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  • What are the Big Seven Cats?

    We often get confused to differentiate between Cheetah/Bagh/Sher/Puli. The cheetah, which is being re-introduced to India from Africa, is not to be confused with the leopard, which too has spots that look somewhat similar.

    How are all Big Cats differentiated?

    [A] Genus Panthera

    • This is the genus of large wild cats that can roar but can’t purr.
    • Among them, the lion, the leopard, and the jaguar are more closely related, while the other strand has the tiger and the snow leopard.
    • The snow leopard is an exception to the rest of the group in that it can’t roar.

    (1) Tiger (Panthera Tigris)

    Size: 75-300 kg | IUCN status : Endangered

    • Jim Corbett’s “large-hearted gentleman with boundless courage”, the solitary and strongly territorial tiger is the largest of all wild cats and also the earliest Panthera member to exist.
    • Primarily a forest animal, they range from the Siberian taiga to the Sunderban delta.
    • The national animal of India, Bangladesh, Malaysia, and South Korea, the tiger was voted the world’s favourite animal ahead of the dog in a 2004 Animal Planet global online poll.

    (2) Lion (Panthera Leo

    Size: 100-250 kg | IUCN status: Vulnerable

    • Native to Africa and Asia, the lion is the most social cat, and lives in groups called prides.
    • They prefer open forests such as scrubland, and adult males have a prominent mane.
    • The lion is arguably the most widely recognised animal symbol in human culture — be it the Ashoka pillar in Sarnath, the main entrance to Buckingham Palace, or the 20th Century Fox and MGM logo.

    (3) Jaguar (Panthera Onca)

    Size: 50-110 kg | IUCN status: Near Threatened

    • The largest cat in the Americas, the Jaguar has the strongest bite force of all wild cats, enabling it to bite directly through the skull of its prey.
    • Melanistic (black) Jaguars are common and are often called black panthers.
    • Jaguar was a powerful motif in the Mayan and Aztec civilisations.

    (4) Leopard (Panthera Pardus)

    Size: 30-90 kg | IUCN status: Vulnerable

    • Similar in appearance to the Jaguar with a rosette patterned coat, the leopard was described by Jim Corbett as “the most beautiful of all animals” for its “grace of movement and beauty of colouring”.
    • The most adaptable of all big cats, they occupy diverse habitats at all altitudes across Africa and Asia.
    • Like black jaguars, melanistic leopards are called black panthers.
    • In some African cultures, leopards are considered to be better hunters than lions.

    (5) Snow leopard (Panthera Uncia)

    Size: 25-55 kg | IUCN status : Vulnerable

    • The ghost of the mountains, this smokey-grey cat lives above the snow line in Central and South Asia.
    • The most elusive of all big cats, it cannot roar, and has the longest tail of them all — which comes in handy for balance while hunting along the cliffs, and also gives warmth when wrapped around the body.
    • The snow leopard is the state animal of Ladakh and Himachal Pradesh.

    [B] Genus Puma

    • Closely related to the domestic cat, this genus has only one extant species, the cougar.

    Cougar (Puma concolor)

    Size: 40-100 kg | IUCN status: Least Concern

    • The cougar is the second-largest cat in the Americas. (The Jaguar is the largest.)
    • Cougars are also called ‘mountain lion’ and ‘panther’ across their range from the Canadian Yukon to the Southern Andes.
    • Concolor is latin for “of uniform colour”. The Incas designed the city of Cusco in the shape of a cougar.

    [C] Genus Acinonyx

    • This is a unique genus within the cat family, with only one living member, the cheetah.

    Cheetah (Acinonyx jubatus)

    Size: 20-70 kg | IUCN status: Vulnerable

    • The fastest land mammal, the cheetah is the only cat without retractable claws — the grip helps it accelerate faster than any sports car (0-100 km/hr in 3 seconds).
    • Cheetahs are not aggressive towards humans, and they have been tamed since the Sumerian era.
    • They don’t breed well in captivity — picky females play hard to get.
    • Cheetahs are not really big, and they hunt during the day to avoid competing with other big cats.

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  • Delay in govt.’s flagship PMAY-G scheme to invite penalty

    Pulling up the States for the delay in completion of the government’s flagship rural household scheme — Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana –Gramin (PMAY-G) — the Union Ministry of Rural Development has come up with a set of penalties that the State governments will have to bear for any further delay.

    About PMAY-G Scheme

    • In pursuance of the goal – Housing for all by 2022, the rural housing scheme Indira Awas Yojana was revamped to PMAY-G and approved during March 2016.
    • The main aim of the PMAY-G scheme is to provide pucca house with some of the basic amenities.
    • This scheme is meant for people who do not own a house and people who live in kutcha houses or houses which are severely damaged.
    • At present, the minimum size of the houses to be built under the PMAY-G scheme has been increased to 25 sq. mt. from 20 sq. mt.
    • Under PMAY, the cost of unit assistance is to be shared between Central and State Governments in the ratio 60:40 in plain areas and 90:10 for North Eastern and hilly states.

    Subsidies under PMAY – G scheme

    There are various subsidies offered under PMAY G. These include:

    • Loans up to Rs. 70,000 from financial institution
    • Interest subsidy of 3%
    • Subsidy for the maximum principal amount is Rs. 2 lakh

    Why in news?

    • Opposition-ruled states such as West Bengal, Chhattisgarh and Odisha are the leading four States who are far behind their targets.
    • The initial deadline for the scheme was March 2022, which owing to the COVID-19 pandemic was extended by another two years till March 2024.

    What are the penalty provisions?

    • If the sanction of the house is delayed for more than one month from the date of issue of the target, the State government will be penalised.
    • The penal fees are per week ₹10 per house for the first month of delay and ₹20 per house for each subsequent month of delay.
    • Similarly, if the first instalment due to the beneficiary is delayed for more than seven days from the date of sanction, then the State governments will have to pay ₹10 per house per week of delay.

