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  • What do Scientists make of the Budget?     

    Why in the News?

    Modi’s government launched advanced tech missions and boosted private space participation, achieving a moon landing, amid concerns over basic research neglect and stagnant research funding.

    Priority areas – productivity and resilience in agriculture, energy security, and manufacturing and services:

    • Productivity and Resilience in Agriculture

        • The Union Budget emphasizes transforming agricultural research to enhance productivity and climate resilience.
        • Initiatives such as “speed breeding platforms” have been established to accelerate the development of climate-resilient crop varieties, allowing multiple generations of crops to be grown in a single year.

    • Energy Security

        • The budget prioritizes energy security with a focus on research and development of small and modular nuclear reactors and advanced thermal power plants.
        • The proposed “Critical Minerals Mission” is expected to enhance research in critical minerals essential for clean energy technologies.

    • Manufacturing and Services

      • The budget highlights the importance of enhancing domestic manufacturing capabilities and attracting foreign investment through initiatives like the Production Linked Incentive (PLI) schemes.
      • Plans for “plug and play” industrial parks in 100 cities are expected to facilitate the uptake of indigenous technologies and boost manufacturing output.
      • The focus on commercializing technologies with private sector involvement aims to strengthen the manufacturing sector’s contribution to the economy.

    Concerns about the sidelining of basic research and stagnation in research funding 

    • Sidelining of Basic Research

        • Focus on Advanced Technology: The previous two terms of the Indian government emphasized advanced technology missions (e.g., supercomputing, quantum technologies), which raised concerns that basic research was being neglected.
        • Limited Funding for Basic Research: The establishment of the Anusandhan National Research Fund (ANRF) aims to prioritize basic research, but there are concerns that the emphasis on “prototype development” alongside basic research may indicate a shift towards translational research, potentially sidelining pure scientific inquiry.
        • Disparity in Funding Distribution: Currently, about 65% of research funding is allocated to premier institutions like IITs, while state-run universities receive only about 11% of the funds provided by the Department of Science and Technology (DST). This disparity hampers the growth of basic research across a broader range of institutions.

    • Stagnation in Research Funding

      • Actual Expenditure vs. Allocation: Concerns were raised that the actual expenditure on science and technology and higher education in 2023-2024 was much less than the initial allocation for that year.  
      • Demand for Increased Funding: The scientific community has long demanded higher government funding for basic research, as the private sector has shown limited interest in investing in this area.
      • Impact of Inflation: The nominal increases in budget allocations for research may not be sufficient to counteract inflation, leading to a real decrease in available funding for research activities.

    Way forward: 

    • Increase Research Funding: Need to boost the overall research funding as a percentage of GDP to ensure adequate resources for both basic and applied research. This includes adjusting allocations to counteract the effects of inflation.
    • Equitable Distribution: The government should ensure a more balanced distribution of funds across premier institutions and state-run universities to foster a broader base of scientific inquiry and innovation.

  • Kerala requests Centre to declare Wayanad landslide as a – ‘National Disaster’

    Why in the News?

    • The Kerala government has requested the Centre to declare the landslide in Vythiri taluk, Wayanad district, as a national disaster.
      • The Central government is considering the legality of declaring the landslide a national disaster.

    Wayanad Landslide: Destruction and Casualties

    • The landslide, triggered by heavy rain, devastated at least three villages.
    • Kerala’s official death toll stands at 221, with over 200 people still missing.
    • Rescue workers continue to retrieve bodies and body parts from the mud and debris.
    • Approximately 9,000 people displaced by the disaster have taken refuge in government-run relief camps in Wayanad.

    Defining a Disaster:

    • A natural disaster includes natural events like earthquakes, floods, landslides, cyclones, tsunamis, urban floods, and heatwaves.
    • Man-made disasters can include nuclear, biological, and chemical incidents.
    • According to the Disaster Management Act, 2005, a disaster is defined as:
      • A catastrophe, mishap, calamity, or grave occurrence in any area arising from natural or man-made causes.
      • It results in substantial loss of life or human suffering, damage to or destruction of property, or environmental degradation.
      • The damage must be of such a nature or magnitude that it is beyond the coping capacity of the affected community.

