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  • Nikaalo Prelims Spotlight || Important Keywords in the Survey and Budget


    Dear Aspirants,

    This Spotlight is a part of our Mission Nikaalo Prelims-2023.

    You can check the broad timetable of Nikaalo Prelims here

    Session Details

    YouTube LIVE with Parth sir – 7 PM  – Prelims Spotlight Session

    Evening 04 PM  – Daily Mini Tests

    Join our Official telegram channel for Study material and Daily Sessions Here

    20th Apr 2023

    Important Keywords in the Survey and Budget

    Refer to economic survey session

    https://www.civilsdaily.com/50-key-words-from-economic-survey-2023-that-are-important-for-upsc-2023-prelims-and-mains-free-session-by-sajal-sir-link-inside/

  • [Sansad TV] Mudda Aapka: North East Development

    [Sansad TV] Mudda Aapka: North East Development

    Context

    • Prime Minister visited Assam and inaugurated AIIMS Guwahati the first AIIMS in the northeastern states.
    • He also inaugurated three new medical colleges and laid the foundation stones for a bridge, the beautification of Rang Ghar, and the Assam Advanced Health Care Innovation Institute.
    • He witnessed a Mega Bihu dance performance attempting to create a new Guinness World Record.

    North East India: A Backgrounder

    north east
    • The Northeast region of India comprises eight states- Assam, Nagaland, Manipur, Arunachal Pradesh, Mizoram, Tripura and Sikkim.
    • According to 2011 census this 3.78% of country’s population resides in this region.
    • It also comprises approx. 7.98% of country’s area including 5,483 Km of India’s international borders.
    • These eight states also constitute 3.37% of country’s total agriculture land holding and 34.5% of the total bamboo bearing area in the country.

    Various associated issues

    [A] Security

    (i) Leftist insurgency

    • The Maoist rebellion in Northeast India is at present in its ‘latent phase’. It basically involves arms dumps and identification of local militant elements.
    • However, these days, militancy and extortion has become an organised activity in the region and is one of the major sources of funds for the militants.

    (ii) Drug smuggling

    • Golden Triangle comprises of the regions of Thailand, Laos, and Myanmar it has been one of the largest opium-producing areas of the world since the 1950s.
    • Drugs produced there enters into India through Mizoram, Manipur, and Nagaland from Bhamo, Lashio, and Mandalay in Myanmar.
    • Moreh (Manipur), Champai (Mizoram), Dimapur (Nagaland), and Guwahati (Assam) have become the nucleus of drug trafficking industry in India’s northeast.

    [B] Developmental issue: Connectivity with mainland

    • The NER is connected to mainland India only through a narrow stretch of land (about 22 km wide) in West Bengal called the ‘Siliguri Corridor’, sometimes known as the “Chicken’s Neck”.
    • Except for this narrow Siliguri Corridor, the entire northeastern part of the country is bound by international borders.

    [C] Sovereignty threats

    • Neighbouring countries like China and Myanmar are accused of promoting insurgency in the region.
    • China’s claim on Arunachal Pradesh and its water diversion plans on the Yarlung Tsangpo in Tibet are creating a public perception in the northeast that China is a threat to India.
    • This has created positive influences on the minds of the insurgents.

    [D] Sub-national aspirations

    • The region is populated by a number of different communities, with diverse cultures, languages and customs.
    • It is also marked by difficult terrain, backward areas, and limited connectivity. This area was known for the active presence of a number of militant groups.

    Key issues:

    1. Demands for autonomy: This demand arose in Tripura and Manipur which compromised the state of Assam. This majorly arose when the non-Assamese political leaders felt that the Assamese was forcibly imposed upon them.

    2. Secessionist Movement: The Mizo hills area in Mizoram never felt that they were under the British therefore after independence they did not consider themselves as part of India. Several campaigns started to be independent states.

    3. Movements against outsiders: This issue has taken place in several states of the Northeast. The Assam movement was such a movement against outsiders because they suspected that there were huge numbers of illegal migrants from Bangladesh.

