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  • Takeaways from Bihar caste survey

    caste

    What’s the news?

    • The Bihar caste survey was released by the state government on October 2.

    Central idea

    • The recent release of the Bihar caste survey results has unveiled a complex tapestry of demographics in the state, bringing to the forefront the intricate interplay of caste politics. With EBCs and OBCs cumulatively constituting more than 63% of the population, the dynamics of political representation and reservation are poised for transformation.

    What is a caste-based survey?

    • A caste-based survey is a comprehensive data collection initiative launched by the Bihar state government in India.
    • The primary objective is to gain a deeper understanding of the living conditions and economic status of different communities, especially those that have historically faced marginalization and socio-economic disadvantage.

    Key Findings of the Survey

    • Demographic Breakdown:
    • The survey reveals a diverse demographic landscape in Bihar.
    • The EBCs, comprising 36.01% of the population, emerge as the largest social group,
    • Followed by OBCs at 27.12% and
    • Scheduled Castes (SCs) at 19.65%.
    • Scheduled Tribes (STs) account for a mere 1.68%, primarily due to the bifurcation of Jharkhand in 2000.
    • The unreserved category constitutes 15.52% of the population.
    • Religious Composition:
    • Bihar’s population, according to the survey, stands at 13,07,25,310, compared to the 10.41 crore recorded in the 2011 census.
    • Hindus make up 81.99% of the population, while Muslims account for 17.72%. Other religious denominations have minuscule populations.

    Survey Execution

    • The survey was undertaken following unanimous agreement among political parties in Bihar.
    • It was conducted in two phases.
    1. The first phase involved a household count from January 7 to 21.
    2. The second phase, initiated on April 15, aimed to collect data on castes, religions, economic backgrounds, and family size.
    • The survey faced legal challenges initially but was allowed to proceed after being labeled a survey rather than a census.

    Significance of Survey Findings

    • Changing Political Landscape: The survey highlights the evolving political landscape, where identity politics based on reservation and backward caste assertion is losing its grip. This shift has been influenced by the BJP’s outreach to OBCs through Hindutva and welfare measures.
    • Opportunity for Opposition: The survey results could provide an opportunity for the JD(U)-RJD alliance and other opposition parties to mobilize backward classes, potentially pressuring the BJP to conduct a nationwide caste census.
    • Demand for Quotas: The survey data may fuel demands to increase the OBC quota beyond 27% and introduce a quota within a quota for EBCs, especially in light of the Justice Rohini Commission’s pending recommendations.
    • Reservation Ceiling Debate: The survey’s findings could reignite the long-standing debate over the 50% reservation ceiling imposed by the Supreme Court, which has hindered states from expanding reservations.

    Impact on Upcoming Elections

    • The caste survey findings are likely to have a significant impact on the upcoming Lok Sabha and Bihar Assembly elections.
    • With EBCs, OBCs, and SCs representing over 82% of Bihar’s population, these groups will be key electoral battlegrounds.
    • Leaders like Lalu Prasad and Nitish Kumar are still seen as primary representatives of these communities, while the BJP faces the challenge of navigating Bihar’s complex caste dynamics.

    Rationale Behind a Caste Census

    • Incomplete Data: The standard Census focuses solely on SC and ST data, leaving a substantial void in comprehending the socio-economic aspects of OBCs and their subdivisions.
    • Targeted Policies: A lack of comprehensive data obstructs the creation of effective policies tailored to the distinct requirements of different caste groups.
    • Equitable Development: The caste census has the potential to reveal disparities within various castes, enabling customized development strategies for historically marginalized communities.
    • Historical and Contemporary Insights: With deep historical roots, the caste system’s evolution can be better understood through a comprehensive census that captures both historical and contemporary dynamics.
    • Constitutional Clarification: Legal scrutiny over caste surveys provides clarity on the authority to conduct such initiatives, delineating roles between state and central governments.
    • Evidence-Based Decision-Making: In a data-centric era, decisions grounded in concrete socio-economic data hold greater potential for equitable and effective governance.

