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Type: Explained

  • The Crisis In The Middle East

    Indian military export to Israel — aiding genocide

    Explained | International Relations | Mains Paper 2: Bilateral, Regional and Global Groupings and agreements involving India

    Note4Students

    From UPSC perspective, the following things are important:

    Mains level: India-Israel relation;

    Why in the News?

    A Supreme Court Bench, led by the Chief Justice of India, recently dismissed a petition by former civil servants and activists seeking suspension of military export licenses to Israel during the ongoing conflict.

    India’s Ongoing Exports to Israel

    • India exports military equipment and arms to Israel, which includes both public sector and private sector companies supplying defense-related materials.
    • During the ongoing conflict in Gaza, the Indian government has continued to issue licenses for the export of arms and military equipment to Israel, despite international concerns about potential violations of humanitarian law.
    • India has developed a strong defense relationship with Israel, marked by regular arms deals, military cooperation, and technology transfers.

    How does India’s arms exports to Israel violate the law?

    • Complicity in Genocide: By exporting arms to Israel, India risks being complicit in violations of international humanitarian law, including potential war crimes and genocide committed by Israel, as indicated by various international bodies.
      • As a signatory to the Genocide Convention, India is obligated (Article 1) to prevent genocide and avoid providing aid or assistance to any state engaged in such acts.
    • Indian Constitution: Article 21 of the Indian Constitution guarantees the right to life and personal liberty to citizens as well as to foreigners.
    • International Court of Justice (ICJ) Precedents: ICJ rulings have repeatedly warned states against exporting arms to conflict zones where such weapons might be used to violate international law.

    Genocide Convention (1948)

    • Definition and Purpose: The Genocide Convention, adopted by the United Nations in 1948, aims to prevent and punish acts of genocide, which include killings and other acts intended to destroy, in whole or part, a national, ethnical, racial, or religious group.
    • Obligations of Signatory States:
      • States party to the Convention are obligated to prevent and punish acts of genocide, both within their territories and in international contexts.
      • Article III of the Convention makes states’ complicity in genocide a punishable offense, meaning states must refrain from providing material or logistical support to nations engaged in genocide.
    • India’s Commitment: India ratified the Genocide Convention, thereby binding itself to these obligations. Under this Convention, India is required to ensure that it is not complicit in such crimes through its actions, including military exports.

    International Pressure and ICJ Opinions

    • ICJ Provisional Measures (2023): In January 2023, the ICJ ordered provisional measures against Israel for violations of the Genocide Convention in the Gaza Strip, including an immediate halt to killings and destruction.
    • Global Response: Many countries like Canada, Spain, and the UK have suspended arms exports to Israel, in compliance with their obligations under international law to prevent genocide and war crimes.
    • India’s Non-Compliance: Despite these international legal obligations and warnings, India continues to provide military aid to Israel, raising questions about its commitment to international humanitarian law.

    Conclusion: India’s continued arms exports to Israel, despite international legal concerns, highlight the delicate balance between strategic defence relations and adherence to international humanitarian obligations under the Genocide and Geneva Conventions.

    Mains PYQ:

    Q India’s relations with Israel have, of late, acquired a depth and diversity, which cannot be rolled back.” Discuss. (UPSC IAS/2018)

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  • President’s Rule

    How do Emergency Provisions impact Centre-State relations?

    Explained | Polity | Mains Paper 2: Federalism

    Note4Students

    From UPSC perspective, the following things are important:

    Prelims level: Emergency;

    Mains level: Impact of emergency on Federalism;

    Why in the News?

    The recent surge in violence in Manipur has reignited discussions on Centre-State relations and the use of emergency provisions by the Centre.

    What is the federal structure of governance in India?

    • Federal System with Centre-State Powers: India follows a federal structure of governance where powers are divided between the Centre and the States. The Seventh Schedule of the Constitution demarcates subjects under the Union List, State List, and Concurrent List, defining respective jurisdictions.
    • State’s Domain on Law and Order: Maintenance of law and order is primarily the responsibility of State governments, aligning with the decentralized governance model of federalism. States are sovereign in areas assigned to them by the Constitution.
    • Cooperative Federalism: India’s federal structure also emphasises cooperative federalism, where both the Centre and States work together on certain subjects, particularly in the Concurrent List.

