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Type: Prelims Only

  • Historical and Archaeological Findings in News

    In news: Durgadi Fort

    Prelims Only | History | Mains Paper 1: Arts & Culture

    Note4Students

    From UPSC perspective, the following things are important:

    Prelims level: Durgadi Fort

    In news: Durgadi Fort

    Why in the News?

    • The Kalyan civil court ruled that Durgadi Fort is owned by the Maharashtra government, dismissing the claims of the Majlis-E-Mushawarat Trust.
      • The Trust first filed its claim in 1976, arguing that the fort houses a mosque and an idgah (prayer hall) alongside a temple dedicated to Goddess Durga.

    Key facts about Durgadi Fort:

    Historical Significance  
    • It dates back to the 16th century, part of the Bijapur-based Adil Shahi Sultanate, located in Kalyan.
    • Mentioned in British documents since 1570, housing a tomb, prayer place, and other structures.
    • In 1760, after the Marathas captured Kalyan, they built a wooden temple dedicated to Durgadevi and renamed it Durgadi Killa.
    • After the British took control in 1818, the temple ceased to function, and by 1876, the image of the goddess was stolen.
    Geographical Location
    • Located in Kalyan (Thane district), about 50 km northeast of Mumbai it is situated on elevated ground and offers scenic views over the Ulhas River.
    Cultural and Religious Impact
    • The fort had a significant religious impact on both Hindus and Muslims.
    • It originally housed a mosque and was later modified to include a Durga temple by the Marathas.
    • The fort has been a site of communal tensions, reflecting the complex intersection of religious identity and historical heritage in Maharashtra.

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  • Judicial Reforms

    Impeachment of Judges

    Prelims Only | Polity | Mains Paper 2: Executive & Judiciary

    Note4Students

    From UPSC perspective, the following things are important:

    Prelims level: Impeachment of Judges

    Why in the News?

    The Opposition in Rajya Sabha is preparing to move a motion for impeachment of Allahabad High Court Judge for his controversial remarks inciting communal hatred.

    Impeachment Process for Judges in India:

    About
    • The process involves Parliament passing an address to the President to remove the judge.
    • To pass the motion, two–thirds of the MPs present and voting in both Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha;
      • Must approve it, with a majority of more than 50% of the total membership of each House.
    Key Constitutional Provisions
    • Article 124(4): The judge can only be removed by a Presidential order, passed after a majority vote in both Houses of Parliament.
    • The vote must come from two-thirds of the members present and voting.
    • Articles 218 of the Constitution extends the same rules to High Court judges.
    • The impeachment process ensures judicial independence by maintaining a high bar for removal, limiting political influence.
    Grounds for Impeachment
    • A judge of the Supreme Court or High Court can be impeached on two grounds: “proved misbehaviour” or “incapacity” as per the Constitution of India.
    • Further clarified in the Judges (Inquiry) Act, 1968, including:
      • Misuse of office
      • Grave offences that undermine the judge’s integrity
      • Contravention of the provisions of the Constitution.
    What does the process entail? Procedure under the Judges Inquiry Act, 1968:

    Initial Step: The impeachment motion must be signed by at least 100 MPs in the Lok Sabha and 50 MPs in the Rajya Sabha.

    Committee Formation: Once the motion is introduced, the Speaker or Chairperson of the respective House forms a three-member inquiry committee:

    1. Headed by the Chief Justice of India or a Supreme Court judge.
    2. The second member is usually a Chief Justice of any High Court.
    3. The third member is a distinguished jurist, appointed by the Speaker or Chairman.

    Inquiry Process: The committee investigates the charges, cross-examines witnesses, and regulates its procedure.
    The committee may also request a medical test if the charge relates to mental incapacity.

    Outcome: If the committee finds the judge not guilty, the motion is dismissed. If found guilty, it will be reported back to the House for further action.

