(Newspapers, PIB and other important sources)

Prelim and Main

1. Sri Lanka to secure likely six year-moratorium on debt owed to India, Paris Club  READ MORE

2. India displayed ‘steadfast dedication’ to Palestine cause: Arab League ambassador READ MORE

3. Supreme Court stays IT Ministry’s notification establishing fact check unit under PIB to identify fake news READ MORE

4. SC forms expert panel to balance Bustard conservation with sustainable energy goals READ MORE

5. No microplastics: new rules queer the pitch for ‘biodegradable’ plastics READ MORE

6. SC dismisses applications to stay appointments of ECs Sukhbir Singh Sandhu, Gyanesh Kumar READ MORE

7. Kejriwal arrested: What is the Delhi excise policy case, and what is the Delhi CM accused of? READ MORE

8. World Forest Day 2024: Indian forests are losing their ability to absorb carbon dioxide due to climate change READ MORE

9. Kaziranga: Two new species identified READ MORE

Main

GS Paper- 1

1. Politics of positive discrimination for the idea of India READ MORE

2. Violence, homelessness, and women’s mental health READ MORE

3. Navigating the global waterscape, its challenges READ MORE

4. Governing interstate rivers in India: Need for federal consultation, clarity, and cooperation READ MORE

5. Safeguarding food security: The vital role of water READ MORE

GS Paper- 2

POLITY AND GOVERNANCE

1. Should judges accept official posts after retirement? READ MORE

2. That SC has to remind Ravi to follow the Constitution, underlines how much the guv’s office needs reining in READ MORE

3. Transparency is overrated in realpolitik in India READ MORE

4. Demographics and ELECTORAL Dynamics READ MORE

5. Waiting for the public distribution system to work READ MORE

6. A fait accompli on EC appointments READ MORE

SOCIAL ISSUES

1. Skill India Mission: Short Courses, No Employable Skills and a Lack of Jobs READ MORE

2. How Maharashtra’s amendment to the Right to Education Act will foster ghettoization READ MORE

INTERNATIONAL ISSUES

1. Why did Pakistan carry out airstrikes in Afghanistan? | Explained READ MORE

2. Water, an instrument to build world peace READ MORE

GS Paper- 3

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

1. Growth, well-being and distribution in the last decade – II READ MORE

2. Inequality in India: Job creation, tax reforms vital to arrest the slide READ MORE

3. The India Stack as a Potential Gateway to Global Economic Integration READ MORE

4. Assessing the Impact of Climate Change on Public Health and Nutrition Security READ MORE

ENVIRONMENT AND ECOLOGY

1. Strengthening water governance in the face of climate change READ MORE

SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

1. Water footprint of emerging technology: A need for concern? READ MORE

INTERNAL SECURITY

1. New capabilities: India and the Agni-V with MIRV READ MORE

2. Why India’s defence deals with the Global South matter READ MORE

DISASTER MANAGEMENT

1. Mitigating risks in infrastructure development READ MORE

GS Paper- 4

ETHICS EXAMPLES AND CASE STUDY

1. Did Abhijit Gangopadhyay’s actions uphold the judiciary’s dignity and help preserve people’s faith in it? READ MORE

2. India’s voters deserve a bond — of probity READ MORE

Questions for the MAIN exam

1. Water scarcity leads to the poor functioning of ecosystems, threatens food and water security, and, ultimately, affects peace. Discuss how the initiative ‘Water for Peace’ is an instrument to build world peace.

2. Strengthening institutional mechanisms and accommodating political sensitivities are key to finding a long-term solution for Interstate Water Disputes governance in India. Comment.

3. In recent years, the National Human Rights Commission of India has largely abdicated its role, but the institution cannot be given a free pass to continue to abuse its mandate by its partisan silence. Comment.

4. While amending the law pertaining to political funding, India needs to ensure that it doesn’t revert to the old system of cash receipts, which will allow the return of corruption and muscle power to public life. In the light of recent Supreme Court Judgement, critically analyse the statement.

5. Fostering inclusive and equitable growth is paramount in addressing the root causes of global instability and conflict. In this regard, the role of technology and innovation cannot be overlooked in shaping the future trajectory of global affairs. Comment.

6. At the heart of Mission Karmayogi lies a profound philosophical ethos inspired by the Bhagavad Gita, advocating for duty and action without attachment to outcomes. Comment.

7. In an era where the dynamics of governance and public service are evolving rapidly, India has embarked on an ambitious journey to transform its civil service with the launch of the Mission Karmayogi scheme. Discuss.

