Q) Critically examine the role of WHOin providing global health security during the Covid-19 pandemic. (UPSC CSE 2020)
Mentor’s Comment: UPSC mains have always focused on Bridging Healthcare Gaps (2015), and WHO Initiatives (2020).
The US is the largest contributor to WHO, providing about 18% of its funding. The withdrawal is expected to jeopardize critical health programs, particularly those addressing tuberculosis, HIV/AIDS, and other health emergencies.
Today’s editorial emphasizes the need for member states to collaborate more effectively in light of reduced US involvement, ensuring that global health priorities remain addressed despite funding challenges. This content can be used to present the significance of multilateral collaboration and its impact on international policy and governance with respect to Health.
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Why in the News?
After the USA’s withdrawal from WHO, it is time for the countries in the global south to support WHO and initiate collaborative actions to reshape the global health agenda.
What are the Potential Impacts of the US Withdrawal from WHO?
Disruption of Funding and Programs: The US contributes nearly 18% of WHO’s budget (~$1 billion annually), supporting critical health programs like immunization, tuberculosis control, and pandemic preparedness.
The withdrawal will likely disrupt ongoing projects aimed at combating health challenges such as HIV/AIDS and polio eradication.
Weakened Global Health Response: WHO’s ability to coordinate responses to health crises will be significantly impaired without US support. This includes reduced resources for disease surveillance and emergency operations in regions facing outbreaks or health threats.
Impact on Global Health Leadership and Collaboration: The absence of the US may create a leadership vacuum within WHO, allowing other nations (e.g., China) to increase their influence.
This shift could alter international collaboration dynamics and lead to fragmented approaches to public health challenges.
Repercussions for Low-Income Countries: Marginalized communities in low-income countries may face disproportionate impacts due to reduced funding from WHO. These communities rely heavily on WHO for access to essential health services, and the withdrawal signals a deprioritization of global health initiatives, exacerbating existing inequalities.
The overall effectiveness of global health initiatives may decline as WHO struggles with funding constraints and could slow long-term progress toward key health goals, such as disease eradication and comprehensive vaccination programs, ultimately affecting global health security.
How might the withdrawal reshape international health diplomacy?
Shift in Global Health Leadership: The absence of the US may create a leadership vacuum within WHO, potentially allowing countries like China to increase their influence in global health governance.
This shift could alter the dynamics of international collaboration, with other nations stepping up to fill the void left by the US.
Increased Geopolitical Tensions: The withdrawal could intensify competition between the US and China for influence in global health matters.
China’s initiatives, such as the Health Silk Road, may gain traction as it seeks to position itself as a leader in global health, thereby reshaping alliances and partnerships among countries.
Impact on Multilateral Cooperation: The US’s exit may weaken multilateral cooperation on critical health issues, leading to fragmented responses to global health challenges.
Countries may become less willing to collaborate on shared health threats without US leadership, which could hinder effective pandemic preparedness and response efforts.
Loss of Diplomatic Leverage: By withdrawing, the US relinquishes its role as a key influencer in shaping global health policies and initiatives.
This could diminish its ability to advocate for public health programs that align with its interests and values, allowing other nations to take a more prominent role in setting global health agendas.
Disproportionate Effects: The low-income countries that rely heavily on WHO for support may face greater challenges without US involvement.
What reforms or changes might be necessary within WHO in light of this withdrawal?
Diversification of Funding Sources: WHO should encourage member states to increase their assessed contributions, which currently cover less than 20% of its budget. This could help reduce reliance on any single donor, particularly the US.
WHO can seek to expand its voluntary contributions from other countries and private organizations to fill the financial gap left by the US withdrawal.
Strengthening Governance and Accountability: Implementing more transparent financial management practices can help restore trust among member states and ensure that funds are allocated effectively.
Establishing an independent oversight body to review WHO’s operations and decision-making processes may help address concerns about political influence and enhance accountability.
What opportunity do India have in this situation?
Increased Leadership Role: India can take a prominent leadership position within WHO, representing the Global South.
For Example, through the Vaccine Maitri initiative, India facilitated vaccine exports during the COVID-19 pandemic, demonstrating its commitment to global health equity and influencing health policies.
Strengthening Domestic Capabilities: The withdrawal allows India to bolster its healthcare infrastructure and research capabilities.
For Example, significant investments in indigenous vaccine production, such as Covaxin and Covishield, have positioned India as a major player in global vaccine supply chains, enhancing self-reliance and healthcare outcomes.
Enhanced Collaboration with Emerging Economies: India can forge stronger partnerships with other emerging economies to collaboratively address global health challenges.
For Example, engagement with countries like Brazil and South Africa through the IBSA Dialogue Forum can focus on shared issues like antimicrobial resistance and maternal health, enhancing collective responses to public health threats.
Leveraging Pharmaceutical Strength: India’s robust pharmaceutical industry can fill gaps left by reduced WHO funding.
Known as the “pharmacy of the world,” India supplied affordable vaccines during the pandemic, reinforcing its reputation as a key player in global healthcare by continuing to produce low-cost medications.
Way Forward: India can not only mitigate the impacts of the US withdrawal but also can significantly contribute to shaping a more equitable global health landscape.
Q) ‘China is using its economic relations and positive trade surplus as tools to develop potential military power status in Asia’, In the light of this statement, discuss its impact on India as her neighbor. (UPSC CSE 2017)
Q) The Gati-Shakti Yojana needs meticulous co-ordination between the government and the private sector to achieve the goal of connectivity. Discuss. (UPSC CSE 2022)
Mentor’s Comment: UPSC mains have always focused on Sustainable Development (2016, 2017, 2018 and 2022), and Budget Initiatives (2017 and 2021).
Currently, India holds only about 0.05% of the global market share in shipbuilding, significantly lower than competitors like China (47%), South Korea (30%), and Japan (17%). This disparity highlights that without addressing inefficiencies in container movement and logistics integration, infrastructure growth alone will not lead to meaningful progress.
The editorial discusses the recent positive developments in India’s shipping industry, particularly following the government’s announcements in the Union Budget 2025-26. This content can be used to present challenges in the Maritime Sector.
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Why in the News?
The Union Budget 2025-26 appears to have met most of the shipping industry’s demands; but it has missed an opportunity to address tax disparities.
What specific government initiatives are being introduced to support the shipping industry?
Maritime Development Fund (MDF): This initiative is the establishment of a MDF with an initial corpus of ₹25,000 crore which aims to provide long-term financing for the shipbuilding and maritime sectors, facilitating investment and growth within the industry.
Shipbuilding Financial Assistance Policy: The government has announced a revamp of the Shipbuilding Financial Assistance Policy (SBFAP) which aims to address cost disadvantages faced by domestic shipyards by providing direct financial subsidies, thereby encouraging local shipbuilding and enhancing competitiveness.
Customs Duty Exemptions and Incentives: This Budget extends customs duty exemptions on inputs and components used for manufacturing ships for more than 10 years.
Additionally, credit notes will be issued for shipbreaking activities, promoting a circular economy within the industry in order to make shipbuilding and recycling more competitive.
Extension of Tonnage Tax Scheme: The benefits of the existing tonnage tax scheme, which previously applied only to sea-going ships, will now be extended to inland vessels registered under the Indian Vessels Act, 2021.
This change aims to promote inland water transport and enhance the overall efficiency of the maritime sector.
Establishment of Shipbuilding Clusters: The Indian shipping industry has been advocating for the extension of the Shipbuilding Financial Assistance Policy (SBFAP) for another 10 years under the Amritkaal Maritime Vision 2047.
The government plans to facilitate the creation of shipbuilding clusters to increase capacity and capabilities in ship manufacturing.
How can these initiatives impact India’s position in the global shipping market?
Enhanced Global Competitiveness: By establishing the Maritime Development Fund and revamping financial assistance policies, India aims to boost its shipbuilding capabilities and reduce costs associated with ship construction and repair.
This could elevate India’s ranking in global shipbuilding from 22nd to potentially within the top 10 by 2030 and top 5 by 2047, thereby increasing its share of global ship tonnage from less than 1% to around 5%.
Improved Infrastructure and Efficiency: The government’s focus on port modernization through initiatives like the Sagarmala Programme and Maritime India Vision 2030 is set to enhance port infrastructure, logistics efficiency, and multimodal connectivity.
These improvements will reduce turnaround times for vessels and lower logistics costs, making Indian ports more attractive for international shipping lines and increasing cargo handling capacity significantly.
Attracting Foreign Investment: With a favorable investment climate that allows 100% Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) in port development, India is positioned to attract significant foreign capital into its shipping sector.
This influx of investment can lead to technological advancements, better operational practices, and increased capacity, further solidifying India’s role as a key player in global maritime trade.
What challenges does the Indian shipping industry face despite these positive developments?
High Costs and Financial Constraints: Indian shipyards face significant cost disadvantages compared to global competitors, particularly in terms of higher material and labor costs, as well as expensive financing options.
This results in a 25-30% cost disadvantage for Indian shipyards compared to those in countries like China and South Korea.
Additionally, the imposition of a 5% Goods and Services Tax (GST) on ship imports, which is not refunded for international operations, further strains financial resources for shipping companies.
Does the SARFAESI Act impact loan availability?
Under Section 31(d) of the SARFAESI Act, banks and financial institutions cannot create a security interest in vessels as defined by the Merchant Shipping Act, 1958.
This limitation means that lenders cannot easily seize and auction ships in case of loan defaults, which reduces their willingness to extend credit to shipowners.
The ongoing discussions about amending the SARFAESI Act to include provisions for ships indicate a recognition of these challenges.
By allowing banks to hold security interests in vessels, the government can enhance loan availability and create a more favorable environment for financing within the maritime sector.
Infrastructure Bottlenecks: Major Indian ports are grappling with issues such as congestion, inefficiency, and inadequate infrastructure to support increasing traffic volumes.
The growth in cargo traffic has outpaced the development of port facilities, leading to delays and higher operational costs.
For example, backlogs for rail freight have increased significantly, impacting the timely movement of goods.
Furthermore, labor strikes and outdated technology contribute to lower productivity at ports, making them less attractive to global shipping lines.
Dependence on Foreign Suppliers: Indian shipyards heavily rely on foreign suppliers for critical components and technology, which increases costs and complicates supply chains.
This dependency results in longer lead times for procurement and vulnerability to supply chain disruptions.
The lack of a robust domestic supply chain for high-tech maritime components further exacerbates these challenges, limiting the competitiveness of Indian shipbuilding firms.
Way Forward:
To realize its aspirations under the Amritkaal Maritime Vision 2047, India must prioritize investments in infrastructure, streamline regulatory processes, and foster a skilled workforce.
The path forward requires a concerted effort from all stakeholders to transform these challenges into opportunities for sustainable development in the maritime sector.
Establish a National Port Grid Authority to coordinate development across major and minor ports, promoting specialization and eliminating inter-port competition.
Implementing a hub-and-spoke model with mega ports acting as transshipment hubs can optimize cargo movement and efficiency.
Deploy Smart Port Infrastructure Management Systems (SPIMS) and introduce blockchain-based Port Community Systems to facilitate paperless and IoT based trade.
Q) One of the intended objectives of Union-Budget 15-18 is to ‘transform, energize and clean India’. Analyze the measures proposed in the Budget 15-18 to achieve the objective. (UPSC CSE 2017)
Q) Distinguish between Capital Budget and Revenue Budget. Explain the components of both these Budgets. (UPSC CSE 2021)
Mentor’s Comment: UPSC mains have always focused on Sustainable Development (2016, 2017, 2018 and 2022), and Budget Initiatives (2017 and 2021).
The Union Budget 2024-25 presents a strategic framework aimed at fostering economic growth while addressing the needs of various sectors, particularly the middle class, agriculture, and employment. While efforts to streamline tax structures and reduce compliance burdens are positive, they must be accompanied by robust strategies to ensure sustainable growth and equitable distribution of resources.
The editorial emphasizes the urgent need for decisive and equitable action in addressing inclusive and sustained growth. This content can be used to present challenges/criticism for the present Budget 2025-26 in your Mains Answers for Economy and Infrastructure.
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Why in the News?
The Union Finance Minister presented the Union Budget on February 1, addressing significant economic challenges while outlining an ambitious plan for ‘Viksit Bharat’ that focuses on various sectors, which although requires careful evaluation.
What are the key highlights from Budget 2025 that would raise the questions?
Fiscal Consolidation Target: This target aims to reduce the fiscal deficit from the previous year’s estimate of 4.9% and reflects the government’s commitment to managing public debt while balancing necessary public expenditures and economic growth challenges.
The Budget sets a Fiscal Consolidation Target of 4.4% of GDP for FY26, relying on optimistic revenue projections, including 11.2% growth in total tax revenues and 14.4% in income tax revenues, despite significant tax cuts and economic challenges.
Second Asset Monetisation Plan (2025-30): This plan aims to generate ₹10 lakh crore by monetizing government-owned assets. The proceeds from this monetization will be reinvested into new infrastructure projects.
