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Role of Space Technology in Border Management | UPSC

Role of Space Technology in Border Management UPSC IAS science and Technology UPPSC

Role of Space Technology in Border Management UPSC IAS science and Technology UPPCS

Role of Space Technology in Border Management | UPSC IAS

Sealing the entire border is a significant challenge mainly due to variations in the terrain and topography like mountain ranges, sea, tropical forest or climate factors, including desert or thinly populated regions. Space technology provides one of the more effective means to overcome it.

Significance of Space Technology

  • Timely Information: The information received through various satellites are used by various agencies including the security establishment. For instance, weather satellites can provide timely information about topographic features and weather conditions, which are critical to military and para-military operations.
  • Intelligence inputs and Surveillance: through Remote sensing satellites, radar satellites and satellites with synthetic aperture radar (SAR) sensors which are capable of providing day and night all-terrain and all-weather inputs.
  • Checking infiltration: by using low earth orbit surveillance satellites, which would in turn enable the blocking of infiltrators through suitable force deployment. In this regard, the active deployment of Medium Altitude Long Endurance (MALE) Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) and High Altitude Long Endurance (HALE) UAVs will improve India’s surveillance and reconnaissance capabilities.
  • Defending the invisible: Earth observation satellites provide detailed images of hot spots where border crossings peak. India uses the RISAT and Cartosat spacecraft to capture still images as well as high-resolution video of the nation’s disputed borders.
  • Coordination between agencies: While defence forces already use space technology, border forces depend on intelligence shared by central agencies like IB, RAW and National Technical Research Organisation. They also face poor communication issues in areas like Ladakh, Sikkim, Arunachal Pradesh and Kashmir Valley. With satellite technology border security authorities can exchange information or access critical data from headquarters, border checkpoints or on the-move border patrol units.
  • Deployment of Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs) in remote areas will be also coordinated through satellite communications. Indian Regional Navigation Satellite System (IRNSS)-based GPS will provide navigation facilities for operational parties in high altitude, remote and difficult borders, and Maoist-affected areas.

Military Satellites in India

  • GSAT 7 is the first dedicated military communication satellite built by ISRO that provide services to the Indian defence forces with the main user being the Indian Navy.
  • GSAT-7A is an advanced military communications satellite meant primarily for the Indian Air Force with Indian Army using 30% of capacity.
  • Other military satellites are -Microsat-R, Cartosat 1 and 2 series, Risat-1 and Risat 2.

Climate Change and International Security Issue | UPSC

Climate Change and International Security Issue UPSC IAS PCS Gk today

Climate Change and International Security Issue UPSC IAS PCS Gk today

Why Climate Change is a security issue? | UPSC IAS

Many Scholars declared Climate Change as Warming War which requires intervention of United Nation Security Council as per its mandate under article 39 of UN charter. The Warming War is a metaphor (like Cold War) which conveys how climate change acts as a driver of such conflict, as its impacts accumulate and multiply to threaten the security of human life on earth.

Article 39 of UN charter – The Security Council shall determine the existence of any threat to the peace, breach of the peace, or act of aggression and shall make recommendations, or decide what measures shall be taken to maintain or restore international peace and security.

Climate Change as a Security Issue | UPSC IAS

  • Earth’s limited resources are under pressure as demand for food, water, and energy is increasing. Widespread unemployment, rapid urbanization, and environmental degradation can cause persistent inequality, political marginalization, and unresponsive governments leading to instability and conflict.
  • In above context United Nation Environment Program has identified seven factors where climate change acts as threat multiplier to security and peace of states and society.
  • Local resource competition: As pressure on local resources is increasing, competition can lead to instability and even violent conflict in absence for proper dispute resolution.
  • Livelihood insecurity and Migration
    • Climate change will increase the insecurity of farmers who depend on natural resources for livelihood. It could push them to migrate and turn to informal and illegal source of income.
    • As per World Bank estimates by 2050, about 140 million people will be forced to leave their place of origin in South Asia, Africa and Latin America.
  • Extreme weather events and disasters: Disasters will exacerbate fragile situation and can increase people vulnerabilities and grievances especially in countries affected by conflict.
  • Volatile food price
    • Climate change is likely to disrupt food production in many regions, increase prices, market volatility and heightening risk of protest, rioting and civil conflicts.
    • As per IPCC assessment by 2080 there will be 770 million undernourished people by 2080 due to climate change.
  • Transboundary water management
    • It is a frequent source of tension. As demand grows and climate impact affects availability and quality, competition over water use will likely exert pressure at local, regional and global level.
    • According to recently released Hindu Kush-Himalayan Assessment report with current emission level two-third of glaciers in the region will be lost by 2100 and cause water crisis for 2 billion people.
  • Sea level rise and coastal degradation
    • Rising sea level will threaten the viability of low lying areas even before they are submerged, leading to social disruption, displacement and migration. Also, disagreement over maritime boundaries and ocean resources may increase.
    • As per IPCC 5th assessment report sea level rise can be 52-98 cm by 2100.
  • Unintended effects of climate change: As the climate adaptation and mitigation policies are more broadly implemented, the risks of unintended negative effects-particularly in fragile regions will also increase. In countries with poor institutional capacity and governance, this may lead to immense political pressure and ultimately civil war.

Reason for support of UNSC intervention | UPSC IAS

  • If the UNSC declares the impacts of climate change an international threat then military and non-military sanctions could be invoked.
  • The sanctions would be available to the council in the event of states not meeting their Paris Agreement obligations. Economic sanctions could also be placed upon corporations that currently operate with relatively little international scrutiny.
  • Supporters of such declaration cites slow and ineffective progress of climate negotiations (under UNFCCC) and demand a rapid response to decreasing GHG emissions to stop temperature rise below 2°C. It’ll bring element of coercion in climate agreements.
  • These measures could include the deployment of peacekeeping forces and increased humanitarian assistance surrounding direct and indirect climate induced crises.

National Clean Air Programme (NCAP) | UPSC – IAS

National Clean Air Programme (NCAP) UPSC IAS Gk today UPPCS

National Clean Air Programme (NCAP) UPSC IAS Gk today UPPCS

What is National Clean Air Programme (NCAP) ? | UPSC – IAS

  • It is a pollution control initiative to cut the concentration of particles (PM10 & PM2.5) by 20-30% by 2024.
  • It will have 2017 as the base year for comparison and 2019 as the first year.
  • It is to be implemented in 102 non-attainment cities. These cities are chosen on the basis of Ambient Air Quality India (2011-2015) and WHO report 2014/2018.
  • National Clean Air Programme (NCAP) was recently launched by – Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC).

Its objectives include-

  • Stringent implementation of mitigation measures for prevention, control and abatement of air pollution;
  • Augment and strengthen air quality monitoring network across the country;
  • Augment public awareness and capacity building measures.

Significance of National Clean Air Programme (NCAP) | UPSC IAS

  • First such effort – Framing a national framework for air quality management with a time-bound reduction target. The biggest advantage of such targets is that it helps decide the level of severity of local and regional action needed for the plans to be effective enough to meet the reduction targets.
  • Multisectoral Collaboration and Participatory approach – covering all sources of pollution and coordination between relevant Central ministries, state governments, local bodies and other stakeholders.
  • All-inclusive approach – It has tried to incorporate measures for urban as well as rural areas. Further, NCAP identifies the trans-boundary nature of air pollution and thus specifically assigns transboundary strategies in managing the air pollution in the country.
  • Linking Health and Pollution: NCAP has now taken on board the National Health Environmental Profile of 20 cities that the MoEF&CC initiated along with the Indian Council of Medical Research with special focus on air pollution and health. It has asked the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare to maintain health database and integrate that with decision making.

Implementation of National Clean Air Programme (NCAP) | UPSC IAS

  • The Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) shall execute the nation-wide programme for the prevention, control, and abatement of air pollution within the framework of the NCAP.
  • The NCAP will be institutionalized by respective ministries and will be organized through inter-sectoral groups, which include, Ministry of Road Transport and Highway, Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas, Ministry of New and Renewable Energy, Ministry of Heavy Industry, Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs, Ministry of Agriculture, Ministry of Health, NITI Aayog, CPCB, experts from the industry, academia, and civil society.
  • The program will partner with multilateral and bilateral international organizations, philanthropic foundations and leading technical institutions to achieve its outcomes.
  • The Apex Committee in the MoEFCC will periodically review the progress. Annual performance will be periodically reported upon. Appropriate indicators will be evolved for assessing the emission reduction benefits of the actions.

National Clean Air Programme (NCAP) UPSC IAS

Components of National Clean Air Programme (NCAP) | UPSC IAS

(National Clean Air Programme (NCAP) has 3 components)

Mitigation Actions: NCAP details seven mitigation actions.

  • Web-based, three-tier mechanism – to review, monitor, assess and inspect to avoid any form of non-compliance. The system will work independently under the supervision of a single authority, which will ensure accreditation of three independently operating entities.
  • Extensive Plantation Drive: Plantation initiatives under NCAP at pollution hot spots in the cities/towns will be undertaken under the National Mission for Green India (GIM) with Compensatory Afforestation Fund (CAF) being managed by National Compensatory Afforestation Management and Planning Authority (CAMPA).
  • Technology Support: Clean Technologies with potential for air pollution prevention and mitigation will be supported for R&D, pilot scale demonstration and field scale implementation.
  • Regional and Transboundary Plan: These have major role for effective control of pollution more specifically with reference to the Indo-Gangetic plain. Air quality management at South-Asia regional level by activating the initiatives under ‘Male Declaration on Control and Prevention of Air Pollution and its Likely Transboundary Effects for South Asia’ and South Asia Cooperative Environment Programme (SACEP) to be explored.
  • Sectoral Interventions: This includes sectors such as e-mobility, power sector emissions, indoor air pollution, waste management, industrial and agricultural emissions and dust management.
  • City Specific Air Quality Management Plan for 102 Non-Attainment Cities: based on comprehensive science-based approach, involving meteorological conditions and source apportionment studies.
    • A separate emergency action plan in line with Graded Response Action Plan for Delhi will be formulated for each city for addressing the severe and emergency AQIs.
    • Further, the state capitals and cities with a population more than a million may be taken up on priority for implementation.
  • State Government’s participation is not limited for evolving an effective implementation strategy but also in exploring detailed funding mechanism.

Knowledge and Database Augmentation | UPSC IAS

  • Air Quality Monitoring Network which also includes setting rural monitoring network, 10 city super network (overall air quality dynamics of the nation, impact of interventions, trends, investigative measurements, etc)
  • Extending Source apportionment studies to all Non-Attainment cities: This will help in prioritising the sources of pollution and formulation and implementation of most appropriate action plans. A unified guideline for source apportionment study will be formulated and updated by the Centre.
  • Air Pollution Health and Economic Impact Studies: Under NCAP studies on health and economic impact of air pollution to be supported. Framework for monthly analysis of data w.r.t health to be created.
  • International Cooperation including Sharing of International Best Practices on Air Pollution.
  • Review of Ambient Air Quality Standards and Emission Standards: The existing standards need to be strengthened periodically and new standards need to be formulated for the sources where standards are not available.
  • National Emission Inventory: This will be formalized under the NCAP. Its significance is in tracking progress towards emission reduction targets and as inputs to air quality model.

Institutional Strengthening | UPSC IAS

  • Institutional Framework: It involves a National Apex Committee at the MoEF&CC and State-level Apex Committee under the chief secretaries in various states. There are various other institutions being envisaged such as Technical Expert Committee and National-level Project Monitoring Unit (PMU) at the MoEF&CC and National-level Project Implementation Unit (PIU) at the CPCB.
  • Public Awareness and Education: through national portals, media engagement, civil society involvement, etc.
  • Training and Capacity Building: NCAP identifies lack of capacity on air quality issues due to limited manpower and infrastructure in the CPCB and SPCBs, lack of formal training for various associated stakeholders etc. as one of the major hurdle in an effective implementation of air pollution management plans.
  • Setting up Air Information Centre: which will be responsible for creating a dashboard, data analysis, interpretation, dissemination. This may be set up with the assistance of the IITs, IIMs.
  • Operationalize the NPL-India Certification Scheme (NPL-ICS) for certification of monitoring instrument. It will help to cater to the country’s needs with respect to the online monitoring of air pollution. The proposed certification scheme will have three major components i.e. NPL-India Certification body (NICB), certification committee, and testing and calibration facility.
  • Air-Quality Forecasting System (AQFS): as a state-of-the-art modelling system, it will forecast the following day’s air quality. The satellite data available through ISRO to be integrated for monitoring and forecasting under the NCAP.
  • Network of Technical Institutions- Knowledge Partners: Dedicated air pollution units will be supported in the universities, organizations, and institutions and a network of highly qualified and experienced academicians, academic administrators, and technical institutions will be created.
  • Technology Assessment Cell (TAC): It will evaluate significant technologies with reference to prevention, control, and abatement of pollution. Technology induction/ transfer would be facilitated, where necessary, with time bound goals for indigenization and local manufacturing.o The TAC will be created involving the IITs, IIMs, the major universities, industries, and using the existing mechanisms and programme of the Department of Science & Technology, India Innovation Hub, etc.

India’s Space Diplomacy UPSC – IAS | NASA

India's Space Diplomacy UPSC - IAS NASA Gk Today The Hindu

India's Space Diplomacy UPSC - IAS NASA Gk Today The Hindu

What is Space Diplomacy ? | UPSC – IAS | NASA

Space Diplomacy is the art and practice of using space to conduct International Relations and furthering National Interest. Space has emerged as new arena for competition and cooperation for global powers to compete and establish supremacy. Space technology being highly complex gives any nation international recognition, status and projects its soft-power.

As part of its space diplomacy, India will set up five ground stations and more than 500 terminals in five neighboring countries –

  • Bhutan,
  • Nepal,
  • Maldives,
  • Bangladesh and
  • Sri Lanka.

The infrastructure is being created as an extension of the South Asia Satellite launched in 2017. It will help put in place applications ranging from television broadcasting to telephony and internet, disaster management and telemedicine. This move also helps India in putting our strategic assets in the neighborhood.

