide, showcasing the country’s strong MICE infrastructure and cultural heritage to the world.
Enhanced Global Visibility: Through these initiatives, India has gained prominence as a premier global hub for MICE activities, attracting increased tourism and business opportunities both domestically and internationally.
ICCA Ranking: India’s efforts have been recognized internationally, positioning the country at the 9th rank in the ICCA (International Congress and Convention Association) ranking of countries in the Asia Pacific region in 2022.
PYQ:
[2017] The term ‘Digital Single Market Strategy’ seen in the news refers to-
Incidences of people drowning down into the Mahi River have become more frequent.
AboutMahi River
The Mahi River originates in the Vindhya Range of Madhya Pradesh (hot semi-arid and watershed region), near Dhar.
It flows northward through Madhya Pradesh before turning westward upon entering Rajasthan. It then moves southwest, passing through Gujarat, and eventually empties into the Arabian Sea.
The river stretches for about 580 kilometers.
Soil Type: The Mahi River Basin consists of Deep Black soil(southern region) and Alluvial soil(northern region).
Major Tributaries: the Som, the Anas, the Panam, and the Goma.
Major Dams: Kadana Dam and the Mahi Bajaj Sagar (Banswara) Dam are significant hydroelectric and irrigation projects on the Mahi River.
Biodiversity: Supports diverse flora and fauna, including endangered species like the Indian Skimmer and Gharial.
Key Features:
It is surrounded by the Aravalli Hills to the north and northwest, the Malwa Plateau to the east, the Vindhyas to the south, and the Gulf of Khambhat to the west.
One of the most notable features of the Mahi River is its crossing of the Tropic of Cancer twice; once in Madhya Pradesh and again near the Gujarat-Rajasthan border.
PYQ:
[2017] With reference to river Teesta, consider the following statements:
1. The source of river Teesta is the same as that of Brahmaputra but it flows through Sikkim.
2. River Rangeet originates in Sikkim and it is a tributary of river Teesta.
3. River Teesta falls into Bay of Bengal at the border of India and Bangladesh.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
The Conservation and Cultural Archives Division of Indira Gandhi National Centre for the Arts (IGNCA) hosted an exhibition and lecture celebrating Rabindranath Tagore’s birth anniversary in New Delhi.
Tagore’s Journey to France
Tagore had visited the battlefields of the First World War, highlighting his deep humanity.
The narrative includes mentions of Alexandra David Neel, who recommended Tagore during his European tours, and Victoria Ocampo, who taught French to Tagore, enhancing his connection with French culture and intellectual society.
AboutRabindranath Tagore
Details
Birth and Early Life
– Born on May 7, 1861, in Calcutta, India.
Literary Career
– Published his first poems at age 16 under the pen-name ‘Bhanusimha’.
– Key works include “Gitanjali“, “Ghare-Baire“, “Gora“, and “Manasi“.
Music and Art
– Composed over 2,000 songs known as ‘Rabindra Sangeet’.
– Our National Anthem was composed by him and it was first sung on 27 December 1911 at the Calcutta Session of INC.
– Created more than 2,000 paintings, influenced by European expressionism.
– He is said to have given the title of ‘Mahatma’ to Mohandas
– Renounced his ‘Knighthood’ (awarded to him in 1915 by the British King George V) in 1919 following the Jallianwala Bagh massacre.
Cultural Influence
– Wrote the National Anthems of India (“Jana Gana Mana”) and Bangladesh (“Amar Sonar Bangla”).
– Inspired the national anthem of Sri Lanka through a student.
Awards and Recognition
– Awarded the Nobel Prize in Literature in 1913 for “Gitanjali“, the first non-European to win.
– Awarded, and later renounced, a knighthood by British King George V in 1915.
Philosophical Contributions
– Advocated for the incorporation of the best aspects of Western culture with Indian culture to achieve anti-colonialism.
Death
– Passed away on August 7, 1941, in Calcutta.
Legacy
– Revered as ‘Gurudev’, ‘Kabiguru’, and ‘Biswakabi’. Highly influential in introducing Indian culture to the West and reshaping Bengali literature and music.