    Conclusion

    • The Bihar caste survey has unveiled a complex web of caste demographics that will shape the state’s political landscape. It has the potential to rekindle debates on reservation policies, mobilize backward classes, and influence electoral outcomes. As Bihar prepares for crucial elections, the survey’s impact on political strategies and alliances remains to be seen.

    Also read:

    The Caste Census and Mandal Politics: Analysis

  • India’s rise is the big story. So where’s the FDI?

    What’s the news?

    • The Indian economy grew at 7.8 percent in the first quarter of the ongoing financial year. There is a decline in FDI.

    Central idea

    • Projections by experts, including the RBI and the IMF, indicate a prospective annual growth rate of 6–6.5 percent, reaffirming India’s status as a global growth powerhouse. However, beneath this optimistic narrative lies a concerning trend: foreign direct investment (FDI) in India has been steadily declining.

    India’s growth prospects

    • India is likely to grow at around 6–6.5 percent over the full year.
    • Medium-term assessments, such as those by the IMF, peg growth at roughly 6 percent between 2023 and 2028.
    • This momentum positions India as a formidable player in global growth, potentially rivaling China.
    • Multinationals are increasingly eyeing India as an alternative investment destination, capitalizing on shifting geopolitical dynamics.

    Declining trend in FDI in India

    • FDI Decline: FDI inflows into India have been declining. In the fiscal year 2022–23, FDI stood at $71.3 billion, which marked a 16 percent decrease compared to the previous fiscal year (2021–22). This trend of decline continued in the first four months of the current fiscal year, with a 26 percent drop in FDI inflows compared to the same period the previous year.
    • Equity Flows: A substantial portion of the decline has been in fresh equity flows. Equity flows decreased from approximately $59.6 billion in 2021–22 to around $47.6 billion in 2022–23. In the first four months of the current year, equity flows further plummeted to $13.9 billion, down from $22 billion the previous year.
    • Policy Uncertainty: One possible explanation for the decline in FDI is the presence of policy uncertainty in India. An uncertain business environment, an uneven playing field, and the fear of arbitrary changes to rules and regulations may be acting as deterrents to foreign investors.
    • Trade Agreements: India’s absence from major trading blocks, such as the RCEP agreement, and the lack of trade agreements with entities like the European Union can disadvantage India in the global manufacturing ecosystem. Comprehensive trade agreements with lower tariffs and other benefits can incentivize foreign investment.
    • Comparative Analysis: Despite rising interest rates in developed economies, countries like Vietnam and Indonesia have managed to maintain or increase their FDI inflows.

    Key sectors affected by the decline in FDI

    • Automobile Industry: The decline in FDI has had an impact on the automobile industry in India. This sector plays a crucial role in the country’s manufacturing landscape and contributes significantly to both economic growth and employment.
    • Construction (Infrastructure Activities): Infrastructure development is essential for India’s economic growth. The decline in FDI may slow down construction and infrastructure activities, potentially affecting the country’s development.
    • Metallurgical Industries: Metallurgical industries, which include sectors like steel production, are also mentioned in the article as being affected by the decline in FDI. These industries are vital for various manufacturing processes and contribute to both domestic consumption and exports.

    Areas that India might need to address to reverse this trend

    • FDI Decline in Multiple Sectors: The decline in FDI is not limited to a specific sector but has affected various industries, including technology, the automobile industry, construction, and metallurgical industries. This broad-based decline underscores the need for comprehensive solutions.
    • Navigating Policy Uncertainty: To attract foreign investors, India needs to provide a stable and predictable business environment, reduce regulatory uncertainty, and ensure a level playing field.
    • Global Investment Landscape: India’s FDI decline is notable when compared to countries like Vietnam and Indonesia, which have managed to maintain stable FDI inflows. This highlights the need for India to remain competitive in the global investment landscape.
    • The Trade Agreement Imperative: The absence of India from major trading blocks, such as the RCEP agreement, could be a factor contributing to the FDI decline. India may benefit from pursuing trade agreements that lower trade barriers and enhance market access.