     

    Also read:

    Govt. extends PMAY-Urban scheme

     

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  • UNEP launches Green Fins Hub

    fins

    The United Nations Environmental Programme (UNEP) has launched the Green Fins Hub, a global digital platform to give sustainable marine tourism a ‘major boost’.

    Green Fins Hub

    • The Green Fins Global Hub will be a first-of-its-kind online support system to motivate scuba operators to improve their daily environmental practices at scale.
    • It aims to help diving and snorkeling operators worldwide to make simple, cost-efficient changes to their daily practices by utilizing tried and tested solutions.
    • It would also help them keep track of their annual improvements and communicate with their communities and customers.

    Membership of Green Fins Hub

    • It will host two types of membership. One would be digital membership available for diving, snorkelling and liveaboard operations globally.
    • Throughout every year of membership, operators will receive environmental scores based on a detailed online self-evaluation and progress made on their action plans.
    • The Certified Members will continue to be assessed annually and trained in person at their operation.
    • The platform will be for operators around the world to raise industry needs, discuss environmental issues and share lessons and ideas with like-minded industry leaders, non-profits and governments.

     

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  • Parliamentary Standing Committees

    Parliamentary CommitteesContext

    • In the recent monsoon session of Parliament (July-August) the Competition (Amendment) Bill, 2022 and the Electricity (Amendment) Bill, 2022 sent to the Parliamentary Committees for detailed examination and a report thereon.

    Background

    • Parliament had only limited legislative time this session and could pass only five pieces of legislation
    • Oppositions stand: opposition alleging that the Government has been trying to steamroll various pieces of legislation in the last few sessions.
    • Governments stand: Government worries that so much time is lost in disruptions in Parliament that the legislative process, as it is, becomes unduly delayed and therefore, referring the bills to the Standing Committees.

    Parliamentary CommitteesParliamentary Committees

    • Need of parliamentary committees: The functions of the Parliament are varied, complex and voluminous. Moreover, it has neither the adequate time nor necessary expertise to make a detailed scrutiny of all legislative measures.
    • Function: To assist parliament to discharge of its duties.
    • Mandate: To examine various legislations referred to it, the budget proposals of different Ministries, and also to do policy thinking on the vision, mission and future direction of the Ministries concerned.
    • Composition: Members of the Parliament of both the LokSabha and the RajyaSabha in the ratio 2:1,
    • Authority: constituted by the Speaker of the LokSabha and the Chairman of the RajyaSabha, jointly.
    • Classification: Broadly, two kinds–Standing Committees and Ad Hoc Standing Committees are permanent (constituted every year or periodically) and work on a continuous basis, while Ad Hoc Committees are temporary and cease to exist on completion of the task assigned to them.
    • Parliament has 24 Department Related Parliamentary Standing Committees (DRSC).

    Relevance of parliamentary committees

    • Withdrawal of farm law bills shows that if bills are not discussed thoroughly, these laws are just bizarre pieces of legislation from point of view consumers and stakeholders.
    • Parliamentary committee’s discussions are held closed door. Members can express their opinion freely.
    • Members of DRSC always try reach to consensus despite political differences. Such practices are essential for healthy democracy.
    • To strengthen the relevance of parliamentarians the parliamentary committees are crucial tools.

    Parliamentary CommitteesHow to improve Efficacy of committees?

    • Compulsory process: The Speaker of the Lok Sabha and the Chairman of the Rajya Sabha have powers to refer Bills to a DRSC of Parliament. Making the process of reference of Bills to these committees compulsory/an automatic process will be useful. An exemption could be made with the specific approval of the Speaker/ Chairman after detailed reasons for the same.
    • No whip: All discussions in the Parliamentary Standing Committee should be frank and free. No whip of the party would apply to them during the discussion.
    • Time bound: fixed timeline to come up with the recommendation and present its report which can be decided by the Speaker/Chairman. In case the committee if fails to give its recommendation within the approved/extended time, the Bill may be put up before the House concerned directly.
    • Inviting filed Expertise: To ensure quality work in the committees, experts in the field may be invited who could bring with them the necessary domain knowledge and also help introduce the latest developments and trends in that field from Some subject matter experts/young researchers could be associated with the committee for a short period would be fruitful.
    • Authority: The Speaker/Chairman should have the right to fix a time limit, sometimes even stringent, if the government of the day asks for it and the demand is found to be reasonable by the Speaker/Chairman.
    • Organized work in the gap: Between two sessions, there is generally enough time to organise committee meetings for discussions on Bills in the parliamentary committees. It is important for the Ministry of Parliamentary Affairs in collaboration with the committee chairmen to get these parliamentary works organized during the intersessional period, in advance.
    • Other than Budget Proposals: The committees should not limit themselves to discussing just the budget proposals and endorsing them with a few qualifications here or amendments there. They should also come up with suggestions for the Ministry to take up new initiatives and people friendly measures.

    Conclusion

    • Discussion is not a stumbling block but an indispensable preliminary of any wise actions.
    • Discussion is soul of democracy.
    • Parliamentary committees are truly democratic institutions in India due to its consensus and bonhomie while functioning.
    • Government of the day should take step to strengthen DRSC and refer more bills to committees. 

    Other related information

    Parliamentary sessions

    • The president from time to time summons each House of Parliament to meet.
    • The maximum gap between two sessions of Parliament cannot be more than six months.
    • In other words, the Parliament should meet at least twice a year.
    • There are usually three sessions in a year: 1. The Budget Session (February to May); 2. The Monsoon Session (July to September); and 3. The Winter Session (November to December).