QUOTATIONS AND CAPTIONS

• Mutual tolerance is a necessity for all time and for all races.
• If a judge accepts a post-retirement appointment from the government, people are bound to doubt whether their judgments were delivered for extraneous reasons.
• The theme this year is ‘Water for Peace’ pointing to the need for better water security, sustainable agricultural production, and environmental integrity.
• Water scarcity leads to the poor functioning of ecosystems, threatens food and water security, and, ultimately, affects peace.
• In the context of climate change-related pressures, the world also needs to foster improved cooperation over water-sharing.
• The fight for political transparency is important for India’s institutions, but transparency is not the driving factor when it comes to political hegemony.
• The National Food Security Act 2013 intends to ensure food security for weaker sections and faces formidable challenges in rural areas.
• The displacement of populations, biodiversity loss, food insecurity on a global scale, and new health risks are obvious consequences of the climate changes taking place everywhere.
• Courts across the country had to remind the ED that it could not go on expeditions in search of crime. It’s time courts stood their ground and stopped the abuse of PMLA.
• With the increasing prevalence of emerging technologies, there arises a necessity for deeper scrutiny of their water footprint.
• Strengthening institutional mechanisms and accommodating political sensitivities are key to finding a long-term solution for Interstate Water Disputes governance in India.
• A collective will to integrate climate resilience into urban water governance and embrace innovative management strategies is imperative to secure continuous, clean water for all.
• As water scarcity intensifies, its ripple effects cascade through food systems, directly impacting agricultural productivity and food security.

ESSAY TOPIC

• Mutual tolerance is a necessity for all time and for all races.

50-WORD TALK

• Lancet study’s finding that India’s fertility rate has fallen below replacement levels foreshadows a demographic disaster. India’s per capita income is just $2,600, and population is already ageing. Elder care will increasingly become government’s unaffordable responsibility. This should end the loaded talk of population explosion and policies to control it.
• Zomato’s new plan for a pure vegetarian fleet is tone-deaf. It shows start-up founders come up with ideas without understanding their social realities, fallout. Adding ‘pure’ prefix to vegetarianism is loaded. Segregation measures reflect a mindset. How are tech start-ups any different from RWAs who issue notices against non-vegetarian residents?

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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TAG: GS 2: POLITY

THE CONTEXT: The announcement of the launch of the BhashaNet portal by the National Internet Exchange of India (NIXI) and the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) marks a significant step towards digital inclusion and Universal Acceptance (UA) in India.

EXPLANATION:

• This initiative underscores the joint commitment of NIXI and MeitY to promote UA readiness and ensure linguistic diversity in the digital space.

Key Highlights

Purpose of BhashaNet Portal Launch:

• The launch of the BhashaNet portal is scheduled to coincide with Universal Acceptance Day on March 21, 2024.
• The portal aims to facilitate digital inclusion by ensuring that individuals from diverse linguistic backgrounds can participate fully in the digital world.

Collaborative Efforts:

• The event signifies the second collaboration between NIXI and MeitY, reflecting their shared dedication to advancing digital inclusion initiatives.
• Notably, support from the Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN) and the Internet Governance division of MeitY underscores the importance of UA Day.

Event Theme and Objectives:

• The theme, “BhashaNet: Impetus Towards Universal Acceptance,” highlights NIXI’s commitment to bridging linguistic divides and promoting UA readiness.
• The event aims to mobilize stakeholders and raise awareness about the significance of UA in today’s digital landscape.
• Key sessions, including keynote addresses, panel discussions, and technical workshops, will focus on strategies to achieve widespread acceptance.
• Secretary MeitY, Government of India, will serve as the Chief Guest, emphasizing the government’s support for digital inclusivity.
• Joint Secretary MeitY, Government of India, will also grace the event, highlighting the government’s commitment to UA initiatives.
• CEO of NIXI expressed enthusiasm about the event, emphasizing the importance of universal acceptance in promoting digital inclusivity.
• He underscored UA Day as a platform to bridge linguistic barriers and ensure every individual’s participation in the digital sphere.

About NIXI:

• Set up on 19th June 2003, the National Internet Exchange of India is a not-for-profit (Section 8) company under the aegis of MeitY and is tasked to increase internet penetration and adoption in India by facilitating the various infrastructure aspects to enable the internet ecosystem to be managed and used by the masses.
• The four services which come under the NIXI are setting IXPs, towards building Internet Exchange Points, .IN Registry towards building the .in domain digital identity, IRINN towards IPv4 and IPv6 addresses adoption and Data Centre services under NIXI-CSC towards data storage services.

SOURCE: https://pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2015678

TAG: GS 3: ECONOMY

THE CONTEXT: The findings from the paper released by the World Inequality Lab shed light on the alarming levels of income and wealth inequality in India.

EXPLANATION:

• The study reveals a historical high in the concentration of wealth and income among the top 1% of earners, surpassing even global benchmarks.
• It emphasizes the need for comprehensive tax reform and broad-based public investments to address this disparity.

Key Insights from the Paper

• Historical Highs in Income and Wealth Shares:
  • By 2022-23, the top 1% income share in India reached 22.6%, while the top 1% wealth share rose to 40.1%, marking historical highs.
  • These levels of inequality place India among the top-ranking countries globally, surpassing even South Africa, Brazil, and the US in income concentration.

• Wealth Concentration within the Top 1%:
  • Wealth concentration within the top 1% is staggering, with 39.5% of the nation’s wealth held by this elite group.
  • Within this top 1%, significant disparities exist, with a substantial portion of wealth (29 percentage points) held by the top 0.1%.

• Decline in Inequality Post-Independence:
  • The paper notes a decline in inequality post-independence until the early 1980s, followed by a steady rise, particularly since the early 2000s.
  • The rise in inequality has been particularly pronounced in terms of wealth concentration since 2014-15.
• Impact on Bottom 50% and Middle 40%:
  • The rise in top-end inequality has come at the expense of the bottom 50% and middle 40%, whose share of national income has dwindled over the years.
  • Despite economic growth, these segments have seen stagnating or declining income shares, reflecting a skewed distribution of economic gains.