    Conclusion

    • The decline in FDI flows to India raises pertinent questions about the country’s attractiveness as an investment destination. While India’s growth story appears promising, investors seek stability, policy clarity, and access to global trade networks. Addressing these concerns and leveraging India’s potential as a China plus one option requires a comprehensive strategy to reinvigorate FDI inflows and capitalize on its growth prospects.

  • Building BRICS for the future

    What’s the news?

    • The recent BRICS summit held in South Africa introduced six new members to the grouping, drawing mixed reactions regarding its productivity.

    “If things go right, in less than 40 years, the BRICS economies together could be larger than the G6 in U.S. dollar terms.” Goldman Sachs in 2003”

    Central idea

    • The recent BRICS summit held in South Africa may not have yielded immediate tangible results, but it’s essential to view BRICS through its evolving dynamics rather than a single meeting’s outcomes.

    Background: Economic Compulsion

    • BRICS, consisting of Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa, emerged primarily out of economic compulsion.
    • Unlike military alliances or security coalitions, BRICS focuses on economic cooperation and mutual benefit.
    • With a combined GDP representing 36% of the global GDP and a population projected to reach 47% of the world’s total by 2050, BRICS possesses immense long-term potential.
    • Furthermore, expanding its membership could challenge the dominance of the G7 countries.

    The significance of BRICS as an economic powerhouse

    • Economic Size: The BRICS, composed of Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa, collectively represent 36% of the global GDP. This substantial economic size gives the group considerable influence in global economic matters.
    • Population: BRICS countries house nearly half of the world’s population, and this demographic advantage provides a significant consumer market and labor force, contributing to their economic significance.
    • Rapid Growth: Two BRICS members, China and India, are among the fastest-growing economies globally. They are expected to rank among the world’s top three economies by 2030, further enhancing the economic clout of the BRICS.
    • Investment Opportunities: BRICS nations are seen as attractive investment destinations, with governments encouraging both domestic and foreign investments. The growth prospects in these countries make them appealing to investors.
    • Infrastructure Development: BRICS countries are investing heavily in infrastructure development, including transportation, energy, and technology projects. These investments create opportunities for businesses and stimulate economic growth.
    • Collective Economic Initiatives: BRICS nations have established institutions like the New Development Bank (NDB) and the Contingent Reserve Arrangement (CRA), aimed at enhancing financial cooperation and stability within the group.

    China and India’s Role

    • Two BRICS members, China and India, collectively account for one-third of the world’s population. Both nations are rapidly growing economies, poised to become top-three global economies by 2030.
    • Despite occasional political tensions, their economic cooperation continues to flourish. Trade between India and China is evidence that economic interests often outweigh political differences, emphasizing the pivotal role of economics in international relations.

    BRICS as an alternative to an increasingly polarized world

    • Global polarization:
    • Global polarization has led to concerns about the U.S.’s aggressive stance toward China. Many countries seek alternatives, including China.
    • Within the BRICS, China is a member but not the dominant player, providing a counterbalance with democratic countries like India, South Africa, and Brazil.
    • In an increasingly interconnected world, countries are looking for alternatives to mitigate their dependence on a single superpower.
    • Dollar Dominance and Digital Currencies:
    • The U.S. dollar has long been the dominant global currency, but the rise of digital platforms presents a shift toward digital currencies. India and China are leading in this transition, advocating for increased trade and investment in their own currencies.
    • Through BRICS, they can collectively promote their currencies as alternatives to the dollar, further converging their interests.
    • Diversified opportunities:
    • The search for alternatives extends beyond BRICS to movements like the Non-Aligned Movement, which offers a new approach to global challenges.
    • As BRICS expands, it will create numerous trade, business, and investment protocols, akin to other free trade arrangements and economic blocs, providing diversified opportunities for member nations.

