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Type: Explained

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

    The Waqf Board Amendment Bill 2024

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

    Note4Students

    From UPSC perspective, the following things are important:

    Prelims level: Waqf Amendment Bill 2024; Waqf Act of 1995;

    Mains level: Waqf Amendment Bill 2024; Waqf Act of 1995;

    Why in the News?

    The government has introduced the Waqf Act Amendment Bill 2024, in order to improve administration and management of the Waqf properties.

    Aim: To address existing issues in the management and administration of Waqf properties, ensuring better transparency and efficiency.

    • It also seeks to improve the legal framework governing Waqf boards and their operations across India.

    Background:

    • The Waqf Board Amendment Bill 2024 proposes changes to the Waqf Act of 1995.
    • The Waqf Board Act, initially enacted in 1995, is a legal framework governing the administration of Waqf properties in India.
    • Waqf refers to the endowment of property for religious or charitable purposes, and the act outlines the structure, functions, and powers of Waqf boards responsible for managing these properties.
    • The Central Waqf Council is a statutory body that advises and oversees the functioning of state-level Waqf Boards in India, established under the Waqf Act.
    • Wakf board’s income is exempt from Income Tax but revenue generated from leasing of properties can be taxed under the service tax and GST laws.

     Features of the Proposed Bill:

    • Waqf Board will mandatorily have two Non-Muslim members.
    • District magistrates may be involved in overseeing waqf properties to ensure proper management. The survey is to be carried out by the district collector, not by Waqf.
    • Properties are to be registered through a Centralized Portal for better scrutiny. Properties already claimed by boards will undergo new verification processes to resolve disputes and prevent misuse.
    • Waqf will lose the right to decide whether any property is a Waqf Asset or not.

    Present Composition of Waqf Board
    Chairperson Leads the Board
    State government nominees Representatives appointed by the state. (The Waqf Board operates under the supervision of the state government as per the provision of the Wakf Act 1995).
    Legislators and parliamentarians State representatives from the Muslim community
    State Bar Council members Muslim Legal experts providing guidance
    Mutawalis Managers of waqf with an annual income of Rs 1 lakh and above
    Islamic scholars Religious experts contributing to decision-making

     

    Significance of the Waqf Board Amendment Bill 2024:

    The bill seeks to bring about significant administrative reforms and ensure more inclusive and efficient management of Waqf assets. Here are some of the significances of the Waqf Board Amendment Bill 2024:

    • Enhanced Transparency: The bill includes provisions to digitize records and create a centralized database. This will make it easier to track and manage Waqf properties, reducing the potential for fraud and mismanagement.
    • Improved Governance: Administrative reforms proposed in the bill by the government will lead to more professional and efficient management of Waqf properties. This could result in better utilization of these resources for charitable and religious purposes​.
    • Protection of Waqf Properties: The bill aims to protect Waqf properties by regulating leasing and preventing encroachments. Unauthorized use and exploitation of these properties will be prevented, ensuring they are used for their intended religious and charitable purposes.
    • Inclusion and Representation: Including Muslim women and non-Muslims in Waqf Boards is a step toward more inclusive governance, ensuring diverse perspectives in decision-making.
    • Efficient Dispute Resolution: The new dispute resolution mechanism will help in resolving conflicts related to Waqf properties more effectively, reducing the burden on regular courts and ensuring quicker justice​.

     

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  • Trade Sector Updates – Falling Exports, TIES, MEIS, Foreign Trade Policy, etc.

    Why was a Customs Duty hike imposed for Lab Chemicals?   

    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: Ethanol production in India,

    Mains level: Challenges to ethanol production,

    Why in the News?

    The Finance Ministry has reversed the proposed post-Budget customs duty hike on imported laboratory chemicals following an outcry from scientists.

    What are the different kinds of chemicals which are imported into the country?  