    Is there any provision to declare a ‘National Disaster/Calamity’? 

    • There is NO provision under the existing guidelines to declare any disaster, including floods, as a national calamity.
    • The guidelines do NOT contemplate declaring a disaster as a National Calamity.

    Attempts to Define National Calamity:

    • National Committee (2001):
      • Chaired by the then Prime Minister, the committee was tasked with defining parameters for a national calamity.
      • The committee did not suggest any fixed criteria for such a declaration.
    • 10th Finance Commission (1995-2000):
      • It proposed that a disaster be termed “a national calamity of rarest severity” if it affects one-third of a state’s population.
      • It did not define “calamity of rare severity” but suggested that each case be adjudged individually.

    Response to such calamities in India

    • When a calamity is declared as such, support is provided at the national level.
    • The Centre considers additional assistance from the NDRF.
    • A Calamity Relief Fund (CRF) is established, with the corpus shared 3:1 between the Centre and the state.
    • If resources in the CRF are insufficient, additional assistance is considered from the National Calamity Contingency Fund (NCCF), funded entirely by the Centre.
    • Relief measures can include the repayment of loans or the provision of fresh loans to affected individuals on concessional terms.

    PYQ:

    [2020] Discuss the recent measures initiated in disaster management by the Government of India departing from the earlier reactive approach.

     

    [2019] Vulnerability is an essential element for defining disaster impacts and its threat to people. How and in what ways can vulnerability to disasters be characterized? Discuss different types of vulnerability with reference to disasters.

  • [pib] INS SHALKI  

    Why in the News?

    • Indian Navy’s submarine INS Shalki, recently docked at Colombo Port on its two day visit to Sri Lanka.
      • This visit comes against the backdrop of China’s persistent attempts to enhance its strategic and military influence over the island nation.

    About INS SHALKI  

    • INS Shalki is a Shishumar class diesel-electric submarine, commissioned into the Indian Navy on 07 Feb 1992.
      • Shishumar class submarines are an Indian variant of the Type 209 submarines developed by the German yard Howaldtswerke-Deutsche Werft under the internal designation “Type 1500”.
    • This is the first ever submarine to be built in India.
    • It was constructed under licence by the Mazgaon Dock Limited, Mumbai.

    Significance of Sri Lanka Visit

    • India sends submarines to a handful of countries with whom it has close defence and strategic ties.
    • This is the third submarine to visit Sri Lanka after the visit of INS Vagir and INS Karanj in June 2023 and February 2024, respectively.
    • India has been expanding its defence and strategic ties with Sri Lanka amid concerns over China’s attempts to increase its military presence in the Indian Ocean.
    • Countering Chinese presence:
      • The docking of the Chinese missile and satellite tracking ship ‘Yuan Wang’ at Hambantota port in August 2022 had triggered a diplomatic row between India and Sri Lanka.
      • Another Chinese warship docked at the Colombo port in August last year.

    PYQ:

    [2017] Consider the following in respect of Indian Ocean Naval Symposium (IONS):

    1. Inaugural IONS was held in India in 2015 under the chairmanship of the Indian Navy.

    2. IONS is a voluntary initiative that seeks to increase maritime co-operation among navies of the littoral states of the Indian Ocean Region.

    Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

    (a) 1 only

    (b) 2 only

    (c) Both 1 and 2

    (d) Neither 1 nor 2

  • What is ‘PrecivityAD2’ the new Alzheimer’s Blood Test?

    Why in the News?

    Researchers in Sweden have developed a new blood test, PrecivityAD2, which is about 90% accurate in identifying Alzheimer’s Disease (AD) in people experiencing cognitive symptoms.

    What is Alzheimer’s Disease (AD)?