• Regressive Tax System:
  • The paper suggests evidence that the Indian tax system may be regressive when viewed from the lens of net wealth, exacerbating income and wealth disparities.
  • It calls for a restructuring of the tax code to address both income and wealth inequality, proposing a “super tax” on the net wealth of the wealthiest families.
• Need for Public Investments:
  • To counteract inequality and ensure broader benefits from globalization, the paper emphasizes the necessity of broad-based public investments in health, education, and nutrition.
  • It argues that such investments not only address inequality but also create valuable fiscal space for social welfare programs.

SOURCE: https://indianexpress.com/article/business/india-top-income-wealth-shares-reached-historical-high-world-inequality-lab-south-africa-us-brazil-9223950/

TAG: GS 2: POLITY

THE CONTEXT: The recent notification by the Centre designating the Press Information Bureau (PIB) as the official fact checker for online content pertaining to the government marks a significant development in the realm of fact-checking and online information dissemination.

EXPLANATION:

• This move, made under the IT Rules of 2021 by the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology, aims to ensure accuracy and combat misinformation related to the central government’s business.

Key Points from the Notification

• Designation of PIB as Fact Check Unit:
  • The central government formally notifies the Fact Check Unit under the Press Information Bureau of the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting as the official fact check unit of the Central Government.
  • This unit is tasked with verifying the accuracy of online content related to the government’s business.
  • Under the new rules, if the fact check unit comes across or is informed about any posts that are “fake”, “false” or contain “misleading” facts pertaining to the business of the government, it would flag it to the social media intermediaries.
  • The online intermediaries would then have to take down such content if they wanted to retain their “safe harbour” (legal immunity against third-party content).
  • The fact check unit under PIB was established in November 2019 with a stated objective of acting as a deterrent to creators and disseminators of fake news and misinformation.
  • The unit is mandated to counter misinformation on government policies, initiatives and schemes either suo motu or under a reference via complaints.
• Purpose and Scope:
  • The Fact Check Unit, as the nodal agency, is responsible for monitoring and alerting about fake news or misinformation concerning the central government.
  • Its establishment underscores the government’s commitment to combatting misinformation in online spaces.
• Legal Framework:
  • The notification aligns with the IT Rules of 2021, which empower the fact check unit to flag fake, false, or misleading content related to the government’s business to social media intermediaries.
  • Intermediaries are then required to take down such content to maintain their legal immunity.

Context and Implications

• Legal Challenges:
  • The notification follows the Bombay High Court’s recent decision to decline restraining the Centre from notifying the unit.
  • However, stand-up comedian Kunal Kamra and the Editors Guild of India have petitioned the Supreme Court against this verdict, highlighting the legal debates surrounding online content regulation.
• Enforcement Mechanisms:
  • Under the new rules, the fact check unit plays a pivotal role in ensuring compliance with content regulations by social media intermediaries.
  • Its identification of misinformation prompts intermediaries to take action, contributing to a more accountable online environment.
• Establishment and Objectives:
  • The fact check unit, established in November 2019, aims to deter the spread of fake news and misinformation.
  • It serves as a platform for reporting suspicious information related to the Government of India and actively counters disinformation campaigns targeting government policies and initiatives.

SOURCE: https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/centre-notifies-pib-as-official-fact-checker-for-online-content-5277874

TAG: GS 3: ECOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENT

THE CONTEXT: In the 2023 World Air Quality Report by IQAir, India emerged as the third most polluted country globally, following Bangladesh and Pakistan.

EXPLANATION:

• The report highlights the severity of India’s air pollution crisis, particularly focusing on fine particulate matter (PM2.5) concentrations, which exceed the World Health Organization’s guidelines by over 10 times.

Regional Comparison and Geographic Trends

• Despite geopolitical differences, India, Pakistan, and Bangladesh share the common challenge of high levels of air pollution.
• These countries are united in facing significant environmental and public health threats due to poor air quality.
• While India didn’t clinch the top spot in the country-wise pollution ranking, it secured various other alarming distinctions.
• New Delhi emerged as the most polluted capital globally, with PM2.5 concentrations far exceeding WHO limits.
• Additionally, India claimed nine out of the ten most polluted cities worldwide.

Key Findings from the Report

• Begusarai in Bihar, India, stood out as the most polluted metropolitan area globally in 2023, followed closely by Guwahati in northeast India and New Delhi.
• These areas recorded alarming PM2.5 concentrations, posing severe health risks to their populations.
• 5, being the most potent air pollutant, can lead to a range of diseases, including fatal ones, as the particles can travel through the bloodstream to affect various organs.
• Despite the expanding scope of air quality monitoring, Africa remains significantly underrepresented, with one-third of its population lacking access to air quality data.
• This gap hampers decisive action and perpetuates unnecessary human suffering.

Implications for Climate Change and Public Health

• The report emphasizes the link between air pollution and climate change.
• Climate change exacerbates air quality issues, intensifying extreme weather events, wildfires, and allergic airway diseases.
• The pressing environmental challenges highlighted by the report pose significant health risks to India’s vast population, particularly those living in highly polluted areas.
• There’s a need for urgent action to address air pollution and its disproportionate impact on vulnerable communities.