Success of Second Asset Monetisation Plan (2025-30) after previous underperformance raises concerns, and ₹11.54 lakh crore in net market borrowings may crowd out private capital amid weak credit demand.
Additionally, the government has proposed ₹1.5 lakh crore in interest-free loans to states to further support capital expenditure and infrastructure reforms.
Personal Income Tax: The revisions in income tax rates that exempt incomes up to ₹12 lakh can lead to a loss of ₹1 lakh crore in direct tax revenue due to the following reasons:
Increased Exemptions: By exempting incomes up to ₹12 lakh, more individuals will not be liable to pay income tax, significantly reducing the overall tax base.
Reduced Tax Rates: The new tax regime includes lower tax rates for various income brackets, which means that even those who do pay taxes will contribute less than they would under the previous regime.
Impact on Government Revenue: The expected loss of ₹1 lakh crore in direct tax revenue will limit the government’s financial resources, constraining its ability to fund developmental initiatives and public services.
Declining Household Savings: As the government foregoes this revenue, it may struggle to maintain or increase public investments, which could exacerbate the already declining household savings rate, impacting long-term economic stability.
India’s Manufacturing Sector: The Budget aims to bolster India’s manufacturing sector, which currently contributes only 17% to the GDP, through various initiatives. However, significant challenges remain that could hinder the sector’s growth and competitiveness.
Regulatory Inefficiencies: By enhancing access to credit for MSMEs, the government aims to foster growth, but the existing regulatory framework often hampers business operations, leading to delays and increased costs that undermine competitiveness.
Low Innovation Capacity: The government has introduced PLIs targeting various sectors to encourage domestic production and attract foreign investment. However, the investment in R&D is critically low, currently at just 0.64% of GDP. This lack of focus on innovation limits the ability of Indian manufacturers to compete effectively.
Structural Weaknesses: The manufacturing sector has been plagued by structural weaknesses such as high costs of raw materials and logistics, which make it less competitive compared to other nations.
For example, steel prices in India are reported to be 20-30% higher than those in China.
What are the gaps highlighted by the budget that need to be recognized in the Agricultural Sector?
Significant Agricultural Initiatives taken by the Government in Budget 2025-26:
1. Prime Minister Dhan-Dhaanya Krishi Yojana:
Objective: To enhance agricultural productivity and promote sustainable farming practices in 100 districts characterized by low productivity, moderate crop intensity, and below-average credit access.
The initiative is expected to benefit approximately 1.7 crore farmers by providing them with better financial support and resources. The program will be executed in partnership with state governments, leveraging existing schemes and specialized measures to drive focused reforms.
Key Focus Areas:
Introduce advanced farming techniques and modern equipment.
Encourage farmers to grow a variety of crops instead of relying on a single crop.
Develop storage facilities at the panchayat and block levels to reduce crop wastage.
Enhance irrigation infrastructure to increase agricultural output.
Facilitate easier access to both short-term and long-term credit for farmers.
2. National Mission on High-Yielding Seeds:
Objective: This mission aims to improve the availability and use of high-yielding seed varieties to boost agricultural productivity across the country.
The mission emphasizes research and development in seed technology, ensuring that farmers have access to superior quality seeds that can lead to better crop yields.
It will work in conjunction with other agricultural programs, such as the Dhan-Dhaanya Krishi Yojana, to maximize the impact on food security and farmer income.
3.Increased Kisan Credit Card (KCC) Limit:
The loan limit for KCC has been raised from ₹3 lakh to ₹5 lakh, along with targeted support in 100 low-productivity districts, indicating a shift from blanket subsidies to more precise financial assistance for farmers.
Short-Term Loan Focus: The emphasis on credit enhancements primarily through short-term loans may perpetuate farmers’ dependency on debt without resolving underlying issues.
Systemic inefficiencies in agricultural markets remain unaddressed, particularly regarding price volatility and market access.
Missed Export Opportunities: The lack of concrete measures to promote agricultural exports, especially as India aims to lead in millets and natural farming, represents a significant missed opportunity.
Services exports, particularly in IT and business process outsourcing, are growing robustly at a 10.5% CAGR, but efforts to diversify the export portfolio are lacking.
While initiatives like Bharat Trade Net (BTN) and export credit support for MSMEs are positive, they lack the scale necessary to effectively address India’s ongoing trade deficits.
The depreciation of the rupee and declining foreign exchange reserves highlight the need for a more ambitious export strategy.
A fiscal push toward value-added sectors such as pharmaceuticals, electronics, renewable energy, and high-value agricultural products could enhance India’s position in global supply chains and improve export competitiveness.
What are the questions raised on other transformative and sustainable pushes?
Lithium-Ion Battery Recycling: Ace Green Recycling plans to establish India’s largest lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery recycling facility in Gujarat, with a capacity of 10,000 metric tons per year by 2026.
Incentives for Clean Tech Manufacturing: The Budget introduces tax benefits and policy extensions aimed at supporting electric vehicle (EV) startups and clean tech manufacturing. This includes exemptions on cobalt powder and lithium-ion battery scrap from basic Customs Duty, which is expected to strengthen India’s battery recycling ecosystem.
Despite these initiatives, the transition to a low-carbon economy remains fragmented due to insufficient investment in essential areas like grid modernization and energy storage.
To achieve a successful transition to a low-carbon economy, India needs a more integrated approach that includes substantial investments in energy infrastructure alongside the current recycling initiatives.
For example, enhancing energy storage capabilities is crucial for managing the intermittent nature of renewable energy sources like solar and wind power.
Way Forward:
While the Budget lays a promising foundation for economic progress, it requires a comprehensive approach that not only focuses on immediate tax relief but also addresses long-term challenges in productivity, innovation, and market access.
The success of these initiatives will be measured by their ability to create lasting benefits for all segments of society, driving India toward its vision of a prosperous and inclusive economy.
Q) Analyze internal security threats and transborder crimes along Myanmar, Bangladesh and Pakistan borders including Line of Control (LoC). Also discuss the role played by various security forces in this regard. (UPSC CSE 2020)
Q) ‘India is an age-old friend of Sri Lanka.’ Discuss India’s role in the recent crisis in Sri Lanka in the light of the preceding statement. (UPSC CSE 2022)
Mentor’s Comment: UPSC mains have always focused on Crossborder insurgency (2019), and Role of India in Southeast Asia (2017).
The ongoing violence inMyanmar, human rights abuses, and political repression have left millions in dire conditions, with over 6,000 civilians killed and 3.5 million displaced. According to the World Bank, by 2025, around 19.9 million people—one-third of the population—are expected to require humanitarian aid, including 6.3 million children in Myanmar.
As Myanmar marks four years since the military coup, today’s editorial highlights the urgent need for global attention and action. The international community’s response has been inadequate, failing to effectively challenge the junta’s grip on power. This content can be used to present Neighbourhood Policy or South Asian Democratic Crises in your Mains Answers.
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Why in the News?
There are several significant developments surrounding the ongoing crisis in Myanmar as it marks the fourth anniversary of the military coup.
What has been the impact of the military coup on Myanmar’s political landscape?
The military coup in Myanmar on February 1, 2021, has drastically altered the political landscape, leading to instability and conflict.
Return to Military Rule: The coup reversed a decade-long democratic transition by overthrowing the elected government of Aung San Suu Kyi’s National League for Democracy (NLD), resulting in widespread protests and civil unrest against the junta.
Rise in Civil Unrest and Resistance: The coup sparked massive protests and a civil disobedience movement, leading to the formation of a shadow government, the National Unity Government (NUG), by ousted lawmakers.
This has resulted in armed conflict with various ethnic groups and newly formed resistance forces, creating a state of civil war.
Human Rights Violations and Humanitarian Crisis: The military’s brutal crackdowns have led to widespread human rights abuses, including killings and arbitrary detentions. Millions have been displaced, exacerbating existing ethnic conflicts, particularly affecting the Rohingya population. The international response has largely failed to hold the military accountable.
What are the prospects for Myanmar’s economy in 2025 considering the current socio political turmoil?
The World Bank forecasts a 1% contraction in Myanmar’s GDP for the fiscal year ending in March 2025, marking a significant downgrade from earlier growth expectations.
By 2025, around 19.9 million people—one-third of the population—are expected to require humanitarian aid, including 6.3 million children.
Since the military coup in February 2021, armed conflicts and natural disasters have disrupted production across sectors like agriculture and manufacturing. Recent floods have further damaged infrastructure.
About 25% of the population faces acute food insecurity, driven by high inflation rates projected at 26% annually. Many households struggle to afford basic necessities due to rising food prices.
The long-term economic outlook remains grim, with subdued growth expected even if conflict levels stabilize. Further violence or natural disasters could worsen economic conditions.
How has the role of ASEAN evolved in addressing the Myanmar crisis?
Five-Point Consensus: In April 2021, ASEAN introduced a Five-Point Consensus calling for an end to violence, dialogue, humanitarian aid, and a special envoy to mediate. However, its effectiveness has been limited due to lack of inclusivity and pressure on the military junta.
Trioka Mechanism: ASEAN created the Trioka Mechanism to monitor the implementation of the Five-Point Consensus. This group includes Indonesia, Laos, and Malaysia but faces concerns about its ability to address Myanmar’s complex issues.
Humanitarian Response: ASEAN has held meetings to improve humanitarian aid delivery but struggles with implementation challenges.
International Engagement: External influences, like those from the EU and UN, have shaped ASEAN’s approach. Critics argue that ASEAN’s preference for dialogue over sanctions has not produced significant results.
Way Forward:
The UN and ASEAN have struggled to resolve the Myanmar crisis, prompting experts to call on neighboring countries—China, India, Thailand, Bangladesh, and Laos—to take action, as the situation threatens their interests.
However, challenges persist: borders with India and Bangladesh are controlled by ethnic armed organizations (EAOs), trust issues exist between India and China, and India-Bangladesh relations are strained.
This makes it difficult for these nations to reach a consensus on how to encourage peace.
Thailand, as a significant ASEAN member, could play a crucial role but faces its own limitations.
Meanwhile, China’s influence has grown since the coup, and experts suggest that Myanmar’s people should not rely on external help; instead, their leaders must prioritize dialogue over violence to avoid further suffering.
Q) ‘India is an age-old friend of Sri Lanka.’ Discuss India’s role in the recent crisis in Sri Lanka in the light of the preceding statement. (UPSC CSE 2022)
Mentor’s Comment: UPSC mains have always focused on India is an age-old friend of Sri Lanka (2022), and ‘India — Sri Lanka relations ’ (2013).
Over the past 40 years, India’s role in Sri Lanka’s ethnic conflict evolved from mediator to active player, leading to the 1987 Indo-Lanka Accord and the 13th Amendment, which introduced Provincial Councils. The JVP opposed it, calling it an Indian imposition. The LTTE also rejected it and demanded a separate Tamil Eelam, which India never supported.
Today’s editorial talks about the India Srilanka relation. This content would help in GS Paper 2 International relations.
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Why in the News?
Recently, India’s decision to name the Jaffna Cultural Centre after Tamil poet-philosopher Thiruvalluvar is a symbolic way to strengthen its deep ties with Sri Lanka.
What are the historical roots of the ethnic conflict in Sri Lanka?
Colonial Legacy: British colonial rule (1815-1948) favoured the Tamil minority in administration and education, causing resentment among the Sinhalese majority.
Sinhala-Only Act (1956): The official adoption of Sinhala as the sole national language marginalized Tamil speakers and led to widespread Tamil discontent.
Discrimination in Education & Employment: Policies like the standardization of university admissions (1970s) made it harder for Tamils to access higher education and government jobs.
Ethnic Violence & Riots: The 1983 anti-Tamil pogrom (Black July) led to mass violence against Tamils, intensifying the demand for Tamil autonomy.
Rise of the LTTE: The Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) emerged as the dominant militant group demanding an independent Tamil Eelam, leading to a brutal civil war (1983-2009).
Indo-Lanka Accord (1987) & 13th Amendment: This attempt at devolution through Provincial Councils failed to fully address Tamil aspirations, leading to continued tensions.
How can the new government address Tamil aspirations and rights?
Full Implementation of the 13th Amendment: The government should prioritize the effective implementation of the 13th Amendment to the Constitution, which allows for provincial councils and limited autonomy for Tamil-majority regions. This step is crucial for addressing Tamil political representation and governance.
Engagement in Inclusive Dialogue: Establishing a direct and inclusive dialogue with Tamil political leaders and communities is essential. This dialogue should focus on addressing historical grievances, ensuring that Tamil voices are heard in national policy-making, and fostering reconciliation.
Address Land Rights and Resettlement Issues: The government must take action to return lands occupied by the military to their rightful Tamil owners and halt any ongoing land grabs that threaten Tamil communities. Ensuring land rights is vital for restoring trust and dignity among Tamils.
Commitment to Human Rights Accountability: The new administration should commit to addressing past human rights violations during the civil war, including accountability for wartime atrocities. This includes repealing repressive laws like the Prevention of Terrorism Act (PTA) that disproportionately affect Tamils.
