On Day 3 of 14 Days Ethics Challenge these questions were discussed in the closed Telegram group. You are also expected to attempt and submit these in the comment section below.
Para A- Attitude: content, structure, function; its influence and relation with thought and behaviour; moral and political attitudes; social influence and persuasion.
Q1. What factors affect the formation of a person’s attitude towards social problems? In our society, contrasting attitudes are prevalent about many social problems. what contrasting attitudes do you notice about the caste system in our society? How do you explain the existence of these contrasting attitudes? (150 Words) 2014
Q2. A positive attitude is considered to be an essential characteristic of a civil servant who is often required to function under extreme stress. What contributes to a positive attitude in a person? (150 Words) 2020
Q.3 Young people with ethical conduct are not willing to come forward to join active politics. Suggest steps to motivate them to come forward. (150 words) 2017
Q.4 How could social influence and persuasion contribute to the success of Swachh Bharat Abhiyan?. (150 Words) 2016
Part B- Theme: Ethics in private and public relationships
You are recently posted as district development officer of a district. Shortly thereafter you found that there is considerable tension in the rural areas of your district on the issue of sending girls to schools. The elders of the village feel that many problems have come up because girls are being educated and they are stepping out of the safe environment of the household. They are the view that the girls should be quickly married off with minimum education. The girls are also competing for jobs after education, which have traditionally remained in boys’ exclusive domain, adding to unemployment amongst male population. The younger generation feels that in the present era, girls should have equal opportunities for education and employment, and other means of livelihood. The entire locality is divided between sexes in both generations. You come to know that in Panchayat or in other local bodies or even in busy crosswords, the issue is being acrimoniously debated.One day you are informed that an unpleasant incident has taken place. Some girls were molested, when they were en route to schools. The incident led to clashes between several groups and a law and order problem has arisen. The elder after heated discussion have taken a joint decision not to allow girls to go to school and to socially boycott all such families, which do not follow their dictate.
(a) What steps would you take to ensure girls’ safety without disrupting their education? (b) How would you manage and mould patriarchic attitude of the village elders to ensure harmony in the inter- generational relations? (250 words) (UPSC 2014)
As we enter the peak time for UPSC 2024-25 preparation, this conclave is the perfect platform for aspiring civil servants to gain valuable insights, guidance, and strategies for their journey ahead. Whether you are a beginner or looking to improve your preparation, this event will provide you with the necessary tools, expert advice, and a supportive community to help you excel in your UPSC endeavors.
These sessions are distinct from the routine topper talk; instead, they take you into the depths of detailed strategy-making and concrete action points. Our IAS ranker students will share the precise tactics that brought them success, and the strategic inputs provided by their mentors.
IAS 2022 Toppers (including AIR 48), Sajal sir (mentor of 250+ rankers), and other Senior IAS Mentors will be taking LIVE workshop | Register for the 4-Day Conclave today! Details below
UPSC 2024 aspirants who will be starting from scratch
Aspirants who are not able to decipher the pattern and ‘new ways of UPSC’
UPSC aspirants aiming for 2023-24, who need a holistic view of their preparation.
Candidates looking for practical strategies rather than generic guidance.
Aspirants who seek to understand the value of strategic mentorship in UPSC success.
Those who aim to overcome specific challenges in their UPSC preparation.
UPSC 2024 aspirants who want effectiveness, efficiency, and consistency in their preparation
Schedule of sessions:
15th July, 5 pm – Sajal Sir and IAS, Soham
Topic: 20 UPSC Mains Answer Writing Commandments Tested and Perfected by 250+ IAS Rankers
What can you expect to learn in the session?
Students can expect to gain valuable insights and practical guidance to enhance their answer writing skills for the UPSC mains exam. Some of the key takeaways from this session include:
Gain a comprehensive understanding of the UPSC mains answer writing format and requirements.
Learn effective time management strategies and develop a structured approach to answer writing.
Enhance critical thinking and analytical skills to craft well-supported and coherent answers.
Improve language, grammar, and presentation to make answers impactful and concise.
Receive personalized feedback and guidance, along with practical tips for revision and self-evaluation.