    Africa: The Continent of the Future

    • Africa is poised for significant economic growth in the 21st century.
    • The negative image of Europe, marked by interventions and migrant treatment, has driven Africans to explore China’s development more closely.
    • African countries aspire to have the freedom to choose their investment and trade partners, and BRICS, especially India, seeks to strengthen its ties with the African Union, recognizing the continent’s potential.

    Conclusion

    • BRICS may not always make headlines, but each summit contributes to building a foundation for future networks and collaborations. As Goldman Sachs foresaw in 2003, “If things go right, in less than 40 years, the BRICS economies together could be larger than the G6 in U.S. dollar terms.” The future of BRICS lies in its ability to harness its economic might for the benefit of its members and the world.

    Also read:

    The implications of the expansion of BRICS

  • Challenges with MGNREGA’s Social Audit Mechanism

    Central Idea

    What is MGNREGS?

    Enacted Under Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act of 2005
    Objective To guarantee the ‘Right to Work’ by providing employment opportunities for unskilled workers in rural areas.
    Origin Proposed in 1991 by V. Narasimha Rao and later enacted in 2005.
    Duration of Employment At least 100 days of employment is guaranteed to willing unskilled workers.
    Enforceable Commitment The scheme ensures an enforceable commitment on the implementing machinery, which is the State Governments, providing bargaining power to the laborers.
    Unemployment Allowance If employment is not provided within 15 days of receiving a job application from a prospective household, an unemployment allowance is paid to the job seekers.
    Eligibility Criteria Any Indian citizen above the age of 18 years residing in rural India can apply for the MGNREGS scheme. Applicants should be willing to engage in unskilled work.
    Geographical Proximity Employment is to be provided within 5 km of an applicant’s residence.
    Minimum Wages Minimum wages are to be paid for the work done under MGNREGS.
    Legal Entitlement Employment under MGNREGS is considered a legal entitlement.

    Issue of Inadequate Fund Recovery

    • Current Recovery Rates: Statistics from the Union Rural Development Ministry for the ongoing financial year indicate that less than 14% of the amount flagged by auditors has been successfully recovered.
    • Past Years’ Performance: The recovery figures for previous financial years paint a similarly bleak picture, with poor outcomes:
      1. 2022-23: ₹86.2 crore was identified as recoverable, but only ₹18 crore (20.8%) was retrieved.
      2. 2021-22: ₹171 crore misappropriation was flagged, but only ₹26 crore (15%) was recovered.
    • Social Audit Unit Independence: Section 17 of the MGNREGA Act mandates gram sabhas to monitor work execution, with independent social audit units in each state responsible for uncovering malpractice. However, their scope is limited to flagging issues, leaving recovery actions to state governments.

    Fund-Starved Audit Units

    • Seminar Insights: A recent Ministry seminar revealed a concerning scenario of underfunded social audit units lacking adequate training and personnel. These units play a crucial role in identifying cases of malpractice.
    • Funding Delay Issues: While the Union government funds these audit units to maintain their independence from state authorities, units in some states, such as Karnataka and Bihar, have faced funding delays for nearly two years.

    Poor Monitoring and Recovery

    • Consistent State Trends: Over the past three years, certain states consistently report “zero number of cases” and “zero recoveries,” casting doubt on the effectiveness of monitoring efforts.
    • Examples of Poor Recovery: States like Telangana have active social audit units flagging numerous cases, yet the recovery rates remain dismal. For instance, in the ongoing financial year, auditors identified ₹6.6 crore for recovery, but only ₹2,087 has been recuperated so far.
    • Vigilance and Pressure: While the Centre’s vigilance and pressure on states to recover misappropriated funds are appreciated, there are concerns regarding states that identify multiple cases but struggle with recovery. Furthermore, states reporting no cases indicate a lack of effective monitoring.

