Policy differences between parties and coalitions arouse heated debates in legislatures and at political rallies. But relatively scant attention is paid to whether the stated policy or enacted law — of any persuasion — delivered the intended outcomes/results.
Issues with annual budget modalities
There are limitations in the structural design of the Union and the state governments of India, which either cause or enable inefficient translation of policy intent to semi-realised outcomes.
Nowhere is this more obvious than in the annual budget modalities followed by the Union and state governments.
The final accounts (FA) for a financial year are generally presented to the legislative body between 18 and 24 months after that year’s budget is approved, most often as a minor artefact along with the main attraction of the budget for the upcoming year and the minor attraction of the Revised Estimate (RE) for the year in progress.
In effect, a small fraction of the attention paid to intent (budget) is paid to the outcome (FA) which is only known many months after the year is over.
Governments in India adhere to the archaic cash accounting as opposed to accrual accounting, which is the norm for most companies and governments which introduces some strange incentives and behaviours, especially towards the end of the year.
As a result, even the final account is not what it seems, with the possibility that significant funds which have been presented to the legislature as spent are still held in off-balance-sheet accounts not visible to the government’s finance department.
Way forward: Lessons from Tamil Nadu government
This structural limitation was the basis for the initiative to identify and retrieve unutilised funds that the Tamil Nadu government.
New procedures and systems will ensure that such moving/parking of funds (especially as the year ends) cannot happen outside of the finance department’s oversight.
On another front, the data-integrity project undertaken to support (among other reasons) the crop and jewel loan waiver poll promise has also produced remarkable results.
Many instances of ghost pension recipients and free-rice-entitled category of ration card holders and malfeasance in crop and jewel loan sanctioning have come to light.
The rectification of such anomalies will save the government a significant amount of funds, but, more importantly, enable fairer societal outcomes.
Tamil Nadu is diligently following the five-step approach: Collect and analyse data to develop a deeper understanding, disseminate results into the public domain and generate a public debate, receive feedback from the debate and inputs from experts, use these inputs to design policies and put into execution, constantly seek feedback and course correct when needed.
Conclusion
We need the thoughtful design of policies and schemes, and their execution, which are vital to achieving our intended goal of benefiting all citizens in a fair and inclusive manner.
The fate of the grand strategic ambitions of the Indo-US relationship may depend substantially on how well they collaborate in two areas to which their joint attention is only belatedly turning — climate and trade.
Importance of climate change and trade to India-US partnership
Strategic partnerships capable of re-shaping the international global order cannot be based simply on a negative agenda.
Shared concerns about China provide the U.S.-India partnership a much-needed impetus to overcome the awkward efforts for deeper collaboration that have characterised the past few decades.
What risks being lost is a reckoning with how interrelated climate and trade are to securing U.S.-India leadership globally, and how their strategic efforts can flounder without sincere commitment to a robust bilateral agenda on both fronts.
India-US collaboration on climate change and challenges
India and the U.S. are collaborating under the Climate and Clean Energy Agenda Partnership.
In parallel, there are hopeful signs that they are now prioritising the bilateral trade relationship by rechartering the Trade Policy Forum.
At COP26 in Glasgow India announced a net zero goal for 2070, it has called for western countries to commit to negative emissions targets.
Challenges: India’s rhetoric of climate justice is likely to be received poorly by U.S. negotiators, particularly if it aligns with China’s messaging and obstructs efforts to reach concrete results.
Collaboration on trade
The failure of the U.S. and India to articulate a shared vision for a comprehensive trade relationship raises doubts about how serious they are when each spends more time and effort negotiating with other trading partners.
Protectionist tendencies infect the politics of both countries these days, and, with a contentious U.S. mid-term election a year away, the political window for achieving problem-solving outcomes and setting a vision on trade for the future is closing fast.
Climate-trade inter-relationship
Climate and trade are interrelated in many ways.
If governments, such as India and the U.S., coordinate policies to incentivise sharing of climate-related technologies and align approaches for reducing emissions associated with trade, the climate-trade inter-relationship can be a net positive one.
India and the U.S. could find opportunities to align their climate and trade approaches better, starting with a resolution of their disputes in the World Trade Organization (WTO) on solar panels.
The two countries could also chart a path that allows trade to flow for transitional energy sources, such as fuel ethanol.
Shared strategic interests will be undermined if India and the U.S. cannot jointly map coordinated policies on climate and trade.
The most immediate threat could be the possibility of new climate and trade tensions were India to insist that technology is transferred in ways that undermine incentives for innovation in both countries or if the U.S. decides that imports from India be subject to increased tariffs in the form of carbon border adjustment mechanisms or “CBAMs”.