    Root causes of turmoil in NE

    • Colonial past: The connection between the NER and the rest of India is relatively recent, dating back to 1826 with the signing the Treaty of Yandaboo.
    • No historical ties: It was when Burma ceded Assam, Manipur, Jaintia hills, Tripura and Cachar to the British at the end of the First Anglo-Burmese War.
    • Heavy militarization and AFSPA: Even under the British, the region was mostly seen as providing a ‘buffer zone’ from Burma and China. This perspective continued after independence leading to heavy militarization.
    • Abrupt integration: The integration of NER into the rest of the country was ‘abrupt’, with no prior history. The states were integrated and demarcated into ad hoc units for administrative convenience.
    • Political disconnect: The participation of the northeastern state governments in any development activity is nearly non-existent. Politics for them has merely left to Tribal Affairs.
    • Local aspirations: The region’s own politics or the political aspirations of fragmented tribes were marginalised within the larger political discourse.
    • Others: Inflation is another fuel to the turmoil. Distribution is mostly road-based and disruptions in movement, particularly during the six-month-long rainy season, causes sporadic fuel scarcity in the hill States.

    Opportunities in the NER

    [A] Tourism

    • NE Region of India has immense resource potential to develop tourism.
    • Assam is the leading state in terms of overall inflow of tourists’ in the region while Sikkim proves to be preferred destination of foreign tourists.
    • The region offers enchanting visits for tourists interested in wild life, religious, cultural and ethnic tourism, river cruises, golf and a host of others.

    [B] Emerging market

    • The North East is a fast-growing market with untapped opportunities for investment, trade and tourism.
    • It has the potential to become a nodal point of India’s growth story.
    • It is abundantly endowed with natural resources, mineral and forest wealth, diverse flora and fauna and fertile land for cultivation of exotic fruits and vegetables.

    [C] Agricultural Potential

    • Traditionally, the North East is known for tea, but it could also offer plantation and export opportunities for a wide range of crops including oil palm.
    • Similarly, the region has about 50 species of bamboo, 14 varieties of bananas and 17 varieties of citrus fruits.
    • North-Eastern states also have a huge production of fruits such as pineapples and oranges.

    [D] Rich mineral resources

    • The Northeast region of India has an abundant mineral comprising chiefly of limestone, coal, natural oil and gas, uranium, feldspar, and others.
    • The total hydrocarbon deposits (oil and gas) accounts for 20% of the total India.

    [E] Gateway to the East

    • The NE region is a vantage entry point to south-eastern Asian markets.
    • Given its location, the Northeast assumes the role of bridging the space between mainland India and other Southeast Asian nations.
    • Taking this idea forward, the government decided to focus more on improving its relation with ASEAN and the East Asian countries.
    • It was also aimed at eliminating the insurgency problem in the NE once and for all by way of opening up the region to Southeast Asia.

    Connectivity in the region

    (A) Road

    • Under Bharatmala Pariyojana (BMP) roads stretches aggregating to about 5301 km in NER have been approved for improvement.
    • Out of this, 3246 km road length has been approved for development of Economic Corridors in the North East.
    • Under Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana, road length of 20,708 km has been already constructed.
    • Other major development include construction of bridges of over the Brahmaputra to narrow down distances.

    (B) Railway

    • There are plans to provide a railway link for the NE states through 20 major railway projects, encompassing 13 new lines with a length of nearly 2,624 kms.
    • The Murkongselek (Assam) and Pasighat rail project is already under implementation.
    • The most important of them is 378-km Bhalukpong (West Kameng, Arunachal)-Tenga (Arunachal)-Tawang (Arunachal) rail connectivity that will reach a height of 10,000 ft to the Tibet border.

    (C) Air connectivity

    • The Pakyong Airport in Sikkim is the first greenfield airport in Northeast India. It is situated around 30 kilometers from Gangtok.
    • The launch of the UDAN regional air connectivity scheme (2016) saw a number of new air links in the region.
    • The most important of them is Pasighat (2018), the first-ever commercial air link to Arunachal.

    (D) Digital connectivity

    • Telecom Commission has approved a comprehensive strategy to implement BharatNet in North East Region (NER).
    • Under this strategy, 4240 Gram Panchayats (GPs) in the North-East are to be connected by broadband and by satellite connectivity.

    Way forward

    (i) Infrastructure and connectivity

    • These are two basic requirements essential for economic development of a region.
    • The need for infrastructure becomes more acute for hilly and mountainous areas that are on one hand difficult to traverse and on the other hand tend to be sparsely populated.
    • Thus, there is a need for heavy investments in infrastructure development.