    • Alzheimer’s disease is the most common type of dementia (loss of memory and cognitive abilities).
    • It is a progressive disease beginning with mild memory loss and possibly leading to loss of the ability to carry on a conversation and respond to the environment.
    • Alzheimer’s disease involves parts of the brain that control thought, memory, and language.
    • Brain cell connections and the cells themselves degenerate and die, eventually destroying memory and other important mental functions.
    • Memory loss and confusion are the main symptoms.
    • No cure exists, but medication and management strategies may temporarily improve symptoms.

    How PrecivityAD2 Test works?

    • The test measures a combination of two ratios within a blood sample:
    1. Plasma Phosphorylated-tau217 (p-tau217) to Not-Phosphorylated-tau21: The test measures the ratio of p-tau217 to non-phosphorylated tau21. Tau proteins are associated with the formation of neurofibrillary tangles in the brain, a hallmark of AD.
    2. Amyloid-beta (AB42 and AB40): The test also measures the ratio of two types of amyloid-beta proteins, AB42 and AB40. Amyloid plaques are another key pathological feature of AD.
    • Both tau and amyloid-beta proteins are considered pathological hallmarks of AD.

    Benefits of PrecivityAD2

    • Early Detection: PrecivityAD2 can diagnose AD at the early stage of mild cognitive impairment, enabling timely intervention and management.
    • Accurate Identification: With an accuracy rate of around 90%, the test provides reliable results, reducing the chances of misdiagnosis.
    • Non-Invasive: Unlike current diagnostic methods that involve complex PET scans or lumbar punctures, PrecivityAD2 requires only a simple blood draw.
    • Cost-Effective: The test is expected to be more affordable compared to expensive PET scans and cerebrospinal fluid analysis, making AD diagnosis more accessible.
    • Ease of Use: The blood test simplifies the diagnostic process, making it easier for primary care physicians to screen for AD.
    • Wider Reach: By reducing the complexity and cost of diagnosis, more patients can be tested, particularly in resource-limited settings.

    Significance of the Test

    • Standard of Care: PrecivityAD2 has the potential to become the standard first-line test for AD diagnosis, replacing more invasive and costly methods.
    • Support for Early Intervention: Early and accurate diagnosis allows for timely intervention, which is crucial for managing AD and improving patient outcomes.
    • Reduction in Misdiagnosis: The test’s high accuracy rate can help reduce the rates of misdiagnosis, particularly in primary care settings.

    Prevalence of Alzheimer’s Disease in India:

    • Alzheimer’s disease and dementia are significant public health concerns in India with a rapidly increasing prevalence rate.
    • According to CSIR-NIScPR, in 2019, there were 37 lakh active cases of Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias.
    • By 2050, dementia cases in India could exceed 11 crore as per projections from the Global Burden of Disease Study (GBDS).
    • The burden of non-communicable neurological disorders, including Alzheimer’s, more than doubled between 1990 and 2019.

    Feasibility for India:

    • In India, the current diagnostic tools for Alzheimer’s disease primarily include MRI and regular PET scans.
    • Advanced diagnostic tools like amyloid or Tau PET scans are not yet commercially available.
    • The introduction of PrecivityAD2 in India will require approval from the Drug Controller General of India (DCGI) and other relevant regulatory bodies.

  • [pib] CIL ASHIS Scheme

    Why in the News?

    Coal India Limited (CIL) has launched a CSR initiative named CIL ASHIS to provide scholarships to children who lost their parents to COVID-19 and were unable to continue their studies.

    What is CIL ASHIS Scheme?

    • The CIL ASHIS Scheme, launched by Coal India Limited (CIL), stands for Ayushman Shiksha Sahayata.
    • The scheme aims to provide financial support for the education of children who lost their parents to COVID-19, ensuring they can continue their studies and achieve their dreams.

    Features of the CIL ASHIS Scheme

    • Each eligible child receives a scholarship worth ₹45,000 per year.
    • The scholarship is provided for a period of 4 years.
    • The scheme targets 1,645 children who have been identified as needing assistance.
    • Compassionate Appointment for:
      • Dependents of CIL employees who lost their lives while in service.
      • Beneficiaries need to apply for compassionate appointments through CIL’s established procedures.

