1. HYSTERECTOMIES

TAGS: GS 2: HEALTH ISSUES

CONTEXT: In 2020, a study on Maharashtra’s cane cutters identified a widening blind spot in women’s health: the unchecked rise of hysterectomies. Laws regulating private clinics were poorly implemented, awareness about the procedure of uterus removal was dismal, gynaecological services were absent and no standard protocols existed, the authors noted.

EXPLANATION:

• As per National Family Health Survey-5 data, half of the women reportedly go through hysterectomies before they turn 35.
• This is a serious violation of the fundamental rights of the women who underwent unnecessary hysterectomies.
• After caesarean deliveries, hysterectomies are the second-most frequent procedure in women of the reproductive age group.

When and Why, it should be conducted?

• Medically, hysterectomies should be conducted in the later part of an individual’s reproductive life, or as an intervention during emergencies.
• Noted medical indications for removing a uterus include fibroids (growths around the uterus), abnormal uterine bleeding and uterine prolapse, chronic pelvic pain, and premalignant and malignant tumours of the uterus and cervix. In some cases, oophorectomy, the removal of ovaries (the primary source of estrogen), is also frequently performed, which is a form of surgical menopause and linked to several chronic conditions.

Effects of hysterectomy:

• There is evidence about the long-term effects of hysterectomy both with or without oophorectomy (removal of ovaries).
• A 2022 review of 29 studies found a correlation between hysterectomy and chronic diseases including an increased risk of cardiovascular events, cancers, depression, metabolic disorders, and dementia (Journal of Clinical Medicine).
• In India, hysterectomies in women above 45 years of age were associated with hypertension, high cholesterol, diabetes and bone disease, aching joints, back pain, depression, and insomnia, among other side effects, impairing their health and ability to work.

Government measures:

• Union Health Ministry in 2022 issued guidelines to prevent unnecessary hysterectomies by listing possible indications of when hysterectomy may be required and alternative clinical treatments for gynaecological issues.
• Government recommended setting up district, State-level and national hysterectomy monitoring committees which to collect data on age, mortality, and occupations, among other details.
• The government also proposed a grievance portal, monitored by the National Hysterectomy Monitoring Committee, for hysterectomy beneficiaries.
• Guidelines emphasise that authorities should report hysterectomies conducted for women less than 40 years of age and incorporate the reason for hysterectomy into the existing screening checklist.

Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana:

• The government’s flagship health insurance programme Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana provides health cover of ₹5 lakhs for 1,949 procedures including hysterectomies.
• The government has authorised 45,434 hospitals to conduct these operations and also developed two standard treatment guidelines for hysterectomy-related procedures.
• These guidelines, developed by the Union Health Ministry and the Indian Council for Medical Research (ICMR) in consultation with health experts, explicitly state that the procedure should be “considered only when childbearing is completed and rarely in younger patients”.

Violation of international conventions:

• Unnecessary hysterectomies violate international conventions to which India is a signatory.
• These include the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights (which recognises people’s right to control their health and body, including reproductive and sexual freedom), the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women and the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights.

Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana:

2. FOUCAULT PENDULUM

TAGS: PRELIMS PERSPECTIVE

CONTEXT: One of the features of the new Parliament building in New Delhi, is a Foucault pendulum suspended from its ‘Constitutional Gallery’ area.

EXPLANATION:

• The original Foucault’s pendulum, named after 19th century French scientist Leon Foucault, is a simple experiment to demonstrate the earth’s rotation.
• When Foucault carried out this experiment for the public in 1851, it was the first direct visual evidence of the fact that the earth rotates on its axis.

How it works?

• The pendulum consists of a heavy bob suspended at the end of a long, strong wire from a fixed point in the ceiling.
• As the pendulum swings, the imaginary surface across which the wire and the bob swipe is called the plane of the swing.
• A Foucault pendulum is not a simple matter of setting up a pendulum with large parts. It must be designed, installed, and set swinging in such a way that the bob’s motion is influenced to the extent possible only by gravity.
• If the pendulum is installed at the North Pole, the pendulum will basically be swinging as the earth rotates ‘below’. But someone standing on the earth’s surface doesn’t notice the planet’s rotation without e.g. looking up at the sky from time to time; instead, to them, the plane of the swing will seem to rotate by a full circle as the earth completes one rotation.
• If the pendulum is installed over the equator, the plane won’t appear to shift at all because it will be rotating along with the earth. On any other latitude, the plane will shift through 360º in “one sidereal day divided by the sine of the latitude of its location”.

How was the pendulum made for Parliament?

• It has been designed and installed by the National Council of Science Museums (NCSM), Kolkata.
• The Central Research & Training Laboratory (CRTL) is the R&D unit of NCSM, which in turn, functions under the aegis of the Ministry of Culture.
• The piece, made using gunmetal, has been fixed with an electromagnetic coil to ensure hassle-free movement.
• On the symbolism of the pendulum and its prime place in the hallowed building it demonstrates the Article 51A of the Constitution enshrines every citizen “to develop the scientific temper, humanism, and the spirit of inquiry and reform”.

3. SHENZHOU-16

TAGS: PRELIMS PERSPECTIVE

CONTEXT: China launched a spacecraft carrying three astronauts, including its first civilian, to its Tiangong space station on May 30. This is the China’s fifth manned mission to a fully functional space station since 2021.According to state media, the spacecraft, the Shenzhou-16, was launched atop a Long March-2F rocket from the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Centre in the Gobi Desert in northwest China at 9:31 am.

EXPLANATION:

• The crew of Shenzhou-16 includes Jing Haipeng as the leading commander on the mission, as well as Zhu Yangzhu and Gui Haichao, the first Chinese civilian to travel to space. The three astronauts will replace the crew of Shenzhou-15 aboard the Tiangong space station, who have been there since November last year.
• The new crew will stay there for the next five months and will carry out “large-scale in-orbit tests and experiments in various fields as planned. They are expected to make high-level scientific achievements in the study of novel quantum phenomena, high-precision space time-frequency systems, the verification of general relativity, and the origin of life.

What is the Tiangong space station?

• It is operated by China Manned Space Agency (CMSA), the Tiangong space station was built by China after the USA barred NASA from working with the Asian country, citing a high risk of espionage.
• The permanently inhabited space station’s first module entered orbit in 2021 and two more modules were added to it in the following years.
• The Tiangong space station, expected to become the sole in-orbit outpost for scientific research after the end of operations for the International Space Station in 2030, is China’s ambitious project to achieve its space dreams.

International Space Station:

• The International Space Station is a large spacecraft in orbit around Earth. It serves as a home where crews of astronauts and cosmonauts live.
• The first piece of the International Space Station was launched in November 1998. A Russian rocket launched the Russian Zarya (zar EE uh) control module.
• It orbits Earth at an average altitude of approximately 250 miles.
• It travels at 17,500 mph. This means it orbits Earth every 90 minutes.
• NASA is using the space station to learn more about living and working in space.

4. DIGITAL PAYMENT

TAGS: GS 3: ECONOMY

CONTEXT: Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has conceptualised a lightweight payment and settlements system, which it is calling a “bunker” equivalent of digital payments, which can be operated from anywhere by a bare minimum staff in exigencies such as natural calamities or war.

EXPLANATION:

Objective:

• Such a lightweight and portable payment system could ensure near zero downtime of the payment and settlement system in the country.
• It will keep the liquidity pipeline of the economy alive and intact by facilitating uninterrupted functioning of essential payment services like bulk payments, interbank payments and provision of cash to participant institutions.
• The system is expected to process transactions that are critical to ensure the stability of the economy, including government and market related transactions.
• Having such a resilient system is also likely to act as a bunker equivalent in payment systems and thereby enhance public confidence in digital payments and financial market infrastructure even during extreme conditions.

How will it work?

• Infrastructure for this system will be independent of the technologies that underlie the existing systems of payments such as UPI, NEFT, and RTGS.
• The central bank has not offered a timeline for the launch of this payments system yet.
• In its Annual Report for 2022-23 published on May 30, RBI says that the lightweight and portable payment system is expected to operate on minimalistic hardware and software and would be made active only on a “need basis”.

How will the lightweight system be different from UPI?

• According to the RBI, existing conventional payments systems such as RTGS, NEFT, and UPI are designed to handle large volumes of transactions while ensuring sustained availability. As a result, they are dependent on complex wired networks backed by advanced IT infrastructure.
• However, catastrophic events like natural calamities and war have the potential to render these payment systems temporarily unavailable by disrupting the underlying information and communication infrastructure. Therefore, this new system is designed to be prepared to face such extreme and volatile situations.

Unified Payments Interface(UPI):

• Unified Payments Interface (UPI) is a system that powers multiple bank accounts into a single mobile application (of any participating bank), merging several banking features, seamless fund routing & merchant payments into one hood.
• It also caters to the “Peer to Peer” collect request which can be scheduled and paid as per requirement and convenience.

NEFT and RTGS:

5. EMISSION FROM AVIATION SECTOR

TAGS: PRELIMS PERSPECTIVE

CONTEXT: Last week, France announced a ban on all short-haul domestic flights. A month earlier, the Schiphol airport in Amsterdam, one of the busiest in Europe, banned private jets and small business planes. There is a growing clamour in Europe for a bigger crackdown on private aviation sector.

EXPLANATION:

• As the world continues to fall behind in the race against time to curb global warming, desperate and non-conventional measures seem to be beginning to kick in.
• Aviation is a relatively small contributor to global greenhouse gas emissions and attempts to curtail these have not been very fruitful till now.
• Air transport, globally, accounts for just about 2 per cent of global carbon dioxide emissions every year, and less than two per cent of greenhouse gas emissions.
• Though the airline industry’s contribution to the overall greenhouse gas emissions has been rather modest, it is still considered a big worry, mainly due to two reasons it is generated by a very small fraction of global population, and it is projected to grow at a very fast pace.
• Also, airplanes produce non-CO2 emissions as well, and their impact on global warming is equally significant. According to the UN Climate Change, if the non-CO2 emissions, like water vapour, are also accounted for, the airline industry would be responsible for causing almost five per cent of historical global warming.
• Emissions from international aviation falls in a grey area. The emissions from planes flying within the boundaries of a country are attributed to that country. But emissions from airlines making international flights are not attributable to any country.
• Along with international shipping, international aviation forms a separate class of emissions those from bunker fuel. It also means that no country has any responsibility to curtail these emissions. These are not covered under the Paris Agreement.

