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Type: Explained

  • Euthanasia Mercy Killing

    How to ensure dignity for the terminally ill?  

    Explained | Indian Society | Mains Paper 2: Health & Education

    Note4Students

    From UPSC perspective, the following things are important:

    Mains level: Need legal clarity of Patient Rights;

    Why in the News?

    The Supreme Court of India denied permission to the parents of Harish Rana, a 32-year-old man in a vegetative state for 11 years, to remove his Ryles tube which is a device used for feeding.

    • A Ryles tube, also known as a nasogastric (NG) tube, is a medical device used for various purposes related to nutrition and gastric management. It is inserted through the nose, passing through the nasal cavity, down the esophagus, and into the stomach.

    Recent Supreme Court Judgment:

    • The Bench headed by CJI D.Y. Chandrachud observed that the Ryles tube is not a life support system and therefore could not be withdrawn.
    • This decision has stirred legal and ethical debates, as the Supreme Court’s 2018 judgment permits the withdrawal of life support in terminal cases under the concept of “passive euthanasia.”
    • Passive euthanasia involves the withdrawal of medical treatment with the intention of hastening the death of a terminally ill patient. 
    • The Supreme Court initially legalized this practice in 2018, allowing patients to create a “living will” to refuse life-sustaining treatment when they are unable to communicate their wishes.

    Ethical Challenges:

    • Question of whether the decision benefits the patient: The judgment raises concerns about whether the decision benefits the patient, as prolonging life in such a condition may increase suffering.
    • Prolonged suffering: The principle of not causing harm is challenged since keeping the patient in a vegetative state with artificial feeding may lead to prolonged suffering for both the patient and their caregivers.
    • Against Right to Life and Death: The patient’s rights to a dignified life and death may be compromised which is addressed in various judgments like Common Cause v. Union of India (2018). This judgment recognised the right to die with dignity as part of the right to life under Article 21.
    • Autonomy: The patient’s right to choose, which is central to the concept of dignity, has been overlooked. The judgment did not consider the wishes of the patient or their family in determining the course of action.

    Need for Legal Clarity:

    • Distinguishing Euthanasia from Withdrawal of Life Support: There is a pressing need to legally clarify the difference between euthanasia and the withdrawal of futile life-sustaining interventions.  
    • Involvement of Medical and Ethical Experts: The decision-making process in such sensitive cases should involve palliative care physicians and ethical experts to ensure that medical and ethical considerations are fully addressed.
    • Advance Care Planning: Promoting Advance Medical Directives and Advance Care Planning is crucial to empower individuals to have control over their end-of-life decisions, ensuring that their rights to a good quality of life and death are respected.
    • Systemic Reforms: The judgment highlights the need for systemic reforms to avoid forcing families into legal battles and to ensure that patients’ rights are safeguarded with appropriate legal frameworks.

    Conclusion: The recent Supreme Court judgment highlights the urgent need for legal clarity, ethical considerations, and systemic reforms to protect patient rights and ensure dignity in end-of-life decisions.

    Mains question for practice:

    Q Discuss the need for legal clarity and systemic reforms to uphold the dignity and rights of patients in end-of-life decisions. (150 words) 10M

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  • Goods and Services Tax (GST)

     Time to reset the GST system   

    Explained | Economics | Mains Paper 3: Indian Economy

    Note4Students

    From UPSC perspective, the following things are important:

    Mains level: Taxation; Issues related to GST;

    Why in the News?

    Most states appear to be opposed to altering the current five primary GST rate slabs: 0%, 5%, 12%, 18%, and 28%.

    About Goods and Service Tax (GST):

    • The Goods and Services Tax (GST) in India was introduced by the Constitutional (One Hundred and First Amendment) Act of 2017. It is a unified tax system that replaced multiple indirect taxes levied by both the Central and State Governments.
    • Under GST, the Central (CGST) and state government (SGST) share the authority to levy and collect taxes on goods and services. In the case of Inter-state transactions, Integrated GST (IGST) is applicable.