     

    Instances of Impeachment in India:

    • 1993: Justice V Ramaswami (Supreme Court) faced impeachment proceedings on financial impropriety. The motion was unsuccessful despite a guilty finding.
    • 2011: Justice Soumitra Sen (Calcutta High Court) was impeached for corruption but resigned before Lok Sabha could take up the matter.
    • 2015: Justice S K Gangele (Madhya Pradesh High Court) faced impeachment on charges of sexual harassment, but the committee cleared him in 2017.
    • 2015: Justice J B Pardiwala (Gujarat High Court) faced impeachment for controversial remarks about reservation but the motion was dropped after the judge expunged the remarks.
    • 2017: Justice C V Nagarjuna (Andhra Pradesh & Telangana High Court) faced impeachment for financial misconduct and victimizing a Dalit judge, but the motion was not pursued.

     

    PYQ:

    [2019] Consider the following statements:

    1. The motion to impeach a Judge of the Supreme Court of India cannot be rejected by the Speaker of the Lok Sabha as per the Judges (inquiry) Act, 1968.

    2. The Constitution of India defines and gives details of what constitutes ‘incapacity and proved misbehaviour’ of the Judges of the Supreme Court of India.

    3. The details of the process of impeachment of the Judges of the Supreme Court of India are given in the Judges (Inquiry) Act, 1968.

    4. If the motion for the impeachment of a Judge is taken up for voting, the law requires the motion to be backed by each House of the Parliament and supported by a majority of total membership of that House and by not less than two-thirds of total members of that House present and voting.

    Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

    (a) 1 and 2

    (b) 3 only

    (c) 3 and 4 only

    (d) 1, 3 and 4

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

    Centre wants States to make Snakebites a Notifiable Disease

    Prelims Only | Governance | Mains Paper 2: Health & Education

    Note4Students

    From UPSC perspective, the following things are important:

    Prelims level: Notifiable Diseases

    Why in the News?

    The Union Health Ministry has urged states to make snakebites a Notifiable Disease, meaning both private and public hospitals must report it to the government.

    Snakebites Menace in India:

    • Snakebites are a significant public health concern in India, with approximately 3 to 4 million cases reported annually.
      • It causes an estimated 58,000 deaths every year, according to the 2020 Indian Million Death Study.
    • States such as Bihar, Jharkhand, Madhya Pradesh, Odisha, Uttar Pradesh, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Rajasthan, and Gujarat report the highest number of snakebites.
    • The National Action Plan for Prevention and Control of Snakebite Envenoming (NAPSE), launched by the government earlier in 2024, aims to halve snakebite deaths by 2030 and includes making snakebites notifiable.

    What are Notifiable Diseases?

    • Notifiable diseases are those that must be reported to the government for effective public health monitoring and management. These are typically:
      • Infectious diseases likely to cause outbreaks.
      • Diseases that result in deaths or require quick action to prevent wider transmission.
    • Legal Basis:
      • According to WHO’s International Health Regulations, 1969, disease reporting is mandatory for global surveillance.
      • The primary law governing notifiable diseases is the Epidemic Diseases Act, 1897 which outlines the reporting requirements for diseases considered a public health threat.
        • However, the specific list of notifiable diseases can vary across different states and is typically determined by the respective state governments under their individual public health acts.
    • Common examples of notifiable diseases include tuberculosis, HIV, cholera, malaria, dengue, and hepatitis.

    Why snakebite is considered a Notifiable Disease?

    • Snakebites can cause severe health issues, including paralysis, fatal hemorrhages, and tissue damage, making it crucial for timely intervention.
      • Victims need immediate antivenom treatment to prevent death and long-term effects.
    • In 2009, the WHO added snakebite to its list of Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTD), acknowledging its widespread impact on public health.
    • Making snakebites a notifiable disease will enhance surveillance, help track case numbers, and improve treatment strategies across the country.
    • It will ensure the availability of adequate antivenoms in regions where snakebites are frequent.
    • Medical staff will receive training to handle snakebite cases effectively, reducing mortality rates.

