Disasters and Disaster Management – Sendai Framework, Floods, Cyclones, etc.

Floods and a ‘preventive measure’ that needs review

Note4Students

From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :

Prelims level: Cyclone Michuang

Mains level: decision-making during a crisis

Floods and a 'preventive measure' that needs review - The Hindu

Central idea 

Dr. Mani Sivasubramanian emphasizes the long-lasting impact of decisions made after Cyclone Michuang in Chennai, particularly regarding electricity cutoffs. The central idea revolves around the need for accountability in decision-making during crises, highlighting the delicate balance between safety measures and potential hazards for vulnerable populations, such as the elderly. The way forward involves a hierarchical approach, periodic reviews, and fixing responsibility for sub-optimal decisions.

Key Highlights:

  • Dr. Mani Sivasubramanian, a heart surgeon, author, and social entrepreneur, discusses the long-lasting impact of decisions made after Cyclone Michuang in Chennai.
  • Emphasizes the importance of accountability for decisions with visible and hidden consequences.
  • Raises concerns about the practice of prolonged electricity cutoffs after a natural disaster, especially for vulnerable populations like the elderly.

Key Challenges:

  • Balancing the need for safety measures, such as electricity cutoffs during cyclones, with potential hazards like accidents and security concerns.
  • The complexity of decision-making during a crisis, requiring a dynamic and evolving approach.
  • Striking a balance between conservative choices and potential complications due to inaction.

monsoon, monsoons, floods, flood evacuation, WHO, WHO India, World Health  Organization, COVID-19, flood precautions, COVID appropriate behaviours

Key Terms:

  • Decision accountability
  • Electricity cutoff
  • Vulnerable populations
  • Dynamic balance
  • Cataclysmic disaster
  • Intellectual and analytical judgment

Key Phrases for good marks in mains:

  • “Consequences of choices should be accounted for.”
  • “Power disruption poses significant hazards, especially for the elderly.”
  • “Decision-making in a crisis is an extreme test of judgment and personal strength.”
  • “Potential cost of mistakes looms large in a decision-maker’s mind.”

Key Quotes:

  • “There is no objectively ‘safe’ choice; it is a constantly evolving, dynamic balance.”
  • “A bureaucrat should justify and document decisions in real-time for review.”
  • “Complex decision-making should not become a contest of cheap populism.”

Key Statements:

  • Decision-makers should justify and document choices in real-time.
  • Accountability is crucial, especially when decisions impact millions.
  • Calls for a hierarchy-based approach in decision-making during crises.

Key Examples and References:

  • Mentions the 2015 floods in Chennai as a reference to the consequences of decision-making during natural disasters.

Key Facts:

  • In 2021, Tamil Nadu had 13.8 crore people over the age of 60 years.
  • Chennai metropolitan area’s population is estimated to be over 12 million.

Key Data:

  • 500,000 people in Chennai are above 60 years old, and over 50,000 are aged 80 or above.

Critical Analysis:

  • Acknowledges the complexity of decision-making during a natural disaster.
  • Emphasizes the need for a balance between safety measures and potential hazards.
  • Advocates for accountability and periodic reviews of decisions.

Way Forward:

  • Suggests a hierarchy-based approach with scaled levels of responsibility.
  • Proposes involvement of more than one person in major decision-making.
  • Calls for periodic reviews by an oversight team to challenge and reverse questionable choices.
  • Highlights the importance of fixing responsibility for sub-optimal decisions.

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Indian Ocean Power Competition

Arun Prakash writes: Indian Navy in a threatening Red Sea

Note4Students

From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :

Prelims level: Bab al Mandab Strait

Greece to join US-led coalition to protect Red Sea shipping from Houthis | Houthis News | Al Jazeera

Central idea 

The central idea focuses on the Houthi threat to Red Sea shipping, emphasizing the importance of navies and diplomatic efforts to maintain stability in the Indian Ocean. Historical trade warfare context and the need to address challenges like drone warfare underscore the urgency in safeguarding international trade routes. India’s proactive role and diplomatic leverage play a crucial role in ensuring regional stability.

Key Highlights:

  • Houthi rebels, post the October 7 Hamas attack on Israel, pose a threat to Red Sea merchant-shipping traffic.
  • Alfred Mahan’s emphasis on navies as a means to protect foreign trade and commerce for national prosperity.
  • Indian Ocean’s vital role in global economy with 1,00,000 annual merchantmen, carrying 80% of the world’s oil.
  • Indian Navy’s proactive role as a “preferred security partner” in maintaining good order at sea.

Key Challenges:

  • Rising threat to Red Sea shipping by Houthi rebels affecting global trade.
  • Historical instances of trade warfare impacting security and prosperity.
  • Critical choke points in the Indian Ocean vulnerable to interdiction by states, pirates, and terrorists.

Key Terms and Phrases:

  • Choke points: Narrow passages in the Indian Ocean constricting shipping traffic.
  • Tanker war: Strategy targeting merchant ships to impact trade, as seen in the Iran-Iraq conflict.
  • Flag state: State in which a ship is registered, exercising exclusive jurisdiction over vessels.

For Djibouti, It's All About Location

Key Quotes:

  • “The necessity of a navy… springs from the existence of peaceful shipping…”
  • “The Indian Navy’s self-assigned role of ‘preferred security partner’ in the region.”

Anecdotes:

  • Eight-year-long Iran-Iraq conflict saw a “tanker war” impacting merchant ships in the Persian Gulf.
  • Houthi rebels launching attacks on US Navy units and merchant shipping in the Bab al Mandab Strait.

Key Statements:

  • Indian Navy’s commendable alacrity in responding to emergent situations in the Red Sea.
  • US launching operation “Prosperity Guardian” to safeguard Red Sea shipping.

Key Examples and References:

  • Germany targeting Allied merchant shipping in 20th-century global conflicts.
  • Houthi attacks in the Bab al Mandab Strait affecting merchant ships seeking safe passage.

Critical Analysis:

  • Importance of maintaining good order at sea for India’s own interest and international commitment.
  • Challenges posed by ongoing Yemeni civil war affecting shipping in the Red Sea.
  • Complexity of the conflict involving Saudi Arabia-Iran proxy clash and multilateral dimensions.

Way Forward:

  • India leveraging its good standing with Iran and Israel to urge moderation and restraint.
  • Addressing the challenges posed by drone warfare and evolving effective counter-measures.
  • Ensuring diplomatic efforts to prevent the west Asian conflagration from spreading to the Indian Ocean.

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Human Rights Issues

Dream destination, nightmarish journey

Note4Students

From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :

Prelims level: na

Mains level: desperate and perilous journeys of Indian migrants seeking illegal routes to the U.S. and Canada

Donkey routes: En route Europe, how Indians visit several countries to  create 'travel history' | Explained News - The Indian Express

 

Central idea 

The grounding of a chartered plane in France reveals the desperate and perilous journeys of Indian migrants seeking illegal routes to the U.S. and Canada. It emphasizes the role of agents, tragic incidents, and the necessity for international collaboration to address the root causes and dismantle illegal immigration networks, highlighting the human cost of such endeavors.

Key Highlights:

  • A chartered plane from the UAE to Nicaragua, carrying 303 Indians, was grounded in France for a human trafficking probe.
  • The flight was hired by a non-European client, and passengers were possibly trafficked, leading to a French investigation.
  • The passengers claimed they boarded willingly, and the flight was eventually forced to return to Mumbai.
  • Gujarat and Punjab have high numbers of illegal Indian migrants to the U.S. and Canada, often taking risky “donkey routes.”

Key Challenges:

  • Lack of opportunities in Gujarat pushes people to seek better prospects abroad, leading to illegal migration.
  • Human trafficking networks operate, exploiting the desperation of individuals seeking a better life.
  • The dangers of “donkey routes” involve traversing various countries with lenient visa policies, risking lives in harsh conditions.

Key Terms and Phrases:

  • Donkey routes: Illegal migration paths involving multiple countries with lenient visa policies.
  • Human trafficking: Exploitative practices involving illegal transportation of individuals.
  • Chartered flight: Private aircraft hired for specific travel purposes.
  • Asylum seekers: Individuals seeking protection and refuge in a foreign country.