    • Inorganic Chemicals: This category includes substances like ammonia, phosphoric acid, and sulfuric acid, which are essential for various industrial applications.
    • Organic Chemicals: Key imports in this category are methanol, acetic acid, and phenol, which are used in the production of plastics, solvents, and pharmaceuticals.
    • Petrochemicals: Significant imports include polyethene, polypropylene, and styrene, which are crucial for manufacturing plastics and synthetic materials.
    • Speciality Chemicals: Chemicals such as ethyl vinyl acetate and maleic anhydride are imported for specific applications in industries like adhesives and coatings.
    • Agrochemicals: This includes various pesticides and herbicides, which are vital for agricultural productivity and crop protection.

    How important are these chemicals for scientific research?    

    • Foundation for Experimental Work: Laboratory chemicals are essential for conducting experiments in various scientific fields, enabling researchers to test hypotheses and validate results.
    • Facilitate Innovation: These chemicals allow for the development of new products and technologies, driving advancements in industries such as pharmaceuticals, biotechnology, and materials science.
    • Support Medical Diagnostics: Laboratory chemicals play a crucial role in medical testing and diagnostics, aiding in disease detection and treatment monitoring, which is vital for public health.

    What was the issue?

    • Steep Duty Increase: The hike in customs duty on laboratory chemicals alarmed the scientific community, with prices of essential chemicals projected to rise dramatically, such as a batch that typically costs ₹1,00,000 now estimated at ₹2,50,000.
    • Impact on Research: Researchers expressed concerns that the increased costs would hinder scientific research and experimentation, as many essential chemicals are imported and the hike could disrupt ongoing projects.

    Is Ethanol also imported into the country?

    • Import Volume: India imported approximately 635 million liters of ethanol in 2022, primarily for use as fuel and in industrial applications.
    • Types of Ethanol: There are two main types of ethanol relevant to India:
      • Denatured Ethanol: This type is mixed with additives to make it unfit for consumption and is primarily used in laboratories and industrial applications. India has reduced the import tariff on denatured ethanol to encourage its use in manufacturing.
      • Undenatured Ethanol: This type incurs a higher import tariff of 150% and is generally used for beverage production.
    • Domestic Production Challenges: Although India has a significant capacity for ethanol production, it often faces challenges such as insufficient molasses supply. The government has set ambitious goals for ethanol blending in gasoline, aiming for a 20% blend by 2025.

    How was the issue resolved?

    • The Finance Ministry clarified that all imported laboratory chemicals, except undenatured ethyl alcohol, will be taxed at the original 10% customs duty rate instead of the proposed 150% hike.
    • The customs department had initially hiked the duty to 150% to curb the import of undenatured ethyl alcohol that was being mis-declared as laboratory chemicals to avoid the higher 150% duty on undenatured ethanol.

    Way forward: 

    • Strengthen Local Production of Niche Chemicals: Need to invest in domestic manufacturing capabilities for niche and specialty chemicals to reduce dependency on imports, enhance self-sufficiency, and lower costs for research institutions.
    • Facilitate Smooth Import Processes: Govt. should streamline import regulations for essential laboratory chemicals, ensuring clear guidelines and minimal delays, while maintaining necessary checks to prevent misclassification and misuse.

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  • Renewable Energy – Wind, Tidal, Geothermal, etc.

    Powering India’s future  

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

    Note4Students

    From UPSC perspective, the following things are important:

    Prelims level: Clean energy

    Mains level: Govt. initiative related to clean energy

    Why in the News?

    In her seventh consecutive Budget address, the Finance Minister unveiled initiatives demonstrating India’s dedication to advancing its clean energy transition.