    Essential Features of GST

    • Multiple Tax Levels: India’s GST system has multiple tax rates, with four primary tax rates (5%, 12%, 18%, and 28%). Additionally, there is a “zero rate” for certain essential goods and services (e.g. exports).
    • One Nation, One Tax: GST is based on the principles of value-added tax and applies to the supply of goods and services across the nation. It brings uniformity in the tax structure across India, eliminating the cascading effect of taxes.
    • Destination-Based Tax: This means that the revenue generated from GST is collected by the state where the goods or services are consumed, rather than where they are produced.
    • Eliminating Cascading Effect: Under the Indian GST system, businesses can claim input tax credit for the GST they paid on their purchases. This ensures that taxes are levied only on the value added at each stage of the supply chain.
    • Sector-specific Exemptions: Certain sectors, such as healthcare, education, and basic necessities like food grains, are either exempted from GST or have reduced tax rates to ensure affordability and accessibility.
    • Threshold Exemption: Small businesses with a turnover below a specified threshold (currently, it is 20 lakhs: supplier of both goods & services and 40 lakhs: for supplier of goods (Intra–State) in India) are exempt from GST.

    Present Challenges in GST Rates

    • Complexity and Confusion: The existence of multiple GST slabs creates confusion for businesses and consumers alike. Different rates for similar items lead to complications in compliance and classification, resulting in litigation and disputes.
      • For instance, the GST on cement is 28%, while essential items like milk are exempt, yet products derived from milk, such as skimmed milk powder, are taxed at 5%.
    • Anomalies in Taxation: There are notable inconsistencies in the application of GST rates. For example, the taxation of medical and life insurance premiums at 18% is seen as burdensome for individuals seeking financial protection against uncertainties.

    Need to simplify the current GST Slabs

    • Rationalization Proposal: There is a growing consensus among industry experts and some government officials that the GST structure should be simplified to a maximum of three slabs. 
      • This would not only streamline compliance but also reduce the administrative burden on businesses and the government alike.
    • Economic Stimulus: Simplifying GST rates could potentially stimulate economic activity by lowering indirect tax burdens, encouraging consumption, and ultimately leading to higher tax revenues.

    Why are states resisting?

    • Fear of Revenue Loss: Many states are apprehensive about the implications of changing the GST structure, fearing that it might lead to a decrease in their revenue streams.
    • Political Considerations: The political landscape also plays a role in the resistance to change. With upcoming elections and the need to maintain fiscal health, state governments may prioritize short-term revenue stability over long-term structural reforms.

    Way forward: 

    • Phased Implementation: Start by introducing pilot programs in select states or sectors to test the impact of GST simplification. This approach can help address specific concerns and refine the model before a nationwide rollout.
    • Revenue Protection Schemes: Develop robust mechanisms to compensate states for any potential revenue losses during the transition. This could involve a formula-based compensation fund or a temporary revenue guarantee.

    Mains PYQ: 

    Q Explain the rationale behind the Goods and Services Tax (Compensation to States) Act of 2017. How has COVID-19 impacted the GST compensation fund and created new federal tensions? (2020)

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  • Agricultural Sector and Marketing Reforms – eNAM, Model APMC Act, Eco Survey Reco, etc.

    The road to 2047 for Indian agriculture   

    Explained | Agriculture | Mains Paper 3: Agriculture and related issues

    Note4Students

    From UPSC perspective, the following things are important:

    Mains level: Challenges to Indian agriculture;

    Why in the News?

    India’s 100th independence anniversary in 2047 is approaching, and the goal to become ‘a developed nation’ has a significant focus.

    Goals of Indian Agriculture by Vision 2047:

    • Comprehensive Goal: India’s centennial year of independence requires a six-fold increase in per capita Gross National Income (GNI), emphasizing the need for comprehensive development, especially in agriculture.
    • Trade Goal: India’s agricultural and processed food exports have gone up to more than USD 50 billion in 2022-23.
      • The Vision 2047 aims to improve the availability of nutritious foods by enhancing the processing of fruits and vegetables, and augment the proportion of value-added products in India’s export portfolio.
    • Sustainable Goal: Transforming Indian agriculture will hinge on adopting sustainable practices such as precision farming, genetically modified crops, and advanced irrigation techniques (e.g., drip and sprinkler systems).