Indian initiatives in Space Diplomacy | UPSC – IAS | NASA

  • India has also allowed SAARC countries to use its regional positioning system NAVIC.
  • India has also collaborated with other countries, example- NISAR.
  • India collaborated with NASA during its Chandrayan Mission which found water on the moon.
  • Data from Indian satellites is frequently shared with friendly countries for astronomical research which furthers goodwill and enhances relations.
  • The ISRO Telemetry, Tracking and Command Network (ISTRAC) operates three international stations in Brunei, Indonesia and Mauritius.
  • The ISRO also established the India-Myanmar Friendship Centre for Remote Sensing in 2001
  • South Asia Satellite or GSAT-9 is a Geostationary Communication satellite launched by ISRO to provide various communication applications over South Asian countries. Some other applications include: Tele-medicine, Disaster Management, Banking, e-governance etc.

Concerns associated with space diplomacy|UPSC – IAS | NASA

  • Lack of legal agreements: Space is one of the areas where few or no International treaties exist for its peaceful use. United Nations Office for Outer Space Affairs works to promote peaceful use of outer space but there are no binding agreements like NPT or CTBT to prevent weaponization of space.
  • Perpetuates Global inequality between Nations: Because only a few nations have space technology, it makes other underdeveloped and developing nations dependent on developed nations to make use of space.
  • Misuse of resources: There is also a concern that developing countries might overspend on space programs rather than addressing basic needs of its citizens. For example – North Korean has a space program too while its citizen suffers from famine and starvation.
  • Lack of uniform definition of Space boundary: There is no international agreement on the vertical extent of sovereign airspace.
  • Space-weaponization: Weaponization of space may become a new tool in the hands of nations in the future as a part of their space diplomacy. The space-weapons could be hundred times more lethal than current weapons and have a potential to wipe-out humanity.

Space as a tool in Indian foreign policy |UPSC – IAS | NASA

  • Furthering Neighborhood First Policy: The South Asian satellite is in line with India’s neighborhood first policy.
  • Enhancing Soft-Power of India: it will also enhance and project India’s soft-power and goodwill among foreign countries as we share the fruits of advancements in space technology with neighbors. India’s ISRO provides a cheaper alternative to developing nations to launch satellites compared to the American or European counterparts, thus bringing them closer to India.
  • Countering China: China has advanced satellite tacking center in Tibet which can not only track Indian satellites but also blind them. Ground Stations in the neighborhood will help India counter growing Chinese influence.
  • New Area of Cooperation: Space opens up new area of cooperation between India and other states which would further enhance bilateral relations with those countries.

Related International Bodies ( Space Diplomacy ) | UPSC – IAS | NASA

The United Nations Committee on the Peaceful Uses of Outer Space (COPUOS)

United Nations Committee on the Peaceful Uses of Outer Space (COPUOS) is the forum for the development of international space law. The Committee has concluded five international treaties:-

  • • The “Outer Space Treaty” which regulates activities of States in the Exploration and Use of Outer Space.
  • • The “Rescue Agreement”: on the Rescue of Astronauts, the Return of Astronauts and the Return of Objects Launched into Outer Space.
  • • The “Liability Convention“: Convention on International Liability for Damage Caused by Space Objects.
  • • The “Registration Convention”: Convention on Registration of Objects Launched into Outer Space.
  • • The “Moon Agreement”: which governs the Activities of States on the Moon and Other Celestial Bodies. United

Nations Office for Outer Space Affairs (UNOOSA)

  • It serves as the secretariat for Committee on the Peaceful Uses of Outer Space (COPUOS).
  • It is also responsible for implementing the Secretary-General’s responsibilities under international space law and maintaining the United Nations Register of Objects Launched into Outer Space.

Asia-Pacific Space Cooperation Organization (APSCO)

  • It is an intergovernmental organization operated as a non-profit independent body with full international legal status.
  • It is headquartered in Beijing, China.
  • Members include space agencies from: Bangladesh, China, Iran, Mongolia, Pakistan, Peru and Thailand, and Turkey.
  • Indonesia is a signatory state and Mexico as observer state
  • It includes sharing data, establishing a space communication network, and tracking space objects.
  • India should consider forming an organization like this.

Eat Right India movement FSSAI | UPSC – IAS | Pib

Eat Right India movement FSSAI UPSC - IAS Pib The Hindu

Eat Right India movement FSSAI UPSC - IAS Pib

Eat Right India movement FSSAI | UPSC – IAS | Pib

The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) recently organised the Swasth Bharat Yatra, a key element of the ‘Eat Right India Movement’.

What is Eat Right India movement ?

  • It is multi-sectoral effort with primary focus on daily intake – of salt, sugar, fat, phasing-out trans-fats from diets and promoting healthier food options.
  • It is built on two broad pillars of Eat Healthy and Eat Safe.

It brings together three ongoing initiatives of FSSAI that target citizens:

  • The Safe and Nutritious Food (SNF) Initiative, focused on social and behavioral change around food safety and nutrition at home, school, workplace and on-the-go.
  • The Eat Healthy Campaign focused on daily intake – of salt, sugar, fat, phasing-out trans-fats.
  • Food fortification, focused on promoting five staple foods- wheat flour, rice, oil, milk and salt, with key vitamins and minerals added to improve their nutritional content.

It has seven broad areas of action | UPSC – IAS | Pib

  • To increase demand for healthier food by influencing each other as role models, caregivers and peers,
  • Set standards in schools, promote healthy eating habits and use food as a pedagogical tool,
  • Have appropriate consumer friendly nutrition labelling and restriction on marketing to children through a suitable regulation,
  • Have higher taxation for unhealthy food through differential GST rates,
  • Ensure availability of healthier food options and guide consumers through appropriate menu labelling,
  • Redesign choices available at points of sale with increased availability and prominent display of healthier options,
  • Encourage food processing industry to formulate their food products by reducing unhealthy ingredients.

Under the movement, “Aaj se thoda kam campaign” was launched to encourage citizens to adopt healthy food habits through social media and mass media.

Leprosy in India Today | NLEP | UPSC – IAS

Leprosy in India Today NLEP UPSC - IAS  The Hindu gk today

Leprosy in India Today NLEP UPSC - IAS  The Hindu gk today

Leprosy in India Today | NLEP | UPSC – IAS | The Hindu

National leprosy Eradication Programme

Initial reports of Leprosy Case Detection Campaign of the National Leprosy Eradication Programme (NLEP) indicated an all-time high of nearly 50,000 new leprosy cases in Bihar.

Today’s scenario 2019

  • India was officially declared to have eliminated leprosy in 2005 when new cases fell to less than 1 per 10,000, yet India still accounts for the largest number of leprosy affected people in the world (58 per cent).
  • Indian research contributed to the development of Multi-Drug Therapy or MDT, now recommended by WHO, which led to the shortening of treatment and higher cure rates.
  • In recent years, along with other countries, India has repealed legislation that discriminates against persons affected by leprosy.
    • In 2016, it repealed the draconian colonial-era Lepers Act and in January 2019 Lok Sabha passed a bill seeking to remove leprosy as a ground for divorce

What is Leprosy? | UPSC – IAS 

  • Leprosy is a chronic infectious disease caused by Mycobacterium leprae and is highly contagious.
  • The bacteria has a long incubation period. Once a person is infected, it can take 6-10 years or even 20 years for the first symptoms to surface.
  • The disease mainly affects the skin, the peripheral nerves, the mucosa of the upper respiratory tract and the eyes.
  • It is curable and treatment provided in the early stages averts disability. Mycobacterium Indicus Pranii (MIP)
  • It is an indigenous vaccine for leprosy developed by National Institute of Immunology.
  • It is now being introduced into the National Leprosy Elimination Programme (NLEP).
  • It will boost the immune system against the bacterial disease.

Challenges in eradicating leprosy | UPSC – IAS | The Hindu

  • Antimicrobial resistance in leprosy: Global data shows that a total of 8% of the Mycobacterium leprae bacterial strains studied showed gene mutations conferring resistance towards drugs such as rifampicin, dapsone and ofloxacin.
  • Non-adherence to drugs: Due to various reasons a significant number of patients become irregular and default from MDT.
  • Issues with 2005 declaration of Leprosy elimination:
    • It led to the diversion of focus as both funding as well as resources declined and the frontline workers stopped making household visits to identify undetected cases, shifting instead to voluntary patient registration.
    • The dermatologists didn’t send patients for treatment, as the strong rhetoric of elimination made them believe leprosy is a disease of the past.
    • Neither funders nor young researchers are attracted to an officially eliminated disease, even if it is still ubiquitous.
  • Stigma about leprosy: Fear of stigma, and the resulting discrimination, discourages individuals and their families from seeking the help they need.
  • Lack of funding: Financial crunch in leprosy research and awareness campaigns leads to a shortfall in human reserves and trained medical professionals who can diagnose the disease correctly in its nascent stage.

Measures taken to eradicate Leprosy|UPSC – IAS | The Hindu

International Efforts

  • Multidrug therapy, made available by WHO free of charge to all patients worldwide since 1995, provides a simple yet highly effective cure for all types of leprosy.
  • In 2016, WHO launched The Global Leprosy Strategy 2016–2020: accelerating towards a leprosy-free world which aims to reinvigorate leprosy control efforts and avert disabilities, especially among children affected by the disease in endemic countries.

Government of India Initiatives (Govt Schemes for leprosy) | UPSC – IAS

  • National Health Mission aims to reduce prevalence of Leprosy to <1/10000 population and incidence to zero in all districts.
  • Ayushman Bharat’s 1,50,000 Health and Wellness Centres across the country plan to screen all Indians for leprosy.
  • Sparsh Leprosy Awareness Campaign aims at communicating the importance of early detection and treatment of leprosy.
  • New preventive approaches like chemoprophylaxis and immunoprophylaxis are being considered to prevent transmission.
  • 30th of January (Martyrdom Day of Mahatma Gandhi) was celebrated all over India as Anti Leprosy Day to spread public awareness about the disease.
  • A Leprosy Case Detection Campaign was launched in 2016, involving house-to-house screening and referral of patients for diagnosis.
  • 12th Five year plan had set out to achieve elimination of leprosy at the district level by 2017.

India’s National Leprosy Eradication Programme | UPSC – IAS

It is a centrally sponsored Health Scheme of the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare which aims to eradicate leprosy from India.

Strategies for Leprosy Elimination

  • Decentralized integrated leprosy services through General Health Care system.
  • Early detection & complete treatment of new leprosy cases.
  • Carrying out house hold contact survey in detection of Multibacillary (MB) & child cases.
  • Early diagnosis & prompt MDT, through routine and special efforts
  • Involvement of Accredited Social Health Activists (ASHAs) in the detection & complete treatment of Leprosy cases for leprosy work
  • Strengthening of Disability Prevention & Medical Rehabilitation (DPMR) services.
  • Information, Education & Communication (IEC) activities in the community to improve self-reporting to Primary Health Centre (PHC) and reduction of stigma.
  • Intensive monitoring and supervision at Primary Health Centre/Community Health Centre.

A Way forward | UPSC – IAS | PCS 

  • Avoid shallow declarations: India remains a long way away from elimination at the state or district levels, let alone eradication. It is necessary to learn lessons and avoid creating an environment of complacency.
  • Speedy implementation of the Health and Wellness Centres (HWC) initiative in the true spirit of comprehensive primary healthcare approach.
  • Enhancing training of health-care providers: in communication and behaviour change skills, and by improving the patients’ access to quality care and friendly services.
  • Adherence to MDT: can be improved by multiple initiatives that target the views and actions of patients, health-care workers, and society.
  • Removal of stigma: Leprosy program managers should design positive health messages and use innovative media to appeal to and reach target groups to motivate leprosy patients to seek early treatment and the community to accept leprosy patients.
  • Creating Livelihood Opportunities: Those who have been cured at an early stage and can work, should be given opportunities to learn skills and trades that would enable them to work.

Rashtriya Arogya Nidhi (ran) Scheme – India | UPSC – IAS

Rashtriya Arogya Nidhi (ran) Scheme - India UPSC - IAS Pib The hindu gk today

Rashtriya Arogya Nidhi (ran) Scheme - India UPSC - IAS Pib The hindu gk today

Rashtriya Arogya Nidhi (ran) Scheme – India | UPSC – IAS | Pib

After withdrawing the National Policy for Treatment of Rare Diseases (NPTRD), the Minister of Health and Family Welfare has approved a proposal for adding a sub-component under the umbrella scheme of Rashtriya Arogya Nidhi (RAN) for provision of one-time financial assistance to those below threshold poverty line for specified rare diseases which require one-time treatment

About Rashtriya Arogya Nidhi | UPSC – IAS | Pib

  • The RAN was set up to provide financial assistance to patients, living below poverty line and who are suffering from major life threatening diseases, to receive medical treatment at any of the super speciality Hospitals/Institutes or other Government hospitals.
  • The financial assistance to such patients is released in the form of ‘one-time grant’, which is released to the Medical Superintendent of the Hospital in which the treatment has been/is being received.
  • It has been set up as society registered under the Societies Registration Act, 1860.

 

An illustrative list of categories of treatment to be provided from the fund is as follows :

1.Cardiology& Cardiac Surgery:

  1. Pacemakers

  2. CRT/Biventricular pacemaker

  3. Automatic Implantable Cardioverter defibrillator (AICD)

  4. Combo devices

  5. Diagnostic Cardiac Catheterization including Coronary Angiography

  6. Interventional procedure including Angioplasty, Rota-ablation, Balloon Valvuloplasty e.g. PTMC, BPV etc.

  7. ASD, VSD and PDA device closure

  8. Peripheral Vascular Angioplasty, Carotid Angioplasty, Renal  Angioplasty

  9. Coil Embolization and Vascular plugs

  10. Stents including Drug Eluting Stents

  11. Electrophysiological Studies (EPS) and Radio Frequency (RF) Ablation

  12. Heart surgery for Congenital and Acquired conditions including C.A.B.G

  13. Vascular Surgery

  14. Cardiac Transplantation etc.

2. Cancer :

  1. Radiation treatment of all kinds including Radiotherapy and Gamma Knife Surgery.
  2. Anti-Cancer Chemotherapy supportive medication and antibiotic, Growth factor,
  3. Bone Marrow Transplantation- Allogenic Or Autologous
  4. Diagnostic Procedures- Flow cytometry/cytogenetics /IHC Tumour Markers etc.
  5. Surgery for cancer patients
  6. Catheters, central lines and venous access devices.