Cultural Recognition and Language Rights: Promoting Tamil culture and ensuring that Tamil is recognized as an official language alongside Sinhala would help foster a sense of inclusion and respect for Tamil identity within the broader national framework, enhancing community cohesion.
What role does international support play in resolving Sri Lanka’s ethnic issues?
Mediation and Pressure: Countries like India have historically acted as mediators in Sri Lankan affairs. Their support can encourage the government to adhere to commitments regarding Tamil rights and autonomy.
Development Assistance: International aid can facilitate economic development in Tamil areas, addressing disparities that fuel ethnic tensions. India’s financial assistance for infrastructure projects is an example of how external support can aid reconciliation efforts.
Monitoring Human Rights: International organizations can monitor human rights conditions in Sri Lanka, advocating for accountability and justice for past atrocities against Tamils, which is essential for building trust and moving towards lasting peace.
Way forward:
Strengthen Political and Constitutional Reforms: Ensure full implementation of the 13th Amendment, conduct Provincial Council elections, and explore further constitutional reforms to enhance Tamil political representation and autonomy.
Promote Inclusive Economic Development and Reconciliation: Invest in infrastructure, employment, and education in Tamil-majority areas while advancing truth, justice, and reconciliation initiatives to address past grievances and build long-term social cohesion.
op-ed snap | Economics | Mains Paper 3: Effects Of Liberalization On The Economy, Changes In Industrial Policy and their effects on Industrial Growth
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Q) Discuss the multi-dimensional implications of uneven distribution of mineral oil in the world. (UPSC CSE 2021)
Mentor’s Comment: UPSC mains have always focused on Chinese dominance in Geopolitics (2024) and Mines and Minerals in Indian Economy (2021 & 2022).
Despite having the fifth-largest reserves of rare earths globally, India currently lags in all stages of rare earth development. India heavily relies on China for critical minerals, with significant import percentages for essential resources such as lithium (82%), bismuth (85.6%), and silicon (76%). This dependency poses risks to India’s economic security. The International Energy Agency predicts that demand could double by 2030 and quadruple by 2040.
Today’s editorial emphasizes the challenges posed by the Critical Mineral industry at national and Global level. This content can be used for presenting the challenges in the Indian Economy with respect to Critical Mines and Minerals and Trade issues.
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Why in the News?
China’s recent actions (expanded its export control list by including 28 entities), including potential export restrictions, have heightened fears about India’s reliance on Chinese supplies of critical minerals like lithium, cobalt, and rare earth elements.
China controls a substantial portion of the global supply of critical minerals, producing about 60% of rare earth elements, 50% of lithium, and 70% of cobalt.
This dominance extends to processing, where China handles approximately 80% of the world’s critical mineral processing, allowing it to influence global prices and availability significantly.
What are the implications of China’s dominance in the critical minerals supply chain for India’s Economic Security?
Supply Chain Vulnerability: India’s heavy reliance on Chinese imports for critical minerals like lithium and cobalt creates significant risks, as China’s control over a large share of global production and processing capacity could lead to supply disruptions or price increases.
Geopolitical Leverage: China’s ability to restrict access to critical minerals during geopolitical tensions poses a direct threat to India’s energy transition and economic stability, potentially hindering its renewable energy goals.
Need for Strategic Diversification: In response to these challenges, India must pursue strategic partnerships with resource-rich countries and invest in domestic mineral exploration and processing capabilities to reduce dependence on China.
Global Competition and Sustainability: As global competition for critical minerals intensifies, India must balance its pursuit of resource independence with sustainable mining practices, ensuring long-term availability while addressing environmental concerns.
What are the key challenges in developing India’s domestic critical mineral production?
Limited Exploration and Development: Complex geology, lack of advanced exploration technologies, and regulatory hurdles slow down the discovery and commercial extraction of resources like lithium and cobalt.
Processing Capacity Gaps: India lacks sufficient domestic processing and refining facilities for critical minerals. This gap forces the country to depend on foreign processing.
Regulatory and Policy Constraints: Existing regulations reserve certain critical minerals for public sector undertakings, limiting private sector participation in exploration and mining.
Additionally, the need for an updated list of critical minerals in the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Act hampers timely exploration efforts.
Establishing new exploration and processing activities involves long gestation periods, which can delay India’s efforts to become self-reliant in critical minerals.
Skilled Workforce Shortage: There is a shortage of skilled manpower in the materials, minerals, and metals sectors due to gaps in specialized training and advanced skills development.
Environmental Concerns: Mining activities can lead to significant environmental degradation, including biodiversity loss, water depletion, and pollution. Addressing these concerns while developing mineral resources poses a challenge for sustainable practices.
How can India effectively reduce its dependency on Chinese imports for critical minerals?
Domestic Exploration and Production: India is focusing on enhancing its domestic mining capabilities by identifying and exploring critical mineral reserves within its territory.
For Example, the recent discoveries of lithium deposits in states like Jammu and Kashmir, Rajasthan, and Karnataka highlight the potential for self-reliance in critical minerals essential for renewable energy technologies.
Critical Minerals Mission: Government has launched a Critical Mineral Mission aimed at securing domestic production, recycling, and overseas acquisition of critical minerals.
This mission includes incentives for private companies to establish processing facilities and aims to reduce import duties on key minerals, thereby promoting local processing and refining.
International Partnerships: India is actively seeking to forge strategic partnerships with resource-rich countries, particularly in Africa and Latin America, to secure mineral blocks through government-to-government agreements.
This includes investments in countries like Australia, Chile, Ghana, and South Africa to diversify supply sources and mitigate risks associated with over-reliance on China.
Regulatory Reforms and Investment: The Indian government is implementing regulatory reforms to attract private investment in the critical minerals sector.
This includes auctioning critical mineral blocks to both state-owned and private companies, establishing entities like Khanij Bidesh India Ltd. (KABIL) for overseas acquisitions, and enhancing the National Mineral Exploration Trust (NMET) to support exploration efforts.
Key Significant Features of the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Amendment Act, 2023
Private Sector Involvement: The amendment allows the private sector to explore and mine six critical minerals previously restricted to state agencies, including lithium, beryllium, niobium, titanium, tantalum, and zirconium. This shift encourages private investment and expertise in the mining sector.
Exploration Licenses (EL): The introduction of Exploration Licenses enables private companies to conduct reconnaissance and prospecting for critical minerals. This is expected to attract foreign direct investment (FDI) and engage junior mining companies, thereby boosting exploration efforts for deep-seated minerals.
Exclusive Auctions for Critical Minerals: The central government is empowered to auction mineral concessions for critical minerals such as rare earth elements, cobalt, and nickel. This streamlined auction process is designed to accelerate production and generate revenue for state governments.
Revenue-Sharing Mechanism: If resources are proven after exploration, the state government must conduct an auction for mining leases within six months. The exploration licensee will receive a share in the auction value of the subsequent mining lease, incentivizing exploration activities.
What role do global market dynamics play in shaping India’s critical mineral policies?
Geopolitical Influences: The competitive landscape of critical minerals is heavily influenced by geopolitical tensions, particularly with China, which dominates the supply chain.
India’s policies need to be increasingly designed to mitigate reliance on Chinese imports by fostering partnerships with countries like the U.S., Australia, and members of the Quad, aiming for a more diversified and secure supply chain.
Investment in Domestic Capabilities: To counteract dependency on imports, India should implement regulatory reforms to attract private investment in the mining sector.
This includes auctioning mineral blocks and promoting initiatives like the National Critical Minerals Mission, which aims to strengthen the entire value chain from exploration to processing.
Need for Strategic Sourcing: Global market fluctuations can lead to price volatility for critical minerals, prompting India to develop a carefully crafted import strategy.
This strategy focuses on establishing stable relationships with resource-rich nations and diversifying sourcing options to mitigate risks associated with supply disruptions.
Fiscal Incentives: A possible remedy is to offer larger upfront fiscal incentives during the exploration phase. In other words, pledging direct capital support early in the construction phase might be to approach critical minerals extraction as a semiconductor fabrication project.
op-ed snap | | Mains Paper 2: Bilateral, Regional and Global Groupings and agreements involving India
PYQ Relevance:
Q) ‘India is an age-old friend of Sri Lanka.’ Discuss India’s role in the recent crisis in Sri Lanka in the light of the preceding statement. (UPSC CSE 2022)
Mentor’s Comment: UPSC Mains have focused on ‘India is an age-old friend of Sri Lanka’ (in 2022), and ‘how domestic factors influence foreign policy between India and Srilanka’ (in 2013).
Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake’s recent visit to India drew significant attention, marking his first foreign trip since taking office. The visit highlighted the shift in Sri Lanka’s political landscape, with the National People’s Power’s surprising electoral success. India’s priorities have also evolved, focusing on countering China’s influence in the region.
Today’s editorial highlights the importance of Sri Lanka for India. This content can be used to substantiate the challenges and significance due to Srilanka for India in UPSC IAS mains paper GS2.
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Let’s learn!
Why in the News?
The joint statement released by New Delhi and Colombo during the Sri Lankan President’s visit to India shows what is currently important to both countries.
What is the joint statement released by New Delhi and Colombo during the Sri Lankan President’s visit?
Bilateral Cooperation: The statement emphasizes the deep-rooted cultural ties and geographical proximity that underpin the India-Sri Lanka partnership.
Both leaders reaffirmed their commitment to enhancing cooperation in areas such as parliamentary exchanges, development cooperation, debt restructuring, energy cooperation, trade and investment, and strategic defense engagement.
Economic Support and Stability: President Anura Kumara Dissanayake expressed gratitude for India’s support during Sri Lanka’s economic crisis, highlighting India’s provision of nearly USD 4 billion in aid.
The leaders agreed on an investment-based approach to assist Sri Lanka’s economic recovery and growth, while also addressing shared security interests in the Indian Ocean Region
What is 13th Amandment?
The 13th Amendment to the Constitution of Sri Lanka, passed in 1987, was introduced as part of the Indo-Sri Lanka Accord signed between Indian Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi and Sri Lankan President J.R. Jayewardene.
Its primary aim was to provide a framework for the devolution of power to provincial councils, thereby addressing the demands for greater autonomy from the Tamil minority, particularly in the Northern and Eastern provinces.
What is the current status of the 13th Amendment’s implementation in Srilanka?
Stagnation in Implementation: The 13th Amendment, which was designed to provide power devolution to provincial councils in Sri Lanka, has seen little progress in its implementation.
The recent joint statement from India and Sri Lanka did not address the amendment or the political solutions for Tamil aspirations, highlighting a lack of commitment from the current government led by President Anura Kumara Dissanayake.
Political Hesitance: The Dissanayake administration has avoided explicitly referencing the 13th Amendment due to its association with “Indian imposition,” which is viewed negatively by the Sinhala-Buddhist majority. Instead, the government’s focus has shifted towards broader promises of provincial council elections and constitutional reforms without a clear plan for implementing the amendment.
How do historical grievances impact contemporary Tamil-Sinhala relations?
Historical Conflict: Historical grievances from the civil war and ongoing issues related to Tamil rights significantly affect Tamil-Sinhala relations. The Tamil community continues to seek justice for wartime atrocities and greater political agency, while many in the Sinhala majority often view discussions about devolution and federalism with scepticism.
Political Dynamics: The recent electoral success of the National People’s Power (NPP) signifies a shift in Tamil political engagement, as Tamils have shown support for a party that traditionally opposed Indian intervention.
However, this shift raises concerns about how effectively the NPP will address Tamil issues without alienating its base among Sinhala nationalists.
What are the prospects for genuine reconciliation and autonomy for Tamils in Sri Lanka?
Need for Clarity: There is an urgent need for the NPP to clarify its position on Tamil rights and reconciliation. While the party’s manifesto promises provincial council elections and constitutional reforms, it lacks a concrete strategy for addressing historical grievances or ensuring autonomy for Tamils.
Challenges Ahead: Genuine reconciliation remains uncertain as long as past grievances are not adequately addressed. The Tamil polity must engage more directly with its constituents rather than relying on international actors.
The NPP’s ability to foster inter-ethnic peace will depend on its willingness to confront historical failures and implement meaningful policies that reflect the aspirations of all communities in Sri Lanka.
Way forward:
Clear Political Vision: The NPP should outline a concrete plan for addressing Tamil rights, implementing the 13th Amendment, and ensuring provincial autonomy, while balancing the demands of both Tamil and Sinhala communities.
Inclusive Dialogue: Engage in direct, inclusive dialogue with all ethnic groups, focusing on national reconciliation and addressing past grievances, to foster a durable peace and meaningful political solution for all communities in Sri Lanka.
Q) Climate change’ is a global problem. How India will be affected by climate change? How Himalayan and coastal states of India will be affected by climate change? (UPSC CSE 2017)
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. (UPSC CSE 2022)
Note4Students:
Prelims: Supreme court judgements related to climate change impact,
Mains: Role of state and local Government to address the impact of climate change,
Mentor comment: Climate change poses grave threats to human rights, including the rights to life, health, food, water, housing, and an adequate standard of living. Extreme weather events, sea-level rise, and environmental degradation disproportionately impact vulnerable populations. Governments have a legal obligation to curb climate change, and corporations must respect human rights by reducing emissions and adapting to climate impacts. Addressing climate change is crucial to upholding human rights and ensuring a sustainable future for all.
