💥UPSC 2026, 2027, 2028 UAP Mentorship (March Batch) + Access XFactor Notes & Microthemes PDF
Talk to mentor

Civilsdaily

Login

Search results for: “”

  • Climate finance

    Context

    In the run-up to the 26th UNFCCC media reports have claimed that developed countries are inching closer to the target of providing $100 billion annually. This view has been bolstered by the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), which claimed that climate finance provided by developed countries had reached $78.9 billion in 2018.

    Issue of climate financing and claim of reaching the target of $100 billion

    • These claims reaching the target of $100 billion annually is erroneous.
    • First, the OECD figure includes private finance and export credits.
    • Public finance: Developing countries have insisted that developed country climate finance should be from public sources and should be provided as grants or as concessional loans.
    • However, the OECD report makes it clear that the public finance component amounted to only $62.2 billion in 2018, with bilateral funding of about $32.7 billion and $29.2 billion through multilateral institutions.
    • Nature of finance: Significantly, the final figure comes by adding loans and grants. Of the public finance component, loans comprise 74%, while grants make up only 20%.
    • The report does not say how much of the total loan component of $46.3 billion is concessional.
    • Non-concessional loans: From 2016 to 2018, 20% of bilateral loans, 76% of loans provided by multilateral development banks and 46% of loans provided by multilateral climate funds were non-concessional.
    • Between 2013 and 2018, the share of loans has continued to rise, while the share of grants decreased.
    • The OECD reports on climate finance have long been criticised for inflating climate finance figures.
    •  In contrast to the OECD report, Oxfam estimates that in 2017-18, out of an average of $59.5 billion of public climate finance reported by developed countries, the climate-specific net assistance ranged only between $19 and $22.5 billion per year.
    •  The 2018 Biennial Assessment of UNFCCC’s Standing Committee on Finance reports that on average, developed countries provided only $26 billion per year as climate-specific finance between 2011-2016.

    Broken commitments from the US on climate financing

    • U.S. President Joe Biden recently said that the U.S. will double its climate finance by $11.4 billion annually by 2024.
    • It is Congress that will decide on the quantum after all.
    • The U.S. also has a history of broken commitments, having promised $3 billion to the Green Climate Fund (GCF) under President Barack Obama, but delivering only $1 billion.
    • The future focus of U.S. climate finance is the mobilisation of private sector investment.
    • The bulk of the money coming in would be through private funds, directed to those projects judged “bankable” and not selected based on developing countries’ priorities and needs.

    Finance skews toward mitigation

    • Climate finance has also remained skewed towards mitigation, despite the repeated calls for maintaining a balance between adaptation and mitigation.
    • The 2016 Adaptation Gap Report of the UN Environment Programme had noted that the annual costs of adaptation in developing countries could range from $140 to $300 billion annually by 2030 and rise to $500 billion by 2050.
    • Currently available adaptation finance is significantly lower than the needs expressed in the Nationally Determined Contributions submitted by developing countries.

    Conclusion

    Delivering on climate finance is fundamental to trust in the multilateral process. Regrettably, while developing countries will continue to pressure developed countries to live up to their promises, the history of climate negotiations is not in their favour.

    UPSC 2022 countdown has begun! Get your personal guidance plan now! (Click here)

  • Explained: China-Taiwan tussle

    Recently China flew over 100 fighter jets into Taiwan’s air defence identification zone setting off alarm around the world that it was preparing to take over the island by force.

    Taiwan: the Republic of China (RoC)

    • Taiwan, earlier known as Formosa, a tiny island off the east coast of China, is where Chinese republicans of the Kuomintang government retreated after the 1949 victory of the communists.
    • It has since continued as the Republic of China (RoC).
    • Although largely unrecognized by other countries as such, self-ruled Taiwan sees itself as no less than an independent nation.
    • Its leaders, have vowed to defend its sovereignty against the Chinese goal of “reunification”.

    Chinese claims over Taiwan

    • Since its establishment in 1949, the PRC has believed that Taiwan must be reunified with the mainland, while the RoC claim to be an independent country.
    • The RoC became the non-communist frontier against China during the Cold War, and was the only ‘China’ recognised at the UN until 1971.
    • That was when the US inaugurated ties with China through the secret diplomacy under President Richard Nixon.

    Independence politics by Taipei

    • In 1975, Taiwan got its first democratic reforms. Trade ties with PRC were established.
    • As the British prepared to exit Hong Kong in 1999, the “One China, Two Systems” solution was offered to Taiwan as well, but it was rejected by the Taiwanese.
    • In 2004, China started drafting an anti-secession law aimed at Taiwan; trade and connectivity, however, continued to improve.

    Hurdles for Taiwanese independence

    • Taiwan now has massive economic interests, including investments in China, and pro-independence sections worry that this might come in the way of their goals.
    • Inversely, the pro-reunification sections of the polity, as well as China, hope that economic dependence and increasing people-to-people contacts will wear out the pro-independence lobbies.

    Global significance of Taiwan

    • The island is located in the East China Sea, to the northeast of Hong Kong, north of the Philippines and south of South Korea, and southwest of Japan.
    • What happens in and around Taiwan is of deep concern to all of East Asia.

    Geopolitics: US ties with Taiwan

    • Officially, the US has subscribed to PRC’s “One China Policy” which means there is only one legitimate Chinese government.
    • The most serious encounter was in 1995-96, when China began testing missiles in the seas around Taiwan, triggering the biggest US mobilization in the region since the Vietnam War.
    • Now, the US backs Taiwan’s independence, maintains ties with Taipei, and sells weapons to it.
    • Taiwan is entirely dependent on the US for its defense against possible Chinese aggression.
    • This is why every spike in military tensions between China and Taiwan injects more hostility into the already strained relationship between Washington and Beijing.