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

    [pib] Jan Aushadhi Kendra’s by PACS

    Prelims Only | Governance | Mains Paper 2: Health & Education

    Note4Students

    From UPSC perspective, the following things are important:

    Prelims level: Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Jan Aushadhi Kendras

    Why in the News?

    • The Government has empowered Primary Agricultural Credit Societies (PACS) to operate Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Jan Aushadhi Kendras (PMBJK), aiming to provide generic medicines at affordable prices to underserved rural areas.

    About Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Jan Aushadhi Kendras (PMBJK) by PACS:

    Details
    • PMBJKs were established in November 2008.
    • Government-established outlets that provide affordable, quality generic medicines.
    • Operated by PACS (Primary Agricultural Credit Societies) in rural areas.
      • PACS are empowered to run these Kendras to ensure accessibility in remote regions under the Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Jan Aushadhi Pariyojana (PMBJP).
    Aims and Objectives To provide affordable medicines, promote healthcare equity, and reduce medical expenses for farmers, while generating local employment and ensuring PACS’ financial sustainability through the sale of medicines and allied products.
    Structural Mandate and Implementation
    • Administered by the Department of Pharmaceuticals under the Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilizers;
    • Bureau of Pharma PSUs of India (BPPI) is the implementation agency.

    Implementation:

    • PACS receive technical and administrative support from the Department of Pharmaceuticals.
    • PACS leverage their existing infrastructure, including land, buildings, and storage, to run the Kendras.
    • PACS-run Kendras receive a 20% incentive on monthly purchases, capped at Rs. 20,000 per month.
    • Kendra owners receive a 20% margin on MRP (excluding taxes).
    • They can sell allied medical products.
    Features and Significance
    • Affordable Medicine Distribution: Ensures that generic medicines are affordable in rural areas.
    • Economic and Healthcare Benefits: Reduces medical costs and improves healthcare outcomes for farmers.
    • Alignment with National Health Policy: Supports equitable healthcare access, especially in remote areas.
    • Strengthening Rural Infrastructure: Utilizes PACS’ infrastructure to boost rural healthcare.

     

    PYQ:

    [2015] Public health system has limitations in providing universal health coverage. Do you think that private sector could help in bridging the gap? What other viable alternatives would you suggest?

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  • Higher Education – RUSA, NIRF, HEFA, etc.

    Draft UGC Regulations, 2024

    Prelims Only | Governance | Mains Paper 2: Health & Education

    Note4Students

    From UPSC perspective, the following things are important:

    Prelims level: Draft UGC Regulations, 2024

    Why in the News?

    • The University Grants Commission (UGC) released the Draft UGC (Minimum Standards of Instructions in the Award of UG and PG Degrees) 2024 to bring sweeping reforms in India’s higher education sector.
      • The new regulations will apply to all Central, State, Private, and Deemed Universities across India.

    Back2Basics: University Grants Commission (UGC)

    • UGC was inaugurated in 1953 by Maulana Abul Kalam Azad, then Minister of Education.
    • it was established as a statutory body in November 1956 under the UGC Act 1956.
      • The Sargeant Report (1944) recommended a University Grants Committee, established in 1945, initially handling all universities by 1947.
      • Post-independence, the University Education Commission (1948) under Dr. S Radhakrishnan proposed reorganizing the committee along the lines of the UK’s University Grants Commission.
    • A proposal to replace UGC with the Higher Education Commission of India (HECI) is under consideration.
    • UGC handles:
      • Providing funds to higher education institutions.
      • Coordination, determination, and maintenance of academic standards.