    (ii) Timely completion of projects

    • Most North Eastern States are resource-starved and it is vital that funds are properly accounted for.  
    • In addition, projects that are retained and put on priority lists raise the expectations of the people.
    • This further contributes towards deficits in confidence of the people upon the Central Government.

    (iii) Single nodal agency

    • Another challenge is that there are multiple bodies and agencies like the NEC, DoNER and the recently created North East Forum.
    • There is a need for clarity on the roles between these bodies and budgets need to be allocated to the States.
    • Flexibility should be allowed for the State governments for utilization of these allocations.

    (iv) Tourism

    • Tourism is one of the alternatives that can play a pivotal role in the socio-economic development of the NER.
    • The challenge lies in making the region accessible to the tourists from mainland India and other countries.
    • Sense of integration can be imbibed through various projects such as Dekho Apna Desh etc. among the NE youth.

    Conclusion

    • It is evident fact that, for a long time, the North East was a neglected and forgotten part of the country.
    • The region has great potential to develop not just as a self, sustaining economic unit of India but also contribute to the success story of the country.

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  • Centre gives nod for National Quantum Mission (NQM)

    quantum

    Central idea: The Union Cabinet has approved the National Quantum Mission (NQM) with a budget of ₹6,003 crore. The mission aims to fund research and development in quantum computing technology and associated applications.

    What is Quantum Computing?

    Explanation
    What is it? A type of computing that uses quantum-mechanical phenomena to perform operations on data.
    Qubits Quantum bits, which can be 0, 1, or both simultaneously (a superposition of 0 and 1).
    Computational speed It can perform certain calculations much faster than traditional computing, especially for complex algorithms and large amounts of data.
    Entanglement The use of entanglement allows quantum computing to process multiple pieces of data simultaneously, further increasing computational power.
    Research Governments, universities, and private companies around the world are researching quantum computing.
    Challenges Building practical quantum computers is a major challenge due to the fragility of qubits and the difficulty of controlling and measuring them accurately.
    Development stage Quantum computing is still in its early stages of development.

     

    National Quantum Mission (NQM)

    Mission duration 2023-2031
    Total cost Rs. 6,003.65 crore
    Leading Department Department of Science and Technology (DST)
    Supporting departments Other government departments
    Focus Development of physical qubit-based quantum computers
    Applications Healthcare and diagnostics, defense, energy, and data security
    India’s positioning Among the top six nations involved in quantum research and development

     

    Key focus areas

    (1) Thematic Hubs

    • The mission will be structured around four broad themes:
    1. Quantum Computing,
    2. Quantum Communication,
    3. Quantum Sensing and Metrology, and
    4. Quantum Material and Devices.
    • Thematic hubs will be established at research institutes and R&D centres already working in the field.
    • The effort is to create an ecosystem that favours quantum technology development in the country.

    (2) Satellite-based Communication

    • One of the key areas of focus for the NQM will be the development of satellite-based secure communication between ground stations and receivers located within a 3,000 km range over the first three years.
    • NQM will lay communication lines using Quantum Key Distribution over 2,000 km for satellite-based communication within Indian cities.
    • Tests will be conducted in the coming years for long-distance quantum communication, especially with other countries.

    (3) Quantum Computing

    • The mission will focus on developing quantum computers (qubit) with physical qubit capacities ranging between 50 – 1000 qubits, developed over the next eight years.
    • The development of computers up to 50 physical qubits will take three years.
    • 50 – 100 physical qubits will be developed in five years, and computers up to 1000 physical qubits will be developed in eight years.

    Applications

    • The mission would have a wide range of applications, including in healthcare and diagnostics, defense, energy, and data security.
    • Quantum technologies are expected to be far more powerful than traditional computing systems and capable of performing the most complex problems in a highly secure manner.

    Various challenges

    • Sub-zero temperatures: Current prototype systems require extremely cold (close to -273 C) conditions to work, along with developing the materials capable of such computations.
    • Still evolving: Quantum computers are still a work in progress globally, and no one has built a practical computer that can actually work and solve meaningful problems.
    • No global breakthrough: IBM, D-Wave of Canada or China’s Zuchongzhi 2.1, all of whom have prototype systems, have not built a quantum computer that can solve a problem that anybody cares about.