Calls to Action and Recommendations

• Urgent measures are needed to move beyond fossil fuels and invest in clean energy generation.
• The agreement reached during the COP28 to shift away from fossil fuels signals a global recognition of the need for action.
• Cities must prioritize sustainable transport solutions to reduce vehicular emissions, a major contributor to air pollution.
• This includes phasing out diesel, gas, and petrol cars and promoting renewable-energy-powered public transport.
• India’s national ambient air quality standards need updating to align with WHO guidelines.
• Outdated standards delay effective action against air pollution and fail to protect public health adequately.

Swiss organization IQAir and Air Quality Report:

• IQAir is a Swiss air quality technology company, specializing in protection against airborne pollutants, developing air quality monitoring and air cleaning products.
• IQAir also operates AirVisual, a real-time air quality information platform.
• prepares the annual world air quality reports based on data from monitoring stations operated by governments and other institutions and organisations across the world.
• The report includes 7,812 locations in 134 countries, regions and territories.
• India had the third-worst air quality out of 134 countries in 2023 after Bangladesh and Pakistan.
• 5 Concentration – India (54.4 micrograms per cubic metre), Bangladesh (79.9 micrograms per cubic metre) and Pakistan (73.7 micrograms per cubic metre).
• In 2022, India was ranked as the eighth most polluted country with an average PM2.5 concentration of 53.3 micrograms per cubic metre.

SOURCE: https://www.downtoearth.org.in/news/pollution/india-was-third-most-polluted-country-globally-in-2023-right-behind-top-ranking-bangladesh-and-pakistan-95134

TAG: GS 3: ECOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENT

THE CONTEXT: Lianas, woody vining plants that thrive in disturbed forest areas, have emerged as an unexpected menace to Earth’s carbon sinks.

EXPLANATION:

• Their competitive nature for sunlight in the forest canopy suppresses trees, which are major carbon sinks, thereby diminishing the forest’s capacity to sequester carbon.
• The implications of liana dominance for global warming and carbon cycles has been emphasizes.

Factors Driving Liana Dominance Over Trees

• Lianas exhibit higher competitive success over trees in disturbed forest areas, such as those affected by logging or natural treefalls.
• Forests recovering from disturbances lack structural support for tree growth, favoring liana proliferation.
• Warmer temperatures, lower precipitation, and tropical lowlands provide favorable conditions for lianas.
• They are more resilient to climatic stress and can efficiently utilize water and nutrients, giving them a competitive advantage over trees.
• Topography influences sunlight availability and soil moisture levels, further favoring lianas.

Impacts of Liana Dominance on Forest Ecosystems

• Liana proliferation can lead to decreased tree regeneration, growth, and survival, altering forest structure and ecosystem function.
• This affects the subsequent recovery of forests following disturbances.
• Lianas alter nutrient cycling within forests, decreasing overall ecosystem resilience to environmental changes and making ecosystems more susceptible to further disturbances.

Implications for Carbon Sequestration and Global Warming

• Lianas store less carbon than trees, and their dominance diminishes the forest’s capacity to sequester carbon.
• Slower forest recovery following disturbance, due to liana competition, means less carbon being sequestered by the forest.
• The reduction in the effectiveness of forests as carbon sinks exacerbates global warming, altering global carbon cycles.
• Slower forest recovery contributes to increased atmospheric carbon dioxide levels.

Balancing Lianas and Trees for Ecosystem Health

• The goal should not be to eliminate lianas from forests but to maintain a balance between lianas and trees that allows for both forest recovery and biodiversity conservation.
• Forest managers and conservation agencies can use these findings to prioritize restoration efforts, particularly in regions vulnerable to liana dominance like the Amazon, the Congo Basin, and the Borneo-Mekong Forest Basin.

Liana:

• A liana is a long-stemmed, woody vine that is rooted in the soil at ground level and uses trees, as well as other means of vertical support, to climb up to the canopy in search of direct sunlight.
• The word liana does not refer to a taxonomic grouping, but rather a habit of plant growth – much like tree or shrub.
• It comes from standard French liane, itself from an Antilles French dialect word meaning to sheave.

SOURCE: https://www.downtoearth.org.in/interviews/forests/-lianas-threaten-earth-s-carbon-sinks–95139

THE CONTEXT: Recently, the World Happiness Report, 2024 was released noting that while the top 10 countries in the list have remained the same since before the Covid-19 pandemic. India was ranked 126th out of 143 nations in a global happiness index which noted that older age is associated with higher life satisfaction compared to younger ones in the world’s most populous country.

WHAT IS WORLD HAPPINESS REPORT?

• The World Happiness Report is a partnership of Gallup, the Oxford Wellbeing Research Centre, the UN Sustainable Development Solutions Network, and the WHR’s Editorial Board.
• The World Happiness Report reflects a worldwide demand for more attention to happiness and well-being as criteria for government policy.
• It reviews the state of happiness in the world today and shows how the science of happiness explains personal and national variations in happiness.
• The ranking uses six key factors to measure happiness i.e social support, income, health, freedom, generosity, and absence of corruption.
• Since 2012, the World Happiness Report has been released annually around March 20th as part of the International Day of Happiness celebration.