Plane grounded in France lands in Mumbai

Key Quotes:

  • “The French authorities had received a tip-off and took it very seriously.”
  • “The episode has once again called attention to the staggering number of Indians who migrate illegally to the U.S. or Canada.”
  • “People don’t find any opportunities here. There are no well-paying jobs and sometimes no jobs at all.”

Anecdotes:

  • Two passengers seeking asylum in France carried multiple passports and a substantial amount of money.
  • Families taking extreme risks, like freezing to death near the U.S. border or drowning in attempts to cross rivers.

Key Statements:

  • French authorities stopped exploring human trafficking angle after passengers claimed they boarded willingly.
  • Gujarat Police cracking down on agents facilitating illegal immigration through donkey routes.

Key Examples and References:

  • Shashi Kiran Reddy, a Hyderabad-based agent, behind the chartered flight facilitating illegal immigration.
  • Instances of families freezing to death near the U.S. border or drowning while attempting to cross rivers.

Critical Analysis:

  • Lack of opportunities and frustration in Gujarat and Punjab contribute to the high number of illegal migrants.
  • The existence of human trafficking networks highlights the exploitation of individuals seeking better prospects.

Way Forward:

  • Address root causes like lack of opportunities and corruption to discourage illegal migration.
  • Strengthen efforts to dismantle human trafficking networks, collaborating with international agencies.
  • Enhance awareness about legal migration pathways and associated risks to deter individuals from choosing illegal routes.

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Health Sector – UHC, National Health Policy, Family Planning, Health Insurance, etc.

A call for disability inclusion that must be heeded

Note4Students

From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :

Prelims level: na

Mains level: neuropsychiatric disorders

NeuroAIDS: Neuropsychiatric Disorders. | Download Table

Central idea 

Dr. Ennapadam S. Krishnamoorthy advocates for prioritizing rehabilitation services globally, emphasizing their crucial role in treating neuropsychiatric disorders across the lifespan. He highlights the need for awareness, collaboration, and innovative solutions to address the significant burden of disabilities and enhance the quality of life for affected individuals.

Key Highlights:

  • Dr. Ennapadam S. Krishnamoorthy emphasizes the importance of transformative solutions for persons with neuropsychiatric disorders, spanning childhood to old age.
  • The focus is on enhancing activities of daily life and quality of life for individuals affected by various neuropsychiatric conditions.
  • Rehabilitation services are crucial, with 2.41 billion individuals globally requiring rehabilitation according to the WHO’s Global Burden of Disease study.

Key Challenges:

  • Rehabilitation is often seen as a disability-specific service, leading to under-prioritization despite its significant societal benefits.
  • Lack of awareness in the community that disablement can be treated and, in some cases, reversed.
  • The need for a shift in perception among medical professionals to recognize rehabilitation as an essential service.

Key Terms:

  • Neuropsychiatric disorders
  • Transformative solutions
  • Rehabilitation
  • Non-invasive brain stimulation (NIBS)
  • Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (rTMS)
  • Functional Magnetic Stimulation (FMS)
  • Transcranial electrical stimulation (TES)
  • Transcutaneous auricular vagus nerve stimulation (tA-VNS)

Key Phrases:

  • “Rehabilitation needs are plentiful with a global burden of 2.41 billion individuals.”
  • “Neurology and psychiatry are closely linked, requiring a continuum of care.”
  • “Scientific advances, such as NIBS procedures, offer promising avenues for treatment.”

Key Quotes:

  • “Disablement does not need to be endured; it can be treated, even reversed, in a proportion of cases.”
  • “Rehabilitation services need to be multidisciplinary, multicomponent, and holistic.”

Key Statements:

  • “Rehabilitation services are traditionally under-resourced despite individual and societal benefits.”
  • “There is a need to build awareness that disablement can be treated.”

Key Examples and References:

  • Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (rTMS) as a mainstream treatment for depression and obsessive-compulsive disorder.
  • Functional Magnetic Stimulation (FMS) for pain, spasticity, and other neurological symptoms.
  • Transcranial electrical stimulation (TES) showing success in improving memory, cognition, mood, and various neurological conditions.
  • Transcutaneous auricular vagus nerve stimulation (tA-VNS) being investigated for depression, migraine, and dysautonomia.

Key Facts:

  • 2.41 billion individuals globally had conditions benefiting from rehabilitation in 2019.
  • The number of individuals requiring rehabilitation increased by 63% from 1990 to 2019.

Key Data:

  • 317 million individuals affected by neuropsychiatric disorders in childhood.
  • 167 million adolescents and 970 million people affected globally by mental health conditions.

Critical Analysis:

  • Lack of prioritization and resources for rehabilitation despite a significant global burden.
  • The necessity for a paradigm shift in perceiving rehabilitation as essential for a broad spectrum of neurological and mental health problems.

Way Forward:

  • Increase awareness about the treatability of disabilities.
  • Promote collaboration between governments, public and private sectors to find innovative solutions for persons with disabilities.
  • Enhance training and development opportunities for rehabilitation professionals.
  • Advocate for a multidisciplinary, holistic approach to rehabilitation services.

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Inland Waterways

India’s stationary course in the shipping value chain

Note4Students

From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :

Prelims level: Three Gorges project

Mains level: India’s stationary course in the shipping value chain

Jal Marg Vikas Project (JMVP) - Objectives & Components | UPSC

Central idea 

The article explores the contrasting trajectories of China and India in the maritime industry, emphasizing China’s dominance in shipbuilding and India’s focus on seafaring labor and ship management. It underscores the missed opportunities for India in shipbuilding, leading to a decline in its global maritime standing. The absence of a strategic focus on shipbuilding and the decline of state-owned enterprises pose challenges for India’s maritime growth.

Key Highlights:

  • The Yangtze River, deeply embedded in China’s history, serves as a blend of tradition, culture, and modern commerce, symbolized by the Three Gorges project.
  • China’s maritime success, highlighted by its dominance in shipbuilding, stands in contrast to India’s focus on seafaring labor and ship management.
  • India, once ahead in maritime endeavors, faces challenges as its shipbuilding capabilities lag, impacting the overall growth of the shipping industry.

Key Challenges:

  • India’s maritime industry confronts limitations in shipbuilding, ownership, and financing, contributing to a decline in its global standing.
  • The absence of a strategic focus on shipbuilding, coupled with the decline of the state-owned Shipping Corporation of India, has hindered India’s maritime progress.

Key Terms:

  • Three Gorges project: A monumental hydropower initiative on the Yangtze River, symbolizing China’s modern engineering achievements.
  • Seafarer: An individual engaged in maritime activities, such as navigation, on vessels like ships and boats.

Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways on X: "Infrastructure development  under Jal Marg vikas project will provide enhanced connectivity and provide  access to global markets to Indian farmers, MSMEs and businessmen, giving

Key Quotes:

  • China, by 2020, was making half of all ships in the world,” a stark contrast to India’s negligible share in shipbuilding.
  • Indian seafarers and their management companies contribute an estimated $6 billion in foreign exchange annually.
  • India’s Maritime India Vision 2030 lacks a clear plan for shipbuilding and owning,” hindering its growth in the maritime industry.

Key Statements:

  • The article underscores the transformative significance of the Three Gorges project, symbolizing China’s advancement in modern engineering.
  • India’s historical lead in maritime activities has been overshadowed by its limited involvement in shipbuilding and related sectors.

Key Examples and References:

  • The Three Gorges project exemplifies China’s commitment to modern infrastructure and technological prowess.
  • The decline of the state-owned Shipping Corporation of India serves as a reference point for India’s challenges in sustaining its maritime industry.

Key Facts and Data:

  • China, contributing to 50% of global ship production by 2020, reflects its dominance in the shipbuilding sector.
  • Indian seafarers and their management companies collectively contribute an estimated $6 billion in foreign exchange annually.

Critical Analysis:

  • The critical analysis emphasizes the missed opportunities for India in the shipbuilding sector and the resultant impact on its overall maritime growth.
  • The decline of the state-owned Shipping Corporation of India is presented as a significant factor influencing India’s maritime capabilities.