3.Urology/Nephrology/Gastroenterology :

  1. Dialysis and its consumable (Both haemodialysis as well as Peritoneal)
  2. Plasmapheresis in acute renal failure
  3. Continuous renal replacement therapy in acute renal failure in ICU sick patient.
  4. Vascular access consumables (Shunts, catheters) for Dialysis
  5. Renal transplant-cost of renal transplant varies from 2.5 to 4.0 lakh Depending upon type of drug used as per patient need.
  6. PCN and PCNL Kits
  7. Lithotripsy ( for Stones)
  8. Disposables & Stents for endoscopic surgical procedures in Urology & Gastroenterology.
  9. Liver Transplantation and Surgery for portal hypertension.

 

4. Orthopedics:

  1. Artificial prosthesis for limbs
  2. Implants and total hip and knee replacement
  3. External fixators
  4. AO implants, used in the treatment of bone diseases and fractures
  5. Spiral fixation Implant- Pedicle Screws (Traumatic, Paraplegic, Quadriplegic)
  6. Implant for Fracture fixation (locking plates & modular)
  7. Replacement Hip –Bipolar /fixed
  8. Bone Substitutes

5.  Neurosurgery – Neurology :

  1. Brain Tumors
  2. Head injuries
  3. Intracranial aneurysm
  4. AVMs
  5. Spinal tumors
  6. Degenerative /Demyelinating diseases of brain/spinal cord
  7. Stroke
  8. Epilepsy
  9. Movement disorders
  10. Neurological infections

6.Endocrinology :

  1. Hormonal replacement for lifelong therapy : –   Cases of complicated diabetes which require one time treatment e.g. amputation or renal transplant

–    Hypopituitarism

–    Hypothyroidism

–    GH deficiency

–    Cushing’s Syndrome

–    Adrenal insufficiency

–    Endocrine surgery

  1.  Mental Illness :
  2. Organic Psychosis acute and chronic
  3. Functional psychosis including Schizophrenia, Bio-polar Disorders, delusional disorders and other acute polymorphic psychosis Severe OCD, Somatoform disorders, eating disorders
  4. Developmental disorders including autism spectrum disorders and   Severe Behavioural disorders during childhood.
  1. Drugs :

 

  1. Immunosuppressive drugs
  2. Anti D
  3. Anti Haemophilic Globulin
  4. Erythropoietin
  5. Blood & Blood products/Plasma for patients of Burns
  6. Liposomal Amphotericin
  7. Peg Interferon
  8. Ribavirin
  9. CMV treatment (IV Ganciclovir, Valganciclovir)
  10. Voriconazole
  11. Anti-rejection treatment (ATG, OKT 3)
  12. Treatment for Post –transplant viral infection
  13. Any life supporting drugs.
  1.  Investigations:

Ultrasound, Doppler studies, Radio-nucleotide scans, CT Scan, Mammography, Angiography for all organs, M.R.I, E.E.G, E.M.G, Urodynamic studies, Cardiac Imaging- Stress Thallium & PET, Cardiac MRI, Investigation for CMV, BK Virus, TMT, Echocardiography.

Psycho diagnostics, neuropsychological assessments, IQ assessments, blood tests like serum lithium and drug level of carbamazepine, valproate, phenytoin and any other similar medications : CSF studies screening for substances or abuse/toxicology.

  1. Others :

 

  1. Immunoglobulin for AIDP (GB Syndrome ) and Myasthenia Gravis.
  2. Anti viral
  3. Anti Fungal
  4. Wilson disease : Penicillamine A
  5. Botulinum A toxin injection for spasticity
  6. Baclofen for spasticity

 

  1. Miscellaneous :

Shunts for Hydrocephalus.

Role of Women and Women’s Organizations in India | UPSC – IAS

Women Empowerment in India | UPSC - IAS

Women Empowerment in India | UPSC - IAS

Role of Women and Women’s Organizations in India | UPSC – IAS

(An Introduction and Analysis)

Indian Society, which is largely male dominated, for the position of women in society. Not only men, even most women internalize their position in society as a fair description of their status through the ages. These generalizations apply to some degree to practically every known society in the world.

  • Women play various roles in their lifetime ranging from a mother to that of a breadwinner but are almost always subordinated to male authority; largely excluded from high status occupation and decision making both at work and at home.
  • Paradoxically, even in our Indian society where women goddesses are worshipped, women are denied an independent identity and status.

In recent years, particularly with the rise of Women’s Liberation Movement, this discrimination against women has been widely debated. Two main positions have emerged from this debate. One maintains that this inequality between the sexes is based upon the biologically or genetically based differences between men and women. This view is opposed by the argument that gender roles are culturally determined and inequality between the sexes is a result of a long drawn process of socialization.

Women’s Liberation Movement | UPSC – IAS

Social movement: It is defined as an organized effort by a group of people, either to bring or resist change, in the society.

Objective: Women’s movement is a variant of social movement & it aims to bring changes in the institutional arrangements, values, customs and beliefs in the society that have subjugated women over the years.

Origin: British rule led to spread of English education and western liberal ideology resulted in a number of movements for social change & religious reform in 19th C. Women’s movement is linked to both social reform movements & the nationalist movement.

Social reform movements | UPSC – IAS

Brahmo Samaj:It was founded by Raja Ram Mohan Roy in 1825 & attempted to abolish restrictions and prejudices against women, which included child marriage, polygamy, limited rights to inherit property. Education was seen as the major factor to improve the position of women.

    • Civil Marriage Act, 1872 was passed, which permitted inter-caste marriage, legalized divorce and
      fixed 14 and 18 as the minimum age of marriage for girls and boys respectively
    • Raja Ram Mohan Roy played an important role in getting Sati abolished
  • Prarthana Samaj:It was founded by MG Ranade & RG Bhandarkar in 1867. Its objectives were more or less similar to that of Brahmo samaj but remained confined to western India. Justice Ranade criticized child marriage, polygamy, restriction on remarriage of widows and non access to education.
  • Arya Samaj: It was founded by Dayanand Saraswati in 1875. Unlike the above two it was a religious revivalist movement. It advocated reform in the caste system, compulsory education for men and women, prohibition of child marriage by law, remarriage of child widows. It was opposed to divorce & widow remarriage in general.
  • Social reformers mentioned above eulogized the position of women in ancient India. However radicals like Ishwar Chandra Vidyasagar, Jyotiba Phule and Lokhitwadi Gopal Hari Deshmukh accused the caste system responsible for the subjugation of women in society.
  • Similar movements began in Islamic community as well. Begum of Bhopal, Syed Ahmad Khan & Sheikh
    Abdullah in Aligarh and Karmat Hussain in Lucknow spearheaded a movement to improve women’s education.
  • Movement Weakness: Gender equality was never an agenda for any of the movements mentioned above. They had a very limited perspective of changing the position of women within the family through education, as education would improve women’s efficiency as housewives and mothers !

Legislative Acts | UPSC – IAS

Parliament from time to time has passed several legislations to empower women & to provide them a legal basis in their fight for equality & justice. Some of them are:

  • Sati (Prevention) Act 1987 – The practice of Sati which was first abolished in 1829, was revised and made illegal in 1887. It provided for a more effective prevention of the commission of sati and its glorification and for matters connected therewith.
  • Amendment to criminal Act 1983– This Act talks about domestic violence as an offence, rape is also made a punishable offence.
  • Special Marriage Act 1954 – It has been amended to fix the minimum age of marriage at 21 yrs for males & 18 yrs for females.
  • Hindu Succession Act 1956– Equal share to daughter from property of father, while a widow has the right to inherit husband’s property. An amendment in this Act in 2005 enabled daughters to have equal share in ancestral properties.
  • Immoral Traffic Prevention Act (ITPA), 1986 – Suppression of Immoral Trafficking in women and girls Act (SITA) 1956 was amended in 1986 & renamed ITPA. SITA was enacted to prohibit or abolish traffic in women and girls for purposes of prostitution. It was amended to cover both the sexes & provided enhanced penalties for offenses involving minors. However the system has failed to crack the mafia working both at interstate and international levels.
  • Dowry Prohibition Act 1961 – Now court is empowered to act in his own knowledge or on a complaint by any recognized welfare organization on dowry murder. Indian Evidence Act is also amended to shift the burden of proof to husband & his family where bride dies within 7 yrs of marriage.
  • Maternity benefit Act 1961- An Act to regulate the employment of women for certain period before and after childbirth and to provide for maternity benefits like paid leaves for 6 months.
  • Medical Termination of Pregnancy Act 1971- Legalize abortion in case if fetus is suffering from physical or mental abnormality, in case of rape & unwanted pregnancy within 12 weeks of gestation period & after 12th week, before 20th week if the pregnancy is harmful for the mother or the child born would be severely deformed.
  • Indecent Representation of Women (Prohibition) Act, 1986– This Act prohibits indecent representation of women through advertisements or in publications, writings, paintings, and figures or in any other manner and for matters connected therewith.
  • Domestic Violence Act 2005– It seeks to determine domestic violence in all forms against women & make it a punishable offence.
  • Criminal Law (Amendment) Act 2013– In the backdrop of Dec 16 gang rape, this Act was passed amending the CrPC. The new law has provisions for increased sentence for rape convicts, including lifeterm and death sentence, besides providing for stringent punishment for offences such as acid attacks, stalking and voyeurism. Through the revised Bill, the government has amended various sections of the Indian Penal Code, the Code of Criminal Procedure, the Indian Evidence Act and the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act.

Constitutional Provisions for women in Indian constitution | UPSC – IAS

  • Article 14 – Men and women to have equal rights and opportunities in the political, economic and social spheres.
  • Article 15(1) – Prohibits discrimination against any citizen on the grounds of religion, race, caste, sex etc.
  • Article 15(3)- Special provision enabling the State to make affirmative discriminations in favor of women.
  • Article 16- Equality of opportunities in matter of public appointments for all citizens.
  • Article 23- Bans trafficking in human and forced labor
  • Article 39(a)– The State shall direct its policy towards securing all citizens men and women, equally,the right to means of livelihood.
  • Article 39(d)- Equal pay for equal work for both men and women.
  • Article 42– The State to make provision for ensuring just and humane conditions of work and maternity relief.
  • Article 51 (A)(e)- To renounce the practices derogatory to the dignity of women
  • Article 300 (A)– Right of property to women
  • 73rd & 74th Amendment Act 1992- Reservation of 1/3rd of seats in local bodies of panchayats and municipalities for women.

(The day on which 73rd amendment became operational i.e April 24th is also declared as Women’s Empowerment Day).

Conclusion:- Though at the time of our independence our constitution guaranteed social, economic & political equality, rights & protection to the Indian women however in reality we have still not been able to provide their due status in the society which has had led to the resurgence of issue based movements earlier in 1970s & has gained momentum again recently like anti dowry movement, anti rape movements etc.

Indicators of Women’s Status in India | UPSC – IAS

There are different forms of violence on women, which act as threats to women’s independent identity and dignity. Forms of violence are:

  • Female foeticide & infanticide – According to a survey by British medical journal, Lancet, nearly 10 million female abortions have taken place in India in the last 20 years, which is rampant amongst the educated Indian middle class as well.
    • There are organizations like Swanchetan, which are working towards educating & bringing awareness in people against the ghastly act.
  • Rape, sexual harassment & abuse – It acts as a deterrent to women’s freedom & perpetuates the notion that women are the weaker sex. Every 2 hours, a rape occurs somewhere in India! The recent Dec. 16 Delhi Gang rape case, shook the entire country and led to protests all across the country, setting up of Justice Verma panel & helped in the fast track judgment of the case. However rampant cases of rape of Dalit women, acid attacks, eve teasing go unnoticed.
  • Domestic violence and dowry deaths – Violence on women in the family were considered family problems and were never acknowledged as “crimes against women” until recently. It is prevalent in all classes of society.
  • Prostitution – A large number of women destitute or victims of rape who are disowned by family fall prey to prostitution forcibly. There are no governmental programs to alleviate the problem of prostitution.
  • Objectification of women – Indecent Representation of Women(Prohibition) Act, 1986 prohibits indecent representation of women through advertisements or in publications, writings, paintings etc. However a whole lot of indecent representation of women is done through literature, media, paintings etc upholding the “right to freedom of expression”.

Demographic Profile of Women in India | UPSC – IAS

  • Sex Ratio – Sex ratio is used to describe the number of females per 1000 of males. As per census 2011 sex ratio for India is 940 females per 1000 of males, i.e. females form a meager 47% of the total population. The State of Haryana has the lowest sex ratio in India and the figure shows a number of 877 of females to that of 1000 males while Kerala has the highest of 1084 females per 1000 males
  • Health –Studies on hospital admissions and records have shown that males get more medical care compared to girls. 2% of the female population is absolute anaemic. 12% of the female population of the country suffers from repeated pregnancy (80% of their productive life is spent in pregnancy) & lack of nutrition.
  • Literacy – The female literacy levels according to the Literacy Rate 2011 census are 65.46% where the male literacy rate is over 80%. While Kerala has the highest female literacy rate of 100% , Bihar is at the lowest with only 46.40%
  • Employment –Of the total female population 21.9% are a part of Indian workforce. Majority of women are employed in the rural areas and in agriculture. Amongst rural women workers 87% are employed in agriculture as laborers, cultivators, self employed like hawkers etc i.e in the unorganized sector which almost always remains invisible. Despite the equal remuneration Act 1976, women are paid lower wages, occupy lower skilled jobs, have less access to skill training and promotion.
  • Political status– Though India had a women Prime Minister Late Ms Indira Gandhi, women are not fairly represented in the Parliament & other State & Local bodies. With only around 9 per cent women in upper house and around 11 per cent in the lower house of parliament, India ranks 99th in the world in terms of female representation among MPs.

However 73rd & 74th amendments to the constitution have ensured the participation of women in PRIs with a reservation of 1/3rd for women. Today more than 30 million women are actively participating in the political decision making process at the grass root.

Factors affecting women’s work participation | UPSC – IAS

Women’s work participation rate in general has been declining over the decades. The decline has occurred due to several factors:

  • Absence of comprehensive and rational policy for women’s emancipation through education, training and access to resources such as land, credit and technology etc.
  • The perception of male as the breadwinner of the family despite the fact that in low income households women’s income is crucial for sustenance. This perception adversely affects women’s education & training. Employers also visualize women workers as supplementary workers & also cash in on this perception to achieve their capitalistic motives by keeping the wage low for women.
  • Structural changes in the economy e.g decline in traditional rural industries or industrialization.
  • Lack of assets (land, house) in their own name in order to have access to credit and self employment opportunities
  • Huge demand of time and energy of women for various tasks at home like child bearing and rearing etc
    in addition to participation in labour force leave them with little time for education, training and self development
  • Division of labour based on the gender between men and women & technological advancements work against women. They are the last to be hired and first to be sacked.
  • Govt. programs to increase employment and productivity are focused more on men & women are seen as beneficiaries rather than active participants

Indian Women’s Organizations  | UPSC – IAS

Due to women’s movement several legislations were passed like Equal Remuneration Act, Minimum Wage Act, Maternity Benefit Act etc. to ensure equal status to women in society & more importantly at work. However illiteracy amongst the major women workforce (87% of women are employed in unorganized sector), fear of losing employment & lack of awareness of the laws enacted to protect them, make it difficult for women to benefit from them.