Conclusion
Concerted action on both the climate and trade fronts is mutually beneficial and will lend additional strength to the foundation of a true partnership for the coming century.
The RBI has issued a revised Prompt Corrective Action (PCA) framework for banks to enable supervisory intervention at “appropriate time” and also act as a tool for effective market discipline.
What is the PCA framework?
Prompt Corrective Action Framework refers to the central bank’s watchlist of weak banks.
The regulator imposes restrictions like curbs on lending on such banks.
The PCA Framework applies only to commercial banks and does not cover cooperative banks and non-banking financial companies.
When was PCA introduced?
The RBI’s PCA Framework was introduced in December 2002 as a structured early intervention mechanism along the lines of the US Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation’s PCA framework.
The last PCA Framework was issued by the RBI on April 13, 2017, and implemented with respect to banks’ financials as of March 31, 2017.
Latest PCA norms
The revised PCA framework will be effective from January 1, 2022.
Capital, asset quality and leverage will be the key areas for monitoring in the revised framework.
That apart, RBI has also revised the level of shortfall in total capital adequacy ratio that would push the lender to “risk threshold three” category.
When exactly does a bank fall into this list?
The RBI has specified certain regulatory trigger points with respect to three parameters for the initiation of the process:
Capital-to-risk weighted assets ratio (CRAR): It is a measure of a bank’s capital to ensure that it can absorb a reasonable amount of loss and complies with statutory Capital requirements.
Net Non-Performing Assets (NPA)
Return on assets (RoA): It is an indicator of how well a company utilizes its assets in terms of profitability.
What are the trigger points on capital and how does a breach invite action?
1. CRAR
If CRAR falls to less than 9 percent, the RBI asks banks to submit a capital restoration plan, restricts new businesses and dividend payments.
The RBI also orders recapitalisation, restrictions on borrowings from the inter-bank market, reduction of stake in subsidiaries and reduction of exposure to sensitive sectors.
Such sectors include the capital markets, real estate or investments in non-statutory liquidity ratio securities.
If CRAR is less than 6 percent but equal to or more than 3 percent, the RBI could take additional steps if the bank fails to submit a recapitalisation plan.
2. NPA levels
If net NPAs rise beyond 10 percent but are less than 15 percent, a special drive to reduce bad loans and contain the generation of fresh NPAs begins.
The RBI reviews the bank’s loan policy and takes steps to strengthen credit-appraisal skills.
3.Return on assets
If RoA is less than 0.25 percent, restrictions on accessing/renewing costly deposits and CDs kick in and the RBI bars the bank from entering new lines of business.
The bank’s borrowings from the inter-bank market, making dividend payments and increasing staff will be restricted.
Significance of PCA
The financial health of a bank: Essentially PCA helps RBI monitor key performance indicators of banks, and taking corrective measures, to restore the financial health of a bank.
Averting a crisis: PCA is intended to help alert the regulator as well as investors and depositors if a bank is heading for trouble. The idea is to head off problems before they attain crisis proportions.
The PM has launched the Initiative for the Resilient Island States (IRIS) for developing infrastructure of small island nations.
What is IRIS?
The Small Island Developing States or SIDS face the biggest threat from climate change.
To mitigate this, India’s space agency ISRO will build a special data window for them to provide them timely information about cyclones, coral-reef monitoring, coast-line monitoring etc. through satellite.
IRIS will be a part of the India-UK Coalition for Disaster Resilient infrastructure (CDRI).
About CDRI
The CDRI is an international coalition of countries, UN agencies, multilateral development banks, the private sector etc. that aim to promote disaster-resilient infrastructure.
Its objective is to promote research and knowledge sharing in the fields of infrastructure risk management, standards, financing, and recovery mechanisms.
It was launched by the Indian PM Modi at the 2019 UN Climate Action Summit in September 2019.
Focus areas
CDRI’s initial focus is on developing disaster-resilience in ecological, social, and economic infrastructure.
It aims to achieve substantial changes in member countries’ policy frameworks and future infrastructure investments, along with a major decrease in the economic losses suffered due to disasters.
Try this PYQ: Q.Consider the following statements: Climate and Clean Air Coalition (CCAC) to Reduce Short Lived Climate Pollutants is a unique initiative of G20 group of countries The CCAC focuses on methane, black carbon and hydrofluorocarbons. Which of the above statements is/are correct? (a) 1 only (b) 2 only (c) Both 1 and 2 (d) Neither 1 nor 2
The National Commission for Scheduled Castes (NCSC) will examine the complaint of a decorated Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) officer against caste-based allegations by a Maharashtra minister.
About National Commission for Scheduled Castes
NCSC is a constitutional body under Article 338 of the Indian Constitution.
It functions under the jurisdiction of Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment.