Way Forward:

  • The article suggests that India should strategically prioritize shipbuilding to enhance its global maritime presence, emphasizing economic and strategic benefits.
  • An integrated approach to shipbuilding would not only contribute to economic growth but also strengthen India’s naval capabilities, enhancing its geopolitical standing.

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How Imroz’s love built Amrita Pritam, as a woman and a poet

Note4Students

From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :

Prelims level: Amrita's legacy

Mains level: profound impact of supportive relationships

51 Amrita pritam ideas in 2023 | amrita pritam, gulzar quotes, zindagi quotes

Who is amrita pritam?
  • Amrita Pritam (1919–2005) was a renowned Indian poet and writer, hailed as one of the leading literary figures in the Punjabi language and Hindi literature. She is best known for her poignant poetry, which often explored themes of love, loss, and the socio-political issues of her time. Amrita Pritam’s notable works include “Ajj aakhaan Waris Shah nu” (Today I invoke Waris Shah), a poem expressing the anguish of the partition of India in 1947.
  • She received several literary awards, including the Sahitya Akademi Award, the Jnanpith Award, and the Padma Vibhushan, one of the highest civilian honors in India. Amrita Pritam’s writing, characterized by its emotional depth and social consciousness, left a lasting impact on Indian literature.

Central idea 

The central idea revolves around the enduring 45-year relationship between Amrita Pritam and Imroz, marked by deep respect and devotion. Imroz’s recent passing is seen as a second loss of Amrita, emphasizing their inseparable connection and the profound impact of supportive relationships in shaping artistic legacies. The narrative explores unconventional expressions of love, challenges societal norms, and highlights the importance of understanding and preserving unique bonds between artists.

Key Highlights:

  • The 45-year-long relationship between Amrita Pritam and Imroz is marked by deep respect, admiration, and devotion.
  • Imroz’s preferred term for Amrita was “Madam,” reflecting his acknowledgment of her seniority.
  • Amrita’s enduring presence is attributed not only to her literary work but also to Imroz’s reflections on her after his recent passing at 97.

Key Challenges:

  • The loss of Imroz feels like losing Amrita again, emphasizing the inseparable connection between the two artists.
  • The challenge lies in preserving and understanding the unique bond that shaped Amrita Pritam’s identity and creativity.

Key Phrases:

  • “Too empty an expression”: Imroz’s perspective on not using the term ‘love’ with Amrita, opting for deeper connections.
  • “Lost Amrita all over again”: Imroz’s passing is seen as a second loss of Amrita, underlining their inseparable connection.

Key Quotes:

  • “We never used the term ‘love’ or that we loved each other. It was too empty an expression.” – Imroz’s perspective on the depth of their connection.
  • “While passing through your poem, I fear that I’m stepping onto Imroz’s wet canvas.” – Gulzar’s tribute, expressing the intertwining of poetry and art.

Key Statements:

  • Amrita’s courageous exploration of sexuality and self-realization was groundbreaking in Indian literature.
  • Imroz’s unwavering support and understanding of Amrita’s complex relationships contributed to their enduring bond.

Key Examples and References:

  • Amrita’s relationship with poet Sahir Ludhianvi and Imroz’s dignified response to her affections.
  • Imroz’s role in supporting Amrita during her last years, caring for her children and her ailing husband.

Key Facts:

  • Imroz, born Indarjeet Singh, was an illustrator for the Urdu magazine Shama before meeting Amrita.
  • Amrita Pritam passed away in 2005, but her legacy lives on through her extensive body of work.

Critical Analysis:

  • The relationship between Amrita and Imroz challenges societal norms, with Imroz providing unwavering support and understanding.
  • The loss of Imroz is seen as a profound impact, suggesting that their connection was vital in preserving Amrita’s legacy.

Way Forward:

  • The challenge lies in understanding and preserving the unique bond between artists like Amrita and Imroz for future generations.
  • Recognition of the profound impact of supportive relationships in shaping artists and their work.

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Artificial Intelligence (AI) Breakthrough

AI in 2024: The dangers and the hope

Note4Students

From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :

Prelims level: large language models

Mains level: greater socialization of AI policy

What is Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Why People Should Learn About it -  UCF Business Incubation Program - University of Central Florida

Central idea 

The central idea is that in 2023, the AI landscape saw significant growth and investment, particularly in large language models. However, the industry’s emphasis on speculative threats, termed “doomwashing,” overshadowed concrete harms, leading to calls for greater democratic involvement in shaping AI policy for a balanced and ethical approach in the future.

Key Highlights:

  • AI Impact: AI, especially large language models (LLMs), had a significant impact on social and economic relations in 2023.
  • Investments: Microsoft invested $10 billion in OpenAI, and Google introduced its chatbot, Bard, contributing to the AI hype.
  • Industry Growth: NVIDIA reached a trillion-dollar market cap due to increased demand for AI-related hardware.
  • Platform Offerings: Amazon introduced Bedrock, while Google and Microsoft enhanced their services with generative models.

Key Challenges:

  • AI Dangers: Concerns about the dangers of LLMs and publicly deployed AI systems emerged, but the specific perils were contested.
  • AI Safety Letter: Over 2,900 experts signed a letter calling for a halt on powerful AI systems, focusing on speculative existential threats rather than concrete harms.
  • Doomwashing: The industry’s newfound caution led to “doomwashing,” emphasizing self-regulation and downplaying the need for external oversight.

Key Terms:

  • LLMs: Large Language Models.
  • AGI: Artificial General Intelligence.
  • Doomwashing: Emphasizing AI dangers without addressing concrete issues for self-regulation purposes.
  • Ethicswashing: Using ethical claims to deflect from underlying issues.

Key Phrases:

  • Political Economy of AI: The impact of AI on data privacy, labor conditions, and democratic processes.
  • AI Panic: Inflating the importance of industry, reinforcing the idea that AI is too complex for government regulation.

Key Quotes:

  • “The danger of AI was portrayed as a mystical future variant, ignoring concrete harms for an industry-centric worldview.”
  • “Doomwashing, akin to ethicswashing, plagued AI policy discussions, emphasizing self-regulation by industry leaders.”

Key Statements:

  • The AI safety letter focused on speculative threats, neglecting the immediate political-economic implications of AI deployment.
  • Industry leaders embraced caution, promoting self-regulation through doomwashing, sidelining government intervention.

Key Examples and References:

  • Microsoft’s $10 billion investment in OpenAI.
  • NVIDIA’s trillion-dollar market cap due to increased demand for AI-related hardware.
  • Amazon’s introduction of Bedrock and Google’s enhancement of its search engine with generative models.

Key Facts:

  • In July, the US government persuaded major AI companies to follow “voluntary rules” for product safety.
  • The EU passed the AI Act in December, becoming the only AI-specific law globally.

Critical Analysis:

  • The AI safety letter focused on speculative threats, diverting attention from concrete harms and the political-economic implications of AI.
  • Doomwashing reinforced the industry-centric narrative, diminishing the role of government regulation.

Way Forward:

  • Advocate for greater socialization of AI policy, involving democratic voices in shaping regulations.
  • Address concrete harms of AI deployment, ensuring a balance between innovation and ethical considerations.

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Health Sector – UHC, National Health Policy, Family Planning, Health Insurance, etc.

The quest for ‘happiness’ in the Viksit Bharat odyssey

Note4Students

From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :

Prelims level: Global Innovation Index, Rule of Law Index, Poverty Index

Mains level: Viksit Bharat

Huge Disparities in Children's Well-Being Across India, says Report |  NewsClick

Central idea 

The article calls for a reimagining of India’s development strategy, shifting from an economic-centric model to prioritizing happiness and well-being. It critiques the current focus on GDP, highlighting the need for comprehensive social indicators in the development narrative. The central idea is to envision a “Happy India-Developed India” by 2047, where happiness becomes the central pursuit, transcending conventional economic measures.

Key Highlights:

  • Viksit Bharat Launch: The launch of Viksit Bharat aims to make India a developed nation by its 100th Independence year in 2047.
  • Economic Overemphasis: Critics argue that Viksit Bharat places excessive emphasis on economic development, overlooking other crucial aspects.
  • Happiness as Central Pursuit: The author suggests reimagining the theme as ‘Happy India-Developed India,’ focusing on happiness as a central pursuit for meaningful development.
  • Happiness Metrics: The World Happiness Report measures happiness through variables like GDP per capita, life expectancy, generosity, social support, freedom, and perception of corruption.
  • Social Connections and Well-being: Countries like Finland and Denmark, ranked highest in happiness, emphasize social connections and support systems, contributing to well-being.