    Recent Observations

    • In a seventh consecutive Budget speech, the Finance Minister announced measures indicating India’s commitment to its clean energy transition, including developing policies on pumped hydro storage, energy transition pathways to support nuclear energy, and energy efficiency.
    • The memories of this summer’s record-breaking heatwaves, which drove up power demand, reflect both a growing economy and a warming climate.
    • India has achieved 3 key milestones in the last decade: 
      • Near-universal electrification through the Saubhagya scheme;
      • Five-fold increase in installed renewable energy capacity making India the fourth-largest country globally, and
      • 40% drop in aggregate losses of power distribution companies.
    • India’s annual electricity demand has been growing by 7-9% every year since the COVID-19 pandemic, with peak demand rising even faster. Climate change-induced weather extremes further exacerbate these challenges.
    • In 2023 alone, China added 300 GW of solar and wind capacity, while the European Union added 73 GW. As of March, India’s cumulative renewable capacity stood at 144 GW, with another 128 GW in the pipeline

    Investing in a cleaner, flexible, and resilient power grid will help our economy grow sustainably and create jobs in the clean energy sectors

    • Infrastructure Development: The government has allocated significant resources for infrastructure development, recognizing that a robust energy grid is crucial for economic growth.
    • Renewable Energy Capacity Goals: India aims to achieve 500 GW of renewable energy capacity by 2030. This goal is part of a broader strategy to increase the share of renewables in the energy mix, which currently stands at only 13%.
    • Job Creation: Investments in clean energy infrastructure are expected to create numerous jobs.
    • Diverse Clean Energy Resources: The Budget encourages the faster deployment of various clean energy resources, including solar and wind, to meet rising energy demands.
    • Energy Storage Solutions: The emphasis on developing pumped energy storage systems and battery storage solutions is crucial for addressing the intermittency of renewable energy sources, enhancing grid flexibility and reliability.
    • Taxonomy for Climate Finance: The introduction of a taxonomy to identify green activities aims to attract climate finance, facilitating investments in clean energy projects and supporting the transition to a sustainable energy economy.

    Way forward:

    • Accelerate Renewable Energy Deployment: Need to expedite the deployment of solar, wind, and other renewable energy projects to meet the 500 GW target by 2030.
    • Enhance Energy Storage and Grid Resilience: Need to develop robust energy storage solutions, such as pumped hydro and battery storage, to address renewable energy intermittency.

    Mains PYQ:

    Q Clean energy is the order of the day.’ Describe briefly India’s changing policy towards climate change in various international fora in the context of geopolitics. (2022)

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  • Women Safety Issues – Marital Rape, Domestic Violence, Swadhar, Nirbhaya Fund, etc.

    The issue of institutional violence, addressing it   

    Explained | Indian Society | Mains Paper 1: Role Of Women & Women Organization

    Note4Students

    From UPSC perspective, the following things are important:

    Prelims level: Gender-based laws

    Mains level: Weak implementation of gender-based law

    Why in the News?

    India’s election had 642 million voters, mostly women, but few candidates focused on women’s safety, failing to address the pervasive institutional violence that millions of survivors endure daily.

    Gender-based Violence: Prolonged and Institutional 

    • Judicial and Police Challenges: A significant barrier to justice is the perception among police officers that complaints of gender-based violence are often baseless as per the report published in 2019 by J-PAL, a global policy think tank.
      • Survivors frequently encounter a judicial process that is lengthy and traumatizing, which perpetuates a cycle of violence and silence.
    • Silence Among Survivors: Many women endure violence in silence due to societal stigma and fear of further victimization. 
      • National Crime Records Bureau reported 405,861 cases of crimes against women in 2021, including 32,033 cases of rape. However, these figures are believed to represent only a fraction of the actual incidents due to underreporting driven by societal stigma and fear of retaliation

    Problems in Rural India

    • Caste and Gender Dynamics: In rural areas, the dominance of male and upper-caste individuals in local governance (panchayats) creates additional barriers for women seeking justice.
      • The socio-cultural norms often discourage women from reporting violence, as divorce and legal recourse are rarely options available to them.
    • Access to Justice: The backlog of court cases (estimated at 40 million) disproportionately affects survivors from marginalized communities, making it even more difficult for them to seek redress.