    Challenge for the US

    • The Biden Administration has declared “rock-solid” commitment to Taiwan after an incursion by Chinese warplanes.
    • As tensions rise, the world is watching the US, which is face-saving after exiting from Afghanistan.
    • In East and Southeast Asia, several countries including Japan, South Korea, and the Philippines, which are sheltered under the Protective umbrella of the US, are reading the situation.
    • The US has also agreed to abide by the “Taiwan Agreement”, under which US support for the “One China Policy” is premised on Beijing not invading Taiwan.

    Recent initiatives against China

    • The AUKUS pact among the US, UK, and Australia, under which Australia will be supplied with nuclear submarines, has imparted a new dimension to the security dynamics of the Indo-Pacific.
    • Taiwan has welcomed the pact, while China has denounced it as seriously undermining regional peace.

    Implications for India

    • With India facing its own problems with China at the LAC, there have been suggestions that it should review its One China Policy.
    • It has in any case long stopped reiterating this officially — and use not just the Tibet card, but also develop more robust relations with Taiwan to send a message to Beijing.
    • India and Taiwan currently maintain “trade and cultural exchange” offices in each other’s capitals.

    India-Taiwan Ties: A backgrounder

    • India and Taiwan both do not maintain any official diplomatic relations.
    • India recognizes only the People’s Republic of China (in mainland China) and not Taiwan’s claims of being the legitimate government of Mainland China, Hong Kong, and Macau.
    • However, India’s economic and commercial links, as well as people-to-people contacts with Taiwan, have expanded in recent years.
    • Major Taiwanese exports to India include integrated circuits, machinery, and other electronic products.

    India’s interest

    Ans. Semiconductor economy

    • Taiwan’s position as a semiconductor superpower opens the door for more intensive strategic-economic cooperation between Delhi and Taipei.
    • The talks with Taipei are ongoing to bring a $7.5-billion semiconductor or chip manufacturing plant to India.
    • Chips are used in a range of devices from computers to 5G smartphones, to electric cars and medical equipment.

    Way forward

    • Delhi must begin to deal with Taiwan as a weighty entity in its own right that offers so much to advance India’s prosperity.
    • Delhi does not have to discard its “One-China policy” to recognise that Taiwan is once again becoming the lightning rod in US-China tensions.

    Conclusion

    • As Taiwan becomes the world’s most dangerous flashpoint, the geopolitical consequences for Asia are real.
    • Although Delhi has embraced the Indo-Pacific maritime construct, it is yet to come to terms with Taiwan’s critical role in shaping the strategic future of Asia’s waters.

     

    UPSC 2022 countdown has begun! Get your personal guidance plan now! (Click here)

  • Kunming Declaration on Biodiversity Conservation

    The Kunming Declaration was adopted by over 100 countries at the first part of the ongoing virtual 15th meeting of the Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Convention on Biological Diversity.

    Kunming Declaration

    • It calls upon the parties to “mainstream” biodiversity protection in decision-making and recognise the importance of conservation in protecting human health.
    • The theme of the declaration is Ecological Civilization: Building a Shared Future for All Life on Earth.
    • By adopting this, the nations have committed themselves to support the development, adoption and implementation of an effective post-2020 implementation plan for the Cartagena Protocol on biosafety.
    • Signatory nations will ensure that the post-pandemic recovery policies, programs and plans contribute to the conservation and sustainable use of biodiversity.

    About Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD)

    • The CBD (wef 1993) known informally as the Biodiversity Convention, is a multilateral treaty.
    • The convention has three main goals:
    1. the conservation of biodiversity
    2. the sustainable use of its components
    3. the fair and equitable sharing of benefits arising from genetic resources
    • Its objective is to develop national strategies for the conservation and sustainable use of biological diversity, and it is often seen as the key document regarding sustainable development.
    • It has two supplementary agreements, the Cartagena Protocol and Nagoya Protocol.

    (1) Cartagena Protocol

    • It is an international treaty governing the movements of living modified organisms (LMOs) resulting from modern biotechnology from one country to another.

    (2) Nagoya Protocol

    • It deals with Access to Genetic Resources and the Fair and Equitable Sharing of Benefits Arising from their Utilization (ABS).

     

    UPSC 2022 countdown has begun! Get your personal guidance plan now! (Click here)

  • [pib] One Sun One World One Grid

    The Union Minister for Power and New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) has addressed the Ministerial session of the Green Grids Initiative-One Sun One World One Grid (OSOWOG) Northwest Europe Cooperative Event.

    One Sun, One World, One Grid

    • The mega plan of OSOWOG calls for trans-national electricity grid supplying solar power across the globe.
    • It will connect 140 countries through a common grid that will be used to transfer solar power.
    • The idea was first floated by PM Modi in 2018 during the first assembly of the International Solar Alliance (ISA).
    • The vision behind the OSOWOG mantra is “the Sun never sets” and is a constant at some geographical location, globally, at any given point of time.

    With India at the fulcrum, the solar spectrum can easily be divided into two broad zones viz:

    1. Far East: It would include countries like Myanmar, Vietnam, Thailand, Lao, Cambodia and
    2. Far West: It would cover the Middle East and the Africa Region

    Implementation phases of the plan

    The plan is divided into three phases:

    • Phase 1: It will connect the Indian grid with the Middle East, South Asia and South-East Asian grids to share solar and other renewable energy resources
    • Phase 2: It will connect the first phase nations with the African pool of renewable sources
    • Phase 3: It will be the concluding step of global interconnection

    How novel is the idea?

    (1) Scale of the program

    • Not limited by national boundaries, it can tackle global challenges linked to energy.
    • It will tackle access for underserved people and communities the world over.
    • It will enable 3 billion people to access clean drinking water (via solar pumps), give 2 billion women access to clean cooking and bring light to the homes of 750 million people.

    (2) Pivotal moment in India’s energy history

    • Going back even further, almost a decade ago, the price of solar energy (then INR 15 a unit) had raised question marks about its commercial feasibility.
    • Today OSOWOG envisions dispatching surplus electricity at near-zero cost as India produces the cheapest solar-powered electricity anywhere in the world.