Additional Contributions
– Advocated for ‘Unity in Diversity’ and ‘National Integration’.
– Spoke at the World Parliament of Religions, Chicago in 1929 and 1937.
– Modernized Bengali prose and poetry, remembered for songs like ‘Ekla Chalo Re’ and his environmental efforts at Santiniketan.
About Indira Gandhi National Centre for the Arts (IGNCA)
The IGNCA, New Delhi is a premier government-funded arts organisation in India.
It is an autonomous institute under the Union Ministry of Culture.
It was established on 19 November 1985 by Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi.
IGNCA is envisioned as a centre for the study and experience of arts in the field of:
Creative literature – written and oral;
Visual arts inclusive of architecture;
Sculpture, painting and graphics to general material culture, photography and film; and
Performing arts of music, dance and theatre.
PYQ:
[2019] Examine the linkages between the nineteenth century’s Indian Renaissance and the emergence of national identity.
[2021] Who among the following was associated as Secretary with Hindu Female School, later known as Bethune Female School?
During the General Elections 2024, the proliferation of AI-generated content (AIGC), including deepfake videos featuring prominent figures like Aamir Khan and Ranveer Singh, raised concerns about misinformation.
What is Deepfake Technology?
It is a type of Artificial Intelligence used to create convincing images, audio and video hoaxes. Deepfakes often transform existing source content where one person is swapped for another.
Creating such content involves a technique known as Generative Adversarial Networks (GANs), comprising Artificial Neural Networks.
Legal Safeguards in India:
The regulations under the IT Act of 2000 and 2021 requires social media intermediaries to promptly remove deepfake content. Failure to do so may result in imprisonment or fines.
Section 66D: It penalizes individuals for cheating through personation using communication devices or computer resources. (Imprisonment for up to 3 yrs and a fine of up to 1 lakh rupees)
Rule 3(1)(b)(vii): This rule mandates that social media intermediaries prevent the hosting of content impersonating others.
Rule 3(2)(b): This rule requires social media platforms to remove such content within 24 hours of receiving a complaint.
Significance of Deepfake Technology:
Promotes Right to Expression: Deepfakes amplify voices of marginalised individuals, enabling them to share important messages. Recently, a video was created to deliver the final message of a journalist killed by the Saudi government, calling for justice.
Can contribute to the Education System: Online educators use deepfakes to bring historical figures to life for engaging lessons. For example, a video of Abraham Lincoln delivering his Gettysburg.
Provides Autonomy: Deepfakes empower individuals to control their digital identity and explore new forms of self-expression. For instance, the Reface App.
Provides a realistic experience: Artists leverage deepfakes for creative expression and collaboration, as seen in Salvador Dali’s interactive museum promotion. Deepfake tech enables realistic lip-syncing for actors speaking different languages, enhancing global accessibility and immersion in films.
Renovating old memories: Deepfakes aid in restoring old photos, enhancing low-quality footage, and creating realistic training materials for public safety.
What are the limitations of Deepfake Technology?
Spreading False Information: Deepfakes can purposefully spread misinformation, influencing public opinion or elections, like the videos of politicians/celebrities can manipulate viewers and create confusion about important issues.
Frauds: Deepfake technology enables impersonation for financial frauds, tricking individuals into revealing sensitive information. They can also fuel harassment, especially targeting women, and lead to psychological distress.
Accuracy: While no AI detector guarantees 100% accuracy, tools like Originality.ai boast a 99% true positive rate. Detection models report probability scores, allowing for nuanced assessments despite inherent uncertainties.
Future Scope:
Adversarial AI: Keeping pace with evolving generative AI models poses a significant challenge for content detectors.
Accessibility and Cost: With increased adoption and advancements, the accessibility and affordability of detection tools are expected to improve.
PYQ:
With the present state of development, Artificial Intelligence can effectively do which of the following? (2020)
1. Bring down electricity consumption in industrial units
2. Create meaningful short stories and songs
3. Disease diagnosis
4. Text-to-Speech Conversion
5. Wireless transmission of electrical energy
Select the correct answer using the code given below:
OpenAI has launched GPT-4o- a version of the GPT-4 model which powers its ChatGPT.