    Conclusion

    • Challenging Recovery Landscape: The MGNREGA scheme’s social audit units serve as a crucial mechanism to combat corruption, but the inadequate recovery of embezzled funds threatens their credibility.
    • Need for Adequate Resources: To make the audit process effective, it is imperative to ensure that social audit units are adequately funded, trained, and staffed.
    • Balancing Act: Balancing scrutiny with recovery actions is vital to enhance the transparency and integrity of the MGNREGA scheme, which plays a pivotal role in rural employment and development.

  • Karman Line: The Boundary of Space

    karman-line

    Central Idea

    • Boundaries serve a crucial purpose in scientific understanding by providing clarity and distinction to elements that might otherwise merge.
    • One such significant boundary is the Karman Line, which plays a pivotal role in delineating Earth’s atmosphere from outer space.

    What is Karman Line?

    • The Karman Line is an abstract boundary positioned at an altitude of 100 kilometers above sea level.
    • Its primary function is to establish the separation between Earth’s atmosphere and the vast expanse of space.
    • Although not universally accepted by all scientists and space explorers, the majority of countries and space organizations acknowledge this demarcation.
    • It was formally established in 1960s by the Federation Aeronautique Internationale (FAI), a body responsible for record-keeping.
    • Crossing the Karman Line designates an individual as an astronaut.

    Challenges to the Karman Line’s Significance

    • Nature rarely conforms to human-made boundaries.
    • Physically crossing the Karman Line does not result in substantial changes.
    • In the immediate vicinity, there is minimal difference in air pressure or composition.
    • Earth’s gravitational force remains influential, and the atmosphere persists beyond this line.

    Why is the Karman Line relevant?

    • Airspace Regulation: The Karman Line primarily serves as a regulator of airspace. It represents an approximate altitude beyond which conventional aircraft cannot operate effectively. Aircraft venturing beyond this threshold require propulsion systems to counteract Earth’s gravitational pull.
    • Legal Reference: Additionally, the Karman Line acts as a legal benchmark that distinguishes airspace, which nations can claim ownership of, from the realm of outer space. Outer space is governed similarly to international waters, emphasizing the importance of this boundary in legal and governance contexts.

  • Project Udbhav: Rediscovering India’s Strategic Heritage for Modern Defense

    udbhav

    Central Idea

    • The Indian Army has launched Project Udbhav, an initiative aimed at rediscovering the profound heritage of statecraft and strategic thinking from ancient Indian texts.

    Project Udbhav

    • Project Udbhav is conducted in collaboration by Indian Army and the United Service Institution of India, a defense think-tank.
    • The primary goal is to comprehend the depths of indigenous military systems, their evolution, enduring strategies, and the strategic thought processes that have shaped the Indian subcontinent for millennia.
    • It delves into India’s rich historical narratives in the domains of statecraft and strategic thinking.
    • It encompasses indigenous military systems, historical texts, regional texts, kingdoms, thematic studies, and Kautilya Studies.

    Why such move?

    • The initiative underscores the Indian Army’s recognition of India’s ancient wisdom in statecraft, strategy, diplomacy, and warfare.
    • It seeks to establish a connection between historical wisdom and contemporary needs.

    Scholarly Outcomes and Ongoing Research

    • A study to compile Indian stratagems based on ancient texts has been ongoing since 2021.
    • A book listing 75 aphorisms selected from ancient texts has already been published under the initiative.
    • The first scholarly outcome is the 2022 publication titled “Paramparik Bhartiya Darshan…Ranniti aur Netriyta ke Shashwat Niyam,” which is meant to be read by all ranks of the Indian Army.
    • A recent panel discussion included a dialogue on the study of ancient texts ranging from the 4th century BCE to the 8th century CE, with a specific focus on Kautilya, Kamandaka, and the Kural.