    Conclusion

    • The NQM represents a significant step forward for India’s research and development efforts in the quantum technology sector.
    • By focusing on the development of quantum computers and related technologies, the country is positioning itself as a key player in this field, with wide-ranging applications across multiple sectors.

     

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  • India’s population to edge ahead of China’s by mid-2023: UN

    population

    Central idea: India is set to overtake China as the world’s most populous country by mid-2023, according to data released by the United Nations.

    State of World Population Report

    • The report is an annual report published by the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), which provides a global overview of population trends and issues.
    • The report covers a wide range of topics related to the population, such as fertility, mortality, migration, family planning, and gender equality.
    • It also includes analysis and recommendations for policymakers and governments to address population challenges and promote sustainable development.
    • The report is widely regarded as a key reference for researchers, policymakers, and international organizations working on population and development issues.

    population

    Highlights of the 2023 report

    Facts

    Data
    World Population (2022) 8 billion
    Most populous regions Eastern and Southeastern Asia, Central and Southern Asia
    World Population Growth Rate (since 2020) Less than 1%
    Fertility Rate (replacement level) 2.1 children per woman
    Population aged 65 years or above (2050) 16%
    Persons aged 65 years and above (2050) More than double that of 5-year-olds and same as 12-year-olds
    Regions with fertility rate at or below 2.1 60%
    Top countries accounting for global population increase by 2050 DR Congo, Egypt, Ethiopia, India, Nigeria, Pakistan, Philippines, Tanzania

     

    Population anxieties in India

    Facts
    India’s population India is now the most populous country in the world, having overtaken China in population, with 1,428.6 million people.
    Age distribution 68% of India’s population belongs to the 15-64 years category, and 26% in the 10-24 years group, making India one of the youngest countries in the world.
    Fertility rate National Family Health 5 Survey (2019-21) found that India attained a Total Fertility Rate of 2.0 for the first time, less than the replacement level of 2.1, falling from 2.2 in NFHS 4 (2015-16).
    Life expectancy Life expectancy for men in India is 71 years, the same as the global life expectancy, while it is marginally lower for women at 74 years.
    Population growth India’s population growth rate has decreased from 2.3% in 1972 to less than 1% now.
    Demographic dividend With 68% of its population as youth, and working population, India could have one of the largest workforces in the world, giving it a global advantage.

     

    Way forward

    The UNFPA report strongly recommended that governments introduce policies with gender equality and rights at their heart to address changing demographics. These recommendations include:

    • Parental leave programs: Introducing parental leave programs that provide paid leave to both mothers and fathers after the birth or adoption of a child. This can help promote gender equality in the workplace and support families in raising children.
    • Child tax credits: Providing tax credits or financial support to families with children to help them meet the costs of raising children. This can help address child poverty and support families in providing for their children’s basic needs.
    • Policies to promote gender equality at workplace: Implementing policies and practices that promote gender equality in the workplace, such as equal pay for equal work, flexible work arrangements, and anti-discrimination policies.
    • Universal access to sexual and reproductive health and rights: Ensuring that all people have access to comprehensive sexual and reproductive health services, including family planning, maternal health services, etc. This can help prevent unintended pregnancies, reduce maternal mortality, and promote the health and well-being of individuals and families.

     

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  • Windfall Tax back on local crude oil

    windfall

    The government has revised a windfall tax on domestically-produced crude oil. According to an official notification, the windfall tax rate of Rs 6,400 per tonne.

    What is a Windfall Tax?

    • Windfall taxes are designed to tax the profits a company derives from an external, sometimes unprecedented event — for instance, the energy price-rise as a result of the Russia-Ukraine conflict.
    • These are profits that cannot be attributed to something the firm actively did, like an investment strategy or an expansion of business.
    • The US Congressional Research Service (CRS) defines a windfall as an “unearned, unanticipated gain in income through no additional effort or expense”.
    • One area where such taxes have routinely been discussed is oil markets, where price fluctuation leads to volatile or erratic profits for the industry.