It offers enhanced speed, intelligence, and efficiency across text, vision, and audio, revolutionizing human-to-machine interaction and opening up new possibilities for users worldwide.
About GPT-4o:
GPT-4o offers GPT- 4 level intelligence with improved speed and efficiency, making human-to-machine interaction more natural and seamless.(focuses on emotional aspects)
It integrates transcription, intelligence, and text-to-speech functionalities seamlessly, eliminating latency and enhancing voice mode capabilities.
Features of GPT-4o
Free Access for All: Previously available only to paid users, GPT-4o now provides advanced tools to all users, unlocking over a million GPTs from the GPT store and expanding possibilities for developers.
Multilingual and Vision Capabilities: GPT-4o supports over 50 languages and includes vision capabilities, enabling users to upload photos, documents, and access real-time information during conversations.
Real-time Conversations: It is able to understand user emotions and provide emotive styles of conversation in real-time.
Vision and Coding Support: GPT-4o can solve complex math problems, assist with coding queries, interpret complex charts, and analyze facial expressions in real-time.
Translation and Efficiency: GPT-4o offers live real-time translation capabilities and is two times faster, 50% cheaper, and offers 5 times higher rate limits compared to GPT-4 Turbo.
PYQ:
[2020] With the present state of development, Artificial Intelligence can effectively do which of the following?
Bring down electricity consumption in industrial units
Create meaningful short stories and songs
Disease diagnosis
Text-to-Speech Conversion
Wireless transmission of electrical energy
Select the correct answer using the code given below:
We will be going through the UPSC Mains Topic-Wise PYQs – World History. The official UPSC Syllabus reads – History of the world will include events from 18th century such as industrial revolution, world wars, redrawal of national boundaries, colonization, decolonization, political philosophies like communism, capitalism, socialism etc.— their forms and effect on the society.
Before starting by yourself for Mains, understand the process. Connect 1:1 withArvind Sir
UPSC Mains Topic-Wise PYQs – World History will include events from 18th century such as industrial revolution, world wars, redrawal of national boundaries, colonization, decolonization, political philosophies like communism, capitalism, socialism etc.— their forms and effect on the society – Questions and Sub-themes from 2013-2023
Question
Year
Marks
Sub-theme
Bring out the socio-economic effects of the introduction of railways in different countries of the world.
2023
10
Introduction of railways- Socio-economic effects in different countries of world
“There arose a serious challenge to the Democratic State System between the two World Wars.” Evaluate the statement. (250 words)
2021
15
Challenge to the Democratic State System emerged in inter-war years
Explain how the foundations of the modern world were laid by the American and French revolution. (15m,250 words)
2019
15
American and French revolution- their impact on foundation of modern world
Why indentured labour was taken by the British from India to other colonies? Have they been able to preserve their cultural identity over there?
2018
15
Indentured labour- Reason of being taken away from India to other colonies, Preservation of Cultural Identity over there
What problems were germane to the decolonization process of Malay Peninsula.
2017
10
Problems in the Decolonization Process of the Malay Peninsula
The anti-colonial struggles in West Africa were led by the new elite of Western-educated Africans. Examine.
2016
12.5
Anti-colonial struggles in West Africa
Why did the industrial revolution first occur in England? Discuss the quality of life of the people there during the industrialization. How does it compare with that in India at present?
2015
12.5
Industrial Revolution in England- Reason of occurence, quality of life and comparison with present India
To what extent can Germany be held responsible for causing the two World Wars? Discuss critically
2015
12.5
Germany role in 2 WW, other factors involved
What were the major political, economic and social developments in the world which motivated the anti-colonial struggle in India?
2014
10
Global factors motivating anti-colonial struggle in India
What were the events that led to the Suez Crisis in 1956? How did it deal a final blow to Britain’s self-image as a world power?
2014
10
Suez Crisis- Impact on Britain’s Status as a World Power
Latecomer Industrial revolution in Japan involved certain factors that were markedly different from what west had experience.