  • Story of Mahatma Gandhi’s Portrait on Indian Banknotes

    gandhi

    Central Idea

    • Mahatma Gandhi seems a natural choice for the face of Indian currency as the Father of the Nation.
    • This wasn’t until 1996 that his image became a permanent fixture on legal banknotes issued by the RBI, the nation’s central bank and regulatory authority for the Indian banking system.
    Gandhi
    1946 photograph featuring Gandhi Ji with Frederick William Pethick-Lawrence

    Gandhi’s Portrait on Indian Currency

    • Photographic Source: The portrait of Gandhi on Indian banknotes is not a caricature but a cut-out from a 1946 photograph featuring him alongside British politician Lord Frederick William Pethick-Lawrence.
    • Expression Matters: This particular photograph was chosen for its ideal depiction of Gandhi’s smiling visage, and the portrait is a mirrored image of the cut-out.
    • Unknown Photographers: Interestingly, the identities of the photographer of this image and the person who selected it remain unknown.

    Currency Design Process

    • RBI’s Responsibility: The RBI’s Department of Currency Management is tasked with designing rupee notes, subject to approval from the central bank and the Union government.
    • Regulatory Framework: Section 25 of the RBI Act, 1934, mandates that the design, form, and material of banknotes must be approved by the central government after considering the central board’s recommendations.

    Gandhi’s Debut on Indian Currency

    • 1969 Commemoration: Gandhi made his first appearance on Indian currency in 1969 through a special series issued to commemorate his 100th birth anniversary. These notes, featuring Gandhi alongside the Sevagram Ashram, bore the signature of RBI governor LK Jha.
    • 1987 Inclusion: In October 1987, a series of Rs 500 currency notes featuring Gandhi was introduced.

    The Transition to Independent India’s Banknotes

    • Post-Independence Currency: Initially, after India gained independence in August 1947, the RBI continued to issue notes from the colonial era that depicted King George VI.
    • Symbol Selection: The government of India introduced new 1-rupee notes in 1949, replacing King George with a representation of the Lion Capital of Ashoka Pillar at Sarnath.
    • Design Continuity: The subsequent release of banknotes in 1950, in denominations of Rs 2, 5, 10, and 100, featured the Lion Capital watermark, maintaining continuity with earlier designs.

    Gandhi’s Permanence on Banknotes

    • Security Concerns in the 1990s: By the 1990s, the RBI recognized the need for enhanced security features on currency notes due to advancements in reprographic techniques. A human face was deemed less susceptible to forgery than inanimate objects.
    • Gandhi’s Enduring Appeal: Mahatma Gandhi’s national significance made him the ideal choice. In 1996, the RBI introduced a new ‘Mahatma Gandhi Series’ of banknotes, replacing the previous Ashoka Pillar notes and incorporating advanced security features.
    • Continuity in 2016: The ‘Mahatma Gandhi New Series’ of banknotes, introduced in 2016, continued to feature Gandhi’s portrait, with the addition of the Swachh Bharat Abhiyan logo and enhanced security elements.

    Other Suggestions for Currency Faces

    • Varied Proposals: Over the years, there have been calls to feature different personalities on banknotes apart from Gandhi.
    • Lord Ganesha and Goddess Lakshmi: In October 2022, Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal appealed to the Prime Minister and the Union government to include images of Lord Ganesha and goddess Lakshmi on currency notes.
    • Previous Proposals: Suggestions in the past included Noble Laureate Rabindranath Tagore and former President APJ Abdul Kalam. However, the RBI and Indian authorities have consistently upheld Gandhi’s representation, considering him the most fitting embodiment of India’s ethos.

    Conclusion

    • Gandhi’s Enduring Legacy: Mahatma Gandhi’s presence on Indian currency notes stands as a testament to his indelible impact on the nation’s history and values.
    • Challenges to Change: While various proposals have emerged over the years, the symbolism and significance of Gandhi on banknotes remain unwavering, reflective of his towering stature in India’s collective consciousness.