    Strong laws: 

    • The Dowry Prohibition Act 1961: Made giving and receiving dowry a crime
    • The Criminal Law (Amendment) Act 2013: Introduced new offences like stalking, voyeurism, and acid attacks
    • The Protection of Women from Domestic Violence Act 2005: Defines domestic violence and provides legal recourse for survivors.

    Issue of Weak Implementation of Law: 

    • Ineffective Enforcement: Despite having strong laws, the enforcement is often inadequate. For example, there are approximately 40 million pending court cases in India, leading to significant delays in justice.
    • Corruption and Indifference: Corruption within law enforcement and the judiciary hampers the implementation of laws. Police officials may exhibit insensitivity towards marginalized communities, leading to a lack of trust in the system.
    • Administrative Fragmentation: The structure of local governance, particularly through panchayats, is often disempowered and fragmented. This limits their capacity to address local issues effectively, as they lack the necessary funds and authority to implement programs that meet community needs.
    • Lack of Coordination: Multiple departmental organizations operate separately, leading to a lack of coordinated action.
      • For instance, local officials may be unable to address pressing community issues due to rigid departmental mandates that do not align with the actual needs of the population.
    • Inadequate Resources and Training: Many implementing organizations suffer from inadequate staffing and lack of expertise.
      • For example, while there may be a sufficient number of government personnel, they often lack the necessary training and resources to execute their duties effectively.
    • Cultural and Societal Barriers: Societal attitudes and stigma surrounding issues like gender-based violence can lead to underreporting and a reluctance to seek help.

    Way forward: 

    • Enhance Law Enforcement Training: Need to implement comprehensive training programs for police and judicial personnel focused on gender sensitivity, trauma-informed responses, and the legal rights of survivors.
    • Empower Local Communities: Engage community leaders and organizations to create support networks for survivors of gender-based violence. This can include establishing helplines, counseling services, and safe spaces for women to seek help without fear of stigma or retaliation.

    Mains PYQ:

    Q Women empowerment in India needs gender budgeting. What are the requirements and status of gender budgeting in the Indian context? (2016)

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  • Liquor Policy of States

    On doorstep delivery of alcohol       

    Explained | Indian Society | Mains Paper 1: Salient features of Indian Society

    Note4Students

    From UPSC perspective, the following things are important:

    Prelims level: How much of India consumes liquor?

    Mains level: Impact of liquor consumption over society

    Why in the News?

    Delhi, Karnataka, Haryana, Punjab, Tamil Nadu, Goa, and Kerala are considering or have considered allowing doorstep delivery of alcohol through platforms such as Swiggy, BigBasket, and Zomato.

    Arguments in favour of Online Delivery of Alcohol:

    • Revenue Generation: Excise taxes on alcohol sales can help generate significant revenue for Central and State governments.
    • Reduce Drunk-Driving Incidents: Doorstep delivery can potentially reduce drunk-driving incidents and prevent road traffic crashes and injuries.
    • Access and Safety for Women:  Doorstep delivery may reduce on-premise violence against women and allow women to access alcohol without facing social stigma.

    Arguments against Online Delivery of Alcohol:

    • Economic Costs vs. Benefits: The costs due to alcohol use often exceed the economic benefits from alcohol sales.
    • Increased Consumption and Binge Drinking: The availability of alcohol on-demand can increase consumption, promote binge drinking, and lead to alcohol-related harms.
    • Public Health Concerns: Alcohol is associated with various health risks including cancers, mental illnesses, liver disease, and increased risk of inter-partner violence.

    Consumption of Liquor in India:

    • India is the sixth-largest alcohol market worldwide with $52 billion in revenue.
    • Per capita alcohol consumption has increased from 1.6 litres in 2003-2005 to 5.5 litres in 2016-2018.
    • According to a 2019 survey, there were about 16 crore alcohol users in India in 2018.
    • Of these, 5.7 crore frequently consumed alcohol leading to social or interpersonal problems, and 2.9 crore were dependent users requiring therapeutic intervention.