    PYQ:

    [2024] With reference to Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) rules in India, consider the following statements:

    1. CSR rules specify that expenditures that benefit the company directly or its employees will not be considered as CSR activities.
    2. CSR rules do not specify minimum spending on CSR activities.

    Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

    (a) 1 only

    (b) 2 only

    (c) Both 1 and 2

    (d) Neither 1 nor 2
  • [UPSC Openhouse] How To Plan Each Day Of Your UPSC Preparation? Next 3 months strategy for UPSC 2025 || Join on 06th August 2024 At 7 PM.

    [UPSC Openhouse] How To Plan Each Day Of Your UPSC Preparation? Next 3 months strategy for UPSC 2025 || Join on 06th August 2024 At 7 PM.

    Register Now!

    Small daily improvements are the key to long-term, extraordinary success.

    IRS Pritesh (UAP’23 Mentorship Student)

    Register for the free masterclass on 06th August 2024 at 7 PM

    Register Now!
    UPSC IAS

    A rare session where Mentor and Mentee come together to discuss how they made it happen.

    Introducing Pritesh, our UAP 23 Mentorship student who cleared UPSC with flying colors and is now an IRS officer. His Mentor Shubham Sir ensured that the upcoming 3 months (August to November) were the most productive. Its a crucial period to build a strong base.
    His Mentor Shubham Sir ensured that this period is was utilized effectively
    1. Preparing for prelims and mains in an integrated manner
    2. Ensuring answer writing practice as answer writing takes a lot of time to fix
    3. Proper timetable, planning each day and making progress.

    We will discuss this and much much more – overcoming FOMO, navigating through abundance of resources, By when should you revise your GS? When should you start CSAT?, everything.

    Read about IRS Pritesh’s UPSC Mentorship Journey.

    Starting your UPSC preparation with a timetable is crucial. Mains in 2025 start early in August, so beginning this August gives you exactly 12 months to prepare for the exam. Preparing for prelims and mains in an integrated manner is necessary, and planning each day is essential. Pritesh Sir, now an IRS officer, was part of our UAP 2023 cohort. He credits much of his success to his mentor, Shubham Jatte Sir. Shubham Sir’s methodology, especially regarding content and timetable, worked best for him. Pritesh Sir emphasized the importance of staying consistent, noting that the timetable must be precise, workable, and tailored to the aspirant’s needs, covering all three stages of the exam.

    By when should the optional be finished? By when should you revise your GS? When should you start CSAT? When should you start writing your tests? All these questions are important. Aspirants who are beginning their preparation often experience a lot of FOMO due to the vast syllabus and the abundance of resources. Having a personalized timetable and constant one-on-one discussions with mentors is a proven way to overcome this fear. If you have just started your UPSC preparation or are in the initial days of preparing for this exam, knowing what to do in the upcoming 3 months (August to November) is crucial. Start slow but stay steady—that’s the right mantra.

    Join the live session with IRS Pritesh Sir and Shubham Sir to better understand the dynamics on 6th August, Tuesday at 7 PM.

    It will be a 45 minute webinar, post which we will open up the floor for all kinds of queries which a beginner must have. No questions are taboo and Pritesh & Shubham sir is known to be patiently solving all your doubts.

    Join us for a Zoom session on 06th August 2024 at 7:00 p.m. This session is a must-attend for you If you are attempting UPSC for the first time or have attempted earlier and now preparing for next year, then it is going to be a valuable session for you too.

    In the session, we will discuss how mentorship works. Why Mentorship is a must when you attempting for the first time.

    We will deal with all the aspects for a comprehensive UPSC Preparation. We’ll talk about starting with the basics, and move to advanced level.

    See you in orientation session”

    Join the live session with IRS Pritesh and Shubham Sir on 6th August, Tuesday at 7 PM.

    Register Now!