  • Concerns of using Aadhaar in Welfare Schemes

    Aadhaar

    Central Idea

    • Moody’s Investor Service released a report titled ‘Decentralised Finance and Digital Assets,’ advocating for decentralized digital identity systems over centralised biometric systems like India’s Aadhaar.
    • The report raises concerns about security and privacy vulnerabilities associated with Aadhaar (being managed by Govt of India) and questions its effectiveness.

    India’s Response to Moody’s Report

    • In response to Moody’s report, the Indian government strongly defended Aadhaar, asserting that it is “the most trusted digital ID in the world.”
    • The government highlighted Aadhaar’s integration with the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme (MGNREGS) database, emphasizing that workers can receive payments without biometric authentication.

    Aadhaar: Rationale and Objectives

    • Unique Identification: Aadhaar is a unique identification number provided to all Indian residents by the Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI). It collects demographic details, biometric fingerprints, and iris scans during enrolment, aiming to create a unique identity for residents.
    • Fighting Corruption: Aadhaar’s primary objectives include curbing corruption in accessing welfare programs by eliminating “ghost” and “fake” individuals who fraudulently claim benefits.

    Aadhaar’s Role in Welfare Programs

    • Ration Distribution: Aadhaar is used to authenticate individuals accessing rations under the Public Distribution System, ensuring that beneficiaries receive their entitled portions.
    • Government-to-Citizen Transfers: The government employs Aadhaar for various cash transfer programs, claiming substantial savings by eliminating fraudulent beneficiaries.

    Aadhaar in Cash Withdrawals

    • Authentication Process: To enable payments through Aadhaar for MGNREGA, three steps are involved: linking Aadhaar to job cards, linking Aadhaar to bank accounts, and linking Aadhaar correctly with the National Payments Corporation of India for payment processing.
    • AePS Platform: Aadhaar-enabled Payment System (AePS) allows individuals to withdraw money from Aadhaar-linked bank accounts using biometric authentication.

    Concerns Surrounding Aadhaar

    • Quantity Fraud: Critics argue that Aadhaar fails to address issues like quantity fraud, where beneficiaries receive less than their entitled share. This type of corruption remains prevalent, with Aadhaar unable to detect or prevent it.
    • Authentication Challenges: Rural areas face authentication challenges due to unreliable internet, fading fingerprints, and inadequate phone connectivity for OTPs. Vulnerable groups, such as older women and people with disabilities, face exclusion.
    • Lack of Data Transparency: Information regarding authentication attempts and failures is not publicly available, hindering transparency.
    • Payment Failures: Errors at any stage of Aadhaar-based payments can lead to payment failures. Mismatches in data between job cards and Aadhaar databases can result in authentication failures.
    • Misdirection of Payments: Misdirected payments through Aadhaar are difficult to detect and resolve, creating issues when Aadhaar numbers are linked to the wrong bank accounts.
    • Financial Exclusion: Critics argue that Aadhaar-based authentication requirements can lead to financial exclusion for certain groups.

    Security Concerns

    • AePS Accountability: Banking correspondents using AePS operate without accountability frameworks, leading to potential misuse and unauthorized access to bank accounts.
    • Multiple Authentications: Some banking correspondents ask individuals to authenticate multiple times, providing them access to individuals’ bank accounts without consent.
    • Fraud and Scams: Several reports highlight instances of money withdrawal and enrollment in government programs without individuals’ knowledge through AePS.

    Current Impasse

    • Resistance to Mandatory Aadhaar: The government’s efforts to make Aadhaar-based payments mandatory in MGNREGA have faced resistance from workers and field officials.
    • Deletion of Job Cards: Reports indicate that the job cards of active rural workers have been deleted on grounds of being “ghosts,” raising concerns about data accuracy.
    • Apprehensions: Critics express apprehensions based on their experience with Aadhaar in welfare programs, emphasizing the need for pilots and evidence-based decision-making.