    Competition Commission of India (CCI)

    • CCI is the chief national competition regulatorin India.
    • The commission was established on 14 October 2003. It became fully functional in May 2009
    • It is a statutory body within the Ministry of Corporate Affairs
    • Responsibility: To enforce the Competition Act, 2002 to promote competition and to prevent activities that effects negatively on competition in India.
    • The CCI looks into cases and investigates them if the same has a negative impact on competition.
    • CCI also approves combination under the act so that two merging entities do not overtake the market.

    Mains Question Q.

    Evaluate the significance of parliamentary standing committee in parliamentary democracy. Suggest the steps to strengthen the parliamentary committees.

     

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  • 17th September 2022 | Prelims Daily with Previous Year Questions

    17th September 2022 | Prelims Daily with Previous Year Questions

    [WpProQuiz 1115]

    [WpProQuiz_toplist 1115]

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  • 16th September 2022 | Prelims Daily with Previous Year Questions

    16th September 2022 | Prelims Daily with Previous Year Questions

    [WpProQuiz 1114]

    [WpProQuiz_toplist 1114]

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  • FAME India

    FAMEContext

    • Centralized procurement of 5,450 electric buses and subsequent increase in ambition to have 50,000 e-buses on the country’s roads by 2030 under FAME scheme.
    • With the shared aim to rapidly electrify a key pillar of India’s public transportation, recent governance efforts of Union and state governments have created a new business model for e-buses.

    Status of State-owned buses

    • Status: There are currently around 1,40,000 registered public buses on India’s roads.
    • Condition: Large numbers of them having sputtering engines which emits planet-warming fumes into the atmosphere. At least 40,000 of these buses are at the end of their lifespan and must be taken off the roads
    • Operators: Most buses are owned and operated by State transport undertakings, which are in poor financial health.
    • Revenue loss: They incur large losses because of the subsidized fares to crores of Indians each day.
    • Problem: problems of fragmented demand and high prices.
    • Limitation: As State governments control issues such as transit, urban governance and pollution control so there’s a limitation for the nation-wide action on this issue.

    FAMEWhat is FAME India scheme?

    • The National Electric Mobility Mission Plan (NEMMP) 2020: Is a National Mission document providing the vision and the roadmap for the faster adoption of electric vehicles and their manufacturing in the country.
    • FAME: As part of the NEMMP 2020, Department of Heavy Industry formulated a Scheme viz. Faster Adoption and Manufacturing of (Hybrid &) Electric Vehicles in India (FAME India) Scheme in the year 2015 to promote manufacturing of electric and hybrid vehicle technology and to ensure sustainable growth of the same.
    • FAME Phase-II: Government has approved Phase-II of FAME Scheme with an outlay of Rs. 10,000 Crore for a period of 3 years commencing from 1st April 2019.
    • Out of total budgetary support, about 86 percent of fund has been allocated for Demand Incentive so as to create demand for EVs in the country.
    • This phase aims to generate demand by way of supporting 7000 e-Buses, 5 lakh e-3 Wheelers, 55000 e-4 Wheeler Passenger Cars (including Strong Hybrid) and 10 lakh e-2 Wheelers. However, depending upon off-take of different category of EVs, these numbers may vary as the provision has been made for inter as well as intra segment wise f
    • Incentives: Only advanced battery and registered vehicles will be incentivized under the scheme.
    • Coverage: With greater emphasis on providing affordable & environment friendly public transportation options for the masses, scheme will be applicable mainly to vehicles used for public transport or those registered for commercial purposes in e-3W, e-4W and e-bus segments. However, privately owned registered e-2Ws are also covered under the scheme as a mass segment. 

    FAMEObstacles in electric vehicle mobility

       EV Cost and Battery cost:

    • The cost is the most concerning point for an individual when it comes to buying an electric vehicle.
    • However, there are many incentives given off by central and state governments. But the common condition in all policies is that the incentives are only applicable for up to a certain number of vehicles only and after removing the discount and incentives the same EV which was looking lucrative to buy suddenly becomes unaffordable

       Beta version of vehicles:

    • Right now, both the technology and companies are new to the market and the products they are manufacturing are possibly facing real costumers for the first time.
    • It’s nearly impossible to make such a complex product like an automobile perfect for the customers in the first go, and as expected the buyers faced many issues. Vehicles like RV400, EPluto 7G, Nexon all them has to update their vehicle up to a very high extent after customer feedback and reviews.

       Poor Infrastructure and range anxiety:

    • Poor infrastructure is among the most pressing issue among people thinking to opt for electric vehicles.
    • Poor infra doesn’t only include a lack of charging stations but also the lack of proper charging set up in their home.

     No Universal charger and Ecosystem (Lack of standardization):

    • Every second electric vehicle-making company has its own different charging port which is becoming a hurdle to setting up a proper charging ecosystem.
    • Also, many EV users complained about facing moral trouble for charging their vehicle in different EV-making Company’s charging stations which can impact the growth of the EV industry.

       Temperature Issues:

    • Temperature can affect the performance of an EV battery at a large extent which makes EV’s inappropriate for too cold (Uttarakhand, Meghalaya) or too hot regions like (Rajasthan, Kerala). The battery can give its ideal performance when it’s in use under the temperature range of 15-40 degrees.

       Environmental concerns:

    • The EV revolution is necessary for the most populated and polluted parts of India like Delhi, Mumbai, etc. but in such cities the major chunk of electricity is generated through burning fossil fuels which are equivalent to spreading the pollution through the ICE vehicle smoke, even most of the charging stations are reportedly operating upon diesel-driven electricity generator.

    Way ahead

    • With anything new, there will always be challenges.
    • The EV industry is still in a nascent stage in India but developing at a rapid pace. Catching up to speed are the infrastructure requirements to support the EV demand.
    • Even with the current challenges, electric vehicles present huge potential to reduce our carbon footprints and provide a cost-effective system of transportation.
    • And one way to contribute towards this growth is to buy an electric vehicle.