     

    About the Draft UGC Regulations, 2024:

    Aims and Objectives
    • To reform India’s higher education system.
    • To introduce flexibility, multidisciplinary learning, and inclusivity in higher education while removing disciplinary rigidities.
    Key Provisions and Features
    • Biannual Admissions: Institutions can admit students twice a year (July/August and January/February).
    • Multiple Entry and Exit: Students can enter or exit their programs multiple times, with continuous assessments, recognition of prior learning, and the possibility to pursue two programs at the same time.
    • Flexibility for Students: Students can choose any discipline for UG and PG programs, irrespective of their background, subject to clearing entrance exams (e.g., CUET or university-specific exams).
    • Minimum Attendance Requirement: Institutions will set the minimum attendance based on program-specific requirements and statutory approvals, in line with the NEP 2020.
    • UG Degree Credits: At least 50% of credits must be earned in the major discipline for an undergraduate degree. The remaining 50% credits can be from skill courses, apprenticeships, or multidisciplinary subjects.
    • Duration of Degrees: UG degrees can be completed in 3 to 4 years, depending on the course structure. PG degrees will typically take 1 to 2 years, though they can be longer or shorter based on the program.
    Accelerated and Extended Degree Programs:
    • ADP (Accelerated Degree Programs): Allows students to complete their degree in a shorter duration while covering the full curriculum.
    • EDP (Extended Degree Programs): Extends the duration for students who need more time to complete the program.
      • Up to 10% of the sanctioned intake can be earmarked for ADP. Students can choose ADP or EDP by the end of the first or second semester.
      • ADP/EDP degrees will include a note specifying the adjusted duration, while ensuring the full academic content is covered.
    • Postgraduate Eligibility: Students completing a four-year undergraduate degree (Hons./Research, BTech, BE) will be eligible for a two-year postgraduate program.

     

    PYQ:

    [2012] Which of the following provisions of the Constitution does India have a bearing on Education?

    1. Directive Principles of State Policy
    2. Rural and Urban Local Bodies
    3. Fifth Schedule
    4. Sixth Schedule
    5. Seventh Schedule

    Select the correct answer using the codes given below:

    (a) 1 and 2 only
    (b) 3, 4 and 5 only
    (c) 1, 2 and 5 only
    (d) 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5

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  • Historical and Archaeological Findings in News

    [pib] New National Manuscripts Mission

    Prelims Only | History | Mains Paper 1: Arts & Culture

    Note4Students

    From UPSC perspective, the following things are important:

    Prelims level: New National Manuscripts Mission

    Why in the News?

    The Union Ministry of Culture is planning to revive and relaunch the National Mission for Manuscripts (NMM) and is considering the formation of an autonomous body to help preserve India’s ancient texts.

    Why Center is re-evolving this scheme?

    • Currently, the NMM operates as part of the Indira Gandhi National Centre for the Arts.
    • The new entity, expected to be named the National Manuscripts Authority, will likely function as an autonomous body under the Ministry of Tourism and Culture.

    About the National Mission for Manuscripts (NMM):

    Aims and Objectives
    • To document, conserve, digitize, and disseminate India’s manuscript heritage.
    • Set up over 100 Manuscripts Resource Centres and Manuscripts Conservation Centres across India.
    • Manuscripts are often on materials like paper, bark, cloth, metal, or palm leaf, and are at least 75 years old, with significant scientific, historical, or aesthetic value.
    • India has an estimated 10 million manuscripts covering various themes, languages, scripts, and illustrations.
    • Manuscripts primarily contain knowledge content, unlike historical records.
    • 80% of manuscripts are privately owned, limiting public availability.
    Structural Mandate
    • Formed in 2003 by the Ministry of Tourism and Culture.
    • Managed by the National Archives of India.
    • Currently operates as part of the Indira Gandhi National Centre for the Arts.
    Features and Programs under the Mission
    • Documented metadata for 5.2 million manuscripts and digitized 300,000 titles, though only a third of them have been uploaded.
    • Only 70,000 of the 130,000 manuscripts uploaded are accessible for viewing due to the absence of an access policy.
    • Preventive and curative conservation of 9 crore folios has been conducted over 21 years.

     

    PYQ:

    [2008] Recently, the manuscripts of which one of the following have been included in the UNESCO’s Memory of World Register?