A few organizations are working to give voice to the women workers for improvement in their working conditions:

  • Self-Employed Women’s Association (SEWA)– SEWA is a trade union. It is an organization of poor, self employed women workers in the unorganized sector of the country. They are the unprotected labour force as they do not obtain benefits like the workers of organized sector. SEWA’s main goals are to organize women workers for full employment.
  • Working Women’s Forum (WWF)- The forum is committed to poverty reduction and strengthening of economic, social and cultural status of poor working women, through micro-credit, training, social mobilization and other interventions to poor women..
  • Annapurna Mahila Mandal (AMM)– It works for welfare of women and the girl child. It conducts various activities that include educating women on health, nutrition, mother and child care, family planning, literacy and environmental sanitation. It works for the empowerment of women and enables them to take their own decisions and fight for security and rights. The organization also promotes individual and group leadership.

Conclusion | UPSC – IAS

Education & Economic independence of women & awareness amongst the masses are the most important weapons to eradicate this inhumane behavior of the society towards the female sex. We are slowly but steadily heading towards an era of change & hope to see the light of change, shine on the weaker sex, as it is called one day.

Concurrent list & Seventh Schedule Article 246 Indian Constitution | UPSC

Concurrent list & Seventh Schedule Article 246 Indian Constitution UPSC IAS PCS UPPCS UPPSC

Concurrent list & Seventh Schedule Article 246 Indian Constitution UPSC IAS PCS UPPCS UPPSC

What does Article 246 (Seventh Schedule) convey ?  | UPSC IAS | PCS

The Constitution provides a scheme for demarcation of powers through three ‘lists’ in the seventh schedule.

  • The union list details the subjects on which Parliament may make laws e.g. defence, foreign  affairs, railways, banking, among others.
  • The state list details those under the purview of state legislatures e.g. Public order,  police, public health and sanitation; hospitals and dispensaries, betting and gambling  etc.
  • The concurrent list has subjects in which both Parliament and state  legislatures have jurisdiction e.g. Education including technical education, medical  education and universities, population control and family planning, criminal law, prevention  of cruelty to animals, protection of wildlife and animals, forests etc.
  • The Constitution also provides federal supremacy to Parliament on concurrent list  items i.e. in case of a conflict; a central law will override a state law.

Devolution of power

  • Time and again centre-state relations come under scanner due to rising demands from various corners of the country for more power devolution in favor of states.
  • The Indian governance system though federal in nature has strong central tendencies which born out of a mix causes i.e. the inertia to stay within the guidelines set by the Government of India act of 1935, fear of cessation etc.

Centralization of power vis a vis Concurrent list | UPSC IAS | PCS

  • Since 1950, the Seventh Schedule of the Constitution has seen a number of amendments. The Union List and Concurrent List have grown while subjects under the State List have gradually reduced.
  • The 42nd Amendment Act was implemented in 1976, restructured the Seventh Schedule ensuring that State List subjects like education, forest, protection of wild animals and birds, administration of justice, and weights and measurements were transferred to the Concurrent List.
  • The Tamil Nadu government constituted the PV Rajamannar Committee to look into Centre-State relations. It spurred other states to voice their opposition to this new power relation born due to 42nd amendment act and Centre’s encroachment on subjects that were historically under the state list. Parliament on concurrent list items i.e. in case of a conflict; a central law will override a state law.

Issues with Concurrent list | UPSC IAS | PCS

  • Limited capacity of states: Some laws enacted by Parliament in the concurrent list might require state governments to allocate funds for their implementation. But due to federal supremacy while the states are mandated to comply with these laws they might not have enough financial resources to do so.
  • Balance between flexibility and uniformity: Some laws leave little flexibility for states to sync the laws according to their needs for achieving uniformity. A higher degree of detail in law ensures uniformity across the country and provides the same level of protection and rights however, it reduces the flexibility for states to tailor the law for their different local conditions.
  • Infringement in the domain of states: Some Bills may directly infringe upon the rights of states i.e. relates to central laws on subjects that are in the domain of state legislatures. E.g. anti-terrorist laws, Lokpal bill, issues with GST and Aadhar etc. where states’ power are taken away in a cloaked manner.
  • This asymmetry highlights the need for a detailed public debate on federalism and treatment of items in the concurrent list.

What can be done ? | UPSC IAS | PCS

  • Strengthening of Inter-State Council: Over the year committees starting from Rajamannar, Sarkaria and Punchi have recommended strengthening of Interstate Council where the concurrent list subjects can be debated and discussed, balancing Centre state powers. There is far less institutional space to settle inter-state frictions therefore a constitutional institution like ISC can be a way forward.
  • Autonomy to states: Centre should form model laws with enough space for states to maneuver. Centre should give enough budgetary support to states so as to avoid budgetary burden. There should be least interference in the state subjects.

Sarkaria Commission Recommendation on Concurrent List | UPSC IAS | PCS

  • The residuary powers of taxation should continue to remain with the Parliament, while the other residuary powers should be placed in the Concurrent List.
  • The Centre should consult the states before making a law on a subject of the Concurrent List.
  • Ordinarily, the Union should occupy only that much field of a concurrent subject on which uniformity of policy and action is essential in the larger interest of the nation, leaving the rest and details for state action.

Frequently Asked Questions  | UPSC IAS | PCS

What is the concept behind concurrent list in India ?

  • The aim of the concurrent list was to ensure uniformity across the country where  independently both centre and state can legislate. Thus, a model law with enough flexibility for  states was originally conceived in the constitution.
  • Also, few concurrent list subjects required huge finances needing both centre and state to contribute.

How many lists are there in the Indian Constitution ?

  • The State List or List-II is a list of 61 items (Initially there were 66 items in the list) in Seventh Schedule to the Constitution of India. The legislative section is divided into three lists: Union List, State List and Concurrent List.  Both union and state governments have powers to legislate on the subjects mentioned in the concurrent list.
  • Through the 42nd Amendment Act of 1976 Five subjects were transferred from State to Concurrent List. They are:
    1. Education
    2. Forests
    3. Weights & Measures
    4. Protection of Wild Animals and Birds
    5. Administration of Justice
  • Solutions are needed quickly” Education is a subject which touches every person, every family and every institution in this country. And because it is such a sensitive subject, any reform of the education process must be handled with great sensitivity and care. Education came into the Concurrent List way back in 1976.

UN Global Counter-Terrorism Coordination Compact Task Force | UPSC

UN Global Counter-Terrorism Coordination Compact Task Force UPSC IAS UPPSC UPPCS PCS SSC THe Hindu Gk today

UN Global Counter-Terrorism Coordination Compact Task Force UPSC IAS UPPSC UPPCS PCS SSC THe Hindu Gk today

About UN Global Counter-Terrorism Coordination Compact Task Force | UPSC – IAS

Recently, UN launched a new framework “UN Global Counter-Terrorism Coordination Compact”.

  • It is an agreement between the UN chief, 36 organizational entities, the International Criminal Police Organisation (INTERPOL) and,
  • The World Customs Organisation, to better serve the needs of Member States when it comes to tackling the scourge of international terrorism.

Objective of the UN Global Counter-Terrorism Coordination Compact | UPSC – IAS

  • To ensure that the United Nations system provides coordinated capacity-building support to Member States, at their request, in implementing the UN Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy and other relevant resolutions.
  • To foster close collaboration between the Security Council mandated bodies and the rest of the United Nations system.
  • The UN Global Counter-Terrorism Compact Coordination Committee will oversee and monitor the implementation of the Compact which will be chaired by UN Under-Secretary-General for counter-terrorism. o It will replace the Counter-Terrorism Implementation Task Force, which was established in 2005 to strengthen UN system-wide coordination and coherence of counter-terrorism efforts.

Why there is a need for global compact for counter terrorism ? | UPSC – IAS |PCS

  • Coordination: Given the number of players involved, the enormity of the task for Counter terrorism, and the limited resources available, effective coordination is crucial.
  • Porous borders: In recent years, terrorist networks have evolved, moving away from a dependency on state sponsorship and many of the most dangerous groups and individuals now operate as non state actors.
  • Taking advantage of porous borders and interconnected international systems—finance, communications, and transit—terrorist groups can operate from every corner of the globe.
  • Incapacity of countries to control terrorist threats: Multilateral initiatives bolster state capacity to build institutions and programs that strengthen a range of activities, from policing to counter radicalization programs.
  • Emerging challenges: Vigilance against misuse of emerging technology such as artificial intelligence, drones and 3D (three-dimensional) printing, as well as against the use of hate-speech and distortion of religious beliefs by extremist and terrorist groups.

Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy | UPSC – IAS | PCS

  • The United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) adopted it in 2006 and it is a unique global instrument to enhance national, regional and international efforts to counter terrorism.
  • UNGA reviews the Strategy every two years, making it a living document attuned to Member States’ counter-terrorism priorities.
  • The four pillars of the Global Strategy include:
    • Measures to address the conditions conducive to the spread of terrorism.
    • Measures to prevent and combat terrorism.
    • Measures to build state’s’ capacity to prevent and combat terrorism and to strengthen the role of the United Nations system in that regard.
    • Measures to ensure respect for human rights for all and the rule of law as the fundamental basis for the fight against terrorism.

Counter-terrorism – India’s involvement at UN | UPSC – IAS | PCS

  • India has prioritised the adoption of an intergovernmental framework to combat terrorism.
  • India introduced the Comprehensive Convention on International Terrorism (CCIT) in 1996 that defined terrorism and enhanced “normative processes for the prosecution and extradition of terrorists.”
  • Active participation in several counter-terrorism discussions, such as drafting a Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy in the General Assembly in 2006, serving as a founding members of the Global Counter-Terrorism Forum (GCTF), and supporting counterterrorism mechanisms established by UN Security Council Resolutions, such as Resolutions 1267, 1988, and 1989 related to sanctions against Al-Qaeda/Taliban, Resolution 1373 establishing the Counter-Terrorism Committee, and Resolution 1540 addressing the non-proliferation of Weapons of Mass Destruction to terrorist organisations.

Eklavya Model Residential Schools – Tribal Education | UPSC – IAS

Eklavya Model Residential Schools - Tribal Education UPSC - IAS PCS UPPCS UPPSC Gk today The hindu Pib

Eklavya Model Residential Schools - Tribal Education UPSC - IAS PCS UPPCS UPPSC Gk today The hindu Pib

Current Status of Tribal Education in India| UPSC – IAS | PCS

  • Low Literacy Level: According to census 2011 literacy rate for STs is 59% compared to national average of 73%.
  • Interstate disparity: Wide Interstate disparity exists across the states e.g. in Mizoram and Lakshadweep STs literacy is more than 91% whereas in Andhra Pradesh it is 49.2%. In fact, in most of the north eastern states like Meghalaya, Mizoram and Nagaland, STs are at par with the general population.
  • Gender disparity: Literacy level among STs men is at 68.5% but for women it is still below 50%

Constitutional provisions for Tribal education | UPSC – IAS | PCS

  • Article 46 of Indian constitution lays down that, the state shall promote, with special care, the educational and economic interests of weaker sections of the people, and in particular, of the scheduled caste and scheduled tribes.
  • Article 29(1) provides distinct languages script or culture. This article has special significance for scheduled tribes.
  • Article 154(4) empowers the state to make any special provision for the advancement of any socially and educationally backward classes of citizen or for SCs or STs.
  • Article 275(1) provides Grants in-Aids to states (having scheduled tribes) covered under fifth and six schedules of the constitution.
  • Article 350A states that state shall provide adequate facilities for instruction in mother-tongue at the primary stage of education.

About Eklavya Model Residential Schools (EMRS) | UPSC – IAS | PCS

  • Ministry of Tribal Affairs is implementing Eklavya Model Residential Schools (EMRS) in tribal areas for providing education on the pattern of Navodaya Vidyalaya, the Kasturba Gandhi Balika Vidyalayas and the Kendriya Vidyalayas.
  • The establishing of Eklavya Model Residential Schools (EMRS) is based on the demand of the concerned States/UTs with the availability of land as an essential attribute.
  • Eklavya Model Residential Schools (EMRS) are set up in States/UTs with grants under Article 275(1) of the Constitution of India.
  • Management of each Eklavya Model Residential Schools (EMRS) is under a committee which include, among others, reputed local NGOs involved with education.

Objectives of Eklavya Model Residential Schools (EMRS) | UPSC – IAS | PCS

  • Provide quality middle and high-level education to Scheduled Tribe (ST) students in remote areas.
  • Enable them to avail of reservation in high and professional educational courses and in jobs in government and public and private sectors.
  • Construction of infrastructure that provides education, physical, environmental and cultural needs of student life.

Coverage of Scheme | UPSC – IAS | PCS

  • As per existing guidelines at least one Eklavya Model Residential Schools (EMRS) is to be set up in each Integrated Tribal Development Agency (ITDA)/ Integrated Tribal Development Project (ITDP) having 50% ST population in the area.
  • As per the budget 2018-19, every block with more than 50% ST population and at least 20,000 tribal persons, will have an Eklavya Model Residential School  (EMRS) by the year 2022.

Challenges to tribal education | UPSC – IAS | PCS

  • Poor socio-economic condition
    • Most of the tribal community is economically backward and sending their children to school is like a luxury to them. They prefer their children to work to supplement the family income.
    • Illiteracy of parents and their attitude towards education is indifferent, as well as their community never encourages the education of children.
    • Parents are not willing to send their daughters to co-educational institutions due to safety concerns.

Lack of infrastructure:

  • Schools in tribal regions lacks in teaching learning materials, study materials, minimum sanitary provisions etc.

Linguistic barriers:

  • In most of the states, official/regional languages are used for classroom teaching and these are not understood by the tribal children at primary level. Lack of use of mother tongue cause hindrance in initial basic education and learning (despite article 350-A).