Key Challenges:

  • Economic-Centric Development: The challenge lies in shifting the development narrative from an economic-centric model to one that prioritizes happiness and well-being.
  • Social Disruption: The current economic-focused development model may lead to social disruption, imbalances, and contradictions.
  • Disregard for Social Indicators: The conventional focus on GDP fails to consider crucial social indicators, neglecting human and social aspects of development.

Key Terms and Phrases:

  • Viksit Bharat: The development initiative launched with the goal of making India a developed nation by 2047.
  • World Happiness Report: An annual report measuring happiness using multiple variables and indicators.
  • Human Development Index (HDI): An index considering life expectancy, educational attainment, and income level.
  • Green Index: A World Bank-developed index measuring a nation’s wealth based on produced assets, natural resources, and human resources.
  • Social Development Index: Introduced by the UN Research Institute for Social Development, it includes 16 core indicators.
  • Global Innovation Index, Rule of Law Index, Poverty Index, Corruption Perceptions Index, Gender Equality Index, and World Press Freedom Index: Various indices significant for comprehensive national development.

Key Quotes:

  • “Without achieving happiness, development has no meaning.”
  • “Happiness ought to be the central pursuit in this journey.”
  • “The nations have developed, but people are not happy.”

Critical Analysis: The article critically examines the conventional economic-focused development model and advocates for a paradigm shift towards happiness-centric development. It emphasizes the inadequacy of GDP-centric measures and highlights the importance of considering social indicators for a more inclusive and balanced development approach.

Way Forward: The way forward involves reimagining the development narrative, giving importance to happiness metrics, and incorporating a broader set of indicators such as the Human Development Index, Green Index, and others. Prioritizing social connections, well-being, and happiness in development strategies will contribute to a more holistic and sustainable vision for Viksit Bharat@2047.

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Cyber Security – CERTs, Policy, etc

We want a Digital India. Just not the one we are living in

Note4Students

From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :

Prelims level: Dark web

Mains level: cybersecurity

Dark Web Investigations: Risk Academy Certification to check - Indiaforensic

Central idea 

The increasing frequency of data breaches in India, exemplified by the recent dark web sale of sensitive personal information of 815 million citizens, underscores a pressing cybersecurity challenge. India’s inadequate incident response strategies, lack of transparency, and failure to prioritize cybersecurity pose risks to individuals and national security. A comprehensive approach, focusing on prevention, detection, and transparency, is imperative for building a resilient and secure digital infrastructure in India.

Key Highlights:

  • Resecurity, a US company, revealed the sale of sensitive personal data of around 815 million Indians on the dark web.
  • The data included Aadhaar numbers, passport information, and addresses, posing a significant threat to individuals.
  • Previous instances of data leaks in India, such as the CoWin website breach and AIIMS ransomware attack, highlight a recurring issue.

Key Challenges:

  • India faces a rising trend of data breaches, with the potential for severe consequences like identity theft and financial scams.
  • Lack of effective incident response strategies in India compared to countries like the US, where cybersecurity standards are being strengthened.

Key Terms:

  • Dark web, Aadhaar, Passport number, Ransomware, Cybersecurity, Data breach, Incident response.

Key Phrases:

  • “Leaking of sensitive information poses a severe threat to individuals’ financial well-being.”
  • “India’s mobile phone usage, enhanced banking access, and growing market size make it an attractive target for bad actors.”

Key Quotes:

  • “The constant flow of news about data breaches is normalizing massive losses of personal data.”
  • “India’s response to data breaches is criticized for its lack of transparency, accountability, and effective incident response.”

Key Statements:

  • “Data breaches are at an all-time high globally, and India is particularly vulnerable due to its economic growth and large population.”
  • “Incident response strategies in India are characterized by denials and lack of transparent communication with affected citizens.”

Key Examples and References:

  • Resecurity’s revelation of the sale of Indians’ personal data on the dark web.
  • Previous data breaches in India, including the CoWin website leak and the AIIMS ransomware attack.

Key Facts:

  • The data set on the dark web contained personally identifiable information of approximately 815 million Indian citizens.
  • India lacks a long-term cybersecurity strategy, leading to inadequate handling of data breaches.

Key Data:

  • The sensitive personal data of 815 million Indians was available on the dark web for a price of $80,000.

Critical Analysis:

  • India’s response to data breaches is criticized for its lack of transparency, accountability, and effective incident response.
  • The Data Protection Act in India is deemed insufficient, especially in addressing sensitive health information.

Way Forward:

  • Prioritize the prevention, detection, assessment, and remediation of cyber incidents in India.
  • Establish a cybersecurity board with government and private sector participation for concrete recommendations.
  • Adopt a zero-trust architecture and mandate a standardized playbook for responding to cybersecurity vulnerabilities.
  • Inform and empower citizens immediately, taking responsibility for their protection and remediation in the aftermath of cyber incidents.

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Make in India: Challenges & Prospects

There is no substitute for an industrial policy

Note4Students

From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :

Prelims level: Make in India (MII)

Mains level: National Industrial Policy (NIP)

Make In India Registration

Central idea 

Make in India (MII) represents a departure from India’s historical self-sufficiency approach, prioritizing global competitiveness. The article critiques potential protectionist tendencies within MII, emphasizing the need for job creation and competitiveness. The efficacy of MII in delivering on promises, particularly in labor-intensive sectors, is a key focus for evaluating its impact.

Key Highlights:

  • Make in India (MII) diverges significantly from India’s historical self-sufficiency approach, focusing on global competitiveness rather than isolation.
  • The article critiques potential protectionist tendencies within MII, drawing attention to historical pitfalls of reckless protection in the 1970s and 1980s.
  • The piece discusses the critical need for MII to deliver on promises, particularly in creating a competitive manufacturing sector, and emphasizes the importance of job creation for India’s abundant labor force.

Key Challenges:

  • Concerns are raised about the implementation of MII, especially in sectors where tariff duties are increased for protection, potentially leading to negative consequences.
  • The article questions the efficacy of MII in comparison to its objectives, urging a closer examination of its impact on job creation and competitiveness.

Key Terms:

  • Make in India (MII): A policy initiative launched in 2014 to transform India into a global manufacturing and design hub.
  • License Raj: A regulatory system in India during the pre-1991 era that required businesses to obtain licenses for various activities, leading to bureaucracy and inefficiency.
  • Production-Linked Incentive (PLI): A scheme aimed at attracting investments in key sectors and cutting-edge technology to enhance efficiency in the manufacturing sector.

Key Phrases:

  • “MII is very different from self-sufficiency, and we should move on from this baseless comparison.”
  • “Every country that has ‘taken off’ before us has been export competitive.”
  • “Devising an industrial policy for mass job creation in India is the touchstone against which success ought to be gauged.”

Key Quotes:

  • “Job creation for our abundant factor, especially women, is key, and that is only possible with labor-intensive manufacturing.”
  • “In the absence of high frequency data on PLI, either on value added or jobs generated, a moral compass to shape a better world ought to be employed in abundant measure.”

Critical Analysis:

  • The article critically examines the potential protectionist aspects of MII, drawing parallels with historical challenges.
  • It highlights the importance of job creation, especially in labor-intensive sectors, as a crucial metric for evaluating the success of MII.
  • The absence of high-frequency data on PLI is emphasized, calling for a balance between data interpretation and moral considerations in policymaking.

Way Forward:

  • The article suggests that industrial policies, including the National Industrial Policy (NIP), should prioritize labor-intensive sectors to promote mass job creation.
  • It emphasizes the need for MII to continue focusing on excelling in labor-intensive manufacturing for the overall betterment of India’s economic landscape.

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G20 : Economic Cooperation ahead

Development led by corporates, not women

Note4Students

From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :

Prelims level: G20

Mains level: Women led development

G-20 Summit | New Delhi declaration accepts disproportionate impact of  climate change on women - The Hindu

Central idea 

The article critiques the G20 Summit’s Declaration on women’s empowerment, highlighting past implementation challenges and questioning the clarity of “women-led development.” It emphasizes the discrepancy between rhetoric and actions, especially regarding declining budget allocations for women’s development. The central theme revolves around the need for a reevaluation of women-led development strategies to address persistent inequalities effectively.

