(Newspapers, PIB and other important sources)

Prelim and Main

1. In Frames | A flurry of feathers in a drying lake READ MORE

2. 16 years, 21 rounds of talks: India-EFTA free trade agreement a reality READ MORE

3. Centre issues directive to curb tailgating at e-gates for Digi Yatra passengers READ MORE

4. PM Modi unveils bronze statue of Ahom general in Assam: Who was Lachit Borphukan? READ MORE

5. India’s first museum dedicated to cooperatives is coming up in Kozhikode READ MORE

6. Report turns spotlight on India’s ‘zero-food children’ READ MORE

7. India’s golden langur population estimated at 7,396 READ MORE

8. Meet Pi, the world’s ‘friendliest’ chatbot powered by the new Inflection-2.5 LLM READ MORE

9. Yaounde Declaration: Health ministers of 11 African countries commit to end malaria deaths READ MORE

Main

GS Paper- 1

1. Challenging colonial patriarchy and cultural hegemony READ MORE

2. Gig workers suffer from lack of social security, regulations: study READ MORE

3. Ocean temperature hit record high in February 2024, EU scientists say READ MORE

4. Crisis of time: On parched Karnataka and its water woes READ MORE

5. Bengaluru’s water crisis decoded READ MORE

GS Paper- 2

POLITY AND GOVERNANCE

1. Arun Goel’s Resignation: What is the Established Law on the Appointment of Election Commissioners? READ MORE

2. EC exit no big worry READ MORE

3. We need limits on election campaign spending READ MORE

4. Voter must know who funds political parties. This is the right that Supreme Court has protected READ MORE

5. The case for disclosure of judicial assets READ MORE

6. Protect dignity of women in custody READ MORE

SOCIAL ISSUES

1. Post-Cold War era and Great Power competition: Implications and options for India READ MORE

2. India and the Greater Indo-Pacific: Balancing geopolitical equations READ MORE

INTERNATIONAL ISSUES

1. Boosting India-US ties: Strategic move to counter Chinese challenge READ MORE

2. Maldives’ Muizzu is making a mistake READ MORE

GS Paper- 3

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

1. India must act fast on free trade agreements READ MORE

2. The practice of offering freebies must stop READ MORE

3. Urban Employment Programmes: A Catalyst for Female Labour Force Participation READ MORE

ENVIRONMENT AND ECOLOGY

1. RBI and the net-zero transition — A road map for green India READ MORE

SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

1. India needs an enforceable AI regime READ MORE

2. How women are navigating challenges and taking centre stage in the AI-powered technology landscape READ MORE

INTERNAL SECURITY

1. Not law, nor duty: On ‘safe military jobs’ and Indians in war zones READ MORE  

DISASTER MANAGEMENT

1. Mitigating risks in infrastructure development READ MORE

GS Paper- 4

ETHICS EXAMPLES AND CASE STUDY

1. Law Commission Recommends Whistleblower Protection, Says Amendments May Be Brought To Mandate Test Data Disclosure READ MORE

2. Chandigarh Police fastest in country with emergency response time of 7.03 minutes READ MORE

Questions for the MAIN exam

1. The voter’s right to information includes the right to know financial contributions to a political party because of its influence on electoral politics and on governmental decisions. Comment.

2. The Supreme Court has struck down the electoral bonds scheme that will remove opacity in legal donations but this is akin to putting a band-aid on a bullet wound as the majority of the funding continues to be in unaccounted cash. Analyse.

3. Urban employment programmes must go beyond being safety nets, to imbibe not just protective and preventive measures, but transformative measures that address women’s labour force participation. Comment.

4. The future of Indo-Pacific peace and stability hinges on the tranquility of the Greater Indo-Pacific, where India’s pivotal role as a voice of the Global South and global power can effectively recalibrate regional geopolitics. Discuss.

5. Gender equality is not just a matter of social justice; it is also a prerequisite for sustainable development. Comment.

QUOTATIONS AND CAPTIONS

• Justice demands that no one should do more ruling than being ruled, but that all should have their turn.
• Climate change is a crisis of time. It precipitates non-linear changes that lead to disproportionate, and sometimes irreversible, outcomes, forcing underprepared governments to mount rapid responses to forces that have been festering for decades.
• The voter’s right to information includes the right to know financial contributions to a political party because of its influence on electoral politics and on governmental decisions.
• In a democratic country, it is essential for a government to spread awareness about its schemes and policies.
• It is the opaque nature of most of the donations coupled with the distribution of cash for votes that weakens the process of free and fair elections in India.
• The Supreme Court has struck down the electoral bonds scheme that will remove opacity in legal donations but this is akin to putting a band-aid on a bullet wound as the majority of the funding continues to be in unaccounted cash.
• Challenging gender norms requires more than legislation and material resources; it also takes community mobilisation and a long-term commitment.
• Under all circumstances, war is to be regarded not as an independent thing but as a political instrument.
• The mismatch between the availability of funds and the requirement will make the Scheme prone to the use of discretion, corruption and nepotism in choosing the beneficiaries.
• There are concerns regarding judicial accountability, which makes a strong case for the disclosure of assets by judges in the higher judiciary.
• Section 24 in both Acts (pari-materia) allows the central government to frame rules only for the purpose of these Acts. Unfortunately, the purpose for accountability is nowhere to be seen in these Acts as of now.
• Women’s activists point out that the causes of custodial sexual offences include patriarchal norms, abuse of power by the authorities, lack of gender sensitivity and training for police and other officials, and the social stigma attached to victims.
• The culture of impunity and victim blaming within the law enforcement machinery hinders survivors from seeking justice.
• India has had multi-member election commissions in operation since 1993, with decision-making power by majority vote. With Arun Goel’s resignation as election commissioner, the Election Commission has been reduced to one-man commission.
• As the world prepares for an emerging three-power strategic situation, India needs to tread carefully to secure its well-deserved place on the global high table without any knee-jerk actions.
• The future of Indo-Pacific peace and stability hinges on the tranquility of the Greater Indo-Pacific, where India’s pivotal role as a voice of the Global South and global power can effectively recalibrate regional geopolitics

ESSAY TOPIC

• Gender equality is not just a matter of social justice; it is also a prerequisite for sustainable development.

50-WORD TALK

• Supreme Court has rightly used strong words to quash the ‘waging war’ case against the Maharashtra professor who merely updated his WhatsApp status criticising abrogation of Article 370. It has called for educating the police about free speech and democracy. This is key to preventing citizen harassment by the authorities.

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.

(Newspapers, PIB and other important sources)

Prelim and Main

1. Hong Kong unveils new national security law with tough penalties READ MORE

2. EoUs, SEZs to get RoDTEP sops, till September 30 READ MORE

3. India, EFTA bloc likely to sign free trade pact on March 10 READ MORE

4. Union Cabinet approves IndiaAI Mission with 10,372 crore outlay: How it could help private players READ MORE

5. The nature of ‘royalty’ case: How an alleged typographical error led to 9-judge SC case READ MORE

6. Nutritional crisis: India has most ‘zero-food’ children at 6.7 million; third highest prevalance among 92 LMICs READ MORE