    About Civilsdaily Mentorship Philosophy:

    At Civilsdaily, we treat Mentorship as a specialization. Not every Mains or interview candidate can be a mentor. Most such mentors will suggest cosmetic changes and will only help you evolve slowly. It is easy to find comfort in sentences like ‘every topper is different’ and’ they have their own path’. Finding what’s different about you and then figuring out your own path is why Mentorship is essential. We walk the talk by helping you craft your own way of preparation. A method that enhances your probability of qualifying UPSC-CSE in a single attempt. We give you that near-perfect certainty. Delivering this consistently to hundreds of aspirants (now rankers) in the past was challenging. We still stick to it and keep getting better at it with each passing year.

    At CD, we understand the science and the art of everything UPSC. If you have a problem, we will sit with you and find a solution. If that doesn’t work, then we try solution 2. Eventually, we will make sure you end up making progress. What’s the point of any content, program, or mentorship without progress? This is precisely why aspirants trust they have the best shot at clearing the exam with Civilsdaily.

    We invest a significant amount of time, effort, and energy into creating lectures, notes, and tests, understanding your needs as an aspirant. We take this responsibility seriously because, ultimately, your future depends on it.

    The heart of the Civilsdaily platform is the Yearlong Mentorship Program. For years, aspirants have enrolled here because they couldn’t find such depth and passion towards quality content and Mentorship anywhere. Their search inevitably ends at Civilsdaily. Enrollment in these programs and Mentorship also makes us accountable to aspirants for the value they get.

    In the past few years, we’ve worked quietly in the background with hundreds of aspirants; many now serve as IAS, IPS, IFS and more. We are very proud of what we’ve achieved.Overwhelmed by quick fixes, content overload and messy timetables which never work? Join us as we take you through a realistic and relatable roadmap for UPSC 2026 preparation. 

    Register Now!

    In this masterclass, you will get:

    1. A 45-minute deep dive on how to plan your UPSC strategy from the start to the end.
    2. How do first-attempt IAS Rankers get the most out of their one year prep?
    3. Insider tips that only the top IAS and IPS rankers know and apply to get rank.

    By the end, you’ll have razor-sharp clarity and a clear path to crack UPSC with confidence and near-perfect certainty. 

    Join UPSC masterclass on 06th August 2024, 7:00 pm

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    (Don’t wait—the next webinar won’t be until Aug 24)

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  • [3rd August 2024] The Hindu Op-ed: The five guidelines to a Dragon-Elephant tango

    [3rd August 2024] The Hindu Op-ed: The five guidelines to a Dragon-Elephant tango

    PYQ Relevance:

    Mains:

    Q1 The China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) is viewed as a cardinal subset of China’s larger ‘One Belt One Road’ initiative. Give a brief description of CPEC and enumerate the reasons why India has distanced itself from the same. (UPSC IAS/2018) 

    Q2 China is using its economic relations and positive trade surplus as tools to develop potential military power status in Asia’, In the light of this statement, discuss its impact on India as her neighbour. (UPSC IAS/2017) 

    Prelims: 
    Q ‘Belt and Road Initiative’ is sometimes mentioned in the news in the context of the affairs of: 
    (a) African Union 
    (b) Brazil 
    (c) European Union 
    (d) China

    Note4Students: 

    Prelims: Internation groups in which India and China are both members;

    Mains: Issues between India and China;

    Mentor comments: India-China relations are characterized by a complex interplay of cooperation and conflict. Historically rooted in ancient civilizations, the two nations have faced significant challenges, particularly territorial disputes along their shared border. The 2020 clashes heightened tensions, leading to military standoffs and economic measures. Despite these issues, both countries recognize the importance of dialogue and mutual respect, as emphasized in recent diplomatic engagements. The “Five Mutuals” framework aims to foster cooperation, highlighting shared interests and the potential for collaboration in regional and global contexts.

    Let’s learn!

    __

    Why in the News? 

    The appointment of a new Chinese ambassador to India in May 2024 signals a potential intent to normalize relations. 