    Can such a system make it safer for women to access alcohol?

    • Doorstep delivery may help women access alcohol without dealing with social stigma.
    • There is some evidence that it could reduce on-premise violence against women, as seen in Kerala. However, domestic violence related to alcohol use is rampant, and the overall safety of women cannot be presumed.

    How should governments regulate liquor consumption? (Way forward)

    • Restrict Availability and Marketing: Implement policies to limit the availability and marketing of alcohol.
    • Higher Taxes: Increase taxes on alcohol to deter consumption and generate revenue.
    • Enforce Drunk-Driving Laws: Strengthen the enforcement of drunk-driving laws with stringent penalties.
    • Invest in Treatment Programs: Allocate funds for psychosocial treatments of alcohol-use disorders and mental health initiatives.
    • Monitor and Evaluate Impact: Governments should work with health departments to monitor and evaluate the impact of doorstep delivery on alcohol consumption and revise policies if necessary.
    • Uniform Policy Standards: Develop more uniform policy standards and ensure better implementation grounded in public health priorities over revenue generation.

    Mains question for practice:

    Q Analyze the trends in alcohol consumption in India over the past two decades. How has this trend impacted public health and social dynamics? 10M

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  • Industrial Sector Updates – Industrial Policy, Ease of Doing Business, etc.

    Balancing competition and sustainability for India

    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: About Business Responsibility and Sustainability Report (BRSR)

    Mains level: Key Features of the BRSR Framework

    Why in the News?

    • In 2023, the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) introduced an updated framework for corporate sustainability reporting.
    • The revised Business Responsibility and Sustainability Report (BRSR) framework mandates that companies assess and disclose the environmental impact of their entire value chain.

    Business Responsibility and Sustainability Report (BRSR) 

    • In 2021, the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) introduced the Business Responsibility and Sustainability Report (BRSR) framework, mandating that the top 1,000 listed companies in India disclose their performance on environmental, social, and governance (ESG) parameters.
    • This initiative aimed to enhance transparency and encourage responsible business practices, building on the earlier Business Responsibility Report (BRR) introduced in 2012.

    Key Features of the BRSR Framework

    • Expanded Reporting Requirements: The BRSR Core builds upon the initial Business Responsibility and Sustainability Report (BRSR) introduced in 2021, which mandated the top 1,000 listed companies in India to disclose their ESG performance.
    • Mandatory Assurance: Starting from FY 2023-24, the BRSR Core mandates that the top 150 companies obtain reasonable assurance on their ESG disclosures. This requirement aims to improve the credibility of the reported data and combat greenwashing, ensuring that companies provide reliable information about their sustainability practices.
    • Nine ESG Attributes: The framework is structured around nine critical ESG attributes, which include greenhouse gas emissions, water usage, energy consumption, and employee well-being.
    • Comply or Explain Principle: SEBI has adopted a “comply or explain” approach, allowing companies to either adhere to the specified reporting requirements or provide valid reasons for non-compliance.
    • Alignment with International Standards: The BRSR Core is aligned with several internationally recognized frameworks, such as the EU Taxonomy and the Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) standards.  
    • Focus on Value Chain: A significant aspect of the BRSR Core is its emphasis on assessing the ESG impacts of a company’s supply chain.

    For India, every economic sector must contribute to greener means of production 

    For India to achieve its sustainability goals and contribute effectively to greener means of production, every economic sector must play a vital role.