Till now, eight translocated cheetahs at Madhya Pradesh’s Kuno National Park (KNP) have died.
Central idea
The recent deaths of two cheetahs in Kuno due to suspected septicaemia from festering neck wounds caused by radio collars have raised concerns about the reintroduction project. Similar injuries have been observed in three other cheetahs. This unexpected setback has puzzled experts familiar with the routine use of collars for monitoring and research purposes in both India and Africa.
What are collars on animals?
Collars on animals refer to devices worn around the neck or attached to the neck area of an animal. These collars serve various purposes depending on the specific context and the type of animal involved.
What are Radio Collars used on Cheetahs?
Radio collars are like tracking collars which utilizes radio signals for monitoring animals.
They are commonly used in wildlife research to gather information about animal movements, home ranges, and social interactions.
Radio collars can provide valuable insights into the behaviour and ecology of animals in the wild.
The Problem with Collars
Carrying a device on the body for an extended period can have adverse effects.
A study published in the Journal of Clinical and Diagnostic Research highlighted the higher presence of Staphylococcus aureus bacteria on the wrists of watch wearers, which can lead to sepsis or death.
Similarly, domestic dogs often develop acute moist dermatitis or hot spots under collars, worsened by tick or flea bites.
Moreover, tight-fitting collars can cause pressure necrosis and hair loss around the neck, resembling bedsores
Factors Influencing Vulnerability of Cheetahs in Kuno
Cheetahs possess a furrier winter coat compared to tigers or leopards, which retains more water and takes longer to dry.
This prolonged moisture exposure weakens the skin over time.
A study criticized the 3% collar weight rule for not considering animal athleticism.
Accelerometer-based research revealed that collars exert forces on cheetahs during movement equivalent to up to 18 times the collar’s weight.
This weight burden, particularly on a wet coat, may have adverse effects on cheetahs during high-speed sprints.
Cheetahs may be vulnerable to local pathogens to which Indian tigers and leopards are immune.
Alternatively, the cheetahs might have carried dormant pathogens that thrived under new conditions, given their weakened immunity due to stress
What needs to be done?
An immediate action is to track, immobilize, and evaluate all cheetahs for neck injuries caused by the radio collars.
Reevaluating the use of radio collars and exploring collar modifications or alternatives.
Developing lighter collars and ensuring proper fitting to minimize the risk of collar-induced injuries.
Non-invasive tracking methods that do not require collars could be explored.
Providing appropriate veterinary care and treatment
Understand and identify the specific pathogens causing collar-induced infections in the cheetahs of Kuno
Collaboration among wildlife biologists, veterinarians, researchers, and conservationists is crucial. Consultation and sharing knowledge and experiences.
FYI: Some common types of collars used on animals
Identification Collars: Collars with tags or labels are often used on domestic pets such as dogs and cats for identification purposes.
Tracking Collars: Tracking collars are commonly used in wildlife research and conservationEquipped with GPS or radio transmitters – monitor movement and behavior of animals.
Electric Fencing Collars:To train livestock and other animals to avoid crossing designated boundaries. Electric fencing systems and deliver a mild electric shock
Training Collars: Training collars, also known as e-collars or shock collars, are used in dog training to aid in obedience training or behavior correction- mild electrical stimulation or vibrations to reinforce desired actions
Conclusion
The recent collar-induced injuries and deaths of cheetahs in Kuno have posed a significant challenge to the reintroduction project. It is crucial to address the issues to ensure the success and well-being of the cheetahs. However, finding a solution that balances collar use with the cheetahs’ safety and health remains a complex task.
Also read: The impact of cheetahs on India’s grasslands
With the receding impact of Covid-19 and hopeful prospects for an amicable resolution to the Russia-Ukraine War, India must now focus on charting its future growth strategy
Central idea
India’s current per capita income estimated at $2,379 in 2022-23, which needs to be raised by nearly six times over the next 25 years. This ambitious goal will pave the way for a higher standard of living and the eradication of poverty. However, achieving this vision requires a comprehensive understanding of the challenges ahead and the necessary actions to overcome them.
What is per capita income?
Per capita income refers to the average income earned by individuals in a specific geographic area. It is calculated by dividing the total income of a population by the total number of individuals in that population.