    Present starking Imbalance in the Indian Economy

    • Workforce vs. GDP Contribution: Despite agriculture engaging nearly 46% of the workforce, it contributes only about 18% to the GDP, revealing a significant imbalance.
    • Growth Disparity: While the overall GDP has grown at 6.1% annually since 1991-92, agricultural GDP has lagged at 3.3%. In the last decade (2013- 2023), overall GDP growth was 5.9%, with agriculture growing at 3.6%, which is insufficient for the sector’s socio-economic importance.
    • Future Projections: By 2047, agriculture’s share in GDP might shrink to 7%-8%, but it could still employ over 30% of the workforce, necessitating significant structural changes to avoid exacerbating the disparity.

    Government Initiatives:

    • For Water Management: The Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana (PMKSY) has promoted water-use efficiency through micro-irrigation, covering 78 lakh hectares with a ₹93,068 crore allocation for 2021-26.
    • For Risk Management: The Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY) offers financial assistance for crop losses, with 49.5 crore farmers enrolled and claims totalling over ₹1.45 lakh crore.
    • For Market Access: The Electronic National Agriculture Market (eNAM) integrates existing markets through an electronic platform, benefiting 1.76 million farmers and recording trade worth ₹2.88 lakh crore by September 2023.
    • For better Farmer Support: The Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi (PM-KISAN) scheme, disbursing ₹6,000 annually to farmers, has benefited over 11.8 crore farmers.
    • For enhanced Soil Health: The Soil Health Card (SHC) scheme aims to optimize soil nutrient use, enhancing productivity, with over 23 crore SHCs distributed.

    Need for Strategic Planning

    • Population Growth: India’s population is projected to reach 1.5 billion by 2030 and 1.59 billion by 2040, increasing the demand for food by approximately 2.85% annually.
    • Future Demand: By 2047-48, food grain demand is projected to range from 402 million tonnes to 437 million tonnes, requiring sustainable production exceeding demand by 10%-13% under the Business-As-Usual scenario.

    Way Forward: 

    • Investment in R&D: To meet future demands sustainably, significant investments in agricultural research, infrastructure, and policy support are necessary.
    • Budget Allocation: The Budget for 2024-25 includes ₹20 lakh crore for targeted agricultural credit and the launch of the Agriculture Accelerator Fund, highlighting a proactive approach to fostering agricultural innovation and growth.
    • Enhance Digital Infrastructure: Support and expand digital platforms like eNAM to improve market access, provide real-time data, and facilitate better price realization for farmers.

    Mains PYQ: 

    Q Give the vulnerability of inidan agriculture to vagaries of nature, discuss the need for crop insurance and bring out the salient features of the Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY). (2016)

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  • Minority Issues – SC, ST, Dalits, OBC, Reservations, etc.

    Building on favourable change in the 2024 Waqf Bill  

    Explained | Polity | Mains Paper 2: Indian Constitution – historical underpinnings, evolution, features, amendments, significant provisions and basic structure

    Note4Students

    From UPSC perspective, the following things are important:

    Prelims level: Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC); Waqf Board Act;

    Mains level: Role of Waqf Board;

    Why in the News?

    The Waqf Bill 2024, also known as the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, has been referred to a Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC) after allies of the Narendra Modi government expressed reluctance to pass it immediately, and opposition parties voiced criticism of the Bill.

    Concerns Acknowledged by the JPC

    1. Inclusion of Non-Muslims: The proposal to include non-Muslim members in state waqf boards has faced significant opposition. Critics argue that this undermines the religious autonomy of Muslim institutions, as similar provisions do not exist for Hindu temples or other religious bodies.
    2. Increased Authority of District Collectors: The Bill grants more powers to district collectors, allowing them to arbitrate disputes over waqf properties. This has raised concerns about potential government overreach and the effectiveness of local waqf boards in managing properties.
    3. Impact on Inheritance Rights: The proposed changes could affect the inheritance rights of heirs, particularly women, by allowing the creation of family waqfs that may not fully comply with Islamic inheritance laws. This raises questions about fairness and equity in the distribution of waqf assets.

    The rationale of the family waqt:

    • Family waqf is rooted in the Islamic principle that charity begins at home
    • The Quran encourages spending money on parents and relatives (2:215), and the Prophet Muhammad emphasised the importance of spending on one’s family as a highly rewarded act of charity.

     

    1. Potential for Misuse: There are fears that the amendments could lead to the misuse of waqf properties, exacerbating existing issues of encroachment and mismanagement, rather than effectively addressing them.