2013
10
Different Factors Involved in the Japanese IR from the Western IR
Africa was chopped into states artificially created by accident of European competition. Analyse.
2013
10
Fragmentation of Africa- Due to European competition
American Revolution was an economic revolt against mercantilism. Substantiate.
2013
10
Mercantilism- American revolution against it
What policy instruments were deployed to contain the great economic depression?
2013
10
Great economic depression- Policy measures deployed
UPSC Mains Topic-Wise PYQs – World History 2013-2023
We will be going through the UPSC Mains Topic-Wise PYQs – Post-Independence. The official UPSC Syllabus reads – Post-Independence-consolidation and reorganisation within country.
Before starting by yourself for Mains, understand the process. Connect 1:1 withArvind Sir
UPSC Mains Topic-Wise PYQs – Post-Independence-consolidation and reorganisation within country – Questions and Sub-themes from 2013-2023
Question
Subject
Year
Marks
Sub-theme
The political and administrative reorganization of states and territories has been a continuous ongoing process since the mid-nineteenth century. Discuss with examples.
Post Independence
2022
15
Reorganization of states- (Phase-1:1850’s to 1947) and (Phase 2: 1947- 2022)
Assess the main administrative issues and socio-cultural problems in the integration process of Indian Princely States. (150 words)
Post Independence
2021
10
Integration process of Indian Princely States- Administrative issue and socio-cultural problems
Discuss whether formation of new states in recent times is beneficial or not for the economy of India.
Post Independence
2018
15
New states formation- (Benefits) and (concerns) for economy
Has the formation of linguistic States strengthened the cause of Indian Unity?
Post Independence
2016
12.5
Linguistic States formation- (Strengthen) and (challenges) the cause of Indian Unity
Critically discuss the objectives of Bhoodan and Gramdan movements initiated by Acharya Vinoba Bhave and their success.
Post Independence
2013
10
Bhoodan and Gramdan movements- Objectives, success and limited impact
Write a critical note on the evolution and significance of the slogan “Jai Jawana Jai Kisan”.
Post Independence
2013
10
Slogan “Jai Jawana Jai Kisan”- Evolution and significance
Discuss the contribution of Maulana Abul Kalam Azad to pre-and post-independent India.
Post Independence
2013
10
Contribution of Maulana Abul Kalam Azad
Analyze the circumstances that led to Tashkent Agreement in 1966. Discuss the highlights of the agreement.
Post Independence
2013
10
Tashkent Agreement- Circumstances led to its formation and Highlights
Critically examine the compulsions which prompted India to play a decisive roles in the emergence of Bangladesh.
Post Independence
2013
10
Reasons for India’s intervention in the 1971 Bangladesh Liberation War
The New Economic Policy – 1921 of Lenin had influenced the policies adopted by India soon after independence. Evaluate.
Post Independence
2014
10
Vladimir Lenin NEP-1921 and its influence on India
PYQ Relevance: Mains: Q How far are India’s internal security challenges linked with border management particularly in view of the long porous borders with most countries of South Asia and Myanmar? (UPSC IAS/2013) Q Border management is a complex task due to difficult terrain and hostile relations with some countries. Elucidate the challenges and strategies for effective border management. (UPSC IAS/2016)
Prelims:
Consider the following statements: (UPSC IAS/2020) 1) The value of Indo-Sri Lanka trade has consistently increased in the last decade. 2) “Textile and textile articles” constitute an important item of trade between India and Bangladesh. 3) In the last five years, Nepal has been the largest trading partner of India in South Asia. Which of the statements given above is/are correct? (a) 1 and 2 only (b) 2 only (c) 3 only (d) 1, 2 and 3
Note4Students:
Prelims: Political Theories; Secularism
Mains: Society; Secularism;
Mentor comment: Despite frequent changes in government and the emergence of leaders perceived as anti-India or pro-China, India has maintained a non-partisan approach focused on supporting inclusive economic development, interdependence, communication links, and people-to-people contacts with Nepal. India’s deep historical, cultural, and economic ties with Nepal, as well as its ability to manage security concerns, have allowed it to navigate these challenges. There is the need for fresh thinking on a range of issues, including economic recovery, bilateral and regional cooperation, supply chain restructuring, energy cooperation, and development.