    (3) Sustainability

    • OSOWOG directly tackles two key problems that are emerging as energy systems try to deliver both energy sustainability and access to underserved populations.
    • Countries like Singapore or Bangladesh simply may not have enough empty land to generate solar energy.
    • Many nations’ policies also prioritise food security (i.e., devoting land to farming) over solar energy. These countries can still benefit from the solar energy dispatched to them via OSOWOG.

    (4) India extending leadership

    • Having international associations is not a new trend for the energy sector which already has a strong geopolitical organisation such as OPEC.
    • Several countries including China have initiated infrastructure projects in other countries, which is seen as a sign of asserting supremacy by several policy experts.
    • While India is a partner nation with most trade associations, with ISA and OSOWOG, it is planning to take a leadership position.

    Significance of OSOWOG

    • Successful ambitious project: It is obviously a very grand and ambitious project with a looming success.
    • Pathbreaking idea: It is also clear that a new energy sector paradigm is needed as we are facing a huge inflection point in electricity generation and consumption.
    • Green benefits: Potential benefits include widespread scale up in energy access, abatement in carbon emissions, lower cost and improved livelihoods.
    • Energy alternative: With battery and storage technology becoming cheaper, electricity consumption at source end is a more feasible idea for solar power.

    Limitations of OSOWOG

    • Low financial benefits: This may sound a geopolitically a clever strategy. However, it is to be seen if this makes sense, technology-wise and in terms of financial benefits.
    • Cost-sharing challenge: The mechanism of cost-sharing will be challenging, given the varied priorities of participating countries depending on their socio-economic orders.
    • Pace of progress: The OSOWOG will turn out to be an expensive, complex and very slow progress project.
    • Geopolitical issue: Any disruption caused due to any bilateral/multilateral issues can potentially affect critical services in multiple continents and countries.
    • Grid parameters: There is a difference in voltage, frequency and specifications of the grid in most regions. Maintaining grid stability with just renewable generation would be technically difficult.

    Way forward

    • While India has taken baby steps with ISA, a major investment drive is still missing. This is planned to be achieved through OSOWOG.
    • India will need a strong coalition of international partners to realise this vision.

    UPSC 2022 countdown has begun! Get your personal guidance plan now! (Click here)

    Back2Basics: International Solar Alliance

    • Officially announced during UN Climate Change Conference in Paris in 2015, the ISA is a partnership of solar-resource rich countries.
    • Currently, there are 121 countries that have agreed to be members for ISA.
    • Most of these are countries with large participation from Africa, South-east Asia and Europe.
    • Pakistan and China are not a part of ISA.

     

  • India retains 3rd position in RE Investment Attractiveness Index

    India has retained the third rank in the Renewable Energy Country Attractiveness Index released by consultancy firm EY.

    RE Country Attractiveness Index (RECAI)

    • The RECAI ranks the world’s top 40 markets on the attractiveness of their renewable energy investment and deployment opportunities.
    • The rankings reflect assessments of market attractiveness and global market trends.

    India’s performance

    • India remained at the third position since three consecutive years.
    • India’s thriving renewable energy market conditions, inclusive policy decisions, investment and technology improvements focusing on self-reliant supply chains have pushed the transition.
    • RECAI highlights that corporate power purchase agreements (PPAs) are emerging as a key driver of clean energy growth.
    • A new PPA Index – introduced in this edition of RECAI – focuses on the attractiveness of renewable power procurement and ranks the growth potential of a nation’s corporate PPA market.
    • India is ranked sixth among the top 30 PPA markets.

    Global scenario

    • The US, mainland China and India continue to retain the top three rankings and Indonesia is a new entrant to the RECAI.
    • The top-performing markets have held their ground in this latest issue – with no movement into or out of the top eight.
    • France (fourth position, up by one) and the UK (fifth position, down by one), while Germany (sixth position, up by one) has edged back ahead of Australia (seventh position, down by one).

     

    UPSC 2022 countdown has begun! Get your personal guidance plan now! (Click here)

  • Mass Emission Standards for E12 AND E15 fuels

    The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) has notified mass emission standards for E 12 (12% Ethanol with Gasoline) and E15 (15% Ethanol 12 with gasoline) fuels.

    What is the news?

    • The ministry has notified test standards for vehicles compliant with ethanol-blended fuel variants E12 and E15.
    • The ministry made it mandatory for all automobile manufacturers to put “clearly visible stickers” on every vehicle informing about its compatibility to the level of ethanol blend (E12, E15, E20).
    • Currently, India is using E10 fuel (petrol blended with 10% ethanol).

    Ethanol Blended Petrol (EBP) Programme

    • Ethanol Blended Petrol (EBP) programme was launched in January, 2003 for supply of 5% ethanol blended Petrol.
    • The programme sought to promote the use of alternative and environment-friendly fuels and to reduce import dependency for energy requirements.
    • OMCs are advised to continue according priority of ethanol from 1) sugarcane juice/sugar/sugar syrup, 2) B-heavy molasses 3) C-heavy molasses and 4) damaged food grains/other sources.
    • At present, this programme has been extended to whole of India except UTs of Andaman Nicobar and Lakshadweep islands with effect from 01st April, 2019 wherein OMCs sell petrol blended with ethanol up to 10%.

    Why ethanol blending?

    • Agricultural waste management: Ethanol blending will solve the problem of agricultural waste as well as sugar rates due to excess production, therefore providing security to sugarcane farmers.
    • Reducing emission: It can help accomplish dual goal of strengthening energy security with low carbon emission.
    • Enhanced participation: It will enable local enterprises and farmers to participate in the energy economy.
    • Reducing import bill: It is another significant benefit. India imports 85% of crude oil.
    • Fuel efficiency: Ethanol blending increases octane number thereby increasing fuel quality in terms of anti-knocking tendency (engine sound)

    Also read:

    [RSTV ARCHIVE] Ethanol Blending: Significance & Road Ahead

     

    UPSC 2022 countdown has begun! Get your personal guidance plan now! (Click here)

  • Agri-food systems need a transformative change

    Context

    There is an urgent need for reorientation of the long-term direction of agri-food systems to not only enhance farm incomes but also ensure better access to safe and nutritious foods.