Teacher related challenges:

  • Inadequate number of trained teachers is a big problem in imparting education to tribal children. Also, Irregularity of the teachers in school and their different background lead to failure in establishing a communication bridge with tribal students.

Apathy of tribal leadership:

  • Tribal leadership generally remains under the outside influences and agencies such as the administration, political parties. Tribal leaders began to exploit their own people politically, socially and economically.
  • Village autonomy and local self-governance has still not properly established. Poor law and order situation and loss of respect for authority is also a hurdle.

High illiteracy rate among tribal women:

  • The disparity in educational levels is even worse as the Scheduled Tribe women have the lowest literacy rates in India.

How to Improve tribal education ? | UPSC – IAS | PCS

  • Infrastructural development: More Eklavya Model Residential Schools (EMRS) in remaining tribal regions as well as better infrastructure in other schools such as adequate class rooms, teaching aids, electricity, separate toilets etc. should be furnished.
  • Emphasis on career or job-oriented courses: E.g. Livelihood College (Dantewada, Bastar) offers nearly 20 courses, in soft and industrial skills, and has created many job opportunities for tribal youth.
  • Local recruitment of teachers: They understand and respect tribal culture and practices and most importantly are acquainted with the local language. TSR Subramanian committee suggested Bilingual System- combination of local language and mother tongue.
  • Teacher Training: New teacher training institutes should be opened in tribal sub plan areas to meet the requirement of trained teachers.
  • Student safety: There must be strong machinery to protect students from abuse, neglect, exploitation, and violence.
  • Establish separate school for girls: This would reduce hesitation of some parents to send their daughters to co-educational institution.
  • Enhance awareness: Government should take some specific initiative such as awareness camp, street drama, counseling etc. which can create awareness among the tribals about the importance of education.
  • Regular monitoring by high level officials: This is necessary for smooth functioning of school administration.

Permanent Chairman of the Chiefs of Staff Committee (COSC) | UPSC

Permanent Chairman of the Chiefs of Staff Committee (cosc) UPSC IAS PCS SSC The Hindu Gk today

Permanent Chairman of the Chiefs of Staff Committee (cosc) UPSC IAS PCS SSC The Hindu Gk today

Current Structure in India of Chief of Staff Committee (CoSC)

  • The Chief of Staff Committee (CoSC) consists of Army, Navy and Air Force chiefs.
  • It is headed by the senior-most of the three chiefs in rotation till the he retires.
  • It is a platform where the three service chiefs discuss important military issues.

The three services have agreed on the appointment of a Permanent Chairman of the Chiefs of Staff Committee (PCCoSC).

What is Permanent Chairman of the Chiefs of Staff Committee (PCCoSC) ?

  • It is proposed to be headed by a four-star military officer, who will be equivalent to chiefs of army, airforce and navy.
  • He would look into joint issues of the services like training of troops, acquisition of weapon systems and joint operations of the services.
  • He would also be in-charge of the tri-services command at Andaman and Nicobar Islands.
  • The post has also been referred to as Chief of Defence Staff.
  • He will head the Chiefs of Staff Committee meetings.
  • Various committees such as the Kargil Review committee led by K Subramaniam and the Naresh Chandra committee of 2011 recommended a permanent chairman.

Arguments in favour of Permanent Chairman of the Chiefs of Staff Committee (PCCoSC)

  • Better Coordination: It will improve jointness in military command by integration in projects and resource sharing. For example during 1962 and 1965, all three segments of the armed forces face difficulties in coordination.
  • Unfragmented advice: The PCCoSC is envisaged as a single-point military adviser to the government.
  • Better defence acquisition: It would also improve capacity of the armed forces on defence acquisition by removing time and cost overruns.
  • Quick Decision-making during War: Often during war a difficult decision can only be made by a specially selected defence chief and not by a committee like the CoSC that operates on the principle of the least common denominator.

Challenges to setting up  Permanent Chairman of the Chiefs of Staff Committee (PCCoSC).

  • Threat to Democratic Process: It is apprehended that the Defence Services will become too powerful and subvert civilian control over the military with possibilities of a military coup.
  • • Status Quo: The present arrangement of Chief of Staff Committee (CoSC) has served us well over the years and hence there is resistance against “unnecessary change”.

Resistance within the armed forces

  • There is said to be inhibition amongst Service Chiefs over the years that their position would get undermined if the CDS were to be appointed.
  • The feeling among the smaller Services, particularly the Air Force, of Army dominance in defence policy formulation. Some fear that a CDS may lead to a situation like the one that prevailed before 1947, when the Army was the dominant Service.

Resistance within Bureaucracy

  • There is said to opposition by the civilian bureaucracy as their control over the higher defence set up would be diminished.
  • Ceremonial Post: There is also a concern that the post may become a ceremonial post without any clear cut roles and responsibilities.

Reservation in India Advantages and Disadvantages | UPSC – IAS

Reservation in India Advantages and Disadvantages | UPSC IAS PCS

Reservation in India Advantages and Disadvantages | UPSC IAS PCS

Reservation in India Advantages and Disadvantages

The system of reservation in India consists of a series of measures, such as reserving access to seats in the various legislatures, to government jobs, and to enrollment in higher educational institutions. The reservation nourishes the historically disadvantaged castes and tribes, listed as Scheduled Castes and Scheduled tribes (SCs and STs) by the Government of India, also those designated as Other Backwards Classes (OBCs) and also the economically backward general. The reservation is undertaken to address the historic oppression, inequality, and discrimination faced by those communities and to give these communities a place. It is intended to realise the promise of equality enshrined in the Constitution.

 Achievements of Reservation Policy (Advantages ) | UPSC IAS | PCS

  • Reservations are a political necessity in India, for giving due representation to all  sections.
  • Although Reservation schemes do undermine the quality of education but still  Affirmative Action has helped many if not everyone from under-privileged and/or  under-represented communities to grow and occupy top positions in the world’s leading  industries.
  • Reservation schemes are needed to provide social justice to the most marginalized and  underprivileged which is their human right.
  • Meritocracy is meaningless without equality. First all people must be brought to  the same level, whether it elevates a section or decelerates another, regardless of merit.
  • Reservations have only slowed down the process of “Forward becoming richer and backward  becoming poorer”.

Negative fallouts of Reservation Policy (Disadvantages) | UPSC IAS | PCS

  • Reservation is similar to internal partition because in addition to being a form of ethnic  discrimination, it also builds walls against inter-caste and inter-faith marriages.
  • Reservations are the biggest enemy of meritocracy. By offering reservation through  relaxed entry criteria, we are fuelling inflation of moderate credentials as opposed to the  promotion of merit based education system, which is the foundation of many progressive countries. Meritocracy should not be polluted by injecting relaxation of entry barriers,  rather should be encouraged by offering financial aids to the underprivileged although  deserving candidates only. Today the IITs and IIMs hold a high esteem in the global scenario due to  their conservation of merit.
  • Caste Based Reservation only perpetuates the notion of caste in society, rather than  weakening it as a factor of social consideration, as envisaged by the constitution.  Reservation is a tool to meet narrow political ends, by invoking class loyalties and  primordial identities.
  • Affirmative Action can be provided at a more comprehensive level taking into account various  factors of exclusion such as caste, economic conditions, gender, kind of schooling received etc. A  comprehensive scheme of Affirmative Action would be more beneficial than reservations in  addressing concerns of social justice.
  • The benefits of reservation policy have largely been appropriated by the dominant  class within the backward castes, thereby the most marginalised within the  backward castes have remained marginalised. It has been observed that mostly the beneficiaries of reservation have been the children of the highest paid professionals and high rank  public officials.
  • Poor people from “forward castes” do not have any social or economic advantage over rich people from backward caste. In such a case, discriminating against the “forward caste” goes counter to the logic of reservation. It would create another “backward class” some years down the line. This ‘perceived’ injustice breads frustration and apathy in the society. The recent protests demanding quotas by some of the forward castes, in Gujarat and Rajasthan, is the testimony to this fact. For example, in Tamil Nadu, forward castes were able to secure only 3% of total seats (and 9% in Open Competition) in professional institutions at Undergraduate level as against their population percentage of 13%. This is a clear case of reverse discrimination.

Conclusion and Analysis Reservation policy in India  | UPSC IAS | PCS

  • The issue of reservation has remained a cause of disagreement between the reserved and the non- reserved sections of the society. While the unreserved segments, keep on opposing the provision, the neediest sections from within the reserved segments are hardly aware about how to get benefited from the provision or even whether there are such provisions.
  • On the contrary, the creamy layer among the same segment is enjoying special privileges in the name of reservation and political factions are supporting them for vote banks.
  • Reservation is no doubt good, as far as it is a method of appropriate positive discrimination for the benefit of the downtrodden and economically backward Sections of the society but when it tends to harm the society and ensures privileges for some at the cost of others for narrow political ends, as it is in the present form, it should be done away with, as soon possible.
  • It is time we address the challenge of reservations honestly, openly, fairly and innovatively. We cannot bury our heads in the sand forever like an ostrich.

Brief Summary | UPSC – IAS

The Reservation Policy in India has both positive and negative implications. While it provides representation for underprivileged communities, it has led to a political division and hindered social progress. The policy’s benefits have often been exploited by the affluent within backward castes, leaving the most marginalized still marginalized. This has sparked protests and debates, questioning the policy’s fairness. Despite its noble intent, the system’s implementation lacks transparency and effectiveness, serving as a tool for political gains. It’s essential to reevaluate the Reservation Policy, ensuring it remains a genuine mechanism for uplifting the disadvantaged, rather than perpetuating division and injustice.

Multiple Choice Questions | UPSC – IAS

1. What is the primary purpose of the Reservation Policy in India?
a) To create divisions among different sections
b) To promote inter-caste and inter-faith marriages
c) To provide equal representation to all sections
d) To hinder the growth of underprivileged communities

Explanation: The primary purpose of the Reservation Policy is to provide equal representation to all sections of society.

2. How does the Reservation Policy impact meritocracy?
a) It encourages merit-based education
b) It supports the principles of meritocracy
c) It hinders the growth of moderate credentials
d) It promotes the selection of deserving candidates only

Explanation: The Reservation Policy has been criticized for hindering the growth of moderate credentials, which can affect the principle of meritocracy.

3. According to the information provided, what is one of the negative consequences of Caste Based Reservation?
a) Weakening of caste-based considerations
b) Promotion of equality among different castes
c) Reinforcement of caste divisions in society
d) Elimination of social injustices

Explanation: Caste Based Reservation perpetuates the notion of caste in society, reinforcing its divisions rather than weakening them.

4. How has the Reservation Policy impacted marginalized communities within the backward castes?
a) It has uplifted the most marginalized individuals
b) It has failed to benefit the most marginalized within the backward castes
c) It has eradicated caste-based discrimination completely
d) It has improved the economic conditions of all backward castes equally

Explanation: The most marginalized within the backward castes have often not received the full benefits of the Reservation Policy, as it has been appropriated by the dominant class within these castes.

5. What social issue has arisen due to the Reservation Policy, according to the information provided?
a) Increased cooperation among different sections
b) Enhanced social justice for all communities
c) Frustration and apathy among the forward castes
d) Elimination of backward classes from society

Explanation: The Reservation Policy has led to frustration and apathy among some forward castes, leading to protests demanding quotas, as described in the information.

Reservation in India and its constitutional Provisions | UPSC IAS | PCS

Reservation in India and its constitutional Provisions UPSC IAS PCS Gk today the hindu

Reservation in India and its constitutional Provisions UPSC IAS PCS Gk today the hindu

Reservation in India and its constitutional Provisions | UPSC IAS | PCS

Reservation in Indian | Introduction

Reservation in Indian law is a form of affirmative action whereby a percentage of seats are reserved in the public sector units, union and state civil services, union and state government departments and in all public and private educational institutions, except in the religious/ linguistic minority educational institutions, for the socially and educationally backward communities and the Scheduled Castes and Tribes who are inadequately represented in these services and institutions.

  • The reservation policy is also extended for the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes for representation in the Parliament of India.

Reservation in India & its Constitutional Provisions | UPSC IAS | PCS

The exact necessities for the reservation in services in favour of the members of the SC/STs have been made in the Constitution of India. They are as follows:

  • Article 15(4) and 16(4) of the Constitution enabled both the state and Central Governments to reserve seats in public services for the members of the SC and ST, thereby, enshrining impartiality of opportunity in matters of civic service.
  • Article 16(4 A): it makes provisions for reservation in the matter of promotion to any class or classes of posts in the services under the State in favour of SCs and STs (Constitutional 77th Amendment, – Act, 1995).
  • Article 16 (4 B): It enables the state to fill the unfilled vacancies of a year which are reserved for SCs/STs in the succeeding year, thereby nullifying the ceiling of fifty percent reservation on total number of vacancies of that year (Constitutional 81st Amendment, – Act, 2000).
  • Article 330 and 332: It provides for specific representation through reservation of seats for the SCs and the STs in the Parliament (Article 330) and in the State Legislative Assemblies (Article 332), as well as, in Government and public sector jobs, in both the federal and state Governments (Articles 16(4), 330(4) and 335).

Rationale Behind giving reservation  | UPSC IAS | PCS

  • The underlying theory for the provision of reservation by the state is the under-representation of the identifiable groups as a legacy of the Indian caste system. After India gained independence, the Constitution of India listed some erstwhile groups as Scheduled Castes (SC) and Scheduled Tribes (ST).
  • The framers of the Constitution believed that, due to the caste system, SCs and the STs were historically
    oppressed and denied respect and equal opportunity in Indian society and were thus under-represented in nation-building activities.

Present Status of reservation policy in India and facts about reservation system in india

After introducing the provision for reservation once, it got related to vote bank politics and the following governments and the Indian Parliament routinely extended this period, without any free and fair revisions. Later, reservations were introduced for other sections as well.

  • The Supreme Court ruling that reservations cannot exceed 50% (which it judged would violate equal access guaranteed by the Constitution) has put a cap on reservations. The central government of India reserves 27% of higher education for Other Backward Castes, and individual states may legislate further reservations.
  • Reservation in most states is at 50%, but certain Indian states like Rajasthan have proposed a 68% reservation that includes a 14% reservation for forward castes in services and education.
  • However, there are states laws that exceed this 50% limit and these are under litigation in the Supreme Court.For example, the caste-based reservation fraction stands at 69% and is applicable to about 87% of the population in the state of Tamil Nadu.