    Five guidelines of ‘Mutuals’

    • Mutual Respect: This principle emphasizes the importance of recognizing and valuing each other’s unique cultural identities, social systems, and developmental paths.  
    • Mutual Understanding: This guideline focuses on the need for empathy and support, particularly in acknowledging each other’s historical struggles for independence and development. It advocates for increased dialogue and communication at all levels to build political trust and a solid foundation for bilateral relations.
    • Mutual Trust: This principle highlights the necessity of overcoming suspicion and fostering a strategic perspective on bilateral relations. It encourages both countries to view each other as partners rather than competitors, promoting peaceful coexistence and the resolution of disputes through dialogue.
    • Mutual Accommodation: This guideline acknowledges that differences and frictions are natural between neighbouring countries. It stresses the importance of effectively managing these differences through dialogue and finding mutually acceptable solutions, ensuring that cooperation is not hindered by isolated incidents.
    • Mutual Accomplishment: This principle emphasizes the shared goals of national development and revitalization. It encourages China and India to support each other’s growth and collaborate on global issues, reinforcing the idea that their successes are interconnected and beneficial for both nations.

    Issues between India and China: 

    • Border Disputes: The most significant source of tension is the unresolved border disputes, particularly in regions like Aksai Chin and Arunachal Pradesh. The deadly clashes in Galwan Valley in 2020 marked a severe escalation, leading to a prolonged military standoff and ongoing military tensions along the Line of Actual Control (LAC).
    • Unequal Trade Relations: India faces a substantial trade deficit with China, leading to concerns about economic dependence. This imbalance has fueled economic nationalism and calls for reducing reliance on Chinese imports, further straining relations.
    • Strategic Alliances and Regional Influence: China’s strategic ties with Pakistan and its increasing influence in South Asia and the Indian Ocean have raised alarms in India.
      • India’s growing partnerships with the United States and other Quad members (Japan and Australia) are viewed by China as a challenge to its regional dominance, exacerbating the security dilemma between the two nations.
    • Political Pressure: China has used its influence to block India’s attempts to gain membership in international forums, such as the Nuclear Suppliers Group, and to prevent India from placing individuals wanted for terrorism on UN watchlists.  

    Need an ‘all-round relationship’ (Way forward)

    • Recognition of Differences: The relationship between China and India acknowledges the inevitability of differences and frictions due to their geographical proximity.
      • Understanding and correctly perceiving these differences is essential for developing a constructive relationship.
    • Dialogue and Mutual Accommodation: By emphasizing the importance of dialogue, both nations can effectively address core interests and concerns, allowing them to reach mutually acceptable solutions. This approach is rooted in the political wisdom of their ancient civilizations.
    • Comprehensive Cooperation: The relationship is all-encompassing, meaning it should not be defined solely by specific differences.
      • Cooperation should be resilient enough to withstand isolated incidents, ensuring that broader collaboration continues.
    • Shared Development Goals: Both countries are at critical stages of national development and revitalization, with common interests that provide ample opportunities for cooperation.
      • This shared vision fosters mutual accomplishments, promoting unity and collaboration in the Global South.

  • An unstated shift in Modi’s economic direction             

    Why in the news?

    The introduction of the new ELI scheme for corporates by the Narendra Modi government acknowledges the disconnect between GDP growth and job creation.

    About Employment Linked Incentives (ELI)

    • The ELI scheme aims to encourage companies to hire more employees by providing financial incentives for each new hire.
    • Target Sectors: The scheme is expected to focus on labour-intensive sectors such as toys, textiles, apparel, furniture, tourism, and logistics, which have significant potential for job creation.
    • Incentives Offered: Financial incentives may include tax relief and wage subsidies for new jobs created, along with non-financial incentives like reduced regulatory burdens and support for skill development programs.

    Government’s Failure of Initiatives

    • Previous Economic Strategies: Over the past decade, the Indian government relied on traditional economic models, such as the trickle-down approach and production-linked incentives (PLI), which did not yield the expected job growth.
      • Initiatives like “Make in India” and corporate tax cuts aimed to stimulate investment but failed to translate into significant employment opportunities.
    • Jobless Growth: Despite policies designed to boost production, employment growth has been stagnant, with a study indicating a negligible employment growth rate of just 0.01%.