    Conclusion

    • The debate between centralized biometric systems like Aadhaar and decentralized digital identity solutions remains ongoing, with concerns regarding security, inclusivity, and transparency at the forefront of discussions.

  • Duarte Agostinho Case: A Youth-led Climate Lawsuit

    Duarte Agostinho Case

    Central Idea

    • On September 27, a historic legal battle in the climate action movement commenced at the European Court of Human Rights in Strasbourg, France.
    • This courtroom showdown featured 32 European governments, including the UK, Russia, and Turkey, facing off against six young individuals from Portugal, aged 11 to 24.

    Why discuss this?

    • Youth-led climate lawsuits are reshaping climate litigation.
    • These lawsuits assert that uncontrolled carbon emissions infringe on fundamental rights, threaten the well-being of young generations.
    • This highlight the centrality of climate science in combating misinformation and denialism.

    Understanding the Duarte Agostinho Case

    [A] Origins of the Lawsuit:

    • The Duarte Agostinho and Others v. Portugal and Others case was initiated in September 2020.
    • It was in response to the devastating wildfires in Portugal’s Leiria region in 2017, resulting in 66 casualties and the loss of 20,000 hectares of forests.
    • This legal action highlights the urgency of adhering to the Paris Agreement’s target of limiting global warming to below 1.5°C.

    [B] Concerns raised

    • The Portuguese youths assert that European nations have failed to meet climate emissions goals, exceeding global carbon budgets compatible with the Paris Agreement’s objectives.
    • Scientific evidence will be presented, demonstrating that if current emission trends persist, global temperatures will rise by 3°C during the plaintiffs’ lifetimes.
    • Such actions are alleged to breach fundamental rights protected under the European Convention on Human Rights, including the right to life, freedom from inhuman or degrading treatment, privacy, family life, and freedom from discrimination.

    Lawsuit’s Demands

    • Rapid Emission Reduction: As these 32 countries contributed to climate catastrophes and threatened young people’s futures, the lawsuit contends that these nations must urgently intensify emissions reductions. The recommended measures include curbing fossil fuel production and addressing global supply chain sustainability.
    • Emissions Reduction Targets: The European Scientific Advisory Board on Climate Change (ESABCC) suggested that countries should aim for emissions reductions of 75% below 1990 levels, a more ambitious target than the EU’s current 55%. The lawsuit argues that European countries have overstated their carbon budgets, emphasizing the need for greater reductions.

    Climate Crisis Impact on Human Rights

    • UNICEF characterizes the climate crisis as a “child rights crisis” due to unhindered carbon emissions and extreme weather jeopardizing access to education, health, nutrition, and the future.
    • Research links air pollution to adverse birth outcomes and increased risks of cardiovascular and respiratory diseases.
    • Heatwaves exacerbate mental health issues, ultimately affecting academic performance and school attendance.

    Government Responses and Challenges

    • Cause and Effect Denial: Many countries have dismissed any direct relationship between climate change and its impact on human health. Greece, for instance, argued that climate change effects do not directly affect human life or health, despite experiencing massive wildfires.
    • Portrayal as Future Fears: Governments like Portugal and Ireland have downplayed climate change concerns as “future fears,” asserting that there is no immediate risk to lives.
    • Policy Reversals: Some nations, like the U.K., have showcased proactive climate policies, such as a 2030 ban on the sale of new petrol and diesel cars. However, these policies have been reversed, raising concerns about policy consistency and legality.

    Conclusion

    • The Duarte Agostinho case represents a pivotal moment in the climate action movement, with young activists challenging their governments to protect their future against the looming climate crisis.
    • This legal battle underscores the critical intersection of climate change and human rights, shaping a path toward increased accountability and transformative climate governance.

  • 2nd Oct 23 | Prelims Daily with Previous Year Questions

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