    Features of Windfall Tax

    • Imposed on unanticipated and unearned gains: Windfall tax is imposed on the profits or gains that a company earns from external events or factors beyond their control, which they did not actively seek or pursue.
    • One-time tax: It is typically imposed as a one-time tax retrospectively, over and above the normal rates of tax, and is not a regular or ongoing tax.
    • Imposed on specific sectors or industries: Windfall taxes are usually imposed on specific sectors or industries where there is a significant increase in profits due to external factors such as price fluctuations, supply disruptions, or changes in regulations.
    • Rationale for imposition: The imposition of windfall taxes is based on the rationale of redistributing unexpected gains, funding social welfare schemes, and creating a supplementary revenue stream for the government.
    • Design problems: Introducing windfall taxes may suffer from design problems, given their expedient and political nature.
    • Potential impact on investment: Windfall taxes may lead to uncertainty in the market and negatively impact future investment, as companies may feel uncertain about investing in a sector with an unstable tax regime.

    When did India introduce this?

    • In July 2022, India announced a windfall tax on domestic crude oil producers who it believed were reaping the benefits of the high oil prices.
    • It also imposed an additional excise levy on diesel, petrol and air turbine fuel (ATF) exports.
    • Also, India’s case was different from other countries, as it was still importing discounted Russian oil.

    How is it levied?

    • Governments typically levy this as a one-off tax retrospectively over and above the normal rates of tax.
    • The Central government has introduced a windfall profit tax of ₹23,250 per tonne on domestic crude oil production, which was subsequently revised fortnightly four times so far.
    • The latest revision was on August 31, when it was hiked to ₹13,300 per tonne from ₹13,000.

    Reasons for re-introduction

    • There have been varying rationales for governments worldwide to introduce windfall taxes like:
    1. Redistribution of unexpected gains when high prices benefit producers at the expense of consumers,
    2. Funding social welfare schemes, and
    3. Supplementary revenue stream for the government

    Issues with imposing such taxes

    • Design problems: Windfall taxes may suffer from design problems, given their expedient and political nature. There is also the issue of determining what constitutes true windfall profits and who should be taxed, which raises questions about the threshold for exemption of smaller companies.
    • Potential impact on investment: Windfall taxes may lead to uncertainty in the market and negatively impact future investment, as companies may feel uncertain about investing in a sector with an unstable tax regime.
    • Internalization of potential taxes: Introducing a temporary windfall profit tax may reduce future investment since prospective investors may internalize the likelihood of potential taxes when making investment decisions.
    • Threshold for exemption of smaller companies: Determining the threshold for exemption of smaller companies raises questions about which companies should be taxed and what level of profit is normal or excessive.
    • Difficulty in determining true windfall profits: There is also the issue of determining what constitutes true windfall profits, as it may be challenging to differentiate between profits attributable to external events versus those attributable to a company’s active investment strategy or business expansion.

     

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  • How Web3 differs from Web2?

    web

    Central idea: The article discusses the key features of Web3, including its decentralized nature, peer-to-peer transactions, and greater control over data and digital assets for users.

    What is Web3?

    • Web3, also known as Web 3.0, is the next generation of the World Wide Web that emphasizes decentralization, security, and user privacy.
    • It is essentially a vision of the internet where users have more control over their data, identities, and online interactions.
    • It is built on blockchain technology, which enables peer-to-peer transactions without the need for intermediaries such as banks, governments, or other third parties.
    • This decentralized approach to the web allows for greater transparency and trust, as well as more secure and private transactions.
    • Web3 technologies include blockchain platforms like Ethereum, IPFS (InterPlanetary File System) for distributed file storage, decentralized identity systems like uPort, and decentralized marketplaces like OpenBazaar.

    Features of Web 3

    Feature

    Web3

    Web2

    Centralisation

    		 Decentralised Centralised

    Intermediaries

    		 Peer-to-peer Rely on intermediaries

    Data ownership and control

    		 Users have control Large corporations have control

     

    Challenges for Web3:

    Challenge

    Scalability

    		 Current blockchain infrastructure can only handle a limited number of transactions per second.

    User Adoption

    		 Despite being around for over a decade, blockchain technology is still relatively unknown to the general public.

    Interoperability

    		 Web3 is being developed by different organisations, each with their own unique vision for the technology, leading to challenges in integration.