     

    Mains Question

    Q. What do you understand by FAME India scheme? How it will help tackling climate change? What are the obstacles in implementation of this scheme?

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  • Q.3 Biotechnology is often seen as a revolutionary intervention, but the applications of biotechnology have had mixed socio-economic implications. Examine. (10 Marks)

    Mentor’s Comments-

    • Introduce the meaning of biotechnology and explain how it is a revolutionary intervention.
    • Next, analyze the positive and negative sides of its socio-economic impact.
    • Conclude with an optimistic statement.

  • Q.2 “Every second adolescent girl has anaemia. Every second woman of reproductive age is anaemic.” Highlighting the reasons for prevalence of anaemia in India, mention some suggestions to improve the situation. (10 Marks)

    Mentor’s Comments-

  • Q.4 Garima has joined Flexible Industries Limited, a reputed manufacturing company. She has just passed out of engineering college. It has been her dream to work at the shop floor of a production company and she is very excited for her new job. Her friends call her gearhead because of her love for machines. She desires to prove her worth and has been working diligently for it. During the training period, she has expressed a desire to work in the production department. But the gender attitude especially of blue-collar workers in the production department is not considered conducive for women. Traditionally, shop floors have been dominated by men. With no immediate gains in sight, the managers consider it an unfeasible burden to undertake any change among the workers relating to their attitude towards women. The Human resources department has communicated to Garima that after her probation period is over, she might be offered roles in ‘Research & Development’ department or ‘Marketing’ which have more women employees. Garima meets her HR manager and tells him again that she wants to work in the production department. Her manager tells her that the assembly line in production functions 24×7 and every worker in the production line works at least two night shifts a week. He further explains that workers in the production line are not much educated and are reluctant to take orders from female engineers. Job in the production line is physically demanding and not suitable for a girl. Garima is not satisfied with the answer of her HR manager. Garima is feeling frustrated at her capabilities and aspirations not being appreciated enough only because of her gender. Seeing limited opportunities for her talent, she is thinking about resigning from the job to prepare for the civil services examination. You are Garima’s best friend who happens to be a civil service aspirant. Garima calls you and asks for your advice. What advice would you give to her? According to you, what are the attributes of a good work culture? How can workplaces be made gender sensitive? (20 Marks)

    Mentor’s Comments-

    • Start by describing the central issue in the case study.
    • For the first part, delineate different approaches viz, idealistic or realistic pathways.
    • For the second part, define work culture. List the attributes of good work culture.
    • In the third part, list different ways to make workplaces gender-sensitive.

  • Q.1 Post-independent environmental movements in India have been a result of both ecological concerns as well as unfulfilled socio-economic aspirations. Discuss with relevant examples. (15 Marks)

    Mentor’s Comments-

    • Introduce with a comment on unique nature of India’s environmental movement.
    • In the main body, discuss how environmental and socio-economic concerns converge in India. Substantiate with examples.
    • For conclusion, give some suggestions for balancing developmental needs and environmental conservation.

  • [Sansad TV] Perspective: Protecting the Tribes

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    Context

    • The last known member of an indigenous tribes in the Amazon rainforest has died after living alone for decades.
    • The unidentified man from an uncontacted Indigenous tribe in Brazil was known as the ‘man of the hole’ because he was often spotted taking shelter in pits dug in the ground.
    • His death has now resulted in a lot of discussion among activists, once again bringing to the spotlight the need to protect the indigenous people.

    Tribes in India

    tribes
    • In India, most of the tribes are collectively identified under Article 342 as “Scheduled Tribes”.
    • There are 110 million tribals in the country, distributed across 18 states.
    • The tribal population is known to live sustainable lives, in harmony with nature.
    • However, with their numbers dwindling due to various contributing factors, the concern is on how not just to protect their population, but also to preserve their heritage, culture, language, art, traditions and sensibilities.

    What’s being done towards the protection and economic upliftment of the tribals in India? How are their concerns & challenges being addressed?

    Why do Tribal communities matter?

    • Safeguarding Biodiversity: India’s ethnic people have played a vital role in preserving the biodiversity of several virgin forests and have conserved flora and fauna in sacred groves of tribals.
    • Repository of traditional knowledge: They hold vital ancestral knowledge and expertise on how to adapt, mitigate, and reduce climate and disaster risks.
    • Sustainable livelihood practices: The crops grown by indigenous people are highly adaptable. They can survive drought, altitude, flooding, and any kind of extremes of temperature. As a result, these crops help create resilient farms.
    • Gender and social harmony: Tribal communities are one of the most liberal communities. Status of women is very high as they contribute substantially to primary subsistence activities.

    Various Protection to tribes in India

    (1) Constitutional Protection

    • The term ‘Scheduled Tribes’ first appears in the Constitution of India.
    • Article 366 (25) defined scheduled tribes as “such tribes or tribal communities or parts of or groups within such tribes or tribal communities as are deemed under Article 342 to be Scheduled Tribes for the purposes of this constitution”.
    • Article 342 prescribes procedure to be followed in the matter of specification of scheduled tribes.
    • Among the tribal groups, several have adapted to modern life but there are tribal groups who are more vulnerable.
    • The Dhebar Commission (1973) created a separate category “Primitive Tribal Groups (PTGs)” which was renamed in 2006 as “Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs)”.
    • As per Article 338-A of the Constitution of India, the National Commission for Scheduled Tribes has been set up.

    (2) Civil Rights Protection

    • Protection of Civil Rights Act, 1955: It prescribes punishment for the preaching and practice of untouchability against the downtrodden sections of society.
    • Scheduled Castes and the Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, 1989: It is an Act to prevent the Commission of offences of atrocities against the members of the SCs and STs; to provide for special Courts for the trial of such offences.
    • Provisions of the Panchayats (Extension to the Scheduled Areas) Act, 1996: It gives special powers to the Gram Sabhas in Scheduled Areas especially for the management of natural resources.
    • Scheduled Tribes and Other Traditional Forest Dwellers (Recognition of Forest Rights) Act, 2006: The rights provided to tribals under the Forest Rights Act seek to secure individual and community ownership on landholding, exploitation and habitation in forests by indigenous people in India.