    Challenge of malnutrition in India

    • The findings from the first round of the Fifth National Family Health Survey suggest that nutrition-related indicators have worsened in most States.
    • In addition, findings from the Comprehensive National Nutrition Survey (2016-18) have highlighted the role of micro-nutrient malnutrition.
    • Pathways for nutritional security consist of improving dietary diversity, kitchen gardens, reducing post-harvest losses, making safety net programmes more nutrition-sensitive, women’s empowerment, enforcement of standards and regulations, improving Water, Sanitation and Hygiene, nutrition education, and effective use of digital technology.

    Agri-food system: Significance and challenges it faces

    • The agri-food systems are the most important part of the Indian economy.
    • India produces sufficient food, feed and fibre to sustain about 18% of the world’s population (as of 2020). Agriculture contributes about 16.5% to India’s GDP and employs 42.3% of the workforce (2019-20).
    • A sustainable agri-food system is one in which a variety of sufficient, nutritious and safe foods are made available at an affordable price to everyone, and nobody goes hungry or suffers from any form of malnutrition.
    • However, the country’s agri-food systems are facing new and unprecedented challenges, especially related to economic and ecological sustainability, nutrition and the adoption of new agricultural technologies.
    • The edifice of India’s biosecurity remains vulnerable to disasters and extreme events.

    Way forward: Reorienting agri-food systems

    • There is an urgent need for reorientation of the long-term direction of agri-food systems to not only enhance farm incomes but also ensure better access to safe and nutritious foods.
    • Additionally, the agri-food systems need to be reoriented to minimise cost on the environment and the climate.
    • This need is recognised by the theme of World Food Day 2021: ‘Our actions are our future. Better production, better nutrition, a better environment and a better life’.
    • FAO’s support for the transformation of agri-food systems is rooted in agro-ecology.
    • The more diverse an agricultural system, the greater its ability to adapt to shocks.
    • Different combinations of integrated crop-livestock-forestry-fishery systems can help farmers produce a variety of products in the same area, at the same time or in rotation.
    • In January this year, FAO in collaboration with NITI Aayog and the Ministry of Agriculture convened a National Dialogue to evolve a framework for the transition to a more sustainable agri-food systems by 2030 and identify pathways for enhancing farmers’ income and achieving nutritional security.

    Consider the question “What are the challenges facing agri-food systems in India? Suggest the pathways to transform the agri-food system to enhance farm income and ensure food and nutrition security.”

    Conclusion

    Food systems can help combat environmental degradation or climate change. Sustainable agri-food systems can deliver food security and nutrition for all, without compromising the economic, social and environmental bases.

    UPSC 2022 countdown has begun! Get your personal guidance plan now! (Click here)

  • 14th October 2021| Daily Answer Writing Enhancement(AWE)

    Topics for Today’s questions:

    GS-1     Effects of Globalisation on Indian society

    GS-2     Bilateral, Regional and Global Groupings and Agreements involving India and/or affecting India’s interests.

    GS-3    Issues related to Direct and Indirect Farm Subsidies and Minimum Support Prices; Public Distribution System – Objectives, Functioning, Limitations, Revamping; Issues of Buffer Stocks and Food Security; Technology Missions; Economics of Animal-Rearing.

    GS-4     Case-Studies

    Questions:

    Question 1)

     

    Q.1 Not only does globalisation impact the environment, but environmental factors also impact globalisation. Elucidate. (10 Marks)

     

    Question 2)

    Q.2 The world is today adrift. We are neither in a bipolar Cold War nor in a multipolar world, though perhaps tending towards a world of several power centres. In this context, examine the challenges and opportunities for India. (10 Marks)

    Question 3)

    Q.3 There is an urgent need for reorientation of the long-term direction of agri-food systems to not only enhance farm incomes but also ensure better access to safe and nutritious foods. Suggest the changes in India’s food system to ensure both the economic and food safety of the country. (15 Marks)

    Question 4)  

    Q.4 You are a single mother and work as a school counsellor for the psychological well-being of primary and secondary school children at a reputed school. Recently, you have found through your interactions that several students have been facing emotional trauma and mental health issues. Realising the gravity of the situation you want to discuss this with the school authorities and the board of trustees and come up with an advanced plan that can help parents get better involved. However, during the meeting, concerns are raised regarding your findings and the lack of supporting evidence is also cited by some. Moreover, senior members who are present express a sense of displeasure at what this might mean for the reputation of the school. You are thoroughly appalled with this approach of the school authorities, yet you are mired down in your own financial circumstances. On the basis of the above situation, answer the following: (a) Identify the most relevant stakeholders in the case. (b) What are the dilemmas in the case? (c) Discuss how stigmatisation of mental health issues can be addressed in schools. (20 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  October is uploaded on 11th October 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 October is uploaded on 13th October, 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*. 

    For the philosophy of AWE and payment: 

    CLICK HERE To join Daily AWE

  • Q.4 You are a single mother and work as a school counsellor for the psychological well-being of primary and secondary school children at a reputed school. Recently, you have found through your interactions that several students have been facing emotional trauma and mental health issues. Realising the gravity of the situation you want to discuss this with the school authorities and the board of trustees and come up with an advanced plan that can help parents get better involved. However, during the meeting, concerns are raised regarding your findings and the lack of supporting evidence is also cited by some. Moreover, senior members who are present express a sense of displeasure at what this might mean for the reputation of the school. You are thoroughly appalled with this approach of the school authorities, yet you are mired down in your own financial circumstances. On the basis of the above situation, answer the following: (a) Identify the most relevant stakeholders in the case. (b) What are the dilemmas in the case? (c) Discuss how stigmatisation of mental health issues can be addressed in schools. (20 Marks)

    Mentor’s Comments-

    • Briefly explain the case study.
    • Mention the most relevant stakeholders in the case study.
    • Explain the ethical dilemmas involved in the case.
    • Explain how mental health issues can be de-stigmatised in schools.
    • Conclude briefly.