    Newly Proposed Section 3A(2)

    • Key Features: This section stipulates that a Muslim can create a family waqf only concerning one-third of their property if excluding heirs, and it prohibits the complete exclusion of female heirs. However, it allows for the possibility of token benefits being granted to female heirs, which could still result in unequal distributions.
    • Concerns: Critics argue that this provision may not sufficiently protect women’s rights under Islamic inheritance laws, as it could permit arrangements that do not provide equitable benefits to female heirs compared to their male counterparts.

    Implementation of Waqf Boards Worldwide

    • India: India has 30 waqf boards, each responsible for managing waqf properties within their respective states. These boards oversee approximately 900,000 properties, with a focus on ensuring that waqf assets are used for charitable purposes.
    • Middle Eastern Countries: In many Middle Eastern nations, waqf properties are often managed by government-appointed bodies, and the legal framework tends to be more integrated with Islamic law. For instance, in countries like Egypt and Turkey, waqf management is closely tied to state regulations, which can vary significantly from those in India.
    • Colonial impact: The evolution of waqf laws has been influenced by colonial histories, with some countries, such as Egypt and Tunisia, abolishing family waqfs altogether, while others, like Malaysia and Indonesia, have maintained them with varying degrees of regulation.

    Way forward:

    • Strengthen Waqf Governance: Ensure robust oversight and accountability of waqf boards by balancing state involvement with respect for religious autonomy. This includes safeguarding the inheritance rights of heirs, particularly women, and preventing government overreach while maintaining effective management of waqf properties.
    • Promote Inclusivity and Equity: Amend the Waqf Bill to address concerns about the inclusion of non-Muslims in waqf boards and ensure equitable distribution of waqf assets in line with Islamic inheritance laws.

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  • Foreign Policy Watch: India-China

     How South China Sea tensions pose a threat to international trade? 

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

    Note4Students

    From UPSC perspective, the following things are important:

    Prelims level: South China Sea;

    Mains level: Significance of South China Sea;

    Why in the News?

    Tensions between China and the Philippines have sharply escalated after a violent clash between their sailors in the South China Sea (SCS) last week. Currently, escalating tensions in the South China Sea are heightening global security concerns over this vital trade route.

    How Important is the South China Sea for World Trade?

    • About a third of global maritime trade passes through the 3.5 million square kilometre South China Sea annually, according to UNCTAD.
    • Around 40% of petroleum products traded globally are delivered via the South China Sea every year.
    • In 2016, an estimated $3.4 trillion to $3.6 trillion worth of goods and commodities travelled the seaway.
    • Tens of thousands of cargo vessels move through the South China Sea every year, carrying around 40% of China’s, one-third of India’s and 20% of Japan’s trade with the rest of the world.
    • The South China Sea is a vital crossroads for both intra-Asian trade as well as for commerce with the rest of the world, especially Europe, the Middle East and Africa.

    What makes the South China Sea such a Controversial Issue?

    • Beijing claims almost all of the South China Sea as its own, angering its neighbours who say China’s territorial ambitions cut into their exclusive economic zones.
    • China ignored a 2016 ruling by an international arbitration court that Beijing has no legal or historical basis for its expansive claims under international law.
    • The Chinese military has staged increasingly aggressive actions in the seaway recently, including clashes with Filipino ships, fueling fears of a full-scale conflict.
    • Vietnam and the Philippines have filed claims with the UN for extended continental shelves in the South China Sea.
    • Concerns that Beijing may use military force to bring Taiwan under its control have further raised tensions in the region.

    Why is the South China Sea Contested?

    • Availability of Natural gas and oil: The South China Sea is estimated to hold about 5.38 trillion cubic meters of proven and probable natural gas and 11 billion barrels of oil reserves.
    • Rare earth elements: The disputed waters also contain large deposits of rare-earth minerals crucial to China’s technological ambitions, including electric vehicle batteries and advanced electronics.
      • Some estimates suggest the Pacific Ocean contains a thousand times more rare-earth minerals than the currently known land reserves, more than half of which are controlled by China.