    (3) Protecting their Political Aspirations

    • Scheduled Areas are areas in India with a preponderance of tribal population subject to a special governance mechanism wherein the central government plays a direct role in safeguarding cultural and economic interests of scheduled tribes in the area.
    • The Fifth schedule deals with the administration and control of Scheduled Areas as well as of Scheduled Tribes residing in any State other than the States of Assam, Meghalaya, Tripura and Mizoram.
    • The Sixth Schedule consists of provisions for the administration of tribal areas in Assam, Meghalaya, Tripura and Mizoram, according to Article 244 of the Indian Constitution.

    Issues faced by Tribal population in India

    • Acute Poverty: Many of indigenous communities live in extreme poverty. They suffer from malnutrition and lack access to basic education and health facilities. Ex. Melghat in Maharashtra.
    • Dwindling Population: Indigenous communities are facing a dwindling population. Most of them are desolated from their native places.
    • Degradation of Forests: Unrestrained development in forest areas has led to the degradation of the forest areas which account for the major basis for the survival of the tribal community.
    • Forest Rights Issues: Inability to recognize indigenous communities’ rights to forest resources is also a concern. This has given rise to left wing leanings.
    • Displacement: Acquisition of tribal land by the government for ‘development’ purposes has led to large scale displacement and alienation of tribal population.
    • Discrimination: The tribal people were compelled to perform duties that were considered inferior because of their economic backwardness and illiteracy.

    Major challenges in the tribal areas

    • Remoteness: The tribal hamlets and habitations are located either in a valley or on the hill tops in most of the places. Due to which they are excludes from major developmental activities, improved cultivation practices, education and health facilities.
    • Exploitation: The agriculture produces, local non timber forest produce and other valuable forest resources are being siphoned out by the middlemen from the innocent tribals for the paltry prices thus leaving the tribals exploited financially.
    • Superstition: Poverty, health issues, illiteracy and underdevelopment is often ascribed to the fate, star and supernatural events. Even preventable deaths are sometimes construed as may be due to bad omen; the scientific temper is a remotest aspiration.  
    • Road and Telecom lacunae: Due to tough terrain and difficult areas of tribal locations, it requires huge resources to establish connectivity to all the habitation. The telecom connectivity is also as sparse as the roads. Hence the penetration of digital literacy is hampered in typical tribal areas.
    • Lack of health awareness: Unscientific practices, local beliefs, self-medication, customary doctor etc. have deprived them from availing the institutional health facilities.
    • Illiteracy: It is the main hurdle in improving living standards of tribals in the tribal belts. The spill over effect of illiteracy is ‘lack of confidence’ to adopt progressive steps.
    • Primitive agriculture: The traditional areas where tribal live are mostly forests and hill terrains, having no proper potential for the adoption of modern agriculture on a large scale. Even now the PVTG’s are practicing shifting cultivation (Podu farming) on the hill slopes of eastern states.
    • Unemployment: Inability to catch up with the skilled jobs in the open market due to lack of exposure to formal skill training, the unemployment is haunting the qualified tribal youths.

    Various welfare schemes for Tribals

    • Vanbandhu Kalyan Yojana: VKY aims at creating enabling environment for the need-based and outcome-oriented holistic development of the tribal people.
    • Minor Forest Produce (MFP): Scheme of Mechanism for Marketing of MFP through Minimum Support Price (MSP) and Development of Value Chain for MFP
    • Van Dhan Vikas Karyakram: The Van Dhan Scheme is an initiative of the Ministry of Tribal Affairs and TRIFED.  It was launched on 14th April, 2018 and seeks to improve tribal incomes through the value addition of tribal products.
    • Higher education: Pre and Matric Scholarship Scheme for ST students, Eklavya Model Residential Schools
    • Classification as Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs):  PVTGs have some basic characteristics -they are mostly homogenous, with a small population, relatively physically isolated, social institutes cast in a simple mould, absence of written language, relatively simple technology and a slower rate of change etc.

    Way forward

    • There is a need to take up massive awareness creation activities among the tribal to make them realise their development potential.
    • Area based approach should be adopted to create infrastructure and road connectivity.
    • Effective monitoring of the funds meant for various tribal development activities is necessary.
    • Comprehensive skill development programs customized to the local tribal markets and local consumers have assured a future for the tribal youth.
    • Formal education and institutional finance through village institutions and Self Help Groups need to be intensified in the tribal areas by a focused approach.

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  • UPSC Mains 2022-23 special: The art of writing answers to skyrocket your score in GS Mains papers – By Sajal sir, as published in The Indian Express

    UPSC Mains 2022-23 special: The art of writing answers to skyrocket your score in GS Mains papers – By Sajal sir, as published in The Indian Express

    Sajal sir has mentioned the Art of answer writing comprising 10 Principles for the UPSC Mains 2022-23.

    UPSC will be conducting the Main Stage Exams for Civil Services 2022 Recruitment from September 16. Mains are generally exhaustive in nature as UPSC examines the candidate on various subjects and on a very pertinent edge. However, the biggest challenge is learning the art of executing your knowledge when you put your pen on paper. 

    The exact answer-writing segments of the UPSC-CSE examination have diverged into three sections: Basic, semi-advanced, and On-demand rule of thumb. And to maintain this levels-ratio, apart from creating templates for different question-answer combinations worth remembering in a rush, you must follow these 15 arts of answer making.