Per capita income provides an indicator of the average standard of living and economic well-being within a given population.
What is Gross Fixed Capital Formation (GFCF)?
GFCF refers to the total value of investment in fixed assets within an economy, such as machinery, equipment, buildings, and infrastructure, during a specific period.
It represents the net increase in the stock of fixed capital goods.
GFCF is an essential component of aggregate demand and is considered a driver of economic growth.
Higher levels of investment in fixed assets contribute to increased production capacity, improved productivity, and long-term economic development.
The GFCF ratio is often expressed as a percentage of GDP, indicating the proportion of total investment in fixed assets relative to the size of the economy.
What is incremental capital-output ratio (ICOR)?
The ICOR is an economic indicator that measures- amount of investment required to generate an additional unit of output.
It represents the ratio between the change in capital investment and the corresponding change in output or GDP.
It provides insights into the efficiency of capital utilization and the productivity of investment in an economy.
A lower ICOR indicates that a smaller amount of investment is required to generate a given increase in output, indicating higher efficiency and productivity of capital.
A higher ICOR suggests that a larger amount of investment is needed to achieve the same level of output growth, indicating lower efficiency of capital utilization.
Growth Target and Investment Requirements
To sustain continuous growth of 7 percent over the next 25 years, India must maintain a GFCF rate of 28 percent.
According to the latest release of NSO, the GFCF rate in current prices for 2022-23 is 29.2 per cent of GDP.
While the commonly assumed incremental capital-output ratio (ICOR) of 4 suggests improved capital efficiency, recent trends indicate an average ICOR of 4.65 from 2016-17 to 2022-23.
Acknowledge the evolving ICOR and work towards an estimated investment rate of 30-32 percent of GDP.
Both public and private investments, especially from the corporate and non-corporate sectors, need to increase.
Direct investments into sectors that promote growth and generate employment opportunities
Welcoming Foreign direct investment in emerging technological sectors
What global factors at present poses challenges?
The overall climate for peace– necessary for growth– deteriorated- Ukraine-Russia conflict.
Prolonged tension and conflicts- negative impact on global stability and economic growth.
Shifting attitude of some countries towards global trade.
Developed countries, which previously advocated for free trade, are now imposing restrictions on imports– challenges for developing countries like India, particularly as they strive to compete in the world market.
Supply disruptions of critical imports, such as oil, can cause setbacks for developing and developed countries alike.
The absorption of new technologies, such as Artificial Intelligence (AI)- impact on the industrial structure and employment landscape– challenge for populous countries like India
Balancing economic growth with environmental sustainability may require compromises and adjustments in the growth rate.
What strategy India must follow to sustain its growth?
India’s economic transformation in 1991 marked a departure from the past, embracing a more market-oriented approach.
India needs to adopt a multi-dimensional approach that encompasses agriculture, manufacturing, and exports.
Given India’s strength in the services sector, it is essential to preserve and enhance this advantage.
Prepare to absorb new technologies, including Artificial Intelligence (AI),
Reorienting the educational system to equip students with required skills and
Identifying labour-intensive economic activities to address potential job losses due to adoption of technology
Conclusion
India has made significant strides in building a strong and diversified economy over the past 75 years. However, India’s per capita income remains low compared to many countries, emphasizing the need for sustained growth. By addressing domestic challenges, seizing opportunities, and prioritizing inclusive development, India can realize its vision of a prosperous and equitable future.
The upcoming 14th Clean Energy Ministerial and Eighth Mission Innovation (CEM14/MI-8) conference, scheduled to take place in Goa from July 19-22, 2023, will witness the establishment of the Global Biofuel Alliance (GBA).
Central Idea
The prospected establishment of the Global Biofuel Alliance (GBA) led by India during its G20 Presidency, with support from Brazil and the United States, aims to foster international collaboration and cooperation to promote the acceptance and utilization of biofuels. It seeks to leverage the transformative potential of biofuels in economic growth, rural development, energy self-sufficiency, reduced air pollution, and the global transition to clean energy.
What is Biofuel?
Biofuel is derived from biological sources, such as plants, agricultural crops, organic waste, or animal by-products.