Key Highlights:

  • The G20 Summit’s Declaration on the empowerment of women is acknowledged, but past working groups and sustainable development goals have seen limited implementation.
  • The term “women-led development” in the Declaration lacks clarity, and the article questions its parameters and implications for the existing development models.
  • The G20 Declaration reaffirms the role of private enterprise in driving economic growth, raising concerns about the compatibility of women-led development with the prevailing macroeconomic model.

Key Challenges:

  • The article highlights the persistent discrimination against women and girls globally, emphasizing the need for more effective measures to achieve Sustainable Development Goals.
  • Women-led development schemes, as mentioned in government bulletins, are criticized for masking the reduction in government investment in projects benefiting women’s development.
  • The Gender Budget, intended to prioritize women’s development, has shown a decline in total expenditure, raising concerns about the commitment to women-led development.

Key Terms/Phrases:

  • Women-led development
  • Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
  • Trickle-down theory
  • G20 Summit Declaration
  • Gender Budget
  • Private enterprise
  • Corporate-led development

Key Quotes for value addition:

  • “At the midway point to 2030, the global progress on SDGs is off-track with only 12% of the targets on track.”
  • “We encourage women-led development and remain committed to enhancing women’s full, equal, effective, and meaningful participation…”

Key Statements:

  • The article questions the lack of clarity in the term “women-led development” and its compatibility with existing development models.
  • Concerns are raised about the reduction in the Gender Budget and the inadequate allocation for wholly women-specific schemes.

Key Examples and References:

  • The article cites the decline in women’s share in regular waged work in India according to the Periodic Labour Force Survey (PLFS).
  • Specific government schemes and budgetary allocations are referenced to illustrate the disparities in women-led development.

Key Facts/Data:

  • The total Gender Budget for 2023-2024 was reduced from 5.2% of the total expenditure the previous year to 5%.
  • The share of women in regular waged work in India fell from 21.9% in 2018-2019 to 15.9% in 2022-2023.

Critical Analysis:

  • The article critically examines the discrepancies between rhetoric and action in women-led development, highlighting concerns about declining budget allocations and the lack of clarity in the proposed development model.

Way Forward:

  • The need for a reevaluation of women-led development strategies is emphasized, urging policymakers to prioritize economic independence for women and address the disparities in budgetary allocations.

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

A new economics for inclusive growth

Note4Students

From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :

Prelims level: na

Mains level: inclusive growth

Elements of Inclusive growth - INSIGHTSIAS

Central idea 

The central idea urges a reevaluation of India’s economic strategy, emphasizing the necessity to shift from an exclusive focus on high-end skills to inclusive growth. It underscores the mismatch between skills, jobs, and incomes and advocates prioritizing the small-scale manufacturing sector to foster sustainable and locally enriched economic development. The article suggests seizing the opportunity to attract producers and meet unmet needs for India’s growth.

Key Highlights:

  • The book “Breaking the Mould: Reimagining India’s Economic Future” suggests a shift from manufacturing to exporting high-end services, challenging traditional economic strategies.
  • The mismatch between skills, jobs, and incomes is identified as a major obstacle to India’s growth, reflecting in social and political demands for better wages and security.
  • The growth pattern focusing on high-end skills has not generated sufficient decent jobs for the majority of India’s population.

Key Challenges:

  • The Achilles heel of India’s economy is insufficient jobs and incomes, evident in demands from various sectors for fair wages and social security.
  • A critical mismatch between skills, jobs, and incomes poses a significant challenge to India’s growth and economic well-being.
  • The reliance on high-end skills has not translated into enough decent jobs for the majority, hindering inclusive growth.

Key Terms and Phrases:

  • Leapfrogging manufacturing in favor of exporting high-end services.
  • Mismatch between skills, jobs, and incomes.
  • “India was Shining” era and its economic implications.
  • Inclusive and sustainable economic growth.
  • Small-scale and informal manufacturing sector.
  • The importance of richness of economic activity within local webs.

Key Quotes:

  • “India cannot afford to neglect its small-scale and informal manufacturing sector any longer.”
  • “Investing in education and skills for ‘high end’ manufacturing and services will not benefit the masses if they cannot be employed.”
  • “There are no shortcuts to inclusive economic growth.”

Key Statements:

  • The book’s recommendation challenges India’s traditional approach to economic development.
  • The focus on high-end skills has not translated into inclusive growth or sufficient employment opportunities.
  • Policymakers must reimagine the path for India’s growth and prioritize inclusive economic growth.

Key Examples and References:

  • Reference to the book “Breaking the Mould: Reimagining India’s Economic Future” by Raghuram Rajan and Rohit Lamba.
  • Examples of social and political demands for better wages and security in various sectors.
  • Mention of the mismatch between India’s skills development and job creation.

Key Facts and Data:

  • 60% of Indians are classified as “economically weaker sections” entitled to job reservations.
  • India invested in world-class institutions of science and engineering 70 years ago.
  • The growth pattern focusing on high-end skills has not generated sufficient decent jobs for India’s masses.

Critical Analysis:

  • The article critiques the existing economic growth pattern for its failure to generate inclusive and sustainable development.
  • Emphasis on the importance of inclusive economic growth and challenges posed by the mismatch between skills and jobs.

Way Forward:

  • Policymakers need to reimagine India’s growth path with a focus on inclusive economic growth.
  • There are no shortcuts, and investments in the small-scale and informal manufacturing sector are crucial for sustainable development.
  • India should leverage its unmet needs to attract producers and make more for India in India, thereby growing jobs and incomes.

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Foreign Policy Watch: India-China

The outlook for 2024, for the world and India

Note4Students

From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :

Prelims level: na

Mains level: importance of fortified Center-State relations for efficacious governance

Central idea 

The editorial examines the heightened global risks in 2024, navigating a precarious era marked by challenges to the existing international order. It anticipates potential flashpoints, including the war in Ukraine and Middle East tensions, while also scrutinizing India’s prospects and internal dynamics. Emphasizing the importance of robust Center-State relations, the editorial envisions a turbulent period demanding strategic foresight and diplomatic acuity.

Key Highlights:

  • The editorial explores the expected global risks and uncertainties in 2024, highlighting a period of significant danger.
  • Challenges to the existing international order are emphasized, coming not only from its supporters but also from those declaring it outdated.
  • Potential flashpoints, such as the ongoing war in Ukraine and escalating tensions in the Middle East, are identified.
  • Changing geopolitical dynamics in West Asia, where emerging alliances challenge Western dominance, are carefully examined.
  • India’s prospects in 2024, including the upcoming general election and potential economic challenges, are concisely discussed.
  • Sino-Indian relations are predicted to remain strained, with a focus on possible provocative actions by China.
  • The editorial acknowledges challenges to India’s influence in its neighborhood and the evolving landscape of West Asia.
  • Internal dynamics in India, encompassing a politically charged atmosphere and turmoil in Parliament, are thoughtfully explored.
  • The editorial underscores the importance of strong Center-State relations for effective governance.

Key Challenges:

  • The global landscape is filled with risks and uncertainties, presenting formidable challenges to stability.
  • The existing international order faces challenges not only from its critics but also from supporters questioning its relevance.
  • Potential flashpoints, including the enduring war in Ukraine and escalating tensions in the Middle East, increase geopolitical vulnerabilities.
  • Changing geopolitical dynamics introduce challenges to established Western leadership paradigms.
  • India faces potential challenges in the upcoming general election and contends with economic uncertainties.
  • Strained Sino-Indian relations and potential provocations by China introduce security challenges.
  • Internal challenges in India include heightened political tensions and parliamentary disarray.