7. India’s onion production expected to fall by over 15%; potato production by 2% READ MORE

8. Fourth global mass coral bleaching? Great Barrier Reef severely affected, corals seen dying READ MORE

9. Countries hope to bring BBNJ or High Seas treaty into force by 2025; only 2 have ratified it so far READ MORE

Main

GS Paper- 1

1. Women and health in India READ MORE

2. Persisting gender gap in STEM jobs READ MORE

3. Structural Transformation and the Gender Earnings Gap in India READ MORE

4. Himalayan challenge~I READ MORE

5. Himalayan Challenge~II READ MORE

GS Paper- 2

POLITY AND GOVERNANCE

1. SC mantra: Economy with the environment READ MORE

2. Right to criticize: SC ruling should make the police see reason READ MORE

3. The case for disclosure of judicial assets READ MORE

4. Issues before the Sixteenth Finance Commission READ MORE

SOCIAL ISSUES

1. Right to Education and the Union Budget: Need for Renewed Focus READ MORE

2. Pursuit of an inclusive and equitable healthcare system READ MORE

INTERNATIONAL ISSUES

1. Boosting India-US ties: Strategic move to counter Chinese challenge READ MORE

2. Maldives’ Muizzu is making a mistake READ MORE

GS Paper- 3

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

1. Gender equality as the plank of sustainable development READ MORE

2. India’s suboptimal use of its labour power READ MORE   

3. The relationship between nutrient intake and household expenses READ MORE

4. The poorest can live better without buying much READ MORE

5. India’s push for semiconductors READ MORE

6. Semiconductor ambitions get a boost READ MORE

ENVIRONMENT AND ECOLOGY

1. RBI and the net-zero transition — A roadmap for green India READ MORE

SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

1. Mission possible for Battlefield AI READ MORE

INTERNAL SECURITY

1. Defence Budget 2024 and India’s deep tech leap READ MORE  

DISASTER MANAGEMENT

1. Mitigating risks in infrastructure development READ MORE

GS Paper- 4

ETHICS EXAMPLES AND CASE STUDY

1. A Pathway to Global Prosperity READ MORE

2. Weakness of the ego READ MORE

Questions for the MAIN exam

1. The finance commission in India is treated as an independent, impartial, competent and semi-judicial body that has dealt with revenue transfer tasks from the union to state governments over more than seven decades. Examine.

2. Gender equality is not just a matter of social justice; it is also a prerequisite for sustainable development. Comment.

3. The transfers of revenue from the union to the state governments for effective performance through an independent body serve the objectives of equity and efficiency relatively better than those of a political body. Comment.

4. Progress in gender equality has been made, but disparities persist, requiring more government spending on healthcare and gender-responsive policies. Comment.

5. Without a paradigm shift in the pedagogies, NEP’s education strategy would remain a mere rhetorical policy statement enacted through some mechanical, ritualised processes. Comment.

QUOTATIONS AND CAPTIONS

• Justice demands that no one should do more ruling than being ruled, but that all should have their turn.
• Though women have a crucial role in energy access, production, and consumption, they face barriers that limit their participation and impact in the energy sector.
• Initiatives such as the Women at the Forefront programme and the Energy Transitions Innovation Challenge (ENTICE) provide a forum for individuals, especially women, to embark on entrepreneurial ventures and drive collective action for sustainable energy practices.
• Women play a crucial role in energy access, production, and consumption. Yet, they often face significant barriers that limit their participation and impact in the energy sector.
• The economy continues to engage a majority in low quality work, which has larger macroeconomic growth repercussions.
• In this golden period of reaping labour productivity, the economy continues to utilise its labour capital in a suboptimal fashion by engaging a majority in low quality work.
• Low-cost eateries run by the government should be seen as an investment in public health and not as a loss-incurring liability.
• By empowering youth to exercise democratic rights, we can ensure a more inclusive, representative, and responsive political system.
• In uncovering the secrets of the snow leopards, we can take a step closer towards understanding a green-eyed silent cat standing in a remote Himalayan area.
• The longstanding problem of gender inequality in India pervades most economic and social outcomes, including health.
• Migration powers economic growth and connects diverse societies. Yet it is also a source of human tragedies.
• The time had come to ‘enlighten and educate our police machinery’ about the concept of freedom of speech and expression and the extent to which reasonable restraints on this freedom exist.
• The US wants competition with China, not conflict, while exuding confidence that America is firmly placed to win the 21st-century race against the Dragon. India is a vital player in the US scheme of things.
• The US efforts to bolster multilateral cooperation are bearing fruit, going by the growing clout of the Quad alliance in the face of China’s expansionist moves.
• In India, the GDP data is published every quarter, but there has been a huge lag when it comes to the data on how much households are spending on goods and services.
• There are concerns regarding judicial accountability, which makes a strong case for the disclosure of assets by judges in the higher judiciary.
• With the spotlight on the Isopropyl Alcohol industry, pivotal for pharmaceutical production, India faces mounting challenges from China in the global market.
• The semiconductor industry is a key sector of modern industry and is technology- and capital-heavy.
• The true empowerment of women in India hinges on bridging the gap between academic achievement and professional engagement in STEM fields ensuring women’s active and sustained participation in these sectors.
• The transfers of revenue from the union to the state governments for effective performance through an independent body serve the objectives of equity and efficiency relatively better than those of a political body.
• The finance commission in India is treated as an independent, impartial, competent and semi-judicial body that has dealt with revenue transfer tasks from the union to state governments over more than seven decades.

ESSAY TOPIC

• Gender equality is not just a matter of social justice; it is also a prerequisite for sustainable development.

50-WORD TALK

• Supreme Court has rightly used strong words to quash the ‘waging war’ case against the Maharashtra professor who merely updated his WhatsApp status criticising abrogation of Article 370. It has called for educating the police about free speech and democracy. This is key to preventing citizen harassment by the authorities.

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.

TAG: GS 2: POLITY

THE CONTEXT: The unexpected resignation of Election Commissioner Arun Goel, accepted by President Droupadi Murmu just before the Lok Sabha polls, has sparked concerns and reactions from opposition parties.

EXPLANATION:

• Various opposition leaders expressed deep concern over the timing of Goel’s resignation, particularly on the eve of crucial elections.
• Questions arise about the transparency and functioning of constitutional institutions like the Election Commission (EC).
• The opposition’s concerns highlight the critical need for transparency in the functioning and appointments within constitutional institutions, especially those overseeing crucial democratic processes like elections.
• As India gears up for the Lok Sabha polls, the integrity of the Election Commission becomes paramount.
• The incident emphasizes the importance of upholding democratic values and ensuring institutions remain free from undue influence.

Chief Election Commissioner and Other Election Commissioners (Appointment, Conditions of Service and Term of Office) Act, 2023:

• The Chief Election Commissioner and Other Election Commissioners (Appointment, Conditions of Service and Term of Office) Act, 2023 is an Act of the Parliament of India to replace the existing Election Commission Act, 1991.
• Election Commission
  • As per Article 324 of the Constitution, the Election Commission consists of the Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) and such number of other Election Commissioners (ECs), as the President may decide.
  • The CEC and other ECs are appointed by the President. The Bill specifies the same composition of the Election Commission.
  • It adds that the CEC and other ECs will be appointed by the President on the recommendation of a Selection Committee.
• Selection Committee
  • The Selection Committee will consist of:
    • the Prime Minister as Chairperson
    • the Leader of the Opposition in Lok Sabha as member
    • a Union Cabinet Minister nominated by the Prime Minister as member.
  • Search Committee
    • A Search Committee will prepare a panel of five people for the consideration of the Selection Committee.
    • The Search Committee will be headed by the Cabinet Secretary.
    • It will have two other members, not below the rank of Secretary to the central government, having knowledge and experience in matters related to elections.
    • The Selection Committee may also consider candidates who have not been included in the panel prepared by the Search Committee.
  • Qualification of CEC and ECs
    • Persons who are holding or have held posts equivalent to the rank of Secretary to the central government will be eligible to be appointed as CEC and ECs.
    • Such persons must have expertise in managing and conducting elections.
  • Salary and allowances
    • The Election Commission (Conditions of Service of Election Commissioners and Transaction of Business) Act, 1991 provides that the salary of the ECs will be equal to that of a Supreme Court judge.
    • The Bill provides that salary, allowance, and service conditions of the CEC and other ECs will be the same as that of the Cabinet Secretary.
  • Term of office
    • The CEC and other ECs will hold office for a term of six years or until they reach the age of 65 years, whichever is earlier.
    • If an EC is appointed as the CEC, his total term cannot exceed six years.
    • The Bill retains the same tenure. Further, under the Act, the CEC and other ECs will not be eligible for re-appointment.
  • Removal and resignation
    • Under Article 324 of the Constitution, the CEC can only be removed from his office in a manner similar to that of a Supreme Court judge.
    • This is done through an order of the President, based on a motion passed by both Houses of Parliament in the same session.
    • The motion for removal must be adopted with:
      • majority support of total membership of each House
      • At least two-thirds support from members present and voting.
    • An EC can only be removed from office on the recommendation of the CEC. The Act retains this removal procedure.