Offset mechanism:

• In 2016, the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) put in place an offset mechanism to ensure that any increase in emissions over 2020 levelsis compensated for by the airline industry through investment in carbon saving projects elsewhere.
• It is called Carbon Offsetting and Reduction Scheme for International Aviation, or CORSIA, the offset plan is supposed to run from 2021 to 2035.
• Reducing aviation emissions through other means has not proved to be easy. Unlike road or rail travel, aviation does not have viable technology alternatives for shifting to cleaner fuels. Biofuels have been tried and so have hydrogen fuel cells. Solar powered planes have also made trips. But use of these alternative fuels for flying large commercial airliners is still some distance away.

International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO)

• It was created in 1944 to promote the safe and orderly development of international civil aviation throughout the world.
• It is a specialized agency of the United Nations.
• It sets standards and regulations necessary for aviation safety, security and facilitation, efficiency, economic development of air transport as well as to improve the environmental performance of aviation.
• The organization serves as the forum for cooperation in all fields of civil aviation among its 192 Member States.

Carbon Offsetting and Reduction Scheme for International Aviation, or CORSIA:

• CORSIA is the first global market-based measure for any sector and represents a cooperative approach that moves away from a “patchwork” of national or regional regulatory initiatives.
• It offers a harmonized way to reduce emissions from international aviation, minimizing market distortion, while respecting the special circumstances and respective capabilities of ICAO Member States.
• CORSIA complements the other elements of the basket of measures by offsetting the amount of CO2 emissions that cannot be reduced through the use of technological improvements, operational improvements, and sustainable aviation fuels with emissions units from the carbon market.
• CORSIA is considered a breakthrough, but it is not very ambitious. It only seeks to offset emissions that are over and above 2020 levels. It does not deal with total emissions.

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2. Re-imagine ECI, make it an institution that all Indians trust and revere: Dorab Sopariwala READ MORE

1. Anger and Aspiration in Caste Society READ MORE  
2. Children with disabilities need robust policies for support READ MORE

1. New Forest Conservation Bill to Enable Corporate Take Over of Tribal Land, say Activists READ MORE
2. India’s hill states need sustainable cooling solutions to beat warming READ MORE
3. 2023 hurricane forecast: Get ready for a busy Pacific storm season, quieter Atlantic than recent years thanks to El Niño READ MORE

1. Getting rid of useless stuff is not easy READ MORE
2. My way or the highway READ MORE
3. Be Mindful of Your Surroundings READ MORE

(Newspapers, PIB and other important sources)

Prelim and Main

1. The world’s worst animal disease is killing frogs worldwide. A testing breakthrough could help save them READ MORE  
2. India’s growth momentum likely to be sustained in FY24, says RBI in Annual Report READ MORE
3. Hardening interest rates, geopolitical risks impacting FDI inflows: DPIIT Secretary READ MORE
4. Purana Qila excavations reveal pre-Mauryan era settlement READ MORE
5. Government drops plans to host SCO summit in Delhi, will now be in virtual format READ MORE
6. Indian scientists discover new exoplanet with mass 13 times that of Jupiter READ MORE
7. Will the US succeed in starving China of semiconductors? READ MORE
8. China’s Shenzhou-16 spacecraft launched: What is the new mission about READ MORE
9. Alternative to UPI, NEFT, RTGS: What is RBI’s planned ‘lightweight’ payments system for emergencies? READ MORE
10. Two Gangetic dolphins found dead in Bihar in the last 3 days READ MORE
11. World Health Assembly approves draft resolution on health action plan for indigenous people READ MORE

Main Exam

GS Paper- 1

1. New Forest Conservation Bill to Enable Corporate Take Over of Tribal Land, say Activists READ MORE
2. India’s hill states need sustainable cooling solutions to beat warming READ MORE
3. 2023 hurricane forecast: Get ready for a busy Pacific storm season, quieter Atlantic than recent years thanks to El Niño READ MORE
4. Anger and Aspiration in Caste Society READ MORE  

GS Paper- 2

POLITY AND GOVERNANCE

1. Cow vigilantes’ illegal activities are a threat to law and order READ MORE
2. Re-imagine ECI, make it an institution that all Indians trust and revere: Dorab Sopariwala READ MORE

SOCIAL ISSUES

1. Children with disabilities need robust policies for support READ MORE

INTERNATIONAL ISSUES

1. Using Buddhism as a tool of soft power READ MORE
2. Prachanda’s visit aims to boost bilateral ties READ MORE
3. Indo-Nepal ties will flourish on trust READ MORE
4. India is making its mark in the world READ MORE
5. Turning the South Pacific tides important for India READ MORE

GS Paper- 3

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

1. The short history of a large note READ MORE
2. Universal cover: On the IRDA’s all-in-one insurance policy READ MORE   
3. India rising as leader of emerging economies. Now Delhi must ally with Latin America too READ MORE

ENVIRONMENT AND ECOLOGY

1. As negotiation on Global Plastics Treaty gets underway, India should reconsider contradictory stance READ MORE
2. Global warming pushes marine fish to polar waters: Study READ MORE

SECURITY

1. Cybercrime is a worry with a very wide reach READ MORE
2. Ever increasing threat of transnational terrorism READ MORE

GS Paper- 4

ETHICS EXAMPLES AND CASE STUDY

1. Getting rid of useless stuff is not easy READ MORE
2. My way or the highway READ MORE
3. Be Mindful of Your Surroundings READ MORE

Questions for the MAIN exam

1. If NITI Aayog wants to be more effective, it requires the trust of all chief ministers and their active participation. Only then a strong centre and strong states will emerge. Critically analyse in recent developments.
2. The NITI Aayog acts as the quintessential platform for the Government of India to bring states together as ‘Team India’, to work towards the national development agenda. Critically examine.

QUOTATIONS AND CAPTIONS

• A country that demands moral perfection in its foreign policy will achieve neither perfection nor security.
• The geopolitical wrangling over the future of Buddhism between India and China is making the Nepal Buddhists uneasy.
• The Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India’s plans to expand risk protection levels need government backing.
• India is in a rare moment of equilibrium. It has begun to reap its demographic dividend.
• It is mighty clear that not only will India pursue a Nation First policy, but it will also herald a new way of thinking that echoes One Earth, One Family and One Future.
• Chinese domination of relations with the leading powers of the oil-rich Persian Gulf region is hardly a development that India can be sanguine about. The US-India exchanges with the UAE and Saudi Arabia will hopefully enhance security, stability and cooperation across India’s oil-rich western neighbourhood.
• India’s ‘Neighbourhood First’ policy appears distracted by external issue-based alignments and preoccupation as chair of G20 and the SCO.
• Unlawful activities of the vigilantes are a serious threat to law and order.
• The historicity of bilateral relations will depend on the stability of the coalition and Prachanda’s longevity as PM.
• The National Family Health Survey must include specific questions about disabilities to help formulate appropriate policy.
• Currently, under the Constitution, only the CEC enjoys the same protection from removal as a Supreme Court judge. It is imperative that the protection enjoyed by the CEC should also be extended to ECs.
• By providing PICs with a voice and support on Global South issues, including on existential aspects such as Climate Change or on UNSDGrelated themes, India has validated its humane and ‘Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam’ credentials.
• All temporary, freelance and contract workers must be properly defined and identified to ensure minimum wages, maximum working hours and social security.
• The India-Latin America partnership can work toward building digital public infrastructure, improving financial inclusion, and reducing the cost of access to data, which is critical for engagement with the digital economy.

ESSAY TOPIC

• Knowing is not enough; we must apply. Willing is not enough; we must do.

50-WORD TALK

• RBI Governor Shaktikanta Das’ caution to banks over concealment of stressed assets is an alarm bell that should be taken seriously. Banks only recently emerged from balance sheet crises caused by high NPAs over the last decade. A relapse would be disastrous for an economy that finally looks stable again.
• Dozens of bystanders casually watching and passing by a teenage girl being stabbed and bludgeoned to death exposes the infamous Delhi public apathy and the deep rot in our collective conscience. Even the most broken institutions can be fixed—only if society is willing to protect the most basic values.

Things to Remember:

• For prelims-related news try to understand the context of the news and relate with its concepts so that it will be easier for you to answer (or eliminate) from given options.
• Whenever any international place will be in news, you should do map work (marking those areas in maps and exploring other geographical locations nearby including mountains, rivers, etc. same applies to the national places.)
• For economy-related news (banking, agriculture, etc.) you should focus on terms and how these are related to various economic aspects, for example, if inflation has been mentioned, try to relate with prevailing price rises, shortage of essential supplies, banking rates, etc.
• For main exam-related topics, you should focus on the various dimensions of the given topic, the most important topics which occur frequently and are important from the mains point of view will be covered in ED.
• Try to use the given content in your answer. Regular use of this content will bring more enrichment to your writing.

[WpProQuiz 476]

THE CONTEXT: The debate around the ability of Capital Expenditure (Capex) to boost long-term growth within the Indian economy, given both the pre and the post-pandemic weak economic environment, has seen a wide range of varying opinions being presented by economists and policymakers. The following article intends to analyse the implications of Capex in the Indian Economy from UPSC perspective.

RECENT CONTEXT: THE UNION BUDGET AND THE ARGUMENT FOR CAPEX

• To ramp the virtuous cycle of Investment and job creation the budget took lead again by steeply increasing the capital expenditure outlay by 37.4 % in BE 2023-24 to whooping Rs.10 lakh crore over Rs. 7.28 lakh crore in RE 2022-23.
• The targeted capital expenditure increase of 35% to ₹7.5 lakh crore in FY23 will induce demand for services and manufactured inputs from large industries and micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs), and help farmers through better infrastructure.
• Plans to expand highways and establish new cargo terminals under the PM Gati Shakti master plan will enhance competitiveness of Indian industry by lowering the cost of transportation and bettering connectivity between production centres and consumption markets, both domestic and global.

WHAT IS CAPEX?

• Capital Expenditure, or Capex for short, refers to the funds spent by a government, or organization on acquiring, improving, or maintaining long-term assets. These assets can include property, buildings, equipment, machinery, vehicles, technology, and infrastructure.
• Capex is typically distinguished from operating expenses (Opex), which are the day-to-day expenses of running a business or organization, such as salaries, utilities, and office supplies. Capex, on the other hand, is a long-term investment that is expected to generate benefits over a period of time, usually several years.
• Capex can be incurred for various reasons, such as expanding business operations, replacing outdated equipment, or investing in new technology. Capital expenditures can also be categorized as mandatory, such as regulatory compliance or safety requirements, or discretionary, such as investing in research and development or expanding into new markets.
• Since capital expenditures are a long-term investment, they can have a significant impact on a government’s financial health and profitability. Governments need to carefully evaluate the potential benefits of a capital expenditure against the costs of acquiring, improving, or maintaining the long-term asset.