Let’s learn!
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Why in the news?
In a landmark judgment, the Supreme Court of India recently recognized a right to be “free from the adverse impacts of climate change” in “M.K. Ranjitsinh and Others vs Union of India”, deriving it from the right to life and the right to equality.
Law to inform development choices
Integrating Climate Objectives into Development: Ensure that low-carbon and climate-resilient futures are prioritized in routine decision-making at all levels of development. Embed climate objectives in the legal framework to guide sustainable development choices.
Grounding Climate Action in Social Justice: Design laws to protect vulnerable populations disproportionately affected by climate change. Ensure the energy transition is just and equitable, advancing social justice and inclusive development.
Adopting a Comprehensive and Flexible Approach: Move beyond top-down emission targets to address broader developmental choices and their long-term impacts. Establish well-defined legal procedures that promote continuous consideration of low-carbon and climate-resilient futures.
Building a Robust Institutional Framework: Create an institutional structure to strategize, prioritize, troubleshoot, and evaluate climate policies. Enhance governance capacity to ensure credible and accountable climate action across all levels of government.
Tailoring Framework Climate Laws to the Indian Context: Adapt elements of global framework climate laws to suit India’s specific needs, focusing on maximising development per unit of carbon emitted. Emphasize climate resilience and social equity, ensuring development progresses in a low-carbon direction while building resilience to pervasive climate impacts.
Need for a Low-Carbon Development Body
Rigorous Policy Analysis and Knowledge Generation: Establish a knowledge body in government to rigorously analyze policy options and their potential futures. Enable informed decision-making through a comprehensive understanding of low-carbon development and resilience strategies.
Expertise and Technical Guidance: Create an independent ‘low-carbon development commission’ staffed with experts and technical personnel. Provide national and state governments with practical guidance on achieving low-carbon growth and resilience.
Deliberative Decision-Making and Stakeholder Consultation: Facilitate a platform for deliberative decision-making involving multiple stakeholders. Systematically consult vulnerable communities and those adversely affected by technological changes to ensure their concerns are heard and integrated, leading to more sustainable and inclusive policy outcomes.
Strategic Direction and Whole-of-Government Coordination: Form a high-level strategic body, or ‘climate cabinet,’ comprising key Ministers and representation from State Chief Ministers to drive climate strategy across government. Address the challenge of siloed decision-making by promoting a whole-of-government approach with dedicated coordination mechanisms.
Enhanced Governance and Legal Empowerment: Complement the role of the Ministry of Environment, Forest, and Climate Change with higher-level coordination bodies. Reinforce existing structures like the Executive Committee on Climate Change with clearly defined legal powers and duties to ensure effective implementation and accountability in climate governance.
Role of State and Local Governments in Climate Law
Engagement with Federal Structure: Recognize the importance of India’s federal structure in climate governance. Acknowledge that crucial areas for emission reduction and resilience improvement, such as electricity, agriculture, water, health, and soil, are managed by State and local governments.
First Responders to Climate Impacts: Understand that climate impacts are felt first and most intensely at local levels. Ensure that any institutional structure or regulatory instrument engages meaningfully with subnational governments.
Access to National Scientific Capacity: Establish channels for subnational governments to access national scientific resources and expertise. Utilize the low-carbon development commission as an intermediary to enhance local climate scientific capacity.
Financing Local Action: Develop mechanisms for financing local climate actions. Align centrally-sponsored schemes with climate goals and require national departments to climate-tag expenditures to enhance local climate resilience.
Coordination Mechanisms and Unified Goals: Create coordination mechanisms for the Centre and States to consult on major climate decisions. Require periodic updates of medium-term climate plans from both Centre and States, built around unified climate goals.
State-Specific Solutions and Institutions: Enable States to develop complementary institutions to those at the Centre, providing local knowledge, strategy-setting, deliberation, and coordination functions. Foster the development of State-specific solutions that address unique local climate challenges.
Steps taken by Government to address the impact of climate change:
International Solar Alliance (ISA): Launched in 2015, this alliance aims to efficiently utilize solar energy and reduce dependence on non-renewable sources like fossil fuels.
One Sun, One World, One Grid (OSOWOG) project with the UK: This project aims to build and scale inter-regional energy grids to share solar energy globally.
Swachh Bharat Mission: This program emphasized cleaning India’s cities and villages by providing toilets for every household.
National Clean Air Programme: Launched in 2019 to reduce particulate matter concentrations in the atmosphere.
Green Skill Development Programme: Launched to develop green skills and provide employment in the environment and forest sectors.
Commitment to get 50% of energy from renewable sources and reduce total projected carbon emissions by 1 billion tonnes by 2030: The government aims to ensure sustainable development of the environment.
Faster Adoption and Manufacturing of Hybrid & Electric Vehicles (FAME) India scheme: Launched in 2015 to promote electric vehicles and decrease coal consumption.
Way forward:
Strengthen Institutional and Legal Frameworks: Establish robust institutions like an independent low-carbon development commission to provide expert guidance, facilitate stakeholder consultations, and ensure informed decision-making.
Promote Inclusive and Equitable Climate Action: Integrate social equity considerations into climate policies by systematically consulting vulnerable communities and those affected by technological changes.
Q. In the context of the neo-liberal paradigm of development planning, multi-level planning is expected to make operations cost-effective and remove many implementation blockages.” Discuss. (UPSC IAS/2019)
Q. ‘Whether National Commission for Scheduled Castes (NCSC) can enforce the implementation of constitutional reservation for the Scheduled Castes in the religious minority institutions? Examine.
(UPSC IAS/2018)
Note4Students:
Prelims: Definition of Liberalism;
Mains: Challenges to liberalism;
Mentor comment: Politics, like philosophy, aims to reconcile diversity, where contradictions converge in a multicultural society. Understanding this harmony reflects an idealistic state that prioritizes coexistence and universal welfare. However, global democratic history reveals ongoing challenges to liberalism, which safeguards against authoritarianism and protects civil rights. Amid rising sectarianism, the fundamental question persists: Who deserves basic rights? This issue underscores civil discrimination, racial politics, and xenophobia, exacerbated by the rise of right-wing nationalism and global migration dynamics.
Let’s learn.
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Why in the News?
There remains a glimmer of hope in the resilience of democratic forces, which can effectively counteract and uproot any divisive political aberration when the time is ripe.
What is Liberalism?
Liberalism is a political and philosophical ideology that emphasizes individual rights, liberty, equality under the law, and limited government intervention in personal and economic affairs. It advocates for freedoms such as freedom of speech, press, religion, and assembly, and supports democratic processes, rule of law, and protection of civil liberties. Liberalism typically promotes social progress through tolerance, pluralism, and a commitment to human rights and justice.
Electoral outcomes
Shift in Public Opinion: There is a noticeable shift towards conservative and right-wing ideologies, marked by sentiments such as climate scepticism, anti-migration views, and nationalism. This trend was reflected in recent elections both in Europe and India.
Voter Response: Despite expectations favouring right-wing outcomes, the electorate, particularly in India, was surprised with a strong rejection of what was perceived as authoritarianism and communalism. This indicates a robust defense of democratic values and fundamental rights.
Impact on Minority Communities: The election results have been seen as a reassurance to minority communities, particularly Muslims, who felt marginalized and insecure due to perceived policies of exclusion and communal tension.
Democratic Fortitude: The outcome is portrayed as a reaffirmation of democracy’s strength in allowing for checks and balances against oppressive regimes and divisive politics.
Hope for Robust Opposition: There is optimism about the emergence of a strong opposition capable of holding the government accountable, promoting debate, and safeguarding diverse civil society interests.
Challenges and Aspirations: The electorate expects rational governance, justice, and responsiveness to marginalized groups’ issues such as poverty, unemployment, and hunger.
Ethical Governance: Emphasis is placed on governance that respects human rights universally, avoiding discrimination or exclusion based on ethnicity, religion, or political affiliation.
Verdict and the Advent of Hope
Challenge to Democracy: The passage highlights a global erosion of democratic values, with right-wing governments accused of manipulating truth and resorting to oppressive tactics to maintain power.
Call for Tempered Liberalism: There’s a plea for ruling dispensations to embrace a more moderate form of liberalism, abandoning illiberal practices that undermine democratic norms and freedoms.
Role of Opposition: Expectations are set on opposition alliances to uphold principles of humility, pluralism, and modesty, providing a counterbalance to dominant political forces.
Philosophical Reflection: The outcome of elections prompts reflection on political astuteness and statesmanship, essential for navigating the trajectory of democracy amidst global challenges.
Natural vs Civil Order: Drawing from Spinoza, the clash between natural self-interest and civil responsibility underscores the necessity of societal order governed by law and morality to prevent chaos and uphold rights.
Hope and Scepticism: The Indian electoral outcome reflects a dual sentiment of hope and scepticism, shaping the future direction of democracy and fostering philosophical introspection.
Challenges to liberalism:
Rise of Right-Wing Sentiment: There is a global trend towards right-wing ideologies, marked by climate scepticism, anti-migration sentiment, and nationalist fervour, posing challenges to liberal values and policies.
Authoritarianism and Communalism: The resurgence of authoritarianism and communal politics threatens democratic principles and societal harmony, particularly impacting marginalized communities like Muslims.
Hope and Despair: The electorate’s response reflects a mix of hope and despair, with optimism placed in a robust opposition and democratic institutions to safeguard fundamental rights and uphold civil society diversity.
Balancing Public and Private: The need for a nuanced approach in reconciling private religious beliefs with public, politicized lifestyles without diminishing individual rights is crucial for fostering a tolerant society.
Way forward:
Policy Reforms: Implement inclusive policies that address economic disparities, social inequalities, and regional disparities effectively. This includes measures to tackle poverty, unemployment, and hunger through targeted welfare programs.
Social Integration: Foster initiatives that promote social cohesion and integration across diverse communities. Encourage dialogue and understanding among different cultural and religious groups to mitigate communal tensions.
Democratic Checks and Balances: Enhance the autonomy and effectiveness of democratic institutions such as the judiciary, election commissions, and anti-corruption bodies. Ensure they operate independently and transparently to uphold democratic principles.
Dialogue and Consensus-Building: Foster inclusive decision-making processes that involve stakeholders from diverse backgrounds. Encourage political parties to engage in constructive dialogue and seek consensus on key policy issues.
Q Safeguarding the Indian art heritage is the need of the moment. Comment (10) (UPSC IAS/2018)
Q Do you agree that regionalism in India appears to be a consequence of rising cultural assertiveness? Argue. (UPSC IAS/2020)
Mentors’ comment: India, with its landscapes ranging from the world’s highest peaks to low-lying coastal plains, showcases a diverse morphology that has evolved over billions of years. Numerous locations feature a variety of rocks, minerals, and distinctive fossil assemblages. These geological features and landscapes reveal spectacular ‘origin’ stories based on scientific interpretations rather than mythology. India’s tumultuous geological past is etched in its rocks and terrains and should be regarded as part of our non-cultural heritage. The country offers many such examples. Geo-heritage sites serve as educational spaces where people can gain much-needed geological literacy, especially given India’s generally poor regard for this legacy.
Let’s learn!
Why in the news?
India’s turbulent geological history is captured in its rocks and landscapes and should be regarded as part of our non-cultural heritage.
Scant Traction in India:
Lack of Awareness and Importance: Despite international advancements in geological conservation, India has not prioritized geo-conservation, with many fossil-bearing sites destroyed due to development and real estate growth.
Destructive Activities: Stone mining activities, covering more than 10% of India’s total area, have led to significant destruction of geological sites, undermining the preservation of these natural laboratories.
Neglect of Geological Heritage: There is a paradox in India’s approach—seeking evidence of early life on Mars while destroying crucial geological evidence within its own territory, such as the little-known Dhala meteoritic impact crater.
Absence of Legislation: India lacks specific legislation or policies to protect geo-heritage, despite being a signatory to international agreements advocating geological conservation.
Half-hearted Measures:
Abandoned Legislation Attempts: In 2009, a Bill to constitute a National Commission for Heritage Sites was introduced but later withdrawn, indicating a lack of commitment to geo-heritage conservation.
Ineffective Notification by GSI: The Geological Survey of India (GSI) has notified 34 geological monuments but lacks regulatory power to enforce preservation measures, leading to threats against these sites.
Draft Bill with No Progress: In 2022, the Ministry of Mines drafted a Bill for the preservation and maintenance of geo-heritage sites, but there has been no further progress, reflecting a lack of urgency and follow-through.
Recent Cliff Demolition Example: The demolition of part of the Varkala cliff, a designated geological heritage site, by the district administration citing landslide hazards highlights the inadequate protection and respect for such sites.
Impact:
Loss of Scientific Knowledge: The destruction of fossil-bearing sites and other geological features due to development, real estate growth, and stone mining activities results in the permanent loss of invaluable scientific data. This hampers the understanding of India’s geological history and reduces opportunities for education and research in earth sciences.