    How do Articles 355 and 356 affect Federalism?

    • Article 355 (Duty of the Centre): Article 355 places a constitutional duty on the Union to protect States from external aggression and internal disturbance and to ensure governance as per the Constitution.
    • Article 356 (President’s Rule): Article 356 allows the Centre to impose President’s Rule in a State if there is a failure of the constitutional machinery. This provision can undermine federalism if misused, as it enables the Centre to dismiss a State government and take over its administration.
    • Impact on Federalism:
      • Cooperative Federalism: Article 355 allows the central government for intervention in state matters, which can be seen as a deviation from cooperative federalism.
      • Central Overreach: Historically, Article 356 was often misused to dismiss State governments, leading to concerns over central overreach and the undermining of State autonomy.
    • Judicial Safeguards: The S.R. Bommai case (1994) limited its misuse by subjecting it to judicial review, ensuring it is invoked only in cases of a breakdown of constitutional governance, not merely law and order issues.

    Way forward: 

    • Sarkaria Commission (1987): Suggested that Article 355 grants the Union both the duty and the authority to act to ensure constitutional governance in the States.
    • National Commission to Review the Working of the Constitution (2002): Reinforced the need for careful use of emergency provisions, emphasizing the role of Article 355 in providing support and corrective measures.
    • Punchhi Commission (2010): Advocated for the use of Article 356 only in the most critical circumstances and stressed the importance of using Article 355 to address issues before considering the President’s Rule.

    Mains PYQ:

    Q Under what circumstances can the Financial Emergency be proclaimed by the President of India? What consequences follow when such a declaration remains in force? (UPSC IAS/2018)

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  • Rural Distress, Farmer Suicides, Drought Measures

    Realizing the Rural-Urban continuum

    Explained | Governance | Mains Paper 2: Governance, Transparency & Accountability, Citizens Charters

    Note4Students

    From UPSC perspective, the following things are important:

    Prelims level: Government schemes and Initiatives; AMRUT;

    Mains level: Challenges in Rural-Urban Area;

    Why in the News?

    India is currently experiencing an urban transformation due to significant demographic shifts and increasing infrastructure needs. To effectively address these challenges, it must adopt a holistic urban-rural continuum approach.

    Issue of Over-Centralisation of Finances:

    • Over Financial Centralisation: Recent times have seen an over-centralization of finances, which has negatively impacted financial decentralization and autonomy for local bodies.
      • The 13th Finance Commission highlighted that local bodies are being “asphyxiated” due to this centralization.
    • Tied vs. Untied Grants: Local bodies face financial constraints because grants are often tied to centrally sponsored schemes. 
      • The rise in property tax needs to match the rise in State Goods and Services Tax to avoid losing tied grants, which have increased relative to untied grants over the years.
    • Programmatic Limitations: Flagship programmes like the Swachh Bharat Mission and Atal Mission for Rejuvenation and Urban Transformation (AMRUT) fail to address the urban-rural continuum effectively.
    • Urban-Rural Continuum Challenge: Infrastructure funding for areas like sewage treatment plants often excludes contiguous urban villages and census towns, which are integral parts of the broader urban ecosystem.

    Initiatives taken by the Government:

    • AMRUT: It aims to improve urban infrastructure for liquid waste management, but its scope initially covered only statutory towns, now extended to all statutory towns.
    • Swachh Bharat Mission 1.0: It focuses on making urban India garbage-free and managing solid and liquid waste.
    • Swachh Bharat Mission 2.0: The mission aims to extend beyond open defecation-free status to sustainable waste management in urban areas and solid and liquid waste management in rural areas.

    Governance models needs to be revisited:

    • 73rd and 74th Constitutional Amendments: District Planning Committees, including Zila Panchayats and urban local bodies, need to be empowered to address the urban-rural continuum effectively.
    • Strengthening District Planning Committees: Currently, District Planning Committees are often subordinate to the district bureaucracy. Strengthening these committees can better integrate urban and rural planning and improve governance.
    • Integrated Planning: The current approach to separate urban and rural local bodies needs updating. Given India’s rapid urbanisation, there is a need for integrated and joint planning to address the blurring lines between urban and rural areas effectively.
    • Collaborative Infrastructure Planning: Solid waste management and other infrastructure projects could benefit from collaborative planning at the district or regional levels, rather than being implemented in a compartmentalised manner.