Key Terms and Phrases:

  • Global risks and uncertainties
  • Rules-based international order
  • Geostrategic contradictions
  • Flashpoints
  • Shifting geopolitical dynamics
  • Unforeseen challenges (“black swans”)
  • Adventurist actions
  • Center-State relations

Key Quotes:

  • “Navigating an epoch of substantial peril.”
  • “Challenged by architects of the ‘rules-based international order’ and those deeming it antiquated.”
  • “An era fraught with substantial peril.”
  • “Potential ‘adventurist actions’ by China.”
  • “An impending period of turbulence.”
  • “Politically charged atmosphere.”
  • “Expulsion of the Trinamool Congress Member of Parliament, Mahua Moitra.”

Anecdotes:

  • Exploration of the enduring war in Ukraine and its potential ramifications on the U.S. presidential election.
  • Insight into the Israel-Hamas conflict as a catalyst for heightened tensions in the Middle East.
  • Brief anecdote concerning the ruling dispensation’s assurance in India’s forthcoming general election.

Key Statements:

  • “The world stands on the brink of a period marked by significant peril.”
  • “The existing international order grapples with multifaceted challenges.”
  • “Geostrategic contradictions are poised to escalate.”
  • “The internal landscape demands vigilant observation.”
  • “The nation approaches a potential turning point.”

Key Examples and References:

  • The enduring war in Ukraine and its potential influence on the U.S. presidential election.
  • Israel-Hamas conflict as a driver of heightened tensions in the Middle East.
  • Shifting geopolitics in West Asia and emerging alliances challenging Western leadership.

Critical Analysis:

  • The editorial furnishes a nuanced analysis of potential challenges and uncertainties on a global scale and within India.
  • Emphasis on the importance of fortified Center-State relations for efficacious governance.
  • Recognition of potential “black swans” and unforeseen challenges.

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

India’s jobs crisis, the macroeconomic reasons

Note4Students

From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :

Prelims level: Kaldor-Verdoorn

Mains level: addressing the skills gap and improving the quality of the workforce

Burning Issue] Jobless growth in India - Civilsdaily

Central idea 

The article discusses the challenge of “jobless growth” in India, where the employment growth rate remains unresponsive despite increased GDP and value-added growth rates. It emphasizes the unique characteristics of India’s jobless growth regime, involving a high Kaldor-Verdoorn coefficient, and calls for a distinct policy focus on employment in addition to the traditional emphasis on GDP growth.

Key Highlights:

  • The article discusses the distinction between wage employment and self-employment, emphasizing the challenge of inadequate labor demand, particularly for regular wage work in the formal sector.
  • India’s historical employment scenario includes open unemployment, high levels of informal employment, and a stagnant growth rate of salaried workers in the non-agricultural sector.
  • The lack of employment opportunities in the formal sector is attributed to factors such as output growth, labor productivity, and the introduction of labor-saving technologies.

Key Challenges:

  • India faces the challenge of “jobless growth,” where the employment growth rate remains unresponsive despite a rise in GDP growth and value-added growth rates.
  • The article highlights the connection between labor productivity growth rate and output growth rate, contributing to the phenomenon of jobless growth in India.
  • The distinct form of jobless growth in India, characterized by a higher than average Kaldor-Verdoorn coefficient, poses a qualitative challenge for macroeconomic policies.

Key Terms:

  • Kaldor-Verdoorn coefficient: A measure reflecting the responsiveness of labor productivity growth rate to output growth rate.
  • Dual economy structure: An economic structure characterized by the coexistence of a modern and traditional sector, often seen in developing countries.
  • Mahalanobis strategy: A development strategy that prioritizes heavy industrialization to overcome the constraints on output and employment.

Key Phrases:

  • “Jobs generally refer to relatively better-paid regular wage or salaried employment.”
  • “The lack of opportunities is reflected by a more or less stagnant employment growth rate of salaried workers in the non-agricultural sector.”
  • “The positive effect of output growth rate on employment fails to counteract the adverse effect of labor-saving technologies in the Indian jobless growth regime.”

Key Quotes for value addition:

  • “The Indian economy has historically been characterized by the presence of both open unemployment as well as high levels of informal employment.”
  • “Jobless growth in India makes the macroeconomic policy challenge qualitatively different from other countries.”

Key Examples and References:

  • Reference to the Mahalanobis strategy focusing on heavy industrialization as a policy for overcoming constraints on output and employment.
  • Mention of the higher than average Kaldor-Verdoorn coefficient in India’s non-agricultural sector as a distinctive feature of jobless growth.

Key Facts:

  • India’s employment growth rate in the formal non-agricultural sector has remained unresponsive despite significant increases in GDP and value-added growth rates.
  • Jobless growth in India is associated with a high Kaldor-Verdoorn coefficient, indicating a strong connection between labor productivity growth rate and output growth rate.

Critical Analysis:

  • The article critically examines the traditional presumption that increasing the output growth rate would be a sufficient condition for increasing the employment growth rate in the formal sector.
  • It highlights the need for a separate policy focus on employment, including both demand and supply side components, in addition to the focus on GDP growth.

Way Forward:

  • Advocate for policies addressing the skills gap and improving the quality of the workforce to make automation less attractive for firms.
  • Propose direct public job creation as a demand-side component of employment policies.
  • Suggest reorienting the macroeconomic framework to finance employment-related expenditures, including increasing the direct tax to GDP ratio and improving compliance.

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Terrorism and Challenges Related To It

Why terrorist activity has shifted from Kashmir to Poonch-Rajouri

Note4Students

From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :

Prelims level: Pir Panjal range

Mains level: Shift of terrorist activity to Poonch-Rajouri

Solved] Where is the Pir Panjal Range located?

Central idea 

The recent surge in terrorist activity in the Poonch-Rajouri sector challenges the Indian Army’s historical success in counter-terrorism operations. This shift is attributed to the path of least resistance as Kashmir becomes less conducive, prompting a need for a strategic reassessment and adaptation of deployment and operational strategies to address emerging challenges. Transparent investigations into civilian deaths and a balanced approach in public statements are crucial to maintaining public trust and stability in the region.

Key Highlights:

  • Recent encounters in the Poonch-Rajouri sector challenge the Indian Army’s historical success in counter-terrorism operations.
  • Shift of terrorist activity to Poonch-Rajouri is due to the path of least resistance, with Kashmir facing strong counter-terrorism measures.
  • Dilution of local support, abrogation of Article 370, and focus on Pir Panjal (South) indicate a strategic shift in the region’s dynamics.
  • Questions arise about the redeployment of formations and potential dilution of optimum deployment in the sector.

Key Challenges:

  • Losses for the Indian Army in recent encounters raise concerns about the effectiveness of current strategies and the need for potential adjustments.
  • Shift in terrorist activity to Poonch-Rajouri poses a challenge to the Army’s counter-terrorism efforts.
  • Allegations surrounding the deaths of three local civilians in suspicious circumstances require thorough investigations and pose a challenge to maintaining public trust.

Key Terms/Phrases:

  • Poonch-Rajouri sector
  • Counter-terrorism operations
  • Proxy hybrid war
  • Counter-infiltration (CI) and counter-terrorism (CT) grid
  • Article 370
  • Pir Panjal (South)
  • Redeployment
  • Rashtriya Rifles troops

Key Quotes:

  • “Terrorism is like water; it takes the path of least resistance.”
  • “The abrogation of Article 370 has also made Kashmir less conducive to separatist trends.”
  • “The Indian government’s demonstrated capability for retaliation when an undetermined threshold is crossed will keep Pakistan on tenterhooks.”

Key Statements:

  • Recent encounters challenge the Indian Army’s historical success in counter-terrorism operations.
  • The strategic shift of terrorist activity to the Poonch-Rajouri sector necessitates a reassessment of deployment and operational strategies.

Key Examples/References:

  • Shift in terrorist tactics and focus from Kashmir to the Poonch-Rajouri sector.
  • Allegations surrounding the deaths of three local civilians.

Key Facts/Data:

  • Recent encounters in the Poonch-Rajouri sector resulted in more losses for the Army than terrorists.
  • Redeployment of troops from the Jammu sector since May 2020.

Critical Analysis:

  • Losses in recent encounters raise questions about the effectiveness of the Army’s current strategies.
  • Shift in terrorist activity indicates the need for adaptability in response strategies.
  • Allegations surrounding civilian deaths require transparent investigations to maintain public trust.