Let’s learn.
–
Why in the News?
Being a neighboring country of both – India and China, Nepal grapples with restlessness and uncertainty amid political and economic challenges.
Questions arise on its rushed transition to democracy, identity, and governance amidst regional geopolitics.
About India-Nepal Bilateral Relations:
Strategic Relations: Geopolitical Dynamics: India is actively countering China’s influence in Nepal through economic diplomacy and expanding cooperation in various sectors. Energy Cooperation: Both countries have signed agreements to boost cooperation in the energy sector, with India involved in developing several hydropower projects for long-term power trade agreements. For example, the Pancheshwar Multipurpose Project (PMP) is a bi-national Multi-Purpose Project, primarily aimed at energy production and augmenting irrigation.
Infrastructure Projects: Efforts are underway to work on infrastructure projects to improve connectivity, such as the unveiling of railway line sections and the inauguration of Integrated Checkposts. India is also undertaking three High Impact Community Development Projects (HICDPs) in Nepal.
Soft Relations:
Cultural and Religious Ties: Steps have been taken to strengthen cultural and religious ties between India and Nepal, including discussions on projects related to the Ramayana circuit, reflecting their shared cultural heritage. Improvement in Relations: After a period of strain, relations between India and Nepal have been improving, especially with several high-level visits, indicating efforts to enhance cooperation and resolve contentious issues.
Border Disputes:
Recent Developments in Nepal under China’s Influence
Political Shifts: Recent coalition changes in Nepal have seen a shift towards leaders perceived as pro-China and anti-India, notably with K.P. Sharma Oli’s return to power. China has actively supported the left alliance in Nepal, pushing for closer ties and cooperation, including on the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI).
Military Cooperation: High-level military visits and agreements indicate China’s intent to expand its influence in Nepal, potentially at India’s expense.
Nationalistic Trends: Rising ultra-nationalistic sentiments in Nepal, from far left to far right, pose challenges to India-Nepal relations.
Security Concerns: Historical instances of political instability in Nepal leading to security threats for India highlight the importance of stable relations between the two countries.
Geopolitical Dynamics: China’s increasing involvement in Nepal raises concerns for India, necessitating a strategic approach to counter potential challenges and maintain regional stability.
Regional and International Dynamics: While India has alliances like the QUAD (Australia, India, Japan, the United States) and other Indo-Pacific groupings, relying on them in case of a major crisis in Nepal would be risky.
The situation in Nepal could potentially lead to a new “Great Game” involving major regional and global powers.
What is India’s present stand?
Non-Interference policy: India has been keeping a low profile and avoiding involvement in Nepal’s internal affairs to prevent controversy.
Lending hand for development: India tries to always offer a new, holistic development roadmap aimed at improving the quality of lifestyle for Nepalese. This agenda includes transformative and sustainable development initiatives in sectors such as health, education, food and nutrition, child development, gender equality, and job creation.
High-Level Attention: Byhigh-level attention and promoting cross-party political consensus on major projects India tries to ensure continuity and achieve its time-bound results despite political instability.
Fostering Inter-linkages and Equality: Developing new inter-linkages between industries of both countries, India addresses the demographic dividend and fosters a sense of equality and sovereign space in Nepal.
Bone of Contention: Border Disputes
Way Forward:
Engage in Quiet Diplomacy: India can engage in quiet diplomacy, fostering dialogue with Nepal’s political stakeholders across the spectrum. This approach can help India understand Nepal’s internal dynamics better while also conveying India’s concerns and interests subtly.
India should be mindful of the “big brother-small brother” syndrome, understanding that the onus lies on India to overcome this dynamic.
The National Sample Survey Organization’s and Household Consumption Expenditure Survey (2022-23)prompted researchers to estimate Poverty and Inequality trends, highlighting data comparability and measurement issues.