    Way forward: 

    • Enhance Financial Decentralisation and Flexibility: Reform financial mechanisms to reduce centralisation, provide greater autonomy to local bodies, and ensure grants are more flexible, allowing for better alignment of local needs with urban-rural continuum challenges.
    • Strengthen Integrated Planning Frameworks: Revise governance models to empower District Planning Committees for more cohesive urban-rural planning, and promote collaborative infrastructure development across district and regional levels to address the interconnectedness of urban and rural areas.

    Mains PYQ:

    Q What are ‘Smart Cities’? examine their relevance for urban development in India. Will it increase rural-urban differences? Give arguments for ‘Smart Villages’ in the light of PURA and RURBAN Mission. (UPSC IAS/2016)

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  • Coal and Mining Sector

    A human touch to India’s mineral ecosystem

    Explained | Economics | Mains Paper 3: Effects Of Liberalization On The Economy, Changes In Industrial Policy and their effects on Industrial Growth

    Note4Students

    From UPSC perspective, the following things are important:

    Prelims level: District Mineral Foundation (DMF);

    Mains level: Significance and Scope of DMF;

    Why in the News?

    The Indian government’s Mines and Minerals Act of 2015, which mandated auctions and established the District Mineral Foundation (DMF), continues to ensure local communities benefit from natural resource-led development.

    • DMF after entering its 10th year has amassed almost ₹1 lakh crore, transforming mineral wealth into a development lifeline for these regions.

    How did the District Mineral Foundation (DMF) work in India?

    • The DMF mandates mining licensees and leaseholders to contribute a portion of their royalty payments to the DMF. The ‘National DMF Portal’ has been introduced to enhance transparency and efficiency.
    • It aims to promote sustainable development and welfare for mining-affected communities.
    • A District Collector leads the DMF, ensuring that funds are allocated to areas with the greatest need.
      • Funds are used for decentralized, community-centric development projects in mining districts.
    • As of 2024, around 3 lakh projects have been sanctioned across 645 districts in 23 states. These initiatives focus on improving socio-economic and human development indicators.

    About Pradhan Mantri Khanij Kshetra Kalyan Yojana (PMKKKY):

    • Objective: Launched under the DMF, PMKKKY focuses on implementing developmental and welfare projects in mining-affected regions.
      • It aims to minimise the negative impacts of mining on local communities and ensure sustainable livelihoods.
    • Complementary Approach: PMKKKY works alongside existing state and central government schemes, reinforcing district development goals.
    • PMKKKY projects cover healthcare, education, skill development, sanitation, water supply, and sustainable livelihoods.
      • It has also empowered women through self-help groups and supported youth skill development initiatives like drone technology training.

    Significance and Scope of DMF in India:

    • Community Welfare: DMFs provide direct financial resources for the welfare of communities affected by mining activities, transforming mineral wealth into tangible social benefits.
    • Inclusive Development: DMFs empower local communities, with focus on social inclusivity by involving elected representatives and non-elected gram sabha members in governance structures.
    • Cooperative Federalism: DMFs are a model of cooperative federalism, converging national, state, and local governance to address mining impacts and foster regional development.
    • Innovation and Planning: Various DMFs innovate to maximise project impact, adopting three-year plans for goal-oriented development, establishing dedicated engineering departments, and employing Public Works Department personnel for efficient project execution.
    • Sustainability: DMFs aim to align with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), focusing on forest dwellers’ livelihoods, sports infrastructure, and health. They contribute to long-term environmental and socio-economic sustainability.

    Way Forward:

    • Standardisation and Best Practices: Establish uniform guidelines to standardise successful practices across DMFs while retaining local knowledge, ensuring efficient implementation of long-term, goal-oriented projects.
    • Enhanced Integration with National Schemes: Strengthen the integration of DMF activities with ongoing central and state schemes, particularly in aspirational districts, to amplify the socio-economic and environmental benefits in mining-affected regions.

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  • Climate Change Impact on India and World – International Reports, Key Observations, etc.

    Post-glacial ecosystems could help slow down climate change – Study

    Explained | Enviro & Biodiversity | Mains Paper 3: Conservation, Environmental Pollution & Degradation, Eia

    Note4Students

    From UPSC perspective, the following things are important:

    Prelims level: Glacier Retreat;

    Mains level: Climate Change; Impact of Glacier Retreat;

    Why in the News?