  • Q.3 There is an urgent need for reorientation of the long-term direction of agri-food systems to not only enhance farm incomes but also ensure better access to safe and nutritious foods. Suggest the changes in India’s food system to ensure both the economic and food safety of the country. (15 Marks)

    Mentor’s comment-
    • https://www.thehindu.com/opinion/op-ed/sowing-better-to-eat-better/article36995739.ece
    • In the intro, mention the decline in nutrition-related indicators in surveys.
    • In the body, mention the relation between the country’s agri-food system and its nutrition and food security. Also mention that addressing the problems of agri-food system will also help addressing country’s economic problems as well. In the suggestion, mention need for reorientation to minimise the cost on the environment and the climate, ensuring more diversity etc.
    • Conclude by mentioning that sustainable agri-food systems can deliver food security and nutrition for all, without compromising the economic, social and environmental bases.

  • Q.2 The world is today adrift. We are neither in a bipolar Cold War nor in a multipolar world, though perhaps tending towards a world of several power centres. In this context, examine the challenges and opportunities for India. (10 Marks)

    Mentor’s comment-
    • https://www.thehindu.com/opinion/lead/a-strategy-for-india-in-a-world-that-is-adrift/article36867249.ece
    • In the intro, mention the emergence of China as a global power and the relative decline of the US power.
    • In the body, mention the lack of coherent international response to Covid pandemic, ineffective international response to climate change underlines the fact that the world is in between the orders. Next mention the fact that India is going to remain at the focus of geopolitical rivalries. In the opportunities mention that increasing security congruence with the U.S. could enable growing cooperation in fields significant for India’s transformation. Also mention that the increasing possibility of working with partners in the developing world building broader coalitions on issues of common interest.
    • Conclude by mentioning that we cannot separate our domestic trajectory from the external course we need to pursue to transform India into a strong, secure and prosperous country.

  • Q.1 Not only does globalisation impact the environment, but environmental factors also impact globalisation. Elucidate. (10 Marks)

    Mentor’s Comments-

    • In the introduction, briefly explain what you understand by globalisation.
    • In the body, discuss the ways in which globalisation impacts the environment and some of its consequences.
    • Similarly, state how the environment affects globalisation.
    • Conclude appropriately.

  • 14th October 2021 | Prelims Daily with Previous Year Questions

    UPSC 2022 countdown has begun! Get your personal guidance plan now! (Click here)

    [WpProQuiz 809]

    [WpProQuiz_toplist 809]

  • Learn from your failures in Prelims 2021 | Free webinar by Sajal sir

    Learn from your failures in Prelims 2021 | Free webinar by Sajal sir

    Failing to qualify Prelims does not mean that you give up! There have been top rankers in the history of UPSC who failed to qualify Prelims multiple times but learned from each mistake and kept improving themselves. Pranav Vijayvargiya (AIR Rank 65) 2020 is the biggest example of this. He failed consecutively in 2 prelims but he kept himself motivated and finally got (AIR Rank 65) under the guidance of Sajal sir.

    Fear of failure keeps you from learning and this is not the time to lose hope! It may be a tough situation but there’s still a lot you can learn from it.

    Sajal Sir has helped over 400 aspirants secure ranks in the last 6 years. He has helped 30 students secure ranks in the top 100 in UPSC 2020. He knows about success but he also knows how success is built from lessons of failure. He knows how bad the situation may become if you don’t qualify for Prelims but he also knows how to use that learning to crack the exam. And that’s the secret he will share with you in an absolutely free webinar.

    Register here for sajal sir’s free webinar

    What will you learn in the webinar?

    1. How to keep yourself motivated in this exam process whose gestation period is very high.

    2. How to cope up with failures in this exam cycle

    3. How to maintain consistency during preparation

    3. How to re-start preparation again for the 2022 exam

    4. Which mistakes to avoid in your next attempt

    5. Blueprint of your preparation plan. When to start preparation for prelims again.

    6. How to utilize these next 4 months before you start preparing for prelims again.

    7. What to study, From where to study, and how to study.

    8. Smart study-related practical strategies which work on the ground.

    9. 4-2-4 Model of Preparation

    10. Open 1-1 Q&A session with Sajal sir

    Join Sajal sir for the free webinar and take the first step towards cracking the exam in the upcoming attempt!

    Date: 16/10/21

    Time: 7 p.m.

    About Sajal Sir

    He is the founder and Core Faculty at CD. An economics Post-Graduate, He had scored the highest marks in GS Mains in the 2017 UPSC exam, and under his guidance, more than 80 students cracked the UPSC exam in 2020.

    Register here for Sajal Sir’s free webinar

    This is what Pranav Vijayvergiya (AIR 65) had to say about his experience of studying under the guidance of Sajal Sir:

    https://youtu.be/DSwO38weHAA

  • [Yojana Archive] SHG-led Women Empowerment

    UPSC 2022 countdown has begun! Get your personal guidance plan now! (Click here)

    September 2021: Nari Shakti
    • The Government of India has drawn several policy measures to achieve “gender equality” and “gender empowerment”.
    • One of such measures is the promotion and economic activation of Self-Help groups (SHGs).

    What are SHGs?

    • Voluntary associations: SHGs are voluntary associations of economically poor, usually drawn from the same socio-economic background.
    • Community action: They often resolve to come together for a common purpose of solving their issues and problems through self-help and community action.

    SHG-led Women Empowerment: A timeline

    • ‘Grameen Bank’ model: In 1984, for the first time, the concept of social mobilisation and business development through organising of SHGs was introduced based on Prof. Yunus’s ‘Grameen Bank’ model.
    • NABARD intervention: Initially, the National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD), along with NGOs designed and developed the promotional ecosystem, including the SHGs-Bank linkage programme.
    • RBI recognition: In the year 1990, the RBI recognised SHGs as an alternate credit flow model.