    Issue of Job and Ideas Deficit

    • Jobs Deficit: The lack of job creation has prompted proposals like reserving jobs for locals, reflecting political pressures in a democracy where job scarcity is prevalent.
    • Ideas Deficit: Economists often suggest reforms in labour, education, and business practices as solutions to job creation, but these are complex and difficult to implement.
    • Unemployment Trends: The unemployment rate has shown fluctuations, with a reported decline from 6.0% in 2017-18 to 3.2% in 2022-23. 

    What can be done?

    • Policy Shift: The ELI scheme represents a significant policy shift towards prioritizing job creation over mere economic output. By encouraging firms to hire rather than invest solely in automation, it aims to address the capital-labour imbalance in the economy.
    • Support for MSMEs: Special focus on micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) is crucial, as they employ a substantial portion of the workforce.
    • Alignment of Goals: Need to Collaborate among various ministries, particularly finance, skill development, and labour, is essential to ensure that skill development aligns with industry needs, enhancing employability and job creation

  •  Why the Odisha government will plant palm trees to combat lightning strikes          

    Why in the news?

    In July, the Odisha government approved a proposal to plant 1.9 million palm trees to mitigate deaths caused by lightning strikes, which were declared a state-specific disaster in 2015.

    How many people have lost their lives to lightning in Odisha?   

    • Over the last 11 years, a total of 3,790 people have lost their lives due to lightning strikes in Odisha.
    • In the previous three fiscal years, 791 fatalities were reported, indicating an increasing frequency of lightning strikes.
    • On September 2, 2023, Odisha recorded 61,000 lightning strikes in a two-hour period, resulting in the deaths of at least 12 people.

    Why are Lightning strikes of particular concern in Odisha?

    • Odisha is located in a tropical zone and experiences a hot, dry climate that creates ideal conditions for lightning strikes.
    • The state has the highest number of cloud-to-ground lightning strikes in eastern and central India. The Annual Lightning Report 2023-2024 indicates a significant concentration of lightning activity in this region.
    • Research indicates that climate change exacerbates lightning activity, with a 10% increase in lightning occurrences for every degree Celsius of warming. This is particularly relevant in Odisha, where climatic factors contribute to frequent lightning events.
    • With 96% of lightning strikes occurring in rural areas, the most affected populations include farmers and daily wage earners who work outdoors, making them particularly vulnerable during peak agricultural seasons.

    How can Odisha defend Itself against lightning strikes?

    • Planting Palm Trees: The Odisha government has approved a proposal to plant 19 lakh palm trees as a natural defense against lightning strikes. Palm trees are considered effective conductors of lightning due to their height and moisture content, which can absorb lightning and mitigate its impact on the ground.
    • Financial Commitment: The state has allocated Rs 7 crore for the palm tree plantation initiative and has banned the felling of existing palm trees to enhance this strategy.
    • Public Awareness and Early Warning Systems: While the state has implemented early warning systems to forecast lightning strikes, experts emphasize the need for widespread public education on safety measures during lightning events.
    • Concerns: Experts have raised concerns about the effectiveness of palm trees as a long-term solution, noting that it takes 15 to 20 years for them to reach a height where they can effectively mitigate lightning strikes.

    NDMA Guidelines for Lightning

    • Preparation and Awareness: The Local government should educate the communities about lightning safety and the risks associated with thunderstorms.
    • Seek Shelter: During a thunderstorm, individuals should seek shelter in a fully enclosed building or a hard-topped metal vehicle. Open vehicles and structures such as metal sheds or under-construction buildings are unsafe.
    • Avoid Trees: Taking shelter under trees is discouraged, as they can attract lightning. If in a wooded area, find the shortest trees for shelter.
    • Crouching Position: If no shelter is available, crouch down with heels touching and head between the knees to minimize height and reduce risk.
    • 30-30 Rule: After seeing lightning, start counting to 30. If you hear thunder before reaching 30, go indoors. This rule helps assess the distance of the storm.