    Complexity

    		 Technical expertise is required to use and understand Web3, which may be a barrier for some users.

     

    Examples of Web3 use:

    Use

    Cryptocurrencies

    		 Built on blockchain technology, cryptocurrencies enable secure, decentralised transactions without the need for intermediaries.

    Decentralised Finance

    		 Aims to build a new financial system on top of blockchain technology. DeFi applications enable users to borrow, lend, and trade crypto.

    Decentralised storage

    		 Used to create decentralised social networks and develop decentralised identity verification systems.

     

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  • Repeating radio signal detected from nearby Exoplanet YZ Ceti b

    ceti

    Central idea: Astronomers have detected a repeating radio signal from the YZ Ceti exoplanet that suggests the presence of a magnetic field around it.

    What is YZ Ceti b?

    • YZ Ceti b is an earth-sized exoplanet (a planet that orbits a star other than our sun).
    • It is located barely 12 light-years from Earth, and it rotates around a small red dwarf star called YZ Ceti.

    How was the discovery made?

    • The researchers had to make multiple rounds of observations before they could detect the radio signals from the star YZ Ceti, which seemed to match the orbital period of the planet YZ Ceti b.
    • From this, they deduced that the signals were a result of the interaction between the planet’s magnetic field and the star.

    Why does the magnetic field matter?

    • Intense bursts of energy from the YZ Ceti star-exoplanet exchange produce spectacular auroral lights, similar to the energy surges from the sun that disrupt telecommunications on earth.
    • The radio waves confirmed the existence of an exoplanetary magnetic field.
    • This can only be produced if the exoplanet orbits very close to its parent star and has its own magnetic field to influence the stellar wind and generate the signals.

    What’s the implication for YZ Ceti b?

    • The small orbit of YZ Ceti b indicates that the planet takes just a couple of earth days to circle its star.
    • Nearly half of all the stars visible in the sky could potentially harbor rocky, earth-sized planets in habitable orbits around them.
    • Astronomers indicated that the possibility of the existence of a magnetic field on the Earth-like exoplanet, called YZ Ceti b, probably hints at the habitability of life on that planet.

    How common are such magnetic fields?

    • Planetary scientists have never been able to identify magnetic fields on smaller, rocky exoplanets until now.
    • The survival of a planet’s atmosphere may depend on its having, or not having, a strong magnetic field, since the field protects its atmosphere from being eroded by the charged particles blowing in from its star.

     

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  • 19th Apr 23 | Nikaalo Prelims- Mini Test 16 (Organs of United Nations & Important Current Affairs Developments)

    19th Apr 23 | Nikaalo Prelims- Mini Test 16 (Organs of United Nations & Important Current Affairs Developments)

    [WpProQuiz 1327]

    [WpProQuiz_toplist 1327]

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  • Importance of Science of Empathy and Inclusivity in IITs

    Empathy

    Central Idea

    • The recent spate of suicides among IIT students and the subsequent media attention, which has brought to the fore the social behavior and anxieties within the IIT student community. It emphasizes that studying at the IITs can be highly stressful, especially for students from socially marginalized backgrounds.

    For instance: JEE Exam and Social Inequality

    • There are disparities among students from different social strata in the JEE Advanced entrance exam, with lower cut-offs for SC/ST students compared to general category students.
    • This disparity in scores can be attributed to cultural and material inequalities faced by SC students, such as lack of basic amenities like water, sanitation, and transportation.

    What is mean by material inequality?

    • Unequal distribution of resources and basic amenities: Material inequality refers to the unequal distribution of resources and basic amenities such as food, water, shelter, healthcare, education, and access to opportunities, among individuals or groups in a society.
    • Factors responsible: It is a result of various factors such as income, social class, gender, race, ethnicity, and geographical location.
    • Negative effects: Material inequality can have negative effects on the well-being and opportunities of individuals and communities, leading to disparities in access to resources and basic needs.

    How IITs can engage with local communities?