    Thus, SHGs were accepted as group-based clients of banks for both deposit and credit linkages, collateral-free lending, and lending to groups without specification of purpose/ project.

    Various committees related

    [A] Prof. S. R. Hashim (1997) committee

    • It reviewed the poverty alleviation and employment generation programmes of the Ministry of Rural Development.
    • It recommended shifting focus from an individual beneficiary approach to a group-based business development approach.
    • Hence, Integrated Rural Development Programme (lRDP) and its associated schemes were merged.
    • A new scheme called ‘Swamjayanti Gram Swarozgar Yojana’ (SGSY) was launched to provide self-employment to below the poverty line households through the formation of SHGs.

    [B] Prof. R. Radhakrishna (2009) Committee

    • It reviewed the performance of SGSY and suggested changes in its design from a ‘top-down poverty alleviation’ approach to a ‘community-managed livelihood’ approach.
    • Emphasis was given to linking SHG members to social welfare programs.
    • SGSY was restructured into National Rural Livelihood Mission (NRLM) to provide sharper focus on poverty alleviation.
    • Now, the NRLM has been renamed as Deendayal Antyodaya Yojana — National Rural Livelihoods Mission (DAY-NRLM).

    DAY-NRLM & Women Empowerment

    DAY- RLM has a twin objective

    1. Organising rural poor women into SHGs; and
    2. Constantly nurturing and assisting them to take up economic activities.
    3. It aims to reduce poverty by enabling poor households to access gainful self-employment and skilled wage employment opportunities, through building strong grassroots institutions for the poor.
    4. The programme aims to ensure that at least one-woman member from each rural poor household (about 9 crores) is brought into women SHGs.

    Principles of SHG movement: The Dashasutras

    The SHG movement follows five principles or ‘Panchasutra’ viz:

    1. Regular Meetings
    2. Regular Savings
    3. Regular Inter-Loaning          
    4. Timely Repayment of Loans and
    5. Up-to-date books of Accounts

    In addition, five additional principles now followed by SHGs are

    1. Health, Nutrition and Sanitation
    2. Education
    3. Active involvement in Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs)
    4. Access to Entitlements and Schemes and
    5. Creating Opportunities for Sustainable Livelihoods.

    These taken together are called – ‘Dashasutras’ under DAY-NRLM.

    Women Entrepreneurship and Economic Progress

    • There are mainly three central aspects of entrepreneurship:
    • Uncertainty and risk
    • Managerial competence and
    • Creative opportunism or innovation
    • Hence, promotion of entrepreneurship through SGs would require empowerment of millions of SHGs.
    • If women SHGs are empowered they can ensure job opportunity by effectively utilising available resources into profitable products as per the local need and the acceptability of consumers.

    DAY-NRLM & Empowering Process

    The nucleus of DAY-NRLM has been built around a basic human nature of the feeling of self-worth and self-help. Following four pillars of the scheme ensure the empowerment process in DAY-NRLM:

    (1) Social Mobilisation, Formation and Promotion Of Sustainable Institutions Of Poor:

    • These community-based organisations adhere to core principles of democratic governance and financial accountability.
    • It participates effectively in local governance and development, mediate livelihood concerns and social issues affecting the poor members, facilitates access of the poor to entitlements and public services.

    (2) Pillar of Financial Inclusion:

    • Here focus is laid on both demand and supply-side interventions.
    • Demand-side interventions ensure the promotion of effective book-keeping: provision of capital support to SHGs; creating a culture of prompt repayments of loans etc.
    • Supply-side interventions confirm the formation of sub-committees of State-level Bankers Committee in all states; bankers’ sensitisation on concept, practices, etc.

    (3) Livelihood:

    • The focus is on strengthening existing and new income sources, promotion of opportunities. The scheme empowered women SHGs to take up non-farm livelihoods activities too.
    • Start-Up Village Entrepreneurship Programme (SVEP) promoted rural start-ups in the non-farm sector.

    (4) Social Inclusion and Convergence:

    • Platforms established by SHGs are leveraged for better implementation of multiple public welfare schemes/programmes.

    Issue & Challenges

    The SHG movement traversed from the “thrift and saving” in the 1980s to the “livelihood” based economic empowerment method. Despite such progress, it is suffering from many challenges, as discussed below:

    • Universal social mobilization: Identification and inclusion of the poor remains a challenge. There is need to develop community resource persons for participatory identification of poor.
    • Training, Capacity Building & Skill Upgradation: There is lack of appropriate training plans, quality training and availability of expert training institutions.
    • Universal Financial Inclusion: Lack of uniform financial management systems at all tiers of SHGs has impacted the growth in bank accounts, improvement in financial literacy, and absorption capacity of community members.
    • Multiple & Diversified Livelihoods: There is lack of progressive leadership for inclusiveness of small-sized enterprises at the federal level. Market/ forward linkages, is largely missing.
    • Support Structure at the Community: Creation of business environment, enhancement of skills, and identification of value chains with proper clustering across the state along with positioning competent human resources in the SHGs ecosystem are required.
    • Schematic Convergence: Field level schematic convergence is the need of the hour to bring synergies directly or indirectly with the institutions of poor.

  • Issues with Free power

    Context

    With elections around the corner in many States, political parties are competing with one another in promising free power.