    Read Sajal Sir’s article as published in the Indian Express

    Master the basic

    The body of answers addresses the minimum criteria for writing an exemplary answer. To create a good answer, you need to grasp a few basic techniques.

    Don’t deviate from your point:

    UPSC is very conscientious when it comes to evaluation. They prefer complex thoughts to be simplified and well presented. When one has that sagacity to write an answer without diverting from the point, it creates an unparalleled advantage for the aspirants.

    Dissect the questions

    Don’t get swayed by only seeing the theme of the question. Many aspirants write down everything they know. The value of your answer is not in its duration but in its contribution to the problems. Your answers must be relevant and useful enough. Only the good and the bad will not bring you signs.

    Key questions include instructions such as ‘Discuss/critically discuss/Comment/Examine/Critically examine/Analyze/evaluate/Critically evaluate/Elucidate, and you must be able to understand what each prompt includes. Therefore, it is important to break the question into smaller parts. While answering these questions, always check three elements to write an ideal answer – accuracy, brevity, and clarity. Specificity means lacing the answer with relevant subheadings, brevity will consist of short statements in your answer; And finally, maintaining overall transparency.

    Precise Presentation

    Don’t get overwhelmed. Points to be noted:

    • An opinion-based answer is to be written in paragraph
    • A fact-based answer is to be written in both paragraphs and bullets or a combination of both.

    The Intermediate intervention

    The semi-advanced segment will cover the second set of challenges that candidates face. This is a detailed section that assesses broad understanding and depth of knowledge. Consider these points:

    PESTLE Approach is needed in certain kinds of questions

    It means analyzing any issue from various angles eg:

    • Political
    • Economic
    • Social
    • Environmental
    • Legal
    • Technological
    • Administrative
    • Geographic
    • Historical

    Look for Keywords in the Question like 

    • Reasons
    • Implications
    • Importance
    • effects

    Always take a middle ground in your answers

    No scheme/Policy is a Magic bullet. Always conclude by Saying While XYZ is a step in the right direction but it needs to be supplemented by ABC’s further reforms

    It is to remember, that the Intermediate section will handle the second set of challenges that candidates face in the Mains exam.

    Understanding the core of the questions

    Every candidate should keep in mind that UPSC does not evaluate based on quantity, but rather based on quality. Answers should always create a solution to the main problem presented by the question.

    Comprehensive view

    ‘First impression is the last impression’- Every aspirant must be careful about their Introduction, Body, and conclusion. But, among them, Introduction works up to 75% work for you. Whether it’s GS paper 1, 2, or 3, or even Ethics (GS-4), ideally, the introduction should not only introduce mere the topic/issue/concept to the examiner but also (very) briefly describe the central premise of the answer.

    If the question has two or more parts, all parts must be presented shortly. Experts say, the introduction should not exceed 20% of the word limit at any price and its ideal length is about 10% of the word limit. For 200 words, 20-40 words should look for your introduction (and conclusion).

    Articulating the advanced answers

    The on-demand (advanced) sections bring us a comprehensive opportunity for aspirants to assert an understanding of the topics. This section tests a candidate’s ability to remember the most complex details, frame the best-refined answer and present it in the most concise possible manner. Some points are to be noted.

    Word limit is sacrosanct

    All 3 General Studies (GS) papers, excluding GS Paper IV which is Ethics Paper, have a limit of 200 words per question. This is a fair word limit that you are given when answering a question. The trick here is to write short sentences. Avoid Compound Sentences Although you may think you save time and words by joining two sentences with an ‘and’.

    GS Paper IV (Ethics) has 150, 250, and 300-word limits. 99% of the time questions are opinion based, so better to write answers in paragraphs. 

    Follow these 5 points:

    • Follow ARC reports & memorize only recommendations
    • Learn the major contributions of moral thinkers
    • Learn definitions, flowcharts, schematics
    • Examples of greater historical leaders’ action
    • Real-life case studies

    Entrench the Ethics of answer writing

    In GS paper IV, for the case study, your intention must not be to write an ingenious, extraordinary solution, but to write something practical and realistic and finish the paper no matter what.

    Directives to answer

    An advanced technique for writing successful answers is to create templates for different types of question-answers that you can recall at short notice.

    The art to approach essays

    In the essay, you have to write two essays of 1000-1200 words each. Writing a very good essay within the given time and word limit is very possible if you follow some basic rules. These basic rules are – brainstorming, outlining, idea/argument placement, and structuring. 

    Vantage view

    It is stated that composing answers is an art. The good news is that any kind of art may be learned with time. Will and effort, frequent practice, and some direction are all that is required. The cumulative conclusion is that the GS-1 always uses diagrams to explain and make sure you get the basics right. When we talk about GS-2, always try to include recommendations from a committee and mention development goals to consolidate your statements.

    In GS-3, be aware of terms used in space, nanotech, nuclear research, defense, biotech, and communications (LiFi, 5G, etc.). When articulating answers in the GS-4 paper, focus on ethical competence. The key to success in this paper entails transparency, accountability, and attitude.

  • 15th September 2022 | Prelims Daily with Previous Year Questions

    15th September 2022 | Prelims Daily with Previous Year Questions

    [WpProQuiz 1113]

    [WpProQuiz_toplist 1113]

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  • 15th September 2022| Daily Answer Writing Enhancement(AWE)

    Topics for Today’s questions:

    GS-1      The Freedom Struggle — its various stages and important contributors/contributions from different parts of the country.

    GS-2      Bilateral, regional and global groupings and agreements involving India and/or affecting  India’s interests.

    GS-3        Issues relating to intellectual property rights.