It was established with a view to provide safeguards against the exploitation of Scheduled Castes.
It aims to promote and protect their social, educational, economic and cultural interests, special provisions were made in the Constitution.
How were they established?
The original constitution provided for the appointment of a Special Officer under Article 338.
The special officer was designated as the Commissioner for Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes.
The 65th Constitutional Amendment Act 1990, amended Article 338 of the Constitution to introduce a joint NC for SCs and STs.
Later by 89th Amendment, NC for Scheduled Castes (NCSC) and NC for Scheduled Tribes (NCST) were separated by creating a new Article 338-A.
Functions
To investigate and monitor all matters relating to the safeguards provided for the SCs
To inquire into specific complaints with respect to the deprivation of rights and safeguards of the Scheduled Castes
To participate and advise on the planning process of socio-economic development of the SCs
To evaluate the progress of their development under the Union and any State
To present to the President, annually and at such other times as the Commission may deem fit, reports upon the working of those safeguards
To make in such reports recommendations as to the measures that should be taken by the Union or any State
To discharge such other functions as the President may, subject to the provisions of any law made by Parliament, by rule specify
Note: National Commission for Backward Castes is also a constitutional body too. According to article 340, President shall establish a commission to examine the condition of social and backward class.
In Chile’s dry Atacama Desert, stargazers are scanning the clear night skies to detect the existence of life on other planets and study so-called ‘dark energy’. Central to the race to peer into distant worlds is the GMT.
Giant Magellan Telescope (GMT)
⦁ The GMT is a ground-based extremely large telescope under construction.
⦁ It is US-led in partnership with Australia, Brazil, and South Korea, with Chile as the host country.
⦁ It will consist of seven 8.4 m (27.6 ft) diameter primary segments, that will observe optical and near infrared (320–25000 nm) light.
⦁ It will have the resolving power of a 24.5 m (80.4 ft) primary mirror and collecting area equivalent to a 22.0 m (72.2 ft) one which is about 368 square meters.
⦁ It is expected to have a resolving power 10 times greater than the Hubble Space Telescope.
⦁ The Hubble Space Telescope is a space telescope that was launched into low Earth orbit in 1990 and remains in operation.
⦁ It was not the first space telescope, but it is one of the largest and most versatile, renowned both as a vital research tool and as a public relations boon for astronomy.
⦁ It is said to be the “most significant advance in astronomy since Galileo’s telescope.
⦁ It captures images of deep space playing a major role in helping astronomers understand the universe by observing the most distant stars, galaxies and planets.
As part of the celebrations of Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav, a celebration of Destination North East India, dance and music of Manipur was organised.
Manipuri Raas Leela
The Raas Leela, also referred to as Manipuri Dance, is one of the major Indian classical dance forms, originating from the state of Manipur.
The dance form is based on Hindu Vaishnavism themes, and exquisite performances of love-inspired dance drama of Radha-Krishna called Raas Leela.
Notable features
It is marked by a performance that is graceful, fluid, sinuous with greater emphasis on hand and upper body gestures.
It is accompanied with devotional music created with many instruments, with the beat set by cymbals (kartal or manjira) and double-headed drum (pung or Manipuri mrdanga) of sankirtan.
The dance drama choreography shares the plays and stories of Vaishnavite Padavalis, that also inspired the major Gaudiya Vaishnava-related performance arts found in Assam and West Bengal.
Try this PYQ from CSP 2017: With reference to Manipuri Sankirtana, consider the following statements: It is a song and dance performance. Cymbals are the only musical instruments used in the performance. It is performed to narrate the life and deeds of Lord Krishna. Which of the statements given above is/are correct? (a) 1, 2 and 3. (b) 1 and 3 only (c) 2 and 3 only (d) 1 only
GS-1 Indian culture will cover the salient aspects of art forms, literature and architecture from ancient to modern times.
GS-2 Bilateral, Regional and Global Groupings and Agreements involving India and/or affecting India’s interests.
GS-3 Government Budgeting.
GS-4 Human Values – Lessons from the Lives and Teachings of Great Leaders, Reformers and Administrators; Role of Family Society and Educational Institutions in Inculcating Values.
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In the intro, mention that final accounts (FA) are presented to the legislative body at the end of 18-24 months.
In the body, mention the issues with modalities such as delays in presentation of FA and use of cash accounting instead of an accrual accounting and consequently amounts are held in off-balance sheet account.
Conclude by mentioning the need for reforms to deal with these issues.
In the intro, mention COP26 and India’s commitment to net-zero targets.
In the body, mention increasing India-US ties around the shared concerns around China. In the next part, mention the need for collaboration in the areas of trade and climate change, a collaboration between two countries under the Climate and Clean Energy Agenda Partnership. Also mention the failure of the U.S. and India to articulate a shared vision for a comprehensive trade relationship. Link between trade and climate change in terms of technology transfers etc.