SOURCE: https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/deeply-concerning-opposition-reacts-to-arun-goels-surprise-resignation-ahead-of-lok-sabha-polls-101710001491136.html

TAG: GS 3: ECOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENT

THE CONTEXT: A historic gathering in Cameroon’s capital, Yaoundé, saw the health ministers of 11 African countries join hands with global malaria partners, scientists, and stakeholders to pledge an unwavering commitment to end malaria deaths.

EXPLANATION:

• This commitment comes amid a significant surge in global malaria cases in 2022, particularly impacting the African region.

Alarming Malaria Statistics

• Global Malaria Cases Surge
  • The global number of malaria cases rose from 233 million in 2019 to a staggering 249 million in 2022.
  • Africa, the epicenter of the malaria crisis, witnessed an alarming increase from 218 million to 233 million cases during the same period, constituting 94% of all global malaria cases.
• African Burden and Impact
  • Africa continues to bear an immense burden, representing 95% of global malaria-related deaths, totaling approximately 580,000 deaths in 2022.
  • The 11 participating African countries – Burkina Faso, Cameroon, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Ghana, Mali, Mozambique, Niger, Nigeria, Sudan, Uganda, and Tanzania – carry the highest burden of infections and deaths.

The Yaounde Declaration: Key Commitments

• Root Causes and Urgency
  • In the Yaounde Declaration, health ministers expressed an unwavering commitment to addressing the root causes of stagnation in malaria progress.
  • This includes examining changing ecology, vector behavior, ensuring quality health services, handling humanitarian crises, and tackling climate change, biological threats, and emerging vectors.
• Political Commitment and Accountability
  • The ministers emphasized their commitment to accelerate malaria mortality reduction, aligning with global commitments and regional strategies.
  • They pledged mutual accountability and to hold each other and their countries accountable for the outlined commitments, marking a significant step towards political will.
• Focus Areas: Investments and Collaboration
  • The declaration highlighted the need to amplify investments in critical health infrastructure, expand personnel capacity, and ensure effective program implementation.
  • Multi-sectoral collaboration and strategic partnerships for funding, research, and innovation were identified as crucial focus areas.

Critiques and Urgent Action

• Lack of New Commitments
  • While the Yaounde Declaration signals a milestone, critics note the absence of new commitments and specific, articulated targets.
  • Expressing political will must be complemented by concrete actions on the ground to make a tangible impact in the fight against malaria.
• African Union Targets and Progress
  • The African Union aims to control and eliminate malaria by 2030.
  • However, the 2023 Africa Malaria Progress Report indicates a shortfall in achieving interim goals, necessitating urgent action to bridge financial gaps and prevent surges in cases and deaths.
• Financial Gaps and Warning Signs
  • A financial gap of $1.5 billion is identified to sustain basic malaria services, particularly for vector control.
  • Urgent action and an additional $5.2 billion annually are needed to make progress towards elimination, emphasizing the critical role of financial support in combating malaria.

Future Prospects and Challenges

• The Road Ahead
  • The Yaounde Declaration, while marking a milestone, underscores the need for immediate and sustained action.
  • Bridging financial gaps, enhancing multi-sectoral collaboration, and addressing root causes are paramount for achieving the African Union’s ambitious goal of malaria control and elimination by 2030.
• Calls for Global Support
  • As Africa grapples with the challenges posed by malaria, international support and collaboration become indispensable.
  • The global community must rally behind the Yaounde Declaration, providing both financial and strategic support to turn commitments into tangible outcomes.

SOURCE: https://www.downtoearth.org.in/news/africa/yaounde-declaration-health-ministers-of-11-african-countries-commit-to-end-malaria-deaths-94922

TAG: GS 3: SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

THE CONTEXT: The recent launch of Inflection-2.5, a Large Language Model (LLM) by California-based startup Inflection AI, introduces advancements in natural language processing, making waves alongside other cutting-edge models such as Anthropic’s Claude 3 and OpenAI’s GPT-4.

EXPLANATION:

Evolution of Pi and Inflection AI

• Inception of Pi
  • Inflection AI initially introduced Pi, an AI chatbot, in May 2023, designed to be “empathetic, helpful, and safe.”
  • Positioned as a personal assistant, Pi distinguishes itself by promoting deep and meaningful conversations.
• Inflection 2 and Technological Milestones
  • Following Pi’s success, Inflection AI unveiled Inflection 2 in November 2023, asserting its position as the best LLM globally.
  • Now, with Inflection-2.5, the company claims competitive performance with GPT-4 while utilizing only 40% of OpenAI’s model computation power.

What Sets Inflection-2.5 Apart?

• Enhanced Emotional Intelligence
  • Inflection-2.5 brings improvements to the emotional quotient of Pi, expanding the spectrum of topics for discussion.
  • Users engage in conversations ranging from current events to biology exam preparations, coding, business plans, and leisurely hobby discussions.
• Efficient Computing Power
  • Despite its advanced capabilities, Inflection-2.5 achieves 94% of GPT-4’s average performance on IQ-oriented tasks while using significantly less computing power, showcasing efficiency in model training.
• Safety Standards and Persona Retention
  • Inflection-2.5 maintains Pi’s distinctive personality while ensuring enhanced safety standards.
  • This aligns with Inflection AI’s commitment to providing a helpful and secure chatbot experience across various domains.

Pi Chatbot: A Unique Persona

• User Experience and Accessibility
  • Pi offers users a unique chatbot experience, positioning itself as a companion rather than a mere personal assistant.
  • With a selection of six distinct voices, Pi adds a personal touch to interactions, making conversations more engaging.
• Access to Infinite Knowledge
  • Empowered by Inflection’s proprietary LLM, Pi, standing for Personal Intelligence, draws upon vast knowledge acquired from billions of lines of text on the open web.
  • This enables Pi to engage in versatile conversations and answer a wide array of user queries.

Inflection AI’s Technological Journey

• Model Progression and Benchmark Achievements
  • Inflection AI’s journey, marked by the introduction of Inflection-1, Inflection-2, and now Inflection-2.5, highlights continual technological advancements.
  • Benchmarks, such as outperforming Google’s PaLM 2 on various tasks, emphasize the prowess of Inflection’s LLMs.
• Funding and Leadership
  • Founded in 2022 by Mustafa Suleyman, Reid Hoffman, and Karen Simonyan, Inflection AI secured $1.3 billion in funding in June last year.
  • Mustafa Suleyman, formerly with DeepMind, Reid Hoffman, co-founder of LinkedIn, and Karen Simonyan play key roles in steering the company toward its vision of creating personal AI for everyone.

Future Implications and Industry Dynamics

• Impact on AI Landscape
  • The introduction of Inflection-2.5 and the continued success of Pi contribute to the evolving landscape of AI, providing users with more options for personalized, empathetic, and efficient conversational agents.
• Broader Societal Impact
  • As AI chatbots like Pi become more advanced and accessible, their impact extends beyond personal assistance, potentially influencing communication patterns and societal interactions.
  • In essence, Inflection-2.5 and Pi represent a significant leap in AI capabilities, showcasing advancements in language models and their application in creating a more personalized and responsive AI companion for users globally.
  • The ongoing pursuit of efficiency, safety, and unique personas positions Inflection AI as a notable player in the dynamic AI landscape.

SOURCE: https://indianexpress.com/article/explained/explained-sci-tech/pi-chatbot-powered-inflection-llm-9205004/

TAG: GS 3: ECOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENT

THE CONTEXT: The recent comprehensive survey conducted by various institutions, including the Primate Research Centre NE India (PRCNE) and the Assam Forest Department, reveals critical insights into the population of the endangered golden langur (Trachypithecus geei) in India.

EXPLANATION:

Survey Methodology

• Two-Phased Approach
  • The population estimation was executed in two phases, covering the entire distribution range of golden langurs in the Manas Biosphere Reserve and fragmented forests in the western part of Assam.
  • The use of a block count method during March-April 2020 and 2021 provided data on abundance, spatial distribution, and densities of golden langur populations.
• Innovative Approach
  • The survey’s application of the block count method, considered simple, cost-effective, and robust for small group-living primates, showcases innovative techniques in primate population estimation.
  • Each counting block, overlaid with 50-hectare grid cells, facilitated systematic data collection.