Erosion of Cultural and Natural Heritage: Neglecting geological conservation undermines India’s rich natural heritage, which is integral to the country’s identity. The demolition of sites like the Varkala Cliff demonstrates a disregard for preserving unique geological formations that are part of India’s natural legacy.
Missed Economic Opportunities: Geo-heritage sites have the potential to attract tourism, contributing to local and national economies. The lack of legislative protection and promotion of these sites means missed opportunities for sustainable tourism development, which could generate income and create jobs while educating the public about the importance of geological conservation.
Way forward:
Legislative Framework for Geo-Conservation: Enact specific legislation to protect and conserve geo-heritage sites, similar to the Biological Diversity Act, 2002. This legislation should establish clear guidelines for the preservation, management, and sustainable use of geo-heritage sites, ensuring they are protected from destructive activities and development pressures.
National Geo-Conservation Authority: Establish a National Geo-Conservation Authority to oversee the identification, protection, and promotion of geo-heritage sites.
Promotion of Geo-Tourism: Develop and promote geo-heritage sites as sustainable tourism destinations. This includes investing in infrastructure, providing educational resources, and marketing these sites to attract both domestic and international tourists.
Q Public health system has limitations in providing universal health coverage. Do you think that the private sector can help in bridging the gap? What other viable alternatives do you suggest? (UPSC IAS/2015)
Q The increase in life expectancy in the country has led to newer health challenges in the community. What are those challenges and what steps need to be taken to meet them? (UPSC IAS/2022)
Mentor Comment: Health insurance, now central to India’s UHC policy, is being enhanced by digital advancements, enabling reforms akin to the U.S. but with cost-effective local adaptations. A South Indian healthcare chain recently integrated insurance and care provision, forming an Indian-style MCO. This prompts reflection on MCOs’ potential to extend universal health care in India significantly.
Let’s learn_ _
Why in the news?
Universal healthcare poses a multifaceted challenge, yet managed care organizations may offer a piece of the solution that Indian healthcare requires.
What is a Managed Care Organization?
A Managed Care Organization (MCO) is a health care company or a health plan that is focused on managed care as a model to limit costs, while keeping quality of care high.
The background of Managed Care Organizations (MCOs) in the United States and India:
Evolution of MCOs in the United States:
MCOs have their origins in rudimentary prepaid healthcare practices in the 20th century.
The mainstreaming of MCOs gained momentum in the 1970s due to concerns over healthcare costs.The economic slowdown post-1970s made high insurance premiums less attractive to purchasers.
A shift occurred towards integrating insurance and healthcare provisioning functions. Focus areas included prevention, early management, and cost control, all under a fixed premium paid by enrollees.
MCOs have evolved through multiple generations and forms, deeply penetrating the health insurance market. While evidence of their effectiveness in improving health outcomes and prioritizing preventive care is mixed, they have been effective in reducing costly hospitalizations and associated costs.
Evolution of MCOs in India:
The first public commercial health insurance emerged in the 1980s.The focus has primarily been on indemnity insurance and covering hospitalization costs.
There is a significant market for outpatient consultations, valued at nearly $26 billion.
Health insurance in India has traditionally lagged behind life and general insurance. The sector faces issues such as lack of innovation and high, often unsustainable, operational costs.
As per Thomas (2011), Health insurance has played a secondary role to other forms of insurance. The industry’s operational inefficiencies and high costs have been persistent issues.
Challenges in India:
Lack of Natural Incentives for Cost Control: The evolutionary trajectory of Indian health insurance has not incentivized consumer-driven cost control.
Target Demographic: Health insurance has mainly targeted a thin, urban, well-off segment, neglecting broader demographics.
Informality in Outpatient Practices: There is widespread informality among outpatient practices, complicating efforts to standardize and regulate care.
Lack of Clinical Protocols: The absence of widely accepted clinical protocols hampers the quality and consistency of care.
Economic Viability: Unprofitable operations and unaffordable premiums pose significant economic challenges, preventing sustainable growth and systemic improvement.
Limited Impact on UHC: Private initiatives, despite their potential, are unlikely to significantly contribute to Universal Health Coverage (UHC) without public support.
Insufficient Control Over Patient Journeys: Health insurers have little control over the patient’s journey before hospitalization, limiting their ability to manage early interventions and reduce costs through comprehensive outpatient care.
Prospective Solutions and Remaining Issues:
Potential for Big Healthcare Brands: Large healthcare brands with loyal urban patient bases and substantial resources may initiate successful managed care projects.
Need for Public Patronage: Exploring managed care with cautious and incremental public patronage could be promising, indicating a need for government involvement to achieve broader impacts.
Underutilization of Outpatient Insurance: Given the low share of insurance in outpatient care spending and the average of three consultations per year per person, there is significant potential to reduce healthcare costs through early interventions and comprehensive outpatient care coverage.
NITI Aayog Report:
Outpatient care insurance scheme: In 2021, NITI Aayog released a report advocating for an outpatient care insurance scheme based on a subscription model to enhance savings through improved care integration.
Yield significant benefits: A well-functioning managed care system can yield significant benefits, including consolidating practices, streamlining management protocols, and emphasizing preventive care in the private sector.
Catering for the beneficiaries of PMJAY: The report highlights the potential of incentives under the Ayushman Bharat Mission to encourage the establishment of hospitals in underserved areas catering to beneficiaries of the Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (PMJAY).
Conclusion: While Managed Care Organizations are not a perfect solution, they can play a role in addressing the complexities of achieving Universal Health Coverage (UHC) in India by being part of a broader strategy.
Q)“The diverse nature of India as a multi-religious and multi-ethnic society is not immune to the impact of radicalism which is seen in her neighbourhood? Discuss along with strategies to be adopted to counter this environment. (UPSC IAS/2014)
Q) Critically examine the aims and objectives of SCO. What importance does it hold for India?. (UPSC IAS/2021)
Note4Students:
Subject: GS II (IR)
Prelims: International issues in the news;
Mains: Islamophobia and Anti-Palestinian Racism;
Mentor comments:In 1985, when American campuses were roiling with protests against apartheid South Africa, the legendary African-American feminist poet and philosopher, Audre Lorde, reflected that America was “the most powerful country in the world” but also “a country which stands upon the wrong side of every liberation struggle on earth”. Lorde noted that this filled her with both a sense of dread and a sense of urgency. Dread and urgency, once again, have driven students across campuses in the United States to protest against the catastrophe in Gaza. During the anti-apartheid protests calling for divestment at campuses in the late 1980s — when we were students — university administrators were embarrassed about aligning with the White apartheid state of South Africa.
Let’s learn
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Why in the news?
Today, with Islamophobia and anti-Palestinian racism so normalized in the U.S., university administrators are proudly aligning with this genocidal war.
What is Islamophobia and Anti-Palestinian racism?
Islamophobia is a form of racism that targets expressions of Muslimness or perceived Muslimness, rooted in racism and involving stereotypes, demonization, and dehumanization of Muslims
Anti-Palestinian racism, on the other hand, refers to prejudice, collective hatred, and discrimination directed at the Palestinian people, including silencing, exclusion, erasure, stereotypes, defamation, and dehumanization of Palestinians or their narratives
Student’s protest in the USA:
Unified Demands: Student protesters have a unified set of demands, including disclosure and divestment from corporations complicit in the Israeli occupation of Palestine, removal of police from campuses, and protection of pro-Palestinian speech and activism.
The call for divestment can be traced back to the Boycott, Divestment, and Sanctions (BDS) movement inspired by the anti-apartheid student movement. The demand for “cops off campus” reflects abolitionist critiques of police as a racist institution, amplified after the George Floyd protests.
Education and Activism: Students are educating each other on the history of the Levant, colonialism, racial violence, and the complexities of historic Palestine. They organize teach-ins, study apartheid, analyze the political economy of occupation, and explore Palestinian resistance.
University Clampdowns: Many university administrators have instituted disciplinary procedures against pro-Palestine solidarity and activism, banned student organizations, and intensified surveillance and crackdowns on protests.
Despite repression, student protests have proliferated, and peaceful encampments have spread to campuses across the country, challenging the complicity of universities in colonialism and imperialism.
Intersectional Solidarity: The movement is shaped by other social justice movements like Black Lives Matter and Standing Rock, highlighting connections between racialized police brutality, settler colonialism, and imperialism.
Resistance against Repression: Students risk suspensions and arrests to expose and disrupt the ideological and economic ties that bind universities to forces of genocide, inspired by struggles in historic Palestine.
Significance and Impact of the Student’s Protest::
Raising Awareness: By organizing teach-ins and spreading information about the history of the Levant, colonialism, and racial violence, these protests can educate people and raise awareness about the plight of Palestinians and the broader issues of imperialism and colonialism.
Challenging normalization of Islamophobia and anti-Palestinian: By challenging the normalization of Islamophobia and anti-Palestinian racism, these protests can disrupt the status quo and push for a reevaluation of societal attitudes towards these issues.
Inspiring Solidarity: The intersectional nature of these protests, where movements like Black Lives Matter and Standing Rock are involved, can foster solidarity among different marginalized communities and strengthen the broader social justice movement.
International Impact: These protests, especially if they gain widespread attention and support, could influence international perceptions and policies towards the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, potentially leading to increased pressure on governments to take action towards a just resolution.
Conclusion: University administrators should engage in open dialogue with protesting students to address their concerns and explore potential solutions. This could involve creating forums for discussion, establishing student-administrator committees, and actively listening to student perspectives.
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Annual Status of Education Report (ASER) 2023
Mains level: Key findings of Annual Status of Education Report (ASER) 2023
PYQ Relevance:
Mains:
Q National Education Policy 2020 isin conformity with the Sustainable Development Goal-4 (2030). It intends to restructure and reorient education system in India. Critically examine the statement.(UPSC IAS/2020)
Q The quality of higher education in India requires major improvement to make it internationally competitive. Do you think that the entry of foreign educational institutions would help improve the quality of technical and higher education in the country. Discuss.(UPSC IAS/2015)
Mentore comment: The release of the Annual Status of Education Report (ASER) 2023 in mid-January has once again drawn significant attention, following a tradition dating back to 2005, with exceptions during the COVID-19 years. Among the multitude of insights provided by the report, particular focus has been placed on the foundational skills of 14-18 year olds, which has garnered headlines. While the learning outcomes data raises concerns, it is imperative for practitioners and policymakers to delve deeper into the data to extract actionable insights aimed at enhancing education and overall outcomes for India’s adolescents and youth.
Why in the news?
The Annual Status of Education Report (ASER) 2023 was released in mid-January this year.
Foundational learning trajectories as per ASER 2023 Beyond Basics survey
District level Representation: The survey was conducted in 28 rural districts across 26 states, providing insights into the activities, abilities, and aspirations of 14-18 year olds at the district level, though not nationally representative.
Literacy : Overall, 26% of 14-18 year olds cannot read a standard two level text in their regional language, reflecting concerning literacy levels.
Distribution of Children without Basic Reading Skills: Among 14-18 year olds without basic reading skills, 57% are enrolled in standard 10 or below, while 28% are not enrolled in any educational institution. This suggests a need for targeted interventions and efforts to encourage school attendance.
Challenges in Reading Improvement:
Many children who struggle with reading may face ridicule and embarrassment, leading to disengagement with reading. The availability of reading materials, including beyond textbooks, is crucial for developing reading habits and abilities.
Children and careers
Educational Aspirations: More than 60% of surveyed adolescents aim to obtain a college education, with a higher percentage of girls aspiring for higher education compared to boys.
Work Aspirations: One in five respondents had not seriously considered their future careers. Among those who had, joining the police or defense forces was prominent for boys, while becoming a teacher or doctor was prominent for girls.
Perceptions of Vocational Education: Vocational education faced negative perceptions in some areas, seen as a fallback option for those unable to secure white-collar jobs. However, in Solan, Himachal Pradesh, context-driven vocational courses such as tourism and hotel management gained aspirational value, encouraging students to aspire for related professions with the support of on-the-job training and readily available career information.
Challenges related to careers
Need for Support and Mentorship: Youth require support, mentorship, and inspiration to evaluate their aspirations, identify alternative prospects, and prepare for their chosen paths.
Lack of Familiarity with Professions: Nearly half of the surveyed adolescents with work aspirations do not personally know anyone working in their desired profession, indicating a need for greater exposure and guidance.
Digita literacy as per ASER 2023 report
Smartphone Ownership: Boys in the 14-18 age group are more than twice as likely to own smartphones compared to girls, with 43.7% of males owning smartphones compared to 19.8% of females
Digital Literacy: Girls are less likely to know how to use smartphones or computers compared to boys, with males outperforming females in tasks like using email, Google Maps, and other digital functions
Educational Usage: While about two-thirds of youth use smartphones for educational purposes, there is a notable emphasis on entertainment and social media over educational activities, indicating a need to leverage digital technology for educational purposes
Gender Gaps: The gender gap extends to online safety awareness, with boys being more familiar with safety settings than girls, highlighting the need for comprehensive strategies to address the digital gender divide
Suggestive measures to address the identified issues:
Improving Foundational Learning: Encourage school attendance by addressing the needs of 14-18 year olds without basic reading skills, with a particular emphasis on those not enrolled in any educational institution.