    The retreat of glaciers is one of the most visible indicators of climate change, but it also creates new ecosystems that could play a role in mitigating its effects, according to a global study titled ‘The Development of Terrestrial Ecosystems Emerging After Glacier Retreat’ published in “Nature”.

    How are Glaciers Formed?

    • Glaciers form when snowfall accumulates over time in a particular area where temperatures are consistently cold enough for snow to remain year-round.
    • Over the years, the weight of accumulating snow compresses the lower layers, turning them into firn (a dense snowpack). Further compression transforms firn into ice.
    • Once thick enough, glaciers begin to move under the force of gravity, flowing slowly like rivers of ice. The glacier’s movement is driven by the internal deformation of the ice and sliding at its base, leading to the formation of crevasses and other glacial features.

    What is Glacier Retreat?

    • Glacier retreat refers to the process where glaciers lose mass due to melting and insufficient snowfall to replenish their ice. This phenomenon is accelerated by climate change, leading to rising sea levels and altered water supplies. 
    • As global temperatures rise, glaciers shrink more rapidly, which impacts ecosystems and human communities that rely on glacial meltwater for drinking, agriculture, and hydropower.

    Key Highlights of the Recent Study

    The recent study titled “The Development of Terrestrial Ecosystems Emerging After Glacier Retreat,” published in Nature, presents several significant findings:

    • Ecosystem Development: The study indicates that while glacier retreat is a clear sign of climate change, it also leads to the emergence of new ecosystems that can mitigate climate change effects because of it can enhance carbon capture and storage through biogeochemical processes.
    • Microbial Colonization: Following glacier retreat, microorganisms such as bacteria and algae are the first to colonize the barren landscapes, which helps in soil formation.
      • Within a decade, hardy plants like lichens and grasses establish themselves, further enriching the soil and enabling more complex life forms to thrive.
    • Management Importance:  The study emphasizes that with appropriate strategies to manage it because, these areas can quickly develop, providing habitats for species threatened by climate change and contributing to biodiversity conservation.
    • Water Regulation: In regions like the Himalayas, post-glacial ecosystems are vital for regulating water availability, impacting rivers that support millions of people.
    • Potential for Discoveries: The biodiversity in these areas may lead to new agricultural and medicinal discoveries, highlighting the ecological benefits of protecting and studying these ecosystems

    Way forward: 

    • Ecosystem Management: Implement strategies for managing emerging post-glacial ecosystems to enhance their carbon capture potential and biodiversity conservation, supporting climate change mitigation efforts.
    • Research and Conservation: Prioritize research on these ecosystems, particularly in regions like the Himalayas, to safeguard water resources and explore potential agricultural and medicinal discoveries, benefiting both the environment and local economies.

    Mains PYQ:

    Q Bring out the relationship between the shrinking Himalayan glaciers and the symptoms of climate change in the Indian sub-continent. (UPSC IAS/2014)

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  • Road and Highway Safety – National Road Safety Policy, Good Samaritans, etc.

    The shock of crumbling infrastructure and the solution

    Explained | Economics | Mains Paper 3: Infrastructure: Energy, Ports, Roads, Airports, Railways Etc.

    Note4Students

    From UPSC perspective, the following things are important:

    Prelims level: PM Gati Shakti;

    Mains level: Challenges related to infrastructure;

    Why in the News?

    The recent collapse of under-construction bridges in Bihar highlights ongoing quality control challenges in India’s infrastructure sector, despite efforts like PM Gati Shakti and increased capital expenditure in 2024.

    Issues of Quality Control and Project Implementation in Infrastructure in India 

    • Quality Control Deficiencies: There are significant gaps in the quality control mechanisms for infrastructure projects. Many projects lack a robust system for monitoring and ensuring quality at every stage, from planning to execution. The absence of comprehensive quality assurance frameworks as evidenced by recent bridge collapses in Bihar.
    • Need for Modern Project Management Practices: Traditional project management practices are often outdated and ineffective in addressing the complexities of modern infrastructure projects.