    • Conduct Field and Community Studies: Students from all disciplines can conduct field and community studies to understand the causes of material inequality in the surrounding areas. This will provide them with insights into the problems that exist and help them design effective solutions.
    • Interdisciplinary Field Work: IITs can adopt an interdisciplinary fieldwork pedagogy where professors from different disciplines work together to design solutions for societal challenges. This will help students to develop mutual respect, empathy, and a collective understanding of how the state and the market work.
    • Local Problem Areas: IITs can identify and work on concrete problems of all sizes and difficulty levels, such as cooking energy, public transport, small enterprises, and pollution, in the surrounding districts. Faculty members can work with district administrations to address these and involve both IIT and local college students.
    • Collaboration and Teamwork: Engaging with local communities will reduce competitive stress and increase collaboration and teamwork within the student body. Students will appreciate the diversity of backgrounds and understand the adversities many among them have had to face.
    • Democratic Science: Students should demand training in a science of empathy and diversity that probes and explores all nooks and crannies of knowledge and society. Only when Indian science turns more democratic will the university become more empathetic and the society more equal and prosperous.

    Value addition box

    IIT Bombay as an example:

    • IIT Bombay can use the communities in surrounding districts as problem areas for research and academics. From cooking energy to public transport, there are concrete problems of all sizes for students and faculty members to grapple with.
    • Faculty members can work with district administrations to involve both IIT and local college students, thereby creating an ecosystem of higher education that satisfies its institutional and cultural roles.

     What is empathy?

    • Empathy is the ability to understand and share the feelings of another person. It involves being able to put oneself in another person’s shoes and perceive things from their perspective.
    • Empathy allows individuals to connect with others emotionally, recognize their needs and respond with sensitivity and compassion.
    • It is an important aspect of emotional intelligence and plays a crucial role in building strong relationships, effective communication, and social cohesion.

    What do you understand by mean science of empathy?

    • Science of empathy refers to the study and application of empathy as a scientific concept, including understanding its mechanisms, impact, and potential applications in various fields such as healthcare, education, and social justice.
    • It involves using scientific methods to study empathy, including neuroscience, psychology, and social science research.
    • The goal is to deepen our understanding of empathy and how it can be applied to improve social and emotional outcomes for individuals and communities.

    Why Empathy is important in IITs?

    • Addressing social inequalities: IITs are known for their rigorous academic curriculum and high-achieving students, but they also have a responsibility to address social inequalities that exist in society. Empathy can help students and faculty understand the challenges faced by underprivileged communities and develop solutions that address these challenges.
    • Fostering collaboration: Empathy can help IIT students and faculty work together more effectively by understanding each other’s perspectives and experiences. This can lead to better collaboration and teamwork, which is essential for tackling complex problems.
    • Developing socially responsible professionals: IITs aim to produce professionals who can make a positive impact on society. Empathy is an important quality for professionals who want to understand the needs and concerns of their clients or users, and develop solutions that meet those needs.
    • Enhancing research: Empathy can also enhance research by promoting interdisciplinary collaborations that consider a wide range of perspectives and experiences. This can lead to more innovative and effective solutions to complex problems.

    Why Empathy is important along with science in higher education?

    • Social Responsibility: Higher education institutions have a social responsibility to produce graduates who understand the societal impacts of their work and who are capable of creating solutions that benefit all members of society. Empathy helps students to understand the perspectives of those who may be affected by their work and to create solutions that are more inclusive and equitable.
    • Collaborative Work: In higher education, collaborative work is increasingly common across disciplines, cultures, and even national borders. Empathy enables students to understand the needs and motivations of their collaborators and to work effectively as part of a team.
    • Diversity and Inclusion: Diversity and inclusion are key principles of higher education, and empathy plays a crucial role in achieving these goals. Empathy helps students to understand and appreciate the experiences and perspectives of others who come from different backgrounds, leading to a more inclusive and welcoming learning environment.
    • Ethical Considerations: Science and technology can have ethical implications, and empathy is necessary to understand the impact of scientific and technological advancements on different groups of people. Empathy can help students to identify potential ethical dilemmas and to create solutions that align with ethical principles.

    Conclusion

    • The issues of social inequality and stress among students in the Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs) suggests the need for an empathetic and inclusive approach towards higher education. Interdisciplinary fieldwork and community engagement can create a diverse and inclusive ecosystem of higher education, preparing students to become better professionals and citizens.

    Mains Question

    Q. Empathy along with science is an essential ingredient in higher education in India. In light of this statement discuss how IITs can play a critical role in promoting empathy and reducing social inequalities in India.

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