Present trends of Poverty and Inequality in Indian Society:
1. Poverty Declined:
Poverty ratios declined from 29.5% in 2011-12 to 10% in 2022-23 (1.77% points per year) based on the Rangarajan Committee’spoverty lines.
Poverty ratios declined from 21.9% in 2011-12 to 3% in 2022-23 (1.72% points per year) based on the Tendulkar Committee’s poverty lines. Earlier period estimates showed a decline from 37.2% in 2004-05 to 21.9% in 2011-12 (2.18 percentage points per year).
2. Inequality Declined :
Subramanian’s estimates indicate the Gini coefficientdeclined from 0.278 to 0.269 for rural areas and from 0.358 to 0.318 for urban areas between 2011-12 and 2022-23.
The Gini coefficient measures the inequality among the values of a frequency distribution, such as levels of income.
Bansal et al show similar trends: Gini coefficient for rural areas declined from 0.284 to 0.266, and for urban areas from 0.363 to 0.315 over the same period. (significant decline in urban inequality compared to rural areas between 2011-12 and 2022-23)
Back2Basics:
Lakdawala Committee (1993):
It disaggregated poverty lines into state-specific poverty lines.
Poverty lines: same as Alagh’s committee of 1979. (2400 kcal per capita per day for rural areas and 2100 kcal per capita per day in urban areas.)
Poverty lines were updated using the Consumer Price Index of Industrial Workers (CPI-IW) in urban areas and the Consumer Price Index of Agricultural Labour (CPI-AL)in rural areas rather than using National Accounts Statistics.
Estimates of poverty: 54.9% (All India)
Tendulkar Committee (2009):
Constituted: In 2005
Submitted report: 2009.
Recommendations:
Firstly, the incorporation of private expenditure on health and education while estimating poverty.
Secondly, to shift away from two separate poverty line baskets (PLBs) (for rural and Urban) towards a uniform all-India PLB.
Thirdly, to shift away from Uniform Reference Period (URP) based estimates towards Mixed Reference Period (MRP) based estimates.
Fourthly, A change in the price adjustment procedure to correct spatial (across regions) and temporal (across time) issues with price adjustment.
It concluded that India’s poverty line was Rs. 446.68 per capita per month in rural areas and Rs. 578.80 per capita per month in urban areas in 2004-05.
Estimates of poverty: 37.2 % (All India)
C. Rangarajan Committee (2014):
Constituted: 2012
Submitted report: 2014.
Used a method of calculating urban and rural poverty separately (similar to the Lakdawala committee).
Took into account both food and non-food itemsof expenditure.
Used the MMRP method instead of MRP.
Poverty was estimated on monthly expenditure of a family of five (and not individual as in case of the Tendulkar committee). All three, i.e., Calorie + protein + Fat intake values were taken into account to estimate poverty.
Estimates of poverty: 29.5%
Poverty lines: Rural- Rs. 32; Urban- Rs.47
Methods to Estimate Absolute Poverty by NSSO:
Poverty estimation in India is now carried out by NITI Aayog’s task force through the calculation of poverty line based on the data captured by the NSSO under the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MOSPI). It uses the following 3 methods:
Uniform Recall (reference) Period (URP): Under URP, consumption data for all items are collected for a 30-day recall period. When URP is applied, the households are surveyed about their consumption in the last 30 days preceding the date of the survey.
Until 1993-94, the poverty line estimated by NSSO was based on URP.
Mixed Recall (reference) Period (MRP): MRP takes into account consumption expenditure for five non-food items (clothing, footwear, durable goods, education, and institutional medical expenses) for a 365-day recall period, and consumption data for the remaining items are collected for a 30-day recall period.
Modified mixed reference period (MMRP): The Rangarajan Committee in its 2014 report recommended MMRP as a more suitable method to measure poverty as compared to URP and MRP methods. The World Bank in 2015 also supported the idea of shifting from MRP to MMRP. Under MMRP there are 3 reference periods as follows:
The 365-dayrecall period is used for clothing, footwear, education, institutional medical care, and durable goods.