    Internal Challenges in India’s Infrastructure Sector:

    • Project Delays and Cost Overruns: Infrastructure projects frequently experience delays and cost overruns, with a report indicating that 431 projects faced a total cost overrun of ₹4.82 lakh crore.  
    • Lack of Comprehensive Planning: Many infrastructure projects, especially in urban areas, suffer from poor planning and project management, with urban local bodies and local self-governments lacking the necessary capacity and expertise.
    • Multiple Clearances and Bureaucratic Delays: Industrial and commercial activities often require numerous clearances, leading to delays in project conception and commissioning.
    • Funding and Resource Misallocation: Delayed and poorly managed projects crowd out funding for other essential projects, burdening the government with extra expenditures and increasing procurement costs.

    Need to Integrate Modern Tools and Techniques: (Way forward)

    • Real-time Data Management: Traditional project management methods need an overhaul to incorporate modern tools like real-time data collection and analysis, which can help track progress and make timely interventions.
    • Global Best Practices in Project Management: The government must adopt international best practices, like the UK’s Infrastructure and Projects Authority model, which emphasizes efficient project delivery.
    • Program Management Approach: A holistic approach to managing multiple projects systematically, integrating resources, time, and information efficiently, as seen in successful projects like the Shendra-Bidkin industrial corridor.
    • GIS-Based Platforms: Initiatives like PM Gati Shakti demonstrate the integration of GIS-based platforms for real-time monitoring, enabling better coordination among various stakeholders to meet deadlines and enhance project quality.

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  • Judicial Reforms

    Public comments on the PM-CJI puja meet are based on a 1997 document on judicial values

    Explained | Ethics | Mains Paper 4: Ethics

    Note4Students

    From UPSC perspective, the following things are important:

    Mains level: Ethical standards for Judiciary;

    Why in the News?

    Concerns about Prime Minister Modi’s visit to CJI Chandrachud’s residence for the Ganapati puja stem from the 1997 ‘Restatement of Values of Judicial Life’ guidelines on judicial conduct.

    What does the ‘Restatement of values of judicial life’ state?  

    It is a 16-point code of conduct adopted by the Supreme Court of India in May 1997 to guide the ethical behaviour of judges of the Supreme Court and High Courts.

    • Impartiality and Credibility: The first tenet emphasizes that judges’ behaviour must reinforce public faith in the judiciary’s impartiality. Any actions that could undermine this perception should be avoided.
    • Aloofness: Judges are advised to maintain a degree of aloofness that is consistent with the dignity of their office, ensuring they do not engage in relationships that could compromise their neutrality.
    • Public Awareness: Judges must be conscious of their public image and avoid any conduct seen as unbecoming of their high office.
    • Political Neutrality: Judges should remain politically neutral and avoid public discussions on political matters or cases pending judicial determination.
    • Avoiding Conflicts of Interest: Judges must not allow family members of the Bar to appear before them, nor should they engage in speculative financial activities or accept gifts beyond those from close friends and family.
    • Public Trust: The document underscores the importance of maintaining public trust through ethical conduct and discourages close associations with advocates practising in the same court.

    Types of Integrity

    Integrity in the judicial context can be categorized into several types:

    • Personal Integrity: This relates to the character and ethical standards of individual judges, emphasizing honesty and adherence to moral principles.
    • Institutional Integrity: This refers to the judiciary as a whole, ensuring that the institution operates independently and maintains public confidence.
    • Procedural Integrity: This involves the adherence to legal processes and standards that uphold justice, ensuring that all actions taken by judges are fair and transparent.

    Significance of Maintaining Integrity and Public Confidence through Probity

    • Trust in the Judiciary: Upholding integrity is crucial for maintaining public confidence in the judiciary, as it reassures citizens that justice is administered fairly and without bias.
    • Separation of Powers: The judiciary’s integrity is essential for maintaining the constitutional balance between the judiciary and the executive. Any perceived compromise can lead to public skepticism about the independence of judicial decisions.
    • Ethical Standards: The Restatement serves as a guide for judges to navigate their professional responsibilities while adhering to ethical standards, which is vital for the credibility of the judicial system.
    • Public Perception: Actions that appear to blur the lines between the judiciary and executive can lead to gossip and speculation, undermining the institution’s integrity. Judges must be mindful of their public image to prevent any erosion of trust.