DIFFERENTIATING REVENUE AND CAPITAL EXPENDITURES

Revenue expenditure and capital expenditure are two distinct types of expenses incurred by businesses, governments, and other organizations. The key differences between revenue expenditure and capital expenditure are as follows:

REVENUE EXPENDITURE

DEFINITION

Revenue expenditure refers to the expenses incurred by an organization on a day-to-day basis to maintain its operations.

PURPOSE

Revenue expenditure is incurred for maintaining the current level of operations.

TIME FRAME

Revenue expenditure provides benefits in the short-term

NATURE OF THE ASSET

Revenue expenditure is generally spent on consumables, such as salaries, rent, utilities, and supplies.

TREATMENT IN FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Revenue expenditure is typically recorded as an expense in the income statement and reduces the profit of the organization.

IMPACT ON TAXES

Revenue expenditure is generally fully deductible as an expense for tax purposes in the year in which it is incurred.

CAPITAL EXPENDITURE

DEFINITION

Capital expenditure refers to the expenses incurred by an organization to acquire or improve its long-term assets.

PURPOSE

Capital expenditure is incurred for expanding or improving the organization’s future operations.

TIME FRAME

Capital expenditure provides benefits over a long period of time.

NATURE OF THE ASSET

Capital expenditure is spent on acquiring, improving, or maintaining long-term assets, such as buildings, equipment, machinery, and infrastructure.

TREATMENT IN FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Capital expenditure is recorded as an asset in the balance sheet and depreciated over its useful life.

IMPACT ON TAXES

Capital expenditure may be deductible over a period of time through depreciation or amortization.

IMPLICATIONS OF HIGH CAPEX

• Stimulates Economic Growth: High capex can lead to increased economic growth as businesses invest in new projects, equipment, and technology. This can create new job opportunities, increase production, and improve infrastructure, resulting in higher GDP and a stronger economy overall.
  • The targeted capital expenditure increase of 35% to ₹7.5 lakh crore in FY23 will induce demand for services and manufactured inputs from large industries and micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs), and help farmers through better infrastructure. Plans to expand highways and establish new cargo terminals under the PM Gati Shakti master plan will enhance competitiveness of Indian industry by lowering the cost of transportation and bettering connectivity between production centres and consumption markets, both domestic and global.
• Enhances Productivity: Investment in new technology, equipment, and facilities can increase productivity and efficiency, leading to lower costs, higher profits, and increased competitiveness. This can help businesses stay ahead of the competition and increase their market share, leading to further economic growth.
• Increases Business Confidence: A high level of capex indicates that businesses are optimistic about future economic prospects and are willing to invest in long-term growth. This can create a positive sentiment in the business community and encourage further investment, leading to a virtuous cycle of economic growth.
• Multiplier effect: Capex has the maximum multiplier effect (change in rupee value of output with respect to a change in rupee value of expenditure). This multiplier effect works through expansion of ancillary industries and services and job creation.
  • A Rs 1 crore increase in capital expenditure leads to more than Rs 1 crore increase in GDP. This multiplier effect works through expansion of ancillary industries and services and job creation. On the supply side also, it can facilitate labour productivity. Thus, capital expenditure is an effective tool for countercyclical fiscal policy and acts as a macroeconomic stabilizer.

IMPLICATIONS OF LOW CAPEX

Low capex, or a lack of investment in long-term assets and infrastructure, can have several implications for businesses, governments, and the economy as a whole.

• Reduced productivity: If businesses do not invest in new machinery or technology, they may be unable to increase their productivity or efficiency, leading to lower output and profitability.
• Fewer job opportunities: Low capex may result in businesses being unable to expand their operations or create new jobs, potentially leading to higher unemployment rates and reduced economic activity.
• Increased costs: A lack of investment in infrastructure or maintenance can lead to increased repair costs or even the need for expensive emergency repairs, potentially leading to higher costs for businesses and governments.
• Decreased competitiveness: If businesses or governments do not invest in new technology, infrastructure or other long-term assets, they may become less competitive in the global market, potentially leading to lower levels of exports and reduced economic growth.
• Hindered economic growth: Low capex can result in reduced economic growth, as businesses and governments are not investing in the long-term assets and infrastructure necessary to support sustainable economic growth.
• Reduced quality of life: Low capex can impact the quality of life of citizens, as it can lead to deteriorating infrastructure, such as roads, bridges, and public buildings, as well as a lack of access to essential services such as healthcare, education, and public transportation.

Overall, low capex can have significant negative consequences for businesses, governments, and the economy as a whole. To avoid these negative implications, it is important for businesses and governments to invest in long-term assets and infrastructure that support sustainable economic growth and provide essential services to citizens.

BOTTOM LINE:

In terms of economic growth, a high capex is generally considered positive as it indicates that businesses and governments are investing in long-term assets and infrastructure that can help to increase productivity, create jobs, and drive economic growth. In contrast, a low capex may signal a lack of investment and a potential slowdown in economic growth.

Capex can also influence fiscal policies. For example, governments may use capex to stimulate economic growth by investing in infrastructure or by providing tax incentives for businesses to invest in long-term assets. Conversely, governments may choose to reduce capex in times of fiscal austerity to reduce budget deficits.

THE WAY FORWARD

• Investing in Human capital: Given the huge demographic potential that India has, the GOI must invest in enhancing the multi-dimensional capabilities of its people. This would result into lasting and sustainable opportunities of growth and development.
• Prioritize Infrastructure Investment: India needs to continue investing in infrastructure projects to support economic growth. The government should allocate a significant portion of its capex budget towards developing roads, railways, airports, ports, and other essential infrastructure.
• Focus on Health and Education: The COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted the importance of investing in health and education. The Indian government should allocate capex towards building and upgrading healthcare facilities, as well as expanding access to quality education.
• Encourage Private Investment: The government should create a favorable environment for private sector investment by reducing bureaucratic hurdles, streamlining regulatory processes, and providing incentives for businesses to invest.
• Manage Debt: The government should be careful in managing its debt to avoid a debt crisis. It should ensure that the debt taken to finance capex is sustainable, and that the benefits of investment exceed the costs.
  • For instance, capital expenditure funded by the government through heavy domestic borrowing (of the order of Rs 18 lakh crore by the Centre plus Rs 78,000 crore by 21 states towards loss in GST compensation due to the lockdown effect) has the potential of crowding out capital expenditure by the private sector, thus severely weakening the multiplier effect.
• Promote Innovation and Technology: The Indian government should encourage investment in innovation and technology to enhance productivity and competitiveness. This can be achieved by providing incentives for research and development, promoting startups, and investing in digital infrastructure.

THE CONCLUSION: Capex is an important measure of investment and growth potential, and a balanced approach is typically needed to ensure that capex levels support long-term economic growth while avoiding excessive debt and fiscal imbalances. The Indian government should prioritize investments that promote sustainable economic growth, social welfare, and technological advancement, while ensuring that the benefits of investment are shared equitably across the population.

Also, with the current impetus rightly given to capital expenditure, emphasis must also be provided on timely implementation of projects within the earmarked outlay by strengthening monitoring, redressal mechanisms and processes for controlling project delays. This would also help in ensuring quality control, which, in turn, will result in capital assets providing benefits over a longer term following the multiplier effect.

QUESTIONS

• “The creation of capital assets generates future cash flows for the economy and adds to value creation.” Discuss critically.
• “A lack of capital expenditure has often been criticised as neglecting long-term targets of economic growth and employment.” Do you agree? Suggest how should Government of India strategize capital expenditure in the aftermath of the pandemic and recent geopolitical issues?

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(Newspapers, PIB and other important sources)

Prelim and Main

1. ChatGPT and other generative AI could foster science denial, misunderstanding READ MORE  
2. India’s Jan.-April imports from China rise 4.6% to $37.86 billion READ MORE
3. ISRO’s GSLV-F12 successfully places navigation satellite NVS-01 into intended orbit READ MORE
4. CAG chief re-elected as External Auditor of WHO for 2024-27 READ MORE
5. Northeast gets its first Vande Bharat Express READ MORE
6. Explained | What has India done to curb unnecessary hysterectomies? READ MORE
7. Odisha CM Naveen Patnaik announces new credit-linked housing scheme for rural poor READ MORE
8. South Korea hosts its first summit with Pacific island leaders READ MORE
9. A Foucault pendulum swings inside the new Parliament READ MORE
10. Bank privatisation to happen as per schedule: Sitharaman READ MORE
11. Plastic-free planet: Negotiations on Global Plastics Treaty underway, the story so far READ MORE
12. Pakistan, Afghanistan among global hunger hotspots: UN report READ MORE

Main Exam

GS Paper- 1

1. The tragedy for workers in today’s ‘gig’ economy READ MORE
2. India’s hill states need sustainable cooling solutions to beat warming READ MORE
3. 2023 hurricane forecast: Get ready for a busy Pacific storm season, quieter Atlantic than recent years thanks to El Niño READ MORE
4. Anger and Aspiration in Caste Society READ MORE  

GS Paper- 2

POLITY AND GOVERNANCE

1. From Master of the Roster to Master of all Judges? READ MORE
2. NITI Aayog must be revived for better Centre-State relations READ MORE
3. New Parliament building cannot compensate lack of parliamentary democracy READ MORE

SOCIAL ISSUES

1. Digital technology in education sector READ MORE

INTERNATIONAL ISSUES

1. What Turkey polls mean for the world READ MORE
2. Why India needs a fresh approach to de-escalation with China READ MORE
3. The unpredictable world of politics READ MORE

GS Paper- 3

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

1. Unstable policy regimes discourage foreign portfolio investors READ MORE   
2. Better nutrition, fewer emissions READ MORE
3. The rural wage rule GOI must relinquish READ MORE
4. Unpacking how MSMEs are defined in India’s manufacturing and services sector READ MORE
5. India should expand bilateral Re trade within Asia READ MORE

ENVIRONMENT AND ECOLOGY

1. Environment may be a new federal faultline READ MORE

SECURITY

1. Cybercrime is a worry with a very wide reach READ MORE
2. Ever increasing threat of transnational terrorism READ MORE

SCIENCE

1. Faster, stronger: on India and its supercomputer use- India must use its supercomputers beyond weather forecasts READ MORE
2. India must focus on research to be able to lead the AI revolution READ MORE

DISASTER MANAGEMENT

1. Curbing illegal mining: Haryana’s drive needs consolidated efforts READ MORE
2. How the World Health Organization could fight future pandemics READ MORE

GS Paper- 4

ETHICS EXAMPLES AND CASE STUDY

1. We all are stranded in the world of becoming READ MORE
2. Attentive awareness READ MORE
3. Why happiness is a journey and not a destination READ MORE

Questions for the MAIN exam

1. If NITI Aayog wants to be more effective, it requires the trust of all chief ministers and their active participation. Only then a strong centre and strong states will emerge. Critically analyse in recent developments.
2. The NITI Aayog acts as the quintessential platform for the Government of India to bring states together as ‘Team India’, to work towards the national development agenda. Critically examine.