Way Forward:

  • Conduct a thorough review of identified weaknesses in convoy security, vehicle hardening, and reinforcement movements.
  • Adapt drills, Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), and minor tactics to address current challenges.
  • Ensure transparent investigations into civilian deaths, with suitable disciplinary action if mistakes are identified.
  • Conduct brigade-sized operations in Pir Panjal with drone support, reinforced by strong public outreach to address local sentiments.
  • Maintain a balanced approach in public statements to prevent speculation and unrest, and continue precautionary measures in the Kashmir Valley.

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Internal Security Trends and Incidents

The evolving role of the Colombo Security Conclave

Note4Students

From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :

Prelims level: Colombo Security Conclave (CSC)

Mains level: vulnerability of the CSC to domestic political changes

Colombo Security Conclave

Key Highlights:

  • The Colombo Security Conclave (CSC) aims to promote a safe, secure, and stable Indian Ocean, with India playing a leadership role.
  • The CSC’s revival in 2020, after a standstill since 2014, reflects India’s evolving strategic vision for the Indian Ocean.
  • India seeks to institutionalize its role in the region, addressing security challenges and emerging threats through the CSC.
  • China’s growing influence in the Indian Ocean is a significant factor driving the CSC’s revival, with Beijing investing in the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) and establishing a presence in key locations.

Key Challenges:

  • Domestic political changes in member-states can impact the CSC’s effectiveness, as seen with the Maldives’ absence from a recent meeting.
  • The nationalist and pro-China sentiments in member-states may hinder collaboration, affecting the CSC’s ability to address regional challenges.
  • Despite concerns about China’s actions in the Indian Ocean, some regional countries may not view China as a threat, limiting the CSC’s collective response.

Key Terms/Phrases:

  • Colombo Security Conclave (CSC)
  • Indian Ocean
  • Belt and Road Initiative (BRI)
  • Maritime security
  • Regional collaboration
  • Extra-regional powers
  • Indo-Pacific
  • National Security Adviser (NSA)

Key Quotes:

  • “The lack of capacity of island nations to secure the seas and counter transnational threats has continued to motivate India.”
  • “China’s outreach to the Indian Ocean is to control crucial sea lines of communication and trade, limiting India’s influence.”

Key Statements:

  • “The CSC offers India an opportunity to institutionalize its role, shape the regional security architecture, and better address existing and emerging threats.”
  • “The strategic accommodation and flexibility of the CSC contribute to the security of the Indian Ocean.”

Key Examples/References:

  • China’s naval capabilities, defense relationships, and infrastructure projects in the Indian Ocean.
  • Maldives’ absence from a recent CSC meeting due to preferences for a close relationship with China or nationalist sentiments.

Key Facts/Data:

  • The CSC was revived in 2020, with the inclusion of Mauritius, Seychelles, and Bangladesh.
  • China’s investments in the Indian Ocean include the Belt and Road Initiative projects and control of Sri Lanka’s Hambantota port.

Critical Analysis:

  • The vulnerability of the CSC to domestic political changes highlights challenges in maintaining consistent regional collaboration.
  • The balance between addressing security concerns and managing relationships with China is crucial for the CSC’s success.

Way Forward:

  • Strengthen institutional mechanisms within the CSC to mitigate the impact of domestic political changes.
  • Continue to focus on the five pillars of cooperation, addressing maritime security, counter-terrorism, cyber-security, humanitarian aid, and disaster relief.
  • Enhance efforts to build trust among member-states and address concerns related to nationalist and pro-China sentiments.

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Historical and Archaeological Findings in News

Jats in the modern world

Note4Students

From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :

Prelims level: na

Mains level: historical journey of the Jat community in India

Jats are a community that is found in the Hindu, Sikh and Muslim religions. Jat History Peddler Media

Key Highlights:

  • The article explores the historical journey of the Jat community in India over the past 500 years, tracing their nomadic origins to settled agrarian lifestyles.
  • Jats, divided into various sub-castes and known for their traditional practices, have faced historical battles and conversions, contributing significantly to agriculture and politics.
  • Despite internal divisions and religious differences, the Jat community unites on national issues such as farmers’ rights and land legislation, producing prominent leaders like Chaudhary Charan Singh.

Key Challenges:

  • The Jat community grapples with stereotypes and mockery, facing challenges in reconciling their pride in the past with a desire to assert their qualities in contemporary contexts.
  • The article highlights the internal divisions among Jats based on religion, turning former clansmen into archrivals despite presenting a united front on national issues.
  • Modernization of land-related occupations poses concerns about the future of Jats, leading to efforts to reinvent their identities in the face of changing socio-economic dynamics.

Key Terms:

  • Khap panchayats: Controversial local bodies involved in delivering justice and making decisions on social matters, often criticized for endorsing conservative practices.
  • Arya Samaj: A reform movement within Hinduism advocating for the worship of the uncreated Supreme Being and rejecting idol worship.
  • Subaltern: Referring to marginalized or oppressed groups within a society.

Key Phrases for answer enrichment:

  • “Jats strategically placed their faith in their practice of agrarian work.”
  • “Jats seem to have missed the understanding of pride with confidence, as they petition the world on their qualities and superiority.”
  • “With modernisation of land-related occupations and change in the feudal order, Jats are anxious about their future.”

Key Quotes:

  • “Despite their history, the Jats are mocked and customarily derided among North Indian groups.”
  • “They have a strong desire to assert without a bona fide avenue.”
  • “Olympians from the Jat community have brought international fame to their community and their politics.”

Key Examples and References:

  • Reference to historical figures like Suraj Mal, Chaudhary Charan Singh, Sir Chhotu Ram, and Raja Mahendra Pratap Singh as notable Jat icons.
  • Mention of Sikh and Muslim Jats driving a conservative agenda within the regional political landscape.
  • Olympic athletes Sakshi Malik, Bajrang Punia, and Vinesh Phogat representing the Jat community and holding the government accountable.

Key Facts:

  • Jats trace their origins to diverse geographies, from Eastern Europe and Central Asia to sea-adjacent plain fields.
  • Jats have a history of adopting religions en masse, including Buddhism during the spread of the religion.
  • The Jat community is predominantly found in North India, with diverse sub-castes and internal religious divisions.

Critical Analysis:

  • The article critically examines the challenges faced by the Jat community, including stereotypes, internal divisions, and concerns about the future in the context of changing socio-economic dynamics.
  • It highlights the tension between the community’s pride in its history and the desire to assert itself in contemporary contexts.

Way Forward:

  • Encourage open dialogues within the Jat community to address internal divisions and promote unity.
  • Advocate for educational initiatives to challenge stereotypes and promote a nuanced understanding of the Jat community’s contributions.
  • Support initiatives that help the Jat community adapt to modernization while preserving its cultural identity and historical pride.

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P Chidambaram writes: How are the four ‘castes’ doing?

Note4Students

From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :

Prelims level: na

Mains level: policies addressing the root causes of poverty, unemployment, gender discrimination, and farmer issues

Poor, youth, women, farmers 4 biggest castes for me. Their rise will develop India,' says Modi

Central idea 

The article examines the current status of four societal groups poor, youth, women, and farmers coined as ‘castes’ by Prime Minister Modi. Despite government policies, challenges such as poverty, unemployment, gender discrimination, and farmer issues persist, leading to discontent among these groups.

Key Highlights:

  • The article discusses the impact of India’s traditional caste system and welcomes Prime Minister Modi’s formulation of four ‘castes’ poor, youth, women, and farmers focusing on their current status.
  • It highlights the persisting challenges faced by these groups, including poverty, unemployment, gender discrimination, and the plight of farmers, despite government policies.

Key Challenges:

  • Widespread poverty is evident, with UNDP estimating 16% of the population (228 million) living below low poverty bars, facing malnutrition and hunger.
  • Youth unemployment, particularly among graduates, remains high, leading to internal migration, rising crime, and drug use.
  • Women face various challenges, including crimes against them, gender disparity in income, and significant workforce exits between 2004-05 and 2011-12.
  • Farmers continue to grapple with issues such as suicides, small holdings, rising input costs, insufficient MSP, and uncertain market prices.

Key Terms:

  • Varnas: The four traditional social classes in Hindu society—Brahmin, Kshatriya, Vaishya, and Sudra.
  • MSP (Minimum Support Price): The price at which the government purchases crops from farmers to support their income.
  • Caste system: The social hierarchy in India traditionally divided into varnas and numerous castes.