Role of Community Libraries: Ensure effective management of community libraries and engage committed individuals to cultivate a culture of reading and support readers of all ages and abilities.
Educational and Career Aspirations: Address the lack of familiarity with professions by offering exposure opportunities and guidance to help youth make informed career choices.
Digital Literacy and Gender Gaps: Promote educational usage of smartphones by leveraging digital technology for educational purposes and bridging the gender gap in online safety awareness.
Addressing Vocational Education Perceptions: Encourage context-driven vocational courses that align with local aspirations and provide on-the-job training and career information to support career choices.
Conclusion
To address literacy and career challenges, prioritize targeted interventions to improve educational access and support, enhance digital literacy among girls, promote vocational education, and leverage digital technology for educational purposes, bridging gender gaps.
op-ed snap | 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: Free Trade Agreements
Mains level: Issues with FTAs
Why in the News?
Recently, the discussion acknowledged free trade’s nuanced and multifaceted nature, highlighting its potential benefits for peace and economic development while recognizing historical and contemporary challenges in promoting equitable outcomes.
Evolution of Free Trade ideology:
19th Century Political Reformers and Free Trade: Free trade was the rallying cry of 19th-century political reformers (Particularly Adam Smith who was inspired by Thomas Hobbes), who saw it as a vehicle for defeating despotism, ending wars, and reducing crushing inequalities in wealth.
The era’s economic cosmopolitanism encapsulated progressive causes such as anti-militarism, anti-slavery, and anti-imperialism.
US Populists and Opposition to Tariffs: US populists in the late 19th century staunchly opposed the gold standard but were also against import tariffs, which they thought benefited big business and harmed ordinary people.
They pushed to replace tariffs with a more equitable progressive income tax.
Socialists’ View on Free Trade in the Early 20th Century: Then, during the early part of the 20th century, many socialists viewed free trade, supported by supranational regulation, as the antidote to militarism, wealth gaps and monopolies.
Liberal Reformers’ Perspective on Protectionism: The 19th-century liberals and reformers were free traders because they thought protectionism served retrograde interests, including landed aristocrats, business monopolies and warmongers.
They believed economic nationalism went hand in hand with imperialism and aggression.
Historian Marc-William Palen cites a 1919 essay by the economist Joseph Schumpeter, who depicted imperialism as a “monopolistic symptom of atavistic militarism and protectionism—an ailment that only democratic free-trade forces could cure.”
Perception and misconceptions of Free trade:
Controversial Term-Free trade has been controversial in economics, with many people arguing that it contributes to rising inequality.
However, there is a grain of truth in the anti-trade stance, as growing trade did contribute to rising inequality and the erosion of the middle class in the US and other advanced economies in recent decades.
Blind Spot of Globalization – If free trade got a bad name, globalisation’s boosters ignored its downsides or acted as if nothing could be done about them.
This blind spot empowered political leaders like Donald Trump to weaponize trade and demonize racial and ethnic minorities, immigrants, and economic rivals.
Diverse Opposition: Antipathy to trade is not limited to right-wing populists but also includes radical leftists, climate activists, food safety advocates, human-rights campaigners, labor unions, consumer advocates, and anti-corporate groups.
US President Joe Biden has distanced himself from free trade, believing that building a secure, green, equitable, and resilient US economy must take precedence over hyper-globalization.
Obstacle to Social Justice: All progressives believe that free trade stands in the way of social justice.
Instrumentalisation of Trade:
1) Instrumentalized for Authoritarian end:
Under American Revolution: A particularly egregious example is Antebellum America, where free trade entrenched slavery.
During the drafting of the US Constitution in 1787, America’s slave-owning southerners ensured that the text would prohibit the taxation of exports. They understood that free trade would ensure that plantation agriculture remained profitable and safeguard the slavery system on which it was based.
When the North defeated the South in the US Civil War, slavery was abolished, and free trade was replaced with protectionism, which suited Northern business interests better.
Under British imperialism: After the repeal of the Corn Laws in 1846, the British government nominally abandoned protectionism and led Europe to sign free-trade agreements.
2) Instrumentalized formilitaristic ends:
In Africa, the Middle East, and Asia, free trade was imposed through the barrel of a gun whenever the British encountered weak potentates ruling over valuable commodities and markets.
The British fought the infamous Opium Wars of the mid-19th century to force Chinese rulers to open their markets to British and other Western goods so that Western countries, in turn, could buy China’s tea, silk, and porcelain without draining their gold.
The opium was grown in India; a British monopoly forced farmers to work under horrendous conditions that left long-term scars.
Free trade served repression and war, and vice versa.
Post-World War II trade regime:
The American architects of the International Trade Organization followed in the footsteps of Cordell Hull—President Franklin D. Roosevelt’s secretary of state—believing they were pursuing world peace through free trade.
Hull was an economic cosmopolitan and a supporter of the 19th-century radical free-trade advocate Richard Cobden.
The post-war order was meant to be a system of global rules that eliminated bilateralism and imperial privileges.
While the US Congress ultimately failed to ratify the ITO, some of its key principles—including multilateralism and non-discrimination—survived in the General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade (GATT), the precursor to the World Trade Organization (WTO) of today.
Under GATT, commercial diplomacy replaced wars, and many non-Western countries—like Japan, South Korea, Taiwan and China—expanded their economies rapidly by leveraging global markets.
What are the present challenges to the Trade regime?
Rise of Corporate Influence: Big corporations and multinational companies gained substantial power during this period, influencing trade negotiations to serve their interests.
Neglect of Important Issues: Environmental concerns, public health, human rights, economic security, and domestic equity were overlooked as trade negotiations prioritized corporate interests.
Departure from Original Vision: Trade deviated from the original vision of figures like Cobden and Hull, who likely envisioned it as a force for peace and prosperity, instead becoming a source of conflict.
Shift in Trade Dynamics: The dominance of corporate influence shifted the focus of international trade away from broader societal welfare towards maximizing profits and corporate interests
Conclusion:
The lesson of history is that turning trade into a positive force requires democratizing it. This means that trade should work for the benefit of the broader public interest, not just for a select few. This is an important lesson to remember as the reconstruction of the world trade regime would occur in the years ahead.
Mains PYQ:
Q. What are the key areas of reform if the WTO has to survive in the present context of the ‘Trade War’, especially keeping in mind the interest of India? (UPSC 2018)
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Pap smears, Human Papillomavirus
Mains level: proactive measures to prevent cervical cancer
Pyq mains
UPSC IAS/2017
Stem cell therapy is gaining popularity in India to treat a wide variety of medical conditions including leukaemia, Thalassemia, damaged cornea and several burns. Describe briefly what stem cell therapy is and what advantages it has over other treatments? (10)
Pyq pre
Why is it in the News?
Cervical cancer prevention, particularly through HPV vaccination, has gained attention recently due to several factors. January was observed as Cervical Cancer Awareness Month, drawing focus to the importance of combating this disease. Additionally, March 4 marked International HPV Awareness Day, further highlighting the significance of addressing HPV-related health issues.
What is Cervical Cancer?
Cervical cancer is a type of cancer that affects the cervix, the lower part of the uterus. It is primarily caused by certain types of the Human Papillomavirus (HPV), which is transmitted through intimate contact.
If left untreated, cervical cancer can be life-threatening. It is a significant health concern worldwide, with a particularly high burden in lower- and middle-income countries. In India, cervical cancer is the second most common cancer among women, posing a substantial threat to public health.
What is Human Papillomavirus (HPV)?
Human Papillomavirus (HPV) is a group of viruses that infect the skin and mucous membranes. It’s the most common sexually transmitted infection (STI) worldwide. HPV can cause various health issues, including genital warts and certain types of cancers.
What Facts are explained in the article?
Prevalence and Impact: Cervical cancer claims the lives of over 300,000 women annually worldwide, with a disproportionate burden in lower-income countries.
Risk in India: With over 500 million women at risk, cervical cancer is a significant public health concern in India, second only to breast cancer.
Role of HPV Vaccination: HPV vaccination is identified as a crucial strategy for preventing cervical cancer. It targets the underlying cause of the disease by protecting against HPV infection.
Strategies for Prevention of Cervical cancer
HPV Vaccination: Implementing widespread HPV vaccination programs, particularly targeting adolescent girls, can significantly reduce the incidence of cervical cancer. Vaccination should ideally occur before the onset of sexual activity to maximize effectiveness.
Screening for Precancerous Lesions: Regular screening for precancerous lesions, such as Pap smears or HPV DNA tests, can detect abnormalities early and allow for timely intervention. This is crucial for reducing the incidence of advanced-stage cervical cancer.
Education and Awareness: Increasing education and awareness about cervical cancer, HPV infection, and the importance of vaccination and screening are essential. This includes targeting healthcare professionals, policymakers, parents, and adolescents to dispel myths and misconceptions and encourage uptake of preventive measures.
What are the Challenges?
Limited Access: HPV vaccination may not be widely accessible, particularly in lower-resourced communities, and is often available at a significant out-of-pocket cost.
Misconceptions Among Physicians: Some physicians underestimate the incidence and risk of cervical cancer, as well as the safety and effectiveness of HPV vaccines. This can lead to hesitancy in recommending vaccination to eligible individuals.
Parental Hesitancy: Misinformation and concerns about vaccine safety and efficacy among parents can contribute to hesitancy in vaccinating adolescents against HPV.
Pap Smears
Description: A screening procedure for cervical cancer involving collecting cells from the cervix to examine for abnormalities.
Purpose: To detect precancerous or cancerous changes in cervical cells early for timely intervention and prevention.
Procedure: Use of a speculum to visualize the cervix and collection of cells with a brush or spatula.
Timing: Typically performed during routine gynecological exams, starting at age 21 or within 3 years of becoming sexually active.
Facts about HPV Vaccination:
The HPV vaccine is safe and effective in preventing six HPV-related cancers, including cervical, vulvar, anal, vaginal, throat, and cervical cancers.
Vaccination is recommended for adolescents starting at age 9 years to maximize its effectiveness.
HPV vaccination is an essential component of the immunization schedule recommended by the Indian Academy of Pediatrics (IAP).
Best Practices for HPV Vaccination and Cervical Cancer Prevention:
Effective Communication:
Provide clear and accurate information to parents about HPV vaccination.
Address concerns and misconceptions to ensure informed decision-making.
Timely Vaccination:
Recommend HPV vaccination for adolescents starting at age 9.
Encourage vaccination before sexual activity begins for maximum effectiveness.
Integration into Immunization Programs:
Advocate for inclusion in national immunization programs for widespread access.
Collaborate with policymakers to ensure equitable vaccine coverage.
Promotion of Regular Screening:
Emphasize the importance of cervical cancer screening for women over 30.
Encourage routine Pap smears or HPV DNA tests for early detection.
Physician Education:
Provide comprehensive training on HPV vaccination and cervical cancer prevention.
Equip healthcare professionals with updated guidelines and communication skills.
In conclusion, the article emphasizes the importance of proactive measures to prevent cervical cancer, particularly through HPV vaccination and screening. It underscores the role of healthcare professionals, policymakers, and community stakeholders in addressing the challenges and ensuring equitable access to preventive interventions.
Reducing gender gaps and increasing women’s empowerment are part of the Sustainable Development Goals. Notwithstanding ethical and constitutional imperatives, there is also evidence suggesting that increasing women’s employment rates can be an engine for economic growth.
What is the issue?
Despite functioning at a fraction of its intended capacity, the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA) has been pivotal in providing financial autonomy to women in rural areas.
More than half the MGNREGA workforce are women. However, urban realities are different. Social norms, lack of safety, and hostile transportation options are some of the factors inhibiting urban women to enter the workforce.
What data is explaining?
The Periodic Labour Force Survey (PLFS) pegs women’s employment rate in urban areas at 22.9% in the last quarter of 2023. There are clear signs of high unmet demand for employment among urban women.
First, the unemployment rate in urban areas, which is a measure of how many would like employment (irrespective of whether they are actively seeking it or not), is 9% compared to 4% in rural areas.
Second, there are two types of unemployment individuals who would like to work and are actively seeking a job versus those who would like to work but may not be actively seeking a job.
A much larger share of unemployed women in urban areas are seeking employment compared to rural areas. Further, nearly 25% of urban women have completed higher secondary education compared to 5% in rural areas. The low urban employment rates among women also points to wastage of much potential.
The article presents statistics from the Periodic Labour Force Survey (PLFS) indicating that approximately 10.18 crore women in urban areas aged 15-59 are out of the workforce. When including those who are self-employed or engaged in casual labor, this number rises to around 11.65 crore.
Introducing the Women’s Urban Employment Guarantee Act (WUEGA)
The proposal outlines a comprehensive plan to address urban unemployment through the implementation of a Women’s Urban Employment Guarantee Act (WUEGA). This act aims to provide employment opportunities specifically targeted towards women in urban areas.