    Importance of Sectoral Contribution to Sustainability

    • Diverse Economic Sectors: The key sectors such as agriculture, construction, power, manufacturing, transport, and tourism are crucial for transitioning to a green economy. For example, electric transport and eco-tourism.
    • Government Initiatives: The Indian government is actively promoting green growth through investments in priority sectors, which include manufacturing, renewable energy, and electric mobility.  For example, An allocation of ₹19,700 crore for the production of green hydrogen.
    • Green Manufacturing: The manufacturing sector is a significant focus for greening efforts, with studies indicating that sustainable manufacturing practices can lead to substantial reductions in greenhouse gas emissions. For example, the (Zero Defect Zero Effect) ZED initiative aims to create a competitive, qualitative, and clean manufacturing ecosystem.
    • Renewable Energy Commitment: India has set ambitious targets for increasing its non-fossil energy capacity to 500 gigawatts by 2030.
    • Collaboration and Policy Frameworks: Initiatives like the Partnership for Action on Green Economy (PAGE) and various policy dialogues aim to facilitate collaboration among sectors to promote inclusive and sustainable economic growth.

    Way forward: 

    • Enhanced Accountability: Ensure stricter enforcement of the BRSR and BRSR Core frameworks, expanding the scope to cover more companies and sectors beyond the top 1,000 listed companies.
    • Capacity Building: Provide training and resources to companies, especially small and medium enterprises (SMEs), to improve their ESG reporting capabilities and integrate sustainability into their core operations.

    Mains question for practice:

    Q Discuss the significance of the Business Responsibility and Sustainability Report (BRSR) framework introduced by the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) in promoting sustainable business practices among Indian corporations. 15M

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

    Why did courts revisit bar on sub-quotas?     

    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:

    Mains level: Why did the Supreme Court Overrule a Five-Judge Decision of 2004 related to the subcategorisation of SC?

    Why in the News?

    A seven-judge Bench of the Supreme Court has ruled that States can subdivide Scheduled Castes (SC) into groups to allocate sub-quotas within the Dalit reservation.

    Will the Weaker Among Dalits Get Representation from Further Sub-Classification?

    • The Supreme Court’s ruling allows states to create sub-classifications within the SC category, which is expected to enable states to earmark sub-quotas for the most marginalized sections of Dalits.
    • This decision aims to ensure better representation for weaker groups within the SC community who have historically been underrepresented and have not benefitted adequately from existing reservations.
    • The ruling emphasizes that treating SC communities as a homogeneous group undermines the objective of reservations, as there are significant differences in advancement and discrimination among various SC communities.

    Why Did the Supreme Court Overrule a Five-Judge Decision of 2004?

    • The 2004 judgment in E.V. Chinnaiah vs. State of Andhra Pradesh held that SCs constitute a single homogeneous class and that any sub-classification was unconstitutional, as it violated Article 341, which empowers the President to notify the list of SCs.
    • The recent seven-judge Bench, led by Chief Justice D.Y. Chandrachud, found this ruling to be incorrect, stating that SC communities are not homogeneous and that there are inter se differences among them.
    • The majority opinion argued that the act of notifying a list of SCs does not create a uniform class, and sub-classification is permissible based on “intelligible differentia” and should have a rational nexus to the purpose of doing it.

    What are the views on Creamy layer exclusion?

    • The concept of the creamy layer, which excludes more advanced members of a community from benefiting from affirmative action, is currently applicable only to Other Backward Classes (OBCs) and has not been extended to Dalit communities.
    • Justice B.R. Gavai, in a separate opinion, emphasized the need to identify and exclude the more advanced among SCs from affirmative action benefits, arguing that treating all members equally disregards the principle of equality.
    • The opinions regarding creamy layer exclusion do not constitute a directive for the government to implement this concept for SCs, as the issue was not directly addressed in the current case.

    Do the Judges’ Opinions on this Constitute a Direction to the Government?

    • The judges’ opinions on sub-classification and creamy layer exclusion provide a legal framework for states to follow but do not serve as a direct mandate for the government to implement changes.
    • The ruling establishes that states have the authority to sub-classify SCs for the purpose of extending reservation benefits, but the specific implementation details and parameters for creamy layer exclusion remain open for further consideration and do not compel immediate action from the government.