    Biggest Chokepoint in the South China Sea

    • The Malacca Strait, which lies between Malaysia, Indonesia and Singapore, is considered the biggest chokepoint in the South China Sea.
    • Last year, 23.7 million barrels of oil and petroleum products were moved through the strait per day, 13% higher than through the Strait of Hormuz.
    • The Malacca Strait is just 64 kilometers wide at its narrowest point and is already vulnerable to congestion and collisions.
    • Experts predict that if China invades Taiwan, the U.S. and its allies could blockade the Malacca Strait, limiting China’s access to oil and exports

    What should India do? (Way forward)

    • Enhance Strategic Partnerships: India should strengthen its maritime collaborations with key regional players like ASEAN nations, Japan, and Australia while deepening its involvement in forums such as the Quad to promote a rules-based order in the Indo-Pacific and ensure freedom of navigation in the South China Sea.
    • Bolster Naval Capabilities: India should continue to modernize and expand its naval presence in the Indo-Pacific, focusing on securing critical sea lanes and chokepoints like the Malacca Strait to safeguard its trade routes and energy supplies in the event of escalating tensions.

    Mains PYQ:

    Q South China Sea has assumed great geopolitical significance in the present context. Comment.(2016)

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  • Foreign Policy Watch: United Nations

    Dealing with Death at Work    

    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: Safety Law and Guidelines; Importance of Safety Audits;

    Why in the News?

    On August 21, 2024, a deadly explosion at the Escientia plant in Atchutapuram SEZ killed 17 workers and injured over 50, triggered by a solvent leak involving MTBE. The incident, part of a troubling safety trend, has prompted a government inquiry and calls for stricter safety regulations, particularly due to the exemption from regular inspections for SEZ units.

    • Previous Incidents: This accident is part of a troubling pattern, as it follows another major explosion in the same SEZ last year, and recalls a deadly styrene vapour leak incident in 2020 that killed 12 people.
    • Government Response: The Andhra Pradesh government has ordered a high-level inquiry into the incident. Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu has expressed condolences and promised support for the victims’ families.

    Importance of Safety Audits

    • Preventing Future Accidents: Regular safety audits can help identify potential hazards and ensure compliance with safety regulations, reducing the risk of catastrophic incidents.
    • Accountability: Audits enforce accountability among management to adhere to safety standards, promoting a culture of safety within organizations.
    • Regulatory Compliance: Conducting safety audits helps organizations ensure compliance with local, state, and national safety regulations.
    • Public Trust: Enhancing safety measures and transparency can restore public confidence in industrial operations, particularly in regions prone to industrial accidents.

    Safety Law and Guidelines:

    • Factories Act, 1948: Governs worker safety in factories, mandating safety audits and safety officer appointments. Requires safety committees with management and employee reps to address hazards.
    • IS 14489:1998: Provides guidelines for occupational safety and health audits, focusing on compliance, deviations, and safety management effectiveness across sectors.
    • Occupational Safety, Health and Working Conditions Code, 2020: Consolidates labor laws, mandates regular safety audits for hazardous processes, and grants inspectors authority to enforce compliance.
    • CIMAH Rules: Require industries with hazardous processes to prepare safety reports and conduct regular audits to prevent major accidents, enforced by state safety authorities.
    • Integrated Guidance Framework for Chemicals Safety: Offers guidance for safety audits in handling hazardous chemicals, emphasizing compliance with MSIHC Rules and robust audit practices.

    Note:

    IS 14489:1998 is an Indian Standard titled “Code of Practice on Occupational Safety and Health Audit.” It provides comprehensive guidelines for conducting occupational safety and health audits in various workplaces.

    Way forward: 

    • Implement Regular Safety Audits: Enforce routine safety audits for all industrial units, including SEZs, to identify hazards and ensure compliance with safety standards, thus preventing future incidents and promoting a culture of safety.
    • Strengthen Regulatory Oversight: Close regulatory gaps by applying safety standards uniformly across all sectors, including exempted units, and enhance transparency and accountability in safety practices to restore public trust.

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  • Civil Services Reforms

    Centre directs UPSC to withdraw ad for lateral entry into bureaucracy: Why has the policy been criticized?

    Explained | Polity | Mains Paper 2: Civil Service

    Note4Students

    From UPSC perspective, the following things are important:

    Prelims level: What is ‘Lateral Entry’ into the Bureaucracy?

    Mains level: Logic behind introducing Lateral Entries;

    Why in the News?

    The Central government asked the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) on Tuesday, August 20, to cancel an advertisement from three days earlier that called for applications to fill senior government positions through lateral recruitment.