Population Estimation Results

• Overall Population
  • The survey estimates a total of 7,396 golden langurs in India.
  • This includes 7,720 individuals observed, comprising 707 unique groups, 31 lone males, and floating males.
• Sub-Population Distribution
  • The golden langur population is divided into two major sub-populations – a northern extended population and a southern fragmented population.
  • The northern population, covering the western part of the Manas Biosphere Reserve, was estimated at 5,566 individuals, while the southern fragmented population, along the southern side of NH27, had 1,830 langurs.
• Comparisons with Previous Estimation
  • Comparisons with the 2008-09 population estimation highlight an increase in the golden langur population from 6,000 to 7,396 individuals.
  • However, concerns arise regarding the unstable situation in fragmented habitats.

Conservation Challenges

• Fragmented Habitat Threats
  • The survey underscores challenges in fragmented habitats, particularly the absence of non-breeding all-male bands.
  • This situation poses a threat to the golden langurs, emphasizing the need for conservation efforts.
• Corridor Linkage Recommendations
  • Primate experts emphasize the necessity for corridor linkages among fragmented habitats through plantations and canopy bridges.
  • Such measures aim to offset potential threats stemming from anthropogenic interactions.

Regional Population Distribution

• Habitat-Specific Numbers
  • The survey provides a breakdown of golden langur populations in specific regions, with the Ripu Reserve Forest housing the largest northern population and Chakrashila Wildlife Sanctuary in Kokrajhar district hosting the highest number in the southern fragmented range.

Golden langur (Trachypithecus geei):

• Golden langurs are easily recognised by the colour of their fur.
• Gee’s golden langurs, also known as golden leaf monkeys, or more simply as golden langurs, live in northeastern India and southern Bhutan.
• They are confined to this geographic region by the Manas and Sankosh rivers to the east and west, the Brahmaputra river in the south, and the Black Mountains to the north.
• Here, altitudes vary greatly; golden langurs may live anywhere between sea level and 9,800 feet (3,000 m) above sea level. This is a considerable range for primates.
• This species thrives best high up in the canopies of subtropical and temperate broadleaf forests.
• However, golden langurs also make do in lowland evergreen, semi-evergreen, riparian moist deciduous forests, subalpine forests, and savannas, as well as secondary or degraded forests.
• They were considered endangered by the IUCN Red List, and listed as Appendix I on the CITES website.

SOURCE:       https://www.thehindu.com/sci-tech/energy-and-environment/indias-golden-langur-population-estimated-at-7396/article67931902.ece

TAG: GS 2: INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS

THE CONTEXT: The recently signed Trade and Economic Partnership Agreement (TEPA) between India and the European Free Trade Association (EFTA) countries – Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, and Switzerland – marks a significant development in their bilateral relations.

EXPLANATION:

• The negotiations, initiated in 2008 and resumed in 2023 after a decade-long hiatus, have culminated in a comprehensive 14-chapter treaty addressing various aspects of trade, investment, and sustainable development.

Key Elements of TEPA

• Comprehensive Trade and Economic Partnership
  • TEPA aims to foster economic cooperation by reducing tariffs, enhancing market access, and simplifying customs procedures.
  • Notably, it is the second full-fledged Free Trade Agreement India has entered into, following the agreement with the United Arab Emirates.
• Investment Goals and Commitments
  • Commerce Minister highlighted the unique aspect of the agreement, citing a binding commitment for EFTA countries to invest $100 billion in India.
  • However, EFTA ministers clarified that this commitment is a goal based on current investment levels of approximately $10.7 billion, GDP predictions, and the estimated value of TEPA.
• Human Rights and Sustainable Development
  • In a notable move, TEPA includes a chapter on commitments to human rights and sustainable development.
  • This marks a departure from traditional FTAs and reflects a growing emphasis on ethical considerations in international trade.
• Periodic Assessments and Withdrawal Mechanism
  • The agreement outlines a structured approach to assess and track investment goals.
  • If the $100 billion target is not met within 15 years, with a grace period and negotiation window, India retains the right to temporarily withdraw some trade concessions.
  • This mechanism underscores the significance of achieving mutually agreed-upon objectives.

Negotiation Challenges and Controversial Aspects

• Pharma IPR Mechanism
  • Swiss negotiators pushed for a “data exclusivity” clause in the pharmaceutical sector, sparking controversy. Health activists, including Medecins Sans Frontiers (MSF), raised concerns about potential negative impacts on Indian manufacturers of generic medicines.
  • Although the clause was not included, the TEPA’s Intellectual Property Review chapter contains a review mechanism, raising apprehensions about future pressures on India’s intellectual property rights.
• 21 Rounds of Talks and Negotiations
  • The finalization of TEPA required 21 rounds of negotiations, with the last rounds going down to the wire.
  • Both virtual and in-person meetings were conducted intensively in the months leading up to the agreement, emphasizing the urgency to complete negotiations before India’s parliamentary elections.

Economic Impact and Trade Sectors

• Economic Implications
  • TEPA is expected to significantly impact sectors such as pharmaceuticals, medical devices, food products, and research and development (R&D).
  • The agreement aims to boost bilateral trade from the current level of about $25 billion, but concerns exist regarding the substantial trade deficit of $18.58 billion.
• Increased Market Access and Tariff Reductions
  • The agreement’s provisions for increased market access and tariff reductions underscore the potential for expanded economic cooperation.
  • This could lead to enhanced opportunities for Indian businesses in EFTA countries and vice versa.

Political Significance and Future Prospects

• Political Endorsement and Ratification
  • Prime Minister termed TEPA a “win-win” agreement, characterizing its signing as a “watershed moment” in India-EFTA ties.
  • The agreement now awaits ratification by the EFTA states according to their parliamentary procedures, expected by the end of 2024.
• Potential for Further Trade Agreements
  • TEPA adds momentum to India’s efforts to diversify its trade partnerships.
  • The agreement sets a precedent for including commitments to human rights and sustainable development in future trade deals, aligning with global trends toward more responsible and ethical trade practices.

European Free Trade Association (EFTA):

• The European Free Trade Association (EFTA) is the intergovernmental organisation of Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway and Switzerland.
• It was set up in 1960 by its then seven Member States for the promotion of free trade and economic integration between its members.
• Relations with the EEC, later the European Community (EC) and the European Union (EU), have been at the core of EFTA activities from the beginning.
• Since the beginning of the 1990s, EFTA has actively pursued trade relations with third countries in and beyond Europe.

SOURCE: https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/india-european-free-trade-association-ink-free-trade-agreement/article67935003.ece

(Newspapers, PIB and other important sources)

Prelim and Main

1. Every citizen has right to criticise decision of state: SC relief for professor who put status against Article 370 abrogation READ MORE