Conclude by mentioning that concerted action on both the climate and trade fronts is mutually beneficial and will lend additional strength to the foundation of a true partnership for the coming century.
Prelims Super-25 Program is back after a thumping success in Prelims 2021. Out of 25 students Santhosh sir has mentored, 15 have cleared prelims this time.
Do you want to practice medium to tough test series regularly? Before attending a test do you want to revise the right notes with integrated current affairs? And, after a test do you want an experienced mentor to discuss your answers and motivate you?
If yes, then this is the right program for you! The registrations are open for all UPSC 2022 aspirants.
Is Prelims the Toughest Exam of UPSC-CSE?
Toppers like Pranav Vijayvergiya (AIR 65) and Swati Sharma (AIR 17) have found Prelims to be tougher than Mains. In fact, Pranav failed to clear Prelims thrice. But, in his fourth attempt he had cleared Mains and Interview in one shot!
What makes prelims tough? It’s because the paper is unpredictable. If this year, science questions are a breeze then the next year you will have to answer advanced concept based questions.
Unlike Mains, Prelims has negative marking. One has to be good at elimination methods to choose the right option amongst two similar ones.
Our Super 25 Prelims Program started as a pilot project last year with an aim to introduce step-wise improvement in our chosen 25 aspirants. Over a period of 2 months, Santhosh sir inculcated confidence in aspirants who were either newbies or gave too many attempts.
This year, we achieved a remarkable 60% success ratio. Next year, we have set our eyes on 100%. Yes, we are ambitious and aspirational just like any other UPSC aspirant.
How do Students find Santhosh Sir’s Mentorship?
Santhosh sir has always been more than a guide. He has always walked with aspirants in their UPSC journey than ahead of them. Whenever our students were demotivated, this is how Santhosh sir lifted their spirits —
Testimonials by students who successfully cleared UPSC 2021 Prelims —
The program has three pillars and every aspirant who enrolls for Smash 2022 Prelims has access to all of them.
Pillar-1
Prelims Tests:
40 (12 Basic + 6 Advanced + 10 CA tests + 8 Full tests + 4 CSAT)
Sl No.
SUBJECT
NO. OF TESTS
1
Polity
3
2
Modern History
2
3
Economy
2
4
Geography
3
5
Environment
3
6
Science & Technology
1
7
Ancient and Medieval India
2
8
Economic Survey
1
9
Schemes and India Year Book
1
10
Current Affairs
10
11
CSAT
4
12
Full Length Test
8
Pillar-2
Value Additions Notes and Classes by Santosh Gupta Sir
Polity
Santhosh Gupta sir will conduct two sessions covering all the Polity Fundamentals, a session analyzing past year papers, another session on important current affairs related to polity this year and will discuss your test solutions.
History
Santhosh Gupta sir will conduct a session on Sectoral Developments in Modern History, a session analyzing past year papers and test discussion.
Economy
There will be sessions on economic survey, trend analysis, discussion of most important economic current affairs, past year paper analysis and economy final test discussion.
Geography
Santhosh sir will conduct sessions on the most difficult aspects like Geography Mapping, Economic Geography and Indian Agriculture.
Environment
Santhosh Gupta sir will cover sessions on Environment innovatively. Key concepts like vegetation and biome, Indian wildlife, conventions and protocols, national parks and sanctuaries, agriculture and sustainable development and environment current affairs will be covered.
Science & Technology
This year’s prelims paper questioned on the basic concepts of science. Keeping this in mind, Santhosh Gupta sir will conduct 2 sessions on One basic concepts and current affairs of science and technology.
Other Value Additions
1. Decimate Prelims-2022 Content: 2 years of current affairs notes for all topics + Videos
2. Civilsdaily Current Affairs Magazines for 1 year
3. Civilsdaily compilations of Yojna, Kurukshetra, PRS and RS TV.
4. Civilsdaily Budget And Economic Survey Summary.
Pillar-3
Santhosh Gupta sir’s mentorship programme will have these special features for aspirants.
1. Monthly zoom session by Santosh Gupta for doubt clearance and continuous improvement.
2. 1-1 mentor calls after tests.
3. Habitat/Whatsapp support from mentors.
4. Frequent sessions with toppers for support and guidance.
If you have any doubts regarding the program, pleasefill the formfor a call back.
Aspirants who don’t want the full program can opt for Smash Prelims-2022: Mini version. This will not have value added notes. Prelims tests + individual mentorship + monthly zoom sessions by Santosh Gupta sir will be available for this plan.
The year 2021 marks a crucial juncture for charting the future of climate action.