FINDINGS OF WORLD HAPPINESS REPORT, 2024

• Nordic nations continue to dominate the top rankings, with Denmark, Iceland, and Sweden following closely behind Finland.
• Out of the 143 countries surveyed, Afghanistan remained at the bottom of the list, facing ongoing humanitarian crises since the Taliban regained power in 2020.
• The United States and Germany, after more than a decade, have fallen below the top 20 happiest nations, securing the 23rd and 24th positions respectively. Costa Rica and Kuwait have entered the top 20, claiming the 12th and 13th spots.
• Only the Netherlands and Australia, both with populations exceeding 15 million, are present in the top 10, while Canada and the UK, with populations over 30 million, are found in the top 20.
• The ranking of happiness is determined by individuals’ self-assessed evaluations of life satisfaction, along with factors such as GDP per capita, social support, healthy life expectancy, freedom, generosity, and corruption.
• The report underscores a change wherein the happiest countries no longer include any of the world’s most populous nations.

INDIA SPECIFIC FINDINGS:

• India ranked 126, the same as 2023 in the happiness index. Factors such as marital status, social engagement, and physical health also influence life satisfaction among older Indians.
• Satisfaction with living arrangements emerges as a critical factor, reflecting the strong desire among older Indians to age in place and maintain autonomy and social bonds.
• This study challenges the notion that age-related satisfaction is exclusive to high-income nations and underscores the importance of considering diverse factors affecting life satisfaction among older adults in India.
• India’s older population ranks second globally, with 140 million individuals aged 60 and above, trailing only China.
• The growth rate of this demographic surpasses three times the country’s overall population growth rate. While this demographic shift signifies social and economic advancement, comprehending the factors that impact the quality of life in old age remains essential.
• Life satisfaction among older adults in India shows an interesting trend, contradicting the notion that age-related satisfaction is only prominent in high-income nations.
• Education level and social caste exert notable influence, as individuals with higher education and from elevated social castes tend to report higher life satisfaction.
• Furthermore, adjustment with living arrangements, perceived discrimination, and self-assessed health status emerged as key indicators of life satisfaction among older Indians.

ANALYSIS OF THE REPORT:

• Aristotle theory: There is a common-sense understanding that age is inversely proportional to happiness as cares and responsibilities mount as death draws ever closer joy diminishes. Aristotle disagreed with this common sense and thought that a good life, was a function of, among other things, wealth and virtue things that take a while to acquire. The latest World Happiness Report is closer to Aristotle’s conception.
• Contradiction of west with other countries: Countries in the West the US, UK, Australia, among others have seen a sharp increase in despair among young people. Economic uncertainty, social media are some of the likely reasons for this. In much of the rest of the world, however, the trend is the opposite young people are, by and large, happier.
• India specific: Unlike most other lower middle income and middle income countries, especially those with a large young population, the old in India are happier. Among the elderly, it is upper-caste men with higher education qualifications who feel the happiest, most optimistic and included. The data shows caste, gender and class determine social well-being and a psychological sense of security.
• Economic-Centric Development: The challenge lies in shifting the development narrative from an economic-centric model to one that prioritizes happiness and well-being.
• Social Disruption: The current economic-focused development model may lead to social disruption, imbalances, and contradictions.
• Disregard for Social Indicators: The conventional focus on GDP fails to consider crucial social indicators, neglecting human and social aspects of development.

THE WAY FORWARD

• Learning from International example: Nordic countries consistently perform well in the World Happiness Report due to their strong government traits, including effective financial management, service delivery, rule of law. India needs to prioritize citizen welfare, contributing to their higher levels of happiness similar to these Nordic countries.
• Prioritize social welfare alongside economic growth: There is a need to foster environmental sustainability and conservation efforts. Ensuring access to quality education and healthcare for all and addressing social inequalities and discrimination can be implemented to promote community engagement and social cohesion.
• Personal Achievement: Completing a long-term goal, like graduating from university, can bring a profound sense of happiness and accomplishment to an individual. Spending a relaxing day with family or friends, and engaging in activities you enjoy together, can foster happiness through social connections.
• Social Support Systems: Societies that prioritize community support networks, such as accessible healthcare, education, and social welfare programs, contribute to the overall happiness and well-being of their citizens.

THE CONCLUSION:

The pursuit of happiness is intertwined with sustainable development, combining social inclusion and environmental preservation. India must adopt a holistic approach encompassing economic, social, and political dimensions to achieve genuine progress and enhance overall happiness, prioritizing not just economic growth but also social welfare and good governance.

UPSC PREVIOUS YEAR QUESTION

Q.1 “Access to affordable, reliable, sustainable and modern energy is the sine qua non to achieve Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)”. Comment on the progress made in India in this regard. (2018)

MAINS PRACTICE QUESTION

Q.1 The conventional focus on an economic-centric model fails to consider crucial social indicators, neglecting human and social aspects of development. Comment.

Source: https://indianexpress.com/article/opinion/editorials/express-view-on-indias-unhappy-genz-young-and-listless-9225452/

THE CONTEXT: The Electoral Bond Scheme (EBS) aimed to create a transparent channel for political funding by eliminating black money. However, the scheme has been criticized for failing to ensure transparency and enabling unaccounted funds due to anonymity. The Supreme Court’s observations and controversies highlight the challenges in achieving its objectives.