2. Deforestation driving malaria risk among vulnerable children in sub-Saharan Africa, finds study READ MORE

3. James Webb Telescope spots oldest ‘dead galaxy’ that stopped forming stars 13 billion years ago: Study READ MORE

4. El Niño and the summer, monsoon: What is in store this year READ MORE

5. Linking Aadhaar with voter ID: Why EC wants changes in electoral forms READ MORE

6. What is Haiper, the text-to-video model created by Google DeepMind, TikTok alumni? READ MORE

7. Centre extends Ujjwala subsidy by another year READ MORE

8. Centre to rope in ISRO to provide Internet in 80 remote tribal villages READ MORE

9. RBI, Bank Indonesia sign MoU for use of local currencies for bilateral transactions READ MORE

10. For India’s homeless women, TB care is shaped by gender norms and economic precarity READ MORE

11. Contempt plea in SC against SBI’s prayer for time extension to disclose electoral bond details READ MORE

12. Supreme Court asks whether Maharashtra Speaker contradicted verdict READ MORE

Main

GS Paper- 1

1. Preserving the feminine essence of India READ MORE

2. How to bridge the gender gap in South Asia READ MORE

3. How inclusive pedagogies can end gender oppression READ MORE

4. Himalayan challenge~I READ MORE

5. Himalayan Challenge~II READ MORE

GS Paper- 2

POLITY AND GOVERNANCE

1. Can a justice system without women bring justice to women? READ MORE

2. Electoral democracy faces headwinds READ MORE

3. Need to invest in women READ MORE

4. Cooling-off period needed before judges join politics READ MORE

5. When Process Becomes Punishment READ MORE

SOCIAL ISSUES

1. Bridging the gender gap in health research READ MORE

2. The shadow education challenge READ MORE

3. Welfare politics targets women READ MORE

4. Women and health in India READ MORE

INTERNATIONAL ISSUES

1. Troubled waters: On the tensions between China and the Philippines READ MORE

2. Muizzu’s folly: Antagonising India to appease China READ MORE

3. Why India’s relations with its neighbours do not fit inside the definition of a ‘bully’ READ MORE

GS Paper- 3

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

1. The determinant in more women in the job market READ MORE  

2. Boost presence in workforce READ MORE

3. Harnessing nutritional resilience for food security and gender equality READ MORE

ENVIRONMENT AND ECOLOGY

1. RBI and the net-zero transition — A roadmap for green India READ MORE

SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

1. A bold step towards a cervical cancer-free future READ MORE

INTERNAL SECURITY

1. Defence Budget 2024 and India’s deep tech leap READ MORE  

DISASTER MANAGEMENT

1. Mitigating risks in infrastructure development READ MORE

GS Paper- 4

ETHICS EXAMPLES AND CASE STUDY

1. Meeting aspirations of a young, dynamic India READ MORE

CASE STUDY

1. Bengaluru’s Water Crisis — Who’s Suffering and What’s the Solution? READ MORE

Questions for the MAIN exam

1. Progress in gender equality has been made, but disparities persist, requiring more government spending on healthcare and gender-responsive policies. Comment.

2. Without a paradigm shift in the pedagogies, NEP’s education strategy would remain a mere rhetorical policy statement enacted through some mechanical, ritualised processes. Comment.

3. In case of defections in local governments, the scope for the court’s intervention is limited since the anti-defection law under the 10th Schedule of the Constitution does not apply to panchayats and municipalities. Comment.

4. With the creeping centralisation of the Indian state, the principles underlying federalism and democracy should be extended to the elected forums of UTs and local governments to avoid defections. Comment on the statement in the light of recent developments.

5. MSP reduces the vulnerability of farmers to market fluctuations, ensuring a minimum income for their produce. Critically examine.

QUOTATIONS AND CAPTIONS

• Justice demands that no one should do more ruling than being ruled, but that all should have their turn.
• India raising the participation rate of well-educated women in the labour market could also lead to a huge army of exploited domestic workers.
• With economic growth and increasing education, the strength of patriarchy has perhaps declined in some ways. However, the overall culture of male dominance over women has not changed much in our traditional society.
• Public-private partnerships are instrumental in ensuring equitable access to vaccination services, thereby advancing the collective goal of safeguarding women’s health against cervical cancer.
• The coaching class ecosystem exacerbates educational inequalities and raises student anxiety.
• The National Education Policy 2020, shifts the focus towards continuous and comprehensive evaluation of students to promote learning, moving away from the traditional final assessments that often lead to a reliance on coaching institutes.
• Progress in gender equality has been made, but disparities persist, requiring more government spending on healthcare and gender-responsive policies.
• The SC’s order on the shutdown of the Sterlite-Vedanta smelter is a timely reiteration that the health of the environment can’t be compromised for profits.
• The longstanding problem of gender inequality in India pervades most economic and social outcomes, including health.
• Although women constitute almost half of India’s population, they lag behind men on many social indicators, such as health, education and economic opportunities.
• India is on the cusp of major economic development. But unless women are encouraged to walk alongside men, lofty economic goals may remain a mere pipedream.
• It’s crucial to recognise the pivotal role women’s participation plays in driving inclusive and sustainable development in India.
• India has spearheaded a normative shift in the narrative on gender equality and empowerment, with a focus on women-led development, and not just simply women’s development.
• Calcutta HC judge’s rapid resignation to join politics prompts debate on judiciary’s independence and proximity to political parties, highlighting the need for mechanisms to ensure judicial integrity.
• The guarantee of fundamental rights, which are the citizen’s shield against the state, is at the mercy of the high courts and the Supreme Court; people rush to these courts to save themselves from an omnipotent state.
• Destructive of the aspirations and deliberative ideals of the Constitution and creates a polity which deprives citizens of a responsible, responsive, and representative democracy.
• India is carefully and pragmatically playing its cards and asserting its position in South Asia as well as the world, and providing aid and assistance to weaker neighbouring countries.
• Gender empowerment and food security are deeply interconnected, with profound implications for achieving sustainable development goals

ESSAY TOPIC

• Passivity is fatal to a soldier.

50-WORD TALK

• Supreme Court has rightly used strong words to quash the ‘waging war’ case against the Maharashtra professor who merely updated his WhatsApp status criticising abrogation of Article 370. It has called for educating the police about free speech and democracy. This is key to preventing citizen harassment by the authorities.

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.

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(Newspapers, PIB and other important sources)

Prelim and Main

1. Villagers oppose declaring ‘orans’ as deemed forests, fearing loss of access and livelihood READ MORE

2. Why ASML’s new chip-making machine is a scientific marvel | Explained READ MORE

3. OPEC expects share of Indian oil imports to rise again READ MORE

4. President of India Smt. Droupadi Murmu to confer Sangeet Natak Akademi Awards (Akademi Puraskar) for the Years 2022 and 2023 to 94 Eminent Artists Tomorrow READ MORE

5. PM Modi flags off India’s first underwater Metro in Kolkata READ MORE

6. Huge Rally in Ladakh to Demand Statehood and Inclusion in Sixth Schedule READ MORE

7. Man-wildlife conflicts now a state-specific disaster in Kerala READ MORE

8. India to restart Penicillin G manufacture: why was it stopped, what changed now READ MORE

9. Bharat Biotech’s vaccine, Covaxin not as effective as Serum Institutes of India’s Covishield READ MORE

10. WHO highlights growing HIV drug resistance to dolutegravir, urges global action READ MORE

Main

GS Paper- 1

1. Remembering the forgotten women of science in India READ MORE

2. The consequences of workplace stress READ MORE

3. Deficit snowfall poses growing risk of glacial lake outburst in Himalayas, warn glaciologists READ MORE

4. 2023-24 El Nino among five strongest on record, will continue fuelling heat in 2024: WMO READ MORE

GS Paper- 2

POLITY AND GOVERNANCE

1. Explained: Ladakh, Article 371, and the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution READ MORE

2. Supreme Court’s ruling on immunity for legislators facing bribery charges | Explained READ MORE

3. Safeguarding Local Democracy READ MORE

SOCIAL ISSUES

1. How malnutrition and obesity are linked in India READ MORE

INTERNATIONAL ISSUES

1. No major gains for India at WTO conference READ MORE

2. The limits of India-US strategic partnership READ MORE

GS Paper- 3

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

1. WTO is hanging on to life, but just barely READ MORE

2. Crop damage: Expedite loss assessment, relief payment READ MORE

3. Microinsurance boosts financial inclusion READ MORE

4. Clarify the MSP legal guarantee confusion READ MORE

5. Expanding grain storage capacity is essential READ MORE

ENVIRONMENT AND ECOLOGY

1. Modernisation threatens livelihoods in the Himalayas READ MORE

2. Mountains of plastic are choking the Himalayan States READ MORE

SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

1. AI regulation needs a balanced pathway READ MORE

INTERNAL SECURITY

1. Lapses by intelligence agencies to blame for Maoist attacks READ MORE  

DISASTER MANAGEMENT

1. Mitigating risks in infrastructure development READ MORE

GS Paper- 4

ETHICS EXAMPLES AND CASE STUDY

1. Night that shows us the path to light READ MORE

2. Philanthropic collaboratives: A new paradigm for social impact READ MORE

3. Politically incorrect READ MORE

4. The tortuous path to justice READ MORE

5. A decision that lowers the prestige of the judiciary READ MORE

Questions for the MAIN exam

1. In case of defections in local governments, the scope for the court’s intervention is limited since the anti-defection law under the 10th Schedule of the Constitution does not apply to panchayats and municipalities. Comment.