Conclusion and Suggestion and A way Forward  | UPSC IAS | PCS

  • De-reservation Policy: While caste may continue to be the mainstay of reservation policies, the benefits should flow to the vast majority of underprivileged children from deprived castes; not to a few privileged children with a caste tag. Families of public officials of a certain rank certain high income professionals and others above a certain income should be de-reserved. In other words, once they have received a significant advantage of reservations, they should be able to ensure opportunities for their children and vacate the space for the truly disadvantaged children in their own caste groups.
  • Affirmative steps: We have to address the anger and aspirations of poor families among unreserved communities. With the Supreme Court ruling of 50 per cent ceiling on reservation quotas, no further reservation is possible. But intelligent, creative, fair and practical ways of giving the poorer children among OBCs a helping hand are possible and necessary. For instance, parental education and the school the child attended, are two sure indicators of poverty and the backwardness of a family. If parents have not had education beyond school, and if the child goes to a government school or a low-end, ramshackle private school, it is a sure sign of a lack of adequate opportunity.
  • Make education mandatory and free for all till age of 17
  • Instead of introducing reservations for these backward classes what is required is to bring about revolutionary changes in our education system at the grass-root level. When proper education is not provided to children belonging to such categories during the primary stage itself then on what basis are the reservations provided at a subsequent stage.
  • Reservations on the basis of caste and not on the basis of other conditions are unacceptable. Fair and just reservations to uplift the people with poor conditions of life, those who don’t have meals to eat, clothes to wear and no home to live in. They shall be made on the basis of factors such as gender as women are more disadvantaged than men since primitive times, domicile, family education, family employment, family property, family income and if any disabilities and traumas. The process of reservation should be such that it filters the truly economically deprived individuals and bring them all to justice

Higher Education in India & UGC | Everything You Need to Know UPSC IAS

Higher Education in India & UGC Everything You Need to Know UPSC IAS

Higher Education in India & UGC Everything You Need to Know UPSC IAS

Higher Education in India & UGC | UPSC – IAS

University Grants Commission (UGC) was established in 1946 regulate Central Universities of Aligarh, Banaras and, Delhi. However, post-independence, the University Education Commission was set up in 1948 under the Chairmanship of S. Radhakrishnan and it recommended that the UGC be reconstituted on the general model of the UGC of UK. It was given a statutory status by UGC Act, 1956 and has the unique distinction of being the only grant-giving agency in the country which has been vested with two responsibilities:-

  • That of providing funds and that of coordination,
  • Determination and maintenance of standards in institutions of higher education.

What is UGC’s mandate ? | UPSC – IAS

  • Promoting and coordinating university education both public and private universities  including deemed universities and affiliated colleges.
  • Determining and maintaining standards of teaching, examination and research in universities.
  • Framing regulations on minimum standards of education.
  • Monitoring developments in the field of collegiate and university education;  disbursing grants to the universities and colleges.
  • Serving as a vital link between the Union and State governments and institutions of higher  learning.
  • Advising the Central and State governments on the measures necessary for  improvement of university education.
  • Enforcing regulations and punishing for violations.
  • Accreditation for higher learning is overseen by autonomous institutions established  by the UGC. These institutions include: AICTE (All India Council for Technical  Education), NAAC (National Assessment and Accreditation Council), MCI (Medical Council of  India) etc.

Evaluation of UGC’s performance | UPSC – IAS

General Performance of Higher Education Institutes:

  • Some institutions of India, such as the IITs, IIMs, NIITs, University of Mumbai  and Jawaharlal Nehru University have been globally acclaimed for their standard of education.
  • The IITs enroll about 10000 students annually and the alumni have contributed to both the  growth of the private sector and the public sectors of India.
  • Several other institutes of fundamental research such as IACS, IISc, TIFR, are acclaimed for  their standard of research in basic sciences and mathematics.
  • Mumbai University was ranked 41 among the Top 50 Engineering Schools of the world 2012. ISB,  Hyderabad was ranked number 12 in global MBA rankings in 2010 while the AIIMS, Delhi  has been recognized as a global leader in medical research and treatment.
  • Government universities through affirmative action like reservations has been able  to cater to the most backward and deprived sections of the population.
  • Foreign universities actively seek Indian students.

However, our higher education suffers from many limitations some of which owe their  origin to the limited effectiveness of UGC. Therefore, before discussing the problems of higher  education it is better to discuss the problems of UGC itself.

Problems of higher education in india | UPSC – IAS

  • Politicization of education with UGC becoming an arm of the HRD ministry, lacking autonomy  and freedom.
  • It is an overburdened body which regulates and oversees all the universities of the country  including private and deemed, which is practically impossible for a single body  considering the number of universities and affiliated colleges in the country.
  • Policy fluctuation and arbitrariness.
  • All the rules made by UGC need parliamentary approval but these are not always taken and  hence they can be cancelled by the court, jeopardizing the future of thousands.

All this factors combined with government apathy and interference and status-quoist attitude of  policymakers, has resulted in considerable malice in our higher education. In specific terms they  are as follows:

  • We have only 722 universities, as against the National Knowledge Commission (NKC)  recommendation of 1,500.
  • Not even one Indian higher education institution made it to the top 200 club in the Times  Higher Education (THE) rankings for 2014-15.
  • Disparity in access to education, especially in terms of economic class, gender,  caste and ethnic and religious belonging.
  • Expansion of the private, self-financing education sector, with commercial intent, has been  another reason for the propagation of disparities. There has been a decline in the government  institutes and increase in the private institutes. For 2013 the share of private undergraduate  colleges and students is at 59 per cent and 37 per cent respectively. Out of the 712 universities,  about 360 are of private, state and of deemed status. The high cost of private education has  affected access by the poor to education.
  • Lack of autonomy and independence, universally accepted as fundamental in higher education.
  • Narrow view of education with education limited to attendance, exam, marks and  degree. This results in poorly skilled students. As per a survey only 19% of engineering and 5%  of non-engineering graduates are employable.
  • Unscientific, partisan and non-merit based appointment of the faculty/vice-chancellor.
  • Outdated Curriculum susceptible to tampering based on ideology of the government. It curbs  creativity and critical thinking with skills set out of sync with modern times.
  • Faculty accountability is missing in India. Worldwide, teachers are assessed by the students  but the practice is yet to be followed in India in spite of rising salaries especially in the  government universities and colleges.
  • Poor quality of Research and Development in the universities, with the link to the  industries missing and declining government support to R&D.
  • Lack of access to global courses and knowledge.

Way Forward and Suggestions for Improvement | UPSC – IAS

Suggestions for Higher Education:

  • The National Policy on Education (NPE) that was adopted by Parliament in May 1986  and Programme of Action (POA), 1986, and updated in 1992. Last review done in 1965  by Kothari Commission. Like in west regular review of education policy including higher  education. For example UK has an institute for education statistics, as policy making with reliable  data on a regular basis to assist policymaking.
  • Emphasis should be on better teachers with quality training modules for them.  Given the low rate of enrolment, we need more quality teaching institutions at the  undergraduate level.
  • Massive expansion of government universities and colleges providing quality  education at low cost is the need of time. Expansion of self-financing private  institutions be restricted to a reasonable level or compensate low income strata  students with scholarship to enable them to study in private colleges. The present  method, of extending educational loans from banks with interest subsidy by the MHRD,  does not help the poor. Else, education rather than being a socio-economic leveler will become a  source of disparity.
  • Infrastructure can be improved with an increase in financial allocation. Academic reforms should be after deliberations with all the stakeholders and consistent to avoid unnecessary controversies like FYUP or CBCS. In the case of faculty, enforce the University Grant Commission’s (UGC) teacher-student ratio for each State, and ensure that the financial requirement of additional faculty is shared by the Centre and States.
  • English textbooks of concerned subjects should be translated to the hindi/regional languages. The three- language formula needs to be adhered to. Teaching in the regional languages would make understanding relatively easy while minimal language competence in English should facilitate student access to English books. This method has been successful in Japan.
  • Allow foreign educational institutions to enter into collaborations with Indian institutions  on a large scale. Use of Massive Online Open Courses be encouraged.
  • Autonomy as far as academic and administrative aspects are involved is a must. It includes  the appointment of heads of institutional and executive bodies. A UGC committee had  suggested the independence of institutions from the government as the bottom line for autonomy.
  • Efficient use of skill development program of the government and improving the apprenticeship  scheme.
  • Identifying and empowering 50 top universities in every possible manner to seek global  excellence as done by Russia.
  • Increasing funding, including corporate funding for Indian universities.
  • Incentivising research and publications among faculty members.
  • In Korea, the best students enter the teaching profession because the social status of a  teacher is very high. We need such a system in India.

Reforms Specific to University Grants Commission | UPSC – IAS

Higher education remains over-regulated and badly governed with far too many regulatory agencies in the picture. For such reasons, the NKC recommended the setting up of an Independent Regulatory Authority for Higher Education which would take on most of the roles of the UGC, the All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE), the Medical Council of India (MCI) and the Bar Council of India, all of which would either be abolished or assigned more limited roles. A government-appointed committee has already recommended abolishing UGC and replacing it with Independent Regulatory Authority for Higher Education.

Hence, it is important that structural and functional reform be introduced for UGC to make it relevant in contemporary times rather than an obstruction to the development of a world class higher education system. It should be provided autonomy so as to remain independent of changing ideologies of successive governments. Its regulatory and overseeing role needs to be relooked at to make them conducive rather than interfering. It should also be provided with representation from states for more holistic and grounded policymaking.

Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (pvtg) | UPSC – IAS | PCS

Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (pvtg) UPSC IAS PCS

Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (pvtg) UPSC IAS PCS

Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs) | UPSC – IAS

Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (pvtg) –  (earlier it was –  Primitive Tribal Groups) was the category with in Scheduled Tribes created on recommendation of Dhebar commission.

  • Presently there are 75 tribal groups categorized by Ministry of Home Affairs as Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (pvtg)
  • PVTGs reside in 18 States and UT of A&N Islands.
  • The Central government is planning to reimpose Restricted Area Permit (RAP) in the North Sentinel island where an American was killed by members of the Sentinelese tribe.

Issues and News  | UPSC – IAS

Due to security reasons, certain areas have been declared as Protected Area/Restricted Areas where no foreigner can enter or stay without obtaining permit from the competent authorities.

  • Under the Foreigners (Restricted) Areas Order, 1963, parts of Sikkim and entire Andaman & Nicobar Islands have been declared as `Restricted’ Areas.
  • Under the Foreigners (Protected Areas) Order, 1958, all areas falling between the ‘Inner line’ and the International Border of the State have been declared as ‘Protected Areas’.
  • Currently Protected Areas are located in- all of Arunachal Pradesh and Sikkim, parts of Himachal Pradesh, Jammu and Kashmir, Manipur, Mizoram, Nagaland, Rajasthan and Uttarakhand.
  • The North Sentinel island is one of 29 islands for which government had relaxed the RAP in order to promote tourism and boost employment opportunities.

Tribes of Andaman & Nicobar | UPSC – IAS 

  • There are 6 aboriginal tribes in Andaman & Nicobar islands belonging to two broad groups of Negrito and Mongoloid. Except Nicobarese (Mongoloid), the rest 5 are recognizes as Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs) i.e. Sentinelese (Negrito), Great Andamanese (Negrito), Ongs (Negrito), Jarawas (Negrito) and Shom Pens (Mongoloid).
  • Sentinelese: They the only remaining tribe in the Andamans to still maintain their isolation from the rest of the world and live like hunter gatherers.
    • o They are connected to the Jarawa on the basis of physical, as well as linguistic similarities.
    • o Both Sentinelese men and women do not wear clothes.
  • Great Andamanese: The great Andamanese is a collective term used for 10 different tribes that lived in most of the large islands in the Andaman.
    • They are also known for their brave History where they fought with bows and arrows with the English men who tried to occupy their land (The Battle of Aberdeen).
    • Today most tribes are extinct and their cultural and linguistic identities largely been lost. (e.g. their members now speak mostly Hindi).
  • Jarawa: Jarawas continue to be hunting and gathering nomadic tribe and are often hostile to outsiders.
    • Men fish with bows and arrows in the coastal waters while women catch fish with basket.
  • Onge: They are hunting and gathering tribe settled at Dugong Creek and South Bay on Little Andaman Island.
  • Shompen: The Shompens are primarily hunter-gatherers and also practise a little bit of horticulture and pig rearing.
  • Nicobarese: They are largest of tribes and are primarily horticulturalists.

Issues being faced by the Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (pvtg) | UPSC – IAS

These tribes have faced social disintegration among them with cultural erosion in the wake of contacts.

  • Diseases: Some expeditions to establish contact with these tribes have led to spread contagious diseases among them.
  • Disasters: The islands inhabited by these tribes are often faced with natural disasters such as the Tsunami of 2004. Also, global warming has been putting pressure on these areas.
  • Unsustainable and exploitative tourist influx in the region has led to serious problems for these tribes and for the region too. Outsiders coming mainly from Tamil Nadu and West Bengal have outnumbered these tribes.
  • Loss of food: Loss of forests, overfishing, etc. has diminished their food sources.

A Way Forward :- | UPSC – IAS

Protect Cultural Heritage:

  • Extensive efforts must be made to ensure that their customs, languages, religious practises etc. are not lost as a result of outside influence.
  • The ANTRI (Andaman and Nicobar Tribal Research and Training Institute) has been set up with an objective of formulation of policies for tribal integration and protection of PVTGs

Prevent Forced contact:

  • It is important that security apparatus is stepped up and the region is properly policed and protected from any outsiders – fishermen, tourists or evangelicals.
  • The A&N (Protection of Aboriginal Tribes) Regulation, 1956 provides protection to the aboriginal tribes by declaring their traditional areas as reserves and prohibited entry of all persons except those with authorisation.
  • With regard to Sentinelese tribes, the A&N Administration has adopted an ‘eyes-on and hands-off’ policy to ensure that no poachers enter into the island.

Provide Basic Social Services:-

  • Health Services, Basic education, etc. must be provided to the tribes that are being assimilated in the mainstream. Specific issues like natural disasters, endemic diseases such as anaemia, etc. must also be attended to.
  • The Ministry of Tribal Affairs is implementing the “Development of PVTGs” scheme which covers the 75 identified PVTGs among Scheduled Tribes in various states/UTs.

Promote sustainable Economic activities:

  • Development of cottage industries, plantations crops (e.g. coconut), fishing, animal husbandry etc. are some viable economic options given the fact that there is not much scope for agriculture.
  • Sustainable tourism activities like adventure sports, deep sea diving, etc can be promoted without putting the tribes at danger from outsider contact.
  • Tackling ecological Issues such afforestation, coral bleaching, sewage discharge,etc should also be of high priority.