QUOTATIONS AND CAPTIONS

• My religion is very simple. My religion is kindness.
• Despite the administrative usefulness of the ‘Master of the Roster’ system, the many recorded instances of abuse are a cause for concern.
• The powers vested in the CJI by his virtue of being the Master of the Roster are unending. It is impractical to lay any limits on these powers, meant for the smooth administrative functioning of the Court.
• The CJI’s powers as the Master of the Roster are meant only for administrative decision-making. The order has the effect of enlarging the powers of the CJI on the judicial side and of creating an unprecedented intra-court appellate mechanism within the Supreme Court.
• India has improved its short-term weather forecasts and made cyclone forecasts more accurate on the back of such machines, there should be greater accounting of their worth in other fields, rather than be content with epithets of speed and power.
• Savings from reduction in fertiliser and power subsidies can be ploughed into agricultural research, improve food and nutritional security in the face of climate change
• The burden of protecting India’s environmental resources is bound to be unequal across states and regions.
• Despite the hurdles, India’s foreign exchange reserves are nearing $600 billion, thereby giving its economy the much-needed confidence for foreign trade transactions.
• Quality education can be imparted with digital ecosystem and better resource allocation.
• Digital initiatives with a focus on artificial intelligence terming it a step towards the ‘digital revolution’, have been hailed by all.
• If NITI Aayog wants to be more effective, it requires the trust of the non-BJP chief ministers and their active participation. Only then a strong centre and strong states will emerge.
• All temporary, freelance and contract workers must be properly defined and identified to ensure minimum wages, maximum working hours and social security.
• The constitutional vision of India can be upheld by adhering to the Constitution, reiterating our rejection of the divine right to power and rule, and enriching parliamentary democracy, rooted in people, as the source of power and sovereignty.

ESSAY TOPIC

• Knowing is not enough; we must apply. Willing is not enough; we must do.

50-WORD TALK

• The continued killings and ethnic cleansing in Manipur are the result of staggering administrative incompetence and political drift. The Biren Singh government must restore the state or be dismissed for failure to prevent perilous ethnic divisions and maintain minimum constitutional order. This is why Article 356 remains in our constitution.
• The manner in which the protesting wrestlers were evacuated from Jantar Mantar shows that this government’s commitment to sports is a sham. This comes after neglecting to hear them for over one month and actively discrediting them. It is a deeply disappointing mystery who the government is protecting and why.

Things to Remember:

• For prelims-related news try to understand the context of the news and relate with its concepts so that it will be easier for you to answer (or eliminate) from given options.
• Whenever any international place will be in news, you should do map work (marking those areas in maps and exploring other geographical locations nearby including mountains, rivers, etc. same applies to the national places.)
• For economy-related news (banking, agriculture, etc.) you should focus on terms and how these are related to various economic aspects, for example, if inflation has been mentioned, try to relate with prevailing price rises, shortage of essential supplies, banking rates, etc.
• For main exam-related topics, you should focus on the various dimensions of the given topic, the most important topics which occur frequently and are important from the mains point of view will be covered in ED.
• Try to use the given content in your answer. Regular use of this content will bring more enrichment to your writing.

THE CONTEXT: With 8,006 civilians killed and around 13 287 injured according to UN Human Rights data, the Ukraine war has continued for more than a year.

CAUSE OF CONFLICT

BALANCE OF POWER

• Ever since Ukraine split from the Soviet Union, both Russia and the West have vied for greater influence in the country to keep the balance of power in the region in their favour.
• Buffer Zone for Western Countries: For the US and the European Union, Ukraine is a crucial buffer between Russia and the West. As Ukraine is located between Western Europe and Russia and is not part of NATO, it works as a buffer zone.
• As tensions with Russia rise, the US and the EU are increasingly determined to keep Ukraine away from Russian control.

RUSSIAN INTEREST IN THE BLACK SEA

• The unique geography of the Black Sea region confers several geopolitical advantages to Russia.
• Access to the Black Sea is vital for all littoral and neighbouring states and greatly enhances the projection of power into several adjacent regions.
• The region is an important transit corridor for goods and energy.

PROTESTS IN UKRAINE

• Euromaidan Movement: European Square was a wave of demonstrations and civil unrest in Ukraine, which began in November 2013 with public protests in Maidan Independence Square in Kyiv, Ukraine.
• The protests were sparked by the Ukrainian government’s decision to suspend the signing of an association agreement with the European Union, instead choosing closer ties to Russia and the Eurasian Economic Union

SEPARATIST MOVEMENT

• The Donetsk and Luhansk regions of eastern Ukraine have faced a pro-Russian separatist movement since 2014.
• According to various sources, the Russian government actively supports the movement, and Russian paramilitaries make up between 15% to 80% of the separatists fighting against the Ukrainian government.

INVASION OF CRIMEA

• Russia seized Crimea from Ukraine in what was the first time a European country annexed territory from another country since WW-II.
• The annexation of Crimea from Ukraine followed a Russian military intervention in Crimea that took place in the aftermath of the 2014 Ukrainian revolution and was part of wider unrest across southern and eastern Ukraine.
• The invasion and subsequent annexation of Crimea have given Russia a maritime upper hand in the region.

UKRAINE’S NATO MEMBERSHIP

• Ukraine has urged NATO to speed up its country’s membership in the alliance.
• Russia has declared such a move a “red line”, and is worried about the consequences of the US-led military alliances expanding right up to its doorstep.
• The Black Sea is bordered by Bulgaria, Georgia, Romania, Russia, Turkey and Ukraine. Romania, Turkey and Bulgaria are NATO members.
• Due to this face off between NATO countries and Russia, the Black sea is a region of strategic importance & a potential maritime flash point.

AREA CONTROLLED BY RUSSIA IN UKRAINE

WHY IS THERE A DELAY IN THE WAR?

• Despite a series of Sanction on Russia(10 sanctions was imposed By the EU alone), there is only about 2% contraction on the Russian economy. This shows there is the failure of the sanctions regime.
• Failure of the UN: The trajectory of the UNSC’s dysfunctionality and systemic failure created the conditions that rendered it ineffective in the face of the 2022 Russia-Ukraine crisis. Therefore, this crisis strengthens the case for the dismantling and radical overhaul of the UN Security Council as an institutional framework.
• Lack of consensus in the countries: Every country sees it on the basis of self-interest. There is a lack of consensus in developing countries and the Global South.
• Proxy war: The war has been prolonged by self-interest and a lack of incentive to stop the war. For example. China rejected calling Russia’s moves on Ukraine an “invasion” and urged all sides to exercise restraint. The USA is also getting benefitted from prolonging the war as it is weakening Russia indirectly and Europe is getting in its sphere of influence and away from Russia.
• Russia holds ⅕ territory of Ukraine- thus no incentive for Ukraine to go to talk until it gain military advantage.

INDIA’S STAND ON THE WAR

• On February 23, 2023, on the eve of the first anniversary of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) adopted a resolution, calling for an end to the war. The resolution was favoured by 141 members and opposed by seven, while 32 states abstained. Unsurprisingly, India was one among the 32. This is in line with the position India has been taking on the Ukraine crisis from the beginning. India’s stand is based on maintaining its strategic autonomy in foreign policy.
• However, there is moral question is being raised on India’s stand. Russia is infringing on the territorial integrity of Ukraine which India is protecting on the basis of principal ground.
• Russia’s annexation of Ukrainian territories is a clear violation of international laws. So, how can countries such as India ignore this fact and move on? India has repeatedly stated in the UN that the sovereignty and territorial integrity of all countries should be respected.

IMPACT OF THE CRISIS ON INDIA:

• India’s ties with Russia:
  • Ties with Russia, a historical partner, are important for India in many ways. One is energy — discounted fuel coming in from Russia is a relief for India, the world’s fifth-largest economy, which meets over 80% of its fuel needs through imports.
  • Bilateral ties with Russia have improved. There is a 400% jump in the economic ties with Russia that is dominated by a jump in the oil trade. Russia is now exporting 28% of its import basket of oil of
  • India has to work with powers in the Eurasian landmass where the U.S. is practically absent, especially after its disastrous withdrawal from Afghanistan. Russia plays a key role in India’s continental foreign policy.
  • India and Russia is establishing a payment system independent of the Dollar, that is a special vostro account so that trade be more resilient in the coflict situations.
• However, there is an issue in the defence cooperation of India and Russia as Russia is not able to timely deliver its defence equipment obligation e.g. timely delivery S-400 defence system.
• There is an increase in the axis of Russia-China-Pakistan; thus it may impact the long-term relationship between India and Russia.
• Putin announced that Moscow was unilaterally suspending the last remaining nuclear arms control treaty with the U.S. Thus, further escalation of the war can trigger a nuclear war that can destabilise the peace and scenario in the world. It will impact the trade and economic relations between different countries. Thus, the long term Developmental objective of the India will suffer adversely.
  • if the war prolongs, the risks of a Russia-NATO direct conflict would be higher. The rapid destruction of security in Europe and the deepening mistrust between major powers is comparable with the pre-First World War situation in the continent.An open confrontation between the great powers today would be cataclysmic because of the threat of nuclear weapons.The possibility of such a conflict would mean that the war is not just a European problem.

WHAT COULD INDIA DO?

• G20 presence- India can play a leadership role in the Ukrainian crisis. As india is projecting itself as a global leader, in a crisis situation India can take a leadership position to stop the war. India has a “long, complex” relationship with Russia and can use this influence to support an end to the Russia-Ukraine conflict.
  • However there has been a lack of consensus on it as G20 Finance Ministers failed to agree a joint statement on the global economy at talks in India after China sought to water down references to the Ukraine conflict.
• India called for reform in a multilateral institution like UN: Indian Prime minister urged reform in multilateral platforms, saying that such moves were necessary to make multilateral forums reflect “global realities”. “This is evident in the joint initiative by India and Germany under the G-4 to bring reform in the UN Security Council,”

THE WAY FORWARD:

• Strengthen the UN multilateral system: UN multilateral system Ned to be reformed. The rules-based international order has to be established by increasing the legitimacy of the UN System.
• Strengthen the Economic sanction: Stronger sanctions are essential as, at least for now, there are no prospects of the West putting boots on the ground to counterbalance Russia. These should include Russia’s expulsion from the SWIFT system. The focus should be on targeting its essential industries, such as the energy sector, since energy revenues from Europe amount to more than one-third of Russia’s income.
  • India and South Africa, large democracies from Asia and Africa, have consistently abstained from votes at the UN and refused to join the sanctions — because the sanctions were unilateral, imposed by specific countries or blocs, without UN approval. Brazil, the largest democracy in South America, has not joined the sanctions—as they claim it as less about global democracy than the post-Cold War security architecture in Europe.
• Creating deterrence: If the West wants to hit Russia where it hurts, it must stop buying Russian gas and oil. While the Ukraine war has prompted policymakers in Brussels to expedite efforts to end the bloc’s dependence on Russia’s natural gas (currently targeting a deadline of 2027), a concrete strategy for achieving this has yet to be determined.
• Work for disarmament and arms control treaty: This will go a long way towards ending the war.
• Strengthen the multipolar world order: A multipolar world will decrease the possibility of unilateral action. As power is not concentrated in any single state and is distributed at the global level, a ‘multipolar world’ opens up foreign policy and security choices for all countries. In this system, the stake of emerging power like India, and Brazil will increase and they will be able to play more effective roles at the world stage. Further, the Cold War mentality will end with the multipolar world order.
• There is a need to take the security concern of Russia, and instead of NATO-based security architecture, the multilateral and universal security architecture should be promoted e.g UN peacekeeping and peacebuilding.