    What is ‘Lateral Entry’ into the Bureaucracy?

    • Definition: Lateral entry refers to the recruitment of personnel from outside the traditional civil services into senior and middle-level positions in the central government. These entrants come from various backgrounds, including state/UT governments, public sector undertakings (PSUs), statutory organizations, research institutes, universities, and the private sector.
    • Objective: The idea is to bring in individuals with domain expertise and specialized knowledge to enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of governance. These individuals are usually appointed on contracts of three years, which can be extended to a total of five years.

    What are the Positions Open for Lateral Entry?

    • Positions Advertised: Lateral entry initially focused on Joint Secretary-level positions, which are high-ranking roles within a Department. Over time, positions for Director and Deputy Secretary levels were also opened.
    • Roles and Responsibilities:
      • Joint Secretary: Third-highest rank in a Department, responsible for decision-making and administrative head of a wing within the Department.
      • Director/Deputy Secretary: Middle-level officials, performing roles similar to Joint Secretaries in most ministries.

    What was the Union Government’s Logic Behind Introducing Lateral Entries?

    • Rationale: The government introduced lateral recruitment to bring in fresh talent and specialized skills that may not be available within the traditional civil services.
    • NITI Aayog’s Recommendation: The policy was recommended in 2017 by NITI Aayog in its three-year Action Agenda and by the Sectoral Group of Secretaries (SGoS) on Governance.

    How Many People Have Been Appointed via Lateral Recruitment So Far?

    • First Round (2018): The first round attracted 6,077 applications for Joint Secretary-level positions. Nine individuals were eventually selected and appointed in 2019.
    • Subsequent Rounds: Additional rounds of recruitment occurred in 2021 and May 2023. As of August 2024, a total of 63 appointments have been made through lateral entry, with 57 lateral entrants currently holding positions in various Ministries/Departments.

    What is the Criticism of Lateral Entry Recruitment?

    • Lack of Reservations: A significant criticism of lateral recruitment is the absence of quotas for Scheduled Castes (SC), Scheduled Tribes (ST), and Other Backward Classes (OBC).
    • Promotion Concerns: Critics like Mayawati have pointed out that lateral entry deprives lower-level employees in the civil services of promotion opportunities, which would otherwise be available through a merit-based system.

    Way forward: 

    • Incorporate Inclusive Quota Provisions: To address the criticism regarding the absence of reservations, the government could consider introducing a reservation policy for Scheduled Castes (SC), Scheduled Tribes (ST), and Other Backward Classes (OBC) in lateral entry recruitment.
    • Establish a Transparent and Merit-Based Selection Process: To ensure the credibility and effectiveness of lateral recruitment, the government should enhance transparency in the selection process. This could involve clearly defined eligibility criteria, objective assessment methods, and regular monitoring of the performance of lateral entrants.

    Mains PYQ:

    Q Has the Cadre-based Civil Services Organization been the cause of slow in India? Critically examine. (UPSC IAS/2014)

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  • Foreign Policy Watch: India-SAARC Nations

    India-Malaysia Comprehensive Strategic Partnership

    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: Importance of Malaysia for India;

    Why in the News?

    India and Malaysia have elevated their relationship to a ‘Comprehensive Strategic Partnership’ following talks between Prime Ministers Modi and Ibrahim, aiming to overcome past tensions.

    What is a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership (CSP)?

    • The Comprehensive Strategic Partnership (CSP) represents a deepened level of engagement between two nations, encompassing a broad spectrum of areas such as political, economic, cultural, and security cooperation.
    • This partnership reflects a commitment to working closely across these domains to achieve mutual goals.

    Upgradation of ties between India and Malaysia:

    • The recent upgrade includes agreements and MoUs in workers’ mobility, digital technology, culture, tourism, sports, and education.
    • India has also agreed to support Malaysia’s bid to join the BRICS grouping, which the Malaysian Prime Minister has been advocating for.
    • The leaders discussed new areas of cooperation, including semiconductors, fintech, defence industry, artificial intelligence (AI), and quantum technologies.
    • A special allocation of 200,000 metric tonnes of white rice was granted by India to Malaysia in response to Malaysia’s request, reflecting India’s role in Malaysia’s food security.