2. With the creeping centralisation of the Indian state, the principles underlying federalism and democracy should be extended to the elected forums of UTs and local governments to avoid defections. Comment on the statement in the light of recent developments.

3. MSP reduces the vulnerability of farmers to market fluctuations, ensuring a minimum income for their produce. Critically examine.

4. Replacing the decades-old and inefficient MSP policy with a legislatively guaranteed MSP offers a comprehensive solution to the challenges faced by the agricultural sector. Do you agree with this view? Critically examine your views.

5. The Supreme Court related to the stripped of immunity judgement is a significant step towards curbing the rampant role of money power in horse-trading and other legislative malpractices. Critically Analyse.

6. In a welfare state, the government should act as an ideal employer and pay decent pensions to its employees, setting a good example for the private sector. Analyse whether the govt should revive OPS?

QUOTATIONS AND CAPTIONS

• The potential for such misuse is neither enhanced nor diminished by recognising the court’s jurisdiction to prosecute a member for bribery.
• Double burden of obesity and diabetes can only be tackled by investing in health of adolescent girls and young women.
• The party-political nature of local governments is now a reality that cannot be ignored. Hence, there is a need to adopt clear statutory measures that can curb defections at the local level.
• With depleting trust in internal election processes, it is important for municipal laws to institute stronger systems that ensure a free and fair process for indirect elections.
• In case of defections in local governments, the scope for the court’s intervention is limited since the anti-defection law under the 10th Schedule of the Constitution does not apply to panchayats and municipalities.
• With the creeping centralisation of the Indian state, it is important to apply the principles underlying federalism and democracy to the elected forums of UTs and local governments as well.
• In UTs without legislative Assemblies, it is important to safeguard local governments as they are the only democratically accountable institutions in their jurisdiction.
• Instead of patchwork regulation or inconsistent policy advisories on AI, we need an all-inclusive public discourse on policy approach as well as regulation.
• In the race between technology and regulation, more often it is the regulation which is in the ‘catch-up’ mode.
• The currently popular general-purpose and generative AI systems like ChatGPT will have to comply with transparency requirements and ensure designs that don’t generate illegal content and publish summaries of copyrighted data.
• It not only protects vulnerable populations from financial risks but also contributes to the overall socio-economic development of the country.
• The Migrants Resilience Collaborative (MRC) a grassroots-led multi-stakeholder initiative formed at the height of the pandemic to provide relief to migrant workers, it now focuses on building resilience by fixing broken social protection delivery systems across India for these communities.
• India will need to undertake stronger efforts to build a coalition of developing economies to deal with the aggressive posturing of the Global North.
• MSP reduces the vulnerability of farmers to market fluctuations, ensuring a minimum income for their produce.
• Replacing the decades-old and inefficient MSP policy with a legislatively guaranteed MSP offers a comprehensive solution to the challenges faced by the agricultural sector.
• Farmers can navigate uncertainties more confidently, knowing that the government is legally bound to intervene when market prices fall below the MSP. A guaranteed MSP leads to increased rural income.

ESSAY TOPIC

• Passivity is fatal to a soldier.

50-WORD TALK

• SBI’s seeking till June 30 to disclose details of electoral bonds will undo the crucial element of SC’s push for transparency in electoral funding. Elections will be long over. As SC said, information on political donations is essential for voting decisions. SBI must ensure disclosures are made well before elections.

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.

TAG: GS 3: ECONOMY

THE CONTEXT: The Indian government, under the leadership of Commerce and Industry Minister, has announced a significant expansion of the Remission of Duties and Taxes on Exported Products (RoDTEP) Scheme.

EXPLANATION:

• This development aims to provide tax refunds to outbound shipments from Special Economic Zones (SEZs), Export Oriented Units (EOUs), and entities utilizing the Advance Authorisation (AA) scheme.
• The move is poised to benefit key sectors like Engineering, Textiles, Chemicals, Pharmaceuticals, and Food Processing.

RoDTEP to SEZs and EOUs:

• Scope of Eligibility:
  • SEZs and EOUs, representing a substantial quarter of India’s exports, will now be included in the RoDTEP Scheme.
  • Exporters utilizing the Advance Authorisation (AA) scheme for duty-free import of inputs incorporated into export products will also benefit from RoDTEP.
• Implementation Timeline:
  • The benefits for EOUs and AA holders will commence from March 11, 2024.
  • However, SEZs will have to await integration with the automated ICEGATE system of the Customs section for their IT systems.
  • The benefits for SEZs are expected to be operational until September 30, 2024.
• Budgetary Allocations and Validity:
  • To align with budgetary considerations, the RoDTEP benefits for SEZs, EOUs, and AA holders are currently valid until September 30.
  • The RoDTEP Scheme, initiated in January 2021 to replace an earlier export incentive scheme, has a budget of ₹15,070 crore for 2024-25 and has already provided support worth ₹42,000 crore.

Significance and Industry Impact:

• Recognition of Contribution:
  • The decision acknowledges the substantial contribution of SEZs, EOUs, and AA holders, collectively constituting about 25% of India’s total exports.
  • Amid global economic uncertainties and supply chain disruptions, the extension of RoDTEP aims to assist these sectors in navigating international challenges.
• Targeted Sectors:
  • Key sectors such as Engineering, Textiles, Chemicals, Pharmaceuticals, and Food Processing are expected to reap the benefits of the extended RoDTEP Scheme.
  • The move aligns with the government’s commitment to supporting industries crucial for economic growth.

Remission of Duties and Taxes on Exported Products (RoDTEP) Scheme:

• It was introduced by the Government as a duty remission scheme on exports and is being implemented from 1st January 2021.
• It was enforced to repeal and reduce taxes for exported products, thereby encouraging the conditions of exported and increasing the amount of exports in the country.
• The scheme will be administered by the Department of Revenue, Ministry of Finance.
• It is a WTO-compliant scheme and follows the global principle that taxes/duties should not be exported.
• RoDTEP replaced the Merchandise Export Incentive Schemes (MIES), in response to the US challenging the Indian export subsidies under the MEIS at the WTO.
• When the WTO dispute panel ruled against India, RoDTEP was framed to ensure that India remains WTO-compliant, while also supporting low-volume exports of commodities from India.

SOURCE: https://www.thehindu.com/business/eous-sezs-to-get-rodtep-sops-till-september-30/article67930196.ece/amp/

TAG: GS 2: INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS

THE CONTEXT: India and the European Free Trade Association (EFTA) countries, including Switzerland, Finland, Norway, and Liechtenstein, are poised to sign a groundbreaking bilateral free trade agreement named the India-EFTA Trade and Economic Partnership Agreement (TEPA) on March 10.

EXPLANATION:

• This agreement is anticipated to significantly enhance trade and investment collaboration, fostering economic growth, job creation, and bilateral prosperity.

Key Points of the India-EFTA TEPA:

• Investment and Job Commitments:
  • The TEPA is expected to facilitate investments totaling $100 billion from the EFTA bloc into India over the next 15 years.
  • This substantial investment is projected to generate approximately one million jobs, marking a notable commitment from the partner nations.
• Historic FTA for India:
  • This marks India’s first Free Trade Agreement where it has secured commitments on both investment and employment from partner nations, signaling a new era of economic cooperation.
• Sectors of Focus:
  • The EFTA countries are keen on investing in joint ventures, emphasizing sectors such as pharmaceuticals (particularly medical devices), certain chemicals, food processing, and engineering products.
• Trade Deficit Mitigation:
  • The trade pact is anticipated to address India’s significant trade deficit with the EFTA bloc.
  • In 2023, India’s exports to the EFTA countries amounted to $1.87 billion, while imports stood at $20.45 billion, with pearls, precious stones, and metals dominating the inflow.
• Boost to Ongoing FTA Negotiations:
  • The successful signing of the India-EFTA TEPA is poised to boost India’s ongoing Free Trade Agreement negotiations with other global partners, including the European Union (EU) and the United Kingdom (UK).
  • This achievement signals India’s capability to close deals and enhances its global trade credibility.

Background and Negotiation Journey:

• The negotiations for the India-EFTA TEPA were initiated in October 2016, reflecting a comprehensive approach covering trade in goods, rules of origin, trade in services, investment promotion, cooperation, trade and sustainable development, and customs and trade facilitation.
• The agreement showcases the dedication of both parties to fostering a multifaceted and mutually beneficial economic relationship.