It is a renewable energy source that can be used as an alternative to fossil fuels.
The production and use of biofuels aim to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and promote sustainability.
Key types of biofuels
Bioethanol: This is an alcohol-based fuel primarily produced by fermenting sugar or starch crops, such as sugarcane, corn, or wheat. Bioethanol is commonly used as a blend in gasoline for transportation purposes.
Biodiesel: Biodiesel is produced from vegetable oils, animal fats, or recycled cooking oil. It can be used as a direct replacement for or blended with conventional diesel fuel in vehicles.
Biogas: Biogas is a mixture of gases, primarily methane, produced through the anaerobic digestion of organic waste materials such as agricultural residues, food waste, or sewage. It can be used for electricity generation, heating, or as a vehicle fuel.
Key Objectives and Initiatives of Global Biofuel Alliance (GBA)
Developing robust markets for biofuels and facilitating global trade in biofuels.
Promote policy coordination, share concrete policy lessons, and provide technical support to national biofuel programs worldwide.
Collaborate and complement- existing regional and international agencies– energy transition initiatives, such- Clean Energy Ministerial Biofuture Platform, the Mission Innovation Bioenergy initiatives, and the Global Bioenergy Partnership (GBEP).
By leveraging synergies–maximize impact and accelerate the biofuel industry’s growth.
India’s Biofuel Program India’s and significant strides in recent years
Ethanol Production:In 2020-21, India produced 4.08 billion liters of ethanol, resulting in a blending rate of 10.02%. This led to a reduction of 2.7 million tonnes of CO2 emissions and significant savings in forex.
Blending Targets: The current target for 2022-23 is to achieve a blending rate of 12%, with the ultimate goal- 20% by 2025.
Compressed Bio-Gas (CBG) Program:
India actively promoting CBG as a clean fuel derived from waste through the Sustainable Alternative Towards Affordable Transportation (SATAT) program. As of 46 CBG plants established so far, and around 16,164 tonnes of CBG have been sold.
The goal- install 5,000 CBG plants across India by 2024, contributing- waste management -reducing pollution.
Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF):
India conducted its first commercial passenger flight– domestically produced sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) blend– commitment to decarbonizing the aviation sector.
The establishment of the Bio-Aviation Turbine Fuel Program Committee by the Union Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas further advances the development of sustainable aviation fuel in the country.
Inspiration behind GBA: International Solar Alliance (ISA)
The ISA jointly initiated by India and France in 2015.
The ISA- significant contributions to combating climate change through widespread adoption of solar energy solutions.
Facilitated- solar project development – initiatives like the Solar Finance Facility, SolarX Grand Challenge, Solar Technology Application Resource Centres, and the ‘One Sun One World One Grid Initiative.‘
The GBA aims to replicate the success of the ISA by promoting the utilization of biofuels and reducing India’s reliance on foreign oil.
Conclusion
The GBA is poised to revolutionize the global biofuel industry. India’s leadership in the G20 Presidency highlights the importance of biofuels in achieving energy independence, reducing carbon emissions, and fostering a clean energy transition. The GBA’s detailed roadmap, ambitious targets and initiatives will pave the way for a greener and more sustainable future.
NITI Aayog released the report ‘National Multidimensional Poverty Index: A Progress Review 2023’.
The report highlighted a record 13.5 crore people have moved out of multidimensional poverty in India between 2015-16 and 2019-21.
What is National Multidimensional Poverty Index (NMPI)?
NITI Aayog serves as the nodal ministry for the MPI.
It engages with publishing agencies such as Oxford Poverty and Human Development Initiative (OPHI) and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP).
It uses the Alkire-Foster (AF) methodology.
The Baseline Report of MPI is based on the National Family Health Survey (NFHS) 4 conducted during 2015-16.
Indicators used
The MPI considers three dimensions: health, education, and standard of living.
It includes indicators such as nutrition, child and adolescent mortality, maternal care, years of schooling, school attendance, cooking fuel, sanitation, drinking water, electricity, housing, bank accounts, and assets.
Key findings of the report
Decline in Poverty: India has witnessed a substantial decline in multidimensional poverty, with a decrease of 9.89 percentage points from 24.85% in 2015-16 to 14.96% in 2019-21.