    Bilateral Friction between India and Malaysia:

    • Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA): During the Kuala Lumpur Summit in December 2019, Malaysian PM Mahathir Mohamad criticized India’s CAA, which provides a pathway to citizenship for non-Muslim refugees from Afghanistan, Bangladesh, and Pakistan.
    • Reorganisation of Jammu and Kashmir: Mahathir Mohamad also voiced strong criticism regarding India’s reorganization of Jammu and Kashmir, particularly after the revocation of its special status in August 2019.
    • Extradition of Zakir Naik: India’s repeated requests for the extradition of Zakir Naik, wanted on charges of hate speech and money laundering, have been denied by Malaysia, citing insufficient evidence.
    • COVID-19 Pandemic: During the pandemic, hundreds of Malaysians were detained in India due to the lockdown, further adding to tensions.

    Way forward: 

    • Enhance Diplomatic Engagement: Continue regular high-level dialogues to resolve sensitive issues and foster mutual trust, focusing on joint working groups for contentious matters like extradition and human rights.
    • Expand Strategic and Economic Collaboration: Prioritize joint ventures and research in emerging sectors such as fintech, AI, and quantum technologies to strengthen economic ties and minimize political friction.

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  • Labour, Jobs and Employment – Harmonization of labour laws, gender gap, unemployment, etc.

    A ground plan for sustainable mass employment 

    Explained | Economics | Mains Paper 3: Indian Economy

    Note4Students

    From UPSC perspective, the following things are important:

    Mains level: Challenges due to Low wages and short-term skill programs;

    Why in the News?

    The ambitious ₹2 lakh crore employment package aims to create 4.1 crore jobs, but evidence shows low wages and short-term skill programs hinder long-term sustainability.

    Low wages and short-term skill programs hinder long-term sustainability:

    • Low Wages Lead to Economic Insecurity: Low wages create economic insecurity for workers, making it difficult for them to meet basic needs. For instance, in the garment industry, there is a 48.5% gap between minimum wages and living wages in major garment-producing countries.
    • Short-Term Skill Programs Fail to Enhance Employability: Many short-term skill programs do not provide the depth of training needed for long-term employability. In India, for example, 75% of technical graduates and 90% of other graduates are considered unemployable, primarily due to a lack of practical skills and experience that employers seek.
    • Stagnation of Workforce Productivity: When workers are paid low wages, there is little incentive for them to enhance their skills or productivity. This stagnation is detrimental to both individual career growth and overall economic development.
    • Lack of Investment in Long-Term Skill Development: Low wages often correlate with limited investment in employee training and development.This is evident in the fact that only 15% of those trained under the Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana (PMKVY) found jobs, indicating that short-term training initiatives are not effectively translating into sustainable employment outcomes.
    • Perpetuation of Poverty and Inequality: The combination of low wages and inadequate skill development contributes to the perpetuation of poverty and inequality. With 42% of the global workforce in vulnerable employment.

    12-point policy initiatives for sustainable mass employment:

    • Identify the skill need: Begin from below through decentralized community action to identify skilling needs. Create a register of those wanting employment/self-employment and a plan for every youth in partnership with professionals at the cluster level.
    • Initiative at the local level: Converge initiatives for education, health, skills, nutrition, livelihoods, and employment at the local government level with women’s collectives to ensure community accountability and effective outcomes.
    • Vocational programmes: Introduce need-based vocational courses/certificate programmes alongside undergraduate programmes in every college to improve employability.
    • Healthcare at international benchmark: Standardize nursing and allied health-care professional courses according to international benchmarks to meet the demand for skilled professionals.
    • Women security: Create community cadres of caregivers to run crèches universally so that women can work without fear.
    • Invest in skill development: Invest in ITIs, and polytechnics as hubs in skill development for feeder schools with a focus on States/districts with the least institutional structure for vocational education.
    • Startup skills in high school: Introduce enterprise and start-up skills through professionals in high schools to impart finishing skills to students.
    • Apprenticeship program in Industry: Have a co-sharing model of apprenticeships (combine practical training in a job with study) with the industry on scale to ensure the industry has a stake in the apprenticeship program.
    • Absorption of youth at the workplace: Apprenticeships on the scale can facilitate the absorption of youth in the workplace, with the government’s condition for employer subsidies being wages of dignity on successful completion of the apprenticeship.
    • Capital oan for women: Streamline working capital loans for women-led enterprises/first-generation enterprises to enable them to go to scale.
    • Skill accreditation programme: Start a universal skill accreditation programme for skill-providing institutions, with candidates co-sponsored by the state and employers.
    • Majority of fund in water scares block: Use 70% funds under MGNREGA in 2,500 water-scarce blocks and blocks with high deprivation, with a thrust on the poorest 20 families and a focus on skills for higher productivity.