THE CONCLUSION: The centrality of human rights in global politics should be maintained. There has been no war without blood, so war has to be demonised, and that can only be done by building global consensus. UN can play a major role in building peace and security. Thus there is need to reform in UN system, particularly UNSC.

Mains question

1. As the Ukraine-Russia conf has entered into the second year,  analyse its reasons and suggest measures to end the war.
2. Ukraine -Russia war will have wide-ranging implications at the global level. Analyse the impact with respect to India.

[WpProQuiz 475]

1. OVERTURNING CIRCULATION

TAG: GS 1: GEOGRAPHY

CONTEXT: Antarctica sets the stage for the world’s greatest waterfall. The action takes place beneath the surface of the ocean. Here, trillions of tonnes of cold, dense, oxygen-rich water cascade off the continental shelf and sink to great depths. This Antarctic “bottom water” then spreads north along the sea floor in deep ocean currents, before slowly rising, thousands of kilometres away. Antarctica drives a global network of ocean currents called the “overturning circulation” that redistributes heat, carbon and nutrients around the globe.

EXPLANATION:

What is Overturning circulation?

• The ocean’s water is constantly circulated by currents.
• Tidal currents occur close to shore and are influenced by the sun and moon. Surface currents are influenced by the wind. However, other, much slower currents that occur from the surface to the seafloor are driven by changes in the saltiness and ocean temperature.
• The overturning is crucial to keep the earth’s climate stable.
• It is also the main way oxygen reaches the deep ocean.

Effects of overturning circulation:

• Melting of Antarctic ice is disrupting the formation of Antarctic bottom water. As the flow of bottom water slows, the supply of oxygen to the deep ocean declines. The shrinking oxygen-rich bottom water layer is then replaced by warmer waters that are lower in oxygen, further reducing oxygen levels.
• Ocean animals, large and small, respond to even small changes in oxygen. Deep-ocean animals are adapted to low oxygen conditions but still have to breathe. Losses of oxygen may cause them to seek refuge in other regions or adapt their behaviour.
• Slowdown of the overturning may also intensify global warming. The overturning circulation carries carbon dioxide and heat to the deep ocean, where it is stored and hidden from the atmosphere. As the ocean storage capacity is reduced, more carbon dioxide and heat are left in the atmosphere. This feedback accelerates global warming.
• Reductions in the amount of Antarctic bottom water reaching the ocean floor also increases sea levels because the warmer water that replaces it takes up more space (thermal expansion).

How is this happening?

• Overturning circulation has slowed by almost a third (30%) and deep ocean oxygen levels are declining.
• This slowdown has the potential to disrupt the connection between the Antarctic coasts and the deep ocean.
• Melting of Antarctic ice is disrupting the formation of Antarctic bottom water. The meltwater makes Antarctic surface waters fresher, less dense, and therefore less likely to sink. This puts the brakes on the overturning circulation.

How was it measured?

• The full-depth measurements collected by ships provide snapshots of ocean density but are usually repeated about once a decade.
• Moored instruments, on the other hand, provide continuous measurements of density and speed, but only for a limited time at a particular location.
• A new approach that combines ship data, mooring records, and a high resolution numerical simulation to calculate the strength of Antarctic bottom water flow and how much oxygen it transports to the deep ocean.

Atlantic Meridional Overturning Circulation (AMOC):

• The AMOC circulates water from north to south and back in a long cycle within the Atlantic Ocean. This circulation brings warmth to various parts of the globe and also carries nutrients necessary to sustain ocean life.
• The circulation process begins as warm water near the surface moves toward the poles (such as the Gulf Stream in the North Atlantic), where it cools and forms sea ice. As this ice forms, salt is left behind in the ocean water.
• Due to the large amount of salt in the water, it becomes denser, sinks down, and is carried southwards in the depths below. Eventually, the water gets pulled back up towards the surface and warms up in a process called upwelling, completing the cycle.
• The entire circulation cycle of the AMOC, and the global conveyor belt, is quite slow. It takes an estimated 1,000 years for a parcel (any given cubic meter) of water to complete its journey along the belt.
• Even though the whole process is slow on its own, there is some evidence that the AMOC is slowing down further. NOAA funds research to better understand this potential slowing, as well as to investigate the AMOC’s role in coastal sea level changes and its relationship to extreme events.

2. CHEETAH

TAG: GS 3: ENVIRONMENT AND ECOLOGY

CONTEXT: Almost 70 years after the Asiatic cheetah (Acinonyx jubatus venaticus) went extinct in India, eight cheetahs from Namibia and 12 from South Africa were introduced into the Kuno National Park in Madhya Pradesh in September 2022 and February 2023, respectively. The intent was to establish a free-ranging population of cheetahs belonging to the subspecies, Acinonyx jubatus. Recent Study states that Cheetahs introduced without considering spatial ecology. Ideally, just one cheetah is present in 100 sq. km. of an unfenced area, whereas the density of Cheetahs in the Kuno national park stands at three per 100 sq. km.

EXPLANATION:

• Cheetahs fulfil a unique ecological role within the carnivore hierarchy and their restoration is expected to enhance ecosystem health in India.
• As a charismatic species, the cheetah can also benefit India’s broader conservation goals by improving general protection and ecotourism in areas that have been previously neglected.

Project Cheetah:

• The Union environment ministry’s National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA) implements Project Cheetah.
• The project hopes to benefit global cheetah conservation efforts by providing up to 100 000 km2 of habitat in legally protected areas and an additional 600 000 km2 of habitable landscape for the species.

Body characteristics:

• The cheetah is a sexually dimorphic species though it is difficult to identify cheetahs’ sex by appearance alone. Male cheetahs are slightly bigger than females and they have larger heads, but they do not display the same degree of physical difference between the sexes of other big cat species like lions.
• Cheetahs have a thin frame with a narrow waist and deep chest. They have large nostrils that allow for increased oxygen intake. Cheetahs have a large lungs and hearts connected to a circulatory system with strong arteries and adrenals that work in tandem to circulate oxygen through their blood very efficiently.
• With its long legs and very slender body, the cheetah is quite different from all other cats and is the only member of its genus, Acinonyx. The cheetah’s unique morphology and physiology allow it to attain the extreme speeds for which it’s famous.
• The gestation (pregnancy) period for the cheetah is 93 days, and litters range in size from one or two up to six cubs (the occasional litter of eight cubs has been recorded, but it is rare).
• Cheetahs prey includes: gazelles (especially Thomson’s gazelles), impalas and other small to medium-sized antelopes, hares, birds, and rodents. Cheetahs will also prey on the calves of larger herd animals.

Species of Cheetah:

• Widely regarded as the fastest animal on land, cheetahs are divided into four subspecies; the Southeast African cheetah, the Northeast African cheetah, the Northwest African cheetah, and the rare Asiatic cheetah.

Asiatic and African cheetah:

• The Asiatic cheetah is slightly smaller and slender than the African cheetah. The neck is much smaller and longer.
• The Asiatic cheetah has a buff to light fawn color bordering on pale yellow skin, and it has more fur on the body, especially under the belly and the back of the neck. The African cheetah has a light brown to golden brown fur color that is thicker than the Asiatic ones. The spots are more pronounced on the face and are more densely distributed on the body compared to Asiatic cheetahs.

         African cheetah                               Asiatic cheetah

• Asiatic Cheetahs are only found in a small region between Iran and Pakistan. Asiatic cheetahs once roamed the whole expanse of the central Asian continent from India to Afghanistan and Pakistan, but with their numbers reduced, it is hard for them to be sighted outside Iran. On the other hand, The African cheetah is spread out across Africa from Northwest Africa, East Africa, and Southern Africa. With a bigger territory, the African cheetahs have the highest populations compared to their Asiatic counterparts.
• Asiatic cheetah has been listed as Critically Endangered on the IUCN Red while African cheetahs are listed as Vulnerable on the IUCN Red List.

Most of the reasons for the cheetah’s endangerment can be grouped into three overarching categories:

• human-wildlife conflict,
• loss of habitat and loss of prey,
• poaching and illegal wildlife trafficking, with cubs being taken from the Horn of Africa and smuggled into the exotic pet trade, primarily in the Gulf States.

3. GRAVITATIONAL WAVES

TAGS: GS 3: SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

CONTEXT: Since time immemorial, humans have looked up at the universe and pondered its secrets. In the past few centuries, many of these secrets have started to unravel. One such mystery we began to pry apart very recently is the gravitational wave. Gravitational waves are ripples in space-time produced by some of the most intense phenomena in our universe.

EXPLANATION:

• A century ago, Albert Einstein hypothesized the existence of gravitational waves, small ripples in space-time that dash across the universe at the speed of light.
• But scientists have been able to find only indirect evidence of their existence.
• Recently, a news conference called by the U.S. National Science Foundation, researchers announced at long last direct observations of the elusive waves.
• The discovery would represent a scientific landmark, opening the door to an entirely new way to observe the cosmos and unlock secrets about the early universe and mysterious objects like black holes and neutron stars.

What are gravitational waves?

• Gravitational waves are small ripples in space-time that are believed to travel across the universe at the speed of light.
• These waves contain information about the events that emitted them, so studying them can give scientists a glimpse of distant cosmic affairs.

What does Einstein say about gravity?

• In 1915, Albert Einstein’s theory of relativity predicted the existence of gravitational waves.
• According to this theory, celestial objects such as black holes and neutron stars could send gravitational energy thrumming through the fabric of space-time in every direction, moving off at the speed of light.
• While Sir Isaac Newton visualised gravitational force as a pulling force between objects, Albert Einstein opined it to be a pushing force due to the curvature of four dimensional spacetime fabric.