And for this all eyes are set on two events in particular – the G20 Summit in October end followed by the 26th UN Climate Change Conference or COP26 in November.
In this article, we will discuss the significance of public perception on the issue of climate change and how will it impact the decision-making process on actions which need to be taken to tackle this challenge.
About G20
Formed in 1999, the G20 is an international forum of the governments and central bank governors from 20 major economies.
Collectively, the G20 economies account for around 85 percent of the Gross World Product (GWP), 80 percent of world trade.
To tackle the problems or address issues that plague the world, the heads of governments of the G20 nations periodically participate in summits.
In addition to it, the group also hosts separate meetings of the finance ministers and foreign ministers.
The G20 has no permanent staff of its own and its chairmanship rotates annually between nations divided into regional groupings.
India has been a member of the G20 since its inception in 1999.
Members: The 19 member countries of the forum are Argentina, Australia, Brazil, Canada, China, France, Germany, India, Indonesia, Italy, Japan, Mexico, Russia, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, South Korea, Turkey, United Kingdom, and the United States.
G20 countries map
G20 and Climate Change
The G20 accounts for over 80% of global GDP, 60% of the world’s population, and more than 75% of global greenhouse gas emissions.
In the run-up to the G20 Summit and COP26 the UNDP and the University of Oxford have published the G20 Peoples’ Climate Vote.
The G20 Peoples’ Climate Vote
The G20 Peoples’ Climate Vote was polled over 689,000 people across 18 of the G20 countries from October 2020 until June 2021.
It focussed on various aspects of the issue of climate change including Climate Finance Policy, Cutting emissions and climate adaptation policy.
According to this report, on average 70 per cent of young people in G20 countries believe that we are in a global climate emergency.
Adults are also not far behind, with 65 percent overall believing the same.
What defines the public perception of climate change?
Climate change perception is a complex process that encompasses a range of psychological constructs such as knowledge, beliefs, attitudes and concerns about if and how the climate is changing.
Perception is influenced and shaped, among other things, by the individuals’ characteristics, their experience, the information that they receive, and the cultural and geographic context in which they live.
Therefore, measuring climate change perception and trying to find its determinants is not an easy task.
The short-term variations in the local weather tend to be more salient than long-term trends and hence can have a key impact on the formation of climate change perceptions.
The perceptions of those that directly depend on the weather, such as farmers, tend to be more accurate than that of their counterparts.
Life experiences influence perception; individuals who have been directly affected by extreme climatic events tend to report that the probability of such event happening again is relatively high.
It is important to make aware specifically those people whose livelihood is threatened due to climate change issue.
Proportion reporting knowing “something” or “a great deal” about global warming in 2007–08. Darker areas indicate a greater proportion of individuals aware, yellow indicates no data.
What is the significance of public perception of climate change?
It is very important that people are getting aware of climate change and it’s not actually the awareness per se but factually it is about the sufferance of people to make the think about climate change.
The new generation and the youth are going to face the consequences of climate change and thus they think that the coming COP26is the opportunity where effective and speedy action will result.
It forces world leader to take immediate and effective action and should contain the global warming which has the wide ranging consequences.
It also impacts what people do at an individual level to contain the global warming.
It needs to take some tougher decisions by leaders and the public perceptions shows how much appetite people have to accept such decision.
What are the expected tangible achievements of the COP26 in terms of public perception of climate change?
Climate change is the global issue and need commitment of all the leaders to do justice in terms of responding to the menace of climate change.
COVID-19 has refocused priorities and caused individuals and governments alike to pay closer attention to the environment. As many countries look to rebuild their economies in the wake of the pandemic, there has been a major emphasis on ‘building back better’ through a green recovery.
COP26 is being viewed as the successor to COP21 where the Paris Accord was signed, arguably the greatest success from the UNFCCC in recent years.
COP26 is seen as the summit to both address what has and hasn’t been achieved since 2015, while also setting concrete plans to reach the Paris Agreement targets.
The UN Environment Programme has warned that climate commitments are already falling far short of what is needed to meet these goals – but there is hope from net-zero pledges. This should be a “thundering wakeup call” for leaders ahead of the summit.
So it’s expected from countries around the globe to put forward ambitions in terms of GHGs reduction, net zero commitments, etc. As the window is very short, it is the high time that countries take harsh decisions.
The transition from carbon economy to carbon-less economy requires capital which many developing countries are lacking. Thus the carbon justice has to be brought.
This requires the developed countries to raise $100 billion which was supposed to be done by 2020 but is still not done.
The carbon neutrality or net zero is important but what is more important than this is deep cuts which are required first and the necessary financing required to install alternative energy sources which are renewable.