Programme Management and Decentralization: The proposal suggests that women should form at least 50% (ideally 100%) of the programme management staff under WUEGA. This approach not only ensures women’s active participation but also strengthens the constitutional mandate of decentralization by involving local communities in decision-making processes.
Ensuring Accessibility and Supportive Infrastructure: The proposal emphasizes the importance of providing essential worksite facilities, including childcare facilities, to enable women’s participation in the program. It also advocates for the availability of work within a 5-km radius and proposes free public transportation for women to facilitate their commute to worksites.
Diversifying Employment Opportunities: The proposal highlights the need to diversify urban works to cater to local needs and wider consultation. It mentions existing examples such as plantation and harvesting reeds on floating wetlands and suggests supplementing the list based on local requirements.
Incentives and Welfare Measures: This section discusses the creation of incentives, such as automatic inclusion in welfare boards, to encourage women’s participation in the program. It proposes utilizing welfare boards to provide maternity entitlements, pensions, and emergency funds for program participants.
Skill Development and Apprenticeships: The proposal emphasizes the importance of addressing skill gaps among women to facilitate their transition from school to work. It suggests implementing apprenticeship programs for college students from various disciplines, providing them with opportunities to join as program functionaries and improve their job readiness.
Information Facilitation Centers and Capacity Building: Here, the proposal suggests establishing Information Facilitation Centers at each urban local body, run by women who have completed Class 10, to provide computer training facilities and bridge the gap in skills. It also advocates for regular capacity-building initiatives to empower these centers and enhance women’s job readiness.
Social Audit and Monitoring Mechanisms: The proposal recommends the establishment of a social audit unit within WUEGA, comprising at least 50% women staff, for independent monitoring of the program. It suggests that social audits could serve as opportunities for women who have completed Class 12 to join part-time or full-time roles and enhance their job readiness through acquiring various skill sets.
Successful Women-Led Initiatives in Waste Management
The article highlights successful women-led initiatives, such as the end-to-end waste management program in Karnataka’s gram panchayats. It emphasizes that women not only manage waste collection but also drive ‘Swacch’ vehicles, leading to the acquisition of driving licenses and contributing to the success of the initiative.
Wayforward
The article discusses the financial implications of the proposed program, estimating that the wage component funded by the Union government would cost around 1.5% of the GDP. When adding material and administrative costs, the total cost is expected to be around 2% of the GDP. It advocates for a phased rollout of the scheme with periodic assessments to smoothen costs.
Here, the article suggests that the proposed women’s employment program could serve as a foundation for a broader urban employment program encompassing both genders. It argues that the benefits of such a program outweigh fiscal concerns and calls for a shift towards ensuring income assurance, especially for women.
Mains level: acknowledging waste pickers' crucial role in plastic recycling is imperative for sustainable waste management
Why is it in news?
On March 1, International Waste Pickers Day, waste pickers across the world will pay homage to fellow pickers who were murdered in Colombia in 1992.
Who are informal waste pickers?
The International Labour Organization defines the informal sector in waste management as ‘individuals or small and micro-enterprises that intervene in waste management without being registered and without being formally charged with providing waste management services’
Background:
Informal waste pickers, often overlooked and marginalized, play a crucial but unseen role in India’s waste management systems. They are vital yet often forgotten members of the waste value chain ecosystem, deserving recognition and understanding.
These workers are the primary collectors of recyclable waste, playing a critical role in waste management and resource efficiency by collecting, sorting, trading and sometimes even reinserting discarded waste back into the economy.
Yet, they face systemic marginalisation due to non-recognition, non-representation, and exclusion from social security schemes and legal protection frameworks.
What data shows?
While reliable estimates of informal waste pickers are difficult to come by, the Centre for Science and Environment reported that the informal waste economy employs about 5%–2% of the urban population globally.
Many are women, children and the elderly, who are often disabled, are the poorest of the urban poor, and face violence and sexual harassment often. The Periodic Labour Force Survey 2017-18 indicates that there are nearly 1.5 million waste pickers within India’s urban workforce, with half a million being women.
Challenges Faced by Waste Pickers
Work Conditions: Waste pickers labor for 8 to 10 hours daily, collecting 60 kg to 90 kg of waste, often without safety equipment, exposing themselves to hazards.
Health Issues: They suffer from dermatological and respiratory problems, alongside regular injuries, due to their hazardous work conditions.
Socioeconomic Factors: Low income, irregular work, and harassment exacerbate their precarious livelihoods, compounded by their subordinate position in the caste hierarchy.
Impact of Private Sector Participation in waste collection
Exclusion: Private sector involvement in waste management alienates waste pickers, depriving them of their rights and exacerbating their vulnerability.
Marginalization: As noted by the Alliance of Indian Waste Pickers (AIW) 2023 report, Private actors employ expensive machinery, marginalizing informal waste pickers by offering competitive rates to waste generators, forcing them into hazardous scavenging activities.
Loss of Rights: Private players and municipal authorities often cordon off dump sites, further limiting waste pickers’ access and exacerbating their vulnerability.
Importance of Waste Pickers in Plastic Management
Global Contribution: Waste pickers globally collect and recover up to 60% of all plastic waste, contributing significantly to its recycling efforts, as highlighted in the 2022 World Economic Forum report.
Underappreciated Role: Despite their crucial contribution to sustainable recycling, waste pickers’ work is undervalued, and they struggle to earn a decent livelihood.
Quantitative Impact: Reports by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and Pew state that informal waste pickers collected 27 million metric tonnes of plastic waste in 2016 alone, representing 59% of all plastic material collected for recycling, thereby preventing it from ending up in landfills or oceans.
Relevance in India’s Context: In India, where per capita plastic waste generation is rising, waste pickers’ role becomes even more critical, especially considering that the country is among the top 12 responsible for 52% of the world’s mismanaged waste, as per a recent CPCB report.
Harnessing Traditional Knowledge: Waste pickers possess traditional knowledge about waste handling, which could significantly enhance the effectiveness of the EPR system if integrated properly.
Rethinking EPR Norms: In light of this, there is a need to reconsider the formulation of EPR norms to ensure the inclusion and empowerment of millions of informal waste pickers within the new legal framework.
Objective: EPR aims to enhance plastic waste management by transferring the responsibility of waste management from municipal authorities to commercial waste producers.
Promises of EPR: EPR holds the potential for social inclusion for waste pickers and other informal grassroots actors by promoting accountability among commercial waste producers.
Analysis of Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) Guidelines
Stakeholder Identification: The EPR guidelines in India recognize various stakeholders, including the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), producers, brand owners, industry, industry associations, civil society organizations, and citizens.
Uncertainty Regarding Inclusion: It remains unclear whether these stakeholders include informal waste pickers or their representing organizations, raising questions about the extent of their involvement in the EPR framework.
Discrepancies with Solid Waste Management Rules 2016: While the Solid Waste Management Rules 2016 mandate the inclusion of waste pickers in municipal solid waste management systems, informal waste pickers are evidently missing in the prioritization within the EPR guidelines.
Omission in EPR Guidelines 2022: The EPR Guidelines 2022, published by the Ministry of Environment, Forest, and Climate Change, have blatantly ignored the role of informal waste pickers in waste management and recycling, further exacerbating their exclusion from the formal waste management framework.
Challenges in Implementation
Redirection of Waste: Despite its promises, EPR often redirects waste away from the informal sector, posing a threat of large-scale displacement for informal waste pickers.
Concerns Raised by WIEGO: Women in Informal Employment: Globalizing and Organizing (WIEGO) have noted the potential negative impacts of EPR on informal waste pickers, highlighting the need for careful consideration and mitigation of such effects.
In conclusion, acknowledging waste pickers’ crucial role in plastic recycling is imperative for sustainable waste management. Efforts should focus on integrating them into formal systems like the Extended Producer Responsibility mechanism while addressing their socio-economic vulnerabilities for a more equitable and environmentally sound future.
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: West Asia and arising conflict;
Mains level: Recent Geopolitical issues in news;
Why in the News?
Recently, there are evolving dynamics surrounding Palestinian statehood, including global perspectives, Israeli leadership positions, and the potential implications for the region w.r.t two-state solution.
What are the Global Dynamics and Israeli Opposition towards Palestinian Statehood?
Global Expectations:Western nations and Arab States are hopeful for Israel to act sensibly amidst the challenging situation in Gaza. The UK and France express readiness to recognize a Palestinian state independently of an agreement with Israel, prompting speculation about US involvement.
Israeli stance: Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu openly opposes a two-state solution and advocates for Israeli control over the entire area west of the Jordan River.
Netanyahu rejects international pressure and warns against unilateral recognition, citing concerns about terrorism and his political standing.
Netanyahu’s opposition to a Palestinian state without negotiations reflects his political strategy and the challenges within his ruling coalition.
Netanyahu’s plan echoes sentiments previously condemned when expressed by Hamas, raising concerns about Israel’s intentions.
Global Response to the Israeli-Palestinian Conflict
UN Secretary-General’s Call: UN emphasizes the importance of acknowledging Palestinian statehood and condemns the loss of life in Gaza.
Hearings at ICJ: The International Court of Justice began hearing arguments concerning the legal status of a Palestinian state.
Mixed Signals: The U.S.’s support for Israel’s security contradicts its calls for a two-state solution, as demonstrated by voting against a UN resolution regarding Israeli settlements. World leaders previously have largely neglected the Palestinian cause during the tenure of former Israeli PM Netanyahu and post-Abraham Accords era.
Sudden Interest from various Nations: Recently, there has been renewed interest in a two-state solution following Israel’s military actions in Gaza and increasing pressure from international bodies. The U.S. too have imposed sanctions on individual settlers rather than addressing broader issues related to settlements and violence.
Domestic Pressures: King Abdullah II of Jordan, along with Egypt, France, and Germany, issued a joint statement opposing Israel’s annexation plans. The U.S., EU, and Arab States face mounting pressure to address the crisis, hoping for positive changes within Israel’s leadership.
Saudi Demand: Saudi Arabia demands an immediate peace process for a Palestinian state before resuming normalization talks with Israel.
Threatening Proposal: Israel’s latest plan suggests dissolving the UN Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA), which would compromise the two-state solution
BEYOND EDITORIAL:
What are Abraham Accords?
The Abraham Accords, established in September 2020, represent a series of bilateral agreements aimed at normalizing relations between Israel and several Arab nations: the UnitedArab Emirates (UAE), Bahrain, Sudan, and Morocco.
These agreements marked a departure from traditional Arab League policies, which historically required resolution of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict before establishing formal ties with Israel.
How Abraham Accords have influenced the Israeli-Palestinian conflict?
Despite not directly involving parties in active conflict, the Abraham Accords have influenced the broader context in several ways:
Normalization without Resolution: The Accords sidestepped the Palestinian issue, allowing Arab states to establish normalized relationships with Israel without addressing core issues like Palestinian self-determination and statehood
Domestic Repercussions: The Accords led to internal conflicts within Arab societies, as some citizens felt betrayed by their leadership’s decision to prioritize normalization over Palestinian rights
Regional Stability: While the Accords were promoted as increasing stability, critics argue that they have done little to address underlying causes of instability, including the Israeli-Palestinian conflict itself
Critical Analysis of Accords towards the dynamics of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict:
Critics argue that the Accords have failed to bring lasting peace or stability, instead serving as a means of authoritarian conflict management that ignores the root causes of the conflict
Supporters contend that the Accords offer opportunities for cooperation and economic growth, although these benefits may come at the expense of Palestinian rights.
The Abraham Accords have altered the dynamics of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict by shifting focus away from the centrality of Palestinian rights and towards normalization between Israel and select Arab states. Despite initial optimism, the Accords have faced challenges in achieving sustainable peace and stability, and their success remains a subject of debate.
What is the feasibility of a Single-State Solution?
If the two-state solution fails given recent developments and Israeli leadership positions, then:
Equal Rights: In a single-state scenario, Israel must provide equal rights to Palestinians in the West Bank and Gaza to remain a democracy. Providing equal rights would reduce the percentage of Jews below 50%, challenging Israel’s identity as a Jewish state.
Apartheid or Ethnic Cleansing: Without equal rights, Palestinians risk becoming second-class citizens, resulting in either apartheid or ethnic cleansing.
Preservation of Status Quo: Continuing the present conditions would perpetuate the occupation and deny Palestinians self-determination.
Driving Out Palestinians: An alternative to providing equal rights might involve expelling Palestinians from the West Bank, Gaza, and East Jerusalem.
Decline of Support: Increasingly, Israelis have distanced themselves from developments in the Occupied Territories, reducing support for a two-state solution.
Rise of Right Wing: The growth of right-wing parties in Israel has led to the demise of groups supporting the Oslo Accords.
Shifting Attitudes: Following attacks by Hamas, support for a two-state solution has dwindled, leaving Israelis questioning whether Palestinians truly desire peace.
Recognition of Two-State Solution: Even Hamas once acknowledged a two-state solution based on 1967 borders, although this position has weakened over time.
How can be the ‘Afghan Model’ solution towards this issue?