    Way forward: 

    • Strengthen Judicial Training: Implement continuous ethical training for judges, emphasizing the importance of maintaining impartiality, political neutrality, and avoiding conflicts of interest to uphold public confidence.
    • Establish Oversight Mechanisms: Create robust internal oversight frameworks to monitor and address potential breaches of judicial integrity, ensuring transparency and accountability in judicial conduct.

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  • Coastal Zones Management and Regulations

    Controversy over Mumbai’s salt pans

    Explained | Enviro & Biodiversity | Mains Paper 3: Conservation, Environmental Pollution & Degradation, Eia

    Note4Students

    From UPSC perspective, the following things are important:

    Prelims level: Salt Pan Lands;

    Mains level: Significance of Salt Pans;

    Why in the News?

    The Centre has recently approved transferring 256 acres of Mumbai’s salt pan land to DRPPL, a joint venture with Adani Realty, for constructing rental housing for slum residents.

    What are Salt Pan Lands?

    • Salt pan lands are low-lying areas where seawater is allowed to flow in and evaporate, leaving behind salt and other minerals.
    • These lands are part of an important ecological system that, along with mangroves, helps in flood control by absorbing excess water during heavy rainfall and high tides.

    Why are Mumbai’s Salt Pan Lands at Risk?

    • Development Pressures: Salt pans are valuable as undeveloped land in Mumbai, leading to proposals for various development projects, including affordable housing and infrastructure.
    • Government Plans: Recent approvals, such as the transfer of 256 acres of salt pan land for the Dharavi Redevelopment Project, have faced criticism due to concerns that such development will encroach on these ecologically sensitive areas.
    • Legal and Administrative Challenges: Past plans for using saltpan lands for development have been put on hold or altered due to legal and environmental challenges, including those concerning the Coastal Regulation Zone (CRZ) norms.

    Why do Salt Pans Matter?

    • Flood Prevention: Salt pans play a crucial role in preventing flooding in Mumbai’s eastern suburbs by acting as natural reservoirs for excess water during heavy rains and high tides.
      • During significant rainfall events, such as the July 2005 deluge, salt pans helped mitigate the impact of flooding, emphasizing their importance in urban flood management.
    • Environmental Protection: They support local biodiversity, including various species of birds and insects. Destroying or altering these lands could disrupt these ecosystems.
    • Climate Resilience: Salt pans contribute to the city’s climate resilience strategy, making their preservation crucial for managing future climate-related challenges.

    National Context:

    • Across India, approximately 60,000 acres are designated as salt pan lands, distributed among states like Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, and Maharashtra.
    • These lands are crucial for local ecosystems and flood management, highlighting the broader importance of preserving such areas from development pressures.

    Way Forward: 

    • Strengthen Environmental Regulations: Enhance the enforcement of Coastal Regulation Zone (CRZ) norms and other environmental regulations to safeguard salt pan lands.
    • Promote Sustainable Land Use Planning: Integrate salt pan lands into urban planning strategies as critical components of flood management and biodiversity conservation.

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  • Parliament – Sessions, Procedures, Motions, Committees etc

    What does the dissolution of SCoS entail?

    Explained | Governance | Mains Paper 2: Governance, Transparency & Accountability, Citizens Charters

    Note4Students

    From UPSC perspective, the following things are important:

    Prelims level: Standing Committee on Statistics (SCoS)

    Mains level: SCoS and Steering Committee;

    Why in the News?

    The Union Ministry dissolved the Standing Committee on Statistics (SCoS) headed by eminent economist and former chief statistician of the country Pronab Sen citing overlapping roles with the Steering Committee.

    Why was the SCoS dissolved?

    • Overlapping Responsibilities: The primary reason cited for the dissolution of the SCoS was that its functions overlapped with those of the newly formed Steering Committee for National Sample Surveys.
    • Concerns Raised by Members: Members of the SCoS had consistently questioned the delay in conducting the census, which has been a critical source of data for policymakers.
    • Lack of Communication: Dr. Pronab Sen, the chair of the SCoS, noted that members were not provided with a specific reason for the committee’s dissolution, which raised concerns about transparency in the decision-making process.

    What are the main roles of the new Steering Committee?