Conclusion
We are running short of time and the issue of climate change is a very serious problem and everyone across the globe has to work together for this and it is very important to see the summits like COP26 takes the harsh decisions required for containing the global warming and resolving financing issue as soon as possible. Public perception plays a major role in motivating global leaders to work towards a sustainable and climate risk-free global world.
This is for students preparing for UPSC Mains with Anthropology optional.
Unlike popular opinion, scoring marks in Anthropology is not that easy anymore. Many aspirants still are confused about the right strategy to prepare for anthropology optional. It is not just studying but studying in the right direction. Writing answers that fetch you marks.
Rinku Lather sir has launched his exclusive Anthropology club wherein he will be guiding you on a 1-to-1, personal level. He will be sharing tips and his process that helped him to score consistently high marks in Anthropology optional.
https://youtu.be/oc7aLdeao6o
About the Anthropology Marks Enhancer by Rinku Lather, IAS
Anthropology topic-wise discussion to improve score.
Google meet classes with Anthropology rank holder and UPSC Topper.
One-on-one discussions every week.
Doubt clearing sessions
Important notes, reference material, etc. will be suggested by Rinku sir
Mentorship to guide you in understanding the demand of the question, structuring of answers and content enrichment.
Program Inclusion
Exclusive membership to Habitat club- Only for Mains written aspirants
We are now at that point in the cycle where all central banks — the RBI, the US Fed, the European Central Bank, Bank of England and others — have begun to signal, a process of normalisation from the unprecedented loose monetary policy stimulus post the onset of the pandemic in early 2020.
Recovery momentum
Surveys and data prints are now signalling that the recovery momentum in the first half of 2021 is decelerating in many countries, although the direction and momentum may vary.
The RBI Governor notes that “the external environment, which had been supportive of aggregate demand over the past few months, may lose momentum for a variety of reasons”.
China — its policy and economy — is the most salient risk for a sustained global recovery.
The Chinese authorities’ seeming determination to push ahead with structural reforms, de-carbonising initiatives, and curbs on real estate appear designed to sacrifice some short-term growth for medium-term efficiencies, and reduce financial risks and inequality.
Inflation in almost all major economies continues to remain high.
The US Personal Consumption Expenditure (PCE) survey measure of core inflation is running over 4 per cent.
The story is similar in Europe.
Assessing India’s growth recovery
India’s growth–inflation dynamics are also becoming favourable, but are still subject to multiple risks.
In assessing India’s growth recovery, a risk of the global economy going into “stagflation”, going by US signals seems to be that if at all, it is likely to be mild.
The recovery of economic activity continues, although the high-frequency indicators we track suggest that the momentum observed in July and August has moderated.
Electricity consumption growth is also down from August levels, but part of this can be explained by both cooler, rainy weather, as well as coal shortage related cutbacks in many electricity-intensive manufacturing.
The residential real estate is reportedly doing exceptionally well, with low-interest rates on home loans, cuts in stamp duty and registration charges, and indeed behavioural shifts towards own home ownerships with hybrid and work from home shifts.
Even the commercial real estate sector is reviving.
The Union government also has large unspent cash balances, which can be judiciously deployed to boost both capex and consumption.
The overall inflation trajectory suggests a gradual glide path towards the 4 per cent target by March 2023 or a bit beyond.
There are risks of overshooting this forecast trajectory, despite a benign outlook on food prices.
This emanates from global metals, minerals, crude oil prices, and from supply bottlenecks persisting till well into 2022.
Conclusion
In summary, the growth–inflation signals remain mixed. Multiple episodes of global spillovers in the past couple of decades have taught us that imminent normalisation will have implications for all emerging markets.
Civil Services Examination result 2020 was released on 24th September 2021. Civilsdaily is proud to announce its toppers. In 2020, we took 50 Students for Mains exclusive one-to-one mentorship program and 80% got interview calls with 50% making it to the final list.
Even Toppers of Civil services examination 2020 were impressed by the quality of questions from the Mains Test and Mentorship provided:
A personal note by Karishma Nair, AIR 14 (2020)
Quora Review by Pranav Vijayvergiya, AIR 65 (2020)
A talk with Vaibhav Rawat, AIR 25 (2020)A talk by P Srija, AIR 20(2020)
Here’s a look at some questions from our FLT Tests:
FLT 1 PAPER 1
Q. While there are several theories about why the Indus Valley Civilisation declined, climate change appears to be the most likely scenario. Discuss in what way the decline of IVC could be related to climate change aspects of that time. Draw an analogy of how past experiences can prove to be lessons to our future generations.
Model Answers:
More than 4,000 years ago, the Indus Valley Civilisation thrived in the Indus river valley of what is now modern Pakistan and north-western India. They built sophisticated cities, invented sewage systems, and even engaged in long-distance trade. However, by 1800 BCE, this advanced culture had abandoned their cities, moving instead to smaller villages in the Himalayan foothills.