How are these waves detected?

• Scientists have been trying to detect them using two large laser instruments in the United States, known together as the Laser Interferometer Gravitational-Wave Observatory (LIGO), as well as another in Italy.
• The twin LIGO installations are located roughly 3,000 km apart in Livingston, Louisiana, and Hanford, Washington. Having two detectors is a way to sift out terrestrial rumblings, such as traffic and earthquakes, from the faint ripples of space itself.
• The LIGO work is funded by the National Science Foundation, an independent agency of the U.S. government.

What is Laser Interferometer Gravitational-wave Observatories (LIGO)?

• The Laser Interferometer Gravitational-Wave Observatory is a large-scale physics experiment aiming to directly detect gravitational waves.
• They directly observed gravitational waves for the first time in 2015, proving Einstein’s theory.
• LIGO operates two gravitational wave observatories in unison: the LIGO Livingston Observatory in Livingston, Louisiana, and the LIGO Hanford Observatory, on the DOE Hanford Site, located near Richland, Washington.
• These sites are separated by 3,002 kilometers. Since gravitational waves are expected to travel at the speed of light, this distance corresponds to a difference in gravitational wave arrival times of up to ten milliseconds. A third LIGO will be built in India this decade.

Why is the study important?

• Discovery of gravitational waves would represent a scientific landmark, opening the door to an entirely new way to observe the cosmos and unlock secrets about the early universe and mysterious objects like black holes and neutron stars.

4. GENETICALLY MODIFIED CROPS

TAG: GS 3: ENVIRONMENT; GS 3: SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

CONTEXT: Genetically modified crops remains controversial, especially in Europe, but for some experts it is the best science-based method for a sustainable global food system amidst biodiversity loss and a rising population. According to the online scientific publication Our World in Data, agriculture is responsible for a quarter of the carbon emissions in the atmosphere and the vast majority of world’s biodiversity losses.

EXPLANATION:

Genetically modified organisms (GMOs)

• Genetically modified organisms (GMOs) can be defined as organisms i.e. plants, animals or microorganisms in which the genetic material (DNA) has been altered in a way that does not occur naturally by mating and/or natural recombination.
• The technology is often called “modern biotechnology” or “gene technology”, sometimes also “recombinant DNA technology” or “genetic engineering”.
• It allows selected individual genes to be transferred from one organism into another, also between nonrelated species.
• GMOs were first introduced in the US in 1994, with modified tomato plants that ripened more slowly to prolong their shelf life. Since then, a wide range of crops, such as soybeans, wheat and rice have been approved for agricultural use, along with GM bacteria grown to produce large amounts of protein.
• Scientists in India have also developed strains of Sub-1 rice, which are much more resistant to flooding. Flooding is a major issue in rice-growing regions of northern India and Bangladesh, set to become worse as the climate crises develops, and now 6 million farmers in the region are using Sub-1 rice to safeguard their crops against inundation.
• Golden rice, on the other hand, is a GM strain modified to contain vitamin A, designed to combat the shortage of dietary vitamin A in parts of Asia and Africa.

GM Crops:

• Crops produced from or using GM organisms are often referred to as GM crops.
• Genetically modified crops can improve yield, build resistances to pests, frost or drought, or add nutrients.
• Crops can also be modified to reduce carbon emissions and boost the sustainability of food production.
• While widespread, GM crop productionuses only about 10% of the land non-GM crop production uses.

Benefits:

• GM crops are developed and marketed because there is some perceived advantage either to the producer or consumer of these foods. This is meant to translate into a product with a lower price, greater benefit (in terms of durability or nutritional value) or both.
• One of the objectives for developing plants based on GM organisms is to improve crop protection. The GM crops currently on the market are mainly aimed at an increased level of crop protection through the introduction of resistance against plant diseases caused by insects or viruses or through increased tolerance towards herbicides.
• Resistance against insects is achieved by incorporating into the food plant the gene for toxin production from the bacterium Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt). This toxin is currently used as a conventional insecticide in agriculture and is safe for human consumption.
• Herbicide tolerance is achieved through the introduction of a gene from a bacterium conveying resistance to some herbicides. In situations where weed pressure is high, the use of such crops has resulted in a reduction in the quantity of the herbicides used.

What are the main issues of concern for human health?

• Allergenicity: As a matter of principle, the transfer of genes from commonly allergenic organisms to non-allergic organisms is discouraged unless it can be demonstrated that the protein product of the transferred gene is not allergenic.
• Gene transfer: Gene transfer from GM foods to cells of the body or to bacteria in the gastrointestinal tract would cause concern if the transferred genetic material adversely affects human health.
• Outcrossing: The migration of genes from GM plants into conventional crops or related species in the wild (referred to as “outcrossing”), as well as the mixing of crops derived from conventional seeds with GM crops, may have an indirect effect on food safety and food security.

5. IRON FORTIFICATION: HEALTH RISKS OF EXCESSIVE IRON INTAKE

TAG: PRELIMS PERSPECTIVE

CONTEXT: Iron is an essential mineral required for many bodily functions, including the formation of hemoglobin, but can be harmful when taken in excess. The net effect of iron provision through fortification on haemoglobin formation is likely to be lower than thought.

EXPLANATION:

• It is used for the treatment of iron deficiency or anemia.
• Typically, a chosen food staple like wheat or rice or even salt is fortified to provide up to two thirds (10 mg/day) of the iron requirement of adult women, and almost the entire daily requirement of men.

How excess consumption occurs:

• Excess consumption of iron can occur if one habitually consumes a balanced quality diet to begin with or exceeds limits for consumption of the fortified food as can occur with staples like rice or wheat or if two fortified foods are simultaneously consumed.
• When combined with additional iron supplemental interventions like weekly iron folic acid supplements (such as in the National Iron Plus Initiative programme), this can lead to an excess of iron intake for women. There is a defined level of iron intake beyond which the risk of adverse events begins to increase. This is called the ‘tolerable upper limit’ of intake, and is set at 40 mg/day.
• Once iron is absorbed, it is thought that its excretion is steady and very small, except when bleeding takes place, as with menstrual bleeding. Thus, women can ‘excrete’ iron from the body, but men cannot, unless they have some form of pathological or abnormal bleeding. This makes men particularly vulnerable to excess iron intake.

Negative consequences of excess iron:

• Unabsorbed iron can lead to inflammation in the gastrointestinal lining and disrupt the colonic microbiota with long term consequences.
• This irritation of the lining may present itself clinically as abdominal cramps, constipation, or diarrhoea.
• The irritation of mucosa can also lead to gastrointestinal blood loss.
• An excess of iron in the gastrointestinal tract can impair absorption of other minerals such as zinc and copper, which are also essential for the body and lead to other deficiencies.
• Excess iron has been closely linked to many chronic comorbidities like diabetes.

It can be especially deleterious for populations who have iron overload states like patients with thalassemia and other hemolytic anemias, hemochromatosis, and chronic liver disease, which have impaired iron excretion mechanisms. 

[WpProQuiz 474]

1. Lying fallow can make creative life possible READ MORE
2. To be, or not to be READ MORE
3. Why happiness is a journey and not a destination READ MORE

1. IMD retains its normal outlook for monsoon READ MORE
2. Explained | Why is the 1.5 degree Celsius target critical? READ MORE
3. Sowing climate resilience READ MORE

1. Anger and Aspiration in Caste Society READ MORE  
2. Menstrual health is a public health issue READ MORE

1. Institutions: Cooperation, Compliance, Confrontation? READ MORE
2. Don’t subvert RTI, by intent or neglect READ MORE

(Newspapers, PIB and other important sources)

Prelim and Main

1. Explained | Will facial recognition AI tools help detect telecom fraud? READ MORE  
2. Explained | How can citizens file Census details online? READ MORE
3. Explained | Why are cheetah cubs dying in Kuno reserve? READ MORE
4. Iron fortification: health risks of excessive iron intake READ MORE
5. Cheetahs introduced without considering spatial ecology: study READ MORE
6. Recep Tayyip Erdogan wins historic Turkey runoff vote READ MORE
7. Antarctic alarm bells over slowing down of ‘overturning circulation’ READ MORE
8. Gravitational waves: ripples in space-time produced by the universe’s celestial phenomena READ MORE
9. A Foucault pendulum swings inside the new Parliament READ MORE
10. Kerala’s Kudumbashree programme to empower poor women is at a crossroads READ MORE
11. ISRO’s new NavIC satellite launches successfully: Why a regional navigation system matters to India READ MORE
12. What is the Model Prisons Act announced by the MHA? READ MORE

Main Exam

GS Paper- 1

1. IMD retains its normal outlook for monsoon READ MORE
2. India’s hill states need sustainable cooling solutions to beat warming READ MORE
3. 2023 hurricane forecast: Get ready for a busy Pacific storm season, quieter Atlantic than recent years thanks to El Niño READ MORE
4. Anger and Aspiration in Caste Society READ MORE  

GS Paper- 2

POLITY AND GOVERNANCE

1. Institutions: Cooperation, Compliance, Confrontation? READ MORE
2. Don’t subvert RTI, by intent or neglect READ MORE

SOCIAL ISSUES

1. Menstrual health is a public health issue READ MORE

INTERNATIONAL ISSUES

1. A belligerence towards Beijing that is unsettling READ MORE  
2. India is missing Hindu Kush for the Pacific: Trade with Central Asian region remains low despite episodic bursts of enthusiasm READ MORE
3. Beijing’s BRICS? READ MORE

GS Paper- 3

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

1. Workforce must have employable skills READ MORE  
2. Cash, no Cash READ MORE
3. Dipping FDI inflows READ MORE
4. Modern Slavery In The Gig Economy READ MORE
5. Digital-only banks are a great idea, but India is not yet there READ MORE

ENVIRONMENT AND ECOLOGY

1. Explained | Why is the 1.5 degree Celsius target critical? READ MORE
2. Sowing climate resilience READ MORE

SECURITY

1. Cybercrime is a worry with a very wide reach READ MORE
2. Ever increasing threat of transnational terrorism READ MORE

SCIENCE

1. India can be a world leader in science READ MORE

DISASTER MANAGEMENT

1. India’s G20 presidency can show the way on disaster management READ MORE
2. How the World Health Organization could fight future pandemics READ MORE

GS Paper- 4

ETHICS EXAMPLES AND CASE STUDY

1. Lying fallow can make creative life possible READ MORE
2. To be, or not to be READ MORE
3. Why happiness is a journey and not a destination READ MORE

Questions for the MAIN exam

1. The decision to holding the G20 meeting in Kashmir and Arunachal Pradesh shows Indian government commitment for a unite India but it may create many new challenges in its neighbourhood. Discuss the statement.
2. The NITI Aayog acts as the quintessential platform for the Government of India to bring states together as ‘Team India’, to work towards the national development agenda. Critically examine.