    Way forward: 

    • Installation of Lightning Rods and Conductors: The government should invest in the widespread installation of lightning rods and conductors in rural and vulnerable areas. These devices can provide immediate protection to critical infrastructure, homes, and open fields where farmers and workers are most at risk.
    • Advanced Early Warning Systems: Need to enhance the existing early warning systems with more accurate, real-time data and ensure these warnings are disseminated quickly through multiple channels, including mobile alerts, community announcements, and local radio.

    Main PYQ: 

    Q Explain the mechanism and occurrence of cloudburst in the context of the Indian subcontinent. Discuss two recent examples. (2022)

  • Elephant in Civil Servant’s room           

    Why in the news?

    The government’s recent decision to lift the ban on government employees participating in RSS activities threatens to undermine the remnants of a free and fair bureaucracy.

    Whether or not civil servants are banned from joining RSS 

    • Lifting the Ban: The Central government has lifted a 58-year ban on government servants joining the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS). This ban was originally imposed in 1966 due to concerns about the organization’s political activities.
    • Government Justification: The government stated that the activities of the RSS are no longer deemed incompatible with civil service conduct rules, suggesting that the organization has been wrongly categorized as a banned entity.
    • Judicial Commentary: The Madhya Pradesh High Court remarked that it took nearly five decades for the government to recognize its mistake in banning civil servants from joining the RSS, indicating a shift in perception regarding the organization.
    • Political Reactions: The decision has sparked controversy, with opposition parties criticizing it as a threat to India’s secular fabric and accusing the government of politicizing the civil service. Critics argue that the RSS’s ideology conflicts with the principles of a secular state.
    • Support from RSS: The RSS welcomed the decision, asserting that it strengthens India’s democratic system and has historically contributed to national unity and social service.

    The idea of Constitutional Democracy

    • Constitutional democracy is a system of government that combines the principles of democracy with a constitution that limits the powers of the state and protects the rights of citizens.
    • The people are the ultimate source of power, and the government derives its authority from their consent. The constitution places restrictions on the government’s actions and establishes the structure of the government.
    • There is a separation of powers between the legislature, executive, and judiciary, with each acting as a check on the others. The rule of law applies equally to all citizens and the government itself.
    • Minority rights are protected, and the will of the majority is balanced against the rights of individuals and minority groups. Constitutional democracy guarantees some rights to everyone, irrespective of their status as a minority or majority.
    • The origins of constitutional democracy can be traced back to Enlightenment ideas of natural rights, social contract theory, and the separation of powers. The United States Constitution, adopted in 1787, was a pioneering example of a written constitution establishing a federal system of government with a separation of powers

    RSS Ideology vs Constitutional Democracy

    • Conflict of Ideologies: The lifting of the ban raises questions about the relationship between the RSS’s ideology and the constitutional framework of India. The RSS promotes a vision of a Hindu nation, which may conflict with the secular and pluralistic ideals enshrined in the Constitution.
    • Constitutional Morality: The Constitution aims to create a society that respects diverse religions and cultures, contrasting with the RSS’s focus on a singular religious identity. This juxtaposition presents challenges to the commitment of civil servants to uphold constitutional values.
    • Historical background of the Constitution: The Constitution was designed to restructure Indian society post-independence, ensuring inclusivity and rejecting the idea of a state aligned with a single religious community. The RSS’s ideology, which criticizes the post-1947 restructuring, poses a fundamental challenge to this vision.
    • Democratic Challenges: The existence of non-democratic and exclusionary ideas within a democratic framework complicates governance. The rise of Hindutva politics, which emphasizes majoritarianism and exclusion, threatens the principles of constitutional democracy.
    • Need for Reinforcement: To counter the influence of ideologies that contradict constitutional morality, there is a pressing need to reinvigorate the commitment to constitutional democracy among civil servants and the broader public.

    Conclusion: To uphold constitutional democracy, it is crucial to reinforce the commitment to secularism, inclusivity, and the rule of law among civil servants and the broader public amidst ideological challenges.

    Mains PYQ: 

    Q To enhance the quality of democracy in India the Election Commission of India has proposed electoral reforms in 2016. What are the suggested reforms and how far are they significant to make democracy successful? (2017)

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