    Problems with free power

    • Supported by state subsidy, electricity tariff to agriculture is low in most States – often less than ₹1/unit – and is free in some States such as Punjab, Tamil Nadu and Karnataka.
    • There is inefficient use of electricity and water, neglect of service quality by the distribution companies leading to frequent outages and motor burn outs, and high subsidy burden on the State governments.
    • Inflated consumption estimates: Since nearly three-fourth of the agriculture connections in the country are unmetered, consumption estimates are often inflated by distribution companies to increase subsidy demand and project low distribution losses.
    • Any metering effort faces resistance as it is perceived as the first step towards levying charges.
    • Opting-out schemes are being made but do not seem to have uptake.
    • Difficulty in implementing DBT: Free power provision along with issues of metering make implementation of Direct Benefit Transfer difficult.
    • All this leaves farmers, distribution companies and State governments frustrated.
    • Subsidy burden on Governments: Due to free power in Delhi, the total state subsidy amounts to 11% of the total expenses.
    • In Tamil Nadu, where free power is available to households, half of the total subsidy is earmarked for this.
    • If there is further increase in number and consumption limits of free power, the subsidy burden on State governments will substantially increase.
    • Low adoption of solar power: Roof-top solar and energy efficiency are good environment-friendly options for homes but providing free power to well-off households will discourage them from taking these up.

    Way forward

    • Free or low-tariff power is at best a short-term relief, which should be provided to those who desperately need it.
    • Give fixed rebate: A fixed rebate of up to ₹200/month for residential consumers can be provided in the electricity bill.
    • As the rebate is delinked from consumption, distribution companies won’t have an incentive to inflate consumption.
    • Rebate for adopting energy-efficient appliances: There can be additional rebates for adopting energy-efficient appliances like refrigerators, combined with State-level bulk procurement programmes to reduce the cost.
    • Addressing mutual mistrust: The atmosphere of mutual mistrust between small consumers and distribution companies has to change.
    • There should be quick resolution of arrears and one-time offers for settlements.

    Conclusion

    There is a need to question the wisdom of broad-brush promises such as free power, which cannot be sustained in the long run.

    UPSC 2022 countdown has begun! Get your personal guidance plan now! (Click here)

  • The sanctions cloud over India-U.S. ties

    Context

    The delivery of the S-400 Triumf air defence systems from Russia is expected according to schedule. In response, U.S. Deputy Secretary of State Wendy Sherman hoped that both the U.S. and India could resolve the issue.

    Background of the CAATSA

    • The Countering America’s Adversaries through Sanctions Act (CAATSA) was passed when the U.S. sought to discourage trade in the defence and intelligence sectors of Russia.
    • The Act mandates the President to impose at least five of the 12 sanctions on persons engaged in a “significant transaction” with Russian defence and intelligence sectors.
    • These sanctions include suspending export licence, banning American equity/debt investments in entities, prohibiting loans from U.S. financial institutions and opposing loans from international finance institutions.
    • The Act also built in a safety valve in the form of a presidential waiver.
    • The “modified waiver authority” allows the President to waive sanctions in certain circumstances.
    • There are a few more provisions including one that allows for sanctions waivers for 180 days, provided the administration certifies that the country in question is scaling back its ties with Russia.

    Implications of CAATSA sanctions against India and scope for waiver

    • Impact on bilateral relationship: Sanctions have the tremendous potential of pulling down the upward trajectory of the bilateral relationship between the U.S. and India, which now spans 50 sectors, especially in the field of defence.
    • India turned sullen over the manner in which the U.S. negotiated the exit deal with the Taliban.
    • Quad engagement: Yet, on the strategic plane, India remained on course by agreeing to the upgrading of the Quadrilateral Security Dialogue and sharing the same vision as the U.S. on the Indo-Pacific construct.
    • The U.S.’s apprehension is that bringing India under a sanctions regime could push New Delhi towards its traditional military hardware supplier, Russia.
    • The U.S. Sanctions can stir up the latent belief in India that Washington cannot be relied upon as a partner.
    • While the administration will have to do the heavy lifting, the role of Indian-Americans should be significant just as they rallied around to support the Civil Nuclear Deal in the face of stiff resistance from Democrats opposed to nuclear proliferation.
    • Decrease in imports from Russia: India’s import of arms decreased by 33% between 2011-15 and 2016-20 and Russia was the most affected supplier, according to a report by the Stockholm-based defence think-tank SIPRI.
    • In recent years, though, there have been some big deals worth $15 billion including S400, Ka-226-T utility helicopters, BrahMos missiles and production of AK-203 assault rifles.
    • Increase in defence import from US: On the other hand, over the past decade, government-to-government deals with the U.S. touched $20 billion and deals worth nearly $10 billion are under negotiation.

    Conclusion

    The CAATSA test will determine the course of the India-U.S. strategic partnership. Whether the Biden administration sail through opposition within his party remains to be seen.

    UPSC 2022 countdown has begun! Get your personal guidance plan now! (Click here)

  • Register & Join Live Webinar Now || Link Inside || Scoring 90+ in Prelims? Begin your Mains preparation strategically || Attend our FREE webinar & speak with our mentors in an open discussion post webinar

    Register & Join Live Webinar Now || Link Inside || Scoring 90+ in Prelims? Begin your Mains preparation strategically || Attend our FREE webinar & speak with our mentors in an open discussion post webinar

    Dear aspirant,

    Prelims is over and it’s time to gear up for Mains; and if you have scored 90+ in UPSC Prelims 2021, you should start your Mains preparation immediately!!!

    In UPSC 2020, Civilsdaily helped 80+ students secure ranks in their exams and 30 students of Civilsdaily have secured ranks in the Top 100. The same team that helped aspirants become rankers last year is back again to help you also.

    register here for free webinar for mains

    Sukanya ma’am (Mains Program Head) and Birendra sir (Mains Program Coordinator) will be speaking with students at a FREE webinar to discuss the strategies for your Mains.

    These are what you’ll get in the webinar:

    1. When to start practicing answers if you are appearing for Mains?
    2. What to study and what not to study. Smart hacks to complete and revise your syllabus in minimum time.
    3. Debunking myths associated with answer writing.
    4. What are the best practices in answer writing ?
    5. Topper’s answer discussed and analysed live (Why did they score high marks).
    6. X-factor required in your answers to score above 100 marks in GS.
    7. Ideal strategy till Mains 2021.
    8. How to allocate your time between GS and Optional?
    9. Importance of Structure and Presentation in getting high marks in UPSC GS mains.
    10. Open Q&A session with Participants.