Various causes have been suggested for the decline of the civilization which includes:
Aryan invasion theory- Very little evidence.
Decreasing fertility- Due to increasing salinity of soil
Sudden subsistence or uplift of land- Causing floods
Tectonic disturbances- caused earthquakes
Climate change- Most accepted theory. A new study titled ‘Neoglacial climate anomalies and the Harappan metamorphosis also supports this.
Climate change and decline of IVC:
Wetter winter monsoon- Between 4,500 and 3,000 years ago, strong winter monsoons were characterised by early neoglacial anomalies (ENA) that are characterised by changes in wind and precipitation patterns that are evident across the eastern Northern Hemisphere and tropics. This may have led to urban Harappan society turning into a rural one, as inhabitants migrated from a summer flood-deficient river valley to the Himalayan plains.
Decline in the winter monsoon- This could have played a role in the demise of the rural late Harappans.
Shift in temperatures and weather patterns- This caused summer monsoon rains to gradually dry up, making agriculture difficult or impossible near Harappan cities.
Neo-glaciation- A general cooling, occurred between 2,500 and 4,500 years ago. Records for the last 4,500 years generally indicate that temperatures were lower than the Holocene thermal maximum.
Less predictable floods in the Indus and tributary rivers- This affected the Indus people who depended a lot on inundation agriculture.
Changing character of the Indian monsoon- Affected atmospheric temperatures and the flow of rivers originating in the Himalayas. Both the changing temperature and the changes in river flow would have influenced the crops that were grown in the region.
Drying up of Ghaggar-Hakra- The probable course of the Saraswati river, dried at the same time.
The Indus story is important today because it provides us with a vivid example of what climate change could do to people. Some analogous examples observable in modern times are:
Migration due to climate change– The study provides a powerful lesson for today as the migration out of Syria, Venezuela and African countries has some roots in climate change.
Sea level rise- The sea level is rising at a rate of 12 mm per year in the western Pacific and has already submerged eight islands.This can lead to huge migrations from the low-lying regions or from hurricane-prone regions in the southern U.S.
South Asia- Increasing temperatures, more frequent cyclones, flooding of river systems fed by melting glaciers, and other extreme weather events along with rapid economic growth and urbanization are accelerating and magnifying the impact and drivers of climate change
The Harappans could cope with the change by migrating but owing to the existing rigid political boundaries with the increasing tendency of protectionism, this option is nearly closed in today’s global scenario which ultimately can cause political and social convulsion. Multilateral institutions, development agencies, and international law must do far more to resolve the impending crisis in line with the sustainable development goals.
FLT 2 PAPER 2
Q. Involving local communities along with the welfare of women can prevent malnutrition in the country effectively. Elaborate.
Model Answer:
While India’s malnutrition rates have improved over the recent years, the country is still facing a Triple burden of Malnutrition i.e. undernutrition, Hidden hunger, and Child overweight. In Global Hunger Index 2021 India ranked 101 among 116 countries under the Serious Level category, whereas the report of the WHO positioned India as the world’s third most obese nation after the USA and China.
The Core Strength of a nation is vested in the capabilities of its people. Malnutrition inflicts the very human resources base, severely limiting the socio-economic development of a nation. In this regard involvement of the local community along with the empowerment of women becomes essential in tackling the issue of malnutrition.
Role of Local Community in preventing Malnutrition:
Ensuring accountability and Avoiding Leakages- using methods like surveys, social audits, local community’s checks both inclusion and exclusion errors and ensure accountability and better targeting thus improving the delivery of food and nutrition. Eg. ‘Collective Action for Nutrition’ (CAN) social audit program in Odisha.
Making Govt. interventions culturally adaptable– involvement local community build trust and cooperation that ensures various Govt. interventions are culturally appropriate and holistic in terms of design and implementation thus making it easier to adapt in fighting against Malnutrition. Example- fish, egg, and dry fruits in mid-day meal program of states like Chhattisgarh, Odisha, and Lakshadweep.
Checking discrimination: There is a correlation between discrimination based on gender, caste or religion and poor nutrition. With participation and active sensitization of the local community, such discrimination can be checked which in turn helps in fighting malnutrition.
Acting as Role Model: Community Management of Acute Malnutrition (CMAM) recommended by both WHO and UNICEF, has shown positive results in the Nandurbar district of Maharashtra that led to rapid reduction of malnutrition among children between 2015-16 (NFHS-4) to 2019-20 (NFHS-5). it has the potential to be scaled up anywhere in India.