Key Phrases:

  • “I resent the word ‘caste’” – Expressing displeasure at the term while discussing Modi’s formulation of four ‘castes.’
  • “Joblessness among youth is a volcano that can erupt at any time” – Highlighting the potential social consequences of high youth unemployment.
  • “A happy farmer is an oxymoron” – Describing the perpetual challenges faced by farmers despite record-breaking crop production.

Key Quotes:

  • “Large sections of the four ‘castes’ are poor, unhappy and have little faith in the policies and programmes of the Modi government.”
  • “Their silence is not approval or acquiescence. It is because they are poor, enjoy little power and live in fear.”

Key Examples and References:

  • Reference to UNDP’s poverty estimation, NCRB data on crimes against women, and statistics on farmer suicides.
  • Mention of the government’s claim to create 2 crore jobs a year and the subsequent revelation of vacancies.

Key Facts:

  • 16% of the population, approximately 228 million people, are estimated to be living below the poverty line.
  • Youth unemployment rate is 10%, and among young graduates, it reaches 42.3%.
  • Crimes against women rose by 4% in 2022, with 4,45,000 cases registered.
  • Farmer suicides remained high between 2014 and 2022.

Critical Analysis:

  • The article critiques the government’s policies, emphasizing the disparity between its favoring the rich and the continued challenges faced by the poor, youth, women, and farmers.
  • It questions the efficacy of measures like job creation claims and suggests that the silence of these groups is more a result of powerlessness and fear than approval.

Way Forward:

  • Advocate for policies addressing the root causes of poverty, unemployment, gender discrimination, and farmer issues.
  • Call for inclusive measures that empower and uplift marginalized sections.
  • Encourage a more consultative approach by the government, especially in formulating policies that directly impact the livelihoods of these groups.

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Tavleen Singh writes: A caste census is casteism

Note4Students

From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :

Prelims level: na

Mains level: reevaluate the effectiveness of caste reservations

Has reservation served its purpose in the Indian society for the welfare of  the scheduled castes and scheduled tribes? Is reservation a substitute for  groundwork to make caste based discrimination a relic? -

Central idea 

The central idea revolves around the author’s proposition to reevaluate the effectiveness of caste reservations, questioning whether they have genuinely uplifted the marginalized communities. The author highlights the venomous backlash faced for this stance, prompting a call for a new kind of affirmative action that goes beyond existing policies and involves addressing root causes.

Key Highlights:

  • The author faced severe backlash, including threats and demands for arrest, after suggesting an end to caste reservations instead of a caste census.
  • The attack was led by individuals associated with advocacy and sympathy for Dalits, raising questions about their effectiveness in addressing fundamental issues.

Key Challenges:

  • The author questions the efficacy of reservations, emphasizing the need to examine if they have truly worked for the intended beneficiaries.
  • The plight of Dalit communities, particularly the musahar community, living in extreme poverty and squalor, highlights the persistent challenges despite reservation policies.

Key Terms:

  • Caste census: A survey to gather information about the distribution of different castes in a population.
  • Affirmative action: Policies and initiatives aimed at providing opportunities to marginalized groups, often through reservations.

Key Phrases:

  • “The time has come to examine how well reservations have worked.”
  • “Reservations have benefited politicians and Dalit advocacy groups more than the people for whom they were created.”

Key Quotes:

  • “The vile, malicious abuse I faced from these groups has convinced me that affirmative action of a new kind is needed.”
  • “Reservations have created a class of people who continue the evil, inhuman exploitation that lower-caste Indians have faced for too long.”

Key Examples and References:

  • Reference to a Bhumihaar dominant village in Jehanabad district, highlighting the stark contrast between clean prosperity and the squalor of the musahar quarter.
  • Mention of a challenge from a Dalit advocate based in the United States, raising questions about the commitment to the cause on the ground.

Key Facts:

  • The Chief Minister of Bihar has already ordered a caste census.
  • Dalit communities continue to face challenges such as lack of access to decent schools, healthcare, and living in squalid conditions.

Critical Analysis:

  • The author questions the impact of reservations, arguing that they have benefited politicians and advocacy groups more than the marginalized communities.
  • The focus on the need for a new kind of affirmative action suggests a call for innovative solutions beyond existing reservation policies.

Way Forward:

  • Emphasize the importance of addressing the root causes of Dalit marginalization, such as poverty and lack of access to education and healthcare.
  • Advocate for comprehensive solutions that go beyond reservations, involving community development, education, and healthcare initiatives.
  • Encourage a constructive debate on the effectiveness of existing policies and the exploration of new approaches to uplift marginalized communities.

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Women empowerment issues – Jobs,Reservation and education

Menaka Guruswamy writes: In India, what women who run need

Note4Students

From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :

Prelims level: na

Mains level: gender-inclusive sports culture

10 inspiring Indian sportswomen who triumphed against all odds- The New  Indian Express

Central idea 

The article explores the challenges and triumphs of Indian women athletes, particularly runners, revealing their resilience against societal norms and discriminatory practices. Sohini Chattopadhyay’s book, “The Day I Became a Runner,” serves as a powerful narrative, intertwining the stories of champion women runners with India’s political and cultural evolution.

Key Highlights:

  • The article explores the challenges and triumphs faced by Indian women athletes, particularly runners, navigating societal norms, laws, and personal obstacles.
  • Sohini Chattopadhyay’s book, “The Day I Became a Runner,” serves as a lens to understand the history of Indian women through the narratives of champion runners.
  • The stories of Mary D’Souza, Kamaljit Sandhu, P T Usha, Santhi Soundarajan, Pinki Pramanik, Dutee Chand, Lalita Babar, and others are intricately woven into the fabric of India’s political and cultural landscape.

Key Challenges:

  • Gender norms and societal restrictions circumscribing outdoor activities for women in India.
  • Struggles against patriarchy, poverty, identity, caste, and even controversial “sex tests” faced by women athletes.
  • The need for safe public spaces, established training programs, and a cultural shift encouraging women’s participation in sports.

Key Terms:

  • Sex test: A controversial practice involving the testing of biological parameters to define a woman athlete’s gender.
  • Patriarchy: The social system where men hold primary power and predominate in roles of political leadership, moral authority, and social privilege.
  • Stigma: Negative perceptions and attitudes associated with women athletes facing controversial tests or challenges.

Key Phrases:

  • “A women’s history of India through the lens of sport”: Describes the book’s focus on portraying Indian women’s history through the stories of athletes.
  • “To be a woman runner in India means to persevere in the face of tremendous odds”: Highlights the resilience required by women athletes to overcome societal barriers.

Key Quotes:

  • “The book is both gripping and tough — gripping, so you don’t want to put it down, and tough, since the lives written up have been hard ones.”
  • “The landmark verdict underlined that the World Athletics rules for female athletes discriminated against women by setting a threshold for testosterone.”

Anecdotes:

  • Chattopadhyay’s own experiences as a woman runner, facing challenges of being the only woman in parks or roads.
  • Stories of champion athletes like Mary D’Souza, P T Usha, and others, illustrating their resilience and achievements.

Key Statements:

  • “There is no fairy-tale running story. And the training program is not what makes these lives harsh. It’s the many obstacles that these women must clear to simply do what they love — to run.”
  • “Running requires safe public spaces, well-established training programs, and a culture that encourages women to occupy space in our streets and parks.”

Key Examples and References:

  • Instances of women athletes facing hurdles such as the controversial “sex test” and societal stigmas.
  • The case of Dutee Chand challenging and winning against discriminatory rules for female athletes.

Critical Analysis:

  • The article critically analyzes the societal and cultural barriers that women athletes face in India.
  • It emphasizes the significance of running as a sport that requires substantial investment, including safe spaces and supportive cultural attitudes.

Way Forward:

  • Advocate for gender-inclusive sports culture, encouraging more women to participate in running and other athletic activities.
  • Promote awareness and challenge discriminatory practices like the controversial “sex tests” to create a more equitable sports environment for women.
  • Continue to document and celebrate the stories of champion women athletes as a means of inspiration and advocacy for gender equality in spor

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