    Date: 13/10/2021

    Time: 07:00 p.m. onwards

    If you have scored 90+ in Prelims this year, then this webinar is meant for you. Register now.

    REGISTER HERE FOR FREE WEBINAR FOR MAINS

    About Sukanya Ma’am:

    Sukanya ma’am has firsthand experience of 4 mains and 2 interviews of UPSC. She has also appeared in the State PCS interview. Before she has worked as an officer in a public sector bank and now as a Mentor at Civilsdaily, she aims to guide future aspirants in finding success.

    About Birendra Sir:

    Birendra Sir has been part of Mentoring team at Civilsdaily for more than 2 years now. He has a rich experience of guiding 200+ students. Presently, he is working as Mains Coordinator at Civilsdaily.

  • Reforms-based and Results-linked, Revamped Distribution Sector Scheme: Ensuring sustainable turnaround in financial health of discoms

    Context

    In its budget 2021-22, the Union government had announced the launch of a “reforms-based and results-linked” scheme for the distribution sector.

    Precarious financial condition of discoms

    • Their overall debt burden, despite the implementation of the UDAY scheme, is estimated to increase to around Rs 6 lakh crore in the ongoing financial year.
    • Moreover, their annual cash losses are estimated to be about Rs 45,000-50,000 crore (excluding UDAY grants and regulatory income).
    • Due to highly subsidised nature of power tariffs towards agriculture and certain sections of residential consumers, the overall subsidy dependence is likely to be roughly Rs 1.30 lakh crore this year at the all-India level.

    Revamped Distribution Sector Scheme

    • In its budget 2021-22, the Union government had announced the launch of a “reforms-based and results-linked” scheme for the distribution sector.
    • Subsequently, the Revamped Distribution Sector Scheme was notified in July with an overall outlay of Rs 3.03 lakh crore. 
    • Under the scheme, AT&C losses are sought to be brought down to 12-15 per cent by 2025-26, from 21-22 per cent currently.
    • Operational efficiencies of discoms are to be improved through smart metering and upgradation of the distribution infrastructure, including the segregation of agriculture feeders and strengthening the system.
    • The scheme has two parts — Part A with an outlay of Rs 3.02 lakh crore, pertains to the upgradation of the distribution infrastructure and metering related works.
    • Part B, with an outlay of Rs 1,430 crore, is for training and capacity building, besides other enabling and support activities.
    • Discoms and their state governments will have to sign a tripartite agreement with the central government in order to avail benefits under the scheme.
    • Only those discoms that meet all the pre-qualifying criteria will be eligible for the release of funds.
    • A loss-making discom will not be eligible unless it draws up plans to reduce its losses, approved by the state government and filed with the central government.
    • As far as the agricultural sector is concerned, the use of solar power projects to supply electricity to these consumers through the agriculture feeder route is likely to result in savings.
    • This is because of a combination of high tariff competitiveness offered by solar power, lower technical losses due to proximity to load centres, and the ability to meet demand during the day when sunlight is available.
    • In addition, the delicencing initiative proposed by the central government can effect significant changes in the distribution segment, facilitating competition and placing emphasis on the quality and reliability of power supply and consumer services.

    Issue of tariff determination

    • A continuing area of concern affecting discom finances is the significant delay in the process of tariff determination in many states.
    • As of now, only 19 out of 28 states have issued tariff orders for 2021-22, indicating sluggish progress.
    • Further, there is upward pressure on the cost of power supply for distribution utilities, considering the dominant share (around 70 per cent) of coal in the fuel mix for energy generation, the strengthening of imported coal prices and the possibility of domestic coal price revisions by Coal India.
    • As a consequence, a cost-reflective tariff determination process, coupled with the timely pass-through of power purchase costs, remains critical for the utilities.

    Consider the question “Examine the factor that explains the continuing financial woes of state-owned discoms despite implementing several schemes. How Revamped Distribution Sector Scheme seeks to address the issue?”

    Conclusion

    On the whole, while the focus on improving the operational efficiency, and ensuring the financial sustainability of discoms is indeed welcome, timely implementation of the reforms is critical to achieving the milestones.

     

  • How Civilsdaily Mentorship helped AIR 425, Divyansh Singh || Unherd Shorts || Civilsdaily Mentorship Program: Toppers Testimonials (Link Inside)

    How Civilsdaily Mentorship helped AIR 425, Divyansh Singh || Unherd Shorts || Civilsdaily Mentorship Program: Toppers Testimonials (Link Inside)

    For One-on-One Mentorship from Civilsdaily IAS, fill this form:- https://bit.ly/3jV2zTS

    Check out Divyansh’s excerpt on how he cleared UPSC 2020:-

    A graduate in Computer Science from IIT, Divyansh as a student was always brilliant in studies. Yet the transition from a software developer in Microsoft to civil services was not easy for him. During work, he read NCERT books to get an understanding of the UPSC syllabus. Once he decided that this is what he wanted to do, Divyansh resigned and prepared full time. He believes that once a decision is taken it is final; you may change plans to achieve the goal but never change the goal itself.

    He has cleared the exam in his second attempt. However, the point to be noted is that in both his attempts, he cleared the prelims in one shot. What was his go-to strategy in Prelims? Divyansh studied Current Affairs from Civilsdaily and solved atleast 35-40 papers before the exam. This gave him a powerful intuition to get the right answers from elimination techniques. He believes that solving question papers gives one a solid perspective of a topic.

    His strategy for Mains was preparing 1-2 pages of notes on every topic from online sources. He topped it up by taking Smash Mains test series. He appreciates the feedback and inputs given by Sajal Sir after every test. This gave him a clear understanding of what to write and the points he had missed in an answer. After his selection for the interview round, he also enrolled in our Interview Guidance Program.

    Heartiest congratulations to Divyansh Singh
    AIR 425
    UPSC Civil Services 2020

More posts