Future Implications:

• The TEPA is likely to set a precedent for future trade agreements, indicating that India is open for business and capable of negotiating deals with global partners.
• The promised investments from EFTA countries are expected to be sourced from provident funds, presenting a sustainable and long-term commitment.

European Free Trade Association (EFTA):

• The European Free Trade Association (EFTA) is the intergovernmental organisation of Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway and Switzerland.
• It was set up in 1960 by its then seven Member States for the promotion of free trade and economic integration between its members.
• Relations with the EEC, later the European Community (EC) and the European Union (EU), have been at the core of EFTA activities from the beginning.
• Since the beginning of the 1990s, EFTA has actively pursued trade relations with third countries in and beyond Europe.

SOURCE: https://www.thehindubusinessline.com/economy/india-efta-bloc-likely-to-sign-free-trade-pact-on-march-10/article67929955.ece

TAG: GS 3: SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

THE CONTEXT: In a significant development, the Union Cabinet has greenlit the IndiaAI Mission, a transformative initiative with a substantial budget of Rs 10,372 crore over the next five years.

EXPLANATION:

• The mission aims to address a critical gap in India’s AI ecosystem, focusing on computing hardware, startup support, and the creation of essential datasets.
• IndiaAI is knowledge portal, research organisation and an ecosystem building initiative. It stands to unite and promote collaborations with various entities in India’s AI ecosystem.
• The portal offers the latest and up-to-date information and analysis on AI as news and article, provides detailed information on the key ecosystem players, and provides insights into the global and Indian AI landscape.
• The mission aligns with the vision of “Making AI in India” and “Making AI Work for India.”
• Over 10,000 GPUs (graphics processing units) will be made available to stakeholders over the next 18-24 months to facilitate AI development

Addressing Computing Hardware Challenges:

• Private Sector Subsidies:
  • The approval signals the government’s intent to subsidize private companies venturing into AI computing. ‘
  • This move aims to encourage the establishment of data centers within the country, offering startups access to computing capacity for testing and building generative AI models, a benefit enjoyed by global counterparts like Perplexity AI in the United States.
• Compute Infrastructure Goals:
  • The IndiaAI Mission targets the establishment of a computing capacity exceeding 10,000 GPUs.
  • Emphasis will be on selecting the most advanced GPUs, crucial for building large AI systems.
  • The government plans to implement this through a public-private partnership model, with 50% viability gap funding, allowing private entities to add more compute capacity within the budget if prices decrease.

Supporting Deeptech Startups and Datasets:

• Financial Backing for Startups:
  • Rs 2,000 crore of the total outlay is allocated for financing deeptech startups at various growth stages.
  • This initiative aims to boost the growth of AI startups in the country.
• IndiaAI Datasets Platform:
  • The creation of an IndiaAI Datasets Platform is proposed to leverage non-personal datasets for AI innovation.
  • The platform will host “high-quality” AI-ready datasets, providing crucial resources for AI development.

Setting Up Innovation Research Centre:

• IndiaAI Innovation Research Centre:
  • With an earmarked budget of close to Rs 2,000 crore, the government plans to establish an Innovation Research Centre focused on developing and deploying large foundational models.
  • This includes support for BTech, Mtech, and PhD candidates, emphasizing AI research in premier educational institutions.

Alignment with Overall Policy:

• Comprehensive Strategy:
  • The IndiaAI Mission aligns with the government’s broader policy initiatives, following the recent approval of chip projects worth Rs 1.26 lakh crore.
  • The government is strategically investing in electronics manufacturing, considering it a key economic driver, and is willing to spend in the initial phase to kickstart production.
• European Parallel:
  • The strategy mirrors the European Union’s approach to enable access to hardware for startups, emphasizing the importance of hardware in building large-scale AI models.

AI Regulations and Safety Considerations:

• Global Legislative Landscape:
  • While India is making strides in AI infrastructure, questions arise regarding regulatory frameworks.
  • The IT Ministry’s recent advisory on generative AI deployment faced global criticism, highlighting the ongoing global debate on legislating AI, as witnessed in the EU’s AI Act and the US White House Executive Order on AI.
• AI Bill of Rights:
  • The US’s blueprint for an AI Bill of Rights offers a potential model for future AI regulation, emphasizing consumer empowerment and clear guidelines on AI adoption by law enforcement agencies.

SOURCE: https://indianexpress.com/article/explained/explained-sci-tech/india-ai-mission-union-cabinet-9202641/

TAG: GS 3: ECOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENT

THE CONTEXT: The Great Barrier Reef (GBR), a UNESCO World Heritage site, is facing a severe crisis as the Australian authorities confirm a widespread coral bleaching event.

EXPLANATION:

• The implications are dire, with experts noting the potential for a fourth global mass coral bleaching, driven by high ocean temperatures attributed to climate change.
• Aerial surveys jointly conducted by the Reef Authority and the Australian Institute of Marine Science (AIMS) reveal alarming statistics.
• Over two-thirds of the GBR Marine Park, spanning an area larger than Italy, is affected.
• The bleaching has spread across 300 inshore, midshelf, and offshore reefs, signaling a significant threat to the diverse ecosystem.
• Reef Authority Chief Scientist emphasizes that survey results align with patterns of prolonged heat stress during the summer.
• Shallow water coral bleaching is prevalent, and there are reports of corals already dying, particularly in the southern GBR.
• The alarming temperatures, with some coral sites reaching 29 degrees Celsius, the warmest in two decades has been highlighted.

Impact on Coral Reefs:

• The climate change poses a greater threat to the GBR and other global coral reef ecosystems.
• The current bleaching event follows a series of alarming incidents globally, with coral reefs reporting bleaching in the Northern Hemisphere due to rising sea surface temperatures accelerated by El Nino conditions.

Resilience and Recovery:

• While the GBR has shown resilience in the face of past coral bleaching events, there are concerns about the prolonged and intense nature of the current heat stress.
• Reef Authority Chief Scientist acknowledges the reef’s ability to recover from extreme events but warns that prolonged or intense heat may prove fatal to corals.

Historical Context:

• This marks the fifth coral bleaching event in the past eight years, following incidents in 1998, 2002, 2016, 2017, 2020, and 2022.
• The current situation is particularly alarming given its frequency and the Earth’s vulnerability to a potential fourth global mass coral bleaching event.
• The coral bleaching indicates a stress response, with recovery depending on the intensity and duration of heat stress.
• However, prolonged or intense heat poses a severe threat.
• Combining aerial and in-water surveys is essential to assess the severity and actual impact on deeper areas of the reef.

Global Context:

• The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) highlights the severity of the third global coral bleaching event between 2014 and 2017, the longest and most damaging on record.
• The Coral Reef Watch program issues a warning that the Earth is on the brink of a fourth global mass coral bleaching event, with reefs in the Indian, Pacific, and Atlantic oceans showing severe signs of bleaching.

Coral bleaching:

• When corals are stressed by changes in conditions such as temperature, light, or nutrients, they expel the symbiotic algae living in their tissues, causing them to turn completely white.

• Warmer water temperatures can result in coral bleaching.
• When water is too warm, corals will expel the algae (zooxanthellae) living in their tissues causing the coral to turn completely white.
• This is called coral bleaching. When a coral bleaches, it is not dead. Corals can survive a bleaching event, but they are under more stress and are subject to mortality.

SOURCE: https://www.downtoearth.org.in/news/environment/fourth-global-mass-coral-bleaching-great-barrier-reef-severely-affected-corals-seen-dying-94913

TAG: GS 3: ENVIRONMENT AND ECOLOGY

THE CONTEXT: The Blue Leaders High-Level Event on Biodiversity Beyond National Jurisdiction held in Belgium on March 7, 2024, emphasized the urgent need for nations to ratify the new treaty for the conservation and sustainable use of marine biological diversity in areas beyond national jurisdiction (BBNJ Treaty).