ISSUES:

• Ambiguity and Lack of Transparency: Despite the intention to create a ‘clean’ channel for political funding, the EBS has been criticized for its lack of transparency. The scheme allows donors to remain anonymous, raising questions about the true source of political donations and whether it effectively prevents the flow of black money into politics.
• Enforceability and Accountability Concerns: The scheme’s design makes it difficult to investigate the sources of funds used to purchase electoral bonds. A confidentiality clause prevents the disclosure of the buyer’s identity, except under specific conditions, which complicates the enforcement of laws against illegal funding and accountability of political donations.
• Potential for Misuse: There are concerns that the scheme may not have stopped the use of black money in politics, as intended. The anonymity provided to donors could potentially facilitate a quid pro quo arrangement between donors and political parties, without any easy means to trace or investigate such dealings.
• Legal and Regulatory Objections: The Supreme Court and the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) have raised concerns about the scheme. The RBI’s initial objections led to an amendment in its act, highlighting regulatory apprehensions about the scheme’s impact on financial transparency and governance.
• Uneven Playing Field for Political Donors and Parties: The scheme may create disparities among political donors and parties. Donors who contribute to the ruling party might face allegations of quid pro quo, while those who do not could suffer adverse consequences. This situation could lead to an uneven competitive landscape in political funding and campaigning.
• Public Debate and Legislative Responsibility: The resolution of these issues should not solely rely on judicial intervention but requires a consultative process involving Parliament. It calls for a more transparent and accountable system of political funding that avoids the pitfalls of the EBS and ensures a level playing field for all political entities.

THE WAY FORWARD:

• Enhanced Transparency and Accountability: The political funding needs to be truly clean, there needs to be a system in place that ensures transparency and accountability. This could involve revising the EBS to make the sources of political donations more transparent, ensuring that the public and regulatory bodies can scrutinize the origins of political funds. Sweden and Canada have been successful in reducing the influence of private donations on political parties through generous public subsidies, which far exceed private donations. This success is attributed to strong disclosure laws, strict monitoring of electoral expenses, and tax incentives for smaller contributions.
• Legislative and Regulatory Reforms: The issues with the EBS cannot be resolved solely through judicial intervention but require legislative action. Parliament is called upon to engage in a consultative process to find a more effective solution for political funding. This could involve crafting laws and policies in a transparent manner, with input from various stakeholders, to address the complexities of political funding. The UK’s experience with the significant rise in spending by groups other than the main campaigns in the 2016 referendum suggests that there may be a case for tighter restrictions on the volume of third-party activity to protect the primacy of political parties and candidates.
• Public Debate and Engagement: A significant part of the solution involves fostering a public debate on the issue of political funding. There is an unprecedented need for political parties and the public to engage in discussions about the importance of clean money in politics. This could help build consensus on the need for reforms and the direction those reforms should take.
• Seeking Alternatives to the EBS: The apex court is criticized for not suggesting alternative methods of political funding that could be less problematic than the EBS. It implies that finding a reasonable way forward requires exploring other models of political funding that prioritize transparency and reduce the risk of corruption. This could involve looking at successful models from other democracies or innovating new methods that suit the Indian context. Japan and Germany have managed to reduce the costs of elections and dependency on private business through a mix of supporting reforms, including bans on corporate donations, imposing spending ceilings, and improving transparency, along with public funding.
• Commitment to Clean Funding by Political Parties: Ultimately political parties themselves need to be committed to accepting only clean money. This involves a cultural shift within parties to prioritize ethical funding practices and reject funds that do not meet transparency standards. Political parties are encouraged to lead by example and demonstrate their commitment to clean politics.
• Voter Awareness and Demand for Probity: Vigilant voters ought to demand higher standards of probity from their political parties. Voters deserve better and should not settle for explanations that justify the status quo. By demanding transparency and accountability, voters can play a crucial role in pushing for reforms in political funding. International organizations like the Open Government Partnership and International IDEA advocate for increasing political finance transparency as part of the global anti-corruption agenda.

THE CONCLUSION:

Parliament should involve all stakeholders in addressing the drawbacks of EBS and creating a more transparent and fair system for political funding. It requires collective efforts from lawmakers, political parties, and civil society to reform the current system and ensure that political funding does not compromise the democratic values of fairness and integrity.

UPSC PAST YEAR QUESTIONS:

Q.1 To enhance the quality of democracy in India the Election Commission of India has proposed electoral reforms in 2016. What are the suggested reforms and how far are they significant to make democracy successful? 2017

Q.2 What does ‘accountability’ mean in the context of public service? What measures can be adopted to ensure individual and collective accountability of public servants? 2014

MAINS PRACTICE QUESTION:

Q.1 ‘’Transparency in political funding is required for good governance”. Explain.

SOURCE: https://www.thehindu.com/opinion/lead/indias-voters-deserve-a-bond-of-probity/article67973238.ece

THE CONTEXT: The Indian Ocean region faces many traditional and non-traditional safety and security challenges and is vulnerable to criminals and anti-national activities. While the Indian government’s focus from January 2021 was fixed on the Indo-Pacific with a sustained endeavour to strengthen the Quad, policy attention has shifted back to the Indian Ocean since October 2023.