    Way forward: 

    • Implementation Framework for Sub-Classification: The government should establish a comprehensive framework that outlines the criteria and process for sub-classification of SCs.
    • Addressing Creamy Layer Exclusion: The government should consider developing specific criteria for identifying the “creamy layer” within SCs, similar to the criteria used for OBCs.

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

    Underwater mapping reveals insights into melting of ice shelves    

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

    Note4Students

    From UPSC perspective, the following things are important:

    Prelims level: About the Dotson Ice Shelf (DIS) in the Amundsen Sea

    Mains level: Reasons behind ocean warming

    Why in the News?

    New research has documented previously unseen shapes at the base of a West Antarctic ice shelf.  

    Base of a West Antarctic Ice Shelf

    • Basal Melt Dynamics: The base of West Antarctic ice shelves, including the Dotson Ice Shelf, experiences basal melt driven by warm ocean water. This process leads to thinning and hollows out cavities beneath the ice, reducing structural support for the grounded ice above.
    • Autonomous Underwater Vehicle (AUV) Research: Recent research utilized an AUV equipped with multibeam sonar to explore the topography of the basal melt cavity beneath the Dotson Ice Shelf, revealing previously unquantified melt mechanisms and unique formations at the ice shelf’s base.
      • Warm salty water, which is transported through ocean currents, significantly contributes to the melting of ice shelves. This bottom-up melting is critical to understanding the dynamics of ice loss and its implications for global sea level rise.
      • The AUV discovered tear-shaped indents and other unique shapes at the base of the ice shelf, indicating diverse melting patterns influenced by the flow of warm water.

    About the Dotson Ice Shelf (DIS) in Amundsen Sea

    • Dotson Ice Shelf is part of the West Antarctic ice sheet and is located next to Thwaites Glacier in the Amundsen Sea.
    • Thwaites Glacier is considered to have a potentially large impact on future sea level rise due to its size and location.

    Reasons behind ocean warming

    • Greenhouse Gas Emissions: Since the Industrial Revolution, human activities such as burning fossil fuels have significantly increased greenhouse gas (GHG) concentrations in the atmosphere, including carbon dioxide, methane, and nitrous oxide. These gases trap heat, leading to global warming.
    • Heat Absorption: The oceans have absorbed more than 93% of the excess heat from greenhouse gas emissions since the 1970s. This resulted in an average increase in ocean temperature of about 1°F (0.6°C) over the past century.
    • Impact of El Niño: The El Niño weather pattern, characterized by the abnormal warming of surface waters in the equatorial Pacific Ocean, contributes to both ocean warming and rising global surface temperatures.

    International Efforts and Agreements

    • The United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) was signed by 166 countries in 1992, acknowledging humanity’s role in climate change.
    • The Paris Agreement, adopted in 2015, sets the international community the goal of limiting global warming to “well below” 2°C in this century.
    • The Green Climate Fund, established in 2010, aims to help developing countries adopt initiatives to combat climate change and deforestation

    Way forward: 

    • Enhanced Global Commitments: Nations need to reinforce their commitments under international agreements like the Paris Agreement. This includes setting more ambitious targets for reducing greenhouse gas emissions and adhering to these goals through stringent policies and regulations.
    • Funding and Technology Transfer: Developed countries should increase financial contributions to climate funds such as the Green Climate Fund to support mitigation and adaptation efforts in developing countries.

    Mains Question for practice: 

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

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  • Government Budgets

    What do Scientists make of the Budget?     

    Explained | Economics | Mains Paper 3: Government Budgeting

    Note4Students

    From UPSC perspective, the following things are important:

    Mains level: Concerns about the sidelining of basic research and stagnation in research funding

    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.

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  • Economic Indicators and Various Reports On It- GDP, FD, EODB, WIR etc

    An unstated shift in Modi’s economic direction             

    Explained | Economics | Mains Paper 3: Issues relating growth and development, employment

    Note4Students

    From UPSC perspective, the following things are important:

    Prelims level: About Employment Linked Incentives (ELI)

    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

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