EXPLANATION:

• This treaty, formally adopted in May 2023, addresses critical issues such as pollution, climate change, and overfishing in the high seas, areas beyond 200 nautical miles from coastal countries’ exclusive economic zones.
• As of now, 88 countries have signed the BBNJ Treaty, with Chile and Palau being the only nations to ratify it.
• The treaty requires a minimum of 60 ratifications to enter into force.
• Despite the urgency expressed at the international level, concerns have been raised about potential delays, with comparisons drawn to the 12-year ratification process of the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Seas.
• India, while yet to sign the treaty, has demonstrated support for its entry into force and implementation.
• This commitment was underscored at the G20 New Delhi Leaders’ Declaration in September 2023.
• The nation’s stance suggests a recognition of the importance of international collaboration in addressing challenges related to the high seas.
• The Blue Leaders High-Level Event witnessed the participation of nations such as Belgium, Cape Verde, Greece, Monaco, Nigeria, Norway, and the United Kingdom.
• Such international gatherings play a crucial role in focusing political attention on the BBNJ Treaty, fostering momentum among countries, and encouraging swift ratification and implementation.

Treaty’s Objectives: Conservation, Equity, and Environmental Impact Assessments

• The BBNJ Treaty aims to significantly increase the percentage of protected areas in the high seas, addressing the current deficiency where only 1.44% is protected.
• Furthermore, the treaty outlines provisions for the equitable sharing of profits from marine genetic resources (MGR), crucial for applications in medicine and pharmaceuticals.
• Additionally, it establishes guidelines for conducting Environmental Impact Assessments (EIAs) for activities like carbon sequestration and deep-sea mining.

Challenges Post-Ratification: Operational Framework and Protection of Marine Life

• Even after ratification, countries face challenges in establishing the operational framework of the treaty.
• This includes determining the rules of procedure for bodies under the treaty, budget allocations, and the potential location of the Secretariat.
• Belgian Prime Minister has offered to host the BBNJ Secretariat in Brussels.

Timely High Seas Protection and the 2030 Target

• Achieving the global goal of protecting at least 30% of marine life by 2030, as agreed upon in the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework, heavily depends on the swift entry into force of the BBNJ Treaty in 2025.
• This ambitious target underscores the need for concerted efforts by all stakeholders to fast-track high seas protection.

The Role of Scientific Research and the EIA Process

• A critical aspect highlighted by experts is the role of scientific research in the BBNJ Treaty’s effectiveness.
• Concerns have been raised regarding the current Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) process, with arguments that it lacks strong scientific support.
• The call for a robust Scientific and Technical Body is emphasized to strengthen support for scientific research and ensure the treaty’s goals of conservation and sustainable use are met.

High Seas Treaty:

• In 1982, the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), was adopted, which delineated rules to govern the oceans and the use of its resources.
• However, there was no comprehensive legal framework that covered the high seas.
• As climate change and global warming emerged as global concerns, a need was felt for an international legal framework to protect oceans and marine life.
• The UNGA (United Nations General Assembly) decided in 2015 to develop a legally binding instrument within the framework of UNCLOS.
• Subsequently, the IGC was convened to frame a legal instrument on BBNJ.

SOURCE: https://www.downtoearth.org.in/news/environment/countries-hope-to-bring-bbnj-or-high-seas-treaty-into-force-by-2025-only-2-have-ratified-it-so-far-94909

THE CONTEXT: Recently, Congress has promised to enact a Right to Apprenticeship law, mandating private or public sector concerns to provide a one-year internship with part-government funding to any college degree/diploma holder on demand.

ISSUES:

• Bad idea of forcing legal entitlement: The idea of forcing companies to accept candidates seeking temporary employment as a legal entitlement amount is a bad idea. The decision to hire even if for only a year should be the employer’s liberty and not a government order. But the idea of the government subsidising an apprenticeship training system in private industry isn’t a bad one.
• Unnecessary cost to company: There is unnecessary cost attached to company in decision to engage in apprenticeship training. The potential employee’s capabilities aren’t fully known at the time of recruitment, which is often based on unreliable CVs or personal recommendations.
• Non-utilisation of employees during training: The employee does not contribute much to the firm’s revenues during the period of training, when they are still learning on the job. As, there is no certainty that the apprentice who has acquired the requisite skills will remain after the training period is over.
• Implications for MSMEs: These costs and uncertainties are higher for MSMEs (micro, small and medium enterprises), which can neither afford to hire people from top-notch educational institutions nor invest in training employees whom they cannot retain. This leads to a classical market failure where firms are deterred from hiring due to a lack of skilled workforce and their own reluctance to train those who may end up working elsewhere.

VARIOUS INITIATIVES TAKEN FOR SKILL DEVELOPMENT:

• SANKALP and STRIVE:Skills Acquisition and Knowledge Awareness for Livelihood Promotion (SANKALP) and Skill Strengthening for Industrial Value Enhancement (STRIVE) are outcome focused schemes marking shift in government’s implementation strategy in vocational education and training from inputs to results.
• Mandatory CSR (Corporate Social Responsibility) Expenditure in Skilling:Since the implementation of mandatory CSR spending under the Companies Act, 2013, corporations in India have invested over ₹100,000 crores in diverse social projects. Of these, about ₹6,877 crores were spent on skilling and livelihood enhancement projects. Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, Odisha, Karnataka, and Gujarat were the top five recipient States.
• TEJAS Initiative for Skilling:TEJAS (Training for Emirates Jobs and Skills), a Skill India International Project to train overseas India was launched at the Dubai Expo, 2020. The project aims at skilling, certification and overseas employment of Indians and creating pathways to enable the Indian workforce to get equipped for skill and market requirements in the UAE.
• National Apprenticeship Promotion Scheme (NAPS): National Apprenticeship Promotion Scheme aims to promote apprenticeship training in the country. It provides partial stipend support to the apprentices engaged under the Apprentice Act, 1961, undertaking capacity building of the apprenticeship ecosystem, and assistance to the stakeholders.

THE WAY FORWARD:

• Employment as key election issue: The opposition party’s effort to make jobs for the youth a key election campaign issue is a welcome step. This will force government to take certain steps and will bring them under obligations.
• Tapping demographic dividend: India has a huge ‘demographic dividend’ which means that it has a very high scope of providing skilled manpower to the labour market. Subsidised apprenticeship programme can contribute to developing skills, help country reap demographic dividend.
• Government should bear the cost: One way to avoid under-employment and under-provision of training at the workplace is for the government to bear part of the cost. For example, a government-financed workforce training programme incentivising companies, especially MSMEs, to hire is preferable to unemployment allowance schemes such as the Congress-ruled Karnataka’s recently rolled out Yuva Nidhi.
• Generate gainful employment: India has to generate gainful employment for its young labour force both a challenge and a demographic dividend-seizing opportunity.
• Skill development: Government need to impart skilling in the youth to make them employable. Those skills have to be imparted in schools, colleges and the workplace. The government can and should do more there, both by itself and partnering with the private sector.
• Collaborative approach: Skill development is the most essential aspect of the development of our country. This needs a coordinated effort from all stakeholders including Government agencies Industries, Educational and training institutes and Students, trainees and job seekers.

THE CONCLUSION:

Though apprenticeship programs are essential for developing competent and trained individuals. There is a need for emphasis on comprehensive evaluations, certification processes, and ongoing assessments that ensures that apprentices emerge not only with theoretical knowledge but also practical expertise. Through responsible practices, continuous improvement, and a collective dedication skill development becomes a transformative experience for both individuals and organisations alike.

UPSC PREVIOUS YEAR QUESTIONS

Q.1 “Demographic Dividend in India will remain only theoretical unless our manpower becomes more educated, aware, skilled and creative.” What measures have been taken by the government to enhance the capacity of our population to be more productive and employable? (2016)

Q.2 Skill acquisition for the youth of India is a prerequisite if it wants to tap into the demographic potential. In this context discuss the various initiatives taken for Skill Development. (2022)

MAINS PRACTICE QUESTION

Q.1 Analyse the significance and implication of subsidies apprenticeship programme for developing skill and in tapping the demographic dividend of the country. Suggest measures/initiatives that should be taken in this regard.

SOURCE: https://indianexpress.com/article/opinion/editorials/express-view-on-right-to-apprenticeship-law-training-ground-9203895/

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