    GS-4        Human Values – lessons from the lives and teachings of great leaders, reformers and administrators

    Question 1)

     

    Q.1 It is said that during Quit India Movement Mahatma Gandhi was willing to risk complete lawlessness in place of orderly disciplined anarchy of the British. Analyse. (10 Marks)

     

    Question 2)

    Q.2 Illustrate using examples India’s movement towards an “all-alignment” policy. How does India’s all alignment policy function within the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) grouping? (10 Marks)

    Question 3)

    Q.3 The recent report of the Economic Advisory Council to the Prime Minister (EAC-PM) emphasizes upon the significance of a robust patent system for a knowledge economy. Highlighting some of the concerns in India’s patent ecosystem, mention suggestions to improve the same. (15 Marks)

    Question 4)  

    Q.4 Highlighting the factors responsible for social inequality in the country, discuss the role of Dr. BR Ambedkar in paving the way for social equity. (10 Marks)

     

    HOW TO ATTEMPT ANSWERS IN DAILY ANSWER WRITING ENHANCEMENT(AWE)?

    1. Daily 4 questions from General studies 1, 2, 3, and 4 will be provided to you.

    2. A Mentor’s Comment will be available for all answers. This can be used as a guidance tool but we encourage you to write original answers.

    3. You can write your answer on an A4 sheet and scan/click pictures of the same.

    4.  Upload the scanned answer in the comment section of the same question.

    5. Along with the scanned answer, please share your Razor payment ID, so that paid members are given priority.

    6. If you upload the answer on the same day like the answer of 11th  February is uploaded on 11th February then your answer will be checked within 72 hours. Also, reviews will be in the order of submission- First come first serve basis

    7. If you are writing answers late, for example, 11th February is uploaded on 13th February , then these answers will be evaluated as per the mentor’s schedule.

    8. We encourage you to write answers on the same day. However, if you are uploading an answer late then tag the mentor like @Staff so that the mentor is notified about your answer.

    *In case your answer is not reviewed, reply to your answer saying *NOT CHECKED*. 

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  • Q.3 The recent report of the Economic Advisory Council to the Prime Minister (EAC-PM) emphasizes upon the significance of a robust patent system for a knowledge economy. Highlighting some of the concerns in India’s patent ecosystem, mention suggestions to improve the same. (15 Marks)

    Mentor’s Comments-

  • Q.2 Illustrate using examples India’s movement towards an “all-alignment” policy. How does India’s all alignment policy function within the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) grouping? (10 Marks)

    Mentor’s Comments-

     

  • Hindi not a competitor of regional languages: Home Minister

    Union Home Minister has appealed to guardians to speak to children in their mother tongue to enable them to learn Hindi without much effort, on the Hindi Divas.

    What did HM say on Hindi?

    • He said it was time that inferiority complex around Indian languages, instilled by the British, was overthrown from people’s conscience with the help of regional languages and Hindi.
    • He also said that Hindi was not a competitor but a “friend” of all the other regional languages in the country and they were mutually dependent on each other for their growth.
    • He said there was a concerted disinformation campaign to pit Hindi against other languages such as Marathi and Tamil, and underlined the need to strengthen local languages with Hindi.

    Debate over Hindi

    • Between September 12 and 14, 1949, that the Constituent Assembly debated the status of India’s languages.
    • Among the issues that were discussed were the use of the term ‘national language’ instead of ‘official’ language.
    • Hindi author Seth Govind Das, who represented the Central Provinces and Berar, argued for ‘one language and one script’ and suggested that Hindi should replace English at the earliest.

    What is the status of Hindi?

    • Finally, the Constituent Assembly adopted what was known as “Munshi-Ayyangar Formula.”
    • According to this, Hindi in the Devnagari script would be the official language of the Union.

    Official, not national

    • English would continue to be used for all official purposes for the next 15 years, to enable a smooth transition for non-Hindi speaking states.
    • The deadline was 26 January 1965.
    • Under Article 343 of the Constitution, the official language of the Union shall be Hindi in Devanagari script.
    • The international form of Indian numerals will be used for official purposes.

    Why has language become a sensitive issue?

    • Self-identification: A strong identification with one’s regional language and an underlying fear of homogenisation is at the heart of the national language question in India. An individual conceptualises and communicates his thoughts in a language, enabling him to be an active part of society.
    • Language defines primary group: People identify with one another based on language, thus giving them a primary group. A nation is the largest primary group that once can address.
    • Learning abilities at stake: The dangers of imposing a language are manifold. It can affect the learning ability of non-native speakers thereby affecting their self-confidence.
    • Threats to endangered languages: It can also endanger other languages and dialects and reduce diversity.
    • Threats to diversity: National integration cannot come at the cost of people’s linguistic identities. Language is integral to culture and therefore privileging Hindi over all other languages spoken in India takes away from its diversity.
    • Promises made by Constituent Assembly: Then PM Pt. Nehru had promised that Hindi would only serve as a linking language and it would not be imposed on non-Hindi speaking states as long as they were against it.

    Benefits of having a national language

    • Wide range of speakers: Hindi is still the most widely spoken language in the country with an estimated 258 million people declaring that Hindi is their native language and millions more comfortable with Hindi.
    • Language as a unifying language: A complete usage of Hindi language whilst respecting the various native languages would also ensure better coordination and cooperation among all the states and act as a strong unifying factor and eliminate all regional differences.
    • Reputation at international fora: When countries like Germany, Japan, France, Italy etc. use their respective language as a medium of communication even during International forums not only has the reputation of those countries have greatly enhanced but also those languages have gained a huge reputation worldwide.