THE POLICY SHIFT

• Indian ocean active again: Both the Western Indian Ocean littered with island nations and the Northern Indian Ocean stretching from the Arabian Sea to the Suez have become active geographies again
• Issue in transit through suez canal: The gradual regionalisation of the Israel-Hamas conflict, as reflected in the attacks by Houthi rebels on international shipping, has now led to a massive drop in transits through the Suez Canal. The diversion of ships to the longer route around the Cape of Good Hope adversely affects all nations in the region.

Countries stance:

• Maldives: Maldives, with Mohamed Muizzu as President, seems to be at loggerheads with India. Despite India’s diplomatic tact, madives continues to deepen its ties with China.
• Sri Lanka: Sri Lanka showed greater sensitivity to India’s security concerns by imposing a year-long moratorium on foreign research ships, including Chinese ones, to its ports.
• Mauritius: Recently, India’s SAGAR policy produced a valuable outcome as the Prime Ministers of India and Mauritius inaugurated a new airstrip and a jetty in the Agalega Islands, boosting Mauritius’s capability to curb illegal activities in its vast Extended Economic Zone.

CHINA’S ANGLE

• Objective of dominance: The new chain of developments is set to expand the Chinese Navy’s footprint in the region and to attain its broad objective of dominance. With the Maldives as a willing partner, China announced a new agreement under which unspecified military assistance would be extended to Maldives.
• China-India contestation: The strategic contestation between China and India is intensifying. Much of China’s trade and energy supplies pass through the region, so its case for security for its supply routes cannot be dismissed. But China’s strategic intent to create an adverse environment for India’s security by turning the country’s neighbours against India is worrisome.
• Alignment of countries towards China: A clear pattern is emerging behind China’s quest for naval bases in Djibouti, Kyaukphyu, Gwadar, and Hambantota. This, combined with the nearly four-year-old border standoff, which has defied a diplomatic resolution, has meant the two nations continue to confront each other as adversaries. Each of these players seeks closer economic and security cooperation with India, and incremental progress is taking place. But they display a ‘studied ambiguity’ when it comes to interpreting China’s behaviour and the long-term motivations driving it.

OTHER MAJOR ISSUES IN INDIAN OCEAN REGION

• Geopolitical Competition: Indian Ocean region is a hotspot for geopolitical competition among major powers and regional actors. The competition involves strategic interests, influence, and access to resources, leading to tensions and potential conflicts. The Indian Ocean occupies a central position because of presence of key chokepoints such as the Strait of Hormuz, the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, and the Malacca Strait which further enhances its strategic significance.
• Maritime Security Threats: The region is vulnerable to various maritime security threats, including piracy, smuggling, illegal fishing, and terrorism. The vastness of the Indian Ocean makes it challenging to monitor and secure its maritime domain effectively.
• Environmental Challenges: Climate change, rising sea levels, coral reef degradation, and marine pollution are significant environmental challenges in the region. These issues affect coastal communities, marine ecosystems, and the livelihoods of millions of people.

THE WAY FORWARD:

• Indo Pacific: India and the U.S. are key stakeholders in the Indo-Pacific region. The Indo-Pacific strategy covers both the Pacific and Indian Oceans, but when danger deepens, the immediate neighbourhood matters more than distant shores.
• International Cooperation: International cooperation is needed to address the strategic competition with China. Collaboration in underwater domain awareness has been identified as a key goal in dealing with the “emerging” threats.
• Global leaders: Geographic proximity to the region demands that the global leaders as UK, EU takes clear approach on China’s activities. While they are concerned about China’s illegal claims in the South China Sea, they must see that a similar kind of assertiveness and hostile intent is building up in the Indian Ocean too.
• India’s stand: India needs to convey a clear message to its strategic partners that while it is conscious of its Indo-Pacific responsibilities, it prioritises the Indian Ocean region.
• Critical audit of IORA and CSC: A critical audit of the Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA) and the Colombo Security Conclave (CSC) is needed. While IORA is underperforming and has become too complicated to be effective, the CSC faces the danger of losing a key member, the Maldives, if the island nation’s partnership with China deepens.
• Mechanism for blue economy: India should encourage the creation of a new mechanism with the objective of enhancing maritime security and optimising the potential for the Blue Economy. This group could comprise four nations from the neighbourhood (India, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, and Myanmar) and four island states (Mauritius, Seychelles, Comoros, and Madagascar). The ninth seat may be kept for the Maldives if it adopts a sensible policy. This group can be named the ‘Indian Ocean Cooperation Organisation.’
• Strengthening Navy: Foreign Affairs Insights & Review ranked the Indian Navy the seventh most powerful in the world. As India aims to become the third largest economy, it should find new budgetary resources for its Navy to make it the third or fourth strongest.

THE CONCLUSION:

As, both the Western Indian Ocean and the Northern Indian Ocean have become active geographies again. There is a need for sustained international cooperation to enhance maritime security in the region. A rule based approach is needed for freedom of navigation, the sustainable exploitation of maritime resources, and the peaceful resolution of disputes.