The Afghan model refers to the acceptance of the Taliban’s return to power despite reservations. As the world grapples with the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, comparisons have emerged between the Taliban’s ascension in Afghanistan and potential shifts in Hamas’ role in Palestine.
Similarity between both cases: Both sides require transformative leadership changes. Israel needs to embrace a two-state solution, and Palestine requires an inclusive and representative leadership encompassing Gaza and the West Bank.
What are the Challenges and Implications if Afghan model is applied?
Political stance: Centrist Israeli politicians have lost popularity due to their perceived inaction on the Palestinian issue. In short, replacing them as champions of a two-state solution is challenging.
Hamas’ inclusion in Palestinian governance structures would necessitate significant ideological shifts and concessions, which may prove difficult.
The international community’s reluctant approach to the two-state solution raises questions about their commitment to promoting meaningful change in the Middle East.
Conclusion:
The ‘Afghan model,’ while imperfect, offers insights into the possibilities and limitations of accommodating hard-line forces within mainstream political processes. Ultimately, the success of such efforts depends upon the ability of all stakeholders—including Israel, Palestine, and the international community to overcome deeply ingrained mistrust and pursue genuine reconciliation.
Prelims PYQs:
The term “two-state solution” is sometimes mentioned in the news in the context of the affairs of (UPSC CSE 2018)
China
Israel
Iraq
Yemen
Mains PYQs:
Too little cash, too much politics, leaves UNESCO fighting for life.’ Discuss the statement in the light of US’ withdrawal and its accusation of the cultural body as being ‘anti-Israel bias’ (UPSC CSE 2019)
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Na
Mains level: need for eco-friendly elections
Mains Pyq: ‘Simultaneous election to the Lok Sabha and the State Assemblies will limit the amount of time and money spent in electioneering but it will reduce the government’s accountability to the people’ Discuss.
Prelims Pyq:
Consider the following statements :
1. In India, there is no law restricting the candidates from contesting in one Lok Sabha election from three constituencies.
2. In 1991 Lok Sabha Election, Shri Devi Lal contested from three Lok Sabha constituencies.
3. As per the existing rules, if a candidate contests in one Lok Sabha election from many constituencies, his/her party should bear the cost of bye-elections to the constituencies vacated by him/her in the event of him/her winning in all the constituencies.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
a.1 only
b.2 only
c.1 and 3
d. 2 and 3
Why is it in news?
Amidst the climate crisis, shifting to sustainable practices across every sphere of human activity has become inevitable and urgent. In August 2023, ahead of the Assembly elections in five States, the Election Commission of India (ECI) voiced its concern over the environmental risks associated with the use of non-biodegradable materials in elections.
What is the Concept of Green Elections?
Green elections involve adopting eco-friendly practices throughout the electoral process, including campaign materials, rallies, and polling booths.
Transitioning to sustainable alternatives can mitigate the environmental impact and promote citizens’ health.
Why there is need of Green Elections?
Given that the conduct of every election results in an avoidable carbon footprint, there is a need for eco-friendly elections, which would be a boost to environmental stewardship alongside civic participation.
Sri Lanka and Estonia, for instance, have conducted environmentally-conscious elections. As India, the world’s most populous democracy, gears up for the next general election, environmental considerations must be prioritised, paving the way for ‘green elections’.
Environmental Impact of Elections:
In the 2016 US presidential elections, emissions from campaign flights of just one candidate equaled the annual carbon footprint of 500 Americans.
Traditional election methods involve energy-intensive activities like rallies, use of loudspeakers, PVC flex banners, hoardings, and disposable items, contributing to environmental degradation.
India’s massive elections involving crores of voters and large political rallies exacerbate the environmental impact.
Paper-based materials and energy-intensive campaign practices further escalate the environmental footprint.
Challenges in India for green elections:
Technological Challenges: Implementing electronic and digital voting systems requires robust infrastructure, especially in rural areas, to ensure reliable access to technology. Measures to prevent hacking and fraud must be put in place to maintain the integrity of the electoral process.
Access and Training: Ensuring fair access to new voting technologies for all voters, including marginalized communities, poses a significant challenge. Training election officials and voters alike on the use of new technologies is essential to facilitate smooth adoption.
Financial Constraints: Governments may face substantial upfront costs for acquiring eco-friendly materials and implementing new technology, which could deter financially constrained administrations from pursuing such initiatives.
Cultural and Behavioural Hurdles: Overcoming cultural inertia and the perception of physical presence at polling booths as sacrosanct poses a behavioural challenge. Public scepticism towards new approaches and concerns about compromises to vote security must be addressed to gain widespread acceptance.
Transparency and Auditing: Ensuring transparency in the adoption of new technologies and implementing effective auditing mechanisms are crucial to building trust in environmentally-friendly election practices.
Research Findings for mains answer value addition:
Research by Willemson and Krips from Estonia (2023) identified transportation of voters and logistics to and from polling booths as the primary source of carbon emissions during elections.
The running of polling booths constitutes the secondary source of emissions.
Transitioning to digital voting systems could potentially reduce the carbon footprint by up to 40%.
Successful examples of green elections
Kerala:
Campaigning Restrictions: During the 2019 general election, the Kerala State Election Commission urged political parties to avoid single-use plastic materials.
Ban on Non-Biodegradable Materials: The Kerala High Court imposed a ban on flex and non-biodegradable materials in electioneering, promoting the use of alternatives like wall graffiti and paper posters.
Collaboration for Green Elections: Government bodies collaborated with the district administration in Thiruvananthapuram to ensure eco-friendly elections, including conducting training sessions for election workers in villages.
Goa:
Eco-Friendly Election Booths: In 2022, the Goa State Biodiversity Board introduced eco-friendly election booths for the Assembly elections, utilizing biodegradable materials crafted by local traditional artisans.
Sri Lanka:
Carbon-Sensitive Campaign: The Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) party launched the world’s first carbon-sensitive environmentally friendly election campaign in 2019.
Carbon Emission Measurement: SLPP measured carbon emissions from vehicles and electricity used during political campaigns and compensated for them by planting trees in each district through public participation.
Estonia:
Digital Voting Initiative: Estonia pioneered digital voting as an online alternative, promoting voter participation while reducing the environmental footprint of traditional paper-based elections.
Robust Security Measures: The success of Estonia’s digital voting system demonstrates that accompanying robust security measures can ensure both eco- and electorate-friendly elections.
Suggested blueprint and Way-forward for Green elections
Involving All Stakeholders: The green transition must involve all stakeholders, including political parties, Election Commissions, governments, voters, the media, and civil society.
Integration of Directives: Success lies in integrating top-level directives with grassroots initiatives to foster a green transition effectively.
Leadership Role: Political parties should take the lead in enacting legislation mandating eco-friendly electoral practices.
Legislative Initiatives: This involves campaigning through digital platforms or door-to-door campaigning, reducing energy-intensive public rallies, and encouraging the use of public transportation for election work.
Supporting Local Alternatives: Incentivizing the replacement of plastic and paper-based materials with sustainable local alternatives for polling booths, such as natural fabrics, recycled paper, and compostable plastics, aids waste management and supports local artisans.
Advocacy for Digital Voting: The ECI can push for digital voting, despite the need for training and capacity building of officials.
Ensuring Equal Participation: To ensure equal participation of all voters in the digital electoral process, the government must educate and support voters and ensure equitable access to digital technology.
Catalyst Role: Civil society should act as a catalyst in promoting eco-conscious electoral practices.
Media’s Crucial Role: The media can emphasize the environmental impact of conventional election methods and shed light on innovative eco-friendly alternatives.
Setting an Example: Embracing eco-conscious electoral practices can help India set an example for other democracies around the world.
1. “There arose a serious challenge to the Democratic State System between the two World Wars.” Evaluate the statement. (2021)
2. The World Bank and the IMF, collectively known as the Bretton Woods Institutions, are the two inter-governmental pillars supporting the structure of the world’s economic and financial order. Superficially, the World Bank and the IMF exhibit many common characteristics, yet their role, functions and mandate are distinctly different. Elucidate. (2015)
Prelims PYQs
‘Global Financial Stability Report’ is released by which organization? (2016)
a) Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD)
b) World Economic Forum
c) World Bank
d) World Trade Organization (WTO)
Note4Students:
Relevance: GS II(International Relation)
Prelims: United Nations and Security Council;
Mains: Global Order and Challenges; Major International Organizations; United Nations;
Mentor Comments:UPSC has been known to ask questions about ‘how things are at present vs. how things should be ideally’ across subjects like IR, Science and Technology, governance, or Economy. This op-ed is useful for analyzing the recent ongoing dynamics at the geopolitical level which is affecting the power play among the significant multilateral organizations.
So, Let’s Learn.
Why in the News?
Recently, at the 55th regular session of the Human Rights Council, Antonio Guterres (UN Secretary-General), has expressed growing pessimism about the organization’s future due to the “lack of unity” among members of the United Nations Security Council (UNSC).
Context:
During the 2020s, the United Nations-led system, although traditionally the default option, is presently facing significant challenges.
There is an urgent need for reform within the UN due to existing divisions, as superficial changes may not be sufficient to address the underlying issues to revitalize its effectiveness.
Is this the end of the road for the current global order?
1) The Evolution and the shift in Global world order w.r.t United Nations System:
The UN’s foundation dates back to January 1942 when 26 Allied nations signed the Declaration of the United Nations, endorsing the Atlantic Charter of 1941 that outlined the war aims of the US and UK.
Evolution of the UN and Power Dynamics:
The UN was created to uphold sovereignty and equalityamong nations through collective security principles but faced challenges within the Security Council due to the dominance of its five Permanent Members.
Post-1942 negotiations led to a structure where major Allied powers were granted permanent veto power, resembling early 19th-century European power dynamics.
The Bretton Woods Conference in July 1944 established key financial institutions like the IMF, World Bank, and GATT (later WTO) to create an international economic order focused on post-war reconstruction and global trade liberalization.
Shifts in Power and Economic Order:
The creation of the IMF marked a shift in power dynamics as imperial Britain’s debt burden led to the US emerging as a dominant force in global finance.
Britain had to relinquish its imperial trade preferences, symbolizing a transition from sterling to dollar dominance in international financial systems
2) Controlling Power Structures:
Influence of old power structures: The governance of the World Bank and IMF reflects old power structures, with an American heading the World Bank and Europe nominating the IMF head.
Voting rights: Voting rights in the IMF remain stagnant, favoring major economies like the US, UK, and G-7 nations, giving them significant influence.
For Example, currently the percentage voting rights for, say, the original BRICS members (Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa) are 2.22, 2.59, 2.63, 6.08, and 0.63. The U.S. alone commands 16.5; add to it the votes of the U.K.
Special Drawing Rights (SDR): Special Drawing Rights allocation and major reforms require an 85% majority vote, effectively granting the US a powerful veto within the IMF.
The IMF maintains global stability by promoting financial stability, offering advice, and providing funds to countries in financial difficulty, as long as they accept conditions set by the leadership of the Fund.
What are the significant challenges in maintaining UN’s role in global governance and international peace and security?
Global Events and Geopolitical Constraints: The geopolitical constraints on the UN are intensifying, with deep rifts among major powers affecting the organization’s effectiveness in addressing global crises.
The 2020s have exposed vulnerabilities within the global system, with events like COVID-19 border closures disrupting cooperation and shared prosperity ideals. Secondly, Russia’s invasion of Ukraine highlighted the disregard for rules by powerful nations, undermining the system’s integrity.
New Fault Lines and Declining Political Influence: The UN’s political influence is decreasing due to political divisions and resource gaps, requiring new strategies to mobilize its strengths for peace.
For Example, presently, the conflict in Gaza revealed divisions between developed and developing nations, questioning support for the UN and exposing underlying tensions over human rights and historical injustices. Further, the crisis in West Asia is pushing the UN to the sidelines as key players challenge its authority, testing their commitment to fundamental UN principles.
Major-Power Divisions: Divisions among major powers are shrinking the space for multilateral cooperation, impacting the UN’s ability to manage international peace and security.
For Example, the China-led Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB) aimed to challenge the World Bank but faces resistance, highlighting ongoing power struggles in global governance.
Security Council Paralysis: The Security Council has been slow and indecisive in reacting to crises, with the Russian invasion of Ukraine posing a serious challenge to international security and highlighting the need for more effective collective solutions.
Moreover, developing countries struggled to overcome Security Council vetoes and Bretton Woods Institutions’ voting structures.
Silver Lining:
Existing organizations outside the UN, like ASEAN, EU, G-7, G-20, and NATO, serve specific interests rather than universal values, lacking the binding legal framework of the UN. These organizations operate as clubs or regional security alliances, and can be more effective considering global governance structure.
Way Forward:
Need for an Inclusive Global Cooperation: There is a growing need for more effective and inclusive global cooperation, emphasizing the importance of reforming international financial institutions and strengthening the role of the General Assembly within the UN system.
Need for Pragmatic Approach: In light of these challenges, there is a consensus on the necessity for flexibility, and adaptability within the UN to navigate complex geopolitical dynamics and effectively address global issues while restoring trust and reigniting global solidarity.
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