    • Advisory Role: The Steering Committee will advise the Ministry on survey methodologies, including aspects like sampling frames, design, and survey instruments, similar to the SCoS.
    • Finalizing Tabulation Plans: This will play a crucial role in finalizing the tabulation plans for various national sample surveys, ensuring that the data collected is organized and presented effectively.
    • Reviewing Methodologies: The committee will review subject results, methodologies, and questionnaires related to national sample surveys, maintaining the continuity of statistical rigor established by the SCoS.
    • Tenure and Composition: The Steering Committee consists of 17 members, including at least four members retained from the SCoS, and will serve a tenure of two years.

    How do the SCoS and the Steering Committee differ?

    • Composition: The Steering Committee has a higher number of official members compared to the SCoS, which includes several non-official members. This shift may influence the dynamics and perspectives within the committee.
    • Mandate Overlap: While both committees have similar mandates regarding survey methodologies and data collection, the Steering Committee is positioned to focus more on the operational aspects of national sample surveys, potentially leading to a more streamlined approach.
    • Response to Criticism: The formation of the Steering Committee appears to be a response to criticisms of the statistical system in India, aiming to address survey-related issues more effectively than the SCoS could.

    How does the SCoS’s dissolution impact statistical data quality?

    • Delay in Census Data: The dissolution of the SCoS amid ongoing delays in conducting the census raises concerns about the availability of reliable and updated data. The last census was conducted in 2011, and reliance on outdated data can negatively affect policy-making and the distribution of welfare benefits.
    • Quality of Administrative Data: Critics argue that administrative data, which the government has been relying on, may not accurately reflect the employment scenario, as it is often threshold-based and susceptible to manipulation. This could lead to a distorted view of the economic situation.
    • Need for Comprehensive Data: The census is crucial for providing comprehensive demographic, economic, and social data, which is essential for effective policy formulation. The absence of updated census data can hinder the government’s ability to address issues like employment, poverty, and social welfare effectively.

    Way forward: 

    • Reinstate Independent Oversight: Establish an independent statistical body with clear roles to ensure transparency, timely data collection, and oversight of key surveys like the census, addressing concerns of data reliability.
    • Modernize Data Collection: Leverage technology to streamline and accelerate the census and national surveys, ensuring that updated and accurate data is available for policy-making and welfare distribution.

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  • Financial Inclusion in India and Its Challenges

    Is it time for India to introduce a Universal Basic Income?

    Explained | Economics | Mains Paper 3: Indian Economy

    Note4Students

    From UPSC perspective, the following things are important:

    Mains level: Impact of automation on the Indian economy;

    Why in the News?

    The rise in jobless growth, driven by automation and AI, has led to growing inequality, prompting discussions on implementing Universal Basic Income (UBI) in many countries.

    What does the ILO say on Inflation and unemployment in India? 

    • The ILO reports that 83% of the unemployed population in India are youth, due to the rapidly changing economy influenced by automation and AI.
      • This trend has exacerbated income inequality, with a 1.6% drop in global labour income share between 2004 and 2024, significantly affecting developing nations like India.
    • The report indicates that persistent inflation and geopolitical tensions have led to aggressive monetary policies, which could further strain the labor market.
      • The ILO anticipates a slight increase in global unemployment in 2024, reflecting ongoing structural issues in labor markets.

    What will be its implications on Indian growth and development? 

    • Social Implications: Falling living standards and weak productivity due to automation could lead to greater inequality, undermining social justice efforts in India.
      • The ILO suggests that increasing unemployment and inflation could result in social unrest and political instability without effective social safety nets.
    • Political Implications: It makes it difficult for the decision making and governance due to the drop in global labour income, prompting India to increase budget allocations for welfare programs.
    • Economic Implications: The emphasis on generating employment in labor-intensive sectors is crucial. The government policies should prioritize job creation to counteract the effects of automation and ensure that growth benefits a broader segment of the population.

    What are the safety nets for India? 

    • Cash Transfer Schemes: Programs targeting farmers and women, as well as cash transfers for unemployed youth, represent existing safety nets that provide some level of income support.
    • Employment Guarantee Schemes: Initiatives like the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA) aim to provide employment and income security to rural households, although funding and implementation have faced challenges.
    • Universal Basic Social Safety Nets: Experts suggest that rather than a full UBI, India should focus on enhancing existing social safety nets to ensure they are more universal and effective in addressing the needs of the unemployed and underemployed populations.

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