UPSC PREVIOUS YEAR QUESTIONS

Q.1 Discuss the major challenges for India in framing a credible Maritime Doctrine.(2021)

Q.2 As a rising China projects its economic and military power into the Indian Ocean, any strategy for regional balance by the government in India would necessarily involve the economic and military development of the Andaman & Nicobar Islands. Examine. (2019)

MAINS PRACTICE QUESTIONS

Q.1 Discuss the strategic importance of Indian Ocean with respect to recent policy shifts in the region. How can India respond to the debate by endorsing a multiple stakeholder approach to enhancing maritime security in the region.

Q.2 Securing Indian Ocean Region is of central importance to enhancing maritime security of the region. Comment.

SOURCE: https://www.thehindu.com/opinion/op-ed/all-eyes-are-now-on-the-indian-ocean-region/article67964873.ece

THE CONTEXT: India’s Supreme Court has ordered all states and Union Territories to issue ration cards to 80 million migrant and unorganized workers who are excluded from the food security network. These workers were previously registered on the eShram portal but lacked ration cards, which deprived them of essential food grains under the NFSA. The court has criticized the central and state governments for their failure to comply with previous orders and for causing unnecessary delays through bureaucratic procedures like eKYC updates.

ISSUES:

• Lack of Ration Cards for Migrant and Unorganized Workers: The Supreme Court noted that around 80 million migrant and unorganized workers registered on the eShram portal do not possess ration cards. This means these workers are unable to avail themselves of the benefits of monthly food grains under the National Food Security Act (NFSA). The court has now directed all states and Union Territories to issue ration cards to these 80 million workers within the next 2 months.
• Impediments in Issuing Ration Cards: The court noted that unnecessary delays were being caused by putting in impediments such as requiring eKYC of all 800 million ration cardholders to be updated before issuing new cards. The court directed that the eKYC exercise can happen contemporaneously and must not come in the way of issuing ration cards.
• Outdated Census Data and Quota Limitations: The coverage of persons getting rations under the NFSA is based on the 2011 census, even though the population has increased since then. This has led to the exclusion of more than 100 million people from the food security net. Most states have exhausted their quotas of ration card beneficiaries under the NFSA and are thus unable to issue new cards. The court ordered that states/UTs shall issue ration cards to the additional 80 million people and not be bound by the quotas defined in the NFSA.
• Ineffective Government Schemes: Experts noted that neither the One Nation, One Ration Card scheme nor the eShram portal have been able to effectively address the problems faced by migrant workers in accessing food rations. Many migrant workers remain excluded and unable to claim food grains or even vote. The eShram portal has also failed to capture segregated data about migrant workers.

THE WAY FORWARD:

• Policy Framework for Inclusion of Internal Migrant Workers: Ensure access to housing, nutrition, sanitation, healthcare, and legal aid for migrants, especially in migrant-dense clusters. Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) Interventions and plan emergency responses with a focus on the vulnerabilities of migrant workers.
• Continuation of Education and Prevention of Child Labour: Link access to education and childcare with basic urban provisioning for migrant workers. Interstate collaborations should be established to ensure smooth transition of children between schools. Employers with a large migrant workforce must invest in basic housing and WASH infrastructure and uphold safety standards at worksites.
• Improvements to the One Nation One Ration Card (ONORC) Scheme: Extend community kitchens and dry ration provision to all migrant workers across India. The ONORC scheme aims to reduce class and caste discrimination by providing essential commodities to every needy citizen, thus enabling the ‘Right to Food’.
• NITI Aayog’s Draft National Policy on Migrant Workers: Coordinate between Ministries, states, and local departments to implement programs for migrants. Create a special unit within the Ministry of Labour and Employment to help converge activities of other Ministries.
• Migration Resource Centres: Manage migration resource centres in high migration zones and establish inter-state migration management bodies. Maintain a central database to help employers fill the gap between demand and supply of labor. Ensure consistent definitions of migrants and incorporate migrant-specific variables in existing surveys.
• Legal and Governance Measures: Amend the Inter State Migrant Workers Act, 1979, for effective utilization to protect migrants. This includes covering independent migrants not migrating through a contractor. Ensure that ration cards are issued to 80 million unorganized and migrant workers within 2 months, irrespective of the quotas defined in the National Food Security Act (NFSA).

THE CONCLUSION:

The Supreme Court’s directive to issue ration cards to 80 million migrant and unorganized workers is a significant step toward social justice. The court has emphasized the need for immediate action and highlighted the urgency of addressing bureaucratic impediments in fulfilling fundamental human rights. This move is expected to pave the way for more inclusive policies that recognize and address the challenges migrant workers face in India.

UPSC PAST YEAR QUESTIONS:

Q. How far do you agree with the view that the focus on lack or availability of food as the main cause of hunger takes the attention away from ineffective human development policies in India? (2018)

Q. What are the salient features of the National Food Security Act, 2013? How has the Food Security Bill helped in eliminating hunger and malnutrition in India? (2021)

MAINS PRACTICE QUESTION:

Q. Critically analyze the implications of the Supreme Court’s directive to issue ration cards to 80 million migrant and unorganized workers registered on the eShram portal, considering the challenges posed by the non-updation of the National Food Security Act (NFSA) quotas based on the latest census data.

SOURCE:

https://www.downtoearth.org.in/news/governance/right-to-food-give-ration-cards-to-80-million-unorganised-and-migrant-workers-within-2-months-directs-sc-95113