Intensified Mission Indradhanush 2019 | UPSC – IAS

Intensified Mission Indradhanush 2019 UPSC - IAS

 

Intensified Mission Indradhanush 2019 UPSC - IAS

Intensified Mission Indradhanush 2019 | UPSC – IAS

Intensified Mission Indradhanush (IMI), is one of 12 best practices from around the world to be featured in a special issue of the British Medical Journal.

Background Knowledge about Mission Indradhanush | UPSC – IAS

  • In India, five lakh children die every year due to vaccine-preventable diseases; 95 lakh are at risk because they are unimmunised or partially immunised. But immunization coverage had slowed down and it increased at the rate of 1% per year between 2009 and 2013.
  • To accelerate this coverage Mission Indradhanush was envisaged and implemented since 2015 to rapidly increase the full immunization coverage to 90%.

About Intensified Mission Indradhanush (IMI) | UPSC – IAS

  • It has been launched by the Government of India to reach each and every child under two years of age and all those pregnant women who have been left uncovered under the routine immunisation programme.
  • The special drive will focus on improving immunization coverage in select districts and cities to ensure full immunization to more than 90% by December 2018.

It will have inter-ministerial and inter-departmental coordination, action-based review mechanism and intensified monitoring and accountability framework for effective implementation of targeted rapid interventions to improve the routine immunization coverage.

  • It would be closely monitored at the district, state and central level at regular intervals. Further, it would be reviewed by the Cabinet Secretary at the National level and will continue to be monitored at the highest level under a special initiative ‘Proactive Governance and Timely Implementation (PRAGATI)’.
  • The first two phases of Mission Indradhanush contributed to an increase in Full Immunization Coverage by 6.7%. This increase, however, would not be sufficient to achieve full Immunization Coverage of more than 90% of newborns by 2020 as aimed under Mission Indradhanush which would need a supplemental aggressive action plan to cover all left outs and drop outs in select districts and urban cities with low routine immunization coverage in a specific time-frame.

Challenges to immunization (Vaccination) | UPSC – IAS

  • It targets to immunize all children against seven vaccine preventable diseases namely –
    • Diphtheria,
    • Pertussis,
    • Tetanus,
    • Childhood Tuberculosis,
    • Polio,
    • Hepatitis B and Measles.
  • In addition to this, vaccines for Japanese Encephalitis, Haemophilus influenzae type B, inactivated polio vaccine, Rotavirus vaccine and Measles Rubella vaccine are also being provided in selected states.
  • Limited capacities of staff (vacant positions and lack of training), particularly in poor-performing states and at the field level, and gaps in key areas such as predicting demand, logistics and cold chain management, which result in high wastage rates.
  • India lacks a robust system to track vaccine-preventable diseases. Vaccination coverage varies considerably from state to state, with the lowest rates in India’s large central states.

Other challenges includes-

  • Lack of adequate health infrastructure and insufficient government investment;
  • Low demand caused by poor education of the population and presence of anti-vaccine advocates.
  • Parents’ lack of awareness of the immunisation benefits, schedules and locations.
  • Inconvenient timings of vaccination for many people (during working hours).
  • Poor community participation.

A Way forward | UPSC – IAS

  • Strengthening of health management information systems, including data recording and registration systems, called Mother and Child Tracking System (MCTS).
  • The linking of already available systems with the unique identification like Aadhaar can facilitate tracking of the beneficiaries.
  • Furthermore, development of universal health cards and electronic record maintenance for maternal and child health care is highly desirable. This can facilitate care seeking by the migrant population in urban areas and can be used to decide resource allocations.
  • Devoting greater financial resources towards immunisation coverage with concerted efforts to improve social mobilisation for immunisation is warranted.
  • Strengthening a network of community health workers in urban and peri-urban areas to contribute towards progress in immunisation coverage by reaching out to both slum as well as non-slum populations is of utmost priority.
  • Facilitating improvement in knowledge and awareness regarding child immunisation can be intensified with the use of mass media, interpersonal communication, school and youth networks.
  • Reaching out to communities and areas with poor immunisation coverage with well-articulated strategies for community awareness will be key to success.

Relation between India and APEC | UPSC – IAS

Relation between India and APEC UPSC - IAS

Established in 1989 APEC is an inter-governmental forum for 21 Pacific Rim member economies. APEC aims for regional economic integration by promoting balanced, inclusive, sustainable growth.

Fact: India was allowed in APEC summit in 2011 as an observer state.

Although India has been attempting to join APEC since 1993, but still has not got the membership as:

  • India’s geographical location isn’t conducive for India’s membership in APEC as India does not border the Pacific Ocean.
  • Some APEC members have expressed concerns that India’s inclusion could shift the focus of the grouping away from its Pacific Rim.
  • India’s economic policies are generally considered as protectionist and inward which is considered against the liberalized and free market principles of APEC.
  • India’s record in trade negotiations, bilaterally as well as in the World Trade Organization (WTO), has made some APEC economies concerned that including India would slow momentum for achieving the forum’s objectives
  • In 1997 a moratorium on membership was put in place for a ten-year period which was extended further till 2010. However currently there is no moratorium on membership.

Why India belongs to APEC?

Economic angle:

  • Size of Economy: India is 6th largest economy of World and 3rd largest economy of Asia. Also as the world’s fastest-growing major economy, India represents a significant long-term source of growth for the world economy. This mandates an economy based forum such as APEC to take cognizance of India.
  • Opportunities in India: India is projected to be the world’s third largest economy by 2030 and will need well over $1 trillion of investment in infrastructure over the next decade. Its burgeoning middle class, estimated to number 450 million in 2030, will offer huge opportunities for APEC countries which are experiencing sluggish growth.
  • Changed Conditions: At the time of inception of APEC (1989), India had not liberalized and was out of sync of APEC economic principles. However, India starting from 1991 has liberalized and India’s trade stands at 40% of GDP now. India even has extensive trade relations with all the APEC member economies.
  • Strengthening Economic Integration: Emerging trade regimes could create gaps between the standards and policies adopted by their members and those pursued by non-members. By including a key economy such as India, APEC can play a constructive role by helping bridge such gaps.
  • Alternative to China: For APEC members, greater integration with India could offer an alternative source for manufacturing goods. Also India’s large labor market (largest in the world by 2030), will help offset the impact of aging populations and shrinking work forces in APEC economies and offers advantages for sourcing services — in IT, financial services, etc.

Strategic angle:

  • Strategic Balance: Inclusion of India could bring a strategic balance and ease the tension within the grouping. India’s record of Non Alignment could bring confidence among the smaller members of APEC amid the impasse between USA and China. Especially, joint efforts of Japan, India and Australia could reduce tension between US and China.
  • Political counterweight to China: As a major power in the Indian Ocean, India could provide a balancing counterweight to China for smaller Asian countries that may be wary of the alternative hard stand provided by the US.
  • New Indo-Pacific policy of USA: USA under Trump regime has changed the view of Asia Pacific to Indo-Pacific. Inclusion of India in APEC is in coherence with the new approach of US in the region

Benefits to India (UPSC IAS)

  • Act East Policy: For further strengthening of economic ties of India East and Southeast Asia through higher trade volumes and greater physical connectivity, APEC membership streamlines the process by standardizing the trade related negotiations.
  • Creating Synergy: Through its processes and guidelines, APEC will facilitate India’s implementation of the economic reforms, boost competitiveness and the ease of doing business. APEC membership would also help India prepare for potential inclusion in emerging trade agreements such as TPP (now CPTPP), if India considers joining these in the future.
  • Economic Growth: India’s current economic program relies on greater access to foreign markets, investment sources, and value chains to bolster manufacturing and create jobs at home.
  • India-US Relations: Supporting India’s APEC bid would demonstrate an American commitment to help strategic partner India gain the greater role in institutions of global governance.

A Way forward (Important for UPSC IAS)

  • Diplomatic investment: To gain support of its candidacy of APEC, India needs to work diplomatically with key members like United States and Japan. Also, India could ask China, Korea, Australia, and Vietnam to provide vocal support and diplomatic resources to India’s cause.
  • Extensive Study before inclusion: APEC could commission studies assessing the benefits and costs of Indian accession which will help its members to develop consensus on the question of Indian membership.
  • Transitional membership: Before providing full membership of APEC a transitional membership could be provided. Transitional memberships could gradually integrate India in ways that satisfy current members and allow India to benefit from APEC’s processes and technical support.

India and United States of America – Trade International Relations UPSC

India and United States of America - Trade International Relations UPSC

India and United States of America - Trade International Relations UPSC

India and United States of America – Trade International Relations | UPSC –  IAS

What is Generalized System of Preferences ?

It is a non-reciprocal preferential tariff system which provides for exemption from the Most Favored Nation principle of World Trade Organization. It involves reduced MFN tariffs or duty free entry of eligible products exported by beneficiary countries (developed countries) to markets of donor countries (developing countries).

  • Generalized System of Preferences (GSP)  measure was adopted at UNCTAD Conference in 1968 and later enacted by General Agreement on Trade and Tariff (now WTO) in 1971.
  • The objective of Generalized System of Preferences (GSP) was to give development support to poor countries by promoting capacity development and trade.
  • 11 Developed countries including the USA, EU, UK, Japan etc., extend GSPs to imports from developing countries.
  • U.S. has a particularly strong Generalized System of Preferences (GSP) regime, under Trade Act, 1974. India has been the largest beneficiary of the GSP. In 2017, India’s duty-free export to the US under the GSP was more than $5.6 billion.
  • Now, 50 products (out of a total of 94 products) from India have been removed from GSP particularly impacting handloom and agriculture sectors.

Impact of Generalized System of Preferences (GSP) withdrawal on India

  • Impact on Current Account Deficit (CAD) and rupee: GSP withdrawal will cost India $70 million in raised duties from GSP benefits. It will reduce the trade surplus that
    India has against trade with US leading to higher CAD which also runs the risk of further weakening rupee.
  • Impact on MSME and agriculture: Small and medium size business could be impacted. Especially export of handloom made home textiles products are expected to be affected

India -USA International Trade Relations  

  • U.S. goods and services trade with India totaled an estimated $126.2 billion in 2017. (exports-$76.7 billion & imports- $49.9 billion, Trade deficit- $27.5 billion)
  • USA foreign direct investment (FDI) in India was USD $44.5 billion in 2017.

Major Impediments in trade relations | UPSC – IAS

Tariff issues

US under Trump regime has taken different position as compared to previous stands in trade negotiations. US President called India “the tariff king” and raised issues with India like:

    • Indian motorcycles imported into the US tariff free while US motorcycles imported to India face high tariffs.
    • Intellectual property rights: India has been placed in Priority Watch List of the USTR Special 301.

Subsidies issues:

    • Subsidies given by some US states to local renewable energy producers.
    • USA is against the Minimum Support Price (MSP) regime of India and accuse India of violating WTO subsidies norms and limitations.

 Visa related tensions:

  • India is the largest beneficiary of H1-B visa scheme of US. But US in recent times has increased visa fees for H1B visa applicants and cut their quotas. This has been detrimental for the interest of Indian IT companies. India has raised concerns on this issue.

India – USA have been also engaged WTO in dispute resolution

  • India dragged the USA to the WTO dispute settlement mechanism over the imposition of import duties on steel and aluminium. Also, India and US are at loggerheads on subsidies and Domestic Content Requirement (DCR) provisions to renewable energy sector in their respective countries.

A Way Forward | UPSC – IAS

Unlike USA-China there is no trade war between India and US but tension do exist in trade relations.

  • India is not in position to engage in tit-for-tat approach in raising tariffs like China. India needs cooperation of US in many other sectors like defense, technology transfers, regional security (strategic relationship).
  • USA has granted some relief to India in recent times. US has granted Strategic Trade Authorization (STA-1) status to India, giving India same access as NATO allies to latest technology. Also India is among the eight countries to get exemption from US in purchasing oil from Iran even though Trump administration has imposed its “toughest ever” sanctions against Iran This is an indication of US seeking deeper strategic ties with India.
  • India should stay the course in its current approach to trade negotiations while not reacting to rhetorical moves by US, preventing any escalations and also avoiding the spilling of friction in trade relations to other areas of relations.
  • India should continue negotiating for a trade package with the US, and demand a waiver on tariff hikes similar to the ones granted to Argentina, Brazil and South Korea.
  • India needs to boost exports and cut non-essential imports in the backdrop of its current account deficit (CAD) touching 2.4%.

India – Australia International Relations | UPSC – IAS

India - Australia International Relations UPSC - IAS

India - Australia International Relations UPSC - IAS

India – Australia International Relations | UPSC – IAS

Australia Prime Minister has announced implementation of “An India Economic Strategy to 2035”, a vision document that will shape India- Australia bilateral ties.

  • A three-pillar strategy- The focus of this report is on building a sustainable long-term India economic strategy. The report identifies 10 sectors and 10 states in an evolving Indian market where Australia has competitive advantages, and where it should focus its efforts. These are divided into a flagship sector (education), three lead sectors (agribusiness, resources, and tourism) and six promising sectors (energy, health, financial services, infrastructure, sport, science and innovation).

First Pillar – Economic Ties

India is already in the first tier of Australia’s diplomatic relations. It has been a high foreign policy priority for at least two decades. But the economic relationship is stuck in the second tier. This vision thus focuses on upgrading ties into full blown economic partnership.

  • Building on India’s Economic Rise- Over the past decade and a half, India’s economic growth, its appetite for resources, energy demand, skill development, technical know how and investments have made it an important trade partner and export destination for Australia.
  • Therefore, this strategic vision aims at capturing this rise of India economy. India’s growing economic weight makes it an unavoidable economic partner, despite the challenges in navigating its market. Australian exports to India are expected to grow from 14.9 billion dollars in 2017 to around 45 billion dollars in the next 20 year, and Australian investment to India rise from 10.3 billion dollars to over the 100-billion mark, reflecting a transformational expansion of the relationship. This investment will be spread over various sectors like resources, education, infrastructure etc.
  • The core of the trade ties are energy resources and now Australia is moving forward in providing assured Uranium supply under Civil Nuclear Cooperation agreement which is important for India’s energy security and economic growth.