    (a) Abhidhamma Pitaka

    (b) Mahabharata

    (c) Ramayana

    (d) Rig-Veda

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  • Food Procurement and Distribution – PDS & NFSA, Shanta Kumar Committee, FCI restructuring, Buffer stock, etc.

    National Food Security Act, 2013

    Prelims Only | Governance | Mains Paper 2: Poverty & Hunger

    Note4Students

    From UPSC perspective, the following things are important:

    Prelims level: National Food Security Act, 2013

    Why in the News?

    The Supreme Court remarked that a long-term solution to food security issues is generating employment, while advocate Prashant Bhushan pointed out that the National Food Security Act (NFSA) still relies on 2011 census data.

    About National Food Security Act, 2013:

    Details
    Launch 
    • NFSA was signed into law on 12th September 2013, with retroactive effect from 5th July 2013.
    • It aims to provide subsidized food grains to approximately 2/3rd of India’s population.
    Aims and Objectives
    • Provide subsidized food grains to 2/3rd of India’s population, covering about 75% of rural and 50% of urban areas.
    • Converts food security programs into legal entitlements.
    • Recognizes maternity entitlements for pregnant women, lactating mothers, and children.
    Structural Mandate
    • Central Government directs states to implement the provisions of the Act (Section 38).
    • Mandates that the subsidized prices remain fixed for 3 years (with no revision yet).
    • Ensures that eligible households have a legal right to food grains at subsidized rates under the Targeted Public Distribution System (TPDS).
    Features and Programs
    • PDS provides 5 kg/person/month: Rice (₹3/kg), Wheat (₹2/kg), Coarse grains (₹1/kg).
    • Eldest woman (18 years or above) in the household is considered the head of the family for issuing ration cards.
    • Provides free meals to pregnant women, lactating mothers, and children aged 6 months to 14 years under ICDS and mid-day meal schemes.
      • Ensures pregnant and lactating women receive a ₹6,000 cash benefit, payable in installments.
    • Midday Meal and ICDS are universal, and PDS reaches 75% of rural and 50% of urban populations.
    • Priority Households get 5 kg of food grains per person per month, and Antyodaya Anna Yojana (AAY) households get 35 kg per month.

    Why figures from 2011 Census still drive it?

    • Data Discrepancy: The 2021 census is getting extensions indiscriminately. It would have identified additional beneficiaries, possibly up to 10 crore more people.
    • Ration Card Issue: Many migrant workers had still not received ration cards, despite several court orders.
    • Logistical and Administrative Constraints: Updating census-based allocations requires substantial administrative coordination and a shift in policy across the Centre and States.

    PYQ:

    [2018] With reference to the provisions made under the National Food Security Act, 2013, consider the following statements:

    1. The families coming under the category of ‘below poverty line (BPL)’ only are eligible to receive subsidised food grains.
    2. The eldest woman in a household, of age 18 years or above, shall be the head of the household for the purpose of issuance of a ration card.
    3. Pregnant women and lactating mothers are entitled to a ‘take-home ration’ of 1600 calories per day during pregnancy and for six months thereafter.

    Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

    (a) 1 and 2 only
    (b) 2 only
    (c) 1 and 3 only
    (d) 3 only

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  • Foreign Policy Watch: India-Australia

    [pib] India-Australia CCEA Stocktake

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

    Note4Students

    From UPSC perspective, the following things are important:

    Prelims level: CCEA, ECTA

    Why in the News?

    A stocktake visit for the India-Australia Comprehensive Economic Cooperation Agreement (CECA) recently concluded in New Delhi.

    Key Takeaways from the Meet

    • The discussions covered a wide range of critical aspects of the CECA, including:
      • Trade in goods and services
      • Mobility and agri-tech cooperation
      • Market access modalities that align with India’s food security objectives.
    • Both sides emphasized their shared commitment to ensuring that the CECA produces meaningful benefits and delivers a balanced outcome for both nations.
    • The discussions have opened up pathways for enhanced collaboration in areas such as agricultural innovation, market access, and supply chain resilience.