QUOTATIONS AND CAPTIONS

• Strategy is not the consequence of planning, but the opposite: its starting point.
• While the courts are examining the validity of the law of sedition, its defining logic has already transplanted itself into several different provisions of law that criminalise speech.
• The inauguration of a new Parliament building presents an opportunity for us to seriously introspect on our parliamentary conduct.
• Articles 264 to 293 deal with financial relations between the Union and the states. Because India is a federal country, it adheres to division of powers when it comes to taxation, and it is the responsibility of the Union to allocate funds to the states.
• Strengthening the federal system is critical for meeting the demands of the people governed by state governments, while also preserving India’s unity. As a result, centre-state relations, or agreements between the Union government and the states regarding their respective powers, functions, and responsibilities, have always been crucial.
• The Indian Constitution requires that no government, whatever be its hue, at the Union will discriminate against or in favour of any state government on the basis of political dissonance.
• India’s thriving startup ecosystem is a testament to the country’s digital infrastructure, which has provided entrepreneurs with the tools and resources they need to innovate and disrupt traditional business models.
• Democracy demands dialogue as the primary medium of achieving equilibrium among citizens who have entered into this social contract with the state.
• If India is to tackle the climate crisis, it is essential for governments to recognise the value of the role of citizens in the decision-making process and to prioritise public consultations while drafting environmental and climate policies.
• Midday meals provide a nutritional safety net for children and improve their learning outcomes and attendance.

ESSAY TOPIC

• Knowing is not enough; we must apply. Willing is not enough; we must do.

50-WORD TALK

• The decision to hold the G20 tourism meet in Kashmir and another in Arunachal Pradesh shows the clever geopolitical messaging by the Modi government. It also shows that the government is not shying away from being firm to reject any claims by Pakistan and China over status of these states.
• First Karnataka, now Tamil Nadu – the opposition by two states to the entry of Amul into their milk cooperative market is, at its core, an anti-competition, anti-consumer, anti-choice position. More than that, this argument doesn’t serve the milk producers either. They should have the freedom to decide where they sell.

Things to Remember:

• For prelims-related news try to understand the context of the news and relate with its concepts so that it will be easier for you to answer (or eliminate) from given options.
• Whenever any international place will be in news, you should do map work (marking those areas in maps and exploring other geographical locations nearby including mountains, rivers, etc. same applies to the national places.)
• For economy-related news (banking, agriculture, etc.) you should focus on terms and how these are related to various economic aspects, for example, if inflation has been mentioned, try to relate with prevailing price rises, shortage of essential supplies, banking rates, etc.
• For main exam-related topics, you should focus on the various dimensions of the given topic, the most important topics which occur frequently and are important from the mains point of view will be covered in ED.
• Try to use the given content in your answer. Regular use of this content will bring more enrichment to your writing.

1. INDEPENDENCE OF JUDICIARY

TAGS: GS 2: JUDICIARY

THE CONTEXT: The Supreme Court has held that the independence of district judiciary is part of the basic structure of the Constitution and judicial independence from the executive and the legislature requires the judiciary to have a say in matters of finances.

EXPLANATION:

• In India, there is a parliamentary form of government which do not make a clear demarcation between legislature and executive but maintain a clear distinction between them and the judiciary.
• The Indian Constitution specifically directs the state to separate the judiciary from the executive in the public services of the State.
• As such Indian constitution does not explicitly states the independence of the judiciary but in keshavanada Bharti’s case this is considered a part of the Basic Structure of the Indian constitution.
• Rule of law and independence of the judiciary is the basic feature of the constitution, and one cannot separate them even not through a constitutional amendment.

Cases where the principle of independence of the judiciary is laid down:

• In the case of Supreme court Advocate on Record Association and other vs Union of India

(1993), the court observe that the independence of the judiciary is important to have efficient democracy and could able to function in a good way. And stated that the powers and rights of the legislature and executive should not hamper the functioning of the judiciary.

• In the case of SP Gupta vs Union of India (1982), the court held the judges who are sitting to uphold the law must be working in a fearless way which is the basic feature of the independence of the judiciary.

The Supreme Court

• The Supreme Court of India comprises the chief justice and thirty other judges.
• These judges are appointed by the President of India after consultation with judges of the supreme court and of the high courts of the state.
• For the appointment of judges, the chief justice is the person who is consulted.
• The retirement period for judges starts after 65 years of age. They can be removed earlier also the process of removal can be possible on the grounds of misconduct or incapacity of the Judge by the order of the president with a special majority in the Parliament.
• Administrative expenses of the court such as salaries and pensions of the judges and other staff are taken from the consolidated fund of India and can be altered by the Parliament.

The High courts

• The constitution provides for a High Court for each State, though Parliament is also authorized to establish a common High Court for two or more States or two or more States and a Union Territory.
• High court judges are appointed by President after consultation with the chief justice of India, the governor of the state and the chief justice of the high court.
• The high court judges can function till the age of 62. They hold this tenure on basis of good behaviour and can be removed in the same manner in which the Supreme Court Judge can be removed.
• The salaries and pensions of high court judges are mentioned in the Constitution and can be altered by Parliament. High court judges may be transferred from one high court to another.
• The high court has original and appellate jurisdiction and can issue writs if fundamental rights are violated. Same to the Supreme Court.
• The administrative expenses like salaries, and pensions of judges of the high court are taken from the consolidated fund of the Indian state.

District Court:

• The Governor of the state in consultation with the high court appoints District Court Judge.
• Only a person who is either already in the legal service of the Union or of the State or has been an advocate for at least seven years and is recommended by the High Court can be appointed a district judge.
• These courts dispense justice at the district level. These courts are under the control of high courts present in the states.
• Decision by District Court is subject to appeal and the appeal went to the high court. The control of the District Court and courts below it, like the position and promotion of judges vested in the hands of the high court. The Governor of a State may apply these provisions even to the magistrates in that State.[18]
  Article 233[19] of the constitution deals with the appointment of district judges.

Basic Structure of Constitution:

• In 1973, a 13-judge Constitution Bench ruled in Kesavananda Bharati v. State of Kerala that Article 368 of the Constitution does not enable Parliament to amend the basic framework of the document.
• The historic ruling came to be known as the “basic structure” doctrine a judicial principle that the Constitution has certain basic features that cannot be altered or destroyed by amendments by Parliament.
• Over the years, various facets of the basic structure doctrine have evolved, forming the basis for judicial review of Constitutional amendments.

Kesavananda judgement listed some basic structures of the constitution as:

• Supremacy of the Constitution
• Unity and sovereignty of India
• Democratic and republican form of government
• Federal character of the Constitution
• Secular character of the Constitution
• Separation of power
• Individual freedom

Over time, many other features have also been added to this list of basic structural features. Some of them are:

• Rule of law
• Judicial review
• Parliamentary system
• Rule of equality
• Harmony and balance between the Fundamental Rights and DPSP
• Free and fair elections
• Limited power of the parliament to amend the Constitution
• Power of the Supreme Court of India under Articles 32, 136, 142 and 147
• Power of the High Court under Articles 226 and 227

2. X-RAY POLARIMETER SATELLITE (XPoSat) MISSION

TAGS: GS 3: SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

THE CONTEXT: The Indian Space Research Organisation is collaborating with the Raman Research Institute (RRI), Bengaluru, an autonomous research institute, to build the X-Ray Polarimeter Satellite (XPoSat)

EXPLANATION:

What is the XPoSat mission?

• It is India’s first, and only the world’s second polarimetry mission that is meant to study various dynamics of bright astronomical X-ray sources in extreme conditions.
• By measuring the polarisation of these X-rays, it can be studied where the light came from and understand the geometry and inner workings of the light source.

XPoSat’s payloads:

• The spacecraft will carry two scientific payloads in a low earth orbit.
• POLIX (Polarimeter Instrument in X-rays)
• It is primary payload and it will measure the polarimetry parameters i.e degree and angle of polarization in medium X-ray energy range of 8-30 keV photons of astronomical origin.
• The payload is being developed by RRI in collaboration with ISRO’s U R Rao Satellite Centre (URSC) in Bengaluru.
• POLIX is expected to observe about 40 bright astronomical sources of different categories during the planned lifetime of XPoSat mission of about 5 years. This is the first payload in the medium X-ray energy band dedicated for polarimetry measurements.
• XSPECT (X-ray Spectroscopy and Timing) payload
• It is secondary payload and it will give spectroscopic information on how light is absorbed and emitted by objects) in the energy range of 0.8-15 keV.
• It would observe several types of sources, such as X-ray pulsars, blackhole binaries, low-magnetic field neutron star, etc.

Aims of the mission:

• The emission mechanism from various astronomical sources such as blackhole, neutron stars, active galactic nuclei, pulsar wind nebulae etc. originates from complex physical processes and are challenging to understand.
• While the spectroscopic and timing information by various space based observatories provide a wealth of information, the exact nature of the emission from such sources still poses deeper challenges to astronomers.
• The polarimetry measurements add two more dimension to our understanding, the degree of polarization and the angle of polarization and thus is an excellent diagnostic tool to understand the emission processes from astronomical sources.
• The polarimetric observations along with spectroscopic measurements are expected to break the degeneracy of various theoretical models of astronomical emission processes. This would be the major direction of research from XPoSat by Indian science community.

NASA’s Imaging X-ray Polarimetry Explorer (IXPE):

• The other such major mission is NASA’s Imaging X-ray Polarimetry Explorer (IXPE) that was launched in 2021.
• IXPE carries three state-of-the-art space telescopes. Each of the three identical telescopes hosts one light-weight X-ray mirror and one detector unit.
• These will help observe polarized X-rays from neutron stars and supermassive black holes.

How are X-Rays witnessed in space?

• X-rays have much higher energy and much shorter wavelengths, between 0.03 and 3 nanometers, so small that some x-rays are no bigger than a single atom of many elements.
• The physical temperature of an object determines the wavelength of the radiation it emits.
• The hotter the object, the shorter the wavelength of peak emission.
• X-rays come from objects that are millions of degrees Celsius such as pulsars, galactic supernova remnants, and black holes.
• Like all forms of light, X-rays consist of moving electric and magnetic waves.
• Usually, peaks and valleys of these waves move in random directions. Polarised light is more organised with two types of waves vibrating in the same direction. It adds that fishermen use polarised lenses to reduce glare from sunlight when they are near water.
• The field of polarimetry studies the measurement of the angle of rotation of the plane of polarised light that is, a beam of light in which the vibrations of the electromagnetic waves are confined to one plane that results upon its passage through certain transparent materials.