    Way forward: 

    • Strengthen Industry-Academia Linkages: Enhance collaboration between educational institutions, industry, and vocational training centers to align curricula with industry needs, ensuring employability through internships, apprenticeships, and job placements.
    • Focus on Inclusive Skill Development: Prioritize investment in underdeveloped regions and marginalized groups by expanding access to quality education, vocational training, and entrepreneurship opportunities, especially for women and youth, to bridge the skill gap and promote economic inclusion.

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  • Innovations in Biotechnology and Medical Sciences

    Can blood tests for cancer save more lives? 

    Explained | Science Tech | Mains Paper 3: Awareness in various sc and tech fields

    Note4Students

    From UPSC perspective, the following things are important:

    Prelims level: Status of Cancer in India;

    Mains level: Limitation of Multi-Cancer Early Detection (MCED) Test;

    Why in the News?

    A multi-cancer early detection test can identify circulating tumour DNA or circulating tumour cells at an early stage, allowing for more effective treatment.

    Status of Cancer:

    • Cancer’s Impact in India: Cancer accounts for 18% of deaths from noncommunicable diseases in India, making it the second leading cause of mortality. In 2022, there were approximately 1.46 million new cancer cases, with projections indicating a 12% increase by 2025.
    • Common Cancers as per GLOBOCAN: Among women, the most prevalent cancers are breast, cervical, ovarian, and colorectal.
      • For men, lung, esophageal, colorectal, and stomach cancers are the most common.
    • Survival Rates and Detection: Late detection of cancer significantly reduces survival rates and increases treatment costs. In contrast, early detection through screening improves treatment outcomes and quality of life. 
      • Countries are aligning with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals 3 to enhance early cancer detection.
    • Limited screening: As per NHFS, screening is limited in India which is primarily to cervical, breast, and oral cancers, with only 0.2-2% of the population having undergone any form of screening.

    What is a Multi-Cancer Early Detection (MCED) Test?

    • A multi-cancer early detection (MCED) test is a new type of blood test that can screen for multiple types of cancer simultaneously. These tests look for cancer signals, such as circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) and circulating tumor cells (CTCs), released by cancerous cells into the bloodstream at early stages.

    Role of Blood-based tests in the detection of cancer:

    • Early Detection of Multiple Cancer Types: Blood tests, particularly multi-cancer early detection (MCED) tests, can identify cancer signals from over 50 different types of cancer, including those that currently lack effective screening methods.
      • For example, a recent study demonstrated that a new blood test could detect 93% of stage 1 cancers in men and 84% in women by analyzing protein biomarkers.
    • Non-Invasive and Accessible Screening: Blood tests are non-invasive and can be performed with a simple blood draw, making them more accessible compared to traditional screening methods like colonoscopies or imaging tests. This ease of use encourages more individuals to participate in screening.

    Limitation of blood test in the detection of Cancer:

    • Lack of Proven Mortality Benefit: It is still unclear whether detecting cancers earlier with MCED tests will actually reduce cancer deaths. More research is needed to determine if earlier treatment based on MCED results improves outcomes compared to waiting for symptoms to develop.
    • Regulatory Challenges: MCED tests are not yet approved by regulatory bodies like the U.S. FDA or India’s CDSCO because of not undergone rigorous premarket review to prove they benefit patients.
    • False Positives: One significant risk is false positive results, where the test indicates cancer when none is present. When multiple tests are used for screening, the false positive rate can be as high as 50%.

    Way forward:

    • Strengthening Screening Infrastructure and Research: India should invest in expanding its cancer screening infrastructure, ensuring that more types of cancer are included beyond cervical, breast, and oral cancers.
    • Public Awareness and Regulatory Preparedness: Increasing public awareness about the importance of early cancer detection is crucial. At the same time, regulatory bodies like CDSCO should establish clear guidelines and frameworks for the evaluation, approval, and monitoring of MCED tests.

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