    About India-Australia CCEA Negotiations:

    • CECA is a comprehensive trade agreement between India and Australia.
      • More comprehensive than the earlier India-Australia Economic Cooperation and Trade Agreement (ECTA) , which is a limited trade agreement in force since December 2022.
    • Negotiations for CECA began in May 2011, suspended in 2016, and re-launched in 2021 after concluding the ECTA.
    • So far 10 rounds of negotiations have taken place.

    Key Features of CECA:

    • Covers goods, services, digital trade, government procurement, and Rules of Origin/Product-Specific Rules Schedule.
    • New areas: competition policy, MSMEs, innovation, agri-tech, critical minerals, sports.

    India-AU Trade Statistics:

    • 2023-24:
      • India’s imports from Australia fell by 15% to USD 16.15 billion.
      • India’s exports to Australia rose by 14.23% to USD 7.94 billion.

    Australia is India’s 13th largest export destination and 14th largest import source.

     

    PYQ:

    [2017] ‘Broad-based Trade and Investment Agreement (BTIA)’ is sometimes seen in the news in the context of negotiations held between India and:

    (a) European Union
    (b) Gulf Cooperation Council
    (c) Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development
    (d) Shanghai Cooperation Organization

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  • Climate Change Negotiations – UNFCCC, COP, Other Conventions and Protocols

    Emissions Gap Report 2024

    Prelims Only | Enviro & Biodiversity | Mains Paper 3:

    Note4Students

    From UPSC perspective, the following things are important:

    Prelims level: Emissions Gap Report 2024; Important Highlights

    Mains level: Climate change; Pollution; Global Climate Goals;

    Why in the News?

    According to the recently released ‘Emission Gap Report 2024’ presented by UNEP, Global Greenhouse Gas (GHG) emissions have reached a new high of 57.1 billion tonnes of CO2 equivalent in 2023, a 1.3% rise compared to 2022.

    What are the key points of Emissions Gap Report 2024?

    • Urgent Emission Reduction Targets: To align with the 1.5°C goal of the Paris Agreement, global greenhouse gas emissions must decrease by 42% by 2030 and 57% by 2035 compared to 2019 levels.
      • For a 2°C target, reductions of 28% by 2030 and 37% by 2035 are necessary. Current commitments and policies are insufficient, putting the world on track for a temperature rise of 2.6-3.1°C, which would lead to severe climate impacts.
    • Potential for Significant Reductions: The report highlights that it is still technically feasible to achieve the 1.5°C pathway through aggressive action, including increased deployment of renewable energy sources like solar and wind, which could contribute 27% of the necessary reductions by 2030 and 38% by 2035.
      • Additionally, actions related to forests could provide around 20% of the potential reductions in both years. A comprehensive approach involving government action, investment in mitigation strategies, and international cooperation is essential to realize these opportunities.

    What are the Global Emission trends?

    • Global greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions have continued to rise, reaching a record high of 57.1 gigatons of carbon dioxide equivalent in 2023. This marks an increase from previous years, with fossil fuel CO₂ emissions projected at 37.4 billion tonnes, up 0.8% from 2023, and total CO₂ emissions—including land-use changes—projected to be 41.6 billion tonnes in 2024.
    • The increase is attributed primarily to rising emissions from major economies such as China and India, with India experiencing the largest relative increase at 6.1% and China contributing the most in absolute terms.
    • The overall trend indicates that despite some positive developments in renewable energy adoption, there is no sign that global fossil fuel emissions have peaked, necessitating immediate and substantial reductions to meet climate targets.

     

    What is the progress of G20 countries towards NDCs?

    • Mixed Progress on NDCs: Among G20 countries, six members (China, India, Indonesia, Japan, Russia, and Turkey) are projected to meet their unconditional Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC) targets with current policies.
      • However, eight members (Argentina, Australia, Canada, the EU, South Korea, South Africa, and the United States) require further action to achieve their targets.
      • This indicates a significant disparity in progress across different G20 nations, with many needing to be on track to meet their commitments under the Paris Agreement.
    • Need for Enhanced Ambition: The G20 must significantly ramp up its climate ambitions in the next round of NDCs to align with the goals of limiting global warming to 1.5°C. This includes committing to substantial emissions reductions—42% by 2030 and 57% by 2035.