    Issues with Hindi

    • Inherent opposition to Hindi: The Constituent Assembly was bitterly divided on the question, with members from States that did not speak Hindi initially opposing the declaration of Hindi as a national language.
    • Fear of imposition: Opponents were against English being done away with, fearing that it may lead to Hindi domination in regions that did not speak the language.
    • Symbol of identity politics: The approach towards linguistic policy seems to be driven more by the politics of identity than values of aspiration or accommodation.
    • Favour for majoritarianism: The primary argument in favour of Hindi has been reduced to assertions of slim majoritarianism.
    • Few speakers, still dominant: Even then, there are concerns about the claim based on mere numerical strength, as only 25 per cent of Indians seem to recognise Hindi as their mother tongue (Census 2011).
    • Demographic barriers: Today nearly 35% of people are migrating daily for work. In such a situation, we have to conceptualise a new form of language identity for our states.
    • Economic barriers: Any idea of one link language, whether Hindi or English, will be economically disastrous for India. It will slow down migration and reduce the ease of capital flow.
    • Multiple dialects: Only five states in India have Hindi as their’ native language’. However, in those states, too, the dialects of Hindi are associated with locals and their communities.

    Why Hindi cannot be the national language?

    • Multiple dialects: Hindi has largely been influenced by Persian — and then English, among other languages. Also, when the languages were enumerated, Hindi subsumed Bhojpuri, which is spoken by a little over five crore people.
    • Inefficacy of Sanskrit: There were demands to make Sanskrit the official language, while some argued in favour of ‘Hindustani’.
    • Issue over Script: There were differences of opinion over the script too. When opinion veered towards accepting Hindi, proponents of the language wanted the ‘Devanagari’ script to be adopted both for words and numerals.

    Why this issue needs a rational consideration?

    • Linguistic chauvinism: Various policies on language have been framed both by the central and state governments that have been termed as forms of linguistic chauvinism.  Ex. Obsession for Marathi in Mumbai
    • Secular fabric under threat: The states’ fear of the central government’s ideology of monopolising faith, education, and language will adversely affect the Indian political system, which is based on pluralism and accommodation.
    • Monolingualism can prove disastrous: If there is a mechanical and monolithic idea of unity followed by any entity, such an entity generally generates great hostility beyond its immediate borders.  In neighbouring Bangladesh – then East Pakistan – the language movement against the imposition of Urdu on Bengali speakers was a key driver of Pakistan splitting into two nations.

    Way forward

    • Language as a skill: Language should be looked at as an important skill to operate in a world which is more connected today than at any other point in time.
    • Language not a cultural burden: A united nation has to have space for diversity. India is united in its diversity. Diversity is a great philosophical idea and should never be seen as a cultural burden.
    • Linguistic heritage needs priority: This is not to contend that our linguistic heritage should be neglected or trivialised. Our metropolises must be recognized as multilingual entities.

     

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  • Q.1 It is said that during Quit India Movement Mahatma Gandhi was willing to risk complete lawlessness in place of orderly disciplined anarchy of the British. Analyse. (10 Marks)

    Mentor’s Comments-

    • State uniqueness of Quit India movement and briefly describe disciplined anarchy existing in the country.
    • In the body, list the British actions which created disciplined anarchy.
    • List points highlighting the changed methodology in the Quit India movement under inspiration of Gandhi.
    • Conclude by highlight significance of the movement.

  • National Logistics Policy

    logistics

    The government will announce the National Logistics Policy (NLP) this week, aiming to bring down logistics costs and address challenges plaguing importers and exporters.

    What is Logistics?

    • Logistics refers to the overall process of managing how resources are acquired, stored, and transported to their final destination.
    • It involves identifying prospective distributors and suppliers and determining their effectiveness and accessibility.

    Why need a logistics policy?

    logistics

    • Organizing and consolidating the sector: India’s logistics sector is largely unorganized and fragmented.
    • Reducing logistics cost: This is why the country’s logistics costs are as high as 14-15% of the GDP, against 7-8% in developed nations such as the Singapore and the US, who leverage it to boost exports. The NLP aims to bring down India’s logistics cost to 8% in the next five years.
    • Preventing waste of perishable items: As per some estimates in India, about 16% of agri-production is wasted at different stages of the supply chain.
    • Warehousing development: Moreover, due to factors such as limited capacity and availability of warehouses, the cost of transaction increases.
    • Multi-modal integration: The new policy is going about simplification, technology and will have a multimodal approach that will combine rail, water, and air — all modes of transport.

    What role will technology play?

    • Advanced analytics: The NLP will aim to harness technologies such as AI and blockchain. It aims to create a data analytics centre for driving greater transparency and continuous monitoring of key logistics metrics.
    • Single window portal: Under NLP, a portal will be created, where service providers such as warehousing providers, shipping experts, transporters, customs brokers, and various governmental agencies will be unified.

    Will it boost cooperation between ministries?

    • Unifying multiple departments: Currently, the logistics value chain is managed by several ministries—road transport and highways, shipping, railways, and civil aviation.
    • Single-point clearances: Agencies like the Central Drug Standard Control Organization and the Food Safety and Standard Authority of India provide clearances.
    • Nationwide integration: The NLP could enhance their integration at the central level.

    What about reducing the carbon footprint?

    • Energy-efficient transportation: The draft logistics policy lays emphasis on the shift to more energy-efficient means of transportation, as well as the use of greener fuels which could reduce the supply chain’s carbon footprint.
    • Vehicular emission reduction: Moreover, the draft policy, released earlier, emphasized creating regulations for controlling vehicular noise, emissions, and wastage.
    • Green warehousing principles: The new logistics policy also aims to incorporate green principles in the functioning of warehouses which contribute to nearly 10% of the logistics costs.

    Will it change India’s commodity transport?

    • Transport of crucial commodities: The proposed policy aims to focus on the transport of crucial commodities such as coal, steel, iron ore, food grains, steel, cement, fruits and vegetables.
    • Creating nationwide clusters: The current logistical network for transporting them is mainly confined to regional clusters.
    • Integrating national supply-chains: The NLP could help establish a link between the place of origin, and destination place and integrate the supply on a national level.
    • Optimum logistics identification: The draft also proposes identification of the right mode of transport for each of these commodities to minimise losses during transport.

     

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