Progressiveness in rural areas: Rural areas experienced the fastest decline, from 32.59% to 19.28%, while urban areas saw a reduction from 8.65% to 5.27%.
Regional Progress: UP recorded the largest decline in the number of poor, with 3.43 crore people escaping multidimensional poverty. The states of UP, Bihar, Madhya Pradesh, Odisha, and Rajasthan showed the fastest reduction in the proportion of multidimensional poor.
Path towards SDG Targets: The report indicates that India is on track to achieve SDG Target 1.2, which aims to reduce multidimensional poverty by at least half by 2030.
Europe is currently experiencing a heatwave and wildfires, leading to concerns about the spread of viruses that are typically not found in colder climates.
The WHO has issued an alert regarding the Crimean-Congo haemorrhagic fever (CCHF), a potentially fatal infection transmitted by ticks.
What is CCHF?
CCHF is a viral haemorrhagic fever primarily transmitted by ticks.
It can also be contracted through contact with viraemic animal tissues during animal slaughter.
CCHF outbreaks can lead to epidemics with a high case-fatality ratio (10-40%) and pose challenges for prevention and treatment.
Transmission and Hosts
The virus exists in the tick family of insects.
Animals such as cattle, goats, sheep, and hares serve as amplifying hosts for the virus.
Humans can contract CCHF through contact with infected ticks or animal blood.
The virus can also be transmitted between humans through contact with infectious blood or body fluids.
Migratory birds can host ticks, allowing the virus to spread over long distances.
Symptoms and Treatment
Common symptoms of CCHF include fever, muscle aches, dizziness, neck and back pain, headache, sore eyes, and sensitivity to light.
Early symptoms may also include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, and sore throat, followed by mood swings and confusion.
Later stages may involve sleepiness, depression, and lassitude.
There is no vaccine available for CCHF in humans or animals, and treatment focuses on managing symptoms.
The antiviral drug ribavirin has been used to treat CCHF infection with some apparent benefit.
Spread of CCHF in Europe
CCHF is endemic to Africa, the Balkan countries, the Middle East, and parts of Asia.
In 2016, Spain reported the first fatality from CCHF in Europe.
Scientists warn that CCHF, which can have a fatality rate between 10% and 40%, is spreading northward and westward in Europe.
Cases of CCHF have been reported in Spain, Russia, Turkey, and the UK.
Reasons for this spread
Disrupted temperature patterns due to climate change are creating favorable conditions for pathogens.
CCHF ticks are moving northward through Europe due to longer and drier summers caused by climate change.
Climate change contributes to the spread of diseases by expanding tick habitats, altering water habitats, and facilitating the movement of animals and human interactions.
The first-ever Foreign Ministers’ meeting of the Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (BIMSTEC) commenced in Bangkok, Thailand.
Understanding BIMSTEC
Origins and Membership: BIMSTEC, initially known as BIST-EC (Bangladesh-India-Sri Lanka-Thailand Economic Cooperation), was established in 1997 with the signing of the Bangkok Declaration.
Newest members: Myanmar joined in 1997, followed by Bhutan and Nepal in 2004.
Population and GDP: The organization comprises seven member countries located around the Bay of Bengal, representing approximately 22% of the world’s population. The combined GDP of the member states is close to $2.7 trillion.
Sectoral Focus: BIMSTEC’s cooperation initially focused on six sectors: trade, technology, energy, transport, tourism, and fisheries.
India’s role: India’s sectoral responsibilities within BIMSTEC include security, counter-terrorism, transnational crime, disaster management, and energy.
Significance of BIMSTEC as a Regional Forum
(A) Revitalization and Engagement:
BIMSTEC received limited attention until India reinvigorated its engagement in October 2016, following the terrorist attack in Uri.
India hosted an outreach summit with BIMSTEC leaders alongside the BRICS summit in Goa.
(B) Regional aspirations
Each BIMSTEC member has strategic incentives for the organization’s growth.