    What is the NCD target? 

    • Collective Emission Reduction Goals: G20 countries have pledged to reduce greenhouse gas emissions through Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs), targeting a 42% reduction by 2030 and 57% by 2035, aligned with the Paris Agreement to limit warming below 2°C.
    • Diverse Member Targets and Progress: G20 members have varied NDC targets, such as China aiming to peak CO2 emissions by 2030 with a 60-65% reduction in carbon intensity, while Argentina caps net emissions at 483 million tons of CO2 equivalent.

    What is needed to bridge the gap between 2030 and 2035 goals? (Way forward)

    • Significant Annual Emission Reductions: A reduction of 7.5% per year until 2035 is necessary to align with the 1.5°C pathway, while a 4% annual reduction is needed for the 2°C target.
    • Investment in Renewable Energy: The increased deployment of solar and wind technologies could deliver approximately 27% of the total emission reduction potential by 2030 and 38% by 2035.
    • Action on Forests: Protecting and restoring forests could provide around 20% of the required reductions in both years.
    • Comprehensive Policy Measures: A whole-of-government approach is essential, maximizing socioeconomic and environmental co-benefits while minimizing trade-offs.
    • Increased Mitigation Investment: A minimum six-fold increase in investments for climate mitigation is critical, necessitating reforms in global financial systems and strong private sector involvement.

    Mains PYQ:

    Q Discuss global warming and mention its effects on the global climate. Explain the control measures to bring down the level of greenhouse gases that cause global warming, in the light of the Kyoto Protocol, 1997. (UPSC IAS/2022)

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  • Civil Services Reforms

    [pib] 4th Good Governance Week, 2024

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

    Note4Students

    From UPSC perspective, the following things are important:

    Prelims level: Good Governance Week

    Why in the News?

    “Prashasan Gaon Ki Ore” a nationwide campaign is launched by the Government of India, from December 19–24, 2024, as part of the 4th Good Governance Week.

    About the Nationwide Campaign ‘Prashasan Gaon Ki Ore’

    • It is a nationwide campaign to address public grievances and improve service delivery across rural and urban areas.
    • It aims to strengthen governance at the grassroots level and bring effective solutions to the common people.
    • It will be conducted in all districts, states, and union territories of India, with a focus on delivering timely solutions and improving the quality of services provided to citizens.
    • Key objectives of the campaign include:
      • Redressing Public Grievances: Ensuring that citizens’ complaints related to government services are resolved swiftly.
      • Improving Service Delivery: Enhancing the efficiency of government services at the local level.
      • Creating Awareness: Spreading knowledge about good governance practices and encouraging citizens to be proactive in using available services.

    Key Observations from the Good Governance Index (GGI) 2022

    • The GGI, 2022 evaluates 58 indicators across 10 governance sectors, such as agriculture and allied sectors, human resource development, public health, and law and order, among others. The key observations are as follows:
      1. Top Performers: Kerala, Tamil Nadu, and Maharashtra ranked highest for good governance, excelling in public health, human resources, and economic governance.
      2. Service Delivery: States like Tamil Nadu and Kerala were praised for transparency, accountability, and citizen-focused policies, leading in service delivery.
      3. Agriculture & Rural Development: Uttar Pradesh and Bihar showed improvements in agriculture and rural development, aligning with the goals of Prashasan Gaon Ki Ore.
      4. Health & Education: Kerala and Tamil Nadu excelled in healthcare and education, with significant investments in infrastructure and public schemes.
      5. Sustainable Development: States like Sikkim emphasized environmental governance and sustainable development practices.

    PYQ:

    [2016] What do you understand by the terms ‘governance’, ‘good governance’ and ‘ethical governance’? (150 words)

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