Support system: This collective action by communities imparts a sense of psychosocial well-being, self-efficacy and confidence to the group members along with the creation of a protective environment that helps in fighting malnutrition. Eg. the Proliferation of various community kitchens was conceived, organized, and run by the people in various states to tackle food security crisis during the lockdown.
Promotion of nutritional behavior: Synergy between the local community and various govt. departments can help in making the public aware of nutritional behavior.
Eg. SAAMAR (Strategic Action for Alleviation of Malnutrition and Anemia Reduction) campaign to tackle malnutrition in the state of Jharkhand.
Welfare of women and Malnutrition
Mother’s Literacy: Mothers empowered with knowledge and a facilitative environment, as the decision-maker in the house they can ensure proper dietary diversity, breastfeeding immunization and other interventions which is crucial for reducing malnutrition.
Ending gender discrimination- female members of the household tend to be treated as inferior and receive a relatively lower share of nutrition. Women end up eating the last and the least. Undernourished mothers give birth to an undernourished baby thus perpetuating an intergenerational cycle of under nutrition. To break this circle, the welfare of women is imperative.
Empowered women farmers can help fight malnutrition- Given financial support and choice in crop selection. A report of CARE India suggested that women farmers preferred crops that would contribute to household dietary diversity while promoting food and nutrition security rather than being more inclined towards cash crops.
Political empowerment- Role of women Sarpanchs in states like Rajasthan and Chhattisgarh showed that Women in leadership positions tend to take up issues related to health and hygiene on priority hence fighting rather effectively with menace like Malnutrition.
In the fight against Malnutrition India needs a change of perspective where malnutrition is seen as a social issue rather than as a health problem. An integrated approach involving all the stakeholders along with the robust framework of service delivery can help India to achieve the aim of the second Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) to end all forms of hunger and malnutrition by 2030.
Mains Guidance Plus is a wholesome package for UPSC Aspirants. The aim behind this program is not just to provide students with Model tests, but to cover multiple needs of students. From Mentorship to current affairs, the program has all the necessary elements needed for mains 2021.
PROGRAM INCLUSION:
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Quality Enrichment Program Notes: QEP is an intensive and holistic program for IAS Mains 2021 GS papers. We aim to cover up to 250 most relevant issues with a 360-degree view, covering all dimensions of each and every topic. Not only you’ll learn and analyze these issues but will also understand how to utilize them via Daily Answer Writing and Mains Test Series.
Mains Super 50 is a program apt for those aspirants whose focus lies on clearing Mains 2021. Those Students who have been practicing some answer writing and want to directly start with FLTs should opt for this. This program also has complete mentorship support.
PROGRAM INCLUSION:
Full-length tests: 12 FLTs to help you practice for the final Mains examination. These FLTs are patterned on UPSC Examination and have medium to high-quality questions. They will surely boost your preparation and test your analytical skills.
One on One Mentorship: After every test, a call with a mentor will be arranged and you can clear your doubts on the paper. This is important as with your mentor you can discuss your weakness and strategize for the next paper.
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Mentorship is a forte of Civilsdaily and once you experience it, you will believe it. Mains Guidance Mini is a program focused on mentorship-based improvement. You can appear in any Test series, we will provide you the mentorship on that paper.
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When the bench of the Chief Justice of India passed an order appointing a committee in the Pegasus matter, it served the interest of every Indian.
What led to the appointment of committee by the Supreme Court
Pegasus has allegedly been used against politicians and individuals across the globe, including against politicians, journalists and other private individuals in India.
The issue rocked Parliament, but the government was not willing to share any information pertaining to the software or its use, citing national security as a reason.
The alleged victims of the software turned to the Supreme Court, and prayed for setting up of an independent enquiry.
The government, on being called upon by the Supreme Court, cited national security, contending that any information it let out would become a matter of public debate, which could be used by terror groups to hamper national security.
Its unrelenting stand left the court with no option but to take a call on whether to blindly accept the government’s refusal to share no information whatsoever, or lean in favour of a citizen’s right to privacy, a fundamental right guaranteed under the Constitution.
The Supreme Court chose the latter course.
Balancing the fundamental rights nad judicial review with national security
The Supreme Court has observed that “the state cannot get a free pass every time the spectre of national security is raised”.
It goes on to say that national security “cannot be the bugbear that the judiciary shies away from, by virtue of its mere mentioning. Although this court should be circumspect in encroaching upon the domain of national security, no omnibus prohibition can be called for against judicial review”.
GS-1 Indian culture will cover the salient aspects of art forms, literature and architecture from ancient to modern times.
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GS-3 Infrastructure: Energy, Ports, Roads, Airports, Railways etc.
GS-4 Ethics and Human Interface: Essence, determinants and consequences of ethics in human actions; dimensions of ethics; ethics in private and public relationships
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