Bangladesh seeks regional significance
Sri Lanka aims to connect with Southeast Asia and become a hub for the Indo-Pacific region
Nepal and Bhutan aim to access the Bay of Bengal region
Myanmar and Thailand aim to balance China’s influence in Southeast Asia by strengthening ties with India
India and BIMSTEC
BIMSTEC offers India a platform to prioritize its foreign policy goals of “Neighborhood First” and “Act East”.
This is longer run seeks to connect South and Southeast Asia, as well as the Himalayas and the Bay of Bengal.
China’s Role and India’s Agenda
Chinese Influence and Concerns: China’s expanding presence in South and Southeast Asia through the Belt and Road Initiative has increased its interest in the Bay of Bengal region.
Act of counterbalancing: BIMSTEC becomes an arena for India to counterbalance Chinese investments.
Promoting Connectivity: India can utilize BIMSTEC to promote connectivity projects aligned with international norms, countering Chinese projects that are perceived to violate these norms.
Bay of Bengal as a Peaceful Region: India can showcase the Bay of Bengal as a region of openness and peace, highlighting the contrast with China’s behavior in the South China Sea.
Regional Stability: BIMSTEC could establish codes of conduct for regional freedom of navigation and advocate for a Bay of Bengal Zone of Peace to limit extra-regional powers’ military actions.
Conclusion
BIMSTEC has the potential to contribute to peace, stability, and economic development in the Bay of Bengal region and beyond.
Continued efforts and collaboration among member states are necessary to harness the full potential of BIMSTEC and achieve common goals.
NASA recently released an image obtained by the James Webb Space Telescope, showcasing the Rho Ophiuchi cloud complex, which is the closest star-forming region to Earth.
This image marked one year since NASA unveiled the telescope’s first scientific results.
What is Rho Ophiuchi Cloud Complex?
The Rho Ophiuchi Cloud Complex is a molecular cloud located in the constellation Ophiuchus.
It is centered 1° south of the star ρ Ophiuchi and extends to other parts of the constellation.
At an estimated distance of about 140 parsecs, or 460 light years, it is one of the closest star-forming regions to the Solar System.
It consists of several dark nebulae, which are dense regions of interstellar dust and gas that block background starlight.
The cloud complex contains numerous young stellar objects, including protostars, young stars, and brown dwarfs.
These stellar objects form as the dense material in the cloud collapses under gravity, leading to the birth of new stars.
Observations from the Image
Material Jets and Surrounding Gas/Dust: The image illustrates how the material jets emanating from young stars influence the surrounding gas and dust while illuminating molecular hydrogen.
Glowing Cave Carved by Stellar Winds: One part of the image shows a star inside a glowing cave carved out in space by its stellar winds.
Impressive Nebula with Bright Young Stars: The image showcases an impressive nebula with three bright young stars at the top, revealing the size and detail of the jets and outflows.
Insights from the new findings
Formation of New Suns: Rho Ophiuchi image demonstrates the formation of new suns and planet-forming disks, resembling what scientists believe the early solar system looked like over 4.5 billion years ago.
Violent Outbursts and Dusty Cocoons: The image unveils the process of stars and planetary systems assembling, as well as the dusty cocoons being disrupted by violent outbursts, portrayed as red jets cutting through the cloud.
Visibility through Dust: The Rho Ophiuchi core is usually obscured by extensive amounts of dust, making it invisible to telescopes working in visible light, like the Hubble telescope. However, JSWT penetrates the dust, revealing the young stars within and providing insights into the early stages of star formation.
Back2Basics: James Webb Space Telescope
Collaboration
NASA, European Space Agency (ESA), Canadian Space Agency
Launch
December 2021
Location
Sun-Earth L2 Lagrange point, approximately 1.5 million km beyond Earth’s orbit
Size and Capability
Largest, most powerful infrared space telescope
Successor to
Hubble Telescope
Time Observations
Can see backwards in time to just after the Big Bang
Objectives
Examine every phase of cosmic history, including the formation of galaxies, stars, and planets.
Look back 13.5 billion years to see the first stars and galaxies forming.
Compare early galaxies to today’s spirals to understand galaxy assembly.
Observe star and planetary system formation.
Study the atmospheres of extrasolar planets and search for signs of life elsewhere in the universe.