Second Pillar-Geostrategic Engagement

  • Indo-Pacific – A global Strategic region- Recently there is a shift to Indo pacific which is becoming a centre of economic and strategic gravity. With a high volume of seaborne trade passing through the Strait of Malacca, the Straits of Singapore and the Gulf of Hormuz, the region has become a theatre of competing claims and power plays. India and Australia enjoy strategic position in Indo-pacific and therefore are natural allies in the region.
  • Preserving the status quo- Both Australia and India support a rules based international order which currently is under increasing threat. Its defenders are shrinking and its challengers growing.
  • Chinese revisionism- China is continuously revising its power in the region. Blatant disregard for international law, construction of artificial islands, an active defence strategy weaponizing capital and trade, and adoption of a military posture that seeks to keep other powers out from parts of the western Pacific is disturbing the balance of power in the. It provides India and Australia an opportunity to be net security providers thereby ensuring rebalancing.
  • Ambiguous American leadership- Though during the Indo-Pacific Business Forum US laid out a partnership based economic engagement in Indo pacific to reassure friends but still the countries have reservations about its America first policy.

Third pillar-Rethinking Culture-thrust on soft power diplomacy

  • In the last decade a large scale has been witnessed in the Indian Diaspora in Australia which now constitute 700,000 strong and the fastest growing large Diaspora in Australia. This Diaspora can play a big role to enhance the partnership by creating personal links, in business, arts, education, politics and civil society.

Concerns are as follows:-

  • Dichotomous Australian Foreign Policy- Historically, a key problem with Australia’s bilateral relationships has been the misalignment of Australia’s economic and political-security interests. While Australia is reliant on the US for its defence and security through the Australia-New Zealand-US treaty, its economy depends on China, which accounts for a huge share in bilateral trade and investment.
  • Challenges of Indian Economy- India is too complicated for its growth story to be linear. Canberra has skepticism about India’s economic progress which is constrained by the political compromises demanded by a diverse democratic federation, held back by thinly resourced institutions, burdened by a interfering bureaucracy, dented by corruption and shaped by a political tradition which puts much greater faith in government intervention than the efficiency of markets.
  • Trade implications for India- India and Australia are “too far apart” to conclude the bilateral Comprehensive Economic Cooperation Agreement (CECA) in the near term.
  • Perception of Indo pacific– There is no coherent Indo pacific strategy as countries do not have one definitive vision for the region. It is largely seen as global construct to arrest China’s rise.

A Way forward

  • India-Australia needs to formulate a comprehensive shared Indo pacific vision which ensures inclusivity, transparency, openness and a rule based order.
  • India has to remove various governance bottlenecks and ensure speedy engagement. CECA need to be concluded immediately in order to realize the untapped trade potential.
  • Both sides should share the benefits of increased cooperation equally.

India & European union Political International Relations | UPSC – IAS

India & European union Political International Relations UPSC

India & European union Political International Relations UPSC

India & European union Political International Relations | UPSC – IAS

The European Union has unveiled a ‘strategy paper’ outlining the broad roadmap for accelerating cooperation with India in a range of key sectors.

What does the strategy paper focus on?

Strategic Partnership

  • It focuses on developing military-to-military relations under which deploying an EU military advisor in the EU Delegation in New Delhi and vice-versa is being considered.
  • It will focus on negotiation of a broader contemporary Strategic Partnership Agreement supplanting 1994 EU-India Cooperation Agreement and intensify dialogue on Afghanistan and Central Asia.
  • Also supports strengthening technical cooperation on fighting terrorism, countering radicalization, violent extremism and terrorist financing.

Maritime cooperation-

  • Efforts will be made to identify common interests of both at policy and operational levels to enhance maritime security.
  • It will focus on working with India and other key regional players such as South Africa to help build the capacity of maritime nations in the Indian Ocean and East Africa

Renewed focus on trade

  • India and EU since 2007 are unable to strike a free trade agreement called Bilateral Trade and Investment Agreement (BTIA) due to incoherent interest of both.
  • The European Union (EU) now is looking at reworking the proposed free trade pact with India called the Broad Based BTIA in a post-Brexit scenario.
  • Though the strategy paper did not mention BTIA, but it aims to negotiate a “balanced, ambitious and mutually beneficial” free trade agreement (FTA) with sufficient level of ambition to respond to each side’s key interests in trade and investment.

Political Partnership

This includes reinforcing cooperation on foreign policy, promoting effective multilateralism and building on common values and objectives.

Why this immediate thrust?

  • After the promising beginnings in 2000s, the EU-India partnership lost its momentum as it largely focused on trade and cultural rather than broad strategic and political issues.
  • Europe’s main focus earlier was on China as its key partner and market in Asia while India viewed Europe largely as a trade bloc.
  • But now the new strategic and power realities have pushed the two towards each other.

Chinese Challenge

    • China’s increasing presence in Eurasia and South Asia is creating similar security, political and economic concerns for Europe and India. Both are driven by the need to diversify its partnerships and balance.

BREXIT- a new opportunity

  • Both EU and India can seize an opportunity to work without Britain. Brexit is pushing India to look for new ‘gateways’ to Europe, as its traditional partner leaves the union. A renewed trade and political cooperation are the need of the hour.
  • Fall of the conventional Liberal Trade Order-
    • Trade war, crumbling WTO and break down of TPP etc has made EU understand the economic importance of India.
    • Also for India, EU is one of the largest trading partner (13.5% of India’s overall trade with the world in 2015-16), well ahead of China (10.8%), USA (9.3%), UAE (7.7%) and Saudi Arabia (4.3%).
    • India is the EU’s 9th trading partner in 2016 (2.2% of EU’s overall trade with the world), after South Korea (2.5%) and ahead of Canada (1.9%).
    • With the rise of protectionism by USA, both have opportunity to increase the trade.

Conclusion

  • The EU sees a larger role of India in the regional (Asian) and global security- economic architecture therefore is working on a new strategy with respect to India.
  • Indian multi-alignment approach has made room for reviving India-EU partnership while rebalancing power relations in Eurasia has pushed Europe to carve out its own Asia policy. Hitherto Europe-India partnership was all about trade but now it is finally shifting to a strategic one.

Dissolution of state assembly by Governor – Article | UPSC – IAS

Constitutional provisions of - Dissolution of state assembly article

Constitutional provisions of - Dissolution of state assembly article

Dissolution of state assembly by Governor – Article | UPSC – IAS

Constitutional provisions of – Dissolution of state assembly article

  • Article 172 says that every Legislative Assembly of every State, unless sooner dissolved, shall continue for five years.
  • Article 174 (2) (b) of the Indian Constitution merely states that the Governor may, from time to time, dissolve the Legislative Assembly.
  • Article 356 (“President’s rule”): In case of failure of constitutional machinery in State the President, on receipt of report from the Governor of the State or otherwise,
    • May assume to himself the functions of the Government of the State
    • Declare that the powers of the Legislature of the State shall be exercisable by or under the authority of Parliament
  •  With Respect to J&K Constitution: The powers under Section 92 (failure of constitutional machinery) and Section 52 (provides for dissolution of assembly) were invoked for this move.

Issues related to Dissolution Powers | UPSC – IAS

  • Lack of Objective Criteria for untimely dissolution: While Article 174 gives powers to the governor to dissolve the assembly, but the Constitution is silent on as to when and under what circumstances can the House can be dissolved.
  • Political reasons being cited for Dissolution: Potential for political instability in the future being cited as a reason in J&K to prevent emerging alliances is undemocratic in nature.
  • Moreover, describing an alliance as opportunistic is fine as far as it is political opinion but it cannot be the basis for constitutional action.

Missing Political Neutrality in Governor’s Office | UPSC – IAS

  • The post has been reduced to becoming a retirement package for politicians for being politically faithful to the government of the day. Consequently, the office has been used by various governments at the centre as a political tool to destabilise elected state governments.
  • For e.g. Bihar State Assembly was dissolved by the governor in 2005 on apprehensions of “horse trading. Later the Supreme Court called the decision to be illegal and mala fide.

Suggestions on Dissolution of state assembly | UPSC – IAS

Sarkaria Commission

    • The state assembly should not be dissolved unless the proclamation is approved by the parliament.
    • Sparing use of article 356 of the constitution should be made.
    • All possibilities of formation of an alternative government must be explored before imposing president’s rule in the state.

M M Punchhi Commission

    • The governor should follow “constitutional conventions” in a case of a hung Assembly.
    • It suggested a provision of ‘Localized Emergency’ by which the centre government can tackle issue at town/district level without dissolving the state legislative assembly

Supreme Court Judgements related to dissolution | UPSC – IAS

Bommai case of 1994

    • The court accorded primacy to a floor test as a check of majority.
    • The court also said that the power under Article 356 is extraordinary and must be used wisely and not for political gain.

Rameshwar Prasad case (2006)

    • Bihar Governor’s recommendation for dissolving the Assembly the previous year was held to be illegal and mala fide
    • A Governor cannot shut out post-poll alliances altogether as one of the ways in which a popular government may be formed.
    • The court had also said unsubstantiated claims of horse-trading or corruption in efforts at government formation cannot be cited as reasons to dissolve the Assembly

Question: – The governor of the state can dissolve the legislature true or false or the governor can dissolve the legislative council of a state

Answer:- Yes, Governor can dissolve the Legislative Assembly if a motion of no confidence in the Premier and the other Ministers of State is passed.

None of the above (NOTA) Vote & its Significance? | UPSC

None of the above (NOTA) Vote & its Significance? | UPSC

None of the above (NOTA) Vote & its Significance? | UPSC

None of the above (NOTA) Vote & its Significance? | UPSC – IAS

It was introduced in India following the 2013 Supreme Court directive. It is an option the voting machine, designed to allow voters to disapprove all the candidates while delivering their vote. However,

  • NOTA in India does not provide for a ‘right to reject’. The candidate with the maximum votes wins the election irrespective of the number of NOTA votes polled.
  • The NOTA votes have not been accounted while calculating votes polled by candidates for making them eligible (1/6th of valid votes) for getting back their security deposits.
  • An Association of Democratic Reforms analysis says that since 2013 till March 2018, NOTA has secured a total of 1.33 crores votes from all assemblies and Lok Sabha polls combined.
  • Election Commission currently has no plenary power to call a fresh election even if NOTA secures highest votes.
  • To give greater sanctity to NOTA and even order a fresh election, Rule 64 of Conduct of Election Rules will have to be amended and can be done by the law ministry. It will not require Parliament sanction

Significance of re-elections in India

  • Freedom of expression: NOTA emanates from our fundamental right of ‘Right to liberty’ and ‘Freedom of Expression’ as it gives a way for the voter to register her consent or discontent for candidates chosen by the political parties.
  • Advantage for democracy: Participation of people is one of the crucial pillars of democracy thus in exercising the NOTA the voter is participating in the electoral process while not abstaining from voting altogether.
  • Improvement of democracy: There is an opaqueness in the selection process of the candidates chosen for representing a political party, with nepotism, favoritism and money power being the driving force. It gives voters an opportunity to express their dissent and may also force parties to field better candidates known for their integrity.

Challenges of conducting fresh election in India

  • Increase of Financial Pressure: Fresh elections lead to massive expenditures by Government as it has to conduct re-election which put extra pressure on the public exchequer.
  • Disruption of democracy: It leads to frequent elections which results in disruption of normal public life and impact the functioning of essential services.
  • Administrative pressure: Election Commission of India has to take help of a significant number of polling officials as well as armed forces to ensure smooth, peaceful and impartial polls.
  • Governance: Conducting fresh election impacts development programs and governance due to imposition of Model Code of Conduct by the Election Commission.

Breach of privilege Motion UPSC – Indian Polity

Breach of privilege Motion UPSC - Indian Polity IAS PCS

Recently in News Because: 

  • Claiming they had misled Parliament on the Rafale fighter jet deal issue, a breach of privilege motion was moved against Prime Minister and Defence Minister.
  • A claim of ‘breach of privilege’ was raised against chairman of the Parliamentary Standing Committee on finance, for “lowering the dignity and ethics of the Finance Committee” by tweeting about the committee’s deliberations

Concept of privileges and types of privileges

The concept of privileges emerged from the British House of Commons when a nascent  British Parliament started to protect its sovereignty from excesses of the monarch.

The Constitution (under Art. 105 for Parliament, its members & committees /Art.  194 for State Legislature, its members & committees) confers certain  privileges on legislative institutions and their members to:

  • Protect freedom of speech and expression in the House and insulates them against  litigation over matters that occur in these houses
  • Protect against any libel through speeches, printing or publishing
  • Ensure their functioning without undue influence, pressure or coercion
  • Ensure sovereignty of Parliament
  • Currently, there is no law that codifies all the privileges of the  legislators in India. Privileges are based on five sources: i) Constitutional provisions ii)  Various laws of parliament (iii) Rules of both the houses iv) Parliamentary  conventions v) Judicial interpretations
  • Whenever any of these rights and immunities is
  • Exclude strangers from proceedings. Hold a secret sitting of the legislature
  • Freedom of press to publish true reports of Parliamentary proceedings. But, this  does not in case of secret sittings
  • Only Parliament can make rules to regulate its own proceedings
  • There is a bar on court from making inquiry into proceedings of the house (speeches,  votes etc.) Individual
  • No arrest during session and 40 days before and 40 days after the session. Protection available  only in civil cases and not in criminal cases
  • Not liable in court for any speech in parliament
  • Exempted from jury service when the house is in session.

Committee on Privileges

  • Standing committee constituted in each house of the Parliament/state legislature.
  • Consists of 15 members in Lok Sabha (LS) and 10 members in Rajya Sabha (RS) to be nominated by the Speaker in LS and Chairman in RS.
  • Its function is to investigate the cases of breach of privilege and recommend appropriate action
    to the Speaker/Chairperson. disregarded, the offence is called a breach of privilege and is punishable under law of Parliament.  However, there are no objective guidelines on what constitutes breach of privilege and what  punishment it entails.

Following procedure is followed in privilege cases:

  • A notice is moved in the form of a motion by any member of either house against those being  held guilty of breach of privilege.
  • The Speaker/ Rajya Sabha chairperson is the first level of scrutiny of a privilege motion.  They can take a decision themselves or refer it to the privileges committee of  parliament. Privilege committee in Parliament as well as in state legislatures decides upon such  cases.
  • An inquiry is conducted by the committee and based on findings a recommendation  is made to the legislature.
  • A debate can be initiated on the report in the House and based on the discussion, the Speaker  can order the punishment as defined by the privileges committee.