The 7-dayrecall period for edible oil, egg, fish and meat, vegetables, fruits, spices, beverages, refreshments, processed food, paan, tobacco and intoxicants and
The 30-day recall period for the remaining food items, fuel, and light, miscellaneous
good and services including non-institutional medical, rents, and taxes.
Measurement issues regarding Poverty Lines and Consumption Expenditure:
Shift Away from Calorie Norm-based Poverty Line: The Tendulkar Committee recognized the inadequacy of a calorie norm-based poverty line. Instead, the Tendulkar Committee indirectly utilized calorie norms by adopting the urban poverty line based on the Lakdawala Committee’s methodology, which included calorie norms.
Need for new Consumption Basket: The Rangarajan Group emphasized the need for a new consumption basket that addresses both adequate nourishment and essential non-food items, alongside behaviorally determined non-food expenditure.
Estimating this new poverty basket required a fresh approach rather than simply updating an old basket with new prices.
Incomplete Capture of Public Expenditure: Despite efforts to impute values for public expenditure items, the imputation process captured only a fraction of the total public expenditure on subsidized or free items.
Complexity in Poverty Measurement: There is no universally agreed-upon method for measuring poverty, leading to variability in estimates.
Constitutional provisions related to eliminating inequalities:
i. [Article 38 (2) ]: Obligation of the State ‘to endeavour to eliminate inequalities in status, facilities and opportunities’ amongst individuals and groups of people residing in different areas or engaged in different vocations. ii. [Article 46]: Obligation of State ‘to promote with special care’ the educational and economic interests of ‘the weaker sections of the people’ (besides Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes).
Conclusion: Given the inadequacy of calorie norm-based poverty lines, as recognized by the Tendulkar Committee, there is a need to adopt more effective and real-time approaches that will consider evolving consumption patterns.
Mains PYQ:
Q “The incidence and intensity of poverty are more important in determining poverty based on income alone”. In this context analyse the latest United Nations Multidimensional Poverty Index Report.(UPSC IAS/2020)
On the occasion of World Immunisation Week observed from 24th to 30th April, the Indian Academy of Paediatricshas launched a campaign to focus on routine immunization as the ‘Birth Right’ of a Child.
About Measles Vaccination
This vaccine protects against 3 diseases: Measles, Mumps, and Rubella (MMR).
Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)recommends children get two doses of MMR vaccine, starting with the first dose at 12 -15 monthsof age, and the second dose at 4-6 years of age. Teens and adults should also be up to date on their MMR vaccination.
Indian Government Initiatives:
World Immunization Week: The Indian Academy of Paediatrics (IAP) launched a campaign during World Immunisation Week (April 24-30) focusing on routine immunization as a fundamental right of every child. IAP urged the government to expedite the introduction of the HPV vaccine and typhoid conjugate vaccine to address significant public health burdens.
Vaccination made within the country:
DTP Vaccine: 93% of surviving infants received the third dose of the DTP vaccine.
Measles Vaccine: 90% of infants received the second dose of the measles vaccine. The measles vaccine has been the most significant in reducing infant mortality, accounting for 60% of lives saved through immunisation since 1974.
Present issues include inequitable distribution of vaccines, inability to reach 90% coverage, human resource gaps, and financing problems. In 2022, 33 million children missed a measles vaccine dose, with 22 million missing the first dose and 11 million missing the second dose.
Impacts of Immunisation Globally:
Lives Saved: Immunisation efforts have saved an estimated 154 million lives globally over the past 50 years, equating to six lives every minute of every year.
Infant Mortality Reduction: 101 million of the lives saved were infants. Vaccination against 14 diseases has reduced infant deaths by 40% globally and by over 50% in Africa.
Diseases Targeted: Vaccines have contributed to reducing deaths from diseases like Diphtheria, Haemophilus Influenzae Type B, Hepatitis B, Japanese Encephalitis, Measles, Meningitis A, Pertussis, invasive Pneumococcal disease, Polio, Rotavirus, Rubella, Tetanus, Tuberculosis, and Yellow fever.
Conclusion: Immunisation saves lives, reduces infant mortality, and prevents outbreaks by protecting against infectious diseases, ensuring healthier communities, and securing a better future for children worldwide.
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)