3. ORGANIC PRODUCT CERTIFICATION IN INDIA

TAGS: PRELIMS PERSPECTIVE

THE CONTEXT: A European Union (EU) audit has found “many weaknesses” in the certification of Indian organic products for exports to the EU, including farmers who are part of organic producer groups (PGs) knowing nothing about organic farming. An audit, carried out by the EU’s DG Health and Food Safety during November 14-25 in 2022, found the weaknesses in the supervision and implementation of the controls at various levels.

EXPLANATION:

Two types of organic certifications systems have been developed for quality assurance of organic products in country:

• Third Party Certification by Accredited Certification Agency under National Programme for Organic Production (NPOP) under Ministry of Commerce and Industry for development of export market.
• Participatory Guarantee System (PGS-India) under Ministry of Agriculture and farmers Welfare for meeting the demand of domestic market.

National Programme for Organic Production (NPOP):

• NPOP was launched during 2001 by the Government of India under Ministry of Commerce and Industry.
• The Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA), under Ministry of Commerce & Industries, Government of India is implementing the National Programme for Organic Production (NPOP).
• The programme involves the accreditation of Certification Bodies, standards for organic production, promotion of organic farming and marketing etc.
• NPOP is third party certification programme where the production and handling of activities at all stages such as production, processing, trading and export requirements for organic products is covered.  Also, the system for grading and quality control of organic products is equivalent to conventional products.
• It also ensures that the system effectively works and is monitored on regular basis.
• The NPOP standards for production and accreditation system have been recognized by European Commission and Switzerland for unprocessed plant products as equivalent to their country standards.
• With these recognitions, Indian organic products duly certified by the accredited certification bodies of India are accepted by the importing countries.

PGS-India programme

• Under PGS-India programme, Government is implementing Participatory Guarantee System of India (PGS-India) as a quality assurance initiative for certification of organic produce that is locally relevant, emphasizing the participation of stakeholders, including producers or farmers and consumers and operate outside the frame of third-party certification.
• In the operation of PGS-India, stakeholders including farmers or producers are involved in decision making and essential decisions about the operation of the PGS-India certification itself by assessing, inspecting and verifying the production practices of each other and collectively declare produce as organic.
• Food Safety Regulation has made it mandatory for organic products to be certified under NPOP or PGS for being sold in the domestic market under Jaivik Bharat logo.
• To ensure end-to-end traceability as per the requirements of regulatory framework under Food Safety Standard (FSS [Organic Foods] Regulation 2017, PGS-India programme also provides uninterrupted chain of custody, starting from producer groups till the products are processed and finally packed into retail packs.

4. GLOBAL ALLIANCE OF NATIONAL HUMAN RIGHTS INSTITUTIONS (GANHRI)

TAGS: PRELIMS PERSPECTIVE

THE CONTEXT: For the second time in a decade, the U.N.-recognised Global Alliance of National Human Rights Institutions (GANHRI) deferred the accreditation of National Human Rights Commission, India (NHRC-India) citing objections like political interference in appointments, involving the police in probes into human rights violations, and poor cooperation with civil society.

EXPLANATION:

• As reported, GANHRI’s letter to the NHRC cited lack of diversity in staff and leadership, and insufficient action to protect marginalised groups, as reasons for the deferment of the accreditation.
• This came two months after seven human rights watchers/institutions wrote to GANHRI objecting to NHRC India’s ‘A’ rank.
• They also raised concerns regarding the commission’s lack of independence, pluralism, diversity and accountability that are contrary to the U.N.’s principles on the status of national institutions the ‘Paris Principles’.

Paris Principles:

• The United Nations Paris Principles, adopted in 1993 by the U.N. General Assembly, provide the international benchmarks against which National Human Rights Institutions (NHRI) can be accredited.
• The Paris Principles set out six main criteria that NHRIs are required to meet. These are: mandate and competence; autonomy from government; independence guaranteed by a statute or Constitution; pluralism; adequate resources; and adequate powers of investigation.

Global Alliance of National Human Rights Institutions (GANHRI)

• At the International Conference held in Tunis in 1993, NHRIs established the International Coordinating Committee of NHRIs (ICC) with the aim to coordinate the activities of the NHRI network. In 2016, the ICC changed its name into Global Alliance of National Human Rights Institutions (GANHRI).
• It is a representative body of national human rights institutions from all parts of the globe.
• The organisation is incorporated as a non-profit organisation under Swiss law. Its Statute, adopted in March 2009, sets out its objectives and how it operates.
• Its aim is to assist in establishing and strengthening independent and effective NHRIs, which meet the international standards set out in the Paris Principles.
• The positions of GANHRI Chairperson and Secretary are served on a rotational basis by representatives nominated by the four regional coordinating committees: Europe, Africa, the Americas and the Asia Pacific.
• The National Institutions and Regional Mechanisms Unit of OHCHR acts as GANHRI secretariat.
• GANHRI has a permanent representative in Geneva to support and facilitate the participation of NHRIs in the UN Human Rights Council and its human rights mechanisms.
• GANHRI encourages joint activities and cooperation among NHRIs; organises international conferences; liaises with the United Nations and other international organisations; assists NHRIs under threat; and, where requested, assists governments to establish NHRIs.
• The operations of GANHRI are managed by its Bureau, which is comprised of representatives from each of the four regional groupings: Africa, Americas, Europe and the Asia Pacific.
• Each regional grouping is represented by elected representatives from four ‘A status’ NHRIs.
• A key role of the Bureau is to assess applications for membership of the ICC. It also reviews and determines the accreditation status of NHRIs, following a recommendation from the Sub-Committee on Accreditation.
• In addition, the Bureau collaborates with the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR), in particular the National Institutions and Regional Mechanisms Unit, to facilitate the participation of NHRIs in the United Nations Human Rights Council.
• Bureau meetings are usually held twice a year; the first in conjunction with the first quarter session of the UN Human Rights Council and the second in conjunction with one of the NHRI regional network’s meetings.
• The GANHRI consists of sixteen, ‘A’ status NHRIs, four from each region, namely, the Americas, Europe, Africa, and the Asia-Pacific. ‘A’ status accreditation also grants participation in the work and decision-making of the GANHRI, as well as the work of the Human Rights Council and other U.N. mechanisms.
• The NHRC-India has been set up under the Protection of Human Rights Act passed by Parliament in 1993. It has been accredited as an ‘A’ Status NHRI since the beginning of the accreditation process for NHRIs in 1999, which it retained in 2006, 2011, and in 2017 also after a deferment.
• NHRC-India said that the GANHRI, through the Sub-Committee on Accreditation (SCA) is responsible for reviewing and accrediting NHRIs in compliance with the Paris Principles every five years. As part of this process, the review of the NHRC-India was due in March 2023 for its reaccreditation, which has been deferred for a year, meaning thereby no final decision has been taken as yet.

National Human Rights Commission:

• National Human Rights Commission is a public body which is constituted in 1993 after a thorough assessment of needs for establishing such bodies in order to address the human rights related issues and by keeping in consideration the ways and measures to apply for their protection.
• It was given complete statutory basis by The Protection of Human Rights Act, 1993 (TPHRA).

Composition of NHRC:

• A Chairperson who is a retired Chief Justice of India
• One Member who is or has been a Judge of the Supreme Court
• One Member who is or has been the Chief Justice of a High Court
• Two persons having knowledge or practical experience in matters relating to Human Rights.
• The President appoints the chairperson and the members of National Human Rights Commission, for which a committee nominates the names. This committee consists of Chairperson, the Prime Minister and the members including Home Minister, Leader of the Opposition in Lok Sabha, Leader of the Opposition in Rajya Sabha, Speaker and the Rajya Sabha Deputy Chairman.
• Further in addition to this, the Chairperson of the National Commission for Minorities, the National Commission for the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes and the National Commission for Women are deemed to be members of the National Human Rights Commission for the discharge of specific functions laid down.

Functions of NHRC:

• Inquire, on its own initiative or on a petition presented to it by a victim or any person on his behalf, into complaint of Violation of human rights or abetment or negligence in the prevention of such violation, by a public servant
• Intervene in any proceeding involving any allegation of violation of human rights pending before a court with the approval of such court
• Review the safeguards by or under the Constitution or any law for the time being in force for the protection of human rights and recommend measures for their effective implementation
• Review the factors, including acts of terrorism that inhibit the enjoyment of human rights and further recommend appropriate remedial measures on the same
• Study treaties and other international instruments on human rights and make recommendations for their effective implementation
• Spread human rights literacy among various sections of society and promote awareness of the safeguards available for the protection of these rights through publications, the media, seminars and other available means
• Encourage the efforts of non – Governmental organizations and institutions working in the field of human rights
• Undertake and promote research in the field of human rights
• Other functions considered necessary for promotion of human rights

5. OPEN RADIO ACCESS NETWORKS

TAGS:  PRELIMS PERSPECTIVE

THE CONTEXT: The Quad leaders, at their Summit in Hiroshima made a significant announcement to strengthen security architecture for open Radio Access Networks or RAN beginning with Palau in the Pacific Region.

EXPLANATION:

• Open Radio Access Networks (RAN) is a new approach to building mobile networks that are needed to connect smartphones and devices to the internet and other users.
• An Open Radio Access Network (ORAN) is a nonproprietary version of the Radio Access Network (RAN) system that allows interoperation between cellular network equipment provided by different vendors.

How is it better than RAN?

• In the traditional set-up, Radio Access Network is provided as an integrated platform of both hardware and software. Therefore, it is difficult to mix vendors for the radio and baseband unit, and in most cases, they come from the same supplier.
• The idea of Open RAN is to change this and enable operators to mix and match components. It goes a step further by opening the interfaces inside the base station. The Open RAN architecture allows for the separation or disaggregation between hardware and software with open interfaces.
• RAN has been based on proprietary technologies of original equipment makers such as Ericsson, Nokia, etc. With Open RAN, telecom players would have the flexibility to use in-house solutions or solutions from multiple vendors for RAN services.
• This would allow telecom operators to look beyond traditional vendors, thus creating opportunities for lesser-known vendors from abroad as well as from home to be part of the growing 5G ecosystem, based on their innovation competence.
• Network flexibility is another advantage of the Open RAN architecture. Being software-centric, it is scalable, agile and best of networks with improved network performance using artificial intelligence and machine learning.

How it works?

• Open Radio Access Network or Open RAN is a key part of a mobile network system that uses cellular radio connections to link individual devices to other parts of a network.
• It comprises antennae which transmits and receives signals to and from our smartphones or other compatible devices.
• The signal is then digitised in the RAN-base station and connected to the network.

Issues:

• Latency issues
• operations and maintenance
• servicing